ICAHN ENTERPRISES L.P. - Quarter Report: 2007 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
______________
FORM
10-Q
______________
(Mark One)
|
|
ý
|
QUARTERLY
REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly
Period
ended March 31, 2007
|
|
OR
|
|
¨
|
TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition
period
from
to
|
|
Commission file number
1-9516
|
|
______________
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.
(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in
its Charter)
______________
|
Delaware
|
13-3398766
|
|
|
(State
or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization) |
|
(IRS
Employer
Identification No.) |
767
Fifth Avenue, Suite 4700
New York, NY 10153
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
New York, NY 10153
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(212)
702-4300
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
______________
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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, 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 ¨
|
Accelerated Filer ý
|
Non-accelerated Filer ¨
|
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No ý
As of
May
7, 2007, there were 61,856,830 depositary units and 11,907,073 preferred units
outstanding.
Item 1. Financial
Statements
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
(in $000s, except unit amounts)
(in $000s, except unit amounts)
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006
|
||||||
(unaudited)
|
|||||||
ASSETS
|
|
|
|||||
Current
assets:
|
|||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
$
|
2,331,521
|
$
|
1,912,235
|
|||
Investments
|
563,552
|
539,115
|
|||||
Inventories,
net
|
235,358
|
245,502
|
|||||
Trade,
notes and other receivables, net
|
169,841
|
176,496
|
|||||
Other
current assets
|
76,389
|
134,987
|
|||||
Assets
of discontinued operations held for sale
|
48,205
|
47,503
|
|||||
Total
current assets
|
3,424,866
|
3,055,838
|
|||||
Property,
plant and equipment, net:
|
|||||||
Gaming
|
417,978
|
422,715
|
|||||
Real
Estate
|
273,852
|
283,974
|
|||||
Home
Fashion
|
206,764
|
200,382
|
|||||
Total
property, plant and equipment, net
|
898,594
|
907,071
|
|||||
Investments
|
201,943
|
179,932
|
|||||
Intangible
assets
|
25,772
|
25,916
|
|||||
Other
assets
|
71,492
|
75,990
|
|||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
4,622,667
|
$
|
4,244,747
|
|||
LIABILITIES
AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
|
|||||||
Current
liabilities:
|
|||||||
Accounts
payable
|
$
|
66,497
|
$
|
69,853
|
|||
Accrued
expenses and other current liabilities
|
160,062
|
197,792
|
|||||
Current
portion of long-term debt
|
23,620
|
23,970
|
|||||
Securities
sold not yet purchased
|
8,682
|
25,398
|
|||||
Total
current liabilities
|
258,861
|
317,013
|
|||||
Long-term
debt
|
1,675,498
|
1,184,990
|
|||||
Other
non current liabilities
|
23,738
|
22,212
|
|||||
Preferred
limited partnership units:
|
|||||||
$10
liquidation preference, 5% cumulative pay-in-kind; 12,100,000 authorized;
11,907,073 and 11,340,243 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2007
and December 31, 2006, respectively
|
119,073
|
117,656
|
|||||
Total
long-term liabilities
|
1,818,309
|
1,324,858
|
|||||
Total
liabilities
|
2,077,170
|
1,641,871
|
|||||
Minority
interests
|
198,019
|
292,221
|
|||||
Commitments
and contingencies (Note 19)
|
|||||||
Partners’
equity:
|
|||||||
Limited
partners:
|
|||||||
Depositary
units: 67,850,000 authorized; 62,994,030 issued and 61,856,830 outstanding
as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006
|
2,560,705
|
2,524,615
|
|||||
General
partner
|
(201,306)
|
(202,039)
|
|||||
Treasury
units at cost: 1,137,200 depositary units
|
(11,921)
|
(11,921)
|
|||||
Partners’
equity
|
2,347,478
|
2,310,655
|
|||||
Total
liabilities and partners’ equity
|
$
|
4,622,667
|
$
|
4,244,747
|
See notes
to
consolidated financial statements.
1
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
(unaudited)
(in 000s, except per unit amounts) |
|||||||
Revenues:
|
|
|
|||||
Gaming
|
$
|
112,888
|
$
|
85,945
|
|||
Real
Estate
|
27,887
|
20,712
|
|||||
Home
Fashion
|
210,604
|
243,490
|
|||||
351,379
|
350,147
|
||||||
Expenses:
|
|||||||
Gaming
|
89,661
|
67,322
|
|||||
Real
Estate
|
23,606
|
17,238
|
|||||
Home
Fashion
|
249,619
|
281,448
|
|||||
General
and administrative expenses
|
7,679
|
11,145
|
|||||
370,565
|
377,153
|
||||||
Operating
loss
|
(19,186
|
)
|
(27,006
|
)
|
|||
Other
income (expense), net:
|
|||||||
Interest
expense
|
(32,977
|
)
|
(25,155
|
)
|
|||
Interest
income
|
31,458
|
11,554
|
|||||
Other
income (expense), net
|
84,781
|
21,309
|
|||||
Equity
in earnings of affiliate
|
—
|
24
|
|||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority
interests
|
64,076
|
(19,274
|
)
|
||||
Income
tax expense
|
(6,949
|
)
|
(5,211
|
)
|
|||
Minority
interests
|
11,590
|
15,069
|
|||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
68,717
|
(9,416
|
)
|
||||
Discontinued
operations:
|
|||||||
Income
from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
|
16,470
|
58,841
|
|||||
Minority
interest
|
(1,794
|
)
|
54
|
||||
Gain
on sales of assets, net of income taxes
|
13,185
|
251
|
|||||
Income
from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
|
27,861
|
59,146
|
|||||
Net
earnings
|
$
|
96,578
|
$
|
49,730
|
|||
Net
earnings attributable to:
|
|||||||
Limited
partners
|
$
|
94,656
|
$
|
48,741
|
|||
General
partner
|
1,922
|
989
|
|||||
$
|
96,578
|
$
|
49,730
|
||||
Net
earnings per LP unit:
|
|||||||
Basic
earnings:
|
|||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
1.09
|
$
|
(0.15
|
)
|
||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
0.44
|
0.94
|
|||||
Basic
earnings per LP unit
|
$
|
1.53
|
$
|
0.79
|
|||
Weighted
average LP units outstanding:
|
61,857
|
61,857
|
|||||
Diluted
earnings:
|
|||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
1.09
|
$
|
(0.15
|
)
|
||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
0.44
|
0.94
|
|||||
Diluted
earnings per LP unit
|
$
|
1.53
|
$
|
0.79
|
|||
Weighted
average LP units and equivalent partnership units outstanding
|
61,857
|
61,857
|
See notes
to
consolidated financial statements.
2
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES
IN PARTNERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
(Unaudited) (In 000s)
IN PARTNERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
(Unaudited) (In 000s)
General Partner’s Equity (Deficit) |
Limited
Partners’ Equity Depositary Units |
Held in Treasury |
Total Partners’ Equity |
||||||||||||
Amounts
|
Units
|
||||||||||||||
Balance,
December 31, 2006
|
|
$
|
(202,039
|
)
|
$
|
2,524,615
|
$
|
(11,921
|
)
|
1,137
|
$
|
2,310,655
|
|||
Cumulative
effect of adjustment from adoption of SFAS No. 159
|
(840
|
)
|
(41,344
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
(42,184
|
)
|
|||||||
Comprehensive
income:
|
|||||||||||||||
Net
earnings
|
1,922
|
|
94,656
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
96,578
|
||||||
Net
unrealized losses on securities available for sale
|
(227
|
)
|
(11,202
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
(11,429
|
)
|
|||||||
Comprehensive
income
|
1,695
|
83,454
|
—
|
—
|
85,149
|
||||||||||
Partnership
distribution
|
(125
|
)
|
(6,186
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
(6,311
|
)
|
|||||||
Other
|
3
|
166
|
—
|
—
|
169
|
||||||||||
Balance,
March 31, 2007
|
$
|
(201,306
|
)
|
$
|
2,560,705
|
$
|
(11,921
|
)
|
1,137
|
$
|
2,347,478
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income at March 31, 2007 was $13.9 million.
See notes
to
consolidated financial statements.
3
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
(unaudited)
|
|||||||
Cash
Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|||||
Cash
Flows from Continuing Operations:
|
|||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
|
$
|
68,717
|
|
$
|
(9,416
|
)
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating
activities:
|
|||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
16,294
|
18,483
|
|||||
Investment
gains
|
(79,410
|
)
|
(13,750
|
)
|
|||
Preferred
LP unit interest expense
|
1,417
|
1,335
|
|||||
Minority
interests
|
(11,590
|
)
|
(15,069
|
)
|
|||
Equity
in earnings of affiliate
|
—
|
(24
|
)
|
||||
Stock-based
compensation expense
|
—
|
6,248
|
|||||
Deferred
income tax expense (benefit)
|
362
|
(384
|
)
|
||||
Impairment
loss on fixed assets
|
313
|
7,828
|
|||||
Net
cash used in activities on trading securities
|
(14,866
|
)
|
(40,671
|
)
|
|||
Other,
net
|
4,785
|
2,802
|
|||||
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|||||||
(Increase)
decrease in trade notes and other receivables
|
(6,602
|
)
|
20,107
|
||||
Increase
in other assets
|
(1,164
|
)
|
(32,228
|
)
|
|||
Decrease
(increase) in inventory
|
10,144
|
(31,246
|
)
|
||||
Increase
(decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
liabilities
|
63
|
(2,743
|
)
|
||||
Net
cash used in continuing operations
|
(11,537
|
)
|
(88,728
|
)
|
|||
Cash
Flows from Discontinued Operations:
|
|||||||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
27,861
|
59,146
|
|||||
Depreciation,
depletion and amortization
|
194
|
28,124
|
|||||
Change
in fair market value of Oil and Gas derivative contracts
|
—
|
(37,252
|
)
|
||||
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities
|
—
|
5,240
|
|||||
Gains
on sales of assets
|
(13,185
|
)
|
—
|
||||
Other,
net
|
(15,471
|
)
|
3,708
|
||||
Net
cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations
|
(601
|
)
|
58,966
|
||||
Net
cash used in operating activities
|
(12,138
|
)
|
(29,762
|
)
|
|||
Cash
Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|||||||
Cash
Flows from Continuing Operations:
|
|||||||
Capital
expenditures
|
(16,898
|
)
|
(5,221
|
)
|
|||
Purchases
of marketable equity and debt securities
|
(75,671
|
)
|
(72,378
|
)
|
|||
Proceeds
from sales of marketable equity and debt securities
|
51,471
|
44,056
|
|||||
Net
proceeds from sales and disposition of fixed assets
|
6,786
|
7,094
|
|||||
Other
|
—
|
(18
|
)
|
||||
Net
cash used in investing activities – continuing operations
|
(34,312
|
)
|
(26,467
|
)
|
|||
Cash
Flows from Discontinued Operations:
|
|||||||
Capital
expenditures
|
—
|
(51,476
|
)
|
||||
Net
proceeds from the sales of real estate
|
4,359
|
991
|
|||||
Purchase
of minority interest of investment in subsidiary
|
(47,283
|
)
|
—
|
||||
Release
of escrow funds relating to asset sales
|
50,000
|
—
|
|||||
Other
|
(7,319
|
)
|
(387
|
)
|
|||
Net
cash used in investing activities – discontinued operations
|
(243
|
)
|
(50,872
|
)
|
|||
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
(34,555
|
)
|
(77,339
|
)
|
See notes
to
consolidated financial statements.
4
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS –
(continued)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
(unaudited)
(in $000s) |
|||||||
Cash
Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|||||
Cash
Flows Continuing Operations:
|
|||||||
Partners’
equity:
|
|||||||
Partnership
distributions
|
$
|
(6,311
|
)
|
$
|
—
|
||
Dividend
paid to minority holders of subsidiary
|
(18,451
|
)
|
—
|
||||
Debt:
|
|||||||
Proceeds
from senior notes payable
|
492,130
|
—
|
|||||
Repayment
of credit facilities
|
(127
|
)
|
—
|
||||
Periodic
principal payments
|
(1,262
|
)
|
(1,098
|
)
|
|||
Net
cash provided by (used in) financing activities – continuing
operations
|
465,979
|
(1,098
|
)
|
||||
Net
cash used in financing activities – discontinued operations
|
—
|
(3,075
|
)
|
||||
Net
Cash Provided by (used in) Financing Activities
|
465,979
|
(4,173
|
)
|
||||
Net
increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
419,286
|
(111,274
|
)
|
||||
Net
change in cash of assets held for sale
|
—
|
37,112
|
|||||
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
1,912,235
|
460,091
|
|||||
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of period
|
$
|
2,331,521
|
$
|
385,929
|
|||
Supplemental
information
|
|||||||
Cash
payments for interest
|
$
|
45,982
|
$
|
26,950
|
|||
Cash
payments for income taxes, net of refunds
|
$
|
3,429
|
$
|
798
|
|||
Net
unrealized losses on securities available for sale
|
$
|
(11,429
|
)
|
$
|
(10,751
|
)
|
See notes
to
consolidated financial statements.
