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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
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(Mark One) |
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the transition period
from to |
Commission file number 001-15064
GB HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of each Registrant as specified in its
charter)
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Delaware |
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75-2502293 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) |
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
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c/o Sands Hotel & Casino
Indiana Avenue & Brighton Park
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
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08401
(Zip Code) |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(609) 441-4633
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
(Not Applicable)
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if
changed since last report.)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the
Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the
Act:
GB Holdings, Inc. Common Stock, $.01 par value per
share.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed
all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed all
documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12,
13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan
confirmed by a
court. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers
pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§228.405
of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this
Form 10-K. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated
filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Act). Yes o No þ
As of the last business day of the registrants most
recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market
value of GB Holdings, Inc.s Common Stock held by
non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $4,840,000.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the
registrants classes of common stock, as of the last
practicable date.
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Registrant |
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Class |
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Outstanding at March 30, 2005 |
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GB Holdings, Inc. |
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Common stock, $.01 par value |
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10,000,000 shares |
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
PART I
GB Holdings, Inc. (GB Holdings) is a Delaware
corporation and was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pratt Casino
Corporation (PCC) through December 31, 1998.
PCC, a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in September 1993
and was wholly-owned by PPI Corporation (PPI), a New
Jersey corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greate Bay
Casino Corporation (GBCC). Effective after
December 31, 1998, PCC transferred 21% of the stock
ownership in GB Holdings to PBV, Inc. (PBV), a newly
formed entity controlled by certain stockholders of GBCC. As a
result of a certain confirmed plan of reorganization of PCC and
others in October 1999, the remaining 79% stock interest of PCC
in GB Holdings was transferred to Greate Bay Holdings, LLC
(GBLLC), whose sole member as a result of the same
reorganization was PPI. In February 1994, GB Holdings acquired
Greate Bay Hotel and Casino, Inc. (GBHC), a New
Jersey corporation, through a capital contribution by its then
parent. From its creation until July 22, 2004, GBHCs
principal business activity was its ownership of The Sands Hotel
and Casino located in Atlantic City, New Jersey (The
Sands). GB Property Funding Corp. (Property),
a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GB
Holdings, was incorporated in September 1993 as a special
purpose subsidiary of GB Holdings for the purpose of borrowing
funds for the benefit of GBHC.
On January 5, 1998, GB Holdings, and its then existing
subsidiaries, filed petitions for relief under Chapter 11
of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the Bankruptcy
Code) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the
District of New Jersey (the Bankruptcy Court). On
August 14, 2000, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order (the
Confirmation Order) confirming the Modified Fifth
Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of
the Bankruptcy Code Proposed by the Official Committee of
Unsecured Creditors and High River Limited Partnership and its
affiliates (the Plan) for GB Holdings and its then
existing subsidiaries. High River Limited Partnership
(High River) is an entity controlled by Carl C.
Icahn. On September 13, 2000, the New Jersey Casino Control
Commission (the Commission or CCC)
approved the Plan. On September 29, 2000, the Plan became
effective (the Effective Date). All material
conditions precedent to the Plan becoming effective were
satisfied on or before September 29, 2000. In addition, as
a result of the Confirmation Order and the occurrence of the
Effective Date, and in accordance with Statement of Position
No. 90-7, Financial Reporting by Entities in
Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code
(SOP 90-7), GB Holdings has adopted fresh
start reporting in the preparation of the accompanying
consolidated financial statements. GB Holdings emergence
from Chapter 11 resulted in a new reporting entity with no
retained earnings or accumulated deficit as of
September 30, 2000.
On the Effective Date, Propertys existing debt securities,
consisting of its
107/8%
First Mortgage Notes due January 15, 2004 (the Old
Notes) and all of GB Holdings issued and outstanding
shares of common stock owned by PBV and GBLLC (the Old
Common Stock) were cancelled. As of the Effective Date, an
aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of new common stock, par
value $.01 per share, of GB Holdings (the GB
Holdings Common Stock) were issued and outstanding,
and $110,000,000 of 11% Notes were issued by Property (the
11% Notes) . Holders of the Old Notes received
a distribution of their pro rata shares of (i) the
11% Notes and (ii) 5,375,000 shares of the GB
Holdings Common Stock (the Stock Distribution).
