UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number: 1-12882
BOYD GAMING CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 88-0242733 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
3883 Howard Hughes Parkway, Ninth Floor, Las Vegas NV 89169
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(702) 792-7200
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Common Stock, par value of $0.01 per share | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ¨ | Accelerated filer | x | |||
Non-accelerated filer | ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company | ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of June 30, 2009, the aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange for such date, was approximately $428.8 million.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class |
Outstanding as of March 1, 2010 | |
Common stock, $0.01 par value | 86,130,453 shares |
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the registrants 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the registrants fiscal year end of December 31, 2009 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
BOYD GAMING CORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009
Page No. | ||||
PART I | ||||
ITEM 1. | 1 | |||
ITEM 1A. | 11 | |||
ITEM 1B. | 27 | |||
ITEM 2. | 27 | |||
ITEM 3. | 27 | |||
ITEM 4. | 28 | |||
ITEM 4A. | 28 | |||
PART II | ||||
ITEM 5. | 29 | |||
ITEM 6. | 30 | |||
ITEM 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
33 | ||
ITEM 7A. | 59 | |||
ITEM 8. | 61 | |||
ITEM 9. | Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
61 | ||
ITEM 9A. | 61 | |||
ITEM 9B. | 63 | |||
PART III | ||||
ITEM 10. | 63 | |||
ITEM 11. | 63 | |||
ITEM 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
63 | ||
ITEM 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
63 | ||
ITEM 14. | 63 | |||
PART IV | ||||
ITEM 15. | 64 | |||
SIGNATURES | 120 |
PART I
ITEM 1. | Business. |
Overview
Boyd Gaming Corporation (the Company, the Registrant, Boyd Gaming, we or us) is a multi-jurisdictional gaming company that has been operating for approximately 35 years. As of December 31, 2009, we wholly-owned and operated 15 casino entertainment facilities located in Nevada, Mississippi, Illinois, Louisiana and Indiana. In addition, we own and operate a pari-mutuel jai-alai facility located in Dania Beach, Florida, a travel agency, and a captive insurance company that underwrites travel-related insurance. As of December 31, 2009, we owned an aggregate of approximately 812,500 square feet of casino space, containing approximately 21,400 slot machines, 425 table games and 7,550 hotel rooms. We derive the majority of our gross revenues from our gaming operations, which produced approximately 75%, 74%, and 75% of gross revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. Food and beverage gross revenues, which produced approximately 13%, 13%, and 12% of gross revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively, represent the only other revenue source which produced more than 10% of gross revenues during these periods.
We are also a 50% member in a limited liability company that owns and operates Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Significant developments affecting our business during the past five years are as follows:
| We began construction on Echelon, our multibillion dollar Las Vegas Strip development project, in the second quarter of 2007. Echelon is located on the former Stardust site, which we closed in November 2006 and demolished in March 2007. On August 1, 2008, due to the difficult environment in the capital markets, as well as weak economic conditions, we announced the delay of our Echelon development project. We remain committed to having a meaningful presence on the Las Vegas Strip. During the period of delay, we intend to consider alternative development options for Echelon, which may include developing the project in phases, alternative capital structures for the project, scope modifications to the project, or additional strategic partnerships, among others. We can provide no assurances as to when, or if, construction will resume on the project, or if we will be able to obtain alternative sources of financing for the project. |
| Our new hotel at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa opened on January 22, 2009, following completion of an expansion project that added a 22-story hotel, which includes 300 guest rooms, a spa and fitness center, additional meeting and event space, as well as new dining and nightlife venues to the existing property structures. |
| In 2008, we completed the launch of our nationwide branding initiative and loyalty program. Players are now able to use their Club Coast or B Connected cards to earn and redeem points at nearly all of our wholly-owned Boyd Gaming property in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana and Mississippi. |
| The Water Club, an 800-room boutique hotel expansion project at Borgata, opened in June 2008. The expansion includes five swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa, additional meeting and retail space, and a separate porte-cochere and front desk. |
| In February 2007, we completed our exchange of the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino and its related 4.2 acres of land for approximately 24 acres located north of and contiguous to our Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip in a nonmonetary, tax-free transaction. |
| In October 2006, we sold the South Coast Hotel and Casino for total consideration of approximately $513 million, consisting of approximately $401 million in cash and approximately 3.4 million shares of our common stock valued at $112 million. |
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| In January 2006, we expanded our Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa through the construction of a single-level boat that allowed us to expand our casino. In connection with this expansion, we also added a new parking structure and enhanced the land-based pavilion. |
We are subject to a variety of regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate and are required to be licensed by certain authorities in order to conduct gaming operations. A more detailed description of the regulations to which we are subject is contained in Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
For further information related to our segment information for revenues, net income and total assets as of and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, see Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements presented in Part IV, Item 15, Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
Business Strategy and Competitive Strengths
Our properties generally operate in highly competitive environments. We compete against other gaming companies as well as other hospitality and leisure companies. We believe that the following factors have contributed to our success in the past and are central to our future success:
| we emphasize slot revenues, the most consistently profitable segment of the gaming industry; |
| we have comprehensive marketing and promotion programs; |
| six of our Las Vegas properties are well-positioned to capitalize on the Las Vegas locals market; |
| our downtown Las Vegas properties focus their marketing programs on, and derive a majority of their revenues from, a unique niche Hawaiian customers; |
| our operations are geographically diversified within the United States; |
| we have the ability to expand certain existing properties and make opportunistic and strategic acquisitions; and |
| we have an experienced management team. |
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Properties
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our wholly-owned properties (listed by the segment in which each such property is reported) and Borgata, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Year Opened or Acquired |
Casino Space (Sq. ft.) |
Slot Machines |
Table Games |
Hotel Rooms |
Hotel Occupancy |
Average Daily Rate | ||||||||||
LAS VEGAS LOCALS |
||||||||||||||||
Gold Coast Hotel and Casino |
2004 | 85,500 | 2,058 | 49 | 711 | 82 | % | $ | 50 | |||||||
The Orleans Hotel and Casino |
2004 | 133,800 | 2,812 | 60 | 1,885 | 87 | % | $ | 50 | |||||||
Sams Town Hotel and Gambling Hall |
1979 | 126,700 | 2,370 | 30 | 646 | 88 | % | $ | 45 | |||||||
Suncoast Hotel and Casino |
2004 | 95,000 | 2,217 | 36 | 426 | 83 | % | $ | 70 | |||||||
Eldorado Casino |
1993 | 24,200 | 448 | 5 | | |||||||||||
Jokers Wild Casino |
1993 | 28,100 | 484 | 7 | | |||||||||||
DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS |
||||||||||||||||
California Hotel and Casino |
1975 | 36,000 | 1,078 | 29 | 781 | 87 | % | $ | 34 | |||||||
Fremont Hotel and Casino |
1985 | 30,200 | 1,060 | 24 | 447 | 85 | % | $ | 37 | |||||||
Main Street Station Casino, Brewery and Hotel |
1993 | 27,000 | 864 | 18 | 406 | 85 | % | $ | 38 | |||||||
MIDWEST AND SOUTH |
||||||||||||||||
Mississippi |
||||||||||||||||
Sams Town Hotel and Gambling Hall |
1994 | 66,000 | 1,315 | 33 | 842 | 77 | % | $ | 48 | |||||||
Illinois |
||||||||||||||||
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino |
1996 | 26,000 | 1,146 | 22 | 202 | 89 | % | $ | 65 | |||||||
Indiana |
||||||||||||||||
Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa |
1999 | 65,000 | 1,944 | 47 | 486 | 72 | % | $ | 71 | |||||||
Louisiana |
||||||||||||||||
Treasure Chest Casino |
1997 | 24,000 | 968 | 36 | | |||||||||||
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel |
2001 | 15,000 | 1,615 | | 203 | 92 | % | $ | 56 | |||||||
Sams Town Hotel and Casino |
2004 | 30,000 | 1,038 | 29 | 514 | 92 | % | $ | 81 | |||||||
Total of wholly-owned properties |
812,500 | 21,417 | 425 | 7,549 | ||||||||||||
Atlantic City, New Jersey Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa |
2003 | 160,000 | 3,928 | 182 | 2,771 | 83 | % | $ | 133 |
In addition to the properties discussed above, we own and operate a pari-mutuel jai-alai facility in Dania Beach, Florida, one travel agency, and an insurance company that underwrites travel-related insurance. We also own 85 contiguous acres of land on the Las Vegas Strip where the Stardust was formerly located, of which 62 acres has been designated for our multibillion dollar Echelon development project.
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Las Vegas Locals Segment
Our Las Vegas Locals segment consists of six casinos that serve the resident population of the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which has been one of the fastest growing areas in the United States over the last decade. Las Vegas has historically been characterized by a vibrant economy and strong demographics that include a large population of retirees and other active gaming customers; however, the current recession has had an adverse impact on the growth and economy of Las Vegas, resulting in significant declines in the local housing market and rising unemployment in the Las Vegas valley, which has negatively affected consumer spending. Our Las Vegas Locals segment competes directly with other locals casinos and gaming companies, some of which operate larger casinos than ours.
Gold Coast Hotel and Casino
Gold Coast Hotel and Casino (Gold Coast) is located on Flamingo Road, approximately one mile west of the Las Vegas Strip and one-quarter mile west of Interstate 15, the major highway linking Las Vegas and southern California. Its location offers easy access from all four directions in the Las Vegas valley. The primary target market for Gold Coast consists of local middle-market customers who actively gamble. Gold Coasts amenities include 711 hotel rooms and suites along with meeting facilities, multiple restaurant options, a 70-lane bowling center and action-packed gaming, including slots, table games, a poker room, a race and sports book and a bingo center.
The Orleans Hotel and Casino
The Orleans Hotel and Casino (The Orleans) is located on Tropicana Avenue, a short distance from the Las Vegas Strip. The target markets for The Orleans are both local residents and visitors to the Las Vegas area. The Orleans provides an exciting New Orleans French Quarter-themed environment. Amenities at The Orleans include 1,885 hotel rooms, a variety of restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness center, 18 stadium-seating movie theaters, a 70-lane bowling center, banquet and meeting space, and a special events arena that seats up to 9,500 patrons.
Sams Town Hotel and Gambling Hall
Sams Town Hotel and Gambling Hall (Sams Town Las Vegas) is located on the Boulder Strip, approximately six miles east of the Las Vegas Strip, and features a contemporary western theme. Its informal, friendly atmosphere appeals to both local residents and visitors alike. Amenities at Sams Town Las Vegas include 646 hotel rooms, a variety of restaurants and bars, 18 stadium-seating movie theaters, and a 56-lane bowling center. Gaming, bowling and live entertainment create a social center that has attracted many Las Vegas residents to Sams Town Las Vegas.
Suncoast Hotel and Casino
Suncoast Hotel and Casino (Suncoast) is located in Peccole Ranch, a master-planned community adjacent to Summerlin, and is readily accessible from most major points in Las Vegas, including downtown and the Las Vegas Strip. The primary target market for Suncoast consists of local middle-market customers who gamble frequently. Suncoast is a Mediterranean-themed facility that features 426 hotel rooms, multiple restaurant options, 25,000 square feet of banquet and meeting facilities, 16 stadium-seating movie theatres, and a 64-lane bowling center.
Eldorado Casino and Jokers Wild Casino
Located in downtown Henderson, the Eldorado Casino (Eldorado) is approximately 14 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Jokers Wild Casino (Jokers Wild) is also located in Henderson. The amenities at each of these properties include slots, table games, a sports book, and dining options. The principal customers of these properties are Henderson residents.
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Downtown Las Vegas Segment
Our Unique Downtown Niche
We directly compete with 11 casinos that operate in downtown Las Vegas; however, we have developed a distinct niche for our downtown properties by focusing on customers from Hawaii. Our downtown properties focus their marketing on gaming enthusiasts from Hawaii and tour and travel agents in Hawaii with whom we have cultivated relationships since we opened our California Hotel and Casino (California) in 1975. Through our Hawaiian travel agency, Vacations Hawaii, we operate as many as six charter flights from Honolulu to Las Vegas each week, helping to ensure a stable supply of air transportation. We also have strong, informal relationships with other Hawaiian travel agencies and offer affordable all-inclusive packages. These relationships, combined with our Hawaiian promotions, have allowed California, Fremont Hotel and Casino (Fremont) and Main Street Station Casino, Brewery and Hotel (Main Street Station) to capture a significant share of the Hawaiian tourist trade in Las Vegas. For the year ended December 31, 2009, patrons from Hawaii comprised approximately 66% of the occupied room nights at California, 52% of the occupied room nights at Fremont, and 54% of the occupied room nights at Main Street Station.
California Hotel and Casino
Californias amenities include 781 hotel rooms, multiple dining options, a sports book, and meeting space. California and Main Street Station are connected by an indoor pedestrian bridge.
Fremont Hotel and Casino
Fremont is adjacent to the principal pedestrian thoroughfare in downtown Las Vegas known as the Fremont Street Experience. The propertys amenities include 447 hotel rooms, a race and sports book, and meeting space.
Main Street Station Casino, Brewery and Hotel
Main Street Stations amenities include 406 hotel rooms and three restaurants, one of which includes a brewery. In addition, Main Street Station features a 96-space recreational vehicle park, the only such facility in the downtown area.
Midwest and South Segment
Our Midwest and South properties consist of four dockside riverboat casinos, one racino and one barge-based casino that operate in four states in the Midwest and southern United States. Generally, these states allow casino gaming on a limited basis through the issuance of a limited number of gaming licenses. Our Midwest and South properties generally serve customers within a 100-mile radius and compete directly with other casino facilities operating in their respective immediate and surrounding market areas, as well as with gaming operations in surrounding jurisdictions.
Sams Town Hotel and Gambling Hall
Sams Town Hotel and Gambling Hall (Sams Town Tunica) is a barge-based casino located in Tunica County, Mississippi. The property has extensive amenities, including 842 hotel rooms, an entertainment lounge, four dining venues, and the 1,600-seat River Palace Arena. Tunica is the closest gaming market to Memphis, Tennessee and is located approximately 30 miles south of Memphis. The adult population within a 250-mile radius is over nine million people, which includes the cities of Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee, Jackson, Mississippi and Little Rock, Arkansas.
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Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino (Par-A-Dice) is a dockside riverboat casino located on the Illinois River in East Peoria, Illinois that features a 202-room hotel. Located adjacent to the Par-A-Dice riverboat is a land-based pavilion, which includes three restaurants, a cocktail lounge, and a gift shop. Par-A-Dice is strategically located near Interstate 74, a major east-west interstate highway. Par-A-Dice is the only gaming facility located within approximately 90 miles of Peoria, Illinois.
Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa
Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa (Blue Chip) is a dockside riverboat casino located in Michigan City, Indiana, which is 40 miles west of South Bend, Indiana and 60 miles east of Chicago, Illinois. The property competes primarily with five casinos in northern Indiana and southern Michigan and, to a lesser extent, with casinos in the Chicago area and racinos located near Indianapolis. On January 31, 2006, we began operations on our newly constructed single-level dockside riverboat. The new boat allowed us to expand our casino and in connection with the construction of our new boat, add a new parking structure and enhance the land-based pavilion. On January 22, 2009, we completed an expansion project at Blue Chip that added a 22-story hotel, which includes 300 guest rooms, a spa and fitness center, additional meeting and event space, as well as new dining and nightlife venues to the existing property structure.
Treasure Chest Casino
Treasure Chest Casino (Treasure Chest) is a dockside riverboat casino located on Lake Pontchartrain in the western suburbs of New Orleans, Louisiana. The property is designed as a classic 18th century Victorian style paddlewheel riverboat, with a total capacity for 1,750 people. The entertainment complex located adjacent to the riverboat houses a 140-seat Caribbean showroom and two restaurants. Located approximately five miles from the New Orleans International Airport, Treasure Chest primarily serves residents of suburban New Orleans.
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel
In 2001, we acquired substantially all of the assets of the Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel (Delta Downs) in Vinton, Louisiana. Delta Downs has historically conducted horse races on a seasonal basis and operated year-round simulcast facilities for customers to wager on races held at other tracks. In 2002, we began slot operations in connection with a renovation project that expanded the facility. We completed an expansion of the casino in 2004 and opened a 203-room hotel at the property in 2005.
Delta Downs is approximately 25 miles closer to Houston than the next closest gaming property, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Customers traveling from Houston, Beaumont and other parts of southeastern Texas will generally have to drive past Delta Downs to reach Lake Charles.
Sams Town Hotel and Casino
Sams Town Hotel and Casino (Sams Town Shreveport) is a dockside riverboat casino located along the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana. Amenities at the property include 514 hotel rooms, a spa, four restaurants, a live entertainment venue, and convention and meeting space. Feeder markets include east Texas (including Dallas), Texarkana, Arkansas and surrounding Louisiana cities, including Bossier City, Minden, Ruston and Monroe. The continued expansion of Native American gaming in Oklahoma could have a material adverse impact on the operations of Sams Town Shreveport.
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Atlantic City, New Jersey
Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa
Borgata opened in Atlantic City, New Jersey in July 2003. Atlantic City is predominantly a regional day-trip and overnight-trip market. Borgata directly competes with ten other Atlantic City casinos as well as with gaming operations in surrounding jurisdictions.
Borgata is an upscale destination resort that features a 160,000 square-foot casino with a total of 2,771 guest rooms and suites comprised of 1,971 guest rooms and suites at the Borgata hotel and 800 guest rooms and suites at The Water Club. Borgata also features 13 restaurants, 19 retail boutiques, a European-style health spa at the Borgata hotel, a world class spa at The Water Club, and two nightclubs. In addition, the property also contains meeting and event space, as well as several entertainment venues.
We own a 50% interest in the LLC that operates the Borgata. As the managing member, we are responsible for the day-to-day operations of Borgata, including the operation and maintenance of the facility. Borgata employs a management team and full staff to perform these services for the property. We maintain the oversight and responsibility for the operations, but do not receive a management fee from Borgata.
In February 2010, we entered into an agreement that, among other things, amended our operating agreement with MGM Mirage Corporation (MGM) to permit the transfer of MGMs 50% ownership interest of the Borgata into a divestiture trust in connection with MGMs potential settlement agreement with the Division of Gaming Enforcement. The agreement includes the following provisions, among others, that would become effective only upon the transfer of MGMs interest into the divestiture trust and the approval of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, that (i) we would receive a priority distribution of approximately $31 million (equal to the excess prior capital contributions made by us) upon successful refinancing of the Borgata credit facility, and (ii) we would receive a payment from the trust equal to the greater of $10 million or 3% of the proceeds from the sale of MGMs 50% interest in Borgata. See Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information related to this agreement.
Development Project
Echelon
On August 1, 2008, due to the difficult environment in the capital markets, as well as weak economic conditions, we announced the delay of our multibillion dollar Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip. At that time, we did not anticipate the long-term effects of the current economic downturn, evidenced by lower occupancy rates, declining room rates and reduced consumer spending across the country, but particularly in the Las Vegas geographical area; nor did we predict that the incremental supply becoming available on the Las Vegas Strip would face such depressed demand levels, thereby elongating the time for absorption of this additional supply into the market. The credit markets have yet to show significant recovery, thereby rendering financing for this type of development unavailable. Based on our current outlook, we do not expect to resume construction for three to five years.
Nonetheless, we remain committed to having a significant presence on the Las Vegas Strip. During the suspension period, we intend to consider alternative development options for Echelon, which may include developing the project in phases, alternative capital structures for the project, scope modifications to the project, or additional strategic partnerships, among others. We can provide no assurances as to when, or if, construction will resume on the project, or if we will be able to obtain alternative sources of financing for the project.
Employees
At December 31, 2009, we employed approximately 15,400 persons. On such date, we had collective bargaining agreements with five unions covering approximately 1,300 employees, substantially all of whom are employed at Fremont, Eldorado, Main Street Station and Blue Chip. Other agreements are in various stages of negotiation. Employees covered by expired agreements have continued to work during the negotiations, in one case under the terms of the expired agreements.
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Corporate History, Availability of Reports and Corporate Governance Information
We were incorporated in Nevada in June 1988. Our principal executive offices are currently located at 3883 Howard Hughes Parkway, Ninth Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89169, and our main telephone number is (702) 792-7200. Our website is www.boydgaming.com. We make our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to these reports, available free of charge on our corporate website as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. In addition, our Code of Business Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines, and charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation and Stock Option Committee, and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are available on our website. We will provide reasonable quantities of electronic or paper copies of filings free of charge upon request. In addition, we will provide a copy of the above referenced charters to stockholders upon request.
Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). Such statements contain words such as may, will, might, expect, believe, anticipate, outlook, could, would, estimate, continue, pursue, target, project, intend, plan, seek, estimate, should, may, assume, and continue, or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, and may include statements regarding:
| the factors that contribute to our ongoing success and our ability to be successful in the future; |
| our strategy; |
| competition, including expansion of gaming into additional markets, the impact of competition on our operations, our ability to respond to such competition, and our expectations regarding continued competition in the markets in which we compete; |
| expenses; |
| indebtedness, including our ability to refinance or pay amounts outstanding under our bank credit facility and notes when they become due and our compliance with related covenants; |
| our financing needs and ability to obtain financing; |
| our intentions with respect to maintaining a flexible capital structure for potential strategic transactions; |
| the type of covenants that will be included in any future debt instruments; |
| our expectations with respect to continued disruptions in the global capital markets and reduced levels of consumer spending and the impact of these trends on our financial results; |
| our ability to meet our projected operating and maintenance capital expenditures and the costs associated with our expansion, renovations and development of new projects; |
| ability to pay dividends or to pay any specific rate of dividends; |
| our intention to fund any purchases made under our share repurchase program with existing cash resources and availability under our bank credit facility; |
| Adjusted EBITDA and its usefulness as a measure of operating performance or valuation; |
| the impact of new accounting pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements; |
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| operations; |
| that our bank credit facility and cash flows from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our projected expansion and maintenance capital expenditures for the next twelve months; |
| our market risk exposure and ability to minimize risk; |
| the timing or effects of our delay of construction at Echelon, when, or if, construction will recommence, the effect that such delay will have on our business, operations or financial condition, or our expectations as to the costs associated with wind-down procedures related to the project; |
| expansion, development, investment and renovation plans, including the scope of such plans, expected costs, financing (including sources thereof and our expectation that long-term debt will substantially increase in connection with such projects) , timing and the ability to achieve market acceptance; |
| development opportunities in new jurisdictions and our ability to successfully take advantage of such opportunities; |
| regulations, including anticipated taxes, tax credits or tax refunds expected, and the ability to receive and maintain necessary approvals for our projects; |
| our intent to elect ABSC inspection for certain of our riverboats by mid-2010; |
| our asset impairment analyses; |
| our intangible asset and goodwill impairment tests; |
| pending litigation with respect to Dania Jai-Alai and Treasure Chest; |
| the breach of contract issue with Las Vegas Energy Partners, LLC; |
| the outcome of tax audits and assessments, including our appeals thereof, and our estimates as to the amount of taxes that will ultimately be owed; |
| our nonbinding indication of interest with Station Casinos, Inc.; |
| our expectations regarding the levels of our interest and capitalized interest costs in 2010; |
| our overall outlook, including all statements under the heading Overall Outlook in Part II, Item 7, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; |
| our ability to receive insurance reimbursement and our estimates of self-insurance accruals and future liability; |
| compliance with applicable laws; |
| that operating results for previous periods are not necessarily indicative of future performance; |
| that estimates and assumptions made in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP may differ from actual results; |
| our expectations with respect to qualification of the Echelon development project for LEED Silver Standard (or equivalent) certification; |
| our estimates as to the effect of any changes in our Consolidated EBITDA on our ability to remain in compliance with certain bank credit facility covenants; |
| the outcome of various tax audits and assessments, including the timing of resolutions of such audits, and the impact of these audits on our consolidated financial statements; |
| our expectations with respect to recognition of total unrecognized share-based compensation costs related to unvested stock options and RSUs; |
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| our expectations with respect to accretion of deferred net gain related to derivative instruments as a reduction of interest expense during the next twelve months; and |
| expectations, plans, beliefs, hopes or intentions regarding the future. |
Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include:
| The effects of intense competition that exists in the gaming industry. |
| The current economic downturn and its effect on consumer spending. |
| The fact that our expansion, development and renovation projects (including enhancements to improve property performance) are subject to many risks inherent in expansion, development or construction of a new or existing project, including: |
| design, construction, regulatory, environmental and operating problems and lack of demand for our projects; |
| delays and significant cost increases, shortages of materials, shortages of skilled labor or work stoppages; |
| poor performance or nonperformance of any of our partners or other third parties upon whom we are relying in connection with any of our projects; |
| construction scheduling, engineering, environmental, permitting, construction or geological problems, weather interference, floods, fires or other casualty losses; |
| failure by us, our partners, or Borgata to obtain financing on acceptable terms, or at all; and |
| failure to obtain necessary government or other approvals on time, or at all. |
| The risk that our ongoing suspension of construction at Echelon may result in adverse affects on our business, results of operations or financial condition, including with respect to our joint venture participants and other resulting liabilities. |
| The risk that any of our projects may not be completed, if at all, on time or within established budgets, or that any project will result in increased earnings to us. |
| The risk that significant delays, cost overruns, or failures of any of our projects to achieve market acceptance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. |
| The risk that our projects may not help us compete with new or increased competition in our markets. |
| The risk that new gaming licenses or jurisdictions become available (or offer different gaming regulations or taxes) that results in increased competition to us. |
| The risk that the actual fair value for assets acquired and liabilities assumed from any of our acquisitions differ materially from our preliminary estimates. |
| The risk that negative industry or economic trends, including the market price of our common stock trading below its book value, reduced estimates of future cash flows, disruptions to our business, slower growth rates or lack of growth in our business, may result in significant write-downs or impairments in future periods. |
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| The risks associated with growth and acquisitions, including our ability to identify, acquire, develop or profitably manage additional companies or operations or successfully integrate such companies or operations into our existing operations without substantial costs, delays or other problems. |
| The risk that we may not receive gaming or other necessary licenses for new projects. |
| The risk that we may be unable to finance our expansion, development and renovation projects, including cost overruns on any particular project, as well as other capital expenditures through cash flow, borrowings under our bank credit facility and additional financings, which could jeopardize our expansion, development and renovation efforts. |
| The risk that we may be unable to refinance our outstanding indebtedness as it comes due, or that if we do refinance, the terms are not favorable to us. |
| The risk that we ultimately may not be successful in dismissing the action filed against Treasure Chest Casino and may lose our ability to operate that property, which result could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. |
| The effects of the extensive governmental gaming regulation and taxation policies that we are subject to, as well as any changes in laws and regulations, including increased taxes, which could harm our business. |
| The effects of extreme weather conditions or natural disasters on our facilities and the geographic areas from which we draw our customers, and our ability to recover insurance proceeds (if any). |
| The risks relating to mechanical failure and regulatory compliance at any of our facilities. |
| The risk that the instability in the financial condition of our lenders could have a negative impact on our credit facility. |
| The effects of events adversely impacting the economy or the regions from which we draw a significant percentage of our customers, including the effects of the current economic recession, war, terrorist or similar activity or disasters in, at, or around our properties. |
| The effects of energy price increases on our cost of operations and our revenues. |
| Financial community and rating agency perceptions of our Company, and the effect of economic, credit and capital market conditions on the economy and the gaming and hotel industry. |
Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ are discussed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other current and periodic reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). All forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
ITEM 1A. | Risk Factors |
Investment in our securities is subject to risks inherent to our business. The material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect us are described below.
Before making an investment decision, the investor should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this report, including the pending litigation discussed in this report, which provides a description of our current material litigation claims and assessments. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or that is currently deemed immaterial may also adversely affect our business operations. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our securities, including our common stock, could decline significantly, and the investor could lose all or part of the investment.
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We may incur impairments to goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, or long-lived assets.
In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 350, Intangibles Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (ASC Topic 350), we test our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or if a triggering event occurs. We perform the annual impairment testing for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the second quarter of each fiscal year. In addition, in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360, Property Plant and Equipment, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (ASC Topic 360), we test long-lived assets for impairment if a triggering event occurs.
Significant negative industry or economic trends, reduced estimates of future cash flows, disruptions to our business, slower growth rates or lack of growth in our business, have resulted in significant write-downs and impairment charges during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, and, if one or more of such events continue, may indicate that additional impairment charges in future periods are required. If we are required to record additional impairment charges, this could have a material adverse affect on our consolidated financial statements.
On August 1, 2008, due to the difficult environment in the capital markets, as well as weak economic conditions, we announced the delay of our multibillion dollar Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip. At such time, we did not anticipate the long-term effects of the current economic downturn, evidenced by lower occupancy rates, declining room rates and reduced consumer spending across the country, but particularly in the Las Vegas geographical area; nor did we predict that the incremental supply becoming available on the Las Vegas Strip would face such depressed demand levels, thereby elongating the time for absorption of this additional supply into the market. The credit markets have yet to show significant recovery, thereby rendering financing for this type of development unavailable. Based on our current outlook, we do not expect to resume construction for three to five years.
The change in circumstances implies that the carrying amounts of the assets related to Echelon may not be recoverable; therefore, we performed an impairment test of these assets during the three months ended September 30, 2009. While the outcome of this evaluation resulted in no impairment of Echelons assets, as the estimated weighted net undiscounted cash flows from the project exceed the current carrying value of the assets of approximately $928 million at December 31, 2009, we can provide no assurances that future evaluations will reach the same conclusion. As we further develop and explore the viability of alternatives for the project, we will continue to monitor these assets for recoverability. If we are subject to a non-cash write-down of these assets, it could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Due to the circumstances regarding the final development plan of Echelon, we reviewed our former investment in the Morgans joint venture for impairment. Considering the subsequent mutual termination of this joint venture, certain of our contributions, primarily related to the architectural and design plans, will ultimately not be realizable, as a result, we recorded an other-than-temporary non-cash impairment charge of $13.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2009 related to such costs.
In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2009, in conjunction with an amendment to the Dania Jai-Alai purchase agreement to settle the contingent payment prior to the satisfaction of the legal conditions, we recorded the remaining $28.4 million of the $75 million contingent liability as an additional cost of the acquisition (goodwill). We tested the goodwill for recoverability, which resulted in a noncash impairment charge of $28.4 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded $290.2 million in aggregate noncash impairment charges to write-down certain portions of our goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets to their fair value at December 31, 2008. The impairment test for these assets was principally due to the decline in our stock price that caused our book value to exceed our market capitalization, which was an indication that these assets may not be recoverable. The primary reason for these impairment charges relates to the ongoing economic downturn and increased discount rates in the credit and equity markets, which has caused us to reduce our estimates for projected cash flows, and has reduced overall industry valuations.
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Our business is particularly sensitive to reductions in discretionary consumer spending as a result of downturns in the economy.
Consumer demand for entertainment and other amenities at casino hotel properties, such as ours, are particularly sensitive to downturns in the economy and the corresponding impact on discretionary spending on leisure activities. For example, the year ended December 31, 2009 was one of the toughest periods in Las Vegas Locals history. Changes in discretionary consumer spending or consumer preferences brought about by factors such as perceived or actual general economic conditions, effects of the current decline in consumer confidence in the economy, including the current housing crisis and credit crisis, the impact of high energy and food costs, the increased cost of travel, the potential for continued bank failures, perceived or actual disposable consumer income and wealth, or fears of war and future acts of terrorism could further reduce customer demand for the amenities that we offer, thus imposing practical limits on pricing and negatively impacting our results of operations and financial condition.
The current housing crisis and economic slowdown in the United States has resulted in a significant decline in the amount of tourism and spending in Las Vegas. If this decline continues, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows would be adversely affected.
Our common stock price may fluctuate substantially, and a shareholders investment could decline in value.
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate substantially due to many factors, including:
| actual or anticipated fluctuations in our results of operations; |
| announcements of significant acquisitions or other agreements by us or by our competitors; |
| our sale of common stock or other securities in the future; |
| trading volume of our common stock; |
| conditions and trends in the gaming and destination entertainment industries; |
| changes in the estimation of the future size and growth of our markets; and |
| general economic conditions, including, without limitation, changes in the cost of fuel and air travel. |
In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to companies operating performance. Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a companys securities, shareholder derivative lawsuits and/or securities class action litigation has often been instituted against that company. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of managements attention and resources.
Intense competition exists in the gaming industry, and we expect competition to continue to intensify.
The gaming industry is highly competitive for both customers and employees, including those at the management level. We compete with numerous casinos and hotel casinos of varying quality and size in market areas where our properties are located. We also compete with other non-gaming resorts and vacation destinations, and with various other casino and other entertainment businesses, and could compete with any new forms of gaming that may be legalized in the future. The casino entertainment business is characterized by competitors that vary considerably in their size, quality of facilities, number of operations, brand identities, marketing and growth strategies, financial strength and capabilities, level of amenities, management talent and geographic diversity. In most markets, we compete directly with other casino facilities operating in the immediate and surrounding market areas. In some markets, we face competition from nearby markets in addition to direct competition within our market areas.
In recent years, with fewer new markets opening for development, competition in existing markets has intensified. We have invested in expanding existing facilities, developing new facilities, and acquiring established facilities in existing markets. In addition, our competitors have also invested in expanding their existing facilities and developing new facilities. This expansion of existing casino entertainment properties, the increase in the number of properties and the aggressive marketing strategies of many of our competitors have increased competition in many markets in which we compete, and this intense competition can be expected to continue. In addition, competition may intensify if our competitors commit additional resources to aggressive pricing and promotional activities in order to attract customers.
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If our competitors operate more successfully than we do, if they attract customers away from us as a result of aggressive pricing and promotion, if they are more successful than us in attracting and retaining employees, if their properties are enhanced or expanded, if they operate in jurisdictions that gives them operating advantages due to differences or changes in gaming regulations or taxes, or if additional hotels and casinos are established in and around the locations in which we conduct business, we may lose market share or the ability to attract or retain employees. In particular, the expansion of casino gaming in or near any geographic area from which we attract or expect to attract a significant number of our customers could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We also compete with legalized gaming from casinos located on Native American tribal lands. Expansion of Native American gaming in areas located near our properties, or in areas in or near those from which we draw our customers, could have an adverse effect on our operating results. For example, increased competition from federally recognized Native American tribes near Blue Chip has had a negative impact on our results. Native American gaming facilities typically have a significant operating advantage over our properties due to lower gaming taxes, allowing those facilities to market more aggressively and to expand or update their facilities at an accelerated rate. Although we have expanded our facility at Blue Chip in an effort to be more competitive in this market, these competing Native American properties could continue to have an adverse impact on the operations of Blue Chip.
Our expansion, development, investment and renovation projects may face significant risks inherent in construction projects or implementing a new marketing strategy, including receipt of necessary government approvals.
We regularly evaluate expansion, development, investment and renovation opportunities. On January 4, 2006, we announced our planned Las Vegas Strip development, Echelon, which represents the largest and most expensive development project we have undertaken to date.
This project and any other development projects we may undertake will be subject to the many risks inherent in the expansion or renovation of an existing enterprise or construction of a new enterprise, including unanticipated design, construction, regulatory, environmental and operating problems and lack of demand for our projects. Our current and future projects could also experience:
| delays and significant cost increases; |
| shortages of materials; |
| shortages of skilled labor or work stoppages; |
| poor performance or nonperformance by any of our joint venture partners or other third parties on whom we place reliance; |
| unforeseen construction scheduling, engineering, environmental, permitting, construction or geological problems; and |
| weather interference, floods, fires or other casualty losses. |
The completion dates of any of our projects could differ significantly from expectations for construction-related or other reasons. For example, on August 1, 2008, we announced that, due to the difficult environment in the capital markets, as well as weak economic conditions, our Echelon project would be delayed. Based on our current outlook, we do not anticipate that we will resume construction on our Echelon development project for three to five years.
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In addition, actual costs and construction periods for any of our projects can differ significantly from initial expectations. Our initial project costs and construction periods are based upon budgets, conceptual design documents and construction schedule estimates prepared at inception of the project in consultation with architects and contractors. Many of these costs can increase over time as the project is built to completion. For example, prior to delaying construction at Echelon, we announced that the estimated cost of the wholly-owned portion of Echelon increased by approximately $0.4 billion, principally as a result of additional scope, larger guest rooms and suites, and increased estimated construction costs, and that the estimated development costs associated with certain joint venture properties to be developed and constructed in connection with Echelon increased by approximately $250 million. We have incurred significant incremental costs in connection with delaying construction of Echelon and anticipate that additional cost increases could continue to occur if and when we recommence development of Echelon.
Additional costs upon restarting construction of Echelon could include, without limitation, costs associated with remobilization, changes in design, increases in material, labor, or insurance costs, construction code changes during the delay period, corrosive damage risk, damage to uncompleted structures, etc. The cost of any project may vary significantly from initial budget expectations and we may have a limited amount of capital resources to fund cost overruns. If we cannot finance cost overruns on a timely basis, the completion of one or more projects may be delayed until adequate funding is available. We can provide no assurance that any project will be completed on time, if at all, or within established budgets, or that any project will result in increased earnings to us. Significant delays, cost overruns, or failures of our projects to achieve market acceptance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In April 2007 we entered into an Energy Services Agreement with Las Vegas Energy Partners, LLC (LVE) to construct a central energy center in connection with our Echelon project. LVE has currently suspended construction of the central energy center while the Echelon project is delayed. On April 6, 2009, LVE notified us that, in its view, Echelon would be in breach of the Energy Services Agreement unless Echelon recommenced and proceeded with construction by May 6, 2009. We believe that LVEs position is without merit; however, in the event of litigation, we cannot state with certainty the eventual outcome nor estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, associated with this matter.
Certain permits, licenses and approvals necessary for some of our current or anticipated projects have not yet been obtained. The scope of the approvals required for expansion, development, investment or renovation projects can be extensive and may include gaming approvals, state and local land-use permits and building and zoning permits. Unexpected changes or concessions required by local, state or federal regulatory authorities could involve significant additional costs and delay the scheduled openings of the facilities. We may not obtain the necessary permits, licenses and approvals within the anticipated time frames, or at all.
In addition, although we design our projects to minimize disruption of our existing business operations, expansion and renovation projects require, from time to time, all or portions of affected existing operations to be closed or disrupted. For example, to make way for the development of Echelon, we closed Stardust in November 2006 and demolished the property in March 2007. Any significant disruption in operations of a property could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face risks associated with growth and acquisitions.
As part of our business strategy, we regularly evaluate opportunities for growth through development of gaming operations in existing or new markets, through acquiring other gaming entertainment facilities or through redeveloping our existing gaming facilities. For example, in 2007, we completed the Barbary Coast exchange transaction and completed the acquisition of Dania Jai-Alai. In January 2009, we completed the hotel construction project at Blue Chip. We may also pursue expansion opportunities, including joint ventures, in jurisdictions where casino gaming is not currently permitted in order to be prepared to develop projects upon approval of casino gaming. The expansion of our operations, whether through acquisitions, development or internal growth, could divert managements attention and could also cause us to incur substantial costs, including legal, professional and consulting fees. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify, acquire, develop or profitably manage additional companies or operations or successfully integrate such companies or operations into our existing
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operations without substantial costs, delays or other problems. Additionally, there can be no assurance that we will receive gaming or other necessary licenses or approvals for our new projects or that gaming will be approved in jurisdictions where it is not currently approved.
Ballot measures or other voter-approved initiatives to allow gaming in jurisdictions where gaming, or certain types of gaming (such as slots), was not previously permitted could be challenged, and, if such challenges are successful, these ballot measures or initiatives could be invalidated. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that there will not be similar or other challenges to legalized gaming in existing or current markets in which we may operate or have development plans, and successful challenges to legalized gaming could require us to abandon or substantially curtail our operations or development plans in those locations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
On August 1, 2008, we announced that, due to the difficult environment in both the capital markets and the economy, our Echelon project would be delayed. Based on our current outlook, we do not anticipate that Echelon will resume construction for three to five years. We can provide no assurances regarding the timing or effects of our delay of construction at Echelon and when, or if, construction will recommence, or the effect that such delay will have on our business, operations or financial condition. In addition, our agreements or arrangements with third parties could require additional fees or terms in connection with modifying their agreements that may be unfavorable to us, and we can provide no assurances that we will be able to reach agreement on any modified terms.
Additionally, in February 2008, management determined to indefinitely postpone redevelopment of our Dania Jai-Alai facility, and in connection with that determination we recorded an $84.0 million noncash impairment charge to write-off Dania Jai-Alais intangible license rights and to write-down its property and equipment to their estimated fair values. Our decision to postpone the development was based on numerous factors, including the introduction of expanded gaming at a nearby Native American casino, the potential for additional casino gaming venues in Florida, and the existing Broward County pari-mutuel casinos performing below our expectations for the market. There can be no assurance that we will not face similar challenges and difficulties with respect to new development projects or expansion efforts that we may undertake, which could result in significant sunk costs that we may not be able to fully recoup or that otherwise have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
If we are unable to finance our expansion, development, investment and renovation projects, as well as other capital expenditures, through cash flow, borrowings under our bank credit facility and additional financings, our expansion, development, investment and renovation efforts will be jeopardized.
We intend to finance our current and future expansion, development, investment and renovation projects, as well as our other capital expenditures, primarily with cash flow from operations, borrowings under our bank credit facility, and equity or debt financings. If we are unable to finance our current or future expansion, development, investment and renovation projects, or our other capital expenditures, we will have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing, delaying or abandoning planned expansion, development, investment and renovation projects as well as other capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt, reducing the amount or suspending or discontinuing the distribution of dividends, obtaining additional equity financing or joint venture partners, or modifying our bank credit facility. These sources of funds may not be sufficient to finance our expansion, development, investment and renovation projects, and other financing may not be available on acceptable terms, in a timely manner, or at all. In addition, our existing indebtedness contains certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness.
Recently, there have been significant disruptions in the global capital markets that have adversely impacted the ability of borrowers to access capital. We anticipate that these disruptions may continue for the foreseeable future. We anticipate that we will be able to fund our currently active expansion projects using cash flows from operations and availability under our bank credit facility (to the extent that availability exists after we meet our working capital needs). In addition, we have previously submitted nonbinding indications of interest to Station Casinos, Inc. (Station), and have noted that, if a transaction to acquire any of Stations assets were to occur, we would use availability under our bank credit facility to finance any transaction which would reduce the availability of funds for other uses.
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If availability under our bank credit facility does not exist or we are otherwise unable to make sufficient borrowings thereunder, any additional financing that is needed may not be available to us or, if available, may not be on terms favorable to us. As a result, if we are unable to obtain adequate project financing in a timely manner, or at all, we may be forced to sell assets in order to raise capital for projects, limit the scope of, or defer such projects, or cancel the projects altogether. In the event that capital markets do not improve and we are unable to access capital with more favorable terms, additional equity and/or credit support may be necessary to obtain construction financing for the remaining cost of the project.
If we are not ultimately successful in dismissing the action filed against Treasure Chest Casino, we may potentially lose our ability to operate the Treasure Chest Casino property and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Alvin C. Copeland, the sole shareholder (deceased) of an unsuccessful applicant for a riverboat license at the location of our Treasure Chest Casino (Treasure Chest), has made several attempts to have the Treasure Chest license revoked and awarded to his company. In 1999 and 2000, Copeland unsuccessfully opposed the renewal of the Treasure Chest license and has brought two separate legal actions against Treasure Chest. In November 1993, Copeland objected to the relocation of Treasure Chest from the Mississippi River to its current site on Lake Pontchartrain. The predecessor to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board allowed the relocation over Copelands objection. Copeland then filed an appeal of the agencys decision with the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. Through a number of amendments to the appeal, Copeland unsuccessfully attempted to transform the appeal into a direct action suit and sought the revocation of the Treasure Chest license. Treasure Chest intervened in the matter in order to protect its interests. The appeal/suit, as it related to Treasure Chest, was dismissed by the District Court and that dismissal was upheld on appeal by the First Circuit Court of Appeal. Additionally, in 1999, Copeland filed a direct action against Treasure Chest and certain other parties seeking the revocation of Treasure Chests license, an award of the license to him, and monetary damages. The suit was dismissed by the trial court, citing that Copeland failed to state a claim on which relief could be granted. The dismissal was appealed by Copeland to the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal. On September 21, 2002, the First Circuit Court of Appeal reversed the trial courts decision and remanded the matter to the trial court. On January 14, 2003, we filed a motion to dismiss the matter and that motion was partially denied. The Court of Appeal refused to reverse the denial of the motion to dismiss. In May 2004, we filed additional motions to dismiss on other grounds. There was no activity regarding this matter during 2005 and 2006, and the case was set to be dismissed by the court for failure to prosecute by the plaintiffs in mid-May 2007; however on May 1, 2007, the plaintiff filed a motion to set a hearing date related to the motions to dismiss. The hearing was scheduled for September 10, 2007, at which time all parties agreed to postpone the hearing indefinitely. The hearing has not yet been rescheduled. Mr. Copeland has since passed away and his son, the executor of his estate, has petitioned the court to be substituted as plaintiff in the case. On June 9, 2009, the plaintiff filed to have the exceptions set for hearing. The parties decided to submit the exceptions to the court on the previously filed briefs. The court has yet to issues a ruling. We currently are vigorously defending the lawsuit. If this matter ultimately results in the Treasure Chest license being revoked, it could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to extensive governmental regulation, as well as federal, state and local laws affecting business in general, which may harm our business.
We are subject to a variety of regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Regulatory authorities at the federal, state and local levels have broad powers with respect to the licensing of casino operations and may revoke, suspend, condition or limit our gaming or other licenses, impose substantial fines and take other actions, any one of which could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. A more detailed description of the governmental gaming regulations to which we are subject is included in Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Regulation of Smoking
If additional gaming regulations are adopted in a jurisdiction in which we operate, such regulations could impose restrictions or costs that could have a significant adverse effect on us. From time to time, various proposals are introduced in the legislatures of some of the jurisdictions in which we have existing or planned operations that, if
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enacted, could adversely affect the tax, regulatory, operational or other aspects of the gaming industry and our company. Legislation of this type may be enacted in the future. For example, each of New Jersey and Illinois has adopted laws that significantly restrict, or otherwise ban, smoking at our properties in those jurisdictions. The New Jersey and Illinois laws that restrict smoking at casinos, and similar legislation in other jurisdictions in which we operate, could materially impact the results of operations of our properties in those jurisdictions.
Regulation of Directors, Officers, Key Employees and Partners
Our directors, officers, key employees and joint venture partners must meet approval standards of certain state regulatory authorities. If state regulatory authorities were to find a person occupying any such position or a joint venture partner unsuitable, we would be required to sever our relationship with that person or the joint venture partner may be required to dispose of their interest in the joint venture. State regulatory agencies may conduct investigations into the conduct or associations of our directors, officers, key employees or joint venture partners to ensure compliance with applicable standards.