5
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
American
Real Estate Partners, L.P., or the Company or AREP, is a master limited
partnership formed in Delaware on February 17, 1987. We are 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 17. As described in Note 21, on April 22, 2007 we entered into an
agreement to sell our remaining gaming operations.
We own
a
99% limited partnership 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 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.
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes should be
read
in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes
contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31,
2006. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission related to interim
financial statements. The financial information contained herein is unaudited;
however, management believes all adjustments have been made that are necessary
to present fairly the results for the interim periods. All such adjustments
are
of a normal and recurring nature, except for the adoption of SFAS No. 159,
as
described below. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in order
to
conform to the current year presentation.
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its
wholly and majority owned subsidiaries in which control can be exercised. The
Company is considered to have control if it has a direct or indirect ability
to
make decisions about an entity’s activities through voting or similar rights.
All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
Because
of the diversified nature of our business, the results of operations for
quarterly and other interim periods are not indicative of the results to be
expected for the full year. Variations in the amount and timing of gains and
losses on our investments can be significant. The results of our Real Estate
and
Home Fashion segments are seasonal.
Gaming Acquisition
and Pending Divestiture
On
November 28, 2005, AREP Laughlin Corporation entered into an agreement to
purchase the Flamingo Laughlin Hotel and Casino, now known as the Aquarius
Casino Resort, or the Aquarius, in Laughlin, Nevada from Harrah’s Operating
Company, Inc. AREP Laughlin Corporation was formed by AREH to acquire, own
and
operate the Aquarius, and AREH contributed 100% of the stock of AREP Laughlin
to
American Casino and Entertainment Properties LLC, or ACEP, our indirect wholly
owned subsidiary, on April 4, 2006. The transaction was approved by the Nevada
Gaming Commission upon recommendation of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and
closed on May 19, 2006. Accordingly, our financial statements include the
financial position and results of operations of the Aquarius from May 19, 2006
forward.
As
discussed in Note 21, on April 22, 2007, we entered into an agreement to sell
all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of ACEP, which comprise
all of our current gaming properties. Accordingly, in the second quarter of
fiscal 2007 the financial position and the results of ACEP’s operations will be
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 for all periods in accordance with SFAS No. 144.
6
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 1 — General –
(continued)
Discontinued
Operations
On
November 17, 2006, our indirect majority owned subsidiary, Atlantic Coast
Entertainment Holdings, Inc., or Atlantic Coast, completed the sale to Pinnacle
Entertainment, Inc., or Pinnacle, of the outstanding membership interests in
ACE
Gaming LLC or ACE, the owner of The Sands Hotel and Casino, or The Sands, in
Atlantic City, New Jersey, and 100% of the equity interests in certain
subsidiaries of AREH that owned parcels of real estate adjacent to The Sands,
including the Traymore site, to Pinnacle.
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, or NEG Oil & Gas, to SandRidge Energy,
Inc. or SandRidge, formerly Riata Energy, Inc.
Operating
properties of our real estate segment are reclassified to held for sale when
subject to a contract or letter of intent. The operations of such properties
are
classified as discontinued operations. The properties classified as discontinued
operations have changed during fiscal 2007 and, accordingly, certain amounts
in
the statement of operations and cash flows for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 and 2006 have been reclassified to conform to the current
classification of properties. During the first quarter of 2007 two properties
were reclassified to held for sale.
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.
Filing Status
of
Subsidiaries
National
Energy Group, Inc., or NEGI, and Atlantic Coast are reporting companies under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the, ‘34 Act. In addition,
ACEP voluntarily files annual, quarterly and current reports under the, ‘34
Act.
New Accounting
Pronouncements
SFAS
No. 155. On February 16, 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 155,
Accounting for Certain Hybrid Instruments – an Amendment of FASB Statements
No. 133 and 140 (“SFAS 155”). 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 SFAS
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. The adoption of SFAS 155 as of January 1, 2007 did
not
have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.
EITF
06-3. In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF
06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental
Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That is, Gross versus
Net Presentation)” to clarify diversity in practice on the presentation of
different types of taxes in the financial statements. The EITF concluded that,
for taxes within the scope of the issue, a company may adopt a policy of
presenting taxes either gross within revenue or net. That is, it may include
charges to customers for taxes within revenues and the charge for the taxes
from
the taxing authority within cost of sales, or, alternatively, it may net the
charge to the customer and the charge from the taxing authority. If taxes are
reported on a gross basis, and are significant, an entity should disclose the
amounts of those taxes subject to EITF 06-3. The guidance is effective for
periods beginning after December 15, 2006. We present sales tax on a net basis
in our consolidated financial statements, and the adoption of EITF 06-3 did
not
have any impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash
flows.
7
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 1 — General –
(continued)
FIN
No. 48. 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” to be
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 to be 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. We adopted
FIN
48 as of January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact
on our consolidated financial statements. See note 18 for additional
information.
SFAS
No. 157. In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157,
Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), 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 adopted SFAS 157 as of January 1, 2007, in
conjunction with the adoption of SFAS No. 159, as required. The adoption of
SFAS
157 did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.
SFAS
No. 159. In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair
Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an
Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”), which gives entities the
option to measure eligible financial assets, financial liabilities and firm
commitments at fair value (i.e., the fair value option), on an
instrument-by-instrument basis, that are otherwise not permitted to be accounted
for at fair value under other accounting standards. The election to use the
fair
value option is available when an entity first recognizes a financial asset
or
financial liability or upon entering into a firm commitment. Subsequent changes
in fair value must be recorded in earnings. Additionally, SFAS 159 allows for
a
one-time election for existing positions upon adoption, with the transition
adjustment recorded to beginning partners’ equity.
We adopted
SFAS 159 as of January 1, 2007 and elected to apply the fair value option to
our
investment in ImClone Systems Incorporated, or ImClone. In the fourth quarter
of
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, we first applied the equity method
of
accounting to our investment in ImClone due to changes in ImClone’s board
resulting in our having the ability to exercise significant influence over
ImClone. We believe that the quality of the earnings and the value of the
investment that we report over time relating to our investment in ImClone is
more accurately reflected by the market value methodology of SFAS 159 rather
than the equity method of accounting. The equity method of accounting would
require an appraisal of the fair values of ImClone’s assets and liabilities at
the dates that we acquired shares of common stock of ImClone as well as future
appraisals should there be any material indications of impairment. We believe
that such an appraisal would be subjective given the nature of ImClone’s
pharmaceutical operations.
As of the
date of adoption, the carrying value of our investment in ImClone was
approximately $164.3 million and the fair value of our investment was
approximately $122.2 million. In accordance with the transition requirements
of
SFAS 159, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning partners’
equity for the difference between the fair value and carrying value on the
date
of adoption, which reduced partners’ equity by approximately $42.2
million.
As a result
of the adoption of SFAS 159, we are required to record unrealized gains or
losses for the change in fair value of our investment in ImClone. During the
three-month period ended March 31, 2007, we recorded approximately $63.9
million of unrealized gains resulting from the change in the market value of
ImClone’s stock which is recorded as a component of other income (expense), net
in the consolidated statement of operations.
8
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Through
the second quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, or fiscal 2006,
we had four principal operating businesses: Oil and Gas, Gaming, Real Estate
and
Home Fashion. As described in Note 3, in November 2006 we divested our Oil
and
Gas operating businesses and our Atlantic City Gaming properties. As a result,
our Oil and Gas operations and our Atlantic City Gaming properties are now
classified as discontinued operations and thus are not considered a reportable
segment of our continuing operations. We now have three principal operating
businesses: 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 acquisition, May 19, 2006. As described
above, in November 2006, we sold our Atlantic City Gaming properties. As a
result, such operations are now classified as discontinued operations.
Summary
balance sheets for the continuing operations of our Gaming segment as of
March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 as included in the consolidated
balance sheets are as follows (in $000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006 |
||||||
(unaudited)
|
|||||||
Current
assets
|
|
$
|
98,667
|
|
$
|
85,583
|
|
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
417,978
|
422,715
|
|||||
Other
non-current assets
|
44,001
|
44,455
|
|||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
560,646
|
$
|
552,753
|
|||
Current
liabilities
|
$
|
50,614
|
$
|
54,763
|
|||
Long-term
debt
|
257,202
|
257,329
|
|||||
Other
non-current liabilities
|
6,144
|
5,993
|
|||||
Total
liabilities
|
$
|
313,960
|
$
|
318,085
|
As
discussed in Note 21, on April 22, 2007, we entered into an agreement to sell
all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of ACEP for $1.3 billion,
plus or minus certain adjustments such as working capital. Accordingly, in
the
second quarter of fiscal 2007 the financial position and the results of ACEP’s
operations will be 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 for all periods in
accordance with SFAS No. 144.
9
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 2 — Operating
Units – (continued)
Summarized
unaudited statements of operations for the continuing operations of our Gaming
segment for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows
(in $000s):
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Revenues:
|
|
||||||
Casino
|
$
|
67,370
|
|
$
|
48,022
|
||
Hotel
|
22,616
|
17,433
|
|||||
Food
and beverage
|
23,109
|
18,070
|
|||||
Tower,
retail and other income
|
9,311
|
8,219
|
|||||
Gross
revenues
|
122,406
|
91,744
|
|||||
Less
promotional allowances
|
9,518
|
5,799
|
|||||
Net
revenues
|
112,888
|
85,945
|
|||||
Expenses:
|
|||||||
Casino
|
22,566
|
16,488
|
|||||
Hotel
|
9,063
|
6,843
|
|||||
Food
and beverage
|
15,975
|
13,201
|
|||||
Tower,
retail and other income
|
4,244
|
4,248
|
|||||
Selling,
general and administrative
|
29,472
|
20,782
|
|||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
8,341
|
5,760
|
|||||
Total
costs and expenses
|
89,661
|
67,322
|
|||||
Operating
income from continuing operations
|
$
|
23,227
|
$
|
18,623
|
b. Real
Estate
Our real
estate operations consist of three segments: rental real estate, property
development and associated resort activities.
A
summary of real estate property and equipment as of March 31, 2007 and
December 31, 2006 as included in the consolidated balance sheets is as follows
(in $000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006 |
||||||
(unaudited)
|
|||||||
Rental
properties:
|
|||||||
Finance
leases, net
|
|
$
|
65,302
|
|
$
|
66,335
|
|
Operating
leases
|
41,653
|
46,170
|
|||||
Property
development
|
122,306
|
126,537
|
|||||
Resort
properties
|
|
44,591
|
|
44,932
|
|||
Total
real estate
|
$
|
273,852
|
$
|
283,974
|
10
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 2 — Operating
Units – (continued)
Summarized
unaudited statements of operations attributable to our continuing real estate
operations are as follows (in $000s):
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||
2007
|
2006
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
Revenues:
|
||||||
Rental
real estate:
|
||||||
Interest
income on financing leases
|
$
|
1,578
|
|
$
|
1,735
|
|
Rental
income
|
1,939
|
1,511
|
||||
Property
development
|
18,145
|
11,384
|
||||
Resort
activities
|
6,225
|
6,082
|
||||
Total
revenues
|
27,887
|
20,712
|
||||
Operating
expenses:
|
||||||
Rental
real estate
|
1,493
|
998
|
||||
Property
development
|
15,612
|
9,976
|
||||
Resort
activities
|
6,501
|
6,264
|
||||
Total
expenses
|
23,606
|
17,238
|
||||
Operating
income
|
$
|
4,281
|
$
|
3,474
|
Rental
Real Estate
As of
March 31, 2007, we owned 36 rental real estate properties. These primarily
consist of fee and leasehold interests in real estate in 18 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
Held for Sale
The
following is a summary of property held for sale (in $000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006 |
|||||
(unaudited)
|
||||||
Leased
to others
|
$
|
34,653
|
|
$
|
28,015
|
|
Vacant
|
703
|
703
|
||||
35,356
|
28,718
|
|||||
Less:
accumulated depreciation
|
(8,097
|
)
|
(5,053
|
)
|
||
Total
|
$
|
27,259
|
$
|
23,665
|
At
March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, $19.8 million of real estate held for
sale was pledged to collateralize the payment of non-recourse mortgages
payable.
