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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-25306
EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia 52-1846102
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
650 Munoz Rivera Avenue
Doral Building, 7th Floor
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00918
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (787) 753-0676
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Not applicable
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS NAME OF EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED
Class A Units representing assignment Nasdaq SmallCap Market System
beneficial ownership of Class A limited ("Nasdaq/SCMS")
partnership interest and evidenced by
beneficial assignment certificates ("Units")
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 report(s), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
As of March 26, 1999, the aggregate market value of 3,041,992 Units held by
non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing price reported on the
NASDAQ/SCMS was $5,751,266.
Documents Incorporated By Reference: Not Applicable
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EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
1998 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
Item 1. Business 1
Item 2. Properties 6
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 7
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 8
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Class A Units and Related
Unitholder Matters 8
Item 6. Selected Financial and Operating Data 8
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 11
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 24
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 54
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Company and EMC 54
Item 11. Executive Compensation 56
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Unitholders and Management 59
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 59
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Schedules and Reports 60
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Equus Gaming Company L.P. (the "Company"), a Virginia limited
partnership, is engaged in thoroughbred racing, wagering and other gaming
businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through its wholly-owned
Puerto Rico subsidiary, Equus Entertainment Corporation ("EEC"), the Company
provides management services to four race tracks in which it has an interest.
Equus Management Corporation ("EMC") is the general partner of the Company.
The Company has a 99% interest in Housing Development Associates S.E.
("HDA"), the owner of El Comandante Race Track ("El Comandante"), the only
licensed thoroughbred racing facility in Puerto Rico. El Comandante was
leased to El Comandante Operating Company, Inc. ("ECOC") until December 31,
1997 when the lease agreement was terminated by HDA. El Comandante is now
operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of HDA, El Comandante Management
Company, LLC ("ECMC").
The Company has a 55% interest in Galapagos, S.A. ("Galapagos"), the
operator since April 1995 of the V Centenario Race Track in the Dominican
Republic ("V Centenario") and a 51% interest in Equus Entertainment de
Panama, S.A. ("Equus-Panama"), the operator since January 1, 1998 of the
Presidente Remon Race Track in the Republic of Panama ("Presidente Remon").
Both race tracks are government-owned and operated by the Company's
subsidiaries under long-term contracts. Also, in October 1998 the Company
acquired a controlling interest in Equus Comuneros S.A. ("SECSA"), the owner
and operator of Los Comuneros Race Track in Medellin, Colombia ("Los
Comuneros").
In September 1998 the Company signed a memorandum of understanding with
the owner of the Buijo Race Track in Guayaquil, Ecuador, for the management
of that facility and the development of an off-track betting ("OTB") system.
The Company is evaluating this potential new venture to determine whether to
proceed.
A. Puerto Rico Operations
El Comandante is the leading race track in the Caribbean as measured by
gross dollars wagered. Thoroughbred horse racing has been conducted
continuously at El Comandante since 1976 and at a predecessor facility since
1957. Races are currently run 52 weeks per year, generally five days per
week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Until November 14,
1998, races were held Thursday instead of Saturday. Wagering is conducted
through facilities at the race track and at independently-owned OTB agencies
that are linked via on-line computers to El Comandante. During 1998, the OTB
agencies were reduced from 670 OTB agencies to 621, at December 31, 1998, due
to damage caused by Hurricane Georges throughout the Island on September 21,
1998. Management expects to open additional OTB agencies to return to the
level of OTB agencies prior to the Hurricane.
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Since commencing the on-line wagering system, all of El Comandante's
races have been broadcasted via commercial television in Puerto Rico. The
telecast permits OTB patrons to monitor odds and handicapping information
while placing bets until post time and then to view the live racing. Races
are currently broadcast through an agreement with S&E Network, Inc. ("S&E").
ECMC has a contract with the Puerto Rico horseowners association that
requiring that horseowners field sufficient horses to conduct racing
operations at El Comandante in accordance with the racing program approved by
the Puerto Rico Racing Board. The contract obligates ECMC to provide
stables and related facilities. The contract, which establishes the amount
to be paid to horseowners as purses and other economic terms, expired in
April 1998. The Puerto Rico Racing Board has ordered the extension of the
contract as an interim measure until the Company and the horseowners
negotiate a new agreement.
Racing at El Comandante was suspended on September 20, 1998, due to
Hurricane Georges and did not resume until November 14, by which date the OTB
agency system had not returned to full operation. Wagering at El Comandante
was adversely affected in June and July 1998 by a 45-day labor strike at the
Puerto Rico Telephone Company that erupted in violence, damaging telephone
installations serving the OTB agency system.
In December 1998 El Comandante received $21,428,000 from its insurance
carrier in full settlement of its claims for hurricane damage to the race
track and losses from business interruption.
Competition. El Comandante is the only licensed thoroughbred race track
facility in Puerto Rico, operated by ECMC under an operating license granted
by the Puerto Rico Racing Board. The operating License provides ECMC with
the exclusive right through December 14, 2004, to operate a race track in the
San Juan Region (the largest of three regions in Puerto Rico) which includes
the San Juan metropolitan area and over three-fourths of the northern half of
the Island; the exclusive right to conduct all types of authorized betting
throughout Puerto Rico, based on races held at El Comandante; and the right
to hold a minimum of 180 day or night-race days per year. Until the
expiration of the Operating License, no other thoroughbred race track license
for the San Juan Region may be issued.
ECMC faces competition from other forms of legalized gambling in Puerto
Rico. There are 19 licensed casinos in Puerto Rico offering card and dice
games, slot machines and other games of chance. The Puerto Rico Government
has operated a ticket lottery for more than 50 years and in 1991 commenced an
electronic jackpot lottery. In addition, there are numerous cock fighting
venues on the Island. ECMC also faces competition from illegal gambling.
The Puerto Rico Government may, through legislation, legalize other forms of
gambling or grant additional gaming licenses for those forms of gambling
already authorized by law.
Employees. ECMC had approximately 267 employees as of December 31, 1998.
There were 60 employees working in the mutuel, admissions, and closed circuit
television departments covered by a collective bargaining agreement between
ECOC and the El Comandante Race Track Employees Union, which expired August
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23, 1998, 101 employees performing building and premises maintenance services
covered by a collective bargaining agreement between ECOC and the General
Workers Union, which expires May 31, 1999, and 42 employees performing
security guard services covered by a collective bargaining agreement between
ECOC and the Security Guards Union which expired January 23, 1999. ECMC
assumed all collective bargaining agreements from ECOC and have been
operating under the expired agreements pending new collective bargaining
agreements.
B. Dominican Republic Operations
In 1995 Galapagos was selected by the Dominican Republic Racing
Commission to operate the government-owned V Centenario race track in Santo
Domingo pursuant to a ten year agreement ending April 2005. The contract may
be renewed for additional ten year periods by mutual agreement of the
parties. The contract also provides Galapagos with the right to develop off-
track betting in the Dominican Republic and the exclusive right to simulcast
horse races, into the Dominican Republic.
At December 31, 1998 there were 302 OTB agencies in the Dominican
Republic. The OTB system in the Dominican Republic has been negatively
impacted by the inability of the Company to arrange for live broadcasting of
races by commercial television with broad island-wide penetration.
At present live racing is conducted three days per week with a six-race
card. Full card simulcast wagering on races at El Comandante is offered four
days a week. An increase in the number of live racing events will require
government approval. Low per capita income in the Dominican Republic is
another limiting factor affecting pari-mutuel handle and size of purses.
Racing operations at V Centenario were suspended on September 20 due to
Hurricane Georges. Racing resumed on October 22,1998, and simulcasting from
El Comandante on November 14, 1998. Galapagos received approximately
$1 million from its insurance carrier for damage to fixtures and electronic
equipment of V Centenario and losses from business interruption. The
Dominican Republic Government, as the owner of the race track, received an
additional $406,000 of insurance proceeds to repair the race track buildings.
Lottery. Galapagos has a five year contract with a private operator to
provide the wagering distribution system for a government-sponsored
electronic lottery, which commenced on November 1, 1997. Lottery games are
sold at OTB agencies selected by Galapagos and at lottery agencies selected
by the operator. Galapagos' commissions (net of fees paid to Autotote) are
1% of gross lottery sales at lottery agencies and 2% of gross lottery sales
at OTB agencies. In addition, the lottery operator pays Galapagos a monthly
fee for each OTB agency that sells lottery games as reimbursement for a 50%
share of telephone line costs. Galapagos is also permitted to identify the
lottery agencies to take Pick 6 pool wagers on Galapagos' live and
simulcasted races.
Competition. Galapagos faces competition from other forms of gambling
in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic Government operates a
ticket lottery and instant lottery throughout the country, and an electronic
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lottery commenced operations in November 1997. There are approximately 600
independent sports betting agencies and wagering on baseball is particularly
popular. Approximately 200 of the sports betting agencies were being
utilized by Galapagos as OTB agencies at December 31, 1998. Wagering on cock
fighting is both legal and popular in the Dominican Republic. Casino gaming
is permitted at hotels with a minimum of 100 rooms and there are 25 licensed
casinos in operation. Galapagos also faces competition from illegal
gambling.
Employees. Galapagos had 167 employees at December 31, 1998. Galapagos
has no agreements with unions and has not experienced any work stoppage or
material labor difficulties.
C. Panama Operations
In 1997 Equus-Panama was selected by the Panama Government to operate the
government-owned Presidente Remon race track in Panama City pursuant to a 20
year agreement ending in December 2017. The contract also gives Equus-Panama
the right to develop off-track betting in Panama and the exclusive right to
simulcast horse races from and into Panama and the right to operate up to 500
slot machines at the race track. Upon execution of the contract, Equus-
Panama paid $2.2 million to the Panama Government. Equus-Panama began
simulcasting races from United States race tracks on January 2, 1998 and live
racing commenced on February 14, 1998, after major improvements to the racing
strip were made.
At December 31, 1998, there were 94 agencies installed in Panama City.
At present, live racing at Presidente Remon is only transmitted via
microwave on an UHF channel and by a second channel in Panama City. OTB
agencies outside the metropolitan broadcast area are dependent on
transmission by radio. Equus-Panama is exploring ways to provide live
television broadcasting to all OTB agencies in Panama.
In October 1998, Equus-Panama raised approximately $6 million in a public
offering. Of this amount, approximately $2 million was for newly issued
stock representing 49% of Equus-Panama's capital, and $4 million was for
unsecured 11% bonds maturing in June 2004. Equus-Panama's stock and bonds
are listed on the Security Exchange of Panama. Simultaneous with the
offering, the Company invested $540,000 in Equus-Panama in exchange for a
13.5% interest in Equus-Panama, In 1999, the Company purchased HDA's 37.5%
interest in Equus-Panama for $1.5 million, proportionately the same price at
which shares were sold in the Panamanian offering.
Competition. Equus-Panama faces competition from other forms of
legalized gambling in Panama. There are 12 licensed casinos in Panama
offering card and dice games and slot machines. Also, there are 15 slot
machines parlors currently operating and Equus-Panama is authorized to
install up to 500 slot machines at Presidente Remon. In addition, the Panama
Government has operated a lottery for more than 50 years.
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Employees. At December 31, 1998, Equus-Panama had 255 employees.
D. Colombia Operations
Beginning in 1999, SECSA owns and operates Los Comuneros in Medellin,
Colombia. Prior to the Company's involvement in the management of these
operations, Los Comuneros hosted one live meet per week with an average
handle of approximately $100,000 and employed an OTB system limited both in
terms of number of sites and technology.
Expansion plans call for the development of an extensive on-line OTB
system, allowing for real-time betting, in conjunction with televising all
races and an increase in the number of racing days. Objectives for the first
year include establishing an OTB system with 300 sites throughout the
metropolitan areas of Medellin, Bogota and Cali, and increasing live racing
to two days per week. Los Comuneros will also offer simulcast wagering from
the Company's other tracks.
E. Private Offering
In December 1998 the Company commenced an offer to accredited investors
to purchase up to 4,000,000 Units representing an assignment of beneficial
ownership of Class A limited partnership interest ("Units") in the Company at
a cash price of $1.02 per Unit. The cash price per Unit was determined by
arriving at the average closing price on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market for Units
for the 20 trading days on which trades occurred preceding the date of the
Offer and substracting 25% to take into account that the offered units will
not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any
state and may not be publicly traded for one year and thereafter only in
accordance with Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.
On March 19, 1999, The Wilson Family Limited Partnership, a major
unitholder of the Company, purchased 2,911,764 Units for $2,970,000 pursuant
to the terms of this offer. The Company expects to keep this offer open until
April 1999.
F. HDAMC Warrants
In connection with the issuance of First Mortgage Notes by a finance
subsidiary of HDA, HDA Management Corporation ("HDAMC") issued Warrants to
purchase 68,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of HDAMC pursuant to the terms
of a Warrant Agreement. Following the public distribution of Units of the
Company in 1995, the Warrants became exercisable to purchase an aggregate of
1,205,232 units of the Company, currently owned by HDAMC. Under the Warrant
Agreement, the Company was not a "qualified public company" and therefore
HDA, as guarantor of the obligation, made an offer to purchase the
outstanding Warrants for cash, at a repurchase price of $15.49 per Warrant.
The repurchase offer expired on December 15, 1998 when 48,127 Warrants were
tendered for a total purchase price of $745,487. Of the remaining Warrants,
15,216 were exercised in exchange for 269,688 Units of the Company, and 4,657
Warrants, neither tendered nor exercised, expired. Therefore, 935,557 of the
Units previously held by HDAMC were distributed to the Company and are
currently held in treasury.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
El Comandante. HDA is the owner of El Comandante, situated on a 257-acre
parcel of land in Canovanas, Puerto Rico, approximately 12 miles east of San
Juan. El Comandante properties include the following:
a. A building consisting of a six-level grandstand and clubhouse with
seating for over 10,000 and a total capacity in excess of 25,000,
including glass-enclosed air conditioned dining rooms with seating
capacity for over 1,400;
b. Racing facilities, including a one-mile oval strip with a seven-
furlong chute and a 65-foot wide exercise track;
c. Barn area and related facilities, including 1,595 horse stalls;
d. Paved parking area which can accommodate 7,250 vehicles;
e. Landscaped infield containing three lakes and a waterfall.
These properties were severely damaged by Hurricane Georges. The
grandstand and clubhouse are now in the process of being rebuilt on a reduced
scale to reflect the growth in OTB and the corresponding decrease in
attendance at the race track.
ECMC also owns certain race track and telecommunication equipment used
in the operation of El Comandante and the off-track betting system. See
Note 7 to the Company's consolidated financial statements for a description
of encumbrance on El Comandante properties.
V Centenario. Galapagos leases V Centenario from the Dominican Republic
Government. V Centenario is situated on a parcel of land, approximately 7.5
miles east of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. V Centenario properties
include the following:
a. A building consisting of grandstand and clubhouse with seating for
over 4,200 and total capacity in excess of 10,000, including an air
conditioned dining room with seating capacity of 400;
b. Racing facilities, including a one-mile oval strip with a seven-
furlong chute and a 1,400 meter exercise track;
c. Barn area and related facilities, including 950 horse stalls;
d. Paved parking area which can accommodate 1,100 vehicles.
Galapagos also owns certain race track and telecommunication equipment
used in the operation of V Centenario and the off-track betting system.
Presidente Remon. Equus-Panama leases Presidente Remon from the Panama
Government. Presidente Remon is situated on a 175-acre parcel of land in
Juan Diaz, Panama, approximately 5 miles east of downtown Panama City.