For example, by letter of July 27, 2009 (the Letter), the Division of Gaming Enforcement Office of the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey (Division) made a formal request to the New Jersey Casino Control Commission (Commission) that the Commission reopen the gaming license held by Marina District Development Company, LLC (MDDC). MDDC owns and operates the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey and is owned 50-50 by us and MGM MIRAGE (MGM). In June 2005, the Commission had renewed MDDCs gaming license for a five year term. The Letter indicated that the Divisions reopening request was for the exclusive purpose of examining the qualifications of MGM, as a qualified holding company of MDDC, in light of the issues raised by the Special Report of the Division to the Commission on its investigation of MGMs joint venture with Pansy Ho in Macau, Special Administrative Region, Peoples Republic of China. The Letter noted that the Division had found that we had no involvement with MGMs development activities in Macau and also expressed the Divisions confidence that the Commission could thoroughly examine the issues raised in the Special Report as to MGMs qualifications without negatively affecting the MDDC casino license or us.
The Commission informed us that, pursuant to Section 88(a) of the New Jersey Casino Control Act, the MDDC gaming license was reopened on July 27, 2009, the date of the Letter. This was a procedural step required by the New Jersey Casino Control Act that does not represent a finding as to the issues raised by the Division. MGM will have the opportunity to respond to the Divisions report in an open public proceeding, and MGM is currently involved in constructive settlement discussions with the Division, which have centered on MGM placing its 50% ownership interest in the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and related leased land in Atlantic City into a divestiture trust. Any settlement is subject to both Division and Commission approval. Related to securing such approval, on February 2010, we entered into an agreement that, among other things, amended our operating agreement with MGM Mirage Corporation (MGM) to permit the transfer of MGMs 50% ownership interest of the Borgata into a divestiture trust in connection with MGMs potential settlement agreement with the Division of Gaming Enforcement. The agreement includes the following provisions, among others, that would become effective only upon the transfer of MGMs interest into the divestiture trust and the approval of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, that (i) we would receive a priority distribution of approximately $31 million (equal to the excess prior capital contributions made by us) upon successful refinancing of the Borgata credit facility, and (ii) we would receive a payment from the trust equal to the greater of $10 million or 3% of the proceeds from the sale of MGMs 50% interest in Borgata.
Certain public and private issuances of securities and other transactions that we are party to also require the approval of some state regulatory authorities.
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Regulations Affecting Businesses in General
In addition to gaming regulations, we are also subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting businesses in general. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, restrictions and conditions concerning alcoholic beverages, environmental matters, smoking, employees, currency transactions, taxation, zoning and building codes, and marketing and advertising. Such laws and regulations could change or could be interpreted differently in the future, or new laws and regulations could be enacted. For example, on July 5, 2006, New Jersey gaming properties, including Borgata, were required to temporarily close their casinos for three days as a result of a New Jersey statewide government shutdown that affected certain New Jersey state employees required to be at casinos when they are open for business. In addition, Nevada recently enacted legislation that eliminated, in most instances, and, for certain pre-existing development projects such as Echelon, reduced, property tax breaks and retroactively eliminated certain sales tax exemptions offered as incentives to companies developing projects that meet certain environmental green standards. As a result, we, along with other companies developing projects that meet such standards, may not realize the full tax benefits that were originally anticipated.
Our partner in the limited liability company that owns and operates the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey will be divesting its 50% interest and we may not have the ability to approve the new partner.
We own a 50% interest in the limited liability company that operates the Borgata. MGM MIRAGE (MGM) currently owns the other 50% interest. As a result of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (the Division) investigation of MGMs relationship with its joint venture partner in Macau, MGM is currently involved in settlement discussions with the Division under which MGM would agree to place its 50% ownership interest in Borgata and related leased land in Atlantic City into a divestiture trust.
We are the managing member of the LLC, and have been, and will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Borgata, including the operations and improvement of the facility and business. Additionally, we hold a right of first refusal on any sale of MGMs interest in Borgata. However, we believe we will expend managerial resources to effectuate the eventual sale of MGMs interest from the divesture trust to a new partner, regardless of whether we exercise our right of first refusal. We will not have the ability to select that new partner.
While we believe we will retain direct control of the operations of the Borgata, based on our current and amended operating agreement, a new partner may want to negotiate greater rights or different terms. These negotiations may decrease our ability to directly control the facility and effectively manage our financial risk. Any new partner could have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our economic or business interests or goals. The ongoing operation of the facility could change if we are required to negotiate agreements with a new partner that contain terms that differ from our existing operating agreement.
Additionally, in the event that capital markets do not improve and Borgata is unable to renegotiate its existing credit facility on favorable terms, additional credit support and/or capital contributions may be necessary to fund the ongoing operations of the Borgata. This additional credit and/or equity may need to be contributed by us or the new partner, or from both. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing in a timely manner, or at all, we may be unable to meet the operating cash flows of the Borgata, and our investment would be at risk. Additionally, any new partner might become bankrupt or not have the financial resources to meet its share of the obligations, which could require us to fund more than our 50% share.
We are subject to extensive taxation policies, which may harm our business.
The federal government has, from time to time, considered a federal tax on casino revenues and may consider such a tax in the future. In addition, gaming companies are currently subject to significant state and local taxes and fees, in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. For example, in June 2006, the Illinois legislature passed certain amendments to the Riverboat Gambling Act, which affected the tax rate at Par-A-Dice. The legislation, which imposes an incremental 5% tax on adjusted gross gaming revenues, was retroactive to July 1, 2005. As a result of this legislation, we were required to pay additional taxes, resulting in a $6.7 million tax assessment in June 2006. Also, in May 2007, Blue Chip received a valuation notice indicating an unanticipated increase of nearly 400% to its assessed property value as of January 1, 2006. At that time, we estimated that the increase in assessed property value could result in a property tax assessment ranging between $4 million and $11 million for the eighteen-month period ended June 30, 2007. We recorded an additional
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charge of $3.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 to increase our property tax liability to $5.8 million at June 30, 2007 as we believed that was the most likely amount to be assessed within the range. We subsequently received a property tax bill related to our 2006 tax assessment for $6.2 million in December 2007. As we have appealed the assessment, Indiana statutes allow for a minimum required payment of $1.9 million, which was paid against the $6.2 million assessment in January 2008. In February 2009, we received a notice of revaluation, which reduced the propertys assessed value by $100 million and the tax assessment by approximately $2.2 million per year. We have subsequently paid the minimum required payment of $1.9 million against 2007 and 2008 provisional bills, which were based on the 2006 valuation notice. We have not received valuation notices for years 2007 through 2009. We believe the assessment for the forty eight-month period ended December 31, 2009 could result in a property tax assessment ranging between $10.7 million and $22.5 million. We have accrued approximately $20.9 million of property tax liability as of December 31, 2009, based on what we believe to be the most likely assessment within our range, once all appeals have been exhausted; however, we can provide no assurances that the estimated amount will approximate the actual amount. The final 2006 assessment, post appeals, as well as the March 1, 2007, 2008 and 2009 assessment notices, which have not been received as of December 31, 2009, could result in further adjustment to our estimated property tax liability at Blue Chip.
If there is any material increase in state and local taxes and fees, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
On March 27, 2008, the Nevada Supreme Court issued a decision in Sparks Nugget, Inc. vs. The State of Nevada Department of Taxation (the Department), holding that food purchased for subsequent use in the provision of complimentary and/or employee meals was exempt from use tax. On April 24, 2008, the Department filed a Petition for Rehearing (the Petition) on the decision. Additionally, on the same date the Nevada Legislature filed an Amicus Curiae brief in support of the Departments position. The Nevada Supreme Court denied the Departments Petition on July 17, 2008. We paid use tax, over the period November 2000 through May 2008, on food purchased for subsequent use in complimentary and employee meals at our Nevada casino properties and estimate the refund to be in the range of $16.3 million to $18.5 million, including interest. In late 2009, the Department audited our refund claim and subsequently issued a $12.4 million sales tax assessment, plus interest of $7.5 million. The Department continues to deny our refund claim and issued the assessment based on the argument that the complimentary and employee meals at issue are now subject to sales tax. We do not believe the Departments arguments have any merit and intend to file a motion to dismiss the assessment on both a procedural and technical basis. We are currently in the discovery and deposition stage of the legal proceeding and expect our hearing before the Nevada Administrative Law Judge (Judge) to occur within the next six months. Due to uncertainty surrounding the Judges decision, we will not record any gain until the tax refund is realized. For periods subsequent to May 2008, although we have received an assessment from the Department, we have not accrued a liability for sales tax on complimentary and employee meals at our Nevada casino properties, as it is not probable, based on both procedural issues and the technical merits of the Departments arguments, that we will owe this tax.
The global financial crisis and decline in consumer spending may have an effect on our business and financial condition in ways that we currently cannot accurately predict.
The continued credit crisis, economic downturn and related turmoil in the global financial system have had and may continue to have an effect on our business and financial condition. We are not able to predict the duration or severity of the economic downturn. In October 2008, Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc. (LCPI), which is one of the lenders under our bank credit facility, filed for bankruptcy. As of October 31, 2008, LCPIs commitment under our bank credit facility was $62 million, and as of that date, LCPI had funded approximately $26.4 million. Following LCPIs bankruptcy, its interest under our bank credit facility was purchased by one of our other lenders. Had LCPIs interest not been purchased, LCPIs proportionate share of unfunded commitments under our bank credit facility (approximately $35.6 million as of October 31, 2008) would have been unavailable to us. Additionally, on November 2, 2009, another of our existing lenders under our bank credit facility, CIT Group, Inc. (CIT), filed for bankruptcy. CIT currently has revolving credit commitments under our bank credit facility of $7.5 million, approximately two thirds of which is funded. It is unlikely that CIT will continue to provide its proportionate funding, and it is not clear whether its interest in our bank credit facility will be purchased by another lender. If a large percentage of our lenders were to file for bankruptcy or otherwise default on their obligations to us, we may not have the liquidity under our bank credit facility to fund our current projects. There is no certainty that our lenders will
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continue to remain solvent or fund their respective obligations under our bank credit facility. If we were required to renegotiate or replace our bank credit facility, there is no assurance that we will be able to secure terms that are as favorable to us as the existing terms in our bank credit facility, if at all.
The significant distress recently experienced by financial institutions has had, and may continue to have, far-reaching adverse consequences across many industries, including the gaming industry. The ongoing credit and liquidity crisis has greatly restricted the availability of capital and has caused the cost of capital (if available) to be much higher than it has traditionally been. Accessing the capital markets in this environment could increase the costs of our projects, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions and our ability or willingness to fund our development projects. All of these effects could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We own facilities that are located in areas that experience extreme weather conditions.
Extreme weather conditions may interrupt our operations, damage our properties and reduce the number of customers who visit our facilities in the affected areas. For example, our Treasure Chest Casino, which is located near New Orleans, Louisiana, suffered minor damage and was closed on August 30, 2008 for eight days over Labor Day weekend, as the New Orleans area was under mandatory evacuation orders during Hurricane Gustav. Hurricane Ike resulted in a two-day closure starting September 12, 2008 at Treasure Chest. Although Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused only minor damage at Treasure Chest, it was closed for 44 days as a result of that hurricane. Additionally, at our Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel, which is located in Southwest Louisiana, Hurricane Gustav forced us to close for six days, beginning on August 30, 2008, and Hurricane Ike led to a second closure from September 11, 2008 to September 17, 2008. The hurricane closures during the three months ended September 30, 2008 totaled 10 days for Treasure Chest and 13 days for Delta Downs, including two full weekends at both properties. In 2005, Delta Downs suffered significant property damage as a result of Hurricane Rita and closed for 42 days.
While we maintain insurance coverage that may cover certain of the costs that we incur as a result of some extreme weather conditions, our coverage is subject to deductibles and limits on maximum benefits. There can be no assurance that we will be able to fully collect, if at all, on any claims resulting from extreme weather conditions. If any of our properties are damaged or if their operations are disrupted as a result of extreme weather in the future, or if extreme weather adversely impacts general economic or other conditions in the areas in which our properties are located or from which they draw their patrons, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all possible losses that our properties could suffer. In addition, our insurance costs may increase and we may not be able to obtain similar insurance coverage in the future.
Although we have all risk property insurance coverage for our operating properties, which covers damage caused by a casualty loss (such as fire, natural disasters, acts of war, or terrorism), each policy has certain exclusions. In addition, our property insurance coverage is in an amount that may be significantly less than the expected replacement cost of rebuilding the facilities if there was a total loss. Our level of insurance coverage also may not be adequate to cover all losses in the event of a major casualty. In addition, certain casualty events, such as labor strikes, nuclear events, acts of war, loss of income due to cancellation of room reservations or conventions due to fear of terrorism, deterioration or corrosion, insect or animal damage and pollution, may not be covered at all under our policies. Therefore, certain acts could expose us to substantial uninsured losses.
We also have builders risk insurance coverage for our development and expansion projects, including Echelon. Builders risk insurance provides coverage for projects during their construction for damage caused by a casualty loss. In general, our builders risk coverage is subject to the same exclusions, risks and deficiencies as those described above for our all risk property coverage. Our level of builders risk insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all losses in the event of a major casualty.
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In addition to the damage caused to our properties by a casualty loss, we may suffer business disruption as a result of these events or be subject to claims by third parties that may be injured or harmed. While we carry business interruption insurance and general liability insurance, this insurance may not be adequate to cover all losses in any such event.
We renew our insurance policies (other than our builders risk insurance) on an annual basis. The cost of coverage may become so high that we may need to further reduce our policy limits or agree to certain exclusions from our coverage.
Our debt instruments and other material agreements require us to meet certain standards related to insurance coverage. Failure to satisfy these requirements could result in an event of default under these debt instruments or material agreements.
Our facilities, including our riverboats and dockside facilities, are subject to risks relating to mechanical failure and regulatory compliance.
Generally, all of our facilities are subject to the risk that operations could be halted for a temporary or extended period of time, as the result of casualty, forces of nature, mechanical failure, or extended or extraordinary maintenance, among other causes. In addition, our gaming operations, including those conducted on riverboats or at dockside facilities could be damaged or halted due to extreme weather conditions.
We currently conduct our Treasure Chest, Par-A-Dice, Blue Chip and Sams Town Shreveport gaming operations on riverboats. Each of our riverboats must comply with United States Coast Guard (USCG) requirements as to boat design, on-board facilities, equipment, personnel and safety. Each riverboat must hold a Certificate of Inspection for stabilization and flotation, and may also be subject to local zoning codes. The USCG requirements establish design standards, set limits on the operation of the vessels and require individual licensing of all personnel involved with the operation of the vessels. Loss of a vessels Certificate of Inspection would preclude its use as a casino.
USCG regulations require a hull inspection for all riverboats at five-year intervals. Under certain circumstances, alternative hull inspections may be approved. The USCG may require that such hull inspections be conducted at a dry-docking facility, and if so required, the cost of travel to and from such docking facility, as well as the time required for inspections of the affected riverboats, could be significant. To date, the USCG has allowed in-place underwater inspections of our riverboats twice every five years on alternate 2 and 3 year schedules. The USCG may not continue to allow these types of inspections in the future. The loss of a dockside casino or riverboat casino from service for any period of time could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Indiana and Louisiana have adopted alternate inspection standards for riverboats in those states. The standards require inspection by the American Bureau of Shipping Consulting (ABSC). We intend to relinquish USCG inspection and elect ABSC inspection for our riverboats at Blue Chip, Treasure Chest and Sams Town Shreveport effective by mid-2010. The Par-A-Dice riverboat will remain inspected by the USCG for the foreseeable future. ABSC imposes essentially the same design, personnel, safety, and hull inspection standards as the USCG. Therefore, the risks to our business associated with USCG inspection should not change by reason of inspection by ABSC. Failure of a vessel to meet the applicable USCG or ABSC standards would preclude its use as a casino.
USCG regulations also require us to prepare and follow certain security programs. In 2004, we implemented the American Gaming Associations Alternative Security Program at our riverboat casinos and dockside facilities. The American Gaming Associations Alternative Security Program is specifically designed to address maritime security requirements at riverboat casinos and their respective dockside facilities. Only portions of those regulations will apply to our riverboats inspected by ABSC. Changes to these regulations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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We draw a significant percentage of our customers from limited geographic regions. Events adversely impacting the economy or these regions, including public health outbreaks and man-made or natural disasters, may adversely impact our business.
California, Fremont and Main Street Station draw a substantial portion of their customers from the Hawaiian market. For the year ended December 31, 2009, patrons from Hawaii comprised 66% of the room nights sold at California, 52% at Fremont and 54% at Main Street Station. Decreases in discretionary consumer spending, as well as an increase in fuel costs or transportation prices, a decrease in airplane seat availability, or a deterioration of relations with tour and travel agents, particularly as they affect travel between the Hawaiian market and our facilities, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our Las Vegas properties also draw a substantial number of customers from certain other specific geographic areas, including the Southern California, Arizona and Las Vegas local markets. Native American casinos in California and other parts of the United States have diverted some potential visitors away from Nevada, which has had and could continue to have a negative effect on Nevada gaming markets. In addition, due to our significant concentration of properties in Nevada, any man-made or natural disasters in or around Nevada, or the areas from which we draw customers to our Las Vegas properties, could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Each of our properties located outside of Nevada depends primarily on visitors from their respective surrounding regions and are subject to comparable risk.
The outbreak of public health threats at any of our properties or in the areas in which they are located, or the perception that such threats exist, including pandemic health threats, such as the avian influenza virus, SARS, or the H1N1 flu, among others, could have a significant adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations; likewise, adverse economic conditions that affect the national or regional economies in which we operate, whether resulting from war, terrorist activities or other geopolitical conflict, weather, general or localized economic downturns or related events or other factors, could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, to the extent that the airline industry is negatively impacted due to the effects of the recession, outbreak of war, public health threats, terrorist or similar activity, increased security restrictions or the publics general reluctance to travel by air, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Energy price increases may adversely affect our cost of operations and our revenues.
Our casino properties use significant amounts of electricity, natural gas and other forms of energy. In addition, our Hawaiian air charter operation uses a significant amount of jet fuel. While no shortages of energy or fuel have been experienced to date, substantial increases in energy and fuel prices, including jet fuel prices, in the United States have, and may continue to, negatively affect our results of operations. The extent of the impact is subject to the magnitude and duration of the energy and fuel price increases, of which the impact could be material. In addition, energy and gasoline price increases could result in a decline of disposable income of potential customers, an increase in the cost of travel and a corresponding decrease in visitation and spending at our properties, which could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Certain of our stockholders own large interests in our capital stock and may significantly influence our affairs.
William S. Boyd, our Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, together with his immediate family, beneficially owned approximately 38% of the Companys outstanding shares of common stock as of December 31, 2009. As such, the Boyd family has the ability to significantly influence our affairs, including the election of members of our Board of Directors and, except as otherwise provided by law, approving or disapproving other matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including a merger, consolidation, or sale of assets.
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Some of our hotels and casinos are located on leased property. If we default on one or more leases, the applicable lessors could terminate the affected leases and we could lose possession of the affected hotel and/or casino.
We lease certain parcels of land on which The Orleans, Suncoast, Sams Town Tunica, Treasure Chest and Sams Town Shreveport are located. In addition, we lease other parcels of land on which portions of the California and the Fremont are located. If we were to default on any one or more of these leases, the applicable lessors could terminate the affected leases and we could lose possession of the affected land and any improvements on the land, including the hotels and casinos. This would have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as we would then be unable to operate all or portions of the affected facilities.
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We have a significant amount of indebtedness.
We had total consolidated long-term debt, net of current maturities, of approximately $2.6 billion at December 31, 2009. If we pursue, or continue to pursue, any expansion, development, investment or renovation projects, we expect that our long-term debt will substantially increase in connection with related capital expenditures. This indebtedness could have important consequences, including:
| difficulty in satisfying our obligations under our current indebtedness; |
| increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; |
| requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to payments on our indebtedness, which would reduce the availability of our cash flows to fund working capital, capital expenditures, expansion efforts and other general corporate purposes; |
| limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; |
| placing us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and |
| limiting, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our indebtedness, among other things, our ability to borrow additional funds. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could have a significant adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. |
Our debt instruments contain, and any future debt instruments likely will contain, a number of restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions on our ability to, among other things:
| incur additional debt, including providing guarantees or credit support; |
| incur liens securing indebtedness or other obligations; |
| dispose of assets; |
| make certain acquisitions; |
| pay dividends or make distributions and make other restricted payments; |
| enter into sale and leaseback transactions; |
| engage in any new businesses; and |
| enter into transactions with our stockholders and our affiliates. |
In addition, our bank credit facility requires us to maintain certain ratios, including a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.00 to 1.00 and a total leverage ratio that adjusts over the life of the bank credit facility. Our future debt agreements could contain financial or other covenants more restrictive than those applicable under our existing instruments.
Our current debt service requirements on our bank credit facility primarily consist of interest payments on outstanding indebtedness. The bank credit facility is a $3.0 billion revolving credit facility that matures in May 2012. Subject to certain limitations, we may, at any time, without the consent of the lenders under our bank credit facility, request incremental commitments to increase the size of the bank credit facility, or request new commitments to add a term loan facility, by up to an aggregate amount of $1.0 billion. We believe that we are in compliance with the bank credit facility covenants as required including the Total Leverage Ratio, which was 6.18 to 1.00 at December 31, 2009.
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Debt service requirements under our current outstanding senior subordinated notes consist of semi-annual interest payments (based upon fixed annual interest rates ranging from 6.75% to 7.75%) and repayment of our senior subordinated notes due on December 15, 2012, April 15, 2014, and February 1, 2016 for each of our 7.75%, 6.75% and 7.125% senior subordinated notes, respectively.
In addition, Borgata has significant indebtedness which could affect its ability to pay dividends back to our Company. Borgatas amended bank credit agreement allows for certain limited distributions to be made to its partners. Our distributions from Borgata were $60.1 million and $19.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Borgata has significant uses for its cash flows, including maintenance capital expenditures, interest payments, state income taxes and the repayment of debt. Borgatas cash flows are primarily used for its business needs and are not generally available, except to the extent distributions are paid to us, to service our indebtedness. In addition, Borgatas amended bank credit facility contains certain covenants, including, without limitation, various covenants: (i) requiring the maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio; (ii) establishing a maximum permitted total leverage ratio; (iii) imposing limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens; (iv) imposing limitations on transfers, sales and other dispositions; and (v) imposing restrictions on investments, dividends and certain other payments. In the event that Borgata fails to comply with its covenants, it may be prevented from making any distributions to us during such period of noncompliance. Borgatas amend bank credit agreement matures in January 2011. We may not be able to refinance Borgatas indebtedness under the bank credit agreement on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures and expansion efforts will depend upon our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
It is unlikely that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us under our bank credit facility, in amounts sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness as it matures and to fund our other liquidity needs. We believe that we will need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness at each maturity, and cannot provide assurances that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including our bank credit facility, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. We may have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying planned expenses and capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt, or obtaining additional equity or debt financing or joint venture partners. These financing strategies may not be effected on satisfactory terms, if at all. In addition, certain states laws contain restrictions on the ability of companies engaged in the gaming business to undertake certain financing transactions. Some restrictions may prevent us from obtaining necessary capital.
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ITEM 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
None.
ITEM 2. | Properties |
Information relating to the location and general characteristics of our properties appears in tabular format under Part I, Item 1, Business Properties, and is incorporated herein by reference.