We market
portions of our commercial real estate portfolio for sale. Unaudited sales
activity was as follows (in $000s, except unit data):
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Properties
sold
|
|
1
|
|
4
|
|||
Proceeds
received
|
$
|
4,359
|
$
|
973
|
|||
Total
gain recorded
|
$
|
3,862
|
$
|
251
|
|||
Gain
recorded in discontinued operations
|
$
|
3,862
|
$
|
251
|
11
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 2 — Operating
Units – (continued)
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. We are also developing residential
communities in Naples, Florida and Westchester County, New York.
Unaudited
property development sales activity was as follows (in 000s except unit
data):
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Units
sold:
|
|
||||||
New
Seabury, Massachusetts
|
6
|
|
10
|
||||
Grand
Harbor/Oak Harbor, Florida
|
5
|
2
|
|||||
Falling
Waters, Florida
|
23
|
—
|
|||||
Westchester,
New York
|
2
|
—
|
|||||
Tampa
Bay, Florida
|
1
|
—
|
|||||
37
|
12
|
||||||
Revenues:
|
|||||||
New
Seabury, Massachusetts
|
$
|
3,583
|
$
|
9,033
|
|||
Grand
Harbor/Oak Harbor, Florida
|
4,349
|
2,321
|
|||||
Falling
Waters, Florida
|
5,466
|
—
|
|||||
Westchester,
New York
|
3,243
|
30
|
|||||
Tampa
Bay, Florida
|
1,504
|
—
|
|||||
$
|
18,145
|
$
|
11,384
|
c. Home
Fashion
We
conduct our Home Fashion operations through our majority ownership in West
Point
International Inc., or WPI, a manufacturer and distributor of home fashion
consumer products.
Summary
balance sheets for Home Fashion as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006
as included in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in $000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006 |
||||||
(unaudited)
|
|||||||
Current
assets
|
|
$
|
533,815
|
|
$
|
567,419
|
|
Assets
held for sale
|
20,946
|
23,838
|
|||||
Property
plant and equipment, net
|
206,764
|
200,382
|
|||||
Intangible
and other assets
|
|
38,333
|
|
38,199
|
|||
Total
assets
|
$
|
799,858
|
$
|
829,838
|
|||
Current
liabilities
|
$
|
107,447
|
$
|
101,609
|
|||
Other
liabilities
|
|
6,941
|
|
8,980
|
|||
Total
liabilities
|
$
|
114,388
|
$
|
110,589
|
12
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 2 — Operating
Units – (continued)
Unaudited
summarized statements of operations for the three months ended March 31,
2007 and 2006 are as follows (in $000s):
Three
Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Net
sales
|
|
$
|
210,604
|
|
$
|
243,490
|
|
Cost
of goods sold
|
205,910
|
228,360
|
|||||
Gross
earnings
|
4,694
|
15,130
|
|||||
Selling,
general and administrative expenses
|
39,398
|
43,317
|
|||||
Restructuring
and impairment charges
|
|
4,311
|
|
9,771
|
|
||
Operating
loss
|
$
|
(39,015
|
)
|
$
|
(37,958
|
)
|
Total
depreciation for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $4.8 million, of
which $3.7 million was included in cost of sales and $1.1 million was included
in selling, general and administrative expenses. Total depreciation for the
three months ended March 31, 2006 was $10.4 million, of which $8.6 million
was included in cost of sales and $1.8 million was included in selling, general
and administrative expenses. Total expenses for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 include $4.3 million of restructuring charges (of which
approximately $1.3 million relates to severance and $3.0 million relates to
continuing costs of closed plants). There were no impairment charges recorded
in
the first quarter of fiscal 2007. Total expenses for the three months ended
March 31, 2006 include $9.8 million of restructuring charges (of which
approximately $1.2 million related to severance, $0.9 million related to
continuing costs of closed plants and $7.7 million related to non-cash charges
for impairment of fixed assets).
Impairment
and
restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 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,
potentially, acquiring manufacturing facilities outside of the United States.
WPI has incurred impairment charges to write-down the value of WPI plants taken
out of service to its estimated liquidation value.
Included
in
restructuring expenses are cash charges associated with the ongoing costs of
closed plants, employee severance, benefits and related costs. The amount of
the
accrued liability balance was $1.2 million as of December 31, 2006. During
the three months ended March 31, 2007, we incurred additional restructuring
costs of $4.3 million, and $4.5 million was paid during the period. As of
March 31, 2007, the accrued liability balance was $1.0 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 our
acquisition of WPI on August 8, 2005, through March 31, 2007, were $51.6
million.
We expect
that restructuring charges will continue to be incurred throughout fiscal 2007.
As of March 31, 2007, WPI expects to incur additional restructuring costs
over the next year relating to the current restructuring plan of between $25
million and $30 million.
13
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
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 that 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
owned, 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 that owned the Traymore
site and the adjacent properties. Under the terms of the agreement, $51.8
million of the purchase price paid to Atlantic Coast was deposited into escrow
to fund indemnification obligations with regard to the claims of creditors
and
stockholders of GB Holdings, Inc., or GB Holdings. On February 22, 2007 we
resolved all outstanding litigation involving our interest in our Atlantic
City
gaming operations resulting in a release of all claims against us. As a result
of the settlement, our ownership of Atlantic Coast increased from 67.6% to
96.9%
and $50.0 million of the amount placed into escrow was released to us.
Oil and Gas
Operations
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 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. On April 4, 2007, we sold our entire
position in SandRidge for cash consideration of approximately $243.2
million.
On November
21, 2006, pursuant to an agreement dated October 25, 2006 among AREH, NEG Oil
& Gas and National Energy Group, Inc., or NEGI, NEGI sold its membership
interest in NEG Holding LLC to NEG Oil & Gas for consideration of
approximately $261.1 million paid in cash. 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 were held by us.
Real
Estate
Operating
properties are reclassified to held for sale when subject to a contract or
letter of intent. The operations of such properties are classified as
discontinued operations. The properties classified as discontinued operations
have changed during fiscal 2007 and, accordingly, certain amounts in the
statement of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31,
2007 and 2006 have been reclassified to conform to the current classification
of
properties. During the first quarter of 2007 two properties were reclassified
to
held for sale.
Results of Operations
and Assets Held for Sale
The
financial position and results of our Oil and Gas and Real Estate operations
and
of 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.
14
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 3 —
Discontinued Operations
and Assets Held for Sale – (continued)
A
summary of the results of operations for our discontinued operations for the
three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 is as follows (in $000s)
(unaudited):
Three
Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
Revenues
|
|||||||
Oil
and Gas
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
108,292
|
|
Atlantic
City Gaming
|
—
|
40,773
|
|||||
Rental
Real Estate
|
1,238
|
1,718
|
|||||
Total
revenues
|
$
|
1,238
|
$
|
150,783
|
|||
Operating
income from discontinued operations:
|
|||||||
Oil
and Gas
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
64,988
|
|||
Atlantic
City Gaming
|
—
|
732
|
|||||
Rental
Real Estate
|
1,079
|
962
|
|||||
Total
operating income
|
1,079
|
66,682
|
|||||
Interest
expense
|
(270
|
)
|
(5,435
|
)
|
|||
Interest
and other income
|
18,642
|
1,040
|
|||||
Income
tax expense
|
(2,981
|
)
|
(3,446
|
)
|
|||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
16,470
|
58,841
|
|||||
Minority
interest
|
(1,794
|
)
|
54
|
||||
Gain
on sales of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
|
13,185
|
251
|
|||||
$
|
27,861
|
$
|
59,146
|
Interest
and other income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 includes
approximately $8.5 million relating to a real estate tax refund received by
Atlantic Coast and approximately $10.1 million representing the net gain on
the
settlement of litigation relating to GB Holdings.
The gain
on sales of discontinued operations in the three months ended March 31,
2007 includes approximately $3.9 million of gain on sales of real estate and
$9.3 million relating to the working capital adjustment to the gain recorded
on
the sale of our Oil and Gas operations in November 2006.
Assets
held for sale as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 totaled $48.2
million and $47.5 million, respectively. These relate to assets of WPI and
Real
Estate that are classified as held for sale in accordance with SFAS 144.
a. Administrative
Services
In July
2005, we entered into a license agreement with an affiliate for the
non-exclusive use of approximately 1,514 square feet of office space 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. In each of the three months ended March 31, 2007 and
2006, we paid rent of approximately $40,000.
15
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 4 — 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 three months ended
March 31, 2007, we received $19,000 for the use of such space.
In the
three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, we paid approximately $162,000
and $214,500, respectively, to an affiliate for telecommunication
services.
An
affiliate provided certain professional services to WPI for which WPI incurred
charges of approximately $27,000 and $81,000 for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
We
provided certain professional services to affiliates for which we charged
$175,000 and $113,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively. As of March 31, 2007, current liabilities in the consolidated
balance sheet included $116,164 to be applied to our charges to the affiliate
for services to be provided to it.
b. Securities
Ownership
As of
March 31, 2007, affiliates of Mr. Icahn owned 10,304,013 preferred units
and 55,655,382 depositary units, which represented approximately 86.5% and
90.0%
of the outstanding preferred units and depositary units, respectively.
a. Current
Investments
Current
investments consist of the following (in $000s):
March 31,
2007
|
December 31,
2006
|
|||||||||||
Amortized
Cost |
Carrying
Value |
Amortized
Cost |
Carrying
Value |
|||||||||
(unaudited)
|
||||||||||||
Current
Investments:
|
||||||||||||
Trading
|
||||||||||||
Other
investments
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
28,727
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
20,538
|
Total
current trading
|
—
|
28,727
|
—
|
20,538
|
||||||||
Available
for Sale
|
||||||||||||
Marketable
equity and debt securities
|
236,354
|
247,880
|
242,080
|
265,411
|
||||||||
Other
investments
|
284,535
|
286,945
|
251,131
|
253,166
|
||||||||
Total
current available for sale
|
520,889
|
534,825
|
493,211
|
518,577
|
||||||||
Total
current investments
|
$
|
520,889
|
$
|
563,552
|
$
|
493,211
|
$
|
539,115
|
We use
the services of an unaffiliated third-party investment manager to manage certain
fixed income investments. As of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006,
$162.0 million and $163.7 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 above table.
16
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 5 —
Investments and
Related Matters – (continued)
b. Noncurrent
Investments
Investment
in ImClone Systems Incorporated
As
described in Note 1 above, we adopted SFAS 159 as of January 1, 2007 and elected
to apply the fair value option to our investment in ImClone at the time of
adoption. Previously, we accounted for our investment in ImClone under the
equity method in accordance with APB 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for
Investments in Common Stock. The transition adjustment to beginning
partners’ equity related to the adoption of SFAS 159 was a charge of
approximately $42.2 million. We recorded approximately $63.9 million of
unrealized gains in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 resulting from the change
in the market price of ImClone’s stock.
At
March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, our carrying value of our equity
investment in ImClone was $186.1 million based on the fair value method of
accounting and $164.3 million based on the equity method of accounting,
respectively. As of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the market value
of our ImClone shares held was $186.1 million and $122.2 million, respectively,
which we believe is not material to our total assets. As of March 31, 2007,
the total shares of ImClone common stock held by us as a percentage of ImClone’s
total outstanding shares was 5.4%. ImClone is a registered SEC filer and its
consolidated financial statements are readily available at www.sec.gov.
Other
Noncurrent Investments
The
carrying value of other noncurrent investments was $15.9 million and $15.6
million as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. Included
in other securities is an investment of 4.4% of the common stock of Philip
Services Corporation, 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.
Inventories,
net, relate solely to our Home Fashion segment and consist of the following
(in
$000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006 |
|||||
(unaudited)
|
||||||
Raw
materials and supplies
|
|
$
|
26,372
|
|
$
|
32,059
|
Goods
in process
|
77,481
|
83,592
|
||||
Finished
goods
|
131,505
|
129,851
|
||||
$
|
235,358
|
$
|
245,502
|
Trade
notes and other receivables, net, consist of the following (in $000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006 |
||||||
(unaudited)
|
|||||||
Trade
receivables – Home Fashion
|
|
$
|
142,827
|
|
$
|
134,111
|
|
Allowance
for doubtful accounts – Home Fashion
|
(8,136
|
)
|
(8,303
|
)
|
|||
Other
|
35,150
|
50,688
|
|||||
$
|
169,841
|
$
|
176,496
|
17
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Other
current assets consist of the following (in $000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006 |
|||||
(unaudited)
|
||||||
Restricted
cash
|
|
$
|
33,090
|
|
$
|
87,428
|
Other
|
43,299
|
47,559
|
||||
$
|
76,389
|
$
|
134,987
|
As of
December 31, 2006, restricted cash included $50.0 million placed into escrow
related to our sale of ACE to Pinnacle, which was released in February 2007
in
connection with the settlement of the litigation with GB Holdings. Additionally,
restricted cash consists of balances for escrow deposits and funds held to
collateralize letters of credit.