(PAGE)
Presidente Remon properties include the following:
a. A building consisting of grandstand and clubhouse with seating for
over 2,000 and a total capacity in excess of 10,000, including air
conditioned dining rooms with total seating capacity of 400;
b. Racing facilities, including a one-mile oval strip with a seven-
furlong chute, a ten-furlong chute, and a 1,400 meter exercise
track;
c. Barn area and related facilities, including 1,200 horse stalls;
d. Paved parking area which can accommodate 600 vehicles.
Equus-Panama also owns certain race track and telecommunication equipment
used in the operation of Presidente Remon and the off-track betting system.
Los Comuneros. SECSA is the owner of Los Comuneros, situated on a parcel
of land in Medellin, Colombia. Los Comuneros properties include the
following:
a. A building consisting of grandstand and clubhouse with
total seating capacity of 5,500;
b. Racing facilities, including a 1,300 meter oval strip
with a six-furlong chute;
c. Barn area and related facilities, including 300 horse stalls;
d. Parking area which can accommodate 500 vehicles.
ITEM 3- LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are presently named as
defendants in various lawsuits and might be subject to certain other claims
arising out of its normal business operations. Management, based in part
upon advice from legal counsel, believes that the results of such actions
will not have an adverse impact on the Company's financial position or
results of operations.
Item 2 - 5
Not Applicable.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S UNITS AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS
The Units, which represent the assignment of beneficial ownership of the
Company's Class A limited partnership interests, have been listed and traded
on Nasdaq National Market System since February 7, 1995 and, effective
December 8, 1998, on Nasdaq SmallCap Market System ("SCMS"). The following
table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices
per Unit as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market and cash distributions paid
to Unitholders during these periods.
Cash Distributions Price Range of Units
Total Per Unit High Low
1998 Quarter:
First - - $1.875 $1.00
Second - - 2.00 1.00
Third - - 1.875 1.125
Fourth - - 1.688 0.625
1997 Quarter:
First - - 3.375 1.75
Second - - 3.00 1.75
Third - - 2.75 1.75
Fourth - - 2.25 0.75
On March 26, 1999, the closing sale price of Units was $1.375 as
reported on Nasdaq/SCMS. As of March 26, 1999, there were 8,309,824 Units
outstanding and approximately 252 Unitholders of record. From total units
outstanding 3,181,452 have not been registered under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and therefore, can not be freely traded.
The Company intends to distribute to its Unitholders cash consistent
with the Company's plans for expansion of its business. However, the
Company's principal source of cash has been distributions related to its
ownership interest in HDA. The trust indenture related to the First Mortgage
Notes limits distributions by HDA to its partners, including the Company, to
approximately 48% of HDA's consolidated net income. It allows additional
cash distributions, if a certain debt coverage ratio is met.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following table sets forth selected financial data for the Company.
The historical income statement and balance sheet data is derived from the
audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for each of the
years in the period ended December 31, 1998. This information should be read
in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the consolidated
financial statements of the Company and related notes (see Item 8) and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" (see Item 7).
(PAGE)
For the years ended December 31,
Historical (1) Proforma(2)
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1997
(In thousands, except per Unit amounts)
Income Statement Data:
Revenues:
Commissions on wagering $52,529 $ 4,619 $ 4,513 $ 2,719 $ - $59,512
Rental income (3) - 13,720 14,321 11,429 - 14,333
Net lotto revenues 656 88 - - - 88
Income from insurance
settlement 12,856 - - -
Gain from sale of
Television Stations - 4,669 581 - - 4,669
Other revenues 2,931 1,487 3,029 1,938 355 3,949
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
68,972 24,583 22,444 16,086 355 68,218
Payments to horseowners 25,996 2,309 2,257 1,362 - 29,669
Financial expenses 9,109 8,735 9,048 7,398 - 9,013
Depreciation and amortization 3,756 2,368 2,649 1,829 - 3,303
Impairment loss on
El Comandante intangible 3,136 - - - - -
Other expenses 27,617 6,460 7,390 6,578 1,762 23,558
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(642) 4,711 1,100 (1,081) (1,407) 2,675
Provision for income taxes 1,110 1,028 400 231 87 505
Minority interest in
income (loss) (4) 228 (878) 127 721 - (878)
Extraordinary item (5) 167 (326) - - - 1,558
Cumulative effect (403) - - - - -
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss) $(1,760) $ 2,479 $ 827 $ (591) $(1,494) $2,850
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Net income (loss) per
Unit (6) $ (0.28) $ 0.39 $ 0.13 $(0.08) - $0.45
December 31,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,637 $ 508 $ 4,268 $ 814 $ -
Race tracks property and
equipment (7) 47,470 45,056 45,956 47,891 -
Deferred costs 5,375 6,316 4,426 4,859 -
Receivables from ECOC - 3,106 2,780 1,816 -
Investment in S&E (8) - - 2,223 4,862 -
Total assets 64,039 56,187 60,586 60,823 -
First Mortgage Notes and
accrued interest 56,512 63,681 66,737 66,573 -
Notes and bonds payable and
capital lease obligations 9,091 1,876 1,073 2,457 -
Total liabilities 77,691 68,280 71,775 72,611 524
Partner's deficit (14,066) (12,093) (11,189) (11,788) (524)
(PAGE)
(1) The Company was organized in 1993 and effective March 8, 1995 it
consolidates the accounts of HDA and its subsidiaries in its
financial statements.
(2) Effective January 1, 1998, HDA terminated the lease agreement
with ECOC and commenced operating El Comandante through ECMC, its
wholly-owned subsidiary. The proforma statement of income was
prepared as if the accounts of ECMC had been consolidated in the
Company's financial statements since January 1, 1997. This
proforma information is unaudited.
(3) Represents rent paid by ECOC to HDA until December 31, 1997 (see
Note 2).
(4) Includes minority interest in losses of Galapagos and Equus-
Panama and the Company's minority interest in HDA's net income.
For 1998 and 1997 generally accepted accounting principles
limited the amount recognized as the minority interest in
Galapagos' losses (see Note 1 to the Company's consolidated
financial statements).
(5) Represents premium (discount) on the early redemption and the
purchase in the open market of First Mortgage Notes and
corresponding write-off of deferred financing costs and note
discount. On a proforma basis in 1997, it also includes income
from the cancellation of certain indebtedness of ECOC.
(6) Net income (loss) allocable to the units is based on
approximately 99% interest. The per Unit amount in the income
statement data is calculated based on weighted average of Units
outstanding since the Distribution on February 6, 1995 of
6,342,606 in 1998, 6,333,617 in 1997 and 1996 and 6,223,381 in
1995.
(7) Includes a step-up of $5,650,000, resulting from the issuance of
Units by the Company for a 15% interest in HDA on March 8, 1995,
net of related accumulated depreciation in 1998, 1997, 1996 and
1995 of $790,240, $583,190, $376,140 and $169,000, respectively,
and reduced by a net write-off in 1998 of $919,580 in connection
with damage caused by Hurricane Georges to El Comandante.
(8) In 1995 this amount consisted of licenses, property and equipment
and other assets of the Television Stations owned by S&E.
(PAGE)
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company's results of operations are principally attributed to
its interests in thoroughbred horse race tracks: (i) El Comandante in Puerto
Rico, operated since January 1, 1998 by El Comandante Management Company, LLC
("ECMC"), (ii) V Centenario in the Dominican Republic, operated since April
1995 by Galapagos S.E., and (iii) Presidente Remon in the Republic of Panama,
operated since January 1, 1998 by Equus Entertainment de Panama, S.A.
("Equus-Panama"). The Company also had an interest in three UHF television
stations in Puerto Rico (the "Television Stations") which were sold in
transactions closed in August 1996 and January 1997.
Effective January 1, 1998 Housing Development Associates S.E.("HDA")
terminated the lease agreement with El Comandante Operating Company, Inc.
("ECOC") and commenced operating El Comandante through ECMC, its wholly-owned
subsidiary (the "Proforma Transaction"). As a result, the Company's
historical results of operations for 1998 are not readily comparable with
results of operations for 1997. Accordingly, the unaudited proforma results
for 1997 have also been presented as if the Proforma Transaction had occurred
on January 1, 1997 and the accounts of ECOC had been included in the
Company's consolidated financial statements, after eliminating all
intercompany transactions (see Note 17 to the Company's consolidated
financial statements). The Company's results of operations for 1998 have
been compared with results for 1997 on a proforma basis. However, all
discussions, when applicable, make also reference to the changes based on
historical results of operations.
THE COMPANY'S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
1998 COMPARED TO 1997
REVENUES
Revenues increased in 1998 by $44,389,000 compared to 1997. On a
proforma basis, revenues increased $754,000 (1.1%) from $68,218,000 in 1997
to $68,972,000 in 1998. The increase in proforma revenues was principally
due to the insurance proceeds received by the Company for damage inflicted by
Hurricane Georges to El Comandante and V Centenario, net of decreases in
commissions on wagering and other categories of revenues.
Commissions on Wagering
Commissions on wagering, on a proforma basis, decreased $6,983,000 from
$59,512,000 in 1997 to $52,529,000 in 1998. The decrease was mainly caused
by a decline in wagering at El Comandante and V Centenario, offset by
commissions on wagering of $7,808,000 at Presidente Remon, where operations
commenced during 1998.
Puerto Rico. Commissions on wagering at El Comandante decreased
$13,812,000 (25%) from $54,893,000 in 1997 to $41,081,000 in 1998. The
decline in wagering was attributable to various factors, principally a strike
(PAGE)
by union workers of the Puerto Rico Telephone Company ("PRTC") and Hurricane
Georges, which passed though the Caribbean on September 21-23, 1998.
PRTC Strike. Union workers opposing the privatization of the PRTC went
on strike in early June. The strike, which included significant vandalism of
PRTC installations, disrupted the operations of the telephone company and led
to a decline in wagering. During the strike, an average of 200 agencies per
racing day were affected and unable to take bets due to the disruption of
telephone service. The strike ended July 28 but full restoration of
telephone service within the OTB system did not occur until the middle of
August. Management is evaluating various communications alternatives in
order to reduce the dependence on the PRTC system.
Hurricane Georges. Hurricane Georges caused significant damage island
wide in Puerto Rico forcing suspension of racing operations beginning
September 20. Due to the extensive damage to the racetrack and Puerto
Rico's electrical and telecommunications infrastructure, live racing did not
resume until November 14, 1998. Therefore, 39 race days were lost, as
compared with 1997.
Dominican Republic. Commissions on wagering at V Centenario decreased
$979,000 (21%) from $4,619,000 in 1997 to $3,640,000 in 1998. The decline in
wagering was attributable in part to the continuing competition posed by the
government-licensed electronic lottery and Hurricane Georges.
The electronic lottery, which held the first of its weekly drawings in
November 1997, has steadily increased its share of the gaming market.
Wagering on the lottery shows strong cyclical patterns directly linked to the
amount accumulated in its jackpot. The lottery has carried jackpot prizes of
over US$2 million at least three times during 1998, which has affected racing
wagering especially on Saturdays, the day the lotto draw is made, and the
best selling day of the week for racing. The lottery's jackpot competes
directly with racing's Pick-6 wager, which represents roughly 40% of the
handle on racing.
Hurricane Georges also caused damage to V Centenario and Dominican
Republic's electrical and telecommunications infrastructure forcing
suspension of both live and simulcast racing operations for over a month.
Lack of television coverage in certain cities has limited the development of
new agencies and an increase in new racing fans.
Panama. On January 1, 1998 Equus-Panama took over a 20-year agreement
to operate Presidente Remon. The track was closed for renovations and
improvements until February 14, 1998 when live racing was reinstated on
Saturdays and Sundays to allow for continuing renovations during the week.
During this period Equus-Panama earned commissions on simulcasted races from
the United States. In mid-April racing was added on Thursday nights,
increasing live races to an average of 24 races per week. In addition to
live racing, simulcasting of El Comandante races began in May 1998, until
September 20, 1998 when races at El Comandante were suspended due to
Hurricane Georges. Due to the cancellation of El Comandante races in the
wake of Hurricane Georges, simulcast wagering on U.S. races was resumed on
September 24.
(PAGE)
Net Revenues from Lottery Services
Net revenues from lottery services by Galapagos increased $568,000 from
$88,000 in 1997 to $656,000 in 1998. The electronic lottery of Dominican
Republic commenced in November 1997 and therefore, the increase in revenues
was attributed to additional draws in 1998 as compared with 1997.
Insurance Settlement
Due to damage inflicted by Hurricane Georges to El Comandante and V
Centenario, the Company received in 1998 compensation from the insurance
carriers totalling $10,832,000, for business interruption and $11,596,000,
for damage to the race track facilities. The Company recognized a gain from
involuntary conversion of $2,024,000 related to the net effect of the
property damage insurance proceeds less the write-off of the book-value of
property damaged.
Gain from Sale of Television Stations
In January 1997 the Company sold its remaining 50% interest in three UHF
television stations in Puerto Rico, resulting in a gain of $4,669,000. There
was no similar gain in 1998.
EXPENSES
Expenses decreased in 1998 by $49,742,000 compared to 1997. On a
proforma basis, expenses increased $4,071,000 (6.2%) from $65,543,000 in 1997
to $69,614,000 in 1998. The increase was attributed, in part, to expenses of
Equus-Panama where operations commenced in 1998.
Payment to Horseowners
Payments to horseowners increased by $23,687,000 in 1998. On a proforma
basis, these payments decreased $3,673,000 (12.4%) from $29,669,000 in 1997
to $25,996,000 in 1998. The decrease was due to a reduction in payments to
horseowners of El Comandante and V Centenario, directly related to a decline
in wagering, net of $3.6 million in payments made to horseowners of Panama,
which was the minimum amount required under the contract for 1998.
Financial Expenses
Financial expenses increased in 1998, by $374,000. On a proforma basis,
these expenses increased $96,000 from $9,013,000 in 1997 to $9,109,000 in
1998. The increase in financial expenses is primarily attributable to the
Panama operation, which required financing to fund major improvements to
Presidente Remon and the acquisition of equipment. This financing included
$4 million in unsecured bonds, bearing annual interest at 11%. The increase
was offset in part by a reduction in financing cost on the First Mortgage
Notes, due to the redemption in late 1997 of $2.5 million in principal
amount.
(PAGE)
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased in 1998 by $1,388,000. On a
proforma basis, depreciation and amortization increased $453,000 from
$3,303,000 in 1997 to $3,756,000 in 1998. The increase was principally
attributed to depreciation at Presidente Remon and amortization of El
Comandante intangible (as discussed below), net of a reduction in
depreciation of assets of El Comandante and V Centenario due to the write-off
of the book value of property damaged by Hurricane Georges.
Impairment Loss on El Comandante Intangible
On January 1, 1998, upon termination of the lease agreement for El
Comandante, ECMC assumed net liabilities of ECOC amounting to $3,658,332.
Management made an internal valuation of the tangible assets, which book
value approximated its fair value and allocated the entire amount to an
intangible asset, to be amortized during the remaining period of the license
thru December 2004. However, following the provisions of SFAS No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets
to be Disposed of", the Company assessed impairment of its non current
assets, which includes El Comandante intangible, based on whether it is
probable that the aggregated undiscounted future cash flows from ECMC, as an
individual entity, will be less than net book value of ECMC's non current
assets. As result of this assessment, the Company recognized an impairment
loss of El Comandante intangible equivalent to its net book value as of
December 31, 1998 of $3,135,713.
Other Expenses
Other expenses increased by $21,157,000 in 1998. On a proforma basis,
other expenses increased $4,059,000 (17%) from $23,558,000 in 1997 to
$27,617,000 in 1998. The net increase was principally attributed to a
combination of factors such as:
(i) Expenses of the Panama operation which commenced in 1998.