As of December 31, 2009, some of our hotel casinos and development projects are located on leased property, including:
| The Orleans, located on 77 acres of leased land. |
| Suncoast, located on 49 acres of leased land. |
| California, located on 13.9 acres of owned land and 1.6 acres of leased land. |
| Fremont, located on 1.4 acres of owned land and 0.9 acres of leased land. |
| Sams Town Tunica, located on 272 acres of leased land. |
| Treasure Chest, located on 14 acres of leased land. |
| Sams Town Shreveport, located on 18 acres of leased land. |
ITEM 3. | Legal Proceedings |
Copeland. Alvin C. Copeland, the sole shareholder (deceased) of an unsuccessful applicant for a riverboat license at the location of our Treasure Chest Casino (Treasure Chest), has made several attempts to have the Treasure Chest license revoked and awarded to his company. In 1999 and 2000, Copeland unsuccessfully opposed the renewal of the Treasure Chest license and has brought two separate legal actions against Treasure Chest. In November 1993, Copeland objected to the relocation of Treasure Chest from the Mississippi River to its current site on Lake Pontchartrain. The predecessor to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board allowed the relocation over Copelands objection. Copeland then filed an appeal of the agencys decision with the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. Through a number of amendments to the appeal, Copeland unsuccessfully attempted to transform the appeal into a direct action suit and sought the revocation of the Treasure Chest license. Treasure Chest intervened in the matter in order to protect its interests. The appeal/suit, as it related to Treasure Chest, was dismissed by the District Court and that dismissal was upheld on appeal by the First Circuit Court of Appeal. Additionally, in 1999, Copeland filed a direct action against Treasure Chest and certain other parties seeking the revocation of Treasure Chests license, an award of the license to him, and monetary damages. The suit was dismissed by the trial court, citing that Copeland failed to state a claim on which relief could be granted. The dismissal was appealed by Copeland to the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal. On September 21, 2002, the First Circuit Court of Appeal reversed the trial courts decision and remanded the matter to the trial court. On January 14, 2003, we filed a motion to dismiss the matter and that motion was partially denied. The Court of Appeal refused to reverse the denial of the motion to dismiss. In May 2004, we filed additional motions to dismiss on other grounds. There was no activity regarding this matter during 2005 and 2006, and the case was set to be dismissed by the court for failure to prosecute by the plaintiffs in mid-May 2007; however on May 1, 2007, the plaintiff filed a motion to set a hearing date related to the motions to dismiss. The hearing was scheduled for September 10, 2007, at which time all parties agreed to postpone the hearing indefinitely. The hearing has not yet been rescheduled. Mr. Copeland has since passed away and his son, the executor of his estate, has petitioned the court to be substituted as plaintiff in the case. On June 9, 2009, the plaintiff filed to have the exceptions set for hearing. The parties decided to submit the exceptions to the court on the previously filed briefs. The court has yet to issues a ruling. We currently are vigorously defending the lawsuit. If this matter ultimately results in the Treasure Chest license being revoked, it could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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We are also parties to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe that, except for the Copeland matter discussed above, all pending claims, if adversely decided, would not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations
ITEM 4. | Reserved |
ITEM 4A. | Executive Officers of the Registrant |
The following table sets forth the non-director executive officers of Boyd Gaming Corporation as of March 1, 2010:
Name |
Age | Position | ||
Paul J. Chakmak |
45 | Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer | ||
Brian A. Larson |
54 | Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel | ||
Josh Hirsberg |
48 | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) | ||
Ellie J. Bowdish |
42 | Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) |
Paul J. Chakmak has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective January 1, 2008. Mr. Chakmak joined us in February 2004 as our Senior Vice President Finance and Treasurer, and was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer on June 1, 2006.
Brian A. Larson has served as our Executive Vice President and General Counsel since January 1, 2008 and as our Secretary since February 2001. Mr. Larson became our Senior Vice President and General Counsel in January 1998. He became our Associate General Counsel in March 1993 and Vice PresidentDevelopment in June 1993.
Josh Hirsberg joined the Company as our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer effective January 1, 2008. Prior to his position with the Company, Mr. Hirsberg served as the Chief Financial Officer for EdgeStar Partners, a Las Vegas-based resort development concern. He previously held several senior-level finance positions in the gaming industry, including Vice President and Treasurer for Caesars Entertainment and Vice President, Strategic Planning and Investor Relations for Harrahs Entertainment.
Ellie J. Bowdish joined the Company as our Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer effective December 1, 2009. Ms. Bowdish previously served in different positions with First Data Corporation, an electronic commerce and payment solutions company, most recently as the Vice President, Legal and Business Services, of the Prepaid Services business segment and previously as the Vice President, Controller, of the Payment Services business segment.
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Part II
ITEM 5. | Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BYD. Information with respect to sales prices and record holders of our common stock is set forth below.
Market Information
The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.
High | Low | |||||
2008 |
||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 34.10 | $ | 18.27 | ||
Second Quarter |
21.58 | 12.00 | ||||
Third Quarter |
14.92 | 7.90 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
9.78 | 2.81 | ||||
2009 |
||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 6.27 | $ | 2.96 | ||
Second Quarter |
12.86 | 3.58 | ||||
Third Quarter |
12.77 | 7.44 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
11.62 | 6.93 |
On March 1, 2010, the closing sales price of our common stock on the NYSE was $7.67 per share. On that date, we had approximately 917 holders of record of our common stock and our directors and executive officers owned approximately 40% of the outstanding shares. There are no other classes of common equity outstanding.
Dividends
Dividends are declared at the discretion of our Board of Directors. In July 2008, our Board of Directors suspended the payment of a quarterly dividend for future periods. We are subject to certain limitations regarding the payment of dividends, such as restricted payment limitations related to our outstanding notes and our bank credit facility. The following table sets forth the cash dividends declared and paid during the three year period ended December 31, 2009.
Payment Date |
Record Date | Dividend per Share | |||
March 1, 2007 |
February 9, 2007 | $ | 0.135 | ||
June 1, 2007 |
May 11, 2007 | 0.150 | |||
September 4, 2007 |
August 17, 2007 | 0.150 | |||
December 3, 2007 |
November 16, 2007 | 0.150 | |||
March 3, 2008 |
February 18, 2008 | 0.150 | |||
June 2, 2008 |
May 14, 2008 | 0.150 |
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Share Repurchase Program
In July 2008, our Board of Directors authorized an amendment to our existing share repurchase program to increase the amount of common stock available to be repurchased to $100 million. We are not obligated to purchase any shares under our stock repurchase program. Through December 31, 2009, we have repurchased $6.9 million in shares of our common stock under the share repurchase program and are authorized to repurchase up to an additional $92.1 million in shares.
Subject to applicable corporate securities laws, repurchases under our stock repurchase program may be made at such times and in such amounts as we deem appropriate. Purchases under our stock repurchase program can be discontinued at any time that we feel additional purchases are not warranted. We intend to fund the repurchases under the stock repurchase program with existing cash resources and availability under our bank credit facility.
We are subject to certain limitations regarding the repurchase of common stock, such as restricted payment limitations related to our outstanding notes and our bank credit facility.
No purchases under our stock repurchase program were made during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. In the future, we may acquire our debt or equity securities, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, redemptions or otherwise, upon such terms and at such prices as we may determine.
Part III, Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains information concerning securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.
ITEM 6. | Selected Financial Data |
We have derived the selected consolidated financial data presented below as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 from the audited consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected consolidated financial data presented below as of December 31, 2007 and as of and for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not contained herein. Operating results for the periods presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future years.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2009 (a) | 2008 (b) | 2007 (c) | 2006 (d) | 2005 (e) | ||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||
OPERATING DATA |
||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
$ | 1,640,986 | $ | 1,780,967 | $ | 1,997,119 | $ | 2,192,634 | $ | 2,161,085 | ||||||
Operating income (loss) |
156,193 | (153,429 | ) | 354,232 | 404,650 | 405,687 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle |
4,241 | (223,005 | ) | 120,908 | 161,348 | 164,368 | ||||||||||
PER SHARE DATA - DILUTED |
||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle |
$ | 0.05 | $ | (2.54 | ) | $ | 1.36 | $ | 1.80 | $ | 1.82 | |||||
Weighted average diluted common shares |
86,517 | 87,854 | 88,608 | 89,593 | 90,507 | |||||||||||
Cash dividends declared per common share |
$ | | $ | 0.30 $ | 0.585 | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.46 |
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December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||
BALANCE SHEET DATA |
|||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 4,459,957 | $ | 4,605,427 | $ | 4,487,596 | $ | 3,901,299 | $ | 4,424,953 | |||||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities |
2,576,911 | 2,647,058 | 2,265,929 | 2,133,016 | 2,552,795 | ||||||||||
Total stockholders equity |
1,156,369 | 1,143,522 | 1,385,406 | 1,109,952 | 1,098,004 |
Note references below are to the footnotes accompanying our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15, Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(a) | 2009 includes the following pre-tax items: $41.8 million of write-downs and other charges, net (see Note 13), $17.8 million of preopening expenses (see Note 1), a $15.3 million gain on the early retirement of debt (see Note 8), a $14.3 million gain related to our share of property damage insurance recoveries at Borgata (see Note 4), $8.9 million of retroactive interest expense related to our contingent payment for Dania Jai-Alai (see Note 6), and $1.8 million of accelerated interest expense related to our bank credit facility amendment (see Note 8). |
(b) | 2008 includes the following pre-tax items: $385.5 million of write-downs and other charges, net (see Note 13), a $28.6 million gain on the early retirements of debt (see Note 8), $20.3 million of preopening expenses (see Note 1), and a $3.7 million one-time permanent unfavorable tax adjustment related to non-recurring state income tax valuation allowances (see Note 9). |
(c) | 2007 includes the following pre-tax items: $22.8 million of preopening expenses (see Note 1), a $16.9 million loss on the early retirements of debt (see Note 8), $12.1 million of write-downs and other charges, net (see Note 13), $3.2 million for a one-time retroactive property tax adjustment at Blue Chip (see Note 10) and $1.3 million of one-time permanent tax benefits resulting from a charitable contribution and a state income tax credit (see Note 9). |
(d) | 2006 includes the following pre-tax items: $20.6 million of preopening expenses, $11.2 million of accelerated depreciation related to the Stardust and related assets, $8.8 million of write-downs and other charges, net, and $6.7 million for a one-time retroactive gaming tax assessment at Par-A-Dice. |
(e) | 2005 includes the following pre-tax items: $64.6 million of write-downs and other charges, net, a $17.5 million loss on the early retirement of debt, $7.7 million of preopening expenses and $1.5 million of retention tax credits related to the hurricanes that impacted our Louisiana operations. |
The following is a listing of significant events affecting our business during the five-year period ended December 31, 2009:
| We began construction on Echelon, our multibillion dollar Las Vegas Strip development project, in the second quarter of 2007. Echelon is located on the former Stardust site, which we closed in November 2006 and demolished in March 2007. On August 1, 2008, due to the difficult environment in the capital markets, as well as weak economic conditions, we announced the delay of our Echelon development project. Due to the continued deterioration in credit market conditions and the economic outlook, it is unlikely that we will resume construction for three to five years. Nonetheless, we remain committed to having a meaningful presence on the Las Vegas Strip. During the delay in construction, we intend to consider alternative development options for Echelon, which may include developing the project in phases, alternative capital structures for the project, scope modifications to the project, or additional strategic partnerships, among others. We can provide no assurances as to when, or if, construction will resume on the project, or if we will be able to obtain alternative sources of financing for the project. |
| Our new hotel at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa opened on January 22, 2009. This expansion added a 22-story hotel, which includes 300 guest rooms, a spa and fitness center, additional meeting and event space, as well as new dining and nightlife venues to the existing property structures. |
| In 2008, we completed the launch of our nationwide branding initiative and loyalty program. Players are now able to use their Club Coast or B Connected cards to earn and redeem points at nearly all of our wholly-owned Boyd Gaming property in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana and Mississippi. |
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| The Water Club, an 800-room boutique hotel expansion project at Borgata, opened in June 2008. The expansion includes five swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa, additional meeting and retail space, and a separate porte-cochere and front desk. |
| In February 2007, we completed our exchange of the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino and its related 4.2 acres of land for approximately 24 acres located north of and contiguous to our Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip in a nonmonetary, tax-free transaction. The results of Barbary Coast are classified as discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2007. |
| In October 2006, we sold the South Coast Hotel and Casino for total consideration of approximately $513 million, consisting of approximately $401 million in cash and approximately 3.4 million shares of our common stock valued at $112 million. |
| In January 2006, we expanded our Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa through the construction of a single-level boat that allowed us to expand our casino. In connection with this expansion, we also added a new parking structure and enhanced the land-based pavilion. |
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ITEM 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Overview
Boyd Gaming Corporation (the Company, Boyd Gaming, we, or us) is a diversified operator of 15 wholly-owned gaming entertainment properties and a 50% investment in one property. Headquartered in Las Vegas, we have gaming operations in Nevada, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana and New Jersey, which we aggregate in order to present four Reportable Segments: (i) Las Vegas Locals, (ii) Downtown Las Vegas, (iii) Midwest and South, and (iv) our 50% interest in the limited liability company operating Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In addition, on March 1, 2007, we acquired Dania Jai-Alai, where we operate a pari-mutuel jai-alai facility, and approximately 47 acres of related land located in Dania Beach, Florida. Furthermore, we own 85 acres of land on the Las Vegas Strip, where our Echelon development project is located.
Our main business emphasis is on slot revenues, which are highly dependent upon the volume and spending levels of customers at our properties, which affects our operating results. Gross revenues are one of the main performance indicators of our properties. Our properties have historically generated significant operating cash flow, with the majority of our revenue being cash-based. Our industry is capital intensive; we rely heavily on the ability of our properties to generate operating cash flow in order to repay debt financing and associated interest costs, pay income taxes, fund maintenance capital expenditures, and provide excess cash for future development, acquisitions, purchases of our debt or equity securities, and payment of dividends.
Overall Outlook
We continually work to position our Company for greater success by strengthening our existing operations and growing through capital investment and other strategic initiatives. For instance, in January 2009, we opened our new 22-story hotel at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, which includes 300 guest rooms, a spa and fitness center, additional meeting and event space, as well as new dining and nightlife venues. In addition, Borgatas second hotel, The Water Club, opened in June 2008. The Water Club is an 800-room hotel, featuring five swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa, and additional meeting room space. In addition, we launched our nationwide branding initiative and loyalty program in 2008. Players are now able to use their Club Coast or B Connected cards to earn and redeem points at nearly all of our wholly-owned Boyd Gaming property in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Due to a number of factors affecting consumers, including the declining global economy, constricting credit markets, reduced consumer spending, depressed home prices and new U.S. political leadership, the outlook for the gaming industry remains highly unpredictable. Because of these uncertain conditions, we have increasingly focused on managing our operating margins. Our present objective is to manage our cost and expense structure in order to endure the current deterioration in business volumes and maintain compliance with our debt covenants. Nonetheless, we intend to maintain a flexible capital structure for potential strategic transactions that we may undertake in the future.
Development Activities
On August 1, 2008, due to the difficult environment in the capital markets, as well as weak economic conditions, we announced the delay of our multibillion dollar Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip. At such time, we did not anticipate the long-term effects of the economic recession and continued economic downturn, evidenced by lower occupancy rates, declining room rates and reduced consumer spending across the country, but particularly in the Las Vegas Locals region; nor did we predict that the incremental supply becoming available on the Las Vegas Strip would face such depressed demand levels, thereby elongating the time for absorption of this additional supply into the market. The credit markets have yet to show significant recovery, thereby rendering financing for this type of development unavailable. Based on our current outlook, we do not expect to resume construction for three to five years.
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Nonetheless, we remain committed to having a significant presence on the Las Vegas Strip. During the suspension period, we intend to consider alternative development options for Echelon, which may include developing the project in phases, alternative capital structures for the project, scope modifications to the project, or additional strategic partnerships, among others. We can provide no assurances as to when, or if, construction will resume on the project, or if we will be able to obtain alternative sources of financing for the project. As we develop and explore the viability of alternatives for the project, we will monitor these assets for recoverability. If we are subject to a non-cash write-down of these assets, it could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial statements.
As of December 31, 2009, we have incurred approximately $928 million in capitalized costs related to the Echelon project, including land. As part of our delay of the project, we expect to incur approximately $4 million of capitalized costs, principally related to the offsite fabrication of escalators, curtain wall and a skylight. In addition, we expect recurring project costs, consisting primarily of security, property taxes, rent and insurance, of approximately $10 million per annum that will be charged to preopening or other expense as incurred during the projects suspension period. These capitalized costs and recurring project costs are in addition to other contingencies with respect to our various material commitments.
In addition to the expansion projects mentioned above, we regularly evaluate opportunities for growth through the development of gaming operations in existing or new markets, along with opportunities associated with acquiring other gaming entertainment facilities.
Results of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007
Summary of Operating Results
Generally, we believe that our operating results for both of the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 have been adversely impacted by the weakened global economy. Disruptions in the global financial and stock markets and reduced levels of consumer spending have adversely impacted and may continue to adversely impact our financial results. We believe that recent economic conditions have led to a shift in spending from discretionary items to fundamental costs like housing. We continue to be negatively impacted by a weak housing market and significant declines in housing prices and related home equity; higher airline fares and fees which impact travel costs; increases in unemployment; and ongoing volatility in the equity markets.
The following provides a summary of certain key operating results:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||
Net revenues |
$ | 1,640,986 | $ | 1,780,967 | $ | 1,997,119 | ||||
Operating income (loss) |
156,193 | (153,429 | ) | 354,232 | ||||||
Net income (loss) |
4,241 | (223,005 | ) | 303,035 |
Based on the impact of these current economic conditions, we believe that we will continue to experience reduced consumer spending, resulting in lower than historical gaming volumes, room occupancy and rates, and corresponding lower profitability.
Significant specific events that affected our results for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to 2008, or that may affect our future results, are described below:
| Write-downs and other charges totaling $41.8 million during 2009, principally consisting of non-cash impairment charges to write-down a joint venture investment and certain portions of our goodwill. See Results of Operations Write-downs and Other Charges, Net below for a more detailed discussion related to our write-downs and other charges. |
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| A $15.3 million gain on the early retirements of portions of our senior subordinated notes in 2009, which had a positive impact on income from continuing operations, but was less than the $28.6 million gain recorded in 2008. |
| Our results during 2009 were positively impacted by a $14.3 million gain which represented our share of insurance recoveries resulting from property damage at The Water Club at Borgata. |
Significant specific events that affected our results for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to 2007, or that may affect our future results, are described below:
| Write-downs and other charges totaling $385.5 million during 2008, principally consisting of non-cash impairment charges to write-down certain portions of our goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets to their fair value. See Results of Operations Write-downs and Other Charges, Net below for a more detailed discussion related to our write-downs and other charges. |
| Increased competition near Blue Chip and, to a lesser extent, construction disruption at the property, which impacted our results. |
| A $28.6 million gain on the early retirements of portions of our 7.75% and 6.75% senior subordinated notes in the year ended December 31, 2008, which had a positive impact on income from continuing operations. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we recorded a loss of $16.9 million on the early retirements of our $250 million principal amount 8.75% senior subordinated notes and our former bank credit facility. |
Revenues by Category
We derive the majority of our gross revenues from our gaming operations, which produced approximately 75%, 74%, and 75% of gross revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. Food and beverage gross revenues, which produced approximately 13%, 13%, and 12% of gross revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively, represent the next most significant revenue source, followed by room and other, which separately contributed less than 10% of gross revenues during these periods.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
2009 | Percentage Change |
2008 | Percentage Change |
2007 | ||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
REVENUES |
||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
$ | 1,372,091 | -7 | % | $ | 1,477,476 | -11 | % | $ | 1,666,422 | ||||||||
Food and beverage |
229,374 | -9 | % | 251,854 | -8 | % | 273,036 | |||||||||||
Room |
122,305 | -13 | % | 140,651 | -8 | % | 153,691 | |||||||||||
Other |
100,396 | -15 | % | 117,574 | -9 | % | 128,870 | |||||||||||
$ | 1,824,166 | -8 | % | $ | 1,987,555 | -11 | % | $ | 2,222,019 | |||||||||
COSTS AND EXPENSES |
||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
$ | 664,739 | -4 | % | $ | 690,847 | -8 | % | $ | 752,047 | ||||||||
Food and beverage |
125,830 | -13 | % | 144,092 | -12 | % | 163,775 | |||||||||||
Room |
39,655 | -10 | % | 43,851 | -6 | % | 46,574 | |||||||||||
Other |
77,840 | -13 | % | 89,222 | -6 | % | 95,401 | |||||||||||
$ | 908,064 | -6 | % | $ | 968,012 | -8 | % | $ | 1,057,797 | |||||||||
MARGINS |
||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
51.55 | % | 53.24 | % | 54.87 | % | ||||||||||||
Food and beverage |
45.14 | % | 42.79 | % | 40.02 | % | ||||||||||||
Room |
67.58 | % | 68.82 | % | 69.70 | % | ||||||||||||
Other |
22.47 | % | 24.11 | % | 25.97 | % |
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Gaming
Gaming revenues are significantly comprised of the net win from our slot machine operations and to a lesser extent from table games win. Overall, the $105.4 million, or 7% decrease in gaming revenues during the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 2008 is due to an 8.6% decrease in slot handle and 9.6% decrease in our table games drop, both of which more than offset a slight increase in slot win percentage during the year. The $188.9 million or 11% decrease in gaming revenue from the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 2007 is due to a 10.6% decrease in slot handle and a 9.3% decrease in our table games drop. Correspondingly, the number of slot machines and table games at our properties were down approximately 3.7% and 3.6%, respectively, at December 31, 2009 compared to December 31, 2008, and approximately 1.8% and 3.7%, respectively at December 31, 2008 compared to December 31, 2007. Margins were slightly less negatively impacted by the corresponding declines in slot machine and table games volumes, due to cost containment efforts. As noted earlier, we believe the decrease in gaming volumes reflect the ongoing constraints in consumer spending resulting from the weakened economy.
Food and Beverage
Food and beverage revenues declined $22.5 million, or 9% during the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, and $21.2 or 8% during the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 2007. Sales were adversely impacted by lower visitation, declining customer discretionary spending and decreased occupancy at our properties, trending from 2007 through 2009. Margins slightly improved during these respective periods due to cost variability and lower consumption and inventory levels.
Room
Room rates and margins have declined year-over-year due to decreased occupancy and lower average room rates, resulting in a decrease of $18.3 million, or 13% during the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, and a decrease of $13.0 or 8% during the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 2007. The average daily rates have trended downward and occupancy rates have consistently declined throughout the entire period presented.
Revenues by Reportable Segment
The following table presents our gross revenues, by Reportable Segment (region), for the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007.
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||
Gross Revenues |
|||||||||
Las Vegas Locals |
$ | 713,354 | $ | 858,241 | $ | 943,117 | |||
Downtown Las Vegas |
251,000 | 263,005 | 277,660 | ||||||
Midwest and South |
852,209 | 857,650 | 993,112 | ||||||
Reportable Segment Gross Revenues |
1,816,563 | 1,978,896 | 2,213,889 | ||||||
Other |
7,603 | 8,659 | 8,130 | ||||||
Gross Revenues |
$ | 1,824,166 | $ | 1,987,555 | $ | 2,222,019 | |||
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we continued to contend with a weak economy and a very cautious consumer, specifically in the Las Vegas Locals region. While visitation has stabilized at most of our properties during 2009, we continue to experience significant year-over-year declines in spend per visitor.