Property,
plant and equipment consists of the following (in $000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006 |
||||||
(unaudited)
|
|||||||
Land
|
|
$
|
115,236
|
|
$
|
129,729
|
|
Buildings
and improvements
|
443,402
|
446,878
|
|||||
Machinery,
equipment and furniture
|
332,614
|
333,741
|
|||||
Assets
leased to others
|
117,110
|
123,398
|
|||||
Construction
in progress
|
112,480
|
90,672
|
|||||
1,120,842
|
1,124,418
|
||||||
Less
accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
(222,248
|
)
|
(217,347
|
)
|
|||
Net
property, plant and equipment
|
$
|
898,594
|
$
|
907,071
|
Depreciation
and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment for the three
months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 were $14.5 million and $17.4 million,
respectively.
Other
non current assets consist of the following (in $000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006 |
|||||
(unaudited)
|
||||||
Deferred
taxes
|
|
$
|
45,626
|
|
$
|
48,976
|
Deferred
finance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $10,560 and
$9,883 as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively |
22,780
|
24,699
|
||||
Other
|
3,086
|
2,315
|
||||
$
|
71,492
|
$
|
75,990
|
18
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Minority
interests consist of the following (in $000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006 |
||||
(unaudited)
|
|||||
WPI
|
$
|
166,938
|
|
$
|
178,843
|
Atlantic
Coast
|
6,969
|
70,563
|
|||
NEGI
|
24,112
|
42,815
|
|||
$
|
198,019
|
$
|
292,221
|
The
minority interest in Atlantic Coast was reduced primarily as a result of the
settlement of the litigation relating to GB Holdings. As a result, our ownership
in Atlantic Coast increased from 67.6% to 96.9%.
Long-term
debt consists of the following (in $000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December
31,
2006 |
||||||
(unaudited)
|
|||||||
Senior
unsecured 7.125% notes due 2013 – AREP
|
|
$
|
972,294
|
|
$
|
480,000
|
|
Senior
unsecured 8.125% notes due 2012 – AREP
|
351,327
|
351,246
|
|||||
Senior
secured 7.85% notes due 2012 – ACEP
|
215,000
|
215,000
|
|||||
Borrowings
under credit facility – ACEP
|
40,000
|
40,000
|
|||||
Mortgages
payable
|
108,027
|
109,289
|
|||||
Other
|
12,470
|
13,425
|
|||||
Total
long-term debt
|
1,699,118
|
1,208,960
|
|||||
Less
current portion
|
(23,620
|
)
|
(23,970
|
)
|
|||
$
|
1,675,498
|
$
|
1,184,990
|
Senior unsecured
7.125% notes due 2013
On
February 7, 2005, we issued $480.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125%
senior unsecured notes due 2013, or the 7.125% notes, priced at 100% of
principal amount. The 7.125% notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated
February 7, 2005 between us, as issuer, American Real Estate Finance Corp.,
or
AREF, as co-issuer, AREH, as guarantor, and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee
(referred to herein as the 2005 Indenture). Other than AREH, no other
subsidiaries guarantee payment on the notes. AREF, our wholly owned subsidiary,
was formed solely for the purpose of serving as a co-issuer of the 7.125%
notes.
On
January 16, 2007, we issued an additional $500.0 million aggregate principal
amount of 7.125% notes, or the additional 7.125% senior notes (the 7.125% notes
and the additional 7.125% senior notes being referred to herein as the notes),
priced at 98.4% of par, or at a discount of 1.6%, pursuant to the 2005
Indenture. The notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 7.125%, which will
be
paid every six months on February 15 and August 15 and will mature on February
15, 2013. At the time we issued the additional 7.125% senior notes, we entered
into a new registration rights agreement in which we agreed to permit
noteholders to exchange the notes for new notes which have been registered
under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.
Senior unsecured
8.125% notes due 2012
On
May 12, 2004, AREP and AREH co-issued senior unsecured 8.125% notes due 2012,
or
the 8.125% notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $353 million. The 8.125%
notes were priced at 99.266% of principal amount and have a fixed annual
interest rate of 8.125%, which will be paid every six months on June 1 and
December 1, commencing December 1, 2004. The 8.125% notes will mature on June
1,
2012. AREH is a guarantor of the debt. No other subsidiaries guarantee payment
on the notes.
19
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 12 — Long-Term
Debt – (continued)
Senior unsecured
notes restrictions and covenants — AREP
The
indentures governing 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 indentures 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 be less than 1.75 to 1.0. As of March 31, 2007, such ratio was less
than 1.75 to 1.0.
The
indentures governing our senior unsecured notes require that on each quarterly
determination date we and the guarantor 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 first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2007, the ratio of cash flow to
fixed charges was greater than 1.5 to 1.0.
The
indentures 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 March 31, 2007, such ratio
was in excess of 1.5 to 1.0. Based on this ratio, as of March 31, 2007, we
and AREH could have incurred up to approximately $1.4 billion of additional
indebtedness.
AREP Senior Secured
Revolving Credit Facility
On August
21, 2006, we and AREF, 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
March 31, 2007, 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 are 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 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
The
indenture governing 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.” The
indenture also prohibits 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 be at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro
forma basis giving effect to the debt incurrence or issuance. As of
March 31, 2007, such ratio was in excess of 2.0 to 1.0. The indenture also
restricts the creation of liens, the sale of assets, mergers, consolidations
or
sales of substantially all of ACEP’s 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
20
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 12 — Long-Term
Debt – (continued)
ACEP notes allow ACEP 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 March 31, 2007, the interest rate
on the outstanding borrowings under the credit facility was 6.82% 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 amended and
restated 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 are due and payable on May 10, 2010. As of
March 31, 2007, 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 March 31, 2007,
such ratio was less than 1.0 to 1.0. As of March 31, 2007, 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 non-recourse to us, bear interest at rates between
4.97% and 7.99% and have maturities between September 1, 2008 and July 1,
2016.
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%. 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.
21
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 12 — Long-Term
Debt – (continued)
As of
March 31, 2007, there were no borrowings under the agreement, but there
were outstanding letters of credit of approximately $26.6 million, the majority
of which relate to trade obligations.
Unaudited
Other Income (Expense), net, is comprised of the following (in $000s):
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Net
realized gains on sales of marketable securities
|
|
$
|
5,177
|
|
$
|
33,431
|
|
Unrealized
gains on marketable securities
|
72,126
|
15,478
|
|||||
Net
realized losses on securities sold short
|
(1,510
|
)
|
(5,131
|
)
|
|||
Unrealized
gains (losses) on securities sold short
|
3,617
|
(25,476
|
)
|
||||
Gain
on sale of assets
|
3,612
|
—
|
|||||
Other
|
1,759
|
3,007
|
|||||
$
|
84,781
|
$
|
21,309
|
We
recorded approximately $63.9 million of unrealized gains in the first quarter
of
fiscal 2007 resulting from the change in the market price of ImClone’s
stock.
On June
29, 2005, we granted 700,000 nonqualified unit options to our then chief
executive officer to purchase up to 700,000 of our depositary units at an
exercise price of $35 per unit which would vest over a period of eight years.
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 API’s
principal executive officer. These changes in status caused the options to
be
cancelled in accordance with their terms.
In
accordance with SFAS No.123(R), 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 fiscal 2006 related to the previously
unrecognized compensation cost.
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 per preferred unit of
$10.
The distribution was paid on March 31, 2007 to holders of record as of
March 15, 2007. A total of 566,830 additional preferred units were issued.
As of
March 31, 2007, 11,907,073 preferred units were issued and outstanding. As
of March 31, 2007, the number of authorized preferred units was
12,100,000.
Basic
earnings per LP unit are based on earnings 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 unit distribution as the numerator
with the denominator based on the weighted average number of limited partnership
units and equivalent limited partnership units outstanding assuming conversion.
The preferred units are considered to be equivalent units.
22
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 16 — Earnings Per
Limited Partnership Unit – (continued)
The
following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per
LP
unit (in 000s, except per unit data) (unaudited):
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Attributable
to limited partners:
|
|||||||
Basic
income (loss) from continuing operations
|
|
$
|
67,350
|
|
$
|
(9,224
|
)
|
Add
preferred unit distribution(1)
|
—
|
—
|
|||||
Income
(loss) before discontinued operations
|
67,350
|
$
|
(9,224
|
)
|
|||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
27,306
|
57,970
|
|||||
Diluted
earnings
|
$
|
94,656
|
$
|
48,746
|
|||
Weighted
average LP units outstanding
|
61,857
|
61,857
|
|||||
Dilutive
effect of redemption of preferred LP units(2)
|
—
|
—
|
|||||
Dilutive
effect of unit options
|
—
|
—
|
|||||
Weighted
average LP units and equivalent partnership units outstanding
|
61,857
|
61,857
|
|||||
Basic
earnings per LP unit:
|
|||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
1.09
|
$
|
(0.15
|
)
|
||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
0.44
|
0.94
|
|||||
Basic
earnings:
|
$
|
1.53
|
$
|
0.79
|
|||
Diluted
earnings per LP unit:
|
|||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
1.09
|
$
|
(0.15
|
)
|
||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
0.44
|
0.94
|
|||||
Diluted
earnings:
|
$
|
1.53
|
$
|
0.79
|
——————
(1)
As its
effect would have been anti-dilutive, the adjustment for interest expense
associated with the preferred units’ distribution of $1.4 million and $1.3
million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively,
has been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per LP unit.
(2)
As their
effect would have been anti-dilutive, 1,063,226 and 2,902,385 units for the
three months ended
March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, have been excluded from the weighted average LP units and equivalent partnership units outstanding.
March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, have been excluded from the weighted average LP units and equivalent partnership units outstanding.
Through
the second quarter of fiscal 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.
In
November 2006, we divested our Oil and Gas operating units. 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 Associated Resorts Activities segments impose
restrictions on their ability to transfer funds to us, including restrictions
on
dividends, distributions, loans and other transactions.
23
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 17 — Segment
Reporting – (continued)
The
revenues and net segment operating income for each of the reportable segments
of
our continuing operations are summarized as follows for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 and 2006 (in $000s) (unaudited):
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Revenues:
|
|||||||
Gaming,
net
|
|
$
|
112,888
|
|
$
|
85,945
|
|
Real
Estate:
|
|||||||
Rental
Real Estate
|
3,517
|
3,246
|
|||||
Property
development
|
18,145
|
11,384
|
|||||
Resort
operations
|
6,225
|
6,082
|
|||||
Total
Real Estate
|
27,887
|
20,712
|
|||||
Home
Fashion
|
210,604
|
243,490
|
|||||
Total
revenues
|
$
|
351,379
|
$
|
350,147
|
|||
Net
segment operating income (loss):
|
|||||||
Gaming
|
$
|
23,227
|
$
|
18,623
|
|||
Real
Estate:
|
|||||||
Rental
Real Estate
|
2,024
|
2,248
|
|||||
Property
development
|
2,533
|
1,408
|
|||||
Resort
operations
|
(276
|
)
|
(182
|
)
|
|||
Total
Real Estate
|
4,281
|
3,474
|
|||||
Home
Fashion
|
(39,015
|
)
|
(37,958
|
)
|
|||
Total
segment operating loss
|
(11,507
|
)
|
(15,861
|
)
|
|||
Holding
Company costs(i)
|
(7,679
|
)
|
(11,145
|
)
|
|||
Total
operating loss
|
(19,186
|
)
|
(27,006
|
)
|
|||
Interest
expense
|
(32,977
|
)
|
(25,155
|
)
|
|||
Interest
income
|
31,458
|
11,554
|
|||||
Other
income (expense), net
|
84,781
|
21,309
|
|||||
Equity
in earnings of affiliate
|
—
|
24
|
|||||
Income
from continuing operations before income taxes & minority
interest
|
64,076
|
(19,274
|
)
|
||||
Income
tax expense
|
(6,949
|
)
|
(5,211
|
)
|
|||
Minority
interests
|
11,590
|
15,069
|
|||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
68,717
|
$
|
(9,416
|
)
|
——————
(i)
Holding
Company costs include AREP’s and AREH’s general and administrative expenses and
acquisition (legal and professional) costs at the Holding Company level.
Selling, general and administrative expenses of the segments are included in
their respective operating expenses in the accompanying statements of
operations.