(ii) Payroll costs of employees of EEC, the wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company, which effective January 1, 1998, assumed responsibility for the
management of all race tracks.
(iii) Decrease in Autotote wagering services, which cost is based on
wagering levels, caused by Hurricane Georges,???
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
The provision for income tax is primarily related to Puerto Rico income
taxes on the Company's income from Puerto Rico sources related to its
interest in El Comandante, without taking into account losses of Galapagos
and Equus-Panama. The deferred income taxes are related to the difference
between the tax basis of the Company's investment in HDA and the amount shown
in its financial statements. For the year ended December 31, 1997,
approximately $463,000 of the deferred income tax provision relates to the
(PAGE)
reversal of the tax benefit record by the Company in prior years for
operating losses attributable to its remaining 50% interest in the Television
Stations, which was sold in January 1997.
MINORITY INTEREST
The Company's minority interest is principally attributed to the income
and losses allocable to the minority partners of Galapagos and, effective
October 1998, Equus-Panama. Because accumulated losses of Galapagos
allocable to minority partners had exceeded their investment, the Company
recognized an additional $465,879 and $308,971, in losses of Galapagos for
1998 and 1997, respectively. For 1999, (i) if and while Galapagos continues
generating losses, no minority interest in Galapagos' net losses will be
recognized by the Company, and (ii) if Galapagos generates profits, no
minority interest in Galapagos' net income will be recognized by the Company,
up to $774,850.
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM
The extraordinary items are related to the early redemption and the
purchase in the open market of First Mortgagee Notes. For 1998, the Company
recognized as income (i) a $1 million discount on the $7.5 million in First
Mortgage Notes purchased in the open market in December 1998, net of (ii) the
$300,000 premium that was paid in connection with the redemption of $3
million made on January 5, 1999, at 110% of par (premium was accrued at
December 31, 1998). For 1997, the Company recognized as expense the $250,000
premium paid on the First Mortgage Notes that were redeemed on September 29,
1997, while the redemption of March 28, 1997, was made at par.
In connection with these redemptions the Company wrote-off a portion of
the note discount and deferred financing costs, which amounts are also
included as extraordinary items. On a proforma basis, in 1997, the Company
recognized income from the cancellation of certain indebtedness of ECOC to
Supra.
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
In connection with the early adoption by the Company of Statement of
Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities", the Company
wrote-off the unamortized balance as of January 1, 1998 of organizational and
certain other deferred costs for $550,000.
1997 COMPARED TO 1996
REVENUES
Revenues increased $2,139,000 (9.5%) from $22,444,000 in 1996 to
$24,583,000 in 1997. The increase was principally due to the gain on the
sale of the Television Stations net of decreases in other categories of
(PAGE)
revenues.
Commissions on Wagering
Commissions on wagering of V Centenario increased $106,000 (2.3%) from
$4,619,000 in 1997, when there were 363 race days and an average of 233
agencies on line, to $4,513,000 in 1996, when there were 361 race days and an
average of 198 agencies on line. The increase was attributable primarily to
the introduction in August 1997 of new wagers with local pool bets on
simulcasted races from El Comandante and to more agencies on line during 1997.
Rental Income
Rental income earned by HDA was related to the lease of El Comandante to
ECOC until it was terminated by HDA effective December 31, 1997. The lease
agreement required payment of rent consisting of 25% of ECOC's commissions on
wagering. In 1997, rental income decreased by $601,000 (4.2%), when there
was commissions on wagering of $54,882,000 on 258 race days, compared to
1996, when there was commissions on wagering of $57,286,000 on 256 race days.
The decrease is attributable, at least in part, to additional gaming
opportunities that are available to the public, particularly slot machines in
new casino hotels and up-graded slot machines in existing casino hotels. In
August 1997 ECOC implemented two new wagers, a Pick 3 and Trifecta, which
helped to slow the decline in wagering. Due to ECOC's default for unpaid
rent and for certain other defaults under the El Comandante Lease, HDA
terminated the El Comandante Lease. Effective January 1, 1998 El Comandante
is operated by ECMC, a wholly owned subsidiary of HDA.
Gain from Sale of Television Stations
HDA sold its interest in the Television Stations in transactions closed
in August 1996 (50%) and January 1997 (50%), resulting in gains of $581,000
and $4,669,000, respectively.
Other Revenues
Other revenues decreased $1,542,000 from $3,029,000 in 1996 to
$1,487,000 in 1997. The net decrease was attributed to a combination of
various factors, principally:
(i) Decrease in revenues from the operation of the Television Stations.
HDA sold a 50% interest in the Television Station in August 1996 and,
consequently, there were no similar revenues during 1997.
(ii) Revenues from an economic assistance provided by the Dominican
Republic Government in 1997 to improve quality of horse racing from a portion
of its tax receipts on wagering for the period from July 1997 to January
1998. There were no similar revenues during 1996.
(iii) Revenues of the restaurant operation at V Centenario, discontinued
in August 1997 and subleased to a third party.
(PAGE)
EXPENSES
Expenses decreased $1,472,000 (6.9%) from $21,344,000 in 1996 to
$19,872,000 in 1997. The decrease was attributed, in part, to expenses of
the operations of the Television Stations that were sold.
Payment to Horseowners
Payments to horseowners increased $52,000 (2.3%) from $2,257,000 in 1996
to $2,309,000 in 1997. The decrease was directly related to the increase in
wagering, as payments to horseowners are based on a percentage of
commissions.
Financial Expenses
Financial expenses decreased $313,000 (3.5%) from $9,048,000 in 1996 to
$8,735,000 in 1997. Excluding financial expenses in 1996 related to the
Television Stations, the decrease was $175,000 and was primarily caused by
interest savings attributable to (i) final payments of the Company's loan
during 1997 (outstanding balance at December 31, 1996 was $500,000) and (ii)
redemption of $3,237,000 of First Mortgage Notes in 1997.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization decreased in 1997 by $281,000 (10.6%) as
compared with 1996. Excluding depreciation in 1996 related to the Television
Stations, the change was not significant.
Other Expenses
Other expenses decreased $930,000 (12.6%) from $7,390,000 in 1996 to
$6,460,000 in 1997. The net decrease was principally attributed to a
combination of factors such as:
(i) Reduction in expenses of the operations of the Television Stations
that were sold (no expenses in 1997).
(ii) Increase in certain operating expenses, such as HDA's assumption,
effective January 1997, of the obligation to pay the annual fee of $250,000
for El Comandante racing license, which was paid by ECOC through 1996.
(iii) Increase in general and administrative expenses, principally
attributed to $320,000 in non recurring costs incurred by HDA for the
cancellation of certain ECOC obligations to Supra aggregating $2,290,000; the
cancellation was done in connection with HDA's redemption in August 1997 of
Supra's 17% interest in HDA. The cancellation relieved HDA of its guarantee
of approximately $1.6 million of the $2,290,000 obligation which would have
become due upon termination of the lease of El Comandante. There was also an
increase in costs and expenses reimbursed by the Company to EMC, its managing
general partner, for services rendered by EMC's executives to the Company.
(iv) Increase in expenditures for advertising and television in
Dominican Republic, primarily related to the expansion of OTB agencies
outside the Santo Domingo metropolitan area where television coverage of the
(PAGE)
races commenced July 1997.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
The provision for income tax is primarily related to Puerto Rico income
taxes on the Company's distributive share of HDA's income from Puerto Rico
sources, without taking into account Galapagos losses or expenses of the
Company. The deferred income taxes are related to the difference between the
tax basis of the Company's investment in HDA and the amount reported in the
financial statements. In 1997, approximately $463,000 of the deferred income
tax provision is related to the reversal of the tax benefit recorded by the
Company in prior years for the accumulated operating losses of the Television
Stations, as a result of the sale of S&E in January 1997.
MINORITY INTEREST
The minority interest in 1996 was based on 18% of HDA's net income
reduced by 45% of Galapagos' net losses. For 1997, the bases for
recognition of minority interest changed as follows: (i) following
redemption of Supra's 17% interest in HDA in August 1997, minority interest
in HDA was based on 1% of HDA's net income and (ii) because accumulated
losses of Galapagos allocable to minority stockholders exceeded their
investment, minority interest in Galapagos' net losses was reduced by
$308,971.
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM
On September 29, 1997 HDA redeemed First Mortgage Notes in the principal
amount of $2.5 million at 110% of par. This redemption was made in
connection with the approval obtained from the holders of First Mortgage
Notes to redeem the 17% interest in HDA owned by Supra. The $250,000 premium
and related bond discount and deferred financing costs were written-off in
1997 as an extraordinary item. There were no similar charges in the
comparable period of 1996.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
The principal source of cash of Equus Gaming Company L.P. (the "Company"
or, when referred to the individual entity, "Equus") has been distributions
related to its ownership interest in HDA, the owner and operator (through its
wholly owned subsidiary, ECMC), of El Comandante race track in Puerto Rico.
Due to certain restrictions under HDA's indenture for the issuance of its
11.75% First Mortgage Notes due 2003 (the "Indenture"), cash held by HDA
and/or ECMC is not readily available to Equus. Therefore, capital resources
and liquidity of Equus are discussed separately, excluding the cash flows and
operations of HDA (including ECMC) and its subsidiaries. A separate
discussion of the capital resources and liquidity of HDA (including ECMC) is
also presented.
(PAGE)
Because the liquidity and capital resources discussion is not presented
on a consolidated basis, some of the discussion relates to transactions that
are eliminated in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources of Equus
Cash of Equus at December 31, 1998 was approximately at the same level
as December 31, 1997. Equus's liquidity mainly depends on (i) cash
distributions from HDA and (ii) cash flow from operations, attributable to
agreements that Equus has (through its wholly-owned subsidiary, EEC) to
provide management services and technical assistance in the operation of the
race tracks in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Panama, and, effective 1999,
Colombia.
During 1998, Equus invested $950,000 in Los Comuneros in Colombia.
These funds were obtained from a $200,000 short term loan from an affiliate,
which was repaid in March 1999, and advances received from HDA against future
cash distributions, based on income generated during the fourth quarter.
HDA's distributions to partners, including Equus, are based on a percentage
of HDA's consolidated book income (calculated on a cumulative basis since
January 1, 1994).
On December 16, 1998, Equus commenced an offer to accredited investors
to purchase up to 4,000,000 Units representing an assignment of beneficial
ownership of Class A limited partnership interest ("Units") in Equus at a
cash price of $1.02 per Unit. The cash price per Unit was determined by
arriving at the average closing price on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market for Units
for the 20 trading days on which trades occurred preceding the date of the
offer and substracting 25% to take into account that the offered units will
not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any
state and may not be publicly traded for one year and thereafter only in
accordance with Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. On March 19,
1999, The Wilson Family Limited Partnership, a major unitholder Equus,
purchased $2,911,764 units for $2,970,000 pursuant to the terms of this
offer. Equus intends to keep the offering open until April 1999.
Proceeds from the private offering will be used in 1999 to purchase
HDA's 37.5% interest in Equus-Panama (including receivable) and HDA's 55%
interest in Galapagos (including receivable), for approximately $1.85 million
and to finance additional investments in Los Comuneros of approximately $1
million.
Purchase of HDA's Subsidiaries. Galapagos and Equus-Panama will require
additional investments for their operations in the form of working capital
loans. Equus-Panama will also need funds for the development of a television
network in Panama. The Indenture limits the amount HDA can invest in these
subsidiaries, as well as the amounts the subsidiaries can borrow. In order
to provide the additional funding needed, the Board of Directors of the
Company approved the sale of Galapagos and Equus-Panama to Equus. The
purchase price for the Panama stock was based on the price established by the
underwriters in Panama for the issuance of common stock to Panamanian
investors. The purchase price for the Galapagos stock was based on its book
(PAGE)
value. In both cases, the Board determined that the purchase price was not
less than the fair market value of the equity interests. In consideration
for this sale, Equus also relieved HDA of any future obligation to fund or
guarantee debt of these subsidiaries, which is also limited under the
Indenture.
Equus closed this transaction in March 1999, providing $1.85 million in
cash to HDA to augment future liquidity in HDA. However, Equus has agreed
to indemnify and hold harmless HDA of any obligations that may arise under
the Indenture as a result of the sale of the Galapagos stock if, as expected,
HDA does not meet the Minimum Coverage Ratio, as defined within the terms of
the Indenture, and such failure results in an Event of Default. Equus'
undertaking of this indemnification is for the benefit of HDA only and does
not create any rights, direct or indirect, on behalf of any third party and
is limited to rescission of this sale at Equus' option or encumbrance of the
Galapagos stock for the benefit of HDA's noteholders.
Investment in Colombia. In October 1998, Equus acquired a 50% interest
in Equus Comuneros, S.A. ("SECSA"), the owner and operator of Los Comuneros
race track in Medellin, Colombia. The acquisition of Los Comuneros provides
Equus with an opportunity to develop Colombia's racing industry consistent
with Management's strategy of expansion in the region.
Investment in Ecuador. Equus has signed a letter of intent with the
owner of a racetrack in Guayaquil, Ecuador for the management of this
facility and the development of an OTB network system throughout the country.
Management is still evaluating this potential new venture to determine
whether to proceed.
Liquidity and Capital Resources of HDA and ECMC
Cash and cash equivalents of HDA and ECMC, increased by $5,719,430
during 1998 to $6,092,821 at December 31, 1998. HDA's principal uses of cash
during the year ended December 31, 1998, attributable to financing and
investing activities were as follows:
(i) Capital improvements to El Comandante race track of $5,190,000,
incurred as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Georges in September 1998.
(ii) Payments of notes payable to Supra in the principal amount of
$260,000, in connection with the redemption of its 17% interest in HDA in
August 1997, repayment of a $1 million loan obtained in 1997, and payment of
$670,000 on capital leases for equipment used in El Comandante operations.
(iii) Repurchase of Warrants issued by HDA Management Corporation
("HDAMC") for $756,000, including transaction costs. In connection with the
issuance of First Mortgage Notes, HDAMC issued Warrants to purchase 68,000
shares of Class A Common Stock of HDAMC under a Warrant Agreement.
Following the public distribution of Units of Equus in 1995, the Warrants
became exercisable to purchase an aggregate of 1,205,232 units of Equus,
currently owned by HDAMC. Under the Warrant Agreement, the Company was not
a "qualified public company" and therefore HDA, as guarantor of the
obligation, made the offer to purchase of the outstanding Warrants for cash,
at a repurchase price of $15.49 per Warrant. The repurchase offer expired on
(PAGE)
December 15, 1998 when 48,127 Warrants were tendered for a total purchase
price of $745,487.
(iv) Purchase in the open market of First Mortgage Notes in the
principal amount of $7.5 million, at a $1 million discount.
(v) Advances to Equus in the amount of $800,000 against future cash
distributions based on income generated by HDA, on a consolidated basis,
during fourth quarter. Technically, these advances were not in conformity
with the terms of the Indenture. In 1999, HDA declared a distribution to
cure the previous default.
In addition to cash provided by operations, the financing and investing
activities of HDA and ECMC were principally funded from insurance proceeds
received for damage caused by Hurricane Georges to El Comandante and advances
drawn under a $2.5 million line of credit that is due in January 2000.
For 1999, the projected principal uses of cash for financing and
investing activities of HDA and ECMC, are:
(i) Capital improvements to continue the reconstruction of El Comandante
race track from damage caused by Hurricane Georges of approximately $5
million.
(ii) Principal payments on capital leases of $625,000 for El Comandante
operations.
(iii) Redemption of First Mortgage Notes in the principal amount of $3
million at 110% of par, which payment was made on January 5, 1999.
(iv) Cash distributions to partners, including Equus.