Significant factors that affected our Reportable Segment Gross Revenue for 2009, as compared to 2008, are listed below:
| Las Vegas Locals declined 16.9% during the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008, due primarily to lower consumer spending and room rate pressures throughout the entire market, as the overall Las Vegas economy remains one of the hardest-hit metropolitan areas during this economic downturn. |
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| Downtown Las Vegas decreased 4.6% during the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008, primarily due to decline in consumer spend and lower pricing on our Hawaiian charter operations. |
| Midwest and South decreased a slight 0.6% during the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008, primarily due to declines in gross revenue at two of our Louisiana properties, which were offset somewhat by growth in gross revenues at Blue Chip and Delta Downs. |
Significant factors that affected our Reportable Segment Gross Revenues for 2008, as compared to 2007, are listed below:
| Las Vegas Locals the 9.0% decline was due primarily to the reduction in consumer spending as a result of the economic recession, which has caused significant declines in the local housing market and rising unemployment, which have adversely impacted consumer spending. |
| Downtown Las Vegas the 5.3% decline was due to the reduction in consumer spending as a result of the economic recession and lower Hawaiian charter operations. |
| Midwest and South the 13.6% decline was principally due to the impact of the economic recession on our properties throughout this segment. |
Adjusted EBITDA by Reportable Segment
We determine each of our wholly-owned properties profitability based upon Property Adjusted EBITDA, which represents each propertys earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, deferred rent, preopening expenses, share-based compensation expense, and write-downs and other charges, net, as applicable. Reportable Segment Adjusted EBITDA is the aggregate sum of the Property Adjusted EBITDA for each of the properties included in our Las Vegas Locals, Downtown Las Vegas, and Midwest and South segments and also includes our share of Borgatas operating income before net amortization, preopening and other items.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we continued to refine our cost structure, developing a more cost-efficient business model to compete more effectively in these economic conditions. We saw positive results from these efforts, as operating margins show improvements over the prior year.
We have aggregated certain of our properties in order to present the Reportable Segments shown in the table below.
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||
Reportable Segment Adjusted EBITDA |
|||||||||
Las Vegas Locals |
$ | 155,336 | $ | 218,591 | $ | 275,510 | |||
Downtown Las Vegas |
46,102 | 40,657 | 52,127 | ||||||
Midwest and South |
165,534 | 169,063 | 214,605 | ||||||
Our share of Borgatas operating income before net amortization, preopening and other items |
59,470 | 60,520 | 86,470 |
Significant factors that affected our Reportable Segment Adjusted EBITDA for 2009, as compared to 2008, are listed below:
| Las Vegas Locals declined 28.9% during the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008, due primarily to the impact of lower levels consumer spending. |
| Downtown Las Vegas increased 13.4% during the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008, primarily due to cost control and containment measures. |
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| Midwest and South decreased 2.1% during the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008, primarily due to declines in consumer spending, offset by aggressive efforts to control costs throughout the region. |
| Our share of Borgata see Operating Results for Borgata below for a discussion of the decrease in our share of Borgatas operating income before net amortization, preopening and other items. |
Significant factors that affected our Reportable Segment Adjusted EBITDA for 2008, as compared to 2007, are listed below:
| Las Vegas Locals the 20.7% decline was due primarily to the reduction in gross revenues as a result of the economic recession, which has caused significant declines in the local housing market and rising unemployment, which have adversely impacted consumer spending. |
| Downtown Las Vegas the 22.0% decline was due to the reduction in gross revenues as a result of the economic recession, as well as a significant reduction in commercial airline seat capacity from Hawaii, which adversely affected leisure travel from this primary feeder market. |
| Midwest and South the 21.2% decline was principally due to the reduction in gross revenues at Blue Chip, which was materially impacted by increased competition and construction disruption, as well as the impact of the economic recession on our properties throughout this segment. |
| Our share of Borgata see Operating Results for Borgata below for a discussion of the decrease in our share of Borgatas operating income before net amortization, preopening and other items. |
Operating Results for Borgata
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain operating data for Borgata. We use the equity method to account for our investment in Borgata.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||
Gross revenues |
$ | 990,601 | $ | 1,044,463 | $ | 1,034,679 | ||||||
Operating income |
146,847 | 115,308 | 168,868 | |||||||||
Total non-operating expenses |
(38,606 | ) | (32,019 | ) | (27,536 | ) | ||||||
Net income |
108,241 | 83,289 | 141,332 |
The following table reconciles the presentation of our share of Borgatas operating income.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||
Operating income from Borgata as reported on our consolidated statements of operations |
$ | 72,126 | $ | 56,356 | $ | 83,136 | ||||
Net amortization expense related to our investment in Borgata |
1,298 | 1,298 | 1,298 | |||||||
Our share of Borgatas operating income |
73,424 | 57,654 | 84,434 | |||||||
Our share of Borgatas preopening expenses |
349 | 2,785 | 1,558 | |||||||
Our share of Borgatas other items and write-downs, net |
(14,303 | ) | 81 | 478 | ||||||
Our share of Borgatas operating income before net amortization, preopening and other items |
$ | 59,470 | $ | 60,520 | $ | 86,470 | ||||
Our share of Borgatas operating income before net amortization, preopening and other items decreased 1.7% during the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008, which excludes the effect from our $14.4 million share of the gain related to The Water Club insurance settlement, as discussed above. Overall, Borgatas gross revenues have decreased 5.2% during the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, which reflects the overall decline in consumer spending globally, the heightened competition in Atlantic City, specifically as well as the late year effects of the severe winter storms making travel extremely difficult throughout the entire Northeast.
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Our share of Borgatas operating income before net amortization, preopening and other expenses decreased 30.0% in 2008, as compared to 2007. The decline was primarily due to the economic recession, the heightened competitive environment in Atlantic City as a result of new competition from surrounding jurisdictions, specifically slot operations in Pennsylvania, the addition of new hotel capacity in the Atlantic City market, and higher operating costs related to the opening of The Water Club.
Other Costs and Expenses
The following costs and expenses, as presented in our consolidated statements of operations, are further discussed below:
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
$ | 284,937 | $ | 299,662 | $ | 310,926 | |||
Maintenance and utilities |
92,296 | 95,963 | 96,278 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
164,427 | 168,997 | 165,959 | ||||||
Corporate expense |
47,617 | 52,332 | 60,143 | ||||||
Preopening expenses |
17,798 | 20,265 | 22,819 | ||||||
Write-downs and other charges, net |
41,780 | 385,521 | 12,101 |
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of gross revenues, were fairly consistent at 15.6%, 15.1% and 14.0% during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, due to our ongoing cost containment efforts.
Maintenance and Utilities
Maintenance and utilities expenses were relatively consistent during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, as no major maintenance projects were undertaken in any year within that period. The incremental increase in maintenance and utilities, as a percentage of gross revenues of 5.1%, 4.8% and 4.3%, during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, reflects an overall increase in energy costs.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense remained relatively flat during the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to 2008, as there were no significant expansion capital expenditures that were placed into service during 2009, except the new hotel at Blue Chip in January. The increased depreciation of this new building was offset by other fully depreciated assets. Depreciation and amortization expense remained stable during the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to 2007, as there were no significant expansion capital expenditures that were placed into service during 2008.
Corporate Expense
Corporate expense represents unallocated payroll, professional fees, and various other expenses that are not directly related to our casino hotel operations, in addition to the corporate portion of share-based compensation expense. As part of our cost containment efforts, corporate expense has decreased from the year ended December 31, 2008 to the year ended December 31, 2009. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we commenced design work on our new consolidated players club program in order to build and reward customer loyalty and drive cross-property visitation. The incrementally higher corporate expense in 2007 is due, in part, to the initial, up-front design related expenses incurred for the launch of our nationwide branding initiative and loyalty program.
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Preopening Expenses
We expense certain costs of start-up activities as incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recorded preopening expenses related to our Echelon development project, our new hotel and expansion project at Blue Chip, our expansion project at Dania Jai-Alai, which we indefinitely postponed in February 2008, and our efforts to develop gaming activities in other jurisdictions.
In 2009, preopening expense related to the following items:
| $16.1 million for our Echelon development project; |
| $1.4 million for the new hotel at Blue Chip; and |
| $0.3 million for other projects. |
In 2008, preopening expenses related to the following items:
| $16.3 million for our Echelon development project; |
| $1.3 million for the new hotel at Blue Chip; |
| $0.9 million for the Dania Jai-Alai project; and |
| $1.8 million for other projects. |
In 2007, preopening expenses related to the following items:
| $15.6 million for our Echelon development project; |
| $5.3 million for the Dania Jai-Alai project; and |
| $1.9 million for other projects. |
Write-downs and Other Charges, Net
In 2009, write-downs and other charges, net, primarily consist of the following:
| Due to the circumstances regarding the final development plan of Echelon, we reviewed our former investment in the Morgans joint venture for impairment. Considering the subsequent mutual termination of this joint venture, certain of our contributions, primarily related to the architectural and design plans, will ultimately not be realizable, as a result, we recorded an other-than-temporary non-cash impairment charge of $13.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2009 related to such costs. |
| In conjunction with an amendment to the Dania Jai-Alai purchase agreement to settle the contingent payment prior to the satisfaction of the legal conditions, we recorded the remaining $28.4 million of the $75 million contingent liability as an additional cost of the acquisition (goodwill). We tested the goodwill for recoverability, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $28.4 million. |
In 2008, write-downs and other charges, net, primarily consist of the following:
| An aggregate of $290.2 million in non-cash impairment charges to write-down certain portions of our goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets to their fair value at December 31, 2008. The impairment tests for these assets were principally due to the decline in our stock price that caused our book value to exceed our market capitalization, which was an indication that these assets may not be recoverable. The primary reason for these impairment charges related to the ongoing recession, which caused us to reduce our estimates for projected cash flows, reduced overall industry valuations, and caused an increase in discount rates in the credit and equity markets. |
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| An $84.0 million non-cash impairment charge principally related to the write-off of Dania Jai-Alais intangible license right, following our decision to indefinitely postpone redevelopment plans to operate slot machines at the facility. |
| Hurricane and related expenses of $3.0 million were incurred as a result of damages from the Gulf Coast hurricanes at Treasure Chest and Delta Downs. The property damage incurred by each of the properties did not meet our insurance deductibles; therefore, no claims were filed. |
In 2007, write-downs and other charges, net, primarily consist of the following:
| In connection with our Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip, we closed the Stardust on November 1, 2006 and demolished the property in March 2007. During 2007, we recorded $11.1 million in property closure costs, the majority of which represents demolition and rubble removal costs. |
| We incurred $0.9 million of acquisition-related expenses in connection with our purchase of Dania Jai-Alai on March 1, 2007. |
Other Expenses
Interest Expense
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||
Interest costs |
$ | 123,628 | $ | 142,645 | $ | 159,732 | ||||||
Effects of interest rate swaps |
23,580 | 5,168 | (3,499 | ) | ||||||||
Less: |
||||||||||||
Capitalized interest |
378 | 37,667 | 18,060 | |||||||||
Interest income |
6 | 1,070 | 119 | |||||||||
Interest cost related to discontinued operations |
| | 600 | |||||||||
Interest expense, net |
$ | 146,824 | $ | 109,076 | $ | 137,454 | ||||||
Average note payable and debt balances |
$ | 2,727,126 | $ | 2,485,990 | $ | 2,183,684 | ||||||
Average interest rates |
5.4 | % | 5.9 | % | 7.1 | % | ||||||
Interest expense, net increased during the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to 2008, due to a greater impact resulting from higher average note payable and outstanding debt balances, as well as an increase from the effects of our interest rate swaps. This increase was offset by lower average interest rates on our bank credit facility. There was a relatively minor amount of interest capitalized during the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to 2008, as the Blue Chip addition was completed in January, and our development efforts at Echelon had been suspended since August 2008. Additionally, interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2009 was increased by the interest portion of $8.9 million related to the contingent payment for the January 2009 amendment to the purchase agreement resulting in the finalization of our purchase price for Dania Jai-Alai. Also, incremental interest expense of approximately $2 million was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2009 to ratably reduce the amortization of deferred loan fees related to the reduction in borrowing capacity under our amended bank credit facility. At December 31, 2009, 55% of our debt was based upon variable interest compared to 43% of our debt at December 31, 2008
As of December 31, 2009, we are a party to certain floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $500 million, whereby we receive payments based upon the three-month LIBOR and make payments based upon a stipulated fixed rate. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the effect of our swaps increased our interest expense by $23.6 million, as market interest rates during the period were significantly lower than the 5.1% weighted-average fixed rate associated with these swaps as of December 31, 2009.
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Despite the increase in our average debt balance, interest costs decreased during the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to 2007, principally due to a decline in market interest rates that reduced our average borrowing rate to 5.9%. Additionally, interest capitalized during the year ended December 31, 2008 increased, and offset expense, due to the improvements related to the new hotel at Blue Chip and the development of Echelon. At December 31, 2008, 43% of our debt was based upon variable interest compared to 35% of our debt at December 31, 2007.
Included in the income (loss) from discontinued operations during 2007 is an allocation of interest expense related to $401 million of debt that was repaid as a result of the South Coast Hotel and Casino disposition, as well as other consolidated interest based on the ratio of: (i) the net assets of our discontinued operations less the debt repaid as a result of the South Coast disposition, to (ii) the sum of total consolidated net assets and consolidated debt of the Company, other than the debt repaid as a result of the disposition. With the February 2007 completion of the Barbary Coast exchange transaction, there were no further allocations of interest to discontinued operations from the South Coast and Barbary Coast transactions.
Loss (Gain) on Early Retirements of Debt
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we purchased and retired $105.3 million principal amount of our senior subordinated notes. The total purchase price of the notes was approximately $89.5 million, resulting in a gain of approximately $15.3 million, net of associated deferred financing fees. The transactions were funded by availability under our bank credit facility.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, we purchased and retired $146.5 million principal amount of our senior subordinated notes. The total purchase price of the notes was approximately $116.5 million, resulting in a gain of approximately $28.6 million, net of associated deferred financing fees. The transactions were funded by availability under our bank credit facility.
On April 16, 2007, we redeemed our $250 million aggregate principal amount of 8.75% senior subordinated notes that were originally due to mature in April 2012. In connection with the redemption of these notes, we terminated our $50 million notional amount fixed-to-floating interest rate swap. During 2007, we recorded a $12.5 million loss on the early retirement of these notes and related interest rate swap.
Change in Value of Derivative Instruments
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we had certain interest rate swaps that we did not designate or otherwise qualify for hedge accounting; therefore, the decline in the fair value of these interest rate swaps of $1.1 million was recorded on our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2007. In July 2007, we terminated all of our interest rate swaps that we did not designate or qualify for hedge accounting. In addition, we entered into forward-starting interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $750 million to hedge the variability in the cash flows of our floating rate borrowings through June 30, 2011. We have designated and qualified these forward-starting swaps as cash flow hedges in an effort to limit the impact of the change in the market value of these interest rate swaps on our future operating results. We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our interest rate swap agreements; however, we believe that this risk is minimized because we monitor the credit ratings of the counterparties to the agreements.
Other Non-Operating Expenses from Borgata
Borgatas other non-operating expenses consist of the following:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
$ | (27,668 | ) | $ | (29,049 | ) | $ | (31,194 | ) | |||
State income tax (provision) benefit |
(10,938 | ) | (2,970 | ) | 3,658 | |||||||
Other non-operating expenses |
$ | (38,606 | ) | $ | (32,019 | ) | $ | (27,536 | ) | |||
50 | % | 50 | % | 50 | % | |||||||
Our share of other non-operating expenses |
$ | (19,303 | ) | $ | (16,009 | ) | $ | (13,768 | ) | |||
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Interest expense is incurred based on borrowings under Borgatas bank credit agreement. The decrease in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 2008 is due to the combined impact of a reduction in average outstanding borrowings, coupled with a decrease in the blended interest rate under Borgatas bank credit agreement, which were 2.7% and 4.2% at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decrease in interest expenses during the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to 2007, is primarily due to a decrease in the interest rate on the bank credit facility, which was 4.2% and 6.5% at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Interest capitalized also declined during the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 2007 to $8.8 million from $12.6 million in these periods, respectively.
The increase in state income tax provision during the year ended December 31, 2009 from 2008 is due to a corresponding increase in income and the ineligibility for the New Jersey state job tax credit in 2009. Based on New Jersey state income tax rules, Borgata is eligible for a refundable state tax credit under the New Jersey New Jobs Investment Tax Credit (New Jobs Tax Credit) because it made a qualified investment in a new business facility that created new jobs. The realization of the credit is contingent upon maintaining certain employment levels for employees directly related to the qualified investment as well as maintaining overall employment levels. Fluctuations in employment levels for any given year during the credit period may eliminate or reduce the credit. The total net credit related to Borgatas original investment was approximately $75 million over a five-year period that ended in 2007. Incremental net credits related to Borgatas public space expansion and hotel expansion are also available. Borgata recorded $5.0 million and $17.4 million, respectively, of net New Jobs Tax Credits in arriving at its state income tax benefit (provision) for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Benefit from (Provision for) Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for continuing operations in 2009 was 20%, as compared to 11% in 2008, and 35% in 2007. The 2009 tax provision includes one-time permanent tax benefits of $3.4 million resulting from favorable audit treatment in connection with certain acquisition costs incurred in prior years and the reversal of interest accrued in connection with unrecognized tax benefits. The state tax provision was adversely impacted by changes in apportionment and exam settlements for approximately $1.7 million. Our state tax provision was also impacted by the geographic mix of our income. The 2008 benefit includes the tax effect of impairment charges and valuation allowances associated with certain state net operating losses. Additionally, the 2008 effective tax rate is materially impacted by the Coast Casinos goodwill impairment charge, which does not provide any tax benefit due to tax attributes attached to the goodwill in connection with the original Coast Casinos, Inc. acquisition. The 2007 tax provision includes one-time permanent tax benefits resulting from a charitable contribution and a state income tax credit.
Income from Discontinued Operations
Barbary Coast
On February 27, 2007, we completed our exchange of the Barbary Coast and its related 4.2 acres of land for a total of approximately 24 acres located north of and contiguous to our Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip in a nonmonetary, tax-free transaction with Harrahs Operating Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Harrahs Entertainment, Inc. (Harrahs). Harrahs purchased the 24-acre site in October 2006 from unrelated third parties for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $364 million. Upon the closing of this transaction, during the year ended December 31, 2007, we recorded a non-cash pre-tax gain from discontinued operations of approximately $285 million and wrote-off the $3.7 million carrying value of the Barbary Coast trademark, because, although we retained the trademark, we no longer have underlying cash flows to support its value.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
Historically, we have operated with minimal or negative levels of working capital in order to minimize borrowings and related interest costs under our bank credit facility. The bank credit facility generally provides any necessary funds for our day-to-day operations, interest and tax payments, as well as capital expenditures. On a daily basis, we evaluate our cash position and adjust the bank credit facility balance as necessary, by either borrowing or paying it down with excess cash. We also plan the timing and the amounts of our capital expenditures. We believe that our bank credit facility and cash flows from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our projected operating and
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maintenance capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. The source of funds for our development projects is derived primarily from cash flows from operations and availability under our bank credit facility, to the extent availability exists after we meet our working capital needs. We could also seek to fund these projects in whole or in part through incremental bank financing and additional debt or equity offerings. If availability does not exist under our bank credit facility, or we are not otherwise able to draw funds on our bank credit facility, additional financing may not be available to us or, if available, may not be on terms favorable to us.
Indebtedness
Bank Credit Facility. On December 21, 2009, we entered into a First Amendment and Consent to First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the amendment), with certain financial institutions and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. The amendment amends certain terms of our bank credit facility dated as of May 24, 2007. Among other changes, the amendment reduced the revolving commitments under our bank credit facility from $4.0 billion to $3.0 billion and increased the amount of funds available under letters of credit.
At December 31, 2009, we had availability under our bank credit facility of approximately $1.0 billion.
Bank Credit Facility Covenants. The bank credit facility contains certain financial and other covenants, including various covenants (i) requiring the maintenance of a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.00 to 1.00, (ii) establishing a maximum total leverage ratio (discussed below), (iii) imposing limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, (iv) imposing limitations on transfers, sales and other dispositions, and (v) imposing restrictions on investments, dividends and certain other payments.
The maximum permitted Total Leverage Ratio is calculated as Consolidated Funded Indebtedness to twelve-month trailing Consolidated EBITDA (all capitalized terms are defined in the bank credit facility). We are in compliance with the bank credit facility covenants at December 31, 2009, including the Total Leverage Ratio, which is 6.18 to 1.00 at December 31, 2009. The following table provides our maximum allowable Total Leverage Ratio during the remaining term of the bank credit facility:
For the Trailing Four Quarters Ending |
Maximum Total Leverage Ratio | |
December 31, 2009 |
6.50 to 1.00 | |
March 31, 2010 |
6.75 to 1.00 | |
June 30, 2010 |
7.00 to 1.00 | |
September 30, 2010 |
7.25 to 1.00 | |
December 31, 2010 |
7.25 to 1.00 | |
March 31, 2011 |
7.00 to 1.00 | |
June 30, 2011 |
6.75 to 1.00 | |
September 30, 2011 |
6.50 to 1.00 | |
December 31, 2011 |
6.00 to 1.00 | |
March 31, 2012 |
5.50 to 1.00 |
The foregoing description of the bank credit facility is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2007, among the Company and certain other parties, which is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and First Amendment and Consent to First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
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Under the terms of the credit facility prior to the Amendment, Boyd Gamings ratio to determine maximum funded debt as of March 31, 2011 would have been 6.50 times Consolidated EBITDA for the four quarters ending on such date, and would have been 5.25 times Consolidated EBITDA for the four quarters ending as of the end of each calendar quarter thereafter through March 31, 2012. The Amendment does not modify the existing maximum leverage ratio through September 30, 2010, which ranges from 6.50 to 7.25. For the calendar quarter ending December 31, 2010, the Amendment decreases the maximum leverage ratio from 7.50 to 7.25.
Senior Subordinated Notes. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we purchased and retired $105.3 million principal amount of our senior subordinated notes. The total purchase price of the notes was $89.5 million resulting in a gain of $15.3 million, net of associated deferred financing fees. The transactions were funded by availability under our bank credit facility.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, we purchased and retired $146.5 million principal amount of our senior subordinated notes. The total purchase price of the notes was approximately $116.5 million, resulting in a gain of approximately $28.6 million, net of associated deferred financing fees. The transactions were funded by availability under our bank credit facility.
Note Payable. On March 1, 2007, we acquired Dania Jai-Alai and approximately 47 acres of related land located in Dania Beach, Florida. Dania Jai-Alai is one of four pari-mutuel facilities in Broward County approved under Florida law to operate 2,000 Class III slot machines. We paid approximately $81 million to close this transaction and, agreed that, if certain conditions are satisfied, we would pay an additional $75 million, plus interest accrued at the prime rate (the contingent payment), in March 2010 or earlier.