24
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 17 — Segment
Reporting – (continued)
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006 |
|||||
(unaudited)
|
(restated)
|
|||||
Assets
(in $000s):
|
||||||
Gaming
|
|
$
|
560,646
|
|
$
|
552,753
|
Real
Estate
|
386,833
|
382,220
|
||||
Home
Fashion
|
778,912
|
806,000
|
||||
Subtotal
|
1,726,391
|
1,740,973
|
||||
Assets
of discontinued operations held for sale
|
48,205
|
47,503
|
||||
Reconciling
items(ii)
|
2,848,071
|
2,456,271
|
||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
4,622,667
|
$
|
4,244,747
|
——————
(ii)
Reconciling
items relate principally to cash and investments of AREP and AREH in the Holding
Company.
Our
corporate subsidiaries recorded the following income tax expense attributable
to
continuing operations for our taxable subsidiaries for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 and 2006 (in $000s) (unaudited):
Three
Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
Current
|
|
$
|
(6,587
|
)
|
$
|
(5,595
|
)
|
Deferred
|
$
|
(362
|
)
|
384
|
|||
$
|
(6,949
|
)
|
(5,211
|
)
|
We
recorded income tax provisions of $6.9 million and $5.2 million on pre-tax
income of $64.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and
pre-tax loss of ($19.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Our effective income tax rate was 10.8% and (27.0)% for the respective periods.
The difference between the effective tax rate and the statutory federal rate
of
35% is due principally to income or losses from partnership entities in which
taxes are the responsibility of the partners, as well as changes in valuation
allowances.
We
adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48), on
January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income
taxes
recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 109 , “Accounting for Income Taxes,” and
prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial
statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to
be
taken in a tax return. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact
on
our consolidated financial statements.
As of
the
date of adoption, our unrecognized tax benefits totaled $5.0 million, all of
which, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate. During the
three months ended March 31, 2007, there have been no changes to the amount
of unrecognized tax benefits. We believe it is reasonably possible that the
total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits could materially change as a result
of settlements due to audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations
prior
to March 31, 2008; however, quantification of an estimated amount cannot be
made at this time.
We
recognize interest accrued related to uncertain tax positions in interest
expense. Penalties are recognized as a component of income tax expense. The
amount of accrued interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions was $1.2
million and $1.1 million as of March 31, 2007 and January 1, 2007,
respectively. The amount of interest and penalties accrued during the three
months ended March 31, 2007 was approximately $0.1 million.
25
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 18 — Income Taxes
– (continued)
We
or certain of our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal
jurisdiction, various state jurisdictions, and various non-U.S. jurisdictions.
We are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, and non-U.S. income tax
examinations for years prior to 2002.
We are
from time to time parties to various legal proceedings arising out of our businesses.
We believe however, that other than the proceedings described in Part I, Item
3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2006, filed with the SEC on March
6, 2007, including that relating to WPI 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
WPI
Litigation
In August
2005, WPI acquired substantially all of the assets of WestPoint Stevens, Inc.
pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court, or the Sale Order. We were holders
of approximately 39.99% of the outstanding first lien debt and approximately
51.21% of the outstanding second lien debt of WestPoint Stevens, Inc. Since
2005, we have been involved in litigation with certain of the first lien holders
of WestPoint Stevens, Inc., or the Contrarian Group, in the Bankruptcy Court,
the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and, since 2006,
in the Delaware Chancery Court, relating to the Sale Order and our ownership
of a majority of the common stock of WPI. In late 2005, the District ruled on
the Contrarian Group’s appeal of the Sale Order and remanded the matter
to the Bankruptcy Court. 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 Bankruptcy Court
also issued a stay of the Remand Order pending the parties’ appeal. Both
parties appealed the Bankruptcy Court’s Remand Order to the District Court.
In addition, the Contrarian Group requested that the stay be lifted or that
we be required to post a bond as a condition to the continuance of the stay.
On May 9, 2007, the District Court denied the Contrarian Group’s motion to lift
the stay of the Remand Order, but conditioned the continuation of the stay on
the posting of a bond of $200 million by May 17, 2007. The order is without
prejudice to the right of any party to seek a change in the amount of the bond.
We are currently reviewing the order. As of the date hereof, the District Court
has not rendered a decision on the cross-appeals.
On January
19, 2007, the trustee for the first lien lenders, Beal Bank, and certain of
the first lien lenders 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
to us in December 2006 of the preferred stock of WPI, or, alternatively, directing
that such preferred stock be held in trust. We have filed a motion to dismiss
the Delaware action to which the Plaintiffs have objected. Oral argument is
scheduled for May 23, 2007.
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 March 31, 2007 and WPI’s results of operations
for the period from the date of acquisition through March 31, 2007. 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 March 31, 2007, 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.
26
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
The
following table sets forth our financial instruments owned, at fair value,
and
financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value (in
$000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2006 |
|||||
(unaudited)
|
||||||
Financial
Instruments Owned:
|
|
|||||
Trading
investments
|
|
$
|
28,727
|
|
$
|
20,538
|
Available
for sale investments:
|
||||||
Marketable
equity and debt securities
|
247,880
|
265,411
|
||||
Other
securities
|
286,945
|
253,166
|
||||
Investment
in ImClone Systems Incorporated
|
186,058
|
122,122
|
||||
$
|
749,610
|
$
|
661,237
|
|||
Securities
sold not yet purchased
|
$
|
8,682
|
$
|
25,398
|
The
following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that were
accounted for at fair value as of March 31, 2007 by level within the fair
value hierarchy. As required by SFAS 157, financial assets and liabilities
are
classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is
significant to the fair value measurement.
Assets
and Liabilities at Fair Value
As of March 31, 2007 ($000) |
|||||||||
Level
1
|
Level
2
|
Total
|
|||||||
(unaudited)
|
|||||||||
Assets
|
|||||||||
Trading
investments(i)
|
|
$
|
28,727
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
28,727
|
Available
for sale investments:
|
|||||||||
Marketable
equity and debt securities(i)
|
247,880
|
—
|
247,880
|
||||||
Other
securities
|
23,500
|
(i)
|
263,445
|
(ii)
|
286,945
|
||||
Investment
in ImClone Systems Incorporated(i)
|
186,058
|
—
|
186,058
|
||||||
$
|
486,165
|
$
|
263,445
|
$
|
749,610
|
||||
Liabilities
|
|||||||||
Securities
sold not yet purchased(i)
|
$
|
8,682
|
—
|
8,682
|
——————
(i)
Based
on quoted prices in active markets of the securities.
(ii)
Includes
$243.2 million representing 13,508,666 shares of SandRidge valued at $18.00
per
share based on an appraisal conducted in November 2006. As disclosed in Note
21,
on April 4, 2007, we sold all of our shares of SandRidge common stock to a
consortium of investors for $18.00 per share.
Sale of Common
Stock of SandRidge Energy, Inc.
On
April 4, 2007, our subsidiaries signed agreements to sell their entire position
in the common stock of SandRidge to a consortium of investors in a series
of private transactions. The per share selling price was $18, and total cash
consideration received at closing was approximately $243.2 million.
Issuance of
Convertible Debt
In
April 2007, we sold an aggregate of $600.0 million of Variable Rate Senior
Convertible Notes due 2013, or the Notes. The Notes were sold in a private
placement pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. The Notes bear
interest at a rate of three month LIBOR minus 125 basis points, but no less
than
4.0% nor higher than 5.5%, and are convertible into depositary units of AREP
at
a conversion price of $132.595 per share, subject to adjustments in certain
circumstances.
27
AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2007
March 31, 2007
Note 21 — Subsequent
Events – (continued)
The Notes
have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and may not
be
offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. In
connection with the sale of the Notes, we and the buyers have entered into
a
registration rights agreement, pursuant to which we have agreed to file one
or
more shelf registration statements with respect to resales of depositary units
issuable upon conversion of the Notes.
Sale of American
Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC
On April
22, 2007, American Entertainment Properties Corp, or AEP, a wholly owned
indirect subsidiary of AREP, entered into a Membership Interest Purchase
Agreement with W2007/ACEP Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Whitehall Street Real
Estate Funds, a series of real estate investment funds affiliated with Goldman,
Sachs & Co., to sell all of the issued and outstanding membership interests
of ACEP, which comprises our gaming operations, for $1.3 billion, plus or minus
certain adjustments such as working capital, more fully described in the
agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, AEP is required to cause
ACEP
to repay from funds provided by AEP, the principal, interest, prepayment penalty
or premium due on ACEP’s 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 and ACEP’s senior
secured credit facility. With this transaction, we anticipate realizing a gain
of approximately $0.8 billion on our investments in ACEP, before income taxes.
ACEP’s casino assets are comprised of the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower,
the Arizona Charlie’s Decatur, the Arizona Charlie’s Boulder and the Aquarius
Casino Resort. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Nevada Gaming
Commission and the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, as well as customary
conditions. The parties expect to close the transaction in approximately eight
months; however, we can not assure you that we will be able to consummate the
transaction.
Declaration
of
Distribution on Depositary Units
On May
4,
2007, the Board of Directors approved a $0.05 increase in our quarterly
distribution policy and payment of a quarterly cash distribution of $0.15 per
unit on our depositary units payable in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.
The
distribution will be paid on June 1, 2007 to depositary unitholders of record
at
the close of business on May 22, 2007. Under the terms of the indenture
dated April 5, 2007 governing our senior convertible notes due 2013, we
will also be making a $0.05 distribution to holders of these notes in accordance
with the formula set forth in the indenture.
Potential
Acquisitions
In
February 2007, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger pursuant to
which
we would acquire Lear Corporation, or Lear, for an aggregate purchase price
of
approximately $5.2 billion. In connection with the planned merger, our
subsidiary, AREP Car Holdings Corp., entered into a commitment letter with
Bank
of America, N.A., and Banc of America Securities LLC on February 8, 2007,
pursuant to which Bank of America would 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.
Mr. Carl
C. Icahn has proposed that we acquire his interests in American Railcar, Inc.,
or ARI, and Philip Services Corporation. A committee of independent directors
of
the board has 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. 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. ARI is a publicly traded
company that is primarily engaged in the business of manufacturing covered
hoppers and tank railcars. Philip is an industrial services company that
provides industrial outsourcing, environmental services and metal services
to
major industry sectors throughout North America.
28
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
4.
Liquidity and Capital
Resources
·
Consolidated
Financial Results
·
Gaming
·
Real
Estate
·
Home
Fashion
5.
Certain Trends and
Uncertainties
American
Real Estate Partners, L.P., (referred to herein as 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 fiscal 2006 we divested our Oil and Gas operating unit
and
our Atlantic City Gaming properties.
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.
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 March 31, 2007, 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.
29
The Sands and
Related Assets
On
November 17, 2006, our indirect majority-owned subsidiary, ACE, a New Jersey
limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlantic Coast,
which
formerly owned The Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, 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 that owned parcels of real estate adjacent
to
The Sands, including 7.7 acres of land known as the Traymore site. We owned,
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 that owned the Traymore
site and the adjacent properties. Under the terms of the agreement, $51.8
million of the purchase price paid to Atlantic Coast was deposited into escrow
to fund indemnification obligations with regard to the claims of creditors
and
stockholders of GB Holdings. 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. As a result of the settlement,
our ownership of Atlantic Coast increased from 67.6% to 96.9% and $50.0 million
of the amount placed into escrow was released to us.
Oil and Gas
Operations
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 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 April 4, 2007, we sold our entire
position in SandRidge for cash consideration of approximately $243.2
million.
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 for consideration of approximately $261.1 million paid in
cash. Of that amount, $149.6 million was used to repay the principal and accrued
interest with respect to the NEGI 10.75% senior notes due 2007, all of which
was
held by us.
Real
Estate
Operating
properties of our real estate segment are reclassified to held for sale when
subject to a contract or letter of intent. The operations of such properties
are
classified as discontinued operations. The properties classified as discontinued
operations have changed during fiscal 2007 and, accordingly, certain amounts
in
the statement of operations and cash flows for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 and 2006 have been reclassified to conform to the current
classification of properties. During the first quarter of fiscal 2007 two
properties were reclassified to held for sale.
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.
Summarized
financial information for discontinued operations is set forth below:
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Total
operating income
|
|
$
|
1,079
|
|
$
|
66,682
|
|
Interest
expense
|
(270
|
)
|
(5,435
|
)
|
|||
Interest
and other income
|
18,642
|
1,040
|
|||||
Income
tax expense
|
(2,981
|
)
|
(3,446
|
)
|
|||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
16,470
|
58,841
|
|||||
Minority
interests
|
(1,794
|
)
|
54
|
||||
Gain
on sales of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
|
13,185
|
251
|
|||||
Total
income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
|
$
|
27,861
|
$
|
59,146
|
30
Overview
The key
factors affecting our financial results for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006
were:
·
Increased
revenues from our gaming segment
of $26.9 million, primarily reflecting the acquisition of the Aquarius Casino
Resort in Laughlin, Nevada in May, 2006;
·
Reduced
revenues from WPI of $32.9 million
due to a weaker retail sales environment and our continuing efforts to reduce
revenues from less profitable programs, offset by reduced WPI operating expenses
of $31.8 million;
·
Settlement
of litigation relating to GB
Holdings;
·
Unrealized
gains on our investment in
ImClone Systems Incorporated of $63.9 million resulting from the increase in
the
market price of ImClone’s common stock; and
·
Issuance
of $500 million of additional
7.125% senior unsecured notes in January 2007.