In addition to cash available at the beginning of the year and cash
flows provided by operations, HDA and ECMC expect to obtain funds for its
financing and investing transactions principally from additional draws under
its $2.5 million line of credit (amount available for 1999 is $650,000) and
the sale to Equus of HDA's interest in Equus-Panama (including receivable)
and Galapagos for approximately $1.85 million, as explained before.
Long-Term Commitments. In addition to capital leases, long-term cash
commitments of HDA and ECMC are certain charitable contributions and
repayment of First Mortgage Notes.
In connection with the termination of the lease agreement of El
Comandante effective January 1, 1998, HDA assumed commitments to make
contributions to certain charitable and educational institutions. Amounts
due under these commitments are: $100,000 in 1999, $150,000 in 2000 and
$200,000 in 2001. Management expects to satisfy these obligations.
HDA's First Mortgage Notes bear interest at 11.75%, payable semiannually
on June 15 and December 15, and are secured by El Comandante assets. The
First Mortgage Notes are redeemable, at the option of HDA, at redemption
prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount): if redeemed during
(PAGE)
the 12-month period beginning December 15 of years 1998 at 104.125%, 1999 at
102.75%, 2000 at 101.5%, and 2001 and thereafter at 100% of principal amount,
in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest. The stated maturity
dates of First Mortgage Notes, as reduced by prior redemptions and the $7.5
million in notes purchased in the open market, are as follows: $6,263,000 in
2001 (reduced by $3 million of First Mortgage Notes redeemed in January
1999), $10,200,000 in 2002 and $40,800,000 in 2003, at maturity. Management
expects to refinance this obligation in 2002.
Government Matters. El Comandante's horse racing and pari-mutuel
wagering operations are subject to substantial government regulation.
Pursuant to the Puerto Rico Horse Racing Industry and Sport Act (the "Racing
Act"), the Racing Board and the Puerto Rico Racing Administrator (the "Racing
Administrator") exercises regulatory control over ECOC's racing and wagering
operations. For example, the Racing Administrator determines the monthly
racing program for El Comandante and approves the number of annual race days
in excess of the statutory minimum of 180. The Racing Act also apportions
payments of monies wagered that would be available as commissions to ECMC.
The Racing Board consists of three persons appointed to four-year terms by
the Governor of Puerto Rico. The Racing Administrator is also appointed by
the Governor for a four-year term.
Year 2000 Computer Issue
What is Year 2000. The Year 2000 ("Y2K") issue is the result of many
computer systems and applications and other electronically controlled systems
and equipment using two-digit fields rather than four to designate a year.
As the century date occurs, date sensitive systems with this deficiency may
recognize the year 2000 as year 1900 or not at all. This inability to
recognize or properly treat the year 2000 can cause the system to process
critical financial information and operations information incorrectly,
disrupting the normal business activities of companies.
The Company has assessed and continues to assess the impact of the Y2K
issue on its reporting systems and operations. The Company plans to complete
the Y2K project approximately by September 30, 1999.
State of Readiness. The systems and applications that can affect the
Company's operations due to Y2K issue are its financial reporting systems and
the wagering system. The administrative applications (word processing,
spreadsheet) and software financial applications utilized by the Company have
been certified by the various publishers to be Y2K compliant.
The hardware component of the Company's financial systems consists of
industry standard PC operating systems, servers, desktop computers and
networking hardware. The systems have been evaluated and the Company has
determined that some of its subsidiaries will be required to modify or
replace significant portions of its hardware and software so that its
computer systems will properly utilize dates beyond December 31, 1999.
Third Party Impact on Operations. The Company utilized software and
related computer technologies essential to the wagering operations and the
(PAGE)
off-tack betting system of its race tracks, which is provided by an outside
firm. The Company presently relies in the representations made by this firm
which believes that with modifications to existing software and conversions
to new software, the Y2K issue can be mitigated. The Company also utilized
certain telecommunication systems for the transmission of data between the
race tracks and its off-track betting agencies. The Company has initiated
formal communications with all of its significant suppliers to determine the
extent to which the Company is vulnerable to those third parties failure to
remediate their own Y2K issue. However, if such modifications and
conversions are not made, or are not completely timely, the Y2K issue will
have a material impact on the operations and the financial condition of the
Company and its subsidiaries as the race tracks would not be able to process
wagering, resulting in loss of revenues.
Costs to Achieve Y2K Compliance. During 1998, costs incurred by the
Company in mitigating the Y2K issue have been nominal. The Company has
estimated total remaining cost of the Y2K project in less than $100,000 for
acquisition of equipment and systems upgrades. These costs are being funded
through operating cash flows at each race track, mostly attributable to the
acquisition of equipment, which will be capitalized. The costs of
theprojectand the date on which the Company plans to complete the Year 2000
modifications are based on management's best estimates, which were derived
utilizing numerous assumptions of future events including the continued
availability of certain resources, third party modification plans and other
factors.
Risks of Y2K Issue. The failure of the Company's financial systems and
accounting operations will affect the Company's reporting functions.
However, these functions are not considered detrimental to the Company's
operations. The failure of the wagering computer system and software,
provided by an outside firm, will not allow the race tracks to process
wagering or take bets through its off-track betting system, resulting in the
lost of revenues. This risk would seriously affect the financial condition
of the Company.
Contingency Plans. The Company is evaluating various alternative
scenarios in order to complete a contingent operational work plan to continue
business operations beyond 1999. Said plan will attempt to achieve, mainly,
the continuance of the wagering operations of the race tracks. The
contingent plan is expected to be completed by September 30, 1999.
Forward-Looking Statement
Certain matters discussed and statements made within this Form 10-K are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 and as such may involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of the Company to be different from any future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-
looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected
in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it
can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. These risks
(PAGE)
are detailed from time to time in the Company's filing within the Securities
and Exchange Commission or other public statements.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
(PAGE)
To the partners of
Equus Gaming Company L.P.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Equus
Gaming Company L.P. (a Virginia limited partnership) (the Company) and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated
statements of income (loss), comprehensive income (loss), changes in
partners' deficit and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the 1997
balance sheet of Galapagos S.A. which reflects total assets of 4%, nor the
statement, of net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996 which reflect total revenues of 23% in each period of the consolidated
totals. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report has
been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts
included for this entity, is based solely on the report of the other
auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report
of the other auditors, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of the other
auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Equus Gaming Company L.P. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
As explained in Note 1 to consolidated financial statements, effective
January 1, 1998, the Company changed its method of accounting for
organizational and start-up costs in accordance with SOP 98-5, "Reporting of
the Costs of Start-Up Activities". As a result, the Company wrote-off the
unamortized balance of deferred organizational costs of approximately
$550,000.
Arthur Andersen LLP
March 31, 1999
San Juan, Puerto Rico
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
REVENUES:
Commissions on wagering $52,528,562 $ 4,618,720 $ 4,513,252
Net revenues from lottery services 656,145 87,659 -
Income from business interruption 10,832,370 - -
Gain from involuntary conversion 2,024,159 - -
Rental income from El Comandante
Race Track - 13,720,424 14,321,401
Gain from sale of Television Stations - 4,669,400 581,120
Other revenues 2,931,330 1,486,726 3,028,509
----------- ----------- -----------
68,972,566 24,582,929 22,444,282
----------- ----------- -----------
EXPENSES:
Payments to horseowners 25,996,556 2,309,360 2,256,626
Salaries,wages and employee benefits 11,910,549 1,099,607 1,319,979
Operating expenses 9,608,268 2,586,041 3,846,329
General and administrative 2,748,753 2,113,316 1,725,375
Marketing, television and satellite
costs 3,349,619 660,808 498,690
Financial expenses 9,109,311 8,734,826 9,048,140
Depreciation and amortization 3,756,052 2,368,041 2,649,474
Impairment Loss on El Comandante
intangible 3,135,713 - -
----------- ----------- -----------
69,614,821 19,871,999 21,344,613
----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES,
MINORITY INTEREST, EXTRAORDINARY
ITEM AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT (642,255) 4,710,930 1,099,669
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 1,109,611 1,028,145 400,023
----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY
INTEREST, EXTRAORDINARY ITEM AND
CUMULATIVE EFFECT (1,751,866) 3,682,785 699,646
MINORITY INTEREST IN INCOME (LOSS) (227,720) 878,033 (127,577)
----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY
ITEM AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT (1,524,146) 2,804,752 827,223
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM, net-(Premium)
discount on early redemption of
First Mortgage Notes and write-off
of related deferred financing costs
and note discount 167,051 (326,013) -
(PAGE)
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE, net (402,927) - -
------------ ----------- -----------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $(1,760,022) $ 2,478,739 $ 827,223
============ =========== ===========
(continues)
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(continued)
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- ----------
ALLOCATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS):
General Partners $ (17,600) $ 24,787 $ 8,272
Limited Partners (1,742,422) 2,453,952 818,951
------------ ---------- -----------
$(1,760,022) $2,478,739 $ 827,223
=========== ========== ===========
BASIC AND DILUTED PER UNIT AMOUNTS:
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle, net $ (0.24) $ 0.45 $ 0.13
Extraordinary item, net 0.02 (0.06) -
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle, net (0.06) - -
----------- ---------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ (0.28) $ 0.39 $ 0.13
=========== ========== ===========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNITS OUTSTANDING 6,342,606 6,333,617 6,333,617
========== ========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated statements.
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997 1996
----------- ---------- ---------
Net income (loss) $(1,760,022) $2,478,739 $827,223
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation adjustments 80,043 (56,447) (33,630)
----------- ---------- --------
Comprehensive income (loss) $(1,679,979) $2,422,292 $793,593
============ =========== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated statements.
(PAGE)
EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
December 31,
---------------------------
1998 1997
----------- ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Unrestricted $ 6,462,992 $ 507,656
Restricted 174,275 -
----------- -----------
6,637,267 507,656
----------- -----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Land 7,128,858 7,128,858
Buildings and improvements 44,615,936 48,855,905
Equipment 10,924,669 3,346,834
----------- ------------
62,669,463 59,331,597
Less - accumulated depreciation (15,199,341) (14,275,812)
----------- ------------
47,470,122 45,055,785
----------- ------------
DEFERRED COSTS, net:
Financing 3,075,706 3,565,586
Costs of Panama contract 2,090,000 2,356,292
Organizational and other costs 209,852 986,227
------------ -----------
5,375,558 6,908,105
------------ -----------
OTHER ASSETS:
Accounts receivable, net 1,160,468 480,483
Receivable from El Comandante
Operating Company, Inc. ("ECOC") - 3,106,497
Notes receivable 1,708,211 -
Investment in Equus Comuneros S.A.("SECSA") 950,000 -
Prepayments and other assets 737,580 128,833
----------- ------------
4,556,259 3,715,813
----------- ------------
$64,039,206 $56,187,359
=========== ============
(continues)
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(continued)
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' DEFICIT
December 31,
---------------------------
1998 1997
----------- ------------
FIRST MORTGAGE NOTES:
Principal, net of note discount of
$1,068,540 and $1,398,887 $56,194,460 $63,364,113
Accrued interest 317,069 317,069
----------- -----------
56,511,529 63,681,182
----------- -----------
OTHER LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 8,088,343 1,503,574
Outstanding winning tickets and refunds 519,484 68,857
Notes payable 2,841,797 1,260,000
Bonds payable 4,000,000 -
Capital lease obligations 2,249,076 615,697
----------- -----------
17,698,700 3,448,128
----------- -----------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 2,628,539 1,068,594
----------- -----------
MINORITY INTEREST 1,266,849 82,631
----------- -----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES, see Note 6
PARTNERS' DEFICIT:
General Partners (745,444) (728,644)
Limited Partners - 10,383,617 units
authorized; 5,398,060 and 6,333,617
units issued and outstanding in 1998
and 1997, respectively (13,320,967) (11,364,532)
----------- -----------
(14,066,411) (12,093,176)
----------- ------------
$64,039,206 $56,187,359
=========== ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated balance sheets.
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' DEFICIT
FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS IN THE PERIOD
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
General Limited
Partners Partners Total
----------- ------------ ------------
BALANCES, December 31, 1995 $ (760,803) $(11,027,009) $(11,787,812)
Net income for the year 8,272 818,951 827,223
Currency translation adjustments (336) (33,294) (33,630)
Cash distributions to minority
partners of HDA - (194,760) (194,760)
----------- ------------ ------------
BALANCES, December 31, 1996 (752,867) (10,436,112) (11,188,979)
Net income for the year 24,787 2,453,952 2,478,739
Currency translation adjustments (564) (55,883) (56,447)
Cash distributions to minority
partners of HDA - (544,139) (544,139)
Redemption of 17% minority
interest in HDA - (2,782,350) (2,782,350)
----------- ------------ ------------
BALANCES, December 31, 1997 (728,644) (11,364,532) (12,093,176)
Net loss for the year (17,600) (1,742,422) (1,760,022)
Currency translation adjustments 800 79,243 80,043
Difference between carrying amount
of investment in Equus-Panama and
net book value after public offering - 463,130 463,130
Purchase of HDAMC Warrants - (756,386) (756,386)
----------- ------------- ------------
BALANCES, December 31, 1998 $ (745,444) $(13,320,967) $(14,066,411)
=========== ============= ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of this consolidated statement.
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997 1996
------------ ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $ (1,760,022) $ 2,478,739 $ 827,223
----------- ----------- -----------
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash provided by
operating activities-
Gain from involuntary conversion (2,024,159) - -
Gain from sale of Television
Stations - (4,669,400) (581,120)
Equity in earnings - - (55,533)
Depreciation 2,959,248 2,322,732 2,508,116
Amortization 1,490,783 762,423 853,035
Impairment loss on El Comandante
intangible 3,135,713 - -
Extraordinary item (273,854) 459,173 -
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle 549,996 - -
Forgiveness of interest - - (173,754)
Deferred income tax provision 1,145,945 893,403 136,860
Currency translation adjustments 80,043 (56,447) (33,630)
Difference in investment in Equus-
Panama after public offering 463,130 - -
Minority interest (304,320) 878,033 (127,577)
Decrease (increase) in assets-
Accounts receivable (141,976) - -
Rent receivable from ECOC - (654,307) (1,188,067)
Prepayments and other assets (161,735) 263,128 (532,904)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities-
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities 1,883,130 (1,248,027) 1,175,715
Outstanding winning tickets
and refunds (546,129) -
----------- ----------- -----------
Total adjustments 8,255,815 (1,049,289) 1,981,141
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by
operating activities 6,495,793 1,429,450 2,808,364
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (10,218,529) (1,422,626) (554,214)
Collections of note from ECOC - 326,661 207,594
Property damage insurance proceeds 11,595,850 - -
Effect of deconsolidation of S&E - - (129,948)
Acquisition of ECOC cash accounts upon
termination of lease agreement 1,061,239 - -
Increase in notes receivable, net (1,271,966) - -
Sales of Television Stations -
Proceeds - 7,000,000 4,000,000
Costs - (505,357) (418,950)
Cost of Panama contract - (2,356,292) -
(PAGE)
Investment in SECSA (950,000) - -
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by investing 216,594 3,042,386 3,104,482
activities ----------- ----------- -----------
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(continued)
1998 1997 1996
----------- ------------ -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Redemption of First Mortgage Notes $(6,500,000) $(3,487,000) $ -
Contributions from minority
partners to subsidiaries 1,993,410 32,758 -
Loan from (payments to) affiliate 200,000 (415,883) 204,254
Bonds issuance 4,000,000 - -
Loans from financial institutions 4,229,920 1,258,079 448,418
Issuance of notes payable to Supra - 260,000 -
Payments on notes payable and
capital lease obligations (3,372,946) (714,213) (2,417,517)
Payments of deferred costs (376,774) (307,527) (499,504)
Redemption of 17% minority interest
in HDA - (4,314,284) -
Purchase of HDAMC Warrants (756,386) - -
Cash distributions to minority
partners of HDA - (544,139) (194,760)
----------- ----------- ----------
Net cash used in
financing activities (582,776) (8,232,209) (2,459,109)
----------- ----------- ----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS 6,129,611 (3,760,373) 3,453,737
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
beginning of year 507,656 4,268,029 814,292
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year $6,637,267 $ 507,656 $ 4,268,029
=========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Interest paid $ 8,266,411 $ 7,992,439 $ 8,269,562
Income taxes paid - 262,500 194,310
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS:
Equipment acquired through capital
leases 643,050 - -
Acquisition of ECOC's non cash
accounts upon termination of -
lease agreement 4,719,571 - -
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated statements.