In January 2009, we amended the purchase agreement to settle the contingent payment prior to the satisfaction of the legal conditions. The principal terms of the amendment were as follows.
| We paid $9.4 million to the seller in January 2009, plus $9.1 million of interest accrued from March 1, 2007, the date of the acquisition. |
| We issued an 8% promissory note to the seller in the amount of $65.6 million, plus accrued interest. The terms of the note required principal payments of $9.4 million, plus accrued interest, in April 2009 and July 2009, and a final principal payment of $46.9 million, plus accrued interest, due in January 2010. The promissory note was secured by a letter of credit under our bank credit facility, and we have made all scheduled payments on promissory note, including the final payment in January 2010. |
Our ability to service our debt will be dependent upon future performance, which will be affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, certain of which are beyond our control. It is unlikely that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations to enable us to pay our indebtedness as it matures and to fund our other liquidity needs. We believe that we will need to refinance all or part of our indebtedness at or prior to each maturity; however, we may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
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Cash Flows Summary
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 241,031 | $ | 220,479 | $ | 283,189 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(157,557 | ) | (667,400 | ) | (296,894 | ) | ||||||
Net cash paid for Dania Jai-Alai |
(9,375 | ) | | (80,904 | ) | |||||||
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries |
(73 | ) | (5,991 | ) | (10,297 | ) | ||||||
Other |
1,877 | 115 | 8,352 | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(165,128 | ) | (673,276 | ) | (379,743 | ) | ||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Payments on retirements of long-term debt |
(89,482 | ) | (116,497 | ) | (260,938 | ) | ||||||
Net borrowings under bank credit facility |
35,785 | 528,215 | 379,600 | |||||||||
Payments under note payable |
(18,750 | ) | | | ||||||||
Payments to repurchase and retire common stock |
(7,950 | ) | | | ||||||||
Payment of dividends on common stock |
| (26,330 | ) | (51,195 | ) | |||||||
Other |
(456 | ) | (140 | ) | 25,391 | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
(80,853 | ) | 385,248 | 92,858 | ||||||||
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | (4,950 | ) | $ | (67,549 | ) | $ | (3,696 | ) | |||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
For 2009, we generated operating cash flow of $241.0 million, compared to $220.5 million in 2008. The primary reason for the increase in operating cash flows was due to a an increase in distributions from Borgata during the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, as well as a reduction in asset write-downs. These items were offset by a reduction in operating results from our Reportable Segments and an increase in interest paid.
Borgatas amended bank credit agreement allows for certain limited distributions to be made to its partners. Our distributions from Borgata were $60.1 million and $19.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Borgata has significant uses for its cash flows, including maintenance capital expenditures, interest payments, state income taxes and the repayment of debt. Borgatas cash flows are primarily used for its business needs and are not generally available, except to the extent distributions are paid to us, to service our indebtedness. In addition, Borgatas amended bank credit facility contains certain covenants, including, without limitation, various covenants: (i) requiring the maintenance of a minimum required fixed-charge coverage ratio; (ii) establishing a maximum permitted total leverage ratio; (iii) imposing limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness; and (iv) imposing restrictions on investments, dividends and certain other payments. In the event that Borgata fails to comply with its covenants, it may be prevented from making any distributions to us during such period of noncompliance.
For 2008, we generated operating cash flow of $220.5 million, compared to $283.2 million in 2007. The primary reason for the decrease in operating cash flows was due to a decline in operating results in our Midwest and South segment, as well as the sale of the South Coast on October 25, 2006, the closure of the Stardust on November 1, 2006 and the exchange of the Barbary Coast on February 27, 2007. In addition, our distributions from Borgata declined from $70.6 million in 2007 to $19.6 million in 2008 primarily due to a decline in Borgatas operating results.
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had balances of cash and cash equivalents of $93.2 million and $98.2 million, respectively. We had working capital deficits of $102.6 million and $138.9 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash paid for capital expenditures on major projects for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 included the following:
| Echelon development project; and |
| New hotel project at Blue Chip. |
Spending on these and other expansion projects totaled approximately $122 million in 2009 and approximately $597 million in 2008. In addition, we paid approximately $35 million for maintenance capital expenditures in 2009 and approximately $71 million for maintenance capital expenditures in 2008.
Cash paid for capital expenditures on major projects and business acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2007 included the following:
| Echelon development project; |
| New corporate offices; and |
| New hotel project at Blue Chip. |
Spending on these and other expansion projects totaled $169 million in 2007. We also paid $128 million for maintenance capital expenditures during 2007. In addition, we paid approximately $81 million in 2007 for our acquisition of Dania Jai-Alai.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Substantially all of the funding for our acquisitions and our renovation and expansion projects comes from cash flows from operations and debt financing.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we purchased and retired $105.3 million principal amount of our senior subordinated notes. The total purchase price of the notes was $89.5 million resulting in a gain of $15.3 million, net of associated deferred financing fees. The transactions were funded by availability under our bank credit facility.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, we purchased and retired $146.5 million principal amount of our senior subordinated notes. The total purchase price of the notes was approximately $116.5 million, resulting in a gain of approximately $28.6 million, net of associated deferred financing fees. The transactions were funded by availability under our bank credit facility.
On April 16, 2007, we redeemed our outstanding $250 million aggregate principal amount of 8.75% senior subordinated notes that were due to mature in April 2012 for $261 million. This redemption was funded by availability under our bank credit facility.
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Dividends
Dividends are declared at the discretion of our Board of Directors. We are subject to certain limitations regarding the payment of dividends, such as restricted payment limitations related to our outstanding notes and our bank credit facility. The following table sets forth the cash dividends declared and paid during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
Payment Date |
Record Date |
Dividend per Share | |||
March 1, 2007 |
February 9, 2007 | $ | 0.135 | ||
June 1, 2007 |
May 11, 2007 | 0.150 | |||
September 4, 2007 |
August 17, 2007 | 0.150 | |||
December 3, 2007 |
November 16, 2007 | 0.150 | |||
March 3, 2008 |
February 18, 2008 | 0.150 | |||
June 2, 2008 |
May 14, 2008 | 0.150 |
In July 2008, our Board of Directors suspended the quarterly dividend for the current and future periods. Dividends paid during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 totaled $26.3 million and $51.2 million, respectively. We did not pay a dividend during the year ended December 31, 2009.
Share Repurchase Program
In July 2008, our Board of Directors authorized an amendment to our existing share repurchase program to increase the amount of common stock available to be repurchased to $100 million. We are not obligated to purchase any shares under our stock repurchase program.
Subject to applicable corporate securities laws, repurchases under our stock repurchase program may be made at such times and in such amounts as we deem appropriate. Purchases under our stock repurchase program can be discontinued at any time that we feel additional purchases are not warranted. We intend to fund the repurchases under the stock repurchase program with existing cash resources and availability under our bank credit facility.
We are subject to certain limitations regarding the repurchase of common stock, such as restricted payment limitations related to our outstanding notes and our bank credit facility.
In the future, we may acquire our debt or equity securities, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, redemptions or otherwise, upon such terms and at such prices as we may determine.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we repurchased and retired 1.7 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $4.61 per share. We are currently authorized to repurchase up to an additional $92.1 million in shares of our common stock under the share repurchase program. We did not repurchase any stock during the years ended December 31, 2008 or 2007.
Other Items Affecting Liquidity
Recently, there have been significant disruptions in the global capital markets that have adversely impacted the ability of borrowers to access capital, with such disruptions expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Despite these disruptions, we anticipate the ability to fund our capital requirements using cash flows from operations and availability under our bank credit facility, to the extent availability exists after we meet our working capital needs. Any additional financing that is needed may not be available to us or, if available, may not be on terms favorable to us.
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We can provide no assurances that our expansion and development projects will be completed within our current estimates, will commence operations as expected, will include all of the anticipated amenities, features or facilities, or will achieve market acceptance. In addition, our development projects are subject to those additional risks inherent in the development and operation of a new or expanded business enterprise, including potential unanticipated operating problems. If our expansion, development, investment or renovation projects do not become operational within the time frame and project costs currently contemplated or do not successfully compete in their markets, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Once our projects become operational, they will face many of the same risks that our current properties face, including, but not limited to, competition, weakened consumer spending and increases in taxes due to changes in legislation.
As of December 31, 2009, we have incurred approximately $928 million in capitalized costs related to the Echelon project, including land. As part of our delay of the project, we expect to incur approximately $4 million of capitalized costs, principally related to the offsite fabrication of escalators, curtain wall and a skylight. In addition, we expect recurring project costs, consisting primarily of security, property taxes, rent and insurance, of approximately $10 million per annum that will be charged to preopening or other expense as incurred during the projects suspension period. These capitalized costs and recurring project costs are in addition to other contingencies with respect to our various material commitments. See Echelon below for additional discussion.
Echelon
In June 2007, we commenced construction on Echelon, our multibillion dollar Las Vegas Strip development project. On August 1, 2008, due to the difficult environment in the capital markets, as well as weak economic conditions, we announced the delay of our multibillion dollar Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip. At such time, we did not anticipate the long-term effects of the current economic downturn, evidenced by lower occupancy rates, declining room rates and reduced consumer spending across the country, but particularly in the Las Vegas geographical area; nor did we predict that the incremental supply becoming available on the Las Vegas Strip would face such depressed demand levels, thereby elongating the time for absorption of this additional supply into the market. The credit markets have yet to show significant recovery, thereby rendering financing for this type of development unavailable. Based on our current outlook, we do not expect to resume construction for three to five years.
Nonetheless, we remain committed to having a significant presence on the Las Vegas Strip. During the suspension period, we intend to consider alternative development options for Echelon, which may include developing the project in phases, alternative capital structures for the project, scope modifications to the project, or additional strategic partnerships, among others. We can provide no assurances as to when, or if, construction will resume on the project, or if we will be able to obtain alternative sources of financing for the project.
The change in circumstances implies that the carrying amounts of the assets related to Echelon may not be recoverable; therefore, we performed an impairment test of these assets as of September 30, 2009. This impairment test was comprised of a future undiscounted cash flow analysis, and contemplated several viable alternative plans for the future development of Echelon. The cash inflows related to the revenue projections for the individual components associated with each planned construction scenario, offset by outflows for estimated costs to complete the development and ongoing and maintenance and operating costs. Because no specific strategic plan can be determined with certainty at this time, the analysis considered the net cash flows related to each alternative, weighted against its projected likelihood. The outcome of this evaluation resulted in no impairment of Echelons assets, as the estimated weighted net undiscounted cash flows from the project exceeded the carrying value of the assets of approximately $950 million at September 30, 2009. As we further develop and explore the viability of alternatives for the project, we will continue to monitor these assets for recoverability. If we are subject to a non-cash write-down of these assets, it could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Morgans Las Vegas, LLC. We were a 50% partner in a joint venture with Morgans Hotel Group Co. In December 2009, by mutual agreement with Morgans, the joint venture agreement and hotel management agreements with Morgans were terminated. As a result, certain of our contributions related to the architectural and design plans will not be realizable. Accordingly, we recorded an other-than-temporary noncash impairment charge of $13.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2009 related to such costs. The remaining $4.4 million of our former investment in Morgans represents previously reimbursed allocations of shared development costs related to the
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Echelon master plan. These costs approximate their fair value at December 31, 2009. These costs reverted to our basis in Echelon, reported as construction in progress, as the plans to construct the hotels were terminated contemporaneous with the termination of the joint venture. As we further develop and explore the viability of alternatives to Echelon, we will continue to monitor these assets for recoverability, individually, and in conjunction with the overall Echelon development.
Echelon Place Retail Promenade, LLC. In October 2008, General Growth Properties (GGP) exercised its right to require us to purchase its 50% membership interest in our 50/50 joint venture to develop High Street retail promenade at Echelon. We purchased GGPs membership interest in October 2008 for $9.7 million, which represents the return of GGPs capital contributions to the venture of $9.5 million, plus accrued interest. We retain all architectural plans and designs for the project. These assets are including in the carrying value of the Echelon development project. As we further develop and explore the viability of alternatives to Echelon, we will continue to monitor these assets for recoverability, individually, and in conjunction with the overall Echelon development.
Energy Services Agreement (ESA). In April 2007, we entered into an ESA with a third party, Las Vegas Energy Partners, LLC (LVE). LVE will design, construct, own (other than the underlying real property which is leased from Echelon), and operate a central energy center and energy distribution system to provide electricity, emergency electricity generation, and chilled and hot water to Echelon and potentially other joint venture entities associated with the Echelon development project or other third parties. The term of the ESA is 25 years, beginning when Echelon commences commercial operations. Assuming the central energy center is completed and functions as planned, we will pay a monthly service fee, which is comprised of a fixed capacity charge, an escalating operations and maintenance charge, and an energy charge. The aggregate of our monthly fixed capacity charge portion of the service fee will be $23.4 million per annum, payable for a 25-year period commencing in November 2010. Until Echelon commences commercial operations, we may be liable for an interest during construction fee, commencing December 1, 2010. We are unable to provide the amount of the fee, if any, at this time, as it has yet to be determined.
LVE has currently suspended construction of the central energy center while Echelon delays its construction of the project. On April 6, 2009, LVE notified us that, in its view, Echelon will be in breach of the ESA unless it recommences and proceeds with construction by May 6, 2009. We believe that LVEs position is without merit; however, in the event of litigation, we cannot state with certainty the eventual outcome nor estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, associated with this matter.
Line Extension and Service Agreement (LEA) In March 2007, we entered into an LEA with Nevada Power Company (currently known as NV Energy) related to the construction of a substation at Echelon and the delivery of power to Echelon. We have assigned most of our obligations under the LEA to LVE (see Energy Services Agreement (ESA) above). We have retained an obligation to pay liquidated damages of $5.0 million to NV Energy, in the event that Echelon does not physically accept permanent electric service by January 1, 2012 through the substation to be built by NV Energy pursuant to the LEA. On August 29, 2008, NV Energy issued a letter declaring a force majeure event that extends the time for performance of obligations under the LEA, including its obligation to construct the substation from which Echelon is to accept delivery of permanent electric service. Our contingent liability to pay liquidated damages to NV Energy will be recorded and charged to expense on our consolidated statement of operations when, or if, it becomes probable that we will not be able to accept, in accordance with the terms of the LEA, permanent electric service from a substation when built by NV Energy.
Construction Agreements. We have exercised our rights under our standard form construction contracts to terminate our agreements with our contractors. With the exception of certain custom equipment orders, steel fabrication and crane and hoist rentals, all major construction agreements have been terminated and closed-out with final payments made to the contractors in exchange for final releases.
Design Agreements. We are continuing to evaluate design services that remain to be completed. The majority of our design agreements allow us either to suspend performance of the services under these agreements or to terminate these agreements. In each case, we would be required to pay only for those costs incurred through the date of suspension or termination as well as, in certain agreements, the payment for reasonable demobilization and other costs. Demobilization costs include the removal of rental equipment and the associated termination fees, among
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others. The demobilization and other costs are subject to negotiation; therefore, we are unable to estimate future costs at this time. We have estimated the cost of completion of construction drawings after December 31, 2009 to be $0.3 million; however, we can provide no assurances that actual costs will approximate the estimated costs.
Any demobilization, per diem, and related costs incurred related to the suspension or termination of our construction and design contracts will be charged to the project as preopening expense on our consolidated statement of operations in the period incurred.
Sams Town Tunica
Sams Town Tunica reported a net operating loss of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009; therefore, we tested its assets for recoverability. The asset recoverability test required the estimation of its undiscounted future cash flows and the comparison of the aggregate total to the propertys carrying value. The test resulted in no impairment; however, we will continue to monitor the performance of Sams Town Tunica and, if necessary, continue to update our asset recoverability test. If future asset recoverability tests indicate that the assets of Sams Town Tunica are impaired, we will be subject to a non-cash write-down of its assets, which could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated statements of operations.
Dania Jai-Alai
In March 2007, we acquired Dania Jai-Alai and approximately 47 acres of related land located in Dania Beach, Florida. Dania Jai-Alai is one of four pari-mutuel facilities in Broward County approved under Florida law to operate 2,000 Class III slot machines. In March 2007, we paid approximately $81 million to close this transaction, and agreed to pay, in March 2010 or earlier, a contingent payment of an additional $75 million to the seller, plus interest accrued at the prime rate (the contingent payment), if certain legal conditions were satisfied.
In January 2009, we amended the purchase agreement to settle the contingent payment prior to the satisfaction of the legal conditions. The principal terms of the amendment were as follows.
| We paid $9.4 million to the seller in January 2009, plus $9.1 million of interest accrued from the March 1, 2007 date of the acquisition. |
| We issued an 8% promissory note to the seller in the amount of $65.6 million, plus accrued interest. The terms of the note require principal payments of $9.4 million, plus accrued interest, in April 2009 and July 2009, and a final principal payment of $46.9 million, plus accrued interest, due in January 2010. The promissory note was secured by a letter of credit under our bank credit facility, and we have made all scheduled payments on the promissory note, including the final payment in January 2010. |
The carrying value of the promissory note is $46.9 million as of December 31, 2009. The inputs utilized to value the promissory note are classified as Level 3 in the ASC Topic 820 hierarchal disclosure framework (see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies), as it is not traded and does not have an observable market input. We have estimated that the fair value of the note approximates its carrying value, based on a discounted cash flow approach, after giving consideration to the short duration to maturity.
In conjunction with the amendment of the purchase agreement, we recorded the remaining $28.4 million of the $75 million contingent liability as an additional cost of the acquisition (goodwill) during the year ended December 31, 2009. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we tested the goodwill for recoverability, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $28.4 million.
Blue Chip
Increased competition near Blue Chip has impacted our results. Although we have expanded our facility at Blue Chip in an effort to be more competitive in this market, the competition has had, and could continue to have, an adverse impact on the results of operations of Blue Chip.
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Sams Town Las Vegas
An existing hotel casino located adjacent to Sams Town Las Vegas was redeveloped. This enhanced facility opened during the three months ended September 30, 2008 and has had, and could continue to have, an adverse impact on the results of operations of Sams Town Las Vegas.
Borgata
On June 27, 2008, Borgatas second hotel, The Water Club, held its grand opening. The Water Club is an 800-room hotel, featuring five swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa, and additional meeting and retail space. Borgata financed the expansion from its cash flows from operations and from its bank credit facility.
On September 23, 2007, The Water Club, then under construction, sustained a fire that caused damage to property with a carrying value of approximately $11.4 million. Borgatas insurance policies included coverage for replacement costs related to property damage, with the exception of minor amounts principally related to insurance deductibles and certain other limitations. In addition, Borgata had delay-in-completion insurance coverage for The Water Club for certain costs, subject to various limitations and deductibles. On August 10, 2009, Borgata reached a final settlement of $40 million with its insurance carrier and recognized a gain of $28.7 million, included in other items and write-downs, net, on its condensed consolidated statement of operations, representing the amount of insurance advances in excess of the $11.3 million carrying value of assets damaged and destroyed by the fire (after its $0.1 million deductible).
In February 2010, we entered into an agreement that, among other things, amended our operating agreement with MGM Mirage Corporation (MGM) to permit the transfer of MGMs 50% ownership interest of the Borgata into a divestiture trust in connection with MGMs potential settlement agreement with the Division of Gaming Enforcement. The agreement includes the following provisions, among others, that would become effective only upon the transfer of MGMs interest into the divestiture trust and the approval of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, that (i) we would receive a priority distribution of approximately $31 million (equal to the excess prior capital contributions made by us) upon successful refinancing of the Borgata credit facility, and (ii) we would receive a payment from the trust equal to the greater of $10 million or 3% of the proceeds from the sale of MGMs 50% interest in Borgata. Upon approval by the NJCCC, we will effectively control the operations of the Borgata, which will require us to consolidate the noncontrolling interest.
Pennsylvania Land
On September 5, 2007, we entered into an agreement to sell approximately 125 acres of land that we own in Limerick Township, Pennsylvania for $26.5 million, before selling costs, contingent upon certain conditions. In September 2006, we withdrew our application for gaming approval, which led to our decision to sell the land and record a $3.0 million non-cash write-down of the land to its fair value, less estimated costs to sell. The carrying value of the land was $23.2 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008. On November 3, 2008, the agreement to sell such land was terminated; therefore, the carrying value of the land was reclassified from assets held for sale to property and equipment on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2009, since it no longer meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale.
Missouri Land
In April 2008, we entered into an agreement to sell undeveloped land that we own in St. Louis County, Missouri. The sales price was approximately $0.6 million, before selling costs. Our historical cost of the land is $1.5 million; therefore, during the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded a charge of $0.9 million, which is included in write-downs and other charges on our accompanying consolidated statement of operations. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the buyer cancelled the sale; therefore, the remaining carrying value of the land has been reclassified from assets held for sale to property and equipment on our accompanying consolidated balance sheet, since it no longer meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale.
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North Las Vegas Gaming Site
In April 2008, we announced that we had formed a joint venture with Olympia Gaming, an affiliate of Olympia Group, to develop a proposed casino, resort and spa within the master-planned community of Park Highlands in North Las Vegas, Nevada, subject to receipt of all required approvals. An application was filed with the City of North Las Vegas to develop a 66-acre mixed-use, regional entertainment center, consisting of 1,200 hotel rooms to be built in three phases. Due to the expiration of certain development time periods set forth in the joint venture agreement, the joint venture has technically expired, requiring several provisions to be renegotiated. If the joint venture is unable to obtain the necessary approvals or certain terms in the agreement cannot be renegotiated, we may change the scope of the project, defer the project, or cancel the project.
Nevada Use Tax Refund Claims
On March 27, 2008, the Nevada Supreme Court issued a decision in Sparks Nugget, Inc. vs. The State of Nevada Department of Taxation (the Department), holding that food purchased for subsequent use in the provision of complimentary and/or employee meals was exempt from use tax. On April 24, 2008, the Department filed a Petition for Rehearing (the Petition) on the decision. Additionally, on the same date the Nevada Legislature filed an Amicus Curiae brief in support of the Departments position. The Nevada Supreme Court denied the Departments Petition on July 17, 2008. We paid use tax, over the period November 2000 through May 2008, on food purchased for subsequent use in complimentary and employee meals at our Nevada casino properties and estimate the refund to be in the range of $16.3 million to $18.5 million, including interest. In late 2009, the Department audited our refund claim and subsequently issued a $12.4 million sales tax assessment, plus interest of $7.5 million. The Department continues to deny our refund claim and issued the assessment based on the argument that the complimentary and employee meals at issue are now subject to sales tax. We do not believe the Departments arguments have any merit and intend to file a motion to dismiss the assessment on both a procedural and technical basis. We are currently in the discovery and deposition stage of the legal proceeding and expect our hearing before the Nevada Administrative Law Judge (Judge) to occur within the next six months. Due to uncertainty surrounding the Judges decision, we will not record any gain until the tax refund is realized. For periods subsequent to May 2008, although we have received an assessment from the Department, we have not accrued a liability for sales tax on complimentary and employee meals at our Nevada casino properties, as it is not probable, based on both procedural issues and the technical merits of the Departments arguments, that we will owe this tax.
Share Repurchase Program
In July 2008, our Board of Directors authorized an amendment to our existing share repurchase program to increase the amount of common stock available to be repurchased to $100 million. We are not obligated to purchase any shares under our stock repurchase program.
Subject to applicable corporate securities laws, repurchases under our stock repurchase program may be made at such times and in such amounts as we deem appropriate. Purchases under our stock repurchase program can be discontinued at any time that we feel additional purchases are not warranted. We intend to fund the repurchases under the stock repurchase program with existing cash resources and availability under our bank credit facility.
We are subject to certain limitations regarding the repurchase of common stock, such as restricted payment limitations related to our outstanding notes and our bank credit facility.
In the future, we may acquire our debt or equity securities, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, redemptions or otherwise, upon such terms and at such prices as we may determine.