Consolidated
Financial Results
Three
months ended March 31, 2007 compared to three months ended March 31,
2006
Revenues
for the first quarter of 2007 increased by $1.2 million, or 0.4%, as compared
to
the first quarter of 2006. This increase was principally due to increased gaming
revenues of $26.9 million resulting from the inclusion of revenues from the
Aquarius Hotel and Casino acquired in May 2006, increased revenues from real
estate property development activities, substantially offset by reduced sales
from WPI of $32.9 million.
Operating
loss for the first quarter of 2007 was $19.2 million, as compared to an
operating loss of $27.0 million for the first quarter of 2006. This change
resulted primarily from a $4.6 million increase in operating income from gaming
and reduced holding company expenses as discussed below.
Interest
expense for the first quarter of 2007 increased by $7.8 million, or 31.1%,
as
compared to the first quarter of 2006. This increase is primarily the result
of
interest incurred on the $500 million of the additional 7.125% senior notes
that
were issued in January 2007. Interest income for the first quarter of 2007
increased by $19.9 million, as compared to the first quarter of 2006, primarily
due to the increase in the Holding Company’s cash position resulting from the
sales of our Oil and Gas and Atlantic City gaming operations in November, 2006.
Other income (expense), net increased by $63.5 million for the first quarter
of
2007 as compared to the first quarter of 2006, resulting primarily from
unrealized gains on our investment in ImClone systems Incorporated.
Gaming
Our
Gaming segment consists of our four gaming properties in Nevada: the
Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower, Arizona Charlie’s Boulder and Arizona
Charlie’s Decatur in Las Vegas and the Aquarius Casino Resort, in Laughlin. As
described above, operating results for The Sands are classified as discontinued
operations and thus are excluded from the results of our continuing Gaming
operations. As disclosed in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements,
we
acquired the Aquarius on May 19, 2006. Net revenues and operating income for
the
Aquarius for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were $28.8 million and
$5.4 million, respectively. These amounts are included in the table below with
the heading “Including Aquarius.” The results of operations discussed below
refer to our gaming properties excluding the results of the Aquarius.
As
discussed in Note 21 to the financial statements, on April 22, 2007, we entered
into an agreement to sell all of the issued and outstanding membership interests
of ACEP. Accordingly, in the second quarter of 2007 the financial position
and
the results of ACEP’s operations will be 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 for all
periods in accordance with SFAS No. 144.
31
The
following table summarizes the key operating data for the continuing operations
of our gaming segment for the periods indicated (in $000s) (unaudited):
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|||||||||
Including
Aquarius |
Excluding
Aquarius |
||||||||
2007
|
2007
|
2006
|
|||||||
Revenues:
|
|||||||||
Casino
|
|
$
|
67,370
|
|
$
|
46,132
|
|
$
|
48,022
|
Hotel
|
22,616
|
18,076
|
17,433
|
||||||
Food
and beverage
|
23,109
|
18,271
|
18,070
|
||||||
Tower,
retail and other income
|
9,311
|
7,992
|
8,219
|
||||||
Gross
revenues
|
122,406
|
90,471
|
91,744
|
||||||
Less
promotional allowances
|
9,518
|
6,401
|
5,799
|
||||||
Net
revenues
|
112,888
|
84,070
|
85,945
|
||||||
Expenses:
|
|||||||||
Casino
|
22,566
|
16,203
|
16,488
|
||||||
Hotel
|
9,063
|
6,690
|
6,843
|
||||||
Food
and beverage
|
15,975
|
13,331
|
13,201
|
||||||
Tower,
retail and other income
|
4,244
|
3,561
|
4,248
|
||||||
Selling,
general and administrative
|
29,472
|
19,998
|
20,782
|
||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
8,341
|
6,492
|
5,760
|
||||||
Total
costs and expenses
|
89,661
|
66,275
|
67,322
|
||||||
Operating
income
|
$
|
23,227
|
$
|
17,795
|
$
|
18,623
|
We
use certain key measurements to evaluate operating revenue. Casino revenue
measurements include “table games drop” and “slot coin-in,” which are measures
of the total amounts wagered by patrons. Win or hold percentage represents
the
percentage of table games drop or slot coin-in that is won by the casino and
recorded as casino revenue. 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.
Gross
Revenues
Gross
revenues decreased 1.4% to $90.5 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 from $91.7 million for the three months ended March 31,
2006. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in casino revenues as
discussed below.
Casino
Revenues
Casino
revenues decreased 3.9% to $46.1 million, or 51.0% of gross revenues, for the
three months ended March 31, 2007 from $48.0 million, or 52.3% of gross
revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This decrease was
primarily due to a decrease in slot and table game revenue, resulting from
a
decrease in slot coin-in and table games drop, predominantly caused by increases
in the price of gas which decreased automobile traffic to Las Vegas and the
entrance of a new competitor in the market served by Arizona Charlie’s Decatur.
For the three months ended March 31, 2007, slot machine revenues were $37.8
million, or 82.0% of casino revenues, and table game revenues were $6.6 million,
or 14.3% of casino revenues, compared to $38.2 million and $7.3 million,
respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Other casino
revenues, consisting of race and sports book, poker, bingo and keno, were $1.7
million and $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and
2006, respectively.
Non-Casino
Revenues
Hotel
revenues increased 3.7% to $18.1 million, or 20.0% of gross revenues, for the
three months ended March 31, 2007 from $17.4 million, or 19.0% of gross
revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This increase was
primarily due to a 5.6% increase in the average room rate, partially offset
by a
1.9% decrease in the hotel occupancy rate.
32
Food
and beverage revenues increased 1.1% to $18.3 million, or 20.2% of gross
revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $18.1 million, or
19.7% of gross revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This
increase was primarily due to an 8.9% increase in the average check amount
partially offset by a 7.2% decrease in the number of covers.
Tower,
retail and other revenues decreased 2.8% to $8.0 million, or 8.8% of gross
revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to $8.2
million, or 9.0% of gross revenues, for the three months ended March 31,
2006 due to inclement weather that resulted in the closure of the tower
rides.
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 13.9% for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 from 12.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
This increase was primarily due to increased marketing promotions, especially
at
the Stratosphere.
Operating
Expenses
Casino
operating expenses decreased 1.7% to $16.2 million, or 35.1% of casino revenues,
for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $16.5 million, or 34.3% of
casino revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This decrease
was primarily due to decreased participation expense.
Hotel
operating expenses decreased 2.2% to $6.7 million, or 37.0% of hotel revenues,
for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $6.8 million or 39.3% of
hotel revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This decrease
was primarily due to the decrease in hotel occupancy.
Food
and beverage operating expenses increased 1.0% to $13.3 million, or 73.0% of
food and beverage revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from
$13.2 million, or 73.1% of food and beverage revenues, for the three months
ended March 31, 2006. This increase was primarily due to increased supplies
cost.
Tower,
retail and other operating expenses decreased 16.2% to $3.6 million, or 44.6%
of
tower, retail and other revenues, for the three months ended March 31,
2007, from $4.2 million or 51.7% of tower, retail and other revenues, for the
three months ended March 31, 2006. This decrease was primarily due to
reduced entertainer fees due to the cancellation of the afternoon show at the
Stratosphere, Viva Las Vegas.
Selling,
general and administrative expenses were primarily comprised of payroll,
supplies, marketing, advertising, utilities and other administrative expenses.
These expenses decreased 3.8% to $20.0 million, or 22.1% of gross revenues,
for
the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $20.8 million, or 22.7% of
gross revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This decrease
was primarily due to decrease in legal fees and supplies.
Real
Estate
Our
real estate activities comprise three segments: rental real estate, property
development, and associated resort activities. The following table summarizes
the key unaudited operating data for the three segments for the periods
indicated (in $000s):
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||
2007
|
2006
|
|||||
Revenues:
|
||||||
Rental
real estate:
|
||||||
Interest
income on financing leases
|
|
$
|
1,578
|
|
$
|
1,735
|
Rental
income
|
1,939
|
1,511
|
||||
Subtotal
rental real estate
|
3,517
|
3,246
|
||||
Property
development
|
18,145
|
11,384
|
||||
Resort
operations
|
6,225
|
6,082
|
||||
Total
revenues
|
27,887
|
20,712
|
||||
Operating
expenses:
|
||||||
Rental
real estate
|
1,493
|
998
|
||||
Property
development
|
15,612
|
9,976
|
||||
Resort
operations
|
6,501
|
6,264
|
||||
Total
expenses
|
23,606
|
17,238
|
||||
Operating
income
|
$
|
4,281
|
$
|
3,474
|
33
Rental
Real Estate
We market
portions of our commercial real estate portfolio for sale. Unaudited sale
activity was as follows (in $000s, except unit data):
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||
2007
|
2006
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
Properties
sold
|
1
|
4
|
||||
Proceeds
received
|
|
$
|
4,359
|
|
$
|
973
|
Total
gain recorded
|
$
|
3,862
|
$
|
251
|
||
Gain
recorded in discontinued operations
|
$
|
3,862
|
$
|
251
|
Three
months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the three months ended
March 31, 2006
Revenues
increased to $3.5 million, or by 8.3 %, in the first quarter of 2007 from $3.2
million in the first quarter of 2006. The increase was primarily attributable
to
leasing of previously vacant space partially offset by increased financing
lease
amortization.
Operating
expenses increased to $1.5 million, or by 49.6%, in the first quarter of 2007
from $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2006. The increase was primarily
due
to increased property write downs and increased rental and administrative
expenses.
Property
Development
Property
development sales activity was as follows (in 000s, except unit data)
(unaudited):
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
||||||
2007
|
2006
|
|||||
Units
sold:
|
||||||
New
Seabury, Massachusetts
|
|
6
|
|
10
|
||
Grand
Harbor/Oak Harbor, Florida
|
5
|
2
|
||||
Falling
Waters, Florida
|
23
|
—
|
||||
Westchester,
New York
|
2
|
—
|
||||
Tampa
Bay, Florida
|
1
|
—
|
||||
37
|
12
|
|||||
Revenues:
|
||||||
New
Seabury, Massachusetts
|
$
|
3,583
|
$
|
9,033
|
||
Grand
Harbor/Oak Harbor, Florida
|
4,349
|
2,321
|
||||
Falling
Waters, Florida
|
5,466
|
—
|
||||
Westchester,
New York
|
3,243
|
30
|
||||
Tampa
Bay, Florida
|
1,504
|
—
|
||||
$
|
18,145
|
$
|
11,384
|
Three
months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the three months ended
March 31, 2006
Revenues
increased to $18.1 million, or 59.4%, in the first quarter of 2007, from $11.4
million in the first quarter of 2006. Operating expenses increased to $15.6
million, or 56.5%, in the first quarter of 2007 from $10.0 million in the
first quarter of 2006. Revenues and operating expenses increased due to an
increase in the number of units sold partially offset by a decrease in the
prices and related costs of units sold.
In the
first quarter of 2007, we sold 37 units at an average price of $490,405 with
a
profit margin of 14.0%. In the first quarter of 2006, we sold 12 units at an
average price of $948,667 with a profit margin of $12.4%. Increased sales and
operating income were generated in our Florida and New York developments. These
increases were partially offset by a decrease in New Seabury’s sales and
profits.
34
Due to the current residential and vacation home sales slowdown, property development sales and profits are expected to decline in fiscal 2007 from levels achieved in fiscal 2006.
Resort
Activities
Three
months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the three months ended
March 31, 2006
Revenues
increased to $6.2 million, or by 2.4%, in the first quarter of 2007 from $6.1
million in the first quarter of 2006, primarily attributable to increased club
dues.
Operating
expenses increased to $6.5 million, or by 3.8 %, in the first quarter of 2007
from $6.3 million in the first quarter of 2006, primarily due to increased
insurance expenses.
Home
Fashion
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 also operates
30 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%
as
described in Part I, Item 3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2006
filed with the SEC on March 6, 2007.
Overview
The first
quarter of 2007 remained challenging for WPI. Sales volume was $210.6 million,
a
decline of 13.5% compared to $243.5 million in the first quarter of 2006. The
decline was primarily attributable to a weaker retail sales environment and
our
continuing efforts to reduce revenues from less profitable programs. During
the
first quarter of 2007, WPI launched key new programs in both its bath and bed
sectors which should have an impact in the remainder of fiscal 2007.