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Equus Gaming Company L.P. (the "Company"), a Virginia limited
partnership, is engaged in thoroughbred racing, wagering and other gaming
businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through its wholly-owned
Puerto Rico subsidiary, Equus Entertainment Corporation ("EEC"), the Company
provides management services to four race tracks in which it has an interest.
The Company has a 99% interest in Housing Development Associates S.E.
("HDA"), the owner of El Comandante Race Track ("El Comandante"), the only
licensed thoroughbred racing facility in Puerto Rico. El Comandante was
leased to El Comandante Operating Company, Inc. ("ECOC") until December 31,
1997 when the lease agreement was terminated by HDA (see Note 2). El
Comandante is now operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of HDA, El Comandante
Management Company, LLC ("ECMC").
The Company has a 55% interest in Galapagos, S.A. ("Galapagos"), the
operator since April 1995 of the V Centenario Race Track in the Dominican
Republic ("V Centenario") and a 51% interest in Equus Entertainment de
Panama, S.A. ("Equus-Panama"), the operator since January 1, 1998 of the
Presidente Remon Race Track in the Republic of Panama ("Presidente Remon").
Both race tracks are government-owned and operated by the Company's
subsidiaries under long-term contracts. Also during 1998 the Company
acquired an interest in Equus Comuneros S.A. ("SECSA"), the owner and
operator of Los Comuneros Race Track in Medellin, Colombia ("Los Comuneros").
Consolidation and Presentation
The Company consolidates in its financial statements the accounts of
entities in which it has a controlling interest in excess of 50%. The
accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its subsidiaries after eliminating all significant inter-company
transactions. All of the entities included in the consolidated financial
statements are hereinafter referred to collectively, when practicable, as the
"Company".
The Company has minority partners in HDA, Galapagos and Equus-Panama.
Therefore, the Company records minority interest based on the income and
(losses) of these consolidated subsidiaries that are attributable to the
minority partners, as follows:
For the Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------
Subsidiary 1998 1997 1996
- - ----------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
HDA $ 19,940 $1,063,960 $ 487,046
Galapagos - (185,927) (614,623)
Equus-Panama (324,260) - -
------------ ------------ -------------
$ (304,320) $ 878,033 $ (127,577)
============ ============ =============
(PAGE)
In general, the minority interest is calculated based on the ownership
interest of the minority partners. HDA's minority partners had an 18%
interest until August 20, 1997, when HDA redeemed the 17% interest owned by
Supra & Company S.E. ("Supra"). Following the redemption, HDA has a
minority partner owning a 1% interest. Galapagos' minority partners own a
45% interest. However, during the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997,
the Company did not recognize minority interest in Galapagos' losses
amounting to $465,879 and $308,971, respectively, because the minority
partners have no legal obligation to fund such losses in excess of their
investment. Equus-Panama minority partners own a 49% interest effective
October 22, 1998 after the issuance of new stock pursuant to a public
offering in Panama for approximately $2 million.
Outstanding Units, Warrants and Options
The units of the Company represent an assignment of beneficial ownership
of Class A limited partnership interest (the "Units"). On December 15, 1998,
the Company acquired in treasury 935,557 of its Units in connection with the
repurchase of Warrants issued by HDA Management Corporation ("HDAMC") (see
Note 8). In December 1998, the Company commenced an offer to accredited
investors to purchase up to four million Units at a cash price of $1.02 per
Unit. On March 19, 1999, The Wilson Family Limited Partnership, a major
unitholder of the Company, purchased 2,911,764 Units for $2,970,000 pursuant
to the terms of this offer. The Company expects to keep the offer open until
April, 1999.
Net income (loss) per Unit is calculated based on the weighted average
of Units outstanding. The only dilutive security that the Company has are
certain warrants issued to an investment banking firm by Interstate General
Company L.P. ("IGC"), which entitle the holder to acquire up to 50,000 units.
However, these warrants do not have a material dilutive effect on the
calculation of earnings per Unit.
Pervasiveness of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, if any, at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Comprehensive Income
The Company adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS No. 130"), which requires
companies to report all nonowner changes in equity during a period in a
financial statement for the period in which they are recognized. Net losses
from changes in exchange rates due to the translation of assets and
liabilities of Galapagos and from unsettled long term intercompany
transactions among Galapagos and the Company and its subsidiaries are the
only components of other comprehensive income the Company is required to
(PAGE)
report. Prior years have been restated to conform to the SFAS No. 130
requirements.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standard Board issued SFAS No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". This
statement establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every
derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or
liability measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 will require that changes
in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless
specific hedge accounting criteria are met. SFAS No. 133 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. Management believes the impact
of adopting this statement will not have a material impact upon the Company's
results of operations or financial position.
Commissions on Wagering
Commissions on wagering represent income earned by the Company on bets
placed on thoroughbred horse races held at El Comandante (Puerto Rico),
V Centenario (Dominican Republic) and Presidente Remon (Panama), principally
through wagering facilities located at independently owned off track betting
("OTB") agencies throughout these countries. Commissions are based on
percentages of wagers established by law and vary for the different types of
wagers. Commissions are presented in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements net of applicable taxes on wagers, amounts payable to winning
bettors, commissions to OTB agencies and other miscellaneous deductions
established by law.
Advertising Expenses
During the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company
incurred advertising costs of $917,532, $262,916, and $220,306, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers as cash equivalents certificates of deposit with
an issuance to maturity term of three months or less. Restricted cash
represents accumulated cash in the "Pool Pote" and a bonus amount which is
added to the Pick 6 pool payout of predetermined race days. The Pool Pote is
paid out when there is a sole pool winner. The corresponding payables are
recorded as part of the liability for outstanding winning tickets and
refunds.
Property and Equipment and Depreciation
Land, buildings and improvements, and equipment are stated at cost plus
a step-up of $5,650,000 of El Comandante assets on March 8, 1995 resulting
from the issuance of Units of the Company to HDAMC for a 15% interest in HDA.
A portion of the step-up was written off in 1998, as a result of damage
caused by Hurricane Georges (see Note 5). Depreciation is calculated using
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the property:
(PAGE)
five to ten years for equipment, 35 years for buildings, and 10 to 15 years
for land improvements. Major replacements and improvements are capitalized
and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Repairs and maintenance
are charged to expense when incurred.
Deferred Costs
Deferred financing costs are being amortized since December 15, 1993
over the 10 year life of the first mortgage notes, using the interest method.
Costs of Panama contract (see Note 3) are amortized over the 20-year period
of the Panama license, using the straight line method.
Organizational and Start-Up Costs
In April 1998, the AICPA issued Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting
of the Costs of Start-Up Activities" ("SOP 98-5"). SOP 98-5 requires all
costs associated with pre-opening and organization activities to be expensed
as incurred. The Company made an early adoption of SOP 98-5 effective
January 1, 1998 and, accordingly, wrote-off the unamortized balance of
organizational and certain other deferred costs of $550,000, This amount is
presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as a
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of provision for
income taxes of $70,469 and minority interest of $76,060.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable principally consists of amounts due from OTB
agencies taking bets from patrons on thoroughbred races and from the operator
of the electronic lottery in the Dominican Republic for services rendered by
Galapagos (see Note 4). As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, reserves for
doubtful accounts amounted to $484,293 and $93,608, respectively.
Notes Receivable
Notes receivable consist of unsecured short term loans to horseowners to
purchase horses as a means to improve the quality of racing.
Currencies
The Company consolidates its accounts with Galapagos and SECSA whose
functional currency are the Dominican Republic peso and the Colombian peso,
respectively. The United States dollars ("US$") are also a recording
currency in these countries. US$ are exchanged into these foreign currencies
("FC$") and vice versa through commercial banks and/or the central banks.
The Company remeasures the monetary assets and liabilities of the foreign
subsidiaries that were recorded in US$ into the FC$ using the exchange rates
in effect at the balance sheet date (the "current rate") and all other assets
and liabilities and capital accounts, at the historical rates. The Company
then translates the financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries from FC$
into US$ using the current rates, for all assets and liabilities, and the
average exchange rates prevailing during the year, for revenues and expenses.
(PAGE)
For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, net exchange
losses resulting from remeasurement of accounts, together with losses from
foreign currency transactions, amounted to $190,453, $36,000 and $82,000,
respectively, which amounts are included as general and administrative
expenses. Accumulated net losses from changes in exchange rates due to the
translation of assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiaries are
included in partners' deficit and at December 31, 1998 and 1997 amounted to
$103,350 (including $35,590 from unsettled intercompany transactions) and
$183,400 (including $52,200 from unsettled intercompany transactions),
respectively. The exchange rates in Dominican Republic as of December 31,
1998 and 1997 were US$1.00 to FC$15.85 and US$1.00 to FC$14.50, respectively.
The average exchange rates in Dominican Republic prevailing during the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, were US$1.00 to FC$15.23, US$1.00 to
FC$14.44, and US$1.00 to FC$13.75, respectively. The exchange rate in
Colombia as of December 31, 1998 was US$1.00 to FC$1,500.
The Company also consolidates its accounts with Equus-Panama whose
functional currencies are the Panama balboas and the US$. Because these
currencies are of equivalent value, there is no effect attributed to foreign
currency transactions of Equus-Panama.
Reclassification
Certain amounts presented for 1997 and 1996 in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the
1998 presentation.
2. EL COMANDANTE:
Operating License
El Comandante is owned by HDA. It is currently operated by HDA's wholly
owned subsidiary, ECMC, pursuant to an operating license granted by the
Puerto Rico Racing Board, which expires on December 14, 2004. The license
provides ECMC the exclusive right to operate a race track in the San Juan
Region, which approximates the northern half of Puerto Rico, and to conduct
all types of authorized betting, throughout anywhere in Puerto Rico, based on
races held at El Comandante. The Company and HDA are primarily responsible
to ensure that ECMC complies with all terms and provisions of the license and
applicable regulations and orders of the Puerto Rico Racing Board. Upon its
expiration in December 2004, there can be no assurance that a new Operating
License will be issued. However, ECMC and its predecessors have continuously
operated the only thoroughbred racing facility in Puerto Rico since 1957.
El Comandante's horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering operations are
subject to substantial government regulation. Pursuant to the Puerto Rico
Horse Racing Industry and Sport Act (the "Racing Act"), the Puerto Rico
Racing Board and the Puerto Rico Racing Administrator (the "Racing
Administrator") exercise significant regulatory control over El Comandante's
racing and wagering operations. For example, the Racing Administrator
determines the monthly racing program and approves the number of annual race
days in excess of the statutory minimum of 180. The Racing Act also
(PAGE)
apportions payments of the wagering handle and thus the Racing Act could be
amended through legislation to reduce the share of monies wagered that would
be available as commissions. The Puerto Rico Racing Board consists of three
persons appointed to four-year terms by the Governor of Puerto Rico. The
Racing Administrator is also appointed by the Governor for a four-year term.
El Comandante Lease and Intangible
Until December 31, 1997 HDA leased El Comandante to ECOC under a lease
agreement (the "El Comandante Lease") that required payments by ECOC to HDA
of rent consisting of 25% of the annual commissions on wagering earned by
ECOC. ECOC was required to pay all expenses of El Comandante except for real
property taxes (paid by HDA in 1997 and 1996) and the annual operating
license fee (paid by HDA in 1997).
On January 1, 1998, upon termination of the El Comandante lease (i) ECOC
transferred to ECMC, at book value, all assets employed in the racing
business, (ii) ECMC assumed all agreements of ECOC and its liabilities and
(iii) ECMC commenced operating El Comandante. Net liabilities assumed by
ECMC amounted to $3,658,332, including $3.1 million due to HDA at December
31, 1997. Management made an internal valuation of the tangible assets
acquired from ECOC and concluded that book value approximated its fair value.
Due to the underlying value of the operating license granted by the Puerto
Rico Racing Board, ECMC allocated the $3,658,332 to an intangible asset, to
be amortized during the remaining period of the license thru December 2004.
As a result of damage caused by Hurricane Georges to the race track
(see Note 5) and considering the delay in obtaining a new contract with the
Puerto Rico horseowners association (contract expired in April, 1998, see
Note 6), the Company assessed its investment in ECMC. Following the
provisions of SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of", the Company assessed
impairment of its non current assets, which included El Comandante
intangible, based on whether it is probable that the aggregated undiscounted
future cash flows from ECMC, as an individual entity, will be less than net
book value of ECMC's non current assets. Accordingly, the Company recognized
an impairment loss of El Comandante intangible equivalent to its net book
value as of December 31, 1998 of $3,135,713.
3. RACE TRACK LEASES:
V Centenario Lease
Galapagos leases and operates V Centenario in Santo Domingo, Dominican
Republic from the Government pursuant to a 10 year agreement ending in April
2005. The contract may be renewed for additional ten year periods by mutual
agreement of the parties. The contract also provides Galapagos with the
right to develop off-track betting in the Dominican Republic and the
exclusive right to simulcast horse races, into the Dominican Republic.
Galapagos pays rent to the Government based on a percentage of the annual
wagering on races run at V Centenario ("V Centenario Wagering"), as follows:
.25% of the first RD$240 million (approximately US$15 million), .5% of the
(PAGE)
next RD$240 million, .75% of the next RD$240 million and 1% over RD$720
million (approximately US$45 million).
The Government agreed to invest a portion of its tax receipts on
wagering to improve horse racing in the Dominican Republic to be distributed
between Galapagos and horseowners. Galapagos' share of these tax receipts,
which is received as reimbursement for repairs and maintenance of the
Government-owned facility at V Centenario, marketing and television costs and
certain other items, is based on the following percentages: 75% effective
July, 1997, 65% effective July, 1998 and 50% effective July, 1999.
Horseowners are entitled to the balance as additional purses. The agreement
expires in January, 2000. The assistance provided by the Government is
included in other revenues and for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
amounted to $339,782 and $438,169, respectively, excluding amounts paid to
horseowners as additional purses.
Presidente Remon Lease
Equus-Panama leases and operates Presidente Remon in Panama City,
Republic of Panama, from the Government pursuant to a 20 year agreement,
ending in December, 2017. The contract also provides Equus-Panama the right
to develop off-track betting in Panama and the exclusive right to simulcast
horse races from and into Panama and the right to operate up to 500 slot
machines at the race track. Upon execution of the contract, Equus-Panama
paid $2.2 million to the Panama Government. Equus-Panama began simulcasting
races from United States race tracks on January 2, 1998 and live racing
commenced on February 14, 1998, after major improvements to the racing strip
were made.