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Other Opportunities
We regularly investigate and pursue additional expansion opportunities in markets where casino gaming is currently permitted. For example, we recently announced that we delivered a nonbinding indication of interest to Station Casinos, Inc. We also pursue expansion opportunities in jurisdictions where casino gaming is not currently permitted in order to be prepared to develop projects upon approval of casino gaming. Such expansions will be affected and determined by several key factors, including:
| the outcome of gaming license selection processes; |
| the approval of gaming in jurisdictions where we have been active but where casino gaming is not currently permitted; |
| identification of additional suitable investment opportunities in current gaming jurisdictions; and |
| availability of acceptable financing. |
Additional projects may require us to make substantial investments or may cause us to incur substantial costs related to the investigation and pursuit of such opportunities, which investments and costs we may fund through cash flow from operations or availability under our bank credit facility. To the extent such sources of funds are not sufficient, we may also seek to raise such additional funds through public or private equity or debt financings or from other sources. No assurance can be given that additional financing will be available or that, if available, such financing will be obtainable on terms favorable to us. Moreover, we can provide no assurances that any expansion opportunity will result in a completed transaction.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments.
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009.
Payments Due by Year Ending December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | Thereafter | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual obligations: |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
$ | 2,577,563 | $ | 652 | $ | 690 | $ | 2,076,462 | $ | 10,341 | $ | 248,668 | $ | 240,750 | |||||||
Operating leases |
511,098 | 17,145 | 12,162 | 9,766 | 9,516 | 9,528 | 452,981 | ||||||||||||||
Interest on fixed-rate debt (1) |
216,080 | 46,938 | 46,900 | 46,859 | 34,036 | 22,049 | 19,298 | ||||||||||||||
Purchase obligations: |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Entertainment contracts |
1,677 | 1,677 | | | | | | ||||||||||||||
Construction projects (2) |
33,703 | 29,196 | 504 | 236 | 59 | 1,236 | 2,472 | ||||||||||||||
Other (3) |
141,052 | 80,487 | 27,702 | 27,367 | 4,416 | 1,080 | | ||||||||||||||
Other long-term contracts (4) |
593,048 | 6,329 | 23,704 | 23,645 | 23,605 | 23,398 | 492,367 | ||||||||||||||
Total contractual obligations |
$ | 4,074,221 | $ | 182,424 | $ | 111,662 | $ | 2,184,335 | $ | 81,973 | $ | 305,959 | $ | 1,207,868 | |||||||
(1) | Includes interest rate obligations on our fixed rate debt that comprises $0.6 billion of our total December 31, 2009 debt balance of $2.6 billion. Our variable rate debt at December 31, 2009 consists of $1.9 billion in outstanding balances on our bank credit facility. Interest payments for future periods related to the variable rate debt are dependent upon, at our option, LIBOR or the base rate, plus an applicable margin in either case. The applicable margin is a percentage per annum (which ranges from 0.625% to 1.625% if we elect to use LIBOR, and 0.0% to 0.375% if we elect to use the base rate) determined in accordance with a specified pricing grid based upon our predefined total leverage ratio. In addition, we incur commitment fees on the unused portion of the bank credit facility that range from 0.200% to 0.350% per annum. At December 31, 2009, the blended interest rate for outstanding borrowings under the bank credit facility was 1.9%. |
(2) | Construction projects consist primarily of purchase obligations related to the Echelon development project. |
(3) | Other consists of various contracts for goods and services, including our contract for Hawaiian air charter operations as well as our payments, including accrued interest, related to Dania Jai-Alai. |
(4) | Other long-term obligations relate primarily to our Energy Services Agreement at Echelon and deferred compensation balances. |
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Suncoast is situated on approximately 49 acres of leased land. The landlord has the option to require us to purchase the property at the end of 2014 and each year end through 2018, at the fair market value of the real property at the time the landlord exercises the option, subject to certain pricing limitations. If we do not purchase the property if and when required, we would be in default under the lease agreement.
We are required to pay the City of Kenner, Louisiana a boarding fee of $2.50 for each passenger boarding our Treasure Chest riverboat casino during the year. The future minimum payment due in 2010 to the City of Kenner, based upon a portion of actual passenger counts from the prior year, is approximately $2.4 million.
Due to uncertainties surrounding the timing and amount of future cash settlements related to our income tax audits, we cannot establish a reasonably reliable estimate of the amount or period of future cash settlements related to the $32.7 million of other long-term tax liabilities as of December 31, 2009. As we are uncertain as to when, or if, such amounts may be settled, we have excluded the amount from the contractual obligations table above.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements. Our off balance sheet arrangements mainly consist of unconsolidated investments in Borgata and our Energy Services Agreement with LVE to provide electricity, emergency electricity generation, and chilled and heated water to Echelon. We have not entered into any transactions with special purpose entities, nor have we engaged in any derivative transactions other than interest rate swaps, interest rate collars and interest rate caps. Our investment in Borgata allows us to realize the benefits of owning a full-scale resort in a manner that lessens our initial investment. We do not guarantee financing obtained by Borgata and there are no other provisions of the venture agreements which are unusual or subject us to risks to which we would not be subjected if we had full ownership of the respective properties.
We have entered into certain agreements that contain indemnification provisions, as well as indemnification agreements involving certain of our executive officers and directors. These agreements provide indemnity insurance pursuant to which directors and officers are indemnified or insured against liability or loss under certain circumstances, which may include liability or related loss under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. In addition, our Restated Articles of Incorporation and Restated Bylaws contain provisions that provide for indemnification of our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by law.
At December 31, 2009, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $70.8 million.
Critical Accounting Policies
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As such, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts included in our consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from the estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies may require a higher degree of judgment and complexity.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
We have significant amounts of goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008. We evaluate our goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets in accordance with the applications of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, now included in ASC Topic 350 and SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, now included in ASC Topic 360. For goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, we perform an annual impairment test of these assets in the second quarter of each year, which resulted in no impairment charge for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, and between annual dates in certain circumstances. For assets to be disposed of, we recognize the asset at the lower of carrying value or fair market value, less costs of disposal, as estimated based on comparable asset sales, solicited offers, or a discounted cash flow model. For long-lived assets to be held and used, we review for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We then compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset to the carrying value of the
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asset. The asset is not impaired if the undiscounted future cash flows exceed its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows, then an impairment charge is recorded, typically measured using a discounted cash flow model, which is based on the estimated future results of the relevant reporting unit discounted using our weighted-average cost of capital and market indicators of terminal year free cash flow multiples. If an asset is under development, future cash flows include remaining construction costs. All recognized impairment charges are recorded as operating expenses.
In addition, we are required to test these assets for impairment between annual test dates in certain circumstances. As of December 31, 2008, we performed interim impairment tests that resulted in a $165.5 million and a $22.3 million non-cash write-down of goodwill related to our 2004 acquisitions of Coast Casinos, Inc. and Sams Town Shreveport, respectively, and an $80.7 million non-cash write-down of our indefinite-life gaming license right at Blue Chip. The impairment test for these assets was principally due to the decline in our stock price that caused our book value to exceed our market capitalization, which was an indication that these assets may not be recoverable. The primary reason for these impairment charges relates to the ongoing recession, which has caused us to reduce our estimates for projected cash flows, has reduced overall industry valuations, and has caused an increase in discount rates in the credit and equity markets.
Management must make various assumptions and estimates in performing its impairment testing. For instance, management must first determine the usage of the asset. To the extent management decides that an asset will be sold or abandoned, it is more likely that impairment may be recognized. Assets must be tested at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist, which means that some assets must be grouped, and management has some discretion in the grouping of assets. Future cash flow estimates are, by their nature, subjective and actual results may differ materially from our estimates. If our ongoing estimates of future cash flows are not met, we may have to record additional impairment charges in future accounting periods. Our estimates of cash flows are based on the current regulatory, social and economic climates, recent operating information and budgets of the various properties where we conduct operations. These estimates could be negatively impacted by changes in federal, state or local regulations, economic downturns, or other events affecting various forms of travel and access to our properties.
See Summary Financial Results Write-downs and Other Charges, Net, above for a discussion of write-downs and impairment charges recorded during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
Long Lived Assets
We evaluate our long-lived assets in accordance with the guidance in the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets subsection of ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (ASC Topic 360). For an asset that is to be disposed of, we recognize the asset at the lower of carrying value or fair market value, less costs of disposal, as estimated based on comparable asset sales, solicited offers, or a discounted cash flow model. For a long-lived asset to be held and used, we review the asset for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We then compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset to the carrying value of the asset. The asset is not impaired if the undiscounted future cash flows exceed its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows, then an impairment charge is recorded, typically measured using a discounted cash flow model, which is based on the estimated future results of the relevant reporting unit discounted using our weighted-average cost of capital and market indicators of terminal year free cash flow multiples. If an asset is under development, future cash flows include remaining construction costs. All recognized impairment charges are recorded as operating expenses.
Capital Expenditures and Depreciation
We must make estimates and assumptions when accounting for capital expenditures. Whether the expenditure is considered a maintenance expense or a capital asset is a matter of judgment. Our depreciation expense is highly dependent upon the assumptions we make about the estimated useful lives of our assets. We determine the estimated useful lives based upon our experience with similar assets. Whenever events or circumstances occur which change the estimated useful life of an asset, we account for the change prospectively.
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Derivative Instruments
We utilize an investment policy for managing risks associated with our current and anticipated future borrowings, such as interest rate risk and its potential impact on our fixed and variable rate debt. Under this policy, we may utilize derivative contracts that effectively convert our borrowings from either floating-to-fixed or fixed-to-floating. The policy does not allow for the use of derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. To the extent we employ such financial instruments pursuant to this policy, and the instruments qualify for hedge accounting, we may designate and account for them as hedged instruments. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the underlying hedged item must expose us to risks associated with market fluctuations and the financial instrument used must be designated as a hedge and must reduce our exposure to market fluctuations throughout the hedged period. If these criteria are not met, a change in the market value of the financial instrument is recognized as a gain (loss) in the period of change. Otherwise, gains and losses are not recognized except to the extent that the hedged debt is disposed of prior to maturity or to the extent that acceptable ranges of ineffectiveness exist in the hedge. Net interest paid or received pursuant to the hedged financial instrument is included in interest expense in the period. We have designated our current interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges. We record them at fair value and measure their effectiveness using the long-haul method. The effective portion of any gain or loss on our interest rate swaps is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). We use the hypothetical derivative method to measure the ineffective portion of our interest rate swaps. The ineffective portion, if any, is recorded in earnings. We measure the mark-to-market value of our interest rate swaps using a discounted cash flow analysis of the projected future receipts or payments based upon the forward yield curve on the date of measurement. We adjust this amount to measure the fair value of our interest rate swaps by applying a credit valuation adjustment to the mark-to-market exposure profile. In determining the credit valuation adjustment, we consider the credit default swap rates of the Company and its counterparties in each settlement period, as observed on the date of measurement.
Share-Based Employee Compensation
We are required to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). This cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Compensation costs related to stock option awards are calculated based on the fair value of each major option grant on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model that requires the formation of assumptions to be used in the model, such as expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rates, expected option lives, dividend yields, and estimated forfeitures. We formed our assumptions using historical experience and observable conditions.
Income Taxes
We are subject to income taxes in the United States and several states in which we operate. We account for income taxes by the recognition of deferred tax assets, net of applicable reserves, related to net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and certain temporary differences. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based upon the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Our income tax returns are subject to examination by tax authorities. We regularly assess the potential outcome of these examinations in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes and our income tax liabilities. To determine necessary reserves, we must make assumptions and judgments about potential actions by taxing authorities, partially based on past experiences. Our estimate of the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental, and we believe we have adequately provided for any reasonable and foreseeable outcomes relating to uncertain tax matters. When actual results of tax examinations differ from our estimates or when potential actions are settled differently than we expected, we adjust the income tax provision and our tax reserves in the current period.
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Self-Insurance Reserves
We are self-insured up to certain stop loss amounts for employee health coverage, workers compensation and general liability costs. Insurance claims and reserves include accruals of estimated settlements for known claims, as well as accruals of estimates for claims incurred but not yet reported. In estimating these accruals, we consider historical loss experience and make judgments about the expected levels of costs per claim. We believe our estimates of future liability are reasonable based upon our methodology; however, changes in health care costs, accident frequency and severity and other factors could materially affect the estimate for these liabilities.
Litigation, Claims and Assessments
We utilize estimates for litigation, claims and assessments related to our business and tax matters. These estimates are based upon our knowledge and experience about past and current events, as well as upon reasonable assumptions about future events. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
On July 1, 2009, The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles A Replacement of FASB Statement No. 162, (the Codification) (previously SFAS 168) became effective. Accordingly, the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards CodificationTM (the ASC) became the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The implementation of the Codification did not initially have an impact on our consolidated financial statements, as it did not modify any existing authoritative GAAP.
Subsequent to the adoption of the Codification, any change to the source of authoritative GAAP will be communicated through an Accounting Standards Update (ASU). ASUs will be published by the FASB for all authoritative GAAP promulgated by the FASB, regardless of the form in which such guidance may have been issued prior to release of the Codification. Prior to inclusion in an ASU, the standard-setting organizations and regulatory agencies continue to issue proposed changes to the accounting standards in previous form (e.g., FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Standards, Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Abstracts, FASB Staff Positions, SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins, etc.).
Variable Interest Entities. In September 2009, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (SFAS 167). SFAS 167 is a revision to FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (which is currently promulgated in a subsection of ASC Topic 810). The amendments include: (1) the elimination of the exemption for qualifying special purpose entities, (2) a new approach for determining who should consolidate a variable-interest entity, and (3) changes to when it is necessary to reassess who should consolidate a variable-interest entity. SFAS 167 is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning after November 15, 2009 and for interim periods within that first annual reporting period. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS 167 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Transfer of Financial Assets. In September 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets An Amendment to FASB Statement No. 140 (SFAS 166). SFAS 166 is a revision of SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, which is presently included in ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing. SFAS 166 eliminates the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity, changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures in order to enhance information reported to users of financial statements by providing greater transparency about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and an entitys continuing involvement in and exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. SFAS 166 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS 166 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
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Noncontrolling Interests. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Accounting for Noncontrolling Interests, (SFAS 160), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this guidance requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (previously referred to as minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parents equity. The amount of net income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest is included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. The guidance clarifies that changes in a parents ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this guidance requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated and requires expanded disclosures regarding the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 160 did not have an initial material impact on our consolidated financial statements
A variety of additional proposed or otherwise potential accounting standards are currently under study by standard-setting organizations and certain regulatory agencies. Because of the tentative and preliminary nature of such proposed standards, we have not yet determined the effect, if any, that the implementation of such proposed standards would have on our consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk |
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk, specifically long-term U.S. treasury rates and the applicable spreads in the high-yield investment market and short-term and long-term LIBOR rates, and its potential impact on our long-term debt. We attempt to limit our exposure to interest rate risk by managing the mix of our long-term fixed-rate borrowings and short-term borrowings under our bank credit facility. Borrowings under our bank credit facility are based upon, at our option, LIBOR or the base rate, plus an applicable margin in either case. The applicable margin is a percentage per annum (which ranges from 0.625% to 1.625% if we elect to use LIBOR, and 0.0% to 0.375% if we elect to use the base rate) determined in accordance with a specified pricing grid based upon our predefined total leverage ratio. We also attempt to manage the impact of interest rate risk on our long-term debt by utilizing derivative financial instruments in accordance with established policies and procedures. We do not utilize derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we utilized interest rate swap agreements. Interest differentials resulting from these agreements are recorded on an accrual basis as an adjustment to interest expense. Interest rate swaps related to debt are matched to specific debt obligations.
We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the interest rate swap agreements outstanding at December 31, 2009; however, we believe that this risk is minimized because we monitor the credit ratings of the counterparties to the swaps. If we had terminated our swaps as of December 31, 2009, we would have been required to pay $31.0 million based on the fair values of the derivative instruments.
The following table provides information about our derivative instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including interest rate swaps and debt obligations. For our debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For our interest rate swaps, the table presents the notional amounts and weighted-average interest rates by the expected (contractual) maturity dates. The notional amounts are used to calculate the contractual cash flows to be exchanged under the contracts. The weighted-average variable rates are based upon prevailing interest rates.
-59-
The scheduled maturities of our long-term debt and interest rate swap agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2009 for the years ending December 31 are as follows.
Year Ending December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected Maturity Date | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | Thereafter | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (including current portion): |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed-rate |
$ | 652 | $ | 690 | $ | 159,562 | $ | 10,341 | $ | 248,668 | $ | 240,750 | $ | 660,663 | $ | 602,938 | |||||||||||||||
Average interest rate |
5.7 | % | 5.7 | % | 7.7 | % | 5.7 | % | 6.8 | % | 7.1 | % | 7.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Variable-rate |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 1,916,900 | $ | | $ | | $ | 1,916,900 | $ | 1,686,872 | |||||||||||||||
Average interest rate |
| | | 1.9 | % | | | 1.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate derivatives |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pay fixed |
$ | | $ | 30,961 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 30,961 | $ | 29,356 | |||||||||||||||
Average receivable rate |
| 0.3 | % | | | | | 3.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Average payable rate |
| 5.1 | % | | | | | 5.1 | % |
As of December 31, 2009, our long-term variable-rate borrowings represented approximately 55% of our total long-term debt. Based on December 31, 2009 debt levels, a 100 basis point change in LIBOR or the base rate would cause our annual interest costs to change by approximately $14.2 million.
The following table provides other information about our long-term debt at December 31, 2009.
Outstanding Face Amount |
Carrying Value |
Estimated Fair Value |
Fair Value Hierarchy | ||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||
Bank credit facility |
$ | 1,916,900 | $ | 1,916,900 | $ | 1,686,872 | Level 2 | ||||
7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2012 |
158,832 | 158,832 | 160,420 | Level 1 | |||||||
6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2014 |
248,668 | 248,668 | 223,801 | Level 1 | |||||||
7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2016 |
240,750 | 240,750 | 206,925 | Level 1 | |||||||
Other |
12,413 | 12,413 | 11,792 | Level 3 | |||||||
Total long-term debt |
$ | 2,577,563 | $ | 2,577,563 | $ | 2,289,810 | |||||
The estimated fair value of our bank credit facility is based on a relative value analysis performed on or about December 31, 2009. The estimated fair values of our senior subordinated notes are based on quoted market prices as of December 31, 2009. Debt included in the Other category is fixed-rate debt that is due March 2013 and is not traded and does not have an observable market input; therefore, we have estimated its fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach, after giving consideration to the changes in market rates of interest, creditworthiness of both parties, and credit spreads.
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ITEM 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
The information required by this Item is contained in Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under Financial Statements. In addition, the audited consolidated financial statements for Marina District Development Company, LLC, d.b.a. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, our 50% investment in Atlantic City, as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 are included in Exhibit 99.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosures during the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009.
ITEM 9A. | Controls and Procedures |
As of the end of the period covered by this Report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms. Based on the evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Report.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we include a report of managements assessment of the design and effectiveness of our internal controls as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. Our independent registered public accounting firm also reported on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Managements report and the independent registered public accounting firms attestation report are located below.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the most recent fiscal year, December 31, 2009, based on the framework set forth in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our assessment under the framework set forth in Internal Control Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the end of our most recent fiscal year, December 31, 2009.
Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its attestation report which is included below.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Boyd Gaming Corporation and Subsidiaries:
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Boyd Gaming Corporation and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Companys management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the companys principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the companys board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009, of the Company and our report dated March 5, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 5, 2010
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ITEM 9B. | Other Information |
None.
Part III
ITEM 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance |
Information required by this item regarding the members of our board of directors and our audit committee, including our audit committee financial expert, is set forth under the captions Board Committees Audit Committee, Director Nominees, and Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance in our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by this item regarding non-director executive officers of the Company is set forth in Item 4A of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K
Code of Ethics. We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (Code of Ethics) that applies to each of our directors, executive officers and employees. Our Code of Ethics is posted on our website at www.boydgaming.com. Any waivers or amendments to our Code of Ethics will be posted on our website.