For the
first quarter of 2007, gross margins were affected by competitive pricing and
a
soft retail environment, and lower manufacturing plant utilizations at some
of
our United States plants. WPI will continue to realign its manufacturing
operations to optimize its cost structure, pursuing offshore sourcing
arrangements that employ a combination of owned and operated facilities, joint
ventures and third-party supply contracts.
During
the first quarter of 2007, WPI continued to successfully implement its strategic
plans to shift manufacturing capacity from the United States to lower-cost
countries. WPI’s newly acquired bedding operation in Bahrain is now producing
product as planned, with significantly lower production costs. Additionally,
the
expansion of WPI’s joint venture bath manufacturing operation in Pakistan is
proceeding on schedule and should be fully operational by the fourth quarter
of
2007. WPI anticipates improvements in gross margins through cost of sales
reductions in the second half of 2007 and into 2008.
WPI is
lowering its selling, general and administrative expense by consolidating its
locations, reducing headcount and applying more stringent oversight of expense
areas where potential savings may be realized. For example, WPI entered into
a
long-term contract during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 to outsource its
accounts receivable and accounts payable transaction operations to a substantial
third party provider of these services. WPI expects to realize administrative
cost savings and improved service levels over the life of the contract. Selling,
general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2007 were $39.4
million as compared to $43.3 million for the first quarter of 2006, reflecting
WPI’s continuing efforts to reduce its selling, general and administrative
expenses over the time since it was acquired by AREP in August 2005.
35
Results
of
Operations
Summarized
statements of operations for WPI for the three months ended March 31, 2007
and 2006 are as follows (in $000s) (unaudited):
Three
Months
Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
Net
sales
|
|
$
|
210,604
|
|
$
|
243,490
|
|
Cost
of goods sold
|
205,910
|
228,360
|
|||||
Gross
earnings
|
4,694
|
15,130
|
|||||
Selling,
general and administrative expenses
|
39,398
|
43,317
|
|||||
Restructuring
and impairment charges
|
4,311
|
9,771
|
|||||
Operating
loss
|
$
|
(39,015
|
)
|
$
|
(37,958
|
)
|
Three
months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the three months ended
March 31, 2006
Net sales
for the first quarter of 2007 decreased $32.9 million, to $210.6 million, or
13.5% from net sales of $243.5 million for the first quarter of 2006. The
decrease was primarily related to lower sales volumes in all lines of business.
Bed products net sales for the first quarter of 2007 were $124.5 million, a
decrease of $11.5 million from $136.0 million, bath products net sales were
$71.3 million, a decrease of $19.2 million from $90.5 million and other net
sales were $14.8 million (consisting primarily of sales from the Company’s
retail outlet stores), a decrease of $2.2 million from $17.0 million for the
first quarter of 2006.
Total
depreciation expense for the first quarter of 2007 was $4.8 million, of which
$3.7 million was included in cost of sales and $1.1 million was included in
selling, general and administrative. Total depreciation expense for the first
quarter of 2006 was $10.4 million, of which $8.6 million was included in cost
of
sales and $1.8 million was included in selling, general and administrative.
Depreciation expenses were reduced primarily as the result of plant closures
subsequent to the first quarter of 2006.
Gross
earnings for the first quarter of 2007 were $4.7 million, or 2.2% of net sales,
compared with $15.1 million, or 6.2% of net sales during the first quarter
2006. Gross earnings during the first quarter of 2007 were negatively impacted
by higher production costs which include the carrying costs of plants scheduled
to be closed in fiscal 2007 and lower sales across all product lines.
For the
first three months of fiscal 2007, selling, general and administrative expenses
were $39.4 million, or 18.7% of net sales, compared to $43.3 million or 17.8%
of
net sales for the first quarter of 2006. The decrease was primarily attributable
to a decrease in selling, warehousing and shipping expenses.
Total
expenses for the first quarter of 2007 include $4.3 million of restructuring
charges (of which $1.3 million related to severance costs and $3.0 million
related to continuing costs of closed plants). Total expenses for the first
quarter of 2006 included $7.7 million of non-cash impairment charges and
$2.1 million of restructuring charges (of which $1.2 million related to
severance costs and $0.9 million related to continuing costs of closed
plants).
We expect
to continue our restructuring efforts and, accordingly, expect that
restructuring charges and operating losses will continue to be incurred
throughout fiscal 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
Activities
The
Holding Company engages in various activities including investing its available
liquidity, investing to earn returns from increases or decreases in the market
price of securities, investing in our subsidiaries’ growth, raising capital and
acquiring or divesting businesses.
36
Holding
Company Costs
Holding
Company costs are principally related to payroll, legal and other professional
fees and general expenses of the Holding Company.
Three
months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the three months ended
March 31, 2006
Holding
Company costs decreased $3.5 million, or 31.1%, to $7.7 million in the first
quarter of 2007, as compared to $11.1 million in the first quarter of 2006
due
largely to the impact of a compensation charge related to the cancellation
of
unit options of $6.2 million in fiscal 2006, offset in part by higher legal
and
professional fees in fiscal 2007 relating to increased merger and acquisition
activities and financing transactions.
Interest
Income and Expense
Three
months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the three months ended
March 31, 2006
Interest
expense increased 31.1% to $33.0 million, during the first quarter of 2007
as
compared to $25.2 million in the first quarter of 2006. This increase is a
result of interest incurred on the $500.0 million additional 7.125% senior
notes
issued in January 2007.
Interest
income increased 172.3%, to $31.5 million during the first quarter of 2007
as
compared to $11.6 million in the first quarter of 2006. 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.
Other
Income (Expense), net
Other
Income (Expense), net, is comprised of the following (in $000s):
Three Months Ended
March 31, |
|||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Net
realized gains on sales of marketable securities
|
|
$
|
5,177
|
|
$
|
33,431
|
|
Unrealized
gains on marketable securities
|
72,126
|
15,478
|
|||||
Net
realized losses on securities sold short
|
(1,510
|
)
|
(5,131
|
)
|
|||
Unrealized
gains (losses) on securities sold short
|
3,617
|
(25,476
|
)
|
||||
Gain
on sale of assets
|
3,612
|
—
|
|||||
Other
|
1,759
|
3,007
|
|||||
$
|
84,781
|
$
|
21,309
|
We
recorded approximately $63.9 million of unrealized gains in the first quarter
of
fiscal 2007 resulting from the change in the market price of ImClone’s
stock.
Minority
Interests
Minority
interest totaled $11.6 million and $15.1 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, primarily as a result of the impact
of the minority interests’ share of the losses incurred by WPI.
Effective
Income Tax Rate
We
recorded income tax provisions of $6.9 million and $5.2 million on pre-tax
income of $64.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and
pre-tax loss of $19.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Our effective income tax rate was 10.8% and (27.0)% for the respective periods.
The difference between the effective tax rate and the statutory federal rate
of
35% is due principally to income or losses from partnership entities in which
taxes are the responsibility of the partners, as well as changes in valuation
allowances.
Seasonality
Generally,
our
Nevada gaming and entertainment properties are not affected by seasonal trends.
However, the Aquarius tends to have increased customer flow mid-January through
April. Resort operations are highly seasonal
37
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. The Home Fashion segment experiences
its peak sales season in the fall.
Consolidated
Financial Results
As of
March 31, 2007, the Holding Company had a cash and cash equivalents balance
of
$2.0 billion, short-term investments of $560.4 million (of which $162.0 million
was invested in short-term fixed-income securities) and total debt of $1.3
billion, which primarily relates to the senior unsecured notes.
In
addition, we also have the ability to draw down on our credit facility. In
August 2006, we entered into a credit agreement with a consortium of banks
pursuant to which we will be permitted to borrow up to $150.0 million. As of
March 31, 2007, there were no borrowings under the facility. See “Borrowings”
below for additional information concerning credit facilities for our
subsidiaries.
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
in November 2006 resulted in significant increases in our liquid assets.
However, we may make investments in our operating businesses or make investments
in new businesses, which would reduce our liquid assets.
As a
holding company, 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 resulting from divestitures,
equity and debt financings, interest income, and the payment of funds to us
by
our subsidiaries in the form of loans, dividends and distributions. We may
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. To the degree
any distributions and transfers are impaired or prohibited, our ability to
make
payments on our debt could be limited. The operating results of our subsidiaries
may not be sufficient for them 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.
Cash
Resources
During
2007 we consummated the following transactions that provided an aggregate of
$1.3 billion:
On
January 16, 2007, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of
additional 7.125 % senior notes due 2013. The additional 7.125% senior notes
were issued pursuant to an indenture dated February 7, 2005, between us, as
issuer, and AREF, as co-issuer, AREH, as guarantor, and Wilmington Trust
Company, as trustee. The additional 7.125% senior notes have a fixed annual
interest rate of 7.125%, which will be paid every six months on February 15
and
August 15 and will mature on February 15, 2013.
In April
2007, we issued $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior convertible
notes due 2013. The notes bear interest of LIBOR minus 125 basis points, but
no
less than 4% nor higher than 5.5%, and are convertible into depositary units
of
AREP at a conversion price of $132.595 per share, subject to adjustments in
certain circumstances.
On April
4, 2007, our subsidiaries signed agreements to sell their entire position in
the
common stock of SandRidge (formerly Riata Energy, Inc.) to a consortium of
investors in a series of private transactions. The per share selling price
was
$18, and total cash consideration received at closing was approximately $243.2
million.
On April
22, 2007, American Entertainment Properties Corp, or AEP, a wholly owned
indirect subsidiary of AREP, entered into a Membership Interest Purchase
Agreement with W2007/ACEP Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Whitehall Street Real
Estate Funds, a series of real estate investment funds affiliated with Goldman,
Sachs & Co., to sell all of the issued and outstanding membership interests
of ACEP, which comprises AREP’s gaming operations,
38
for
$1.3 billion, plus or minus certain adjustments such as working capital, more
fully described in the agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, AEP
is
required to cause ACEP to repay, from funds provided by AEP, the principal,
interest, prepayment penalty or premium due on ACEP’s 7.85% senior secured notes
due 2012 and ACEP’s senior secured credit facility. With this transaction, AREP
anticipates realizing a gain of approximately $0.8 billion on its investments
in
ACEP, before income taxes. ACEP’s casino assets are comprised of the
Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower, the Arizona Charlie’s Decatur, the
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder and the Aquarius Casino Resort. The transaction is
subject to the approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Nevada State
Gaming Control Board, as well as customary conditions. The parties expect to
close the transaction in approximately eight months; however, we cannot assure
you that we will be able to consummate the transaction.
Cash
Commitments
In
February 2007, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger pursuant to
which
we would acquire Lear Corporation, or Lear, for an aggregate purchase price
of
approximately $5.2 billion. In connection with the planned merger, our
subsidiary, AREP Car Holdings Corp., entered into a commitment letter with
Bank
of America, N.A., and Banc of America Securities LLC on February 8, 2007,
pursuant to which Bank of America would 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, we 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 covenants restricting debt
incurred.
Cash
Flows
Net cash
used in continuing operating activities was $11.5 million for the first three
months of 2007 as compared to net cash used in continuing operating activities
of $88.7 million in the first three months of 2006. The change in cash used
in
continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was due to
a decrease in net cash used related to trading securities and changes in various
working capital asset categories. Our cash and cash equivalents increased by
$419.3 million at March 31, 2007, from December 31, 2006, primarily due to
the net proceeds from long term-debt of $492.1 million issued in January
2007.
We are
continuing to pursue the purchase of assets, including assets that may not
generate positive cash flow, may be 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 other companies that are in need of capital. All of these activities require
us to maintain a strong capital base and liquidity.
39
Borrowings
Long-term
debt consists of the following (in $000s):
March 31,
2007 |
December
31,
2006 |
||||||
(unaudited)
|
|||||||
Senior
unsecured 7.125% notes due 2013 – AREP
|
|
$
|
972,294
|
|
$
|
480,000
|
|
Senior
unsecured 8.125% notes due 2012 – AREP
|
351,327
|
351,246
|
|||||
Senior
secured 7.85% notes due 2012 – ACEP
|
215,000
|
215,000
|
|||||
Borrowings
under credit facility – ACEP
|
40,000
|
40,000
|
|||||
Mortgages
payable
|
108,027
|
109,289
|
|||||
Other
|
12,470
|
13,425
|
|||||
Total
long-term debt
|
1,699,118
|
1,208,960
|
|||||
Less
current portion, including debt related to assets held for sale
|
(23,620
|
)
|
(23,970
|
)
|
|||
$
|
1,675,498
|
$
|
1,184,990
|
AREP
Senior unsecured 7.125% notes due 2013
On
February 7, 2005, we issued $480.0 million aggregate principal amount of the
7.125% notes, priced at 100% of principal amount. The 7.125% notes were issued
pursuant to an indenture dated February 7, 2005 between us, as issuer, American
Real Estate Finance Corp., or AREF, as co-issuer, AREH, as guarantor, and
Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (referred to herein as the 2005 Indenture).