4. LOTTERY:
Galapagos has a five year contract with a private operator to provide
the wagering distribution system for a government-sponsored electronic
lottery, which commenced on November 1, 1997. Lottery games are sold at OTB
agencies selected by Galapagos and at lottery agencies selected by the
operator. Galapagos' commissions are 3% of gross lottery sales. In
addition, the lottery operator pays Galapagos a monthly fee for each OTB
agency that sells lottery games as reimbursement for a 50% share of telephone
line costs. Revenues from lottery sales are presented in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements net of fees paid to the company providing
wagering services (see Note 6).
5. INSURANCE SETTLEMENT:
Hurricane Georges passed through the Caribbean on September 21-23, 1998,
inflicting damage to El Comandante in Puerto Rico and V Centenario in
Dominican Republic and resulting in the suspension of racing operations for
over a month. The race track facilities are insured against physical damage
and business interruption. In 1998, the Company reached separate settlements
with the insurance carriers and received compensation as follows:
(PAGE) El Comandante V Centenario
Property damage $11,028,000 $ 567,850
Business interruption 10,400,000 432,370
----------- ----------
$21,428,000 $1,000,220
----------- ----------
The Dominican Republic Government also received $416,200 to repair the
building at V Centenario and will be responsible for any additional costs
incurred in the reconstruction. The Company recognized a gain from
involuntary conversion of $1,813,633 and $210,526 related to the net effect
of the property damage insurance proceeds less the write-off of the book-
value of property damaged at El Comandante and V Centenario, respectively.
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Horseowners' Agreements
The Company has separate agreements with the horseowners association of
each country that establishes the amount payable to horseowners as purses in
exchange for the availability of thoroughbred horses for races. Payments to
horseowners are, in general, based on a percentage of wagering.
The Presidente Remon contract expires on December 2007. It provides for
minimum guaranteed payments to horseowners in 1998 and 1999 of $3.6 million
and $3.9 million, respectively. The V Centenario contract expires on
December 2005.
El Comandante contract expired in April 1998. However, the Puerto Rico
Racing Board has extended the contract as an interim measure until the
Company and the horseowners reach a new agreement. Pursuant to the El
Comandante contract, horseowners reimburse ECMC (i) an amount equal to .325%
(.00325) of wagering for each race day up to a maximum of $3,461 per race day
for wagering services (discussed below) and (ii) $500 per race day for
satellite costs.
Wagering Services Agreements
The Company has separate agreements with Autotote Systems, Inc.
("Autotote") for providing wagering services, software and equipment to each
race track, necessary for the operation of the off-track betting system.
Payments under these contracts are summarized as follows:
Presidente
El Comandante V Centenario Remon
Expiration date March, 2005 March, 2005 January, 2008
Cost of services, as a
percentage of wagering .65% 0.65% (a) 1%
Minimum amount per year $800,800 $200,000(b) $300,000(c)
(a) Galapagos also receives services for the distribution system of the
electronic lottery (see Note 4). Fees to Autotote are 2% of gross sales
at lottery agencies and 1% of gross sales at OTB agencies.
(PAGE)
(b) For years 1997 and 1996, minimum annual payment was $175,000 and
$150,000, respectively.
(c) Based on a minimum monthly payment of $25,000 for 1998, increased each
subsequent year, gradually, up to $36,000 in 2007.
Other Long-Term Agreements
The Company has also entered in other long-term contracts that are
essential for the operations of its race-tracks such as to guarantee
television coverage in Puerto Rico. ECMC has an agreement with S&E Network,
Inc. that requires the purchase of television time for a minimum of 910 hours
at the rate of $725 (effective February 1997) per hour, adjusted annually by
CPI, or at the rate of $900 per hour, also subject to CPI adjustments, if
television time after 7:00 PM is needed. The contract is non-cancelable by
either party during the initial term, which expires on December 2006. The
term is automatically extended for successive 5 years periods by request of
ECMC. During this extended term, the contract can be canceled by S&E, upon
payment of liquidated damages of $2 million plus CPI after January 1997.
New Ventures
At December 31, 1998, the Company has invested $950,000 in Los
Comuneros. It is expected that the total investment will amount to $2
million.
In September 1998 the Company signed a memorandum of understanding with
the owner of the Buijo Race Track in Guayaquil, Ecuador, for the management
of that facility and the development of an off-track betting system. The
Company is evaluating this potential new venture to determine whether to
proceed.
Contributions
In connection with the termination of the lease agreement of El
Comandante, ECMC assumed certain commitments made by ECOC to make
contributions to several charitable and educational institutions during a
four year period ending in 2001. These obligations are included in accounts
payable and, at December 31, 1998 amounted to $450,000. ECMC expects to
make these contributions as follows: $100,000 in 1999, $150,000 in 2000 and
$200,000 in 2001.
7. FIRST MORTGAGE NOTES:
On December 15, 1993, pursuant to a private offering, (i) El Comandante
Capital Corp. ("ECCC"), a single-purpose wholly owned subsidiary of HDA,
issued first mortgage notes in the aggregate principal amount of $68 million
(the "First Mortgage Notes") under an indenture (the "Indenture") between
ECCC, HDA and Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, as trustee (the "Trustee"),
and (ii) HDAMC issued Warrants to purchase 68,000 shares of Class A Common
Stock of HDAMC. In March 1995, the Warrants automatically became exercisable
to purchase an aggregate of 1,205,232 units of the Company from HDAMC. Upon
(PAGE)
issuance of the Warrants, HDA recorded note discount of $2,040,000 equal to
the fair value of the Warrants. Such note discount was being amortized using
the interest method over the term of the First Mortgage Notes.
The First Mortgage Notes mature on December 15, 2003 and bear interest
at 11.75% payable semiannually. Payment of the First Mortgage Notes is
guaranteed by HDA. The First Mortgage Notes are secured by a first mortgage
on El Comandante and by certain other collateral which together encompass a
lien on (i) the fee interests of HDA in the land and fixtures comprising El
Comandante, (ii) all related equipment, structures, machinery and other
property, including intangible property, ancillary to the operations of El
Comandante, and (iii) substantially all of the other assets and property of
HDA, including the capital stock of ECCC owned by HDA.
HDA has redeemed First Mortgage Notes in connection with certain
transactions, as follows:
Amount
Transaction Date Redeemed Premium
------------ ------- ---------- --------
Sale of Television Station 3/28/97 $ 737,000 $ -
Noteholders approval 9/29/97 2,500,000 250,000
Noteholders approval 1/5/99 3,000,000 300,000
In December 1998, the Company purchased in the open market First
Mortgage Notes in the principal amount of $7.5 million, at a $1 millon
discount. These notes serve as collateral to a line of credit held with a
financial institution. The Company intends to hold these First Mortgage
Notes until maturity in cancellation of required partial redemptions in 2000
and 2001, as explained below.
In connection with the early redemption and the purchase in the open
market of First Mortgage Notes, the Company wrote-off a portion of the note
discount and deferred financing costs. The net effect is included in the
accompanying consolidated statements of income (loss) as extraordinary items,
net of provision for income taxes as follows:
For the year ended December 31,
------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---------- --------- --------
(Premium) discount $ 738,000 $(250,000) -
Write-offs (464,146) (209,173) -
Provision for income taxes (106,803) 133,160 -
--------- --------- --------
$ 167,051 $(326,013) -
--------- --------- --------
ECCC is required to partially redeem First Mortgage Notes commencing on
December 15, 2000. The stated maturities of the First Mortgage Notes at
December 31, 1998, reduced by prior redemptions, are as follows (in
thousands):
(PAGE) Gross Net
Year Amount Purchased Amount
---- ------- ----------- ------
1999 $ - $ - $ -
2000 3,563 3,563 -
2001 10,200 3,937 6,263
2002 10,200 - 10,200
2003 40,800 - 40,800
-------- -------- -------
64,763 7,500 57,263
Less note discount (1,155) ( 86) (1,069)
-------- -------- -------
$63,608 $ 7,414 $56,194
======== ======== =======
The amount due in 2001 was reduced by the $3 million redemption of First
Mortgage Notes made on January 5, 1999.
HDA may also redeem First Mortgage Notes on or after December 15, 1998
at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal
amount): if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning December 15 of
years 1998 at 104.125%, 1999 at 102.75%, 2000 at 101.5%, and 2001 and
thereafter at 100% of principal amount, in each case together with accrued
and unpaid interest.
HDA is required to purchase First Mortgage Notes, at face value, to the
extent that HDA has accumulated excess cash flow, asset sales with net
proceeds in excess of $5 million (to the extent these proceeds are not
invested in HDA's racing business within a year), or a total taking or
casualty, or in the event of a change of control of HDA.
The Indenture contains certain covenants, one of which restricts the
amount of distributions to HDA's partners, including the Company. These
distributions are equal to approximately 48% of HDA's consolidated net
income. In connection with certain approval required from noteholders (see
Note 12), HDA agreed to temporarily reduce these distributions by 17%. HDA
is permitted to make additional cash distributions to partners and other
Restricted Payments, as defined under the Indenture, equal to 44.25% of the
excess of HDA's cumulative consolidated net income after December 31, 1993
over the cumulative amount of the 48% Distributions, provided that HDA meets
a certain minimum debt coverage ratio. HDA has not met this debt coverage
ratio. During the fourth quarter of 1998, HDA made advances to the Company
in the amount of $800,000 against future cash distributions based on income
generated by HDA, on a consolidated basis, during such quarter. Technically,
these advances were not in conformity with the terms of the Indenture. In
1999, HDA declared a distribution to cure the previous default.
Galapagos and Equus-Panama will require additional investments for their
operations in the form of working capital loans. Equus-Panama will also need
funds for the development of a television network in Panama. The Indenture
limits the amount HDA can invest in these subsidiaries, as well as the
amounts the subsidiaries can borrow. In order to provide the additional
funding needed, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the sale by
HDA to the Company of HDA's investment in Galapagos and Equus-Panama. The
(PAGE)
purchase price for the Equus-Panama stock was based on the price established
by the underwriters in Panama for the issuance of common stock to Panamanian
investors. The purchase price for the Galapagos stock was based on its book
value. In both cases, the Board determined that the purchase price was not
less than the fair market value of the equity interests. In consideration
for this sale, the Company also relieved HDA of any future obligation to fund
or guarantee debt of these subsidiaries, which is also limited under the
Indenture. The Company closed this transaction in March 1999, providing
$1.85 million in cash to HDA to augment future liquidity in HDA. However,
the Company has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless HDA of any obligations
that may arise under the Indenture as a result of the sale of the Galapagos
stock if, as expected, HDA does not meet the Minimum Coverage Ratio, as
defined within the terms of the Indenture, and such failure results in an
Event of Default. The Company's undertaking of this indemnification is for
the benefit of HDA only and does not create any rights, direct or indirect,
on behalf of any third party and is limited to rescission of this sale at the
Company's option or encumbrance of the Galapagos stock for the benefit of
HDA's noteholders.
8. HDAMC WARRANTS
Under the Warrant Agreement, the Company was not a "qualified public
company" and therefore HDA, as guarantor of the obligation, made the offer to
purchase of 68,000 outstanding Warrants for cash, at a repurchase price of
$15.49 per Warrant. The repurchase offer expired on December 15, 1998 when
48,127 Warrants were tendered for a total purchase price of $745,487. This
payment, together with transaction costs, was charged to partners equity. Of
the remaining Warrants, 15,216 were exercised in exchange for 269,688 Units
of the Company and, 4,657 Warrants, neither tendered nor exercised, expired.
Therefore, 935,557 of the Units previously held by HDAMC were distributed to
the Company and are currently held in treasury.
9. BONDS AND NOTES PAYABLE AND CAPITAL LEASES:
The Company's outstanding notes payable consist of the following:
Balance
Maturity Interest December 31,
--------------------
Borrower Description Date Rate 1998 1997
------------- -------------- -------- ------- --------- ---------
ECMC Line of Credit(a) 4/21/99 P+1.0% $ 649,100 $ -
ECMC Term Loan (b) 1/05/00 P+0.75% 1,850,000 -
Equus-Panama Line of Credit(c) 6/25/99 10.5% 142,697 -
The Company Loan (d) - P+1.0% 200,000 -
HDA Term Loan 1/01/99 P+0.5% - 1,000,000
HDA Due to Supra 4/01/98 8.5% - 260,000
---------- ----------
$2,841,797 $1,260,000
========== =========
(PAGE)
At December 31, 1998, the prime rate (P) was 7.75%
(a) Maximum outstanding balance is $750,000. Available to finance loans to
Puerto Rico horseowners for the acquisition of horses. Balance is
payable in monthly installments of $22,008, including principal and
interest.
(b) This loan was collateralized by certain certificates of deposit. On
January 5, 1999, the loan was converted into a line of credit of $2.5
million. In 1999, ECMC increased the loan to the maximum amount
available. The converted loan is collateralized by the $7.5 million
First Mortgage Notes described in Note 7.
(c) Maximum outstanding balance is $250,000. Available to finance loans to
Panama horseowners for the acquisition of horses.
(d) Loan made by IBC in 1998 and repaid in March, 1999 (see Note 12).
The Company also guarantees a $250,000 loan of the operator of the
restaurant at Presidente Remon. The proceeds of this loan were used by
Equus-Panama to finance improvements to the restaurant.
In October, 1998, Equus-Panama issued $4 million in unsecured bonds
pursuant to a public offering. Interest is payable at 11% rate per annum on
a quarterly basis. The bonds may be redeemed by Equus-Panama prior to June
30, 2001 at a redemption price of 102% of the principal amount and thereafter
at par. There are certain restrictions that limit the capacity of Equus-
Panama to incur in indebtedness and pay dividends to shareholders.
The following table summarizes future minimum payments on capital
leases, notes payable and bond payable of the Company and its consolidated
subsidiaries:
Due during the year Capital Notes Bonds
ending December 31, Leases Payable Payable
-------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
1999 $1,133,274 $ 991,797 $ -
2000 967,715 1,850,000 -
2001 425,681 - 600,000
2002 189,528 - 1,000,000
2003 19,577 - 1,200,000
2004 - - 1,200,000
---------- ---------- ----------
2,735,775 4,000,000
Less-interest (486,699) - -
---------- ---------- ----------
$2,249,076 $2,841,797 $4,000,000
========== ========== ==========
10. APPRECIATION RIGHTS, RETIREMENT PLAN AND PENSION PLAN
Options and Unit Appreciation Rights
(PAGE)
Various employees of EEC hold options and units appreciation rights
("UAR's") under an incentive plan that was assumed effective December 31,
1996 from IGC, the previous employer of these employees. The UAR's entitle
the holder to receive upon exercise, an amount payable in cash, Units of the
Company, securities in another company (see below) or some combination
thereof, as determined by EMC's Board of Directors. The amount received upon
exercise is based on the excess of the fair market value of the UAR's over a
fixed base price. The fair market value of the UAR's is determined based on
the average for a 20 day period commencing 10 days before the exercise date.
These plans are summarized on the following tables:
UAR's Options
------------ -----------
Outstanding at December 31, 1996 76,500 20,000
Canceled (18,600) -
------------ -----------
Outstanding at December 31, 1997 57,900 20,000
Exercised (27,900) -
Canceled (10,000) (20,000)
------------ -----------
Outstanding at December 31, 1998 20,000 -
============ ===========
All outstanding UAR's are fully vested and exercisable as of December
31, 1998 and will expire on October 18, 2004.
The Company has IGC's unregistered Class A limited partnership units
(the "IGC Units") available to satisfy its obligations under the UAR's. The
units were received at no cost from IGC. As a result of a restructuring of
IGC, the Company also received shares of American Community Property Trust
("ACPT").
Retirement Plan
In 1998, the Company established its own retirement plan for employees
of its subsidiary, EEC. Employees are eligible to participate in the
retirement plan when they have completed a minimum of 1,000 hours of service.