ITEM 11. | Executive Compensation |
The information required by this item is set forth under the captions Executive Officer and Director Compensation, Compensation and Stock Option Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation, and Compensation and Stock Option Committee Report in our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
The information required by this item is set forth under the captions Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Equity Compensation Plan Information in our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
The information required by this item is set forth under the captions Transactions with Related Persons and Director Independence in our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. | Principal Accounting Fees and Services |
Information about principal accounting fees and services, as well as the audit committees pre-approval policies appears under the captions Audit and Non-Audit Fees and Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services in our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
-63-
Part IV
ITEM 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules |
Page No. | ||
Financial Statements. |
||
The following financial statements for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 are filed as part of this Report: |
||
65 | ||
66 | ||
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
67 | |
68 | ||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
69 | |
71 | ||
Audited consolidated financial statements for Marina District Development Company, LLC, d.b.a. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 are presented in Exhibit 99.2 and are incorporated herein by reference. |
-64-
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Boyd Gaming Corporation and Subsidiaries:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Boyd Gaming Corporation and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Boyd Gaming Corporation and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 5, 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 5, 2010
-65-
BOYD GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 93,202 | $ | 98,152 | ||||
Restricted cash |
16,168 | 24,309 | ||||||
Accounts receivable, net |
18,584 | 21,375 | ||||||
Inventories |
11,392 | 11,325 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
24,818 | 40,416 | ||||||
Assets held for sale |
| 853 | ||||||
Income taxes receivable |
20,807 | 15,115 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
7,766 | 2,903 | ||||||
Total current assets |
192,737 | 214,448 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
3,159,177 | 3,249,254 | ||||||
Investments in and advances to Borgata and other unconsolidated subsidiaries, net |
394,220 | 419,389 | ||||||
Other assets, net |
78,121 | 86,597 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net |
422,126 | 422,163 | ||||||
Goodwill, net |
213,576 | 213,576 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 4,459,957 | $ | 4,605,427 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
$ | 652 | $ | 616 | ||||
Accounts payable |
39,127 | 50,128 | ||||||
Construction payables |
34,128 | 118,888 | ||||||
Note payable |
46,875 | | ||||||
Accrued liabilities |
174,577 | 183,691 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
295,359 | 353,323 | ||||||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities |
2,576,911 | 2,647,058 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
335,159 | 313,743 | ||||||
Other long-term tax liabilities |
32,703 | 37,321 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
63,456 | 110,460 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) |
||||||||
Stockholders equity |
||||||||
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized |
| | ||||||
Common stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 86,130,454 and 87,814,061 shares outstanding |
861 | 878 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
623,035 | 616,304 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
550,599 | 546,358 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net |
(18,126 | ) | (20,018 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
1,156,369 | 1,143,522 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 4,459,957 | $ | 4,605,427 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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BOYD GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||
Gaming |
$ | 1,372,091 | $ | 1,477,476 | $ | 1,666,422 | ||||||
Food and beverage |
229,374 | 251,854 | 273,036 | |||||||||
Room |
122,305 | 140,651 | 153,691 | |||||||||
Other |
100,396 | 117,574 | 128,870 | |||||||||
Gross revenues |
1,824,166 | 1,987,555 | 2,222,019 | |||||||||
Less promotional allowances |
183,180 | 206,588 | 224,900 | |||||||||
Net revenues |
1,640,986 | 1,780,967 | 1,997,119 | |||||||||
Costs and expenses |
||||||||||||
Gaming |
664,739 | 690,847 | 752,047 | |||||||||
Food and beverage |
125,830 | 144,092 | 163,775 | |||||||||
Room |
39,655 | 43,851 | 46,574 | |||||||||
Other |
77,840 | 89,222 | 95,401 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
284,937 | 299,662 | 310,926 | |||||||||
Maintenance and utilities |
92,296 | 95,963 | 96,278 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
164,427 | 168,997 | 165,959 | |||||||||
Corporate expense |
47,617 | 52,332 | 60,143 | |||||||||
Preopening expenses |
17,798 | 20,265 | 22,819 | |||||||||
Write-downs and other charges, net |
41,780 | 385,521 | 12,101 | |||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
1,556,919 | 1,990,752 | 1,726,023 | |||||||||
Operating income from Borgata |
72,126 | 56,356 | 83,136 | |||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
156,193 | (153,429 | ) | 354,232 | ||||||||
Other expense (income) |
||||||||||||
Interest income |
(6 | ) | (1,070 | ) | (119 | ) | ||||||
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized |
146,830 | 110,146 | 137,573 | |||||||||
Decrease (increase) in value of derivative instruments |
| (425 | ) | 1,130 | ||||||||
Loss (gain) on early retirements of debt |
(15,284 | ) | (28,553 | ) | 16,945 | |||||||
Other non-operating expenses |
33 | | | |||||||||
Other non-operating expenses from Borgata, net |
19,303 | 16,009 | 13,768 | |||||||||
Total other expense, net |
150,876 | 96,107 | 169,297 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes |
5,317 | (249,536 | ) | 184,935 | ||||||||
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes |
(1,076 | ) | 26,531 | (64,027 | ) | |||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
4,241 | (223,005 | ) | 120,908 | ||||||||
Discontinued Operations |
||||||||||||
Income from discontinued operations (including a gain on disposition of $285,033) |
| | 281,949 | |||||||||
Benefit from income taxes |
| | (99,822 | ) | ||||||||
Income from discontinued operations |
| | 182,127 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 4,241 | $ | (223,005 | ) | $ | 303,035 | |||||
Basic net income (loss) per common share: |
||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
$ | 0.05 | $ | (2.54 | ) | $ | 1.38 | |||||
Income from discontinued operations |
| | 2.08 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 0.05 | $ | (2.54 | ) | $ | 3.46 | |||||
Weighted average basic shares outstanding |
86,429 | 87,854 | 87,567 | |||||||||
Diluted net income (loss) per common share: |
||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
$ | 0.05 | $ | (2.54 | ) | $ | 1.36 | |||||
Income from discontinued operations |
| | 2.06 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 0.05 | $ | (2.54 | ) | $ | 3.42 | |||||
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding |
86,517 | 87,854 | 88,608 | |||||||||
Dividends declared per common share |
$ | | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.585 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-67-
BOYD GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In thousands, except share data)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss |
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital |
Retained Earnings |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net |
Total Stockholders Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances, January 1, 2007 |
87,105,106 | $ | 871 | $ | 561,298 | $ | 544,080 | $ | 3,703 | $ | 1,109,952 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 303,035 | | | | 303,035 | | 303,035 | |||||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments fair value adjustment, net of taxes of $8,274 |
(14,727 | ) | | | | | (14,727 | ) | (14,727 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Restricted available for sale securities market adjustment, net of taxes of $59 |
109 | | | | | 109 | 109 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income |
$ | 288,417 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting for uncertainty in income taxes |
| | | (105 | ) | | (105 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Our share of Borgatas cumulative effect of a change in accounting for uncertainty in income taxes |
| | | (122 | ) | | (122 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock options exercised |
641,974 | 6 | 15,555 | | | 15,561 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements |
| | 5,528 | | | 5,528 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation costs |
| | 17,370 | | | 17,370 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid on common stock |
| | | (51,195 | ) | | (51,195 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balances, December 31, 2007 |
87,747,080 | 877 | 599,751 | 795,693 | (10,915 | ) | 1,385,406 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (223,005 | ) | | | | (223,005 | ) | | (223,005 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments fair value adjustment, net of taxes of $5,118 |
(9,103 | ) | | | | | (9,103 | ) | (9,103 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive loss |
$ | (232,108 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options exercised |
55,700 | 1 | 471 | | | 472 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement of restricted stock units |
11,281 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements |
| | 660 | | | 660 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation costs |
| | 15,422 | | | 15,422 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid on common stock |
| | | (26,330 | ) | | (26,330 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balances, December 31, 2008 |
87,814,061 | 878 | 616,304 | 546,358 | (20,018 | ) | 1,143,522 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 4,241 | | | | 4,241 | | 4,241 | |||||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments fair value adjustment, net of taxes of $(979) |
1,892 | | | | | 1,892 | 1,892 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income |
$ | 6,133 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options exercised |
29,797 | | 160 | | | 160 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement of restricted stock units |
11,281 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax effect from share-based compensation arrangements |
| | (1,384 | ) | | | (1,384 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation costs |
| | 15,888 | | | 15,888 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock repurchased and retired |
(1,724,685 | ) | (17 | ) | (7,933 | ) | | | (7,950 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Balances, December 31, 2009 |
86,130,454 | $ | 861 | $ | 623,035 | $ | 550,599 | $ | (18,126 | ) | $ | 1,156,369 | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-68-
BOYD GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 4,241 | $ | (223,005 | ) | $ | 303,035 | |||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
164,427 | 168,997 | 165,959 | |||||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs |
6,226 | 4,737 | 5,180 | |||||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
15,888 | 14,024 | 16,059 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
15,574 | (44,153 | ) | 68,370 | ||||||||
Operating and non-operating income from Borgata |
(52,823 | ) | (40,347 | ) | (69,369 | ) | ||||||
Distributions of earnings received from Borgata |
60,136 | 19,579 | 70,570 | |||||||||
Gain on disposition of Barbary Coast |
| | (285,033 | ) | ||||||||
Noncash asset write-downs |
42,350 | 382,012 | 3,744 | |||||||||
Loss (gain) on early retirements of debt |
(15,284 | ) | (28,553 | ) | 16,945 | |||||||
Other operating activities |
(4,464 | ) | (435 | ) | (3,783 | ) | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Restricted cash |
8,141 | (2,817 | ) | (8,216 | ) | |||||||
Accounts receivable, net |
2,791 | 2,227 | 3,067 | |||||||||
Inventories |
(67 | ) | (56 | ) | (103 | ) | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
15,598 | (1,613 | ) | 5,915 | ||||||||
Income taxes receivable |
(5,692 | ) | 2,871 | (5,069 | ) | |||||||
Other assets |
2,549 | 3,505 | (16,238 | ) | ||||||||
Other current liabilities |
(18,538 | ) | (38,543 | ) | (32,446 | ) | ||||||
Other long-term tax liabilities |
(4,618 | ) | 792 | 39,256 | ||||||||
Other liabilities |
4,596 | 1,257 | 5,346 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
241,031 | 220,479 | 283,189 | |||||||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(157,557 | ) | (667,400 | ) | (296,894 | ) | ||||||
Net cash paid for Dania Jai-Alai |
(9,375 | ) | | (80,904 | ) | |||||||
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries |
(73 | ) | (5,991 | ) | (10,297 | ) | ||||||
Other investing activities |
1,877 | 115 | 8,352 | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(165,128 | ) | (673,276 | ) | (379,743 | ) | ||||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
||||||||||||
Payments on retirements of long-term debt |
(89,482 | ) | (116,497 | ) | (260,938 | ) | ||||||
Borrowings under bank credit facility |
656,440 | 1,394,935 | 817,100 | |||||||||
Payments under bank credit facility |
(620,655 | ) | (866,720 | ) | (437,500 | ) | ||||||
Payments under note payable |
(18,750 | ) | | | ||||||||
Proceeds from termination of derivative instruments |
| | 5,718 | |||||||||
Repurchase and retirement of common stock |
(7,950 | ) | | | ||||||||
Payments of dividends on common stock |
| (26,330 | ) | (51,195 | ) | |||||||
Other financing activities |
(456 | ) | (140 | ) | 19,673 | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
(80,853 | ) | 385,248 | 92,858 | ||||||||
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(4,950 | ) | (67,549 | ) | (3,696 | ) | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year |
98,152 | 165,701 | 169,397 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year |
$ | 93,202 | $ | 98,152 | $ | 165,701 | ||||||
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BOYD GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information |
||||||||||||
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized |
$ | 142,670 | $ | 110,618 | $ | 135,940 | ||||||
Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes, net |
(1,768 | ) | 13,267 | 60,279 | ||||||||
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities |
||||||||||||
Payables incurred for capital expenditures |
$ | 35,973 | $ | 122,310 | $ | 79,811 | ||||||
Capitalized share based compensation costs |
| 1,398 | 1,311 | |||||||||
Restricted cash received as a deposit for Morgans/LV Investment LLC joint venture |
| 672 | 31,424 | |||||||||
Disbursement of restricted cash received as a deposit for Morgans/LV Investment LLC joint venture |
| 29,506 | | |||||||||
Restricted cash proceeds from maturities of restricted investments |
| | 8,381 | |||||||||
Restricted cash used for the purchase of restricted investments |
| | 6,765 | |||||||||
Restricted cash proceeds from sales of restricted investments |
| | 8,589 | |||||||||
Increase (decrease) in fair value of derivative instruments |
4,952 | (14,221 | ) | (23,001 | ) | |||||||
Land acquired in exchange for Barbary Coast |
| | 364,000 | |||||||||
Non-monetary portion of land exchange |
| | 18,177 | |||||||||
Transfer of investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary to property and equipment |
4,427 | | | |||||||||
Transfer of land to property and equipment, net, from assets held for sale |
| 23,188 | | |||||||||
Acquisition of Dania Jai-Alai |
||||||||||||
Fair value of noncash assets acquired |
$ | 28,352 | $ | | $ | 131,372 | ||||||
Net cash paid |
| | (80,904 | ) | ||||||||
Additional cash paid |
(9,375 | ) | | | ||||||||
Contingent liability assumed |
| (46,648 | ) | |||||||||
Termination of contingent liability |
46,648 | | | |||||||||
Note payable issued |
(65,625 | ) | | | ||||||||
Liabilities assumed |
$ | | $ | | $ | 3,820 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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BOYD GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization
Boyd Gaming Corporation (and together with its subsidiaries, the Company, we or us) was incorporated in the state of Nevada. The Companys common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BYD.
We are a diversified operator of 15 wholly-owned gaming entertainment properties and one 50% owned property. Headquartered in Las Vegas, we have gaming operations in Nevada, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana and New Jersey, which we aggregate in order to present four Reportable Segments: (i) Las Vegas Locals, (ii) Downtown Las Vegas, (iii) Midwest and South, and (iv) our 50% interest in a limited liability company that operates the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
We also own and operate Dania Jai-Alai, which is a pari-mutuel jai-alai facility with approximately 47 acres of related land located in Dania Beach, Florida, a travel agency in Hawaii, and a captive insurance company, also in Hawaii, that underwrites travel-related insurance. Additionally, we own 85 acres on the Las Vegas Strip, where our Echelon development project is located.
On August 1, 2008, due to the difficult environment in the capital markets, as well as weak economic conditions, we announced the delay of our multibillion dollar Echelon development project on the Las Vegas Strip. At such time, we did not anticipate the long-term effects of the current economic downturn, evidenced by lower occupancy rates, declining room rates and reduced consumer spending across the country, but particularly in the Las Vegas geographical area; nor did we predict that the incremental supply becoming available on the Las Vegas Strip would face such depressed demand levels, thereby elongating the time for absorption of this additional supply into the market. The credit markets have yet to show significant recovery, thereby rendering financing for this type of development unavailable. Based on our current outlook, we do not expect to resume construction for three to five years. See Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies Commitments - Echelon, for a discussion regarding the impact of the ongoing suspension of the Echelon project on our joint venture and other agreements.
Basis of Presentation
On July 1, 2009, The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles A Replacement of FASB Statement No. 162, (the Codification) (previously SFAS 168) became effective. Accordingly, the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards CodificationTM (the ASC) became the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The implementation of the Codification did not initially have an impact on our consolidated financial statements, as it did not modify any existing authoritative GAAP.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Boyd Gaming Corporation and its subsidiaries. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which are 50%-or-less owned and do not meet the consolidation criteria of Section 15, Variable Interest Entities in Topic 810, Consolidation (ASC Topic 810), of the Codification are accounted for under the equity method. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates incorporated into our consolidated financial statements include the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, the estimated useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets, fair values of acquired assets and liabilities, estimated cash flows in assessing the recoverability of long-lived assets and goodwill and intangible assets, property closure costs, the estimated valuation allowance for deferred tax assets,
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BOYD GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
certain tax liabilities, our self-insured liability reserves, slot bonus point programs, share-based payment valuation assumptions, fair values of derivative instruments, contingencies and litigation, claims and assessments. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at their date of purchase, and are on deposit with high credit quality financial institutions. The carrying values of these instruments approximate their fair values due to their short maturities.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash consists primarily of customer payments related to advanced bookings with our Hawaiian travel agency that are invested with a maximum maturity of 90 days and amounts on deposit for horse racing purposes at Delta Downs.
Accounts Receivable, net
Accounts receivable consist primarily of casino, hotel and other receivables. Accounts receivable are typically non-interest bearing and are initially recorded at cost. Accounts are written off when management deems the account to be uncollectible, based upon historical collection experience, the age of the receivable and other relevant economic factors. An estimated allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained to reduce our receivables to their carrying amount. As a result, the net carrying value approximates fair value. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $4.2 million and $5.4 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Management does not believe that any significant concentrations of credit risk existed as of December 31, 2009.
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of food and beverage and retail items and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted-average inventory method.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, for leasehold improvements, over the shorter of the assets useful life or term of the lease. Gains or losses on disposals of assets are recognized as incurred. Costs of major improvements are capitalized, while costs of normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.
Capitalized Interest
Interest costs associated with major construction projects are capitalized as part of the cost of the constructed assets. When no debt is incurred specifically for a project, interest is capitalized on amounts expended for the project using our weighted-average cost of borrowing. Capitalization of interest ceases when the project (or discernible portions of the project) is substantially complete. If substantially all of the construction activities of a project are suspended, capitalization of interest will cease until such activities are resumed. We amortize capitalized interest over the estimated useful life of the related assets. Interest capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $0.4 million, $37.7 million and $18.1 million, respectively.
Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate our long-lived assets in accordance with the guidance in the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets subsection of ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (ASC Topic 360). For an asset that is to be disposed of, we recognize the asset at the lower of carrying value or fair market value, less costs of disposal, as estimated based on comparable asset sales, solicited offers, or a discounted cash flow model. For a long-lived asset to be held and used, we review the asset for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We then compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset to the carrying value of the asset. The asset is not impaired if the undiscounted future cash flows exceed its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows, then an impairment charge is recorded, typically measured using a discounted cash flow model, which is based on the estimated future results of the relevant reporting unit discounted using our weighted-average cost of capital and market indicators of terminal year free cash flow multiples. If an asset is under development, future cash flows include remaining construction costs. All recognized impairment charges are recorded as operating expenses. See Note 13, Write-Downs and Other Charges, Net for a discussion of impairment charges related to our long-lived assets.
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BOYD GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
Investments In and Advances to Borgata and Other Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
We have investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method, carrying value is adjusted for our share of the investees earnings and losses, as well as capital contributions to and distributions from these entities.
We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such investment may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. If such conditions exist, we compare the estimated fair value of the investment to its carrying value to determine if an impairment is indicated and determines whether such impairment is other than temporary based on its assessment of all relevant factors. Estimated fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis based on estimated future results of the investee.
Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt agreement. In the event that our debt is modified, repurchased or otherwise reduced prior to its original maturity date, we ratably reduce the unamortized debt issuance costs proportionately.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair market value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Intangible assets include gaming license rights, trademarks and customer lists. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization, but they are subject to an annual impairment test in the second quarter of each year and between annual test dates in certain circumstances.
Goodwill for relevant reporting units is tested for impairment using a discounted cash flow analysis based on the estimated future results of our reporting units discounted using our weighted-average cost of capital and market indicators of terminal year capitalization rates. The implied fair value of a reporting units goodwill is compared to the carrying value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to its assets and liabilities and the amount remaining, if any, is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying value then it must be written down to its implied fair value.
License rights are tested for impairment using a discounted cash flow approach, and trademarks are tested for impairment using the relief-from-royalty method. If the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference.
See Note 5, Intangible Assets, Note 6, Goodwill and Note 13, Write-Downs and Other Charges, Net for a discussion of impairment charges related to our goodwill and other intangible assets.
Slot Bonus Point Program
We have established promotional programs to encourage repeat business from frequent and active slot machine customers and patrons. Members earn points based on gaming activity and such points can be redeemed for cash, or to a lesser extent, other free goods and services. We accrue for bonus points expected to be redeemed for cash as a reduction to gaming revenue and accrue for bonus points expected to be redeemed for free goods and services as gaming expense. The accruals are based on estimates and assumptions regarding the mix of cash and other free goods and services that will be redeemed and the costs of providing those benefits. Historical data is used to assist in the determination of the estimated accruals. The slot bonus point accrual is included in accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are recorded under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and attributable to operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, in accordance with ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes (ASC Topic 740). ASC Topic 740 requires a reduction of the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance, if
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BOYD GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
based on the available evidence it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed periodically based on the ASC Topic 740 more-likely-than-not realization threshold. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with the usability of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards before expiration, and tax planning alternatives.
Other Long Term Tax Liabilities
FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109, as subsequently codified in ASC Topic 740, clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprises financial statements. ASC Topic 740 prescribes a threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
Under ASC Topic 740, the impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Additionally, ASC Topic 740 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
Self-Insurance Reserves
We are self-insured up to certain stop loss amounts for employee health coverage, workers compensation and general liability costs. Insurance claims and reserves include accruals of estimated settlements for known claims, as well as accruals of estimates for claims incurred but not yet reported. In estimating these accruals, we consider historical loss experience and make judgments about the expected levels of costs per claim. Management believes the estimates of future liability are reasonable based upon our methodology; however, changes in health care costs, accident frequency and severity and other factors could materially affect the estimate for these liabilities. Self-insurance reserves are included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
Derivative Instruments and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes must be adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative qualifies and is designated as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in its fair value will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged item through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivatives change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings. We utilize derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk on certain of our borrowings. For further information, see Note 12, Derivative Instruments and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Revenue Recognition and Promotional Allowances
Gaming revenue represents the net win from gaming activities, which is the aggregate difference between gaming wins and losses. The majority of our gaming revenue is counted in the form of cash and chips and therefore is not subject to any significant or complex estimation procedures. Cash discounts, commissions and other cash incentives to customers related to gaming play are recorded as a reduction of gross gaming revenues. Room revenue recognition criteria are met at the time of occupancy. Food and beverage revenue recognition criteria are met at the time of service.
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BOYD GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
Gross revenues include the estimated retail value of rooms, food and beverage, and other goods and services provided to customers on a complimentary basis, or without charge. Such amounts are then deducted as promotional allowances. The estimated departmental cost of providing such promotional allowances is included primarily in gaming expenses as follows:
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||
Room |
$ | 29,766 | $ | 25,271 | $ | 23,597 | |||
Food and beverage |
114,711 | 123,444 | 118,968 | ||||||
Other |
6,031 | 8,418 | 6,906 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 150,508 | $ | 157,133 | $ | 149,471 | |||
Promotional allowances also include incentives such as cash, goods and services (such as complimentary rooms and food and beverages) earned in our slot bonus point program. We reward customers, through the use of bonus programs, with points based on amounts wagered or won that can be redeemed for a specified period of time, principally for cash, and to a lesser extent for goods or services, depending upon the property. We record the estimated retail value of these goods and services as revenue and then deduct them as promotional allowances.
Advertising Expense
Direct advertising costs are expensed the first time such advertising appears. Advertising costs from continuing operations are included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and totaled $21.2 million, $23.4 million and $25.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Corporate Expense
Corporate expense represents unallocated payroll, professional fees, aircraft costs and various other expenses that are not directly related to our casino hotel operations. Corporate expense totaled $47.6 million, $52.3 million and $60.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Preopening Expenses
Certain costs of start-up activities are expensed as incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we expensed $17.8 million, $20.3 million and $22.8 million in preopening costs, respectively, including $16.1 million, $16.3 million and $15.6 million, respectively, related to our Echelon development project. The remaining expense incurred in 2009 relates to our new hotel at Blue Chip and efforts to develop gaming activities in other jurisdictions. The remaining expense in 2008 and 2007 relates to these same projects, as well as an expansion project at Dania Jai-Alai.
Share-Based Compensation
We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions), in accordance with ASC Topic 505, Share-Based Compensation. This cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Compensation costs related to stock option awards are calculated based on the fair value of each major option grant on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model that requires the formation of assumptions to be used in the model, such as expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rates, expected option lives and dividend yields. We formed our assumptions using historical experience and observable conditions.
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BOYD GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
On January 1, 2008, we adopted ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC Topic 820). ASC Topic 820 does not determine or affect the circumstances under which fair value measurements are used, but defines fair value, expands disclosure requirements around fair value and specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Companys market assumptions. These inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
Level 1: |
Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. | |
Level 2: |
Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. | |
Level 3: |
Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. |
This hierarchy requires us to use observable market data, when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value. For some products or in certain market conditions, observable inputs may not be available.
We adopted previously issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP FAS 157-4), which has been subsequently classified in ASC Topic 820, Section 65, Transition Related to FASB Staff Position No. 157-4, and provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 820, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This standard also includes guidance on how to identify circumstances that indicate that a transaction is not orderly and emphasizes that even if there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability and regardless of the valuation techniques used, the objective of a fair value measurement remains the same. FSP FAS 157-4, as applied prospectively, did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
The fair values of certain of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and other current liabilities, approximate their recorded carrying amounts because of their short-term nature. See Note 8, Long-Term Debt and Note 12, Derivative Instruments and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for further discussions of the valuations of certain of our financial instruments.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Subsequent to the adoption of the Codification, any change to the source of authoritative GAAP will be communicated through an Accounting Standards Update (ASU). ASUs will be published by the FASB for all authoritative GAAP promulgated by the FASB, regardless of the form in which such guidance may have been issued prior to release of the Codification. Prior to inclusion in an ASU, the standard-setting organizations and regulatory agencies continue to issue proposed changes to the accounting standards in previous form (e.g., FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Standards, Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Abstracts, FASB Staff Positions, SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins, etc.).
Variable Interest Entities. In September 2009, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (SFAS 167). SFAS 167 is a revision to FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (which is currently promulgated in a subsection of ASC Topic 810). The amendments include: (1) the elimination of the exemption for qualifying special purpose entities, (2) a new approach for determining who should consolidate a variable-interest entity, and (3) changes to when it is necessary to reassess who should consolidate a variable-interest entity. SFAS 167 is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning after November 15, 2009 and for interim periods within that first annual reporting period. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS 167 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
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BOYD GAMING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
Transfer of Financial Assets. In September 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets An Amendment to FASB Statement No. 140 (SFAS 166). SFAS 166 is a revision of SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, which is presently included in ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing. SFAS 166 eliminates the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity, changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures in order to enhance information reported to users of financial statements by providing greater transparency about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and an entitys continuing involvement in and exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. SFAS 166 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS 166 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Noncontrolling Interests, In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Accounting for Noncontrolling Interests, (SFAS 160), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this guidance requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (previously referred to as minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parents equity. The amount of net income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest is included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. The guidance clarifies that changes in a parents ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this guidance requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated and requires expanded disclosures regarding the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 1