Other than AREH, no other subsidiaries guarantee payment on the notes. AREF,
our
wholly owned subsidiary, was formed solely for the purpose of serving as a
co-issuer of the 7.125% notes.
On
January 16, 2007, we issued an additional $500.0 million aggregate principal
amount of 7.125% senior notes, or the additional 7.125% notes (the 7.125% notes
and the additional 7.125% notes being referred to herein as the notes), priced
at 98.4% of par, or at a discount of 1.6%, pursuant to the 2005 Indenture.
The
notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 7.125%, which will be paid every
six
months on February 15 and August 15 and will mature on February 15, 2013. At
the
time we issued the additional 7.125% senior notes, we entered into a new
registration rights agreement in which we agreed to permit noteholders to
exchange the notes for new notes which have been registered under the Securities
Act.
AREP
Senior unsecured 8.125% notes due 2012
On May
12, 2004, AREP and AREH co-issued senior unsecured 8.125% notes due 2012, or
the
8.125% notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $353 million. The 8.125%
notes were priced at 99.266% of principal amount and have a fixed annual
interest rate of 8.125%, which will be paid every six months on June 1 and
December 1, commencing December 1, 2004. The 8.125% notes will mature on June
1,
2012. AREH is a guarantor of the debt. No other subsidiaries guarantee payment
on the notes.
Senior
unsecured notes restrictions and covenants — AREP
The
indentures governing 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 indentures 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 be less than 1.75 to 1.0. As of March 31, 2007, such ratio was less
than 1.75 to 1.0.
The
indentures governing of our senior unsecured notes require that on each
quarterly determination date we and the guarantor 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 first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2007, the
ratio of cash flow to fixed charges was greater than 1.5 to 1.0.
The
indentures 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
40
the
most recently completed fiscal quarter. As of March 31, 2007, such ratio
was in excess of 1.5 to 1.0. Based on this ratio, as of March 31, 2007, we
and AREH could have incurred up to approximately $1.4 billion of additional
indebtedness.
AREP
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
On August
21, 2006, we and AREF, 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
March 31, 2007, 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 are 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 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
The
indenture governing 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.” The
indenture also prohibits 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 be at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro
forma basis giving effect to the debt incurrence or issuance. As of
March 31, 2007, such ratio was in excess of 2.0 to 1.0. The indenture also
restricts the creation of liens, the sale of assets, mergers, consolidations
or
sales of substantially all of ACEP’s 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 March 31, 2007, the interest rate
on the outstanding borrowings under the credit facility was 6.82% 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 amended and
restated 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 are due and payable on May 10, 2010. As of
March 31, 2007, 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
41
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
March 31, 2007, such ratio was less than 1.0 to 1.0. As of March 31,
2007, 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 non-recourse to us, bear interest at rates between
4.97% and 7.99% and have maturities between September 1, 2008 and July 1,
2016.
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%. 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 March 31, 2007, there were no
borrowings under the agreement, but there were outstanding letters of credit
of
approximately $26.6 million, the majority of which relate to trade obligations.
Quarterly
Distributions
On
May 4, 2007, the Board of Directors approved a $0.05 increase in our
quarterly distribution policy and payment of a quarterly cash distribution
of
$0.15 per unit on our depositary units payable in the second quarter of fiscal
2007. The distribution will be paid on June 1, 2007 to depositary
unitholders of record at the close of business on May 22, 2007. Under the
terms of the indenture dated April 5, 2007 governing our senior convertible
notes due 2013, we will also be making a $0.05 distribution to holders of these
notes in accordance with the formula set forth in the indenture.
On
February 27, 2007, the Board of Directors approved payment of a quarterly
cash distribution of $0.10 per unit on our depositary units in the first quarter
of 2007. The distribution was paid on March 29, 2007 to depositary
unitholders of record at the close of business on March 14, 2007.
The
payment of future distributions will be determined by the Board of Directors
quarterly. There can be no assurance as to whether or in what amounts any future
distributions might be paid.
Contractual
Commitments
As of
March 31, 2007, other than the issuance of an additional $500.0 million
aggregate principal amount of the additional 7.125% senior notes due 2013,
there
were no other material changes in our contractual obligations or any other
long-term liabilities reflected on our consolidated balance sheet as compared
to
those reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2006, filed with
the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2006.
Off
Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do
not
maintain any off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other
relationships with unconsolidated entities or others.
42
Segment
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Gaming
ACEP’s
primary source of cash is from the operation of its properties. At
March 31, 2007, ACEP had cash and cash equivalents of $70.5 million. For
the three months ended March 31, 2007, net cash provided by operating
activities (including the operations of the Aquarius) totaled approximately
$18.5 million compared to approximately $15.4 million for the three months
ended
March 31, 2006. The change in cash provided by operating activities was
attributable to the increase in net income from $9.8 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2006 to $11.8 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2007, reflecting factors discussed above. In addition to
cash from operations, cash is available to ACEP, if necessary, under the senior
secured revolving credit facility entered into by ACEP, as borrower, and certain
of our subsidiaries, as guarantors. In May 2006, ACEP 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 ACEP complying 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 its acquisition of the Aquarius. At March 31, 2007, ACEP had
outstanding borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facility of
$40.0 million and availability of $20.0 million.
ACEP’s
primary use of cash during the three months ended March 31, 2007 was for
operating expenses, to pay interest on ACEP’s 7.85% senior secured notes due
2012 and interest under ACEP’s senior secured revolving credit facility. ACEP’s
capital spending was approximately $3.8 million, and $2.2 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. ACEP’s has estimated
its 2007 capital spending for its existing facilities at approximately $31.1
million, which it anticipates to include approximately $14.9 million to purchase
new and convert existing slot machines and approximately $8.5 million for
remaining Aquarius hotel renovations. The remainder of ACEP’s capital spending
estimate for 2007 will be for upgrades or maintenance to its existing
assets.
ACEP
believes operating cash flows will be adequate to meet its 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 ACEP,or if
available, the financing may not be on terms favorable to ACEP. ACEP’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.
The
indenture governing ACEP’s 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 restrict the
payment of cash dividends or distributions, the purchase of equity interests,
and the purchase, redemption, defeasance or acquisition of debt subordinated
to
the investments as “restricted payments” by ACEP. The indenture also prohibits
the incurrence of debt and the issuance of disqualified or preferred stock,
as
defined, by ACEP and its restricted subsidiaries, with certain exceptions,
provided that ACEP may incur debt or issue disqualified or preferred stock
if,
immediately after such incurrence or issuance, the ratio of consolidated cash
flow to fixed charges (each as defined in the indenture governing the 7.85%
senior secured notes due 2012) 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 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 March 31, 2007, such ratio was 4.3 to 1.0. The indenture
also restricts the creation of liens, the sale of assets, mergers,
consolidations or sales of substantially all of ACEP’s assets, the lease or
grant of a license, concession, other agreements to occupy, manage or use its
assets, the issuance of capital stock of restricted subsidiaries and certain
related party transactions. The indenture allows ACEP, and its restricted
subsidiaries, 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),
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
million.
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
43
consolidated
cash flow be not more than 1.0 to 1.0. As of March 31, 2007, this ratio was
0.5 to 1.0. At March 31, 2007, there were $40.0 million of borrowings
outstanding under the facility and availability of $20.0 million.
Real
Estate
Our real
estate operating units generate cash though 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. In 2007,
our development operations are expected to require cash expenditures of
approximately $50 million. We expect that such amounts will be funded from
unit
sales and, to the extent such proceeds are insufficient, by AREP from available
cash.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2007, we sold one rental real estate
property for $4.4 million, which was unencumbered by mortgage debt.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2006, we sold four rental real estate
properties for $1.0 million, which were unencumbered by mortgage debt.
Home
Fashion
For the
quarter ended March 31, 2007, our Home Fashion segment had a negative cash
flow from operations of $23.7 million. The negative cash flow from operations
was principally due to net operating losses and ongoing restructuring efforts
offset in part by an $8.7 million reduction in working capital. 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
fiscal 2007.
At
March 31, 2007, WPI had $148.9 million of unrestricted cash. There were no
borrowings under the WestPoint Home senior secured revolving credit agreement,
but there were outstanding letters of credit of $26.6 million. Based upon
the eligibility and reserve calculations within the agreement, WestPoint Home
had unused borrowing availability of approximately $132.1 million at
March 31, 2007.
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.
Capital
expenditures by WPI were $12.4 million for the quarter ended March 31,
2007, compared to $1.4 million for the comparable period last year. Capital
expenditures for fiscal 2007 are expected to total approximately $28.1 million.
During the first quarter of 2007, WPI received $6.7 million of net proceeds
from
sale of assets as compared to $7.1 million in the comparable period last
year.
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.
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 and Section 21E of
the
1934 Act, 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
44
parties,
which could cause 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.
Our
future results could differ materially from our forward-looking 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 Risk Factors in our Annual Report on
Form
10-K for fiscal 2006.
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 and equity prices. Reference is made to Part II, Item 7A of our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2006 that we filed with the SEC on March 6,
2007
for disclosures relating to interest rates and our equity prices. As of
March 31, 2007 there have been no material changes in the market risks in
these two categories.
As of
March 31, 2007, our management, including our Principal Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and
operation of the Company’s and our subsidiaries’ disclosure controls and
procedures pursuant to the Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the
’34 act. 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.
Changes
in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There
have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting
during the three months ended March 31, 2007 that have materially affected,
or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
45
We are
from time to time parties to various legal proceedings arising out of our businesses.
We believe however, that other than the proceedings described in Part I, Item
3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2006, filed with the SEC on March
6, 2007, including that relating to WPI and Lear 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
WPI
Litigation
In August
2005, WPI acquired substantially all of the assets of WestPoint Stevens, Inc.
pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court, or the Sale Order. We were holders
of approximately 39.99% of the outstanding first lien debt and approximately
51.21% of the outstanding second lien debt of WestPoint Stevens, Inc. Since
2005, we have been involved in litigation with certain of the first lien holders
of WestPoint Stevens, Inc., or the Contrarian Group, in the Bankruptcy Court,
the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and, since 2006,
in the Delaware Chancery Court, relating to the Sale Order and our ownership
of a majority of the common stock of WPI. In late 2005, the District ruled on
the Contrarian Group’s appeal of the Sale Order and remanded the matter
to the Bankruptcy Court. 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 Bankruptcy Court
also issued a stay of the Remand Order pending the parties’ appeal. Both
parties appealed the Bankruptcy Court’s Remand Order to the District Court.
In addition, the Contrarian Group requested that the stay be lifted or that
we be required to post a bond as a condition to the continuance of the stay.
On May 9, 2007, the District Court denied the Contrarian Group’s motion
to lift the stay of the Remand Order, but conditioned the continuation of the
stay on the posting of a bond of $200 million by May 17, 2007. The order is
without prejudice to the right of any party to seek a change in the amount of
the bond. We are currently reviewing the order. As of the date hereof, the District
Court has not rendered a decision on the cross-appeals.
On January
19, 2007, the trustee for the first lien lenders, Beal Bank, and certain of
the first lien lenders 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
to us in December 2006 of the preferred stock of WPI, or, alternatively, directing
that such preferred stock be held in trust. We have filed a motion to dismiss
the Delaware action to which the Plaintiffs have objected. Oral argument is
scheduled for May 23, 2007.
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 March 31, 2007 and WPI’s results of operations
for the period from the date of acquisition through March 31, 2007. 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 March 31, 2007, 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.
Lear
Corporation
We have been named as a defendant in various actions 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
46
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 the Company, 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. A motion for a preliminary injunction
is scheduled to be heard on June 6, 2007.
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 also serves on the board of Lear. The allegations in these
actions are generally similar to those asserted in the Delaware lawsuits. On May 9,
2007, the Circuit court ruled in our favor and dismissed all three of these
lawsuits based upon a determination that plaintiffs’ claims should be adjudicated
in the above referenced Delaware action.
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.
The risk
factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2007 have not materially
changed.
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.
47
Pursuant
to the requirements 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 MEISTER
|
|
Keith Meister
Principal Executive Officer |
Date: May 9, 2007
48
EXHIBITS
INDEX
Exhibit
No.
|
|
Description
|
Exhibit 31.1
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer
pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
Exhibit
31.2
|
Certification of
Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
Exhibit
32.1
|
Certification of
Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
|
|
Exhibit
32.2
|
Certification of
Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
|
48