The Retirement Plan is a defined contribution plan which provides for
contributions by the Company for the accounts of eligible employees in
amounts equal to 4% of base salaries and wages not in excess of the U.S.
Social Security taxable wage base, and 8% of salaries (limited to $160,000)
that exceeded that wage base. Eligible employees may also make voluntary
contributions to their accounts and self direct the investment of their
account balances in various investment funds offered under the plan.
Contributions to the Retirement Plan amounted to $52,400 in 1998. Prior to
October 5, 1998, EEC's employees participated in IGC's plan.
Pension Plan
ECMC has a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering
substantially all of its nonunion employees. As a result of the transfer of
ECOC assets, liabilities and commitments, HDA is now the sponsor of the
nonunion employees pension plan. Benefits are based on the employee's years
of service and highest average earnings over five consecutive years during
(PAGE)
the last 15 years of employment. ECMC's policy is to fund an amount not less
than the ERISA minimum funding requirement or more than the maximum
deductible under the Puerto Rico tax law.
The information of this pension plan as of and for the year ended
December 31, 1998, is as follows:
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 926,531
Service cost 86,651
Interest cost 72,355
Actuarial gain 49,540
Actuarial gain (loss) due to change
in assumptions 71,246
Benefit paid (53,526)
----------
Benefit obligation at end of year $1,152,797
----------
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan at beginning of year 419,389
Actual return on plan assets 41,660
Employer contribution 266,009
Benefits paid (53,526)
Administrative expenses (50,000)
----------
623,582
----------
Funded status (529,265)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss 341,127
Unrecognized transition obligation 78,383
----------
Accrued benefit cost (109,755)
----------
Weighted-average assumption
Discount rate 6.75%
Expected return on plan assets 7.50%
Rate of compensation increase 4.50%
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service Cost 136,651
Interest cost 72,355
Expected return on plan assets (37,808)
Amortization of transition obligations 13,064
Recognized net actuarial loss 17,719
----------
Net periodic benefit cost $ 201,981
----------
11. INCOME TAXES:
The Company is organized as a partnership, which is not a taxable entity
for United States tax purposes and incurs no federal income tax liability.
(PAGE)
As a result, each partner is required to take into account in computing its
income tax liability such partner's allocable share of the Company's net
taxable income.
The Company is subject to Puerto Rico income taxes on its Puerto Rico
source income. As a result of certain changes in the Company's corporate
structure, effective January 1, 1998, the applicable tax rate increased from
29% to 39%. The provision for income taxes included in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements is attributed to (i) Puerto Rico income
taxes on the Company's distributive share of HDA's income from Puerto Rico
sources and (ii) ECCC's United States income taxes on its taxable income, as
follows:
For the years ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ---------
Puerto Rico income taxes -
Deferred $1,145,945 $ 893,403 $ 156,021
Current - - 257,300
Federal income tax- current - 1,582 5,863
Dominican Republic-deferred - - (19,161)
---------- --------- ---------
$1,145,945 $ 894,985 $ 400,023
========== ========= =========
The deferred income taxes are related to the difference between the
Puerto Rico tax basis of the Company's investment in HDA and the amount
reported in the financial statements. The 1996 credit for Dominican Republic
income tax is due to the reversal of a provision previously recorded on
interest earned by HDA on certain loans to Galapagos, which interest was
forgiven in September 1996 before any interest had been collected.
Galapagos and Equus-Panama has deferred income tax benefits for losses
carryforwards, which have been fully reserved by a valuation allowance.
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
Loan from IBC
In 1998 the Company obtained a $200,000 loan from IBC, the sole owner of
Equus Management Company, ("EMC"), the managing general partner of the
Company. The loan accrued interest based on the Citibank prime rate plus 1%,
which at December 31, 1998 was 8.75%. The loan and accrued interest was paid
in March, 1999.
Transaction With Supra
On August 19, 1997, HDA redeemed for $4,075,000 the 17% interest held by
Supra, thereby increasing the Company's interest in HDA to approximately 99%.
The redemption price plus transaction costs of $239,284 were recorded in
partners' deficit, net of the book value of Supra's minority interest in HDA
of $1,531,934. The transaction required the approval from the majority of
holders of outstanding First Mortgage Notes.
(PAGE)
Services Among Related Parties
Thomas B. Wilson, the President of the Company, served during 1998 as
Vice President of Caribe Waste Technologies, Inc. ("CWT"), a subsidiary of
IGC engaged in the development of municipal solid waste treatment facilities,
and will continue to devote time to this operation. CWT reimburses the
Company for actual payroll costs attributed to time spent by Mr. Wilson on
waste technology matters. During 1998, reimbursement of costs by CWT for
this concept amounted to $46,800.
The following represents a summary of amounts incurred with respect to
services rendered by certain related parties during the years ended December
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:
Services Rendered For the year ended December 31,
----------------- --------------------------------
To By Services 1998 1997 1996
------ -------- ------------------ ------- ------- ---------
HDA IGP* Management agreement $ - $ - $169,278
HDA EMC Management agreement - 278,673 101,414
The Company IBC Accounting services 3,000 12,000 8,000
The Company IGC/IGP Support agreement 29,236 28,607 117,198
The Company EMC Expenses in excess of
receipts - 420,958 54,783
The Company EMC Directors fees 98,550 88,200 71,500
ECMC IGC Services of James J.
Wilson 180,000 - -
EEC IGP Rent of office space 42,000 - -
*IGP - Interstate General Properties Limited Partnership S.E.
IGC Units
During 1998, the Company returned to IGC 20,000 of its IGC units which
were allocated to unit options held by one ex-employee. The Company was
required to return to IGC the portion of the IGC Units that was not exercised.
13. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:
Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are presently named as defendants in
various lawsuits and might be subject to certain other claims arising out of its
normal business operations. Management, based in part upon advice from legal
counsel, believes that the results of such actions will not have an adverse
impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
14. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
As of December 31, 1998 and 1997 the fair value of the First Mortgage Notes
was $50,391,000 and $64,763,000, respectively, (as compared with its carrying
value of $56,194,460 in 1998 and $63,364,113 in 1997) based on the market price
as quoted by a brokerage firm that trades the First Mortgage Notes. The
carrying value of notes payable, capital leases and notes receivable
(PAGE)
approximates fair value because these obligations bear interest at variable
rates.
15. SEGMENT INFORMATION:
In 1998, the Company adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 131 "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information", which requires companies to report certain relevant information
by segment. The Company has identified four reportable segments, based on
geographical considerations: Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Colombia and
Panama. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described
in the summary of accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance based
on profit or loss before income taxes, not including nonrecurring gains and
losses and foreign exchange gains and losses.
The following present the segment information for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (in thousands):
Puerto Dominican
1998: Rico Republic Colombia Panama Total
------- --------- -------- ------- -------
Commission on wagering $41,081 $ 3,640 - $ 7,808 $52,529
Total revenues 55,351 5,747 - 7,875 68,973
Financial expenses 8,669 120 - 320 9,109
Depreciation and amortization 2,928 364 - 464 3,756
Income (loss) before income
taxes, minority interest,
extraordinary item and
cumulative effect 1,521 (815) - (1,348) (642)
Capital improvements 5,373 52 - 4,793 10,218
Total assets 52,455 2,049 950 8,585 64,039
1997:
Total revenues $18,810 $ 5,773 - - $ 24,583
Financial expenses 8,656 79 - - 8,735
Depreciation and amortization 1,841 527 - - 2,368
Income (loss) before income
taxes, minority interest,
extraordinary item and
cumulative effect 5,811 (1,100) - 4,711
Capital improvements 649 232 - 542 1,423
Total assets 50,824 2,330 - 3,033 56,187
1996:
Total revenues $16,859 $ 5,585 - - $22,444
Financial expenses 9,112 (64) - - 9,048
Depreciation and amortization 2,166 484 - - 2,650
Income (loss) before income
taxes, minority interest,
(PAGE)
extraordinary item and
cumulative effect 2,465 (1,366) - - 1,099
Capital improvements 365 189 - - 554
Total assets 57,937 2,649 - - 60,586
Effective January 1, 1998 a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company based
in Puerto Rico, EEC, provides management services to the other countries in
connection with the operation of the race-tracks and the off-track betting
system. Fees for these services represent an intersegment revenue. For the
year ended December 31, 1998, Puerto Rico recognized revenue of $180,763
attributed to Dominican Republic. No fees were charged to Panama due to
restrictions under its bonds.
16. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY INFORMATION
The Company restated the quarterly results after giving effect to certain
transactions that were recorded in the fourth quarter. Quarterly results for
the year ended December 31, 1998 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
1st 2nd 3rd
Quarter Quarter Quarter
------ ------- -------
Net loss, as reported in
Form 10-Q $(250) $ (942) $(1,779)
Amortization of El Comandante
intangible (see Note 2) (131) (131) (130)
Organizational and start-up
costs related to early
adoption of SOP 98-5 (304) 69 75
(See Note 1) ------ ------- -------
$(685) $(1,004) $(1,834)
====== ======= =======
17. UNAUDITED PROFORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
In August 1997, HDA redeemed a 17% interest owned by a minority partner,
thereby increasing the Company's interest in HDA to approximately 99% and
effective January 1, 1998, it terminated the El Comandante Lease and commenced
operating El Comandante through its wholly owned subsidiary, ECMC (the "Proforma
Transactions"). The following unaudited proforma consolidated statement of loss
for the year ended December 31, 1997 is based upon the historical consolidated
statement of the Company and its subsidiaries, and was prepared as if the above
described transactions had all occurred on January 1, 1997. Proforma
adjustments includes results of operations of ECOC for the year ended December
31, 1997. The unaudited proforma consolidated statement is not necessarily
indicative of what the actual results of operations of the Company would have
been assuming such transactions had been completed as of January 1, 1997, and
does not purport to represent the results of operations for future periods. In
Management's opinion, all adjustments necessary to reflect the effects of these
transactions have been made.
(PAGE) PROFORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
(In thousands except per unit amounts)
1998 1997
-------- -----------
(Historical) (Proforma)
(Audited) (Unaudited)
REVENUES:
Commissions on wagering $52,529 $59,512
Net revenues from lottery services 656 88
Income from business interruption 10,832 -
Net gain from involuntary conversion 2,024 -
Gain from sale of Television Stations - 4,669
Other revenues 2,931 3,949
------ ------
68,972 68,218
------ ------
EXPENSES:
Payments to horseowners 25,996 29,669
Salaries, wages and employee benefits 11,910 8,665
Operating expenses 9,608 6,969
General and administrative 2,749 4,794
Marketing, television and satellite costs 3,350 3,130
Financial expenses 9,109 9,013
Depreciation and amortization 3,756 3,303
Impairment loss on El Comandante
intangible 3,136 -
------ ------
69,614 65,543
------ ------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES, MINORITY
INTEREST, EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS AND
CUMULATIVE CHANGE (642) 2,675
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 1,110 505
------ ------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST,
EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS AND CUMULATIVE
EFFECT (1,752) 2,170
MINORITY INTEREST IN INCOME (LOSS) (228) 878
------ ------
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS AND
CUMULATIVE EFFECT (1,524) 1,292
EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS, net 167 1,558
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE, net (403) -
------ ------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $(1,760) $ 2,850
====== ======
(PAGE) PROFORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(In thousands except per unit amounts)
1998 1997
----------- ----------
(Historical) (Proforma)
(Audited) (Unaudited)
ALLOCATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS):
General Partners $ (17) $ 28
Limited Partners (1,743) 2,822
--------- -------
$ (1,760) $ 2,850
========= =======
BASIC AND DILUTED PER UNIT AMOUNTS:
Income (loss) before
extraordinary items and cumulative
effect of change in accounting
principle $ (0.24) $ 0.20
Extraordinary items, net 0.02 0.25
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle, net (0.06) -
-------- ------
Net income (loss) $ (0.28) $ 0.45
======== ======
WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNITS OUTSTANDING 6,343 6,334
======== ======
(PAGE)
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY AND EMC
Managing Partner of the Company
Equus Management Company ("EMC") is the managing general partner of the
Company and, as such, has full and exclusive responsibility and authority to
manage the Company, including declaring and authorizing cash distributions,
making employment decisions, determining executive compensation and making
investment decisions and other decisions normally made by executive officers
and directors of a corporation.
EMC does not engage in any activities other than managing the business
of the Company. EMC is governed by its Board of Directors, which currently
consists of eight persons. Directors will be elected in the future either by
Interstate Business Corporation ("IBC"), as the parent company of EMC, or by
the directors then holding office subject to certain limitations, including
that at least two of the directors be independent of the Company, IBC and
Interstate General Company L.P. ("IGC"). Thus, Unitholders do not have the
power to elect EMC's directors. The officers of EMC are elected by its Board
of Directors. All officers of EMC are employees of Equus Entertainment
Corporation ("EEC") the wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. At present,
three of EMC's directors are directors of IGC's managing general partner and
are officers and directors of IBC.
Approximately 99.4% of IBC is owned by the adult children of James J.
and Barbara A. Wilson. The Wilson family and companies controlled by them,
including IBC and The Wilson Family Limited Partnership ("WFLP"), hold
approximately a 67% interest in the Company. The Wilson family holds a
50.22% interest in IGC.
Directors and Executive Officers of the Company and EMC
The table below sets forth the name, age and positions with the Company
and EMC of each director and executive officer of EMC and each executive
officer of the Company.
Name Age Positions with the Company and EMC
- - ------------------------ ------- -----------------------------------
James J. Wilson 65 Chairman of EMC and the Company,
Director of EMC
Thomas B. Wilson 36 President and Chief Executive
Officer of EMC and the Company;
Director of EMC
(PAGE)
Juan M. Rivera-Gonzalez 51 Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer of EMC
and the Company; Director of EMC
Gretchen Gronau 34 Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer of EMC
and the Company
Angel Blanco-Bottey 59 Senior Vice President of EMC
and the Company
Donald J. Kevane 67 Director of EMC
Alberto M. Paracchini 66 Director of EMC
Barbara A. Wilson 62 Director and Secretary of EMC
Mark Augenblick 51 Director of EMC
Kevin Wilson 40 Director of EMC
Relationships James J. Wilson and Barbara A. Wilson are the parents of
Thomas B. Wilson and Kevin Wilson.
Certain additional information concerning the above persons is set forth
below.
James J. Wilson was Chairman and President of EMC from its formation in 1994
until February 1996 when he resigned. He was reelected Chairman of the Board
of Directors of EMC in October, 1998. He has been Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of the general partner of IGC, since 1986. He is the
founder of IGC and has been Chief Executive Officer of IGC and its
predecessors since 1957. He is the founder of IBC and its predecessors.
Thomas B. Wilson has been President and Chief Executive Officer of EMC and
the Company since January 1998 and Director of EMC since February 1998. He
has been a Director of IGMC since December 1995 a Director of IBC since 1994
and a Vice President of IBC since September 1994. From 1994 to December 1997
he was President of El Comandante Operating Company, Inc.("ECOC").
Juan M. Rivera-Gonzalez has been Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of EMC and the Company since January 1998 and Director of EMC since
February 1998. From January 1996 to December 1997 he was Executive Vice
President of the Company. From September 1995 to December 1995 he served as
Vice President of the Company and was also Vice President of IGC from 1994 to
April 1996. From April 1991 to December 1993 he was President and General
Manager of ECOC.
Gretchen Gronau has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company and EMC since August 1996. From May 1990 to August 1996 she served
(PAGE)
in various tax and financial management positions with IGC, including Vice
President from August 1994 to August 1996. She has served as Assistant
Treasurer of IBC since October 1996.
Angel Blanco-Bottey has been Senior Vice President of EMC and the Company
since January 1998. He joined ECOC in 1997 as Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer. From 1993 to 1997 he engaged in selective
consulting work and served in several boards of directors. Prior to 1993 he
served as Executive Vice President of Banco-Central Hispano- P.R., a
commercial bank, from which he retired.
Donald J. Kevane has been a Director of EMC since its formation in 1994. He
is a certified public accountant and senior partner in the Puerto Rico
accounting firm of Kevane Peterson Soto & Pasarell, which he founded in 1975.
He is also a director since 1990 of Venture Capital Fund, Inc., a Puerto
Rico-based venture capital firm and a director since 1985 of Universal
Insurance Co., a subsidiary of Kirby Industries.
Alberto M. Paracchini has been a Director of EMC since its formation in 1994.
He has been a director of BanPonce Corporation since January 1991, and was
Chairman of the Board from January 1991 to April 1993. He is Vice Chairman
of the Board of Puerto Rican Cement Company, Inc. and a director of Venture
Capital Fund, Inc., a Puerto Rico-based venture capital firm.
Barbara A. Wilson has been a Director of EMC since January 1996 and Secretary
of EMC since August 1996. She served as Director of IGMC from December 1995
to 1996. She has been a Director of IBC since 1987, Chairman of the Board
since March 1996, Secretary since 1990 and Treasurer since 1993.
Mark Augenblick became a Director of EMC in March, 1998. Prior to joining
the Company, Mr. Augenblick was a partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm,
Shaw Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge.
Kevin Wilson has been a Director of EMC since September 1996. He has been
the President, Director and majority owner since 1989 of Community Homes,
Inc., a homebuilding company of which he was a co-founder.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements - None
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table. The following table sets forth the aggregate
compensation with respect to the Chief Executive Officer and each of the
other four most highly compensated executive officers of the Company,
employed by its wholly-owned subsidiary EEC effective January 1, 1998. Prior
1998, two of these executives were employees of EMC and, accordingly, their
compensation for years before 1998 is also included in the table.
(PAGE) Long-Term
Compensation
Annual Compensation Awards
--------------------------- ------------
Other Securities All
Annual Underlying Other
Compen- Options/ Compen-
Name & Principal Salary Bonus sation SAR's sation
Position Year ($) ($) ($) # (2) ($)(3)
- - ------------------ ----- ------- ----- ------------ ---------- ----------
Thomas B. Wilson(1)
President 1998 240,200 - - - -
and CEO 1997 - - - - -
Juan M. Rivera
Executive Vice
President 1998 240,200 - - 10,000 10,064
and COO 1997 180,000 50,000 SAR
Angel Blanco-Bottey
Senior Vice
President 1998 160,200 - - - -
1997 - - - - -
Carlos Rodriguez
Senior Vice 1998 163,844 (4)- - - 8,464
President 1997 - - - - -
Gretchen Gronau
Vice President 1998 125,200 10,000 7,264
and CFO 1997 100,200 - - SAR 5,400
1996 90,200 - - 4,692
(1) Thomas B. Wilson served during 1998 as Vice President of Caribe
Waste Technologies, Inc. ("CWT"), a subsidiary of IGC engaged in the
development of solid waste treatment facilities, and will continue to devote
time to this operation. CWT reimburses the Company for actual payroll costs
attributed to time spent by Mr. Wilson on waste technology matters. During
1998, reimbursement of payroll cost by CWT for this concept amounted to
$46,800.
(2) Represents Unit Appreciation Rights assumed by the Company, as
discussed below.
(3) Reflects contributions to Retirement Plan discussed below.
(4) Includes $23,644 of accrued and unpaid vacations.
Retirement Plan. In 1998, the Company established its own retirement plan
for employees of its subsidiary EEC. Employees are eligible to participate in
the retirement plan when they have completed a minimum employment period of
1,000 hours. The Retirement Plan is a defined contribution plan which
(PAGE)
provides for contributions by the Company for the accounts of eligible
employees in amounts equal to 4% of base salaries and wages not in excess of
the U.S. Social Security taxable wage base, and 8% of salaries (limited to
$160,000) that exceeded that wage base. Eligible employees may also
makevoluntary contributions to their accounts and self direct the investment
of their account balances in various investment funds offered under the plan.
Contributions to the Retirement Plan amounted to $52,400 in 1998. Prior to
October 5, 1998, EEC's employees participated in IGC's retirement plan.
Directors. Directors of EMC who are not employees of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries receive directors' fees established by the Board of
Directors of EMC. These Directors are compensated at a rate of $3,750 per
quarter, $1,000 per meeting and out-of-pocket expenses for meetings. In 1998,
the directors' fees totaled $98,550.
Options and Unit Appreciation Rights. Various employees of EEC, who were
one time employees of a then subsidiary of IGC, participated in IGC's Share
Incentive Plan. Effective December 31, 1996 the Company agreed to grant these
employees incentive awards that provide benefits substantially equivalent to
the awards in the IGC's Share Incentive Plan. These awards consisted of (i)
Unit Appreciation Rights ("UAR") and (ii) an option to one ex-employee, which
expired on March 31, 1998 without being exercised.
The UAR entitle the holder to receive upon exercise, an amount payable in
cash, Units of the Company, securities in another company (see below) or some
combination thereof, as determined by EMC's Board of Directors. The amount
received upon exercise is based on the excess of the fair market value of the
UAR over a fixed base price. The fair market values of the UAR is determined
based on the average for a 20 day period commencing 10 days before the
exercise date.
The Company has IGC's unregistered Class A limited partnership units (the
"IGC Units") available to satisfy its obligations under the UAR. The units
were received at no cost from IGC. As a result of a restructuring of IGC,
the Company also received shares of American Community Property Trust
("ACPT").
During 1998, 27,900 UAR were exercised by an employee who retired
effective December 31, 1997 and 10,000 UAR were canceled. As of December 31,
1998, there are 20,000 UAR outstanding, fully vested and exercisable, which
will expire on October 18, 2004. These UAR correspond to Juan M. Rivera
(10,000) and Gretchen Gronau (10,000). As of December 31, 1998, the
unexercised in-the-money UAR had no value.
The Company intends to adopt a Share Incentive Plan to provide for unit-
based incentive compensation for officers, Key employees and Directors.
(PAGE)
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN UNITHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Units
that are beneficially owned as of March 26, 1999 (i) by each director of EMC
or executive officer of EMC or the Company, (ii) by all directors of EMC and
executive officers of EMC or the Company, as a group, and (iii) by each
person who is known by EMC or the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of
the outstanding Units of the Company. Except where noted, the address for
the beneficial owner is Doral Building, 7th Floor, 650 Munoz Rivera Avenue,
Hato Rey, PR 00918.
Beneficial Ownership (1)
Name of Beneficial Owner Number
- - -------------------------- of Units Percent
----------- --------
Management and Directors
James J. Wilson - -
Barbara A. Wilson (2) 50 -
Kevin Wilson (2) 86,397 1.04%
Thomas B. Wilson (2) 86,397 1.04%
Donald J. Kevane 1,000 -
Gretchen Gronau 900 -
All executive officers of EMC and
the Company and directors of EMC,
as a group (5 persons) 174,744 2.1%
Other Unitholders
The Wilson Family Limited Partnership("WFLP")(2)
222 Smallwood Village Center
St. Charles, Maryland 20602 5,093,088 61.29%
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The beneficial ownership of Units was determined on the basis of
Units directly and indirectly owned by executive officers and
directors of EMC and Units to be issued under options which are
exercisable within the next 60 days.
(2) WFLP is owned by the adult children of James J. and Barbara A.
Wilson, including Kevin Wilson and Thomas Wilson. However, because
neither Kevin Wilson nor Thomas Wilson is a general partner in
WFLP, the Units of the Company owned by WFLP are not considered
beneficially owned by them.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information responding to this item appears in Note 12 to the
Company's consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this
report.
(PAGE)
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8K
Index to Financial Statements.
(i) Financial Statements (included in Item 8)
Equus Gaming Company L.P.
Report of Independent Public Accountants
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Deficit for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Exhibits.
Exhibit
Number Exhibit Description Reference
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1 First Amended and Restated Limited Exhibit 3.1 to Registration
Partnership Agreement of Equus Statement on Form S-11
Gaming Company L.P. (the "Company") No. 33-90982 of the Company
("Second Form S-11")
3.2 Certificate of Limited Partnership Exhibit 3.1 to Registration
of the Company Statement on Form S-11
No. 33-82750 of the Company
("Form S-11")
3.3 First Amendment to Certificate of Exhibit 3.2 to Form S-11
Limited Partnership of the Company
3.4 Second Amendment to Certificate of Exhibit 3.3 to Form S-11
Limited Partnership of the Company
3.5 Third Amendment to Certificate of Exhibit 3.5 to Form S-11
Limited Partnership of the Company
3.6 Fourth Amendment to Certificate of Exhibit 3.6 to Annual
Report
Limited Partnership of the Company on Form 10-K of the Company
for the year ended December
31, 1997 ("1997 10-K")
(PAGE)
5.1 Form of Unit Certificate Exhibit 5.1 to Form S-11
10.2 Indenture dated December 15, 1993, Exhibit 5.1 to Registration
among El Comandante Capital Corp. Statement on Form S-5
("ECCC"), as Issuer, Banco Popular yNo. 33-75285 of HDA,
de Puerto Rico as Trustee ("Banco ECCC and El Comandante
Popular") and HDA as Guarantor Operating Company, Inc.
(the "Indenture") ("ECOC") ("Form S-5")
10.3 First Supplemental Indenture dated Exhibit 10.27 to Form S-11
December 22, 1994 to the Indenture
10.4 Second Supplemental Indenture dated Exhibit 10.28 to Form S-11
December 22, 1994 to the Indenture
10.7 Amended and Restated Management Exhibit 10.6 to Form S-4
Agreement dated December 15, 1993,
between Interstate General Properties
Limited Partnership S.E. ("IGP")
and HDA
10.11 Stock Pledge Agreement dated Exhibit 10.12 to Form S-4
December 15, 1993, between HDA and
Banco Popular
10.12 Pledge Agreement (Mortgage Notes) Exhibit 10.13 to Form S-4
dated December 15, 1993 between HDA
and Banco Popular
10.13 Chattel Mortgage dated December Exhibit 10.15 to Form S-4
15, 1993, between ECOC and HDA
10.15 Assignment Agreement (General Exhibit 10.16 to Form S-4
Intangibles) dated December 15, 1993,
between HDA and Banco Popular
10.16 Pledge Agreement between ECCC and Exhibit 10.17 to Form S-4
Banco Popular
10.17 Mortgage Note of $52,000,000 of HDA Exhibit 10.18 to Form S-4
10.18 Mortgage Note of $26,000,000 of HDA Exhibit 10.19 to Form S-4
10.19 Deed of Modification and Extension Exhibit 10.20 to Form S-4
of First Mortgage to Secure
Additional Mortgage Note, No. 43,
dated December 15, 1993
10.20 HDA Note in the amount of Exhibit 10.21 to Form S-4
$68,000,000 to ECCC dated December
15, 1993
(PAGE)
10.22 Consulting Agreement dated December Exhibit 10.21 to Form S-11
15, 1993 between ECOC and IGP
10.26 Lease Agreement dated September 28, Exhibit 10.21 of the Annual
1994 between the Dominican Republic Report on Form 10-K of
and Galapagos, S.A.("Galapagos") HDA for the year ended
December 31, 1994 ("1994
HDA 10-K")
10.27 Founders' Agreement among Exhibit 10.22 to 1994
Galapagos, HDA and Minority HDA 10-K
Stockholders
10.28 Management Agreement dated September Exhibit 10.23 to 1994
28, 1994, between Galapagos and HDA 10-K
ECOC
10.34 Third Supplemental Indenture dated Exhibit 10.34 to Annual
February 27, 1996 to the Indenture Report on Form 10-K of the
Company for the year ended
December 31, 1995 ("1995
10-K")
10.35 Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated Exhibit 10.35 to 1995 10-K
February 27, 1996 to the Indenture
10.44 Assignment and Assumption of Exhibit 10.44 to 1995
Consulting Agreement dated April 10-K/A
22, 1996
10.49 Closing Agreement by and among S&E, Exhibit 10.49 to 1996 10-K
Paxson, Equus and HDA dated January
21, 1997
10.50 Control Transfer Agreement by and Exhibit 10.50 to 1996 10-K
among IBC, IGC, IGP, HDA, EMC and
the Company dated December 31, 1996
10.51 Amendment to Control Transfer Exhibit 10.51 to 1996 10-K
Agreement by and among IBC, IGC,
IGP, HDA, EMC and the Company
dated March 25, 1997
10.52 Broadcast Agreement among S&E, Exhibit 10.52 to 1996 10-K
HDA and Paxson dated January
21, 1997
10.57 Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated Exhibit 10.2 on Quarterly
November 14, 1997 to the Indenture Report on Form 10-Q of the
Company for the Quarter
ended September 30, 1997
(PAGE)
10.58 Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement Exhibit 10.58 to 1997
by and between El Comandante 10-K
Management Company LLC ("ECMC") and
ECOC dated December 19, 1997
10.59 Second Amendment to Control Exhibit 10.59 to 1997
Transfer Agreement by and among 10-K
IBC, IGC, IGP, HDA, EMC and the
Company dated December 19, 1997
10.60 Guaranty Agreement by and between Exhibit 10.60 to 1997
EMC and IGC dated December 30, 1997 10-K
10.61 Agreement to Retire Partnership Exhibit 10.61 to 1997
Interest of Interstate General 10-K
Company, L.P. in Equus Gaming
Company, L.P. by and among the
Company, IGC, EMC, EMTC and HDA
dated December 30, 1997
10.62 Ninth Amended and Restated Exhibit 10.62 to 1997
Partnership Agreement of HDA 10-K
dated December 31, 1997
10.68 First Amendment to Ninth Amended
and Restated Partnership Agreement
of HDA dated October 2, 1998 Filed herewith
10.69 Stock Purchase Agreement dated
as of March 1, 1999 Filed herewith
21 Subsidiaries of the Company Filed herewith
Reports on Form 8-K. None
(PAGE) SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Equus Gaming Company L.P.
-----------------------------------
(Registrant)
By: Equus Management Company
Managing General Partner
March 31, 1999 /s/ Thomas B. Wilson
- - ----------------- ------------------------------
Date Thomas B. Wilson
President & Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date Title Signature
- - ----------------- ----------------------- ------------------------
March 31, 1999 Chairman of the Board /s/ James J. Wilson
- - ----------------- ------------------------
James J. Wilson
March 31, 1999 President, Chief /s/ Thomas B. Wilson
- - ----------------- Executive Officer and ------------------------
Director Thomas B. Wilson
March 31, 1999 /s/ Juan M. Rivera
- - ----------------- Executive Vice President, ------------------------
Chief Operating Officer Juan M. Rivera
and Director
March 31, 1999 Vice President and /s/ Gretchen Gronau
- - ----------------- Chief Financial Officer ------------------------
Gretchen Gronau
March 31, 1999 Director /s/Donald J. Kevane
- - ----------------- ------------------------
Donald J. Kevane
March 31, 1999 Director /s/ Alberto M. Paracchini
- - ----------------- -------------------------
Alberto M. Paracchini
March 31, 1999 Director /s/ Barbara A. Wilson
- - ----------------- -------------------------
Barbara A. Wilson
March 31, 1999 Director /s/ Kevin Wilson
- - ----------------- -------------------------
Kevin Wilson
(PAGE)
March 31, 1999 Director /s/ Mark Augenblick
- - ----------------- -------------------------
Mark Augenblick