In October 2003, Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
(Atlantic Holdings), a Delaware corporation and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of GBHC was formed. ACE Gaming, LLC
(ACE), a New Jersey limited liability company and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlantic Holdings was formed in
November 2003. Atlantic Holdings and ACE were formed in
connection with a transaction (the Transaction),
which included a Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange in
which holders of $110 million of 11% Notes due 2005
(11% Notes), issued by Property, were given the
opportunity to exchange such notes, on a dollar for dollar
basis, for $110 million of 3% Notes due 2008
(3% Notes), issued by Atlantic Holdings. The
Transaction was consummated on July 22, 2004, and holders
of approximately $66.3 million of 11% Notes exchanged
such notes for approximately $66.3 million of
3% Notes. Also on July 22, 2004, in connection with
the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, the indenture
governing the 11% Notes was amended to eliminate certain
covenants and to release the liens on the collateral securing
such notes. The Transaction included, among other things, the
transfer of substantially all of the assets of GB Holdings to
Atlantic
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Holdings. The transfer of assets has been accounted for as an
exchange of net assets between entities under common control,
whereby the entity receiving the assets shall initially
recognize the assets and liabilities transferred at their
historical carrying amount in the accounts of the transferring
entity at the date of transfer. No gain or loss was recorded
relating to the transfer. Also on July 22, 2004, in
connection with the consummation of the Transaction, GBHC and
Property merged into GB Holdings with GB Holdings as the
surviving entity. Atlantic Holdings and ACE own and operate The
Sands and prior to July 22, 2004, Atlantic Holdings and its
subsidiary, ACE, had limited operating activities. GB Holdings
has no operating activities and it has no income. GB Holdings
only significant asset is its investment in Atlantic Holdings.
In connection with the transfer of the assets and certain
liabilities of GB Holdings, including the assets and certain
liabilities of GBHC, Atlantic Holdings issued
2,882,938 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per
share (the Atlantic Holdings Common Stock), of
Atlantic Holdings to GBHC which, following the merger of GBHC,
became the sole asset of GB Holdings. Substantially all of the
assets and liabilities of GB Holdings and GBHC (with the
exception of the remaining 11% Notes and accrued interest
thereon, the Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, and the related pro
rata share of deferred financing costs) were transferred to
Atlantic Holdings or ACE. As part of the Transaction, an
aggregate of 10,000,000 warrants issued by Atlantic Holdings,
were distributed on a pro rata basis to the stockholders of GB
Holdings upon the consummation of the Transaction. Such Warrants
allow the holders to purchase from Atlantic Holdings, at an
exercise price of $.01 per share, an aggregate of
2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and are
only exercisable following the earlier of (a) either the
3% Notes being paid in cash or upon conversion, in whole or
in part, into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, (b) payment
in full of the outstanding principal of the 11% Notes
exchanged, or (c) a determination by a majority of the
board of directors of Atlantic Holdings (including at least one
independent director of Atlantic Holdings) that the Warrants may
be exercised. The Sands New Jersey gaming license was
transferred to ACE in accordance with the approval of the New
Jersey Casino Control Commission.
GB Holdings owns 2,882,938 shares of Atlantic Holdings
Common Stock, which, on a non-diluted basis, represents 100% of
the outstanding Atlantic Holdings Common Stock. At the election
of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount
of the 3% Notes outstanding, which they may exercise at any
time in their sole discretion, such Notes are convertible into
4,367,062 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock. Also,
as set forth above, if such holders so elect, the Warrants will
become exercisable for 2,750,000 shares of Atlantic
Holdings Common Stock. Currently, affiliates of Mr. Icahn
own approximately 96% of the 3% Notes and have the ability,
which they may exercise prior to the maturity of the 11% Notes
or at any other time in their sole discretion, to determine when
and whether the 3% Notes will be paid in or convertible
into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock at, or prior to, maturity
thereby making the Warrants exercisable. If the 3% Notes
are converted into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and if the
Warrants are exercised, GB Holdings will own 28.8% of the
Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and affiliates of Carl Icahn will
beneficially own approximately 63.4% of the Atlantic Holdings
Common Stock (without giving effect to the affiliates of
Mr. Icahns interest in Atlantic Holdings Common Stock
which is owned by GB Holdings). Affiliates of Carl Icahn
currently own approximately 77.5% of GB Holdings Common
Stock.
The consolidated financial statements included in Item 8
include the accounts and operations of GB Holdings and its
subsidiaries (GB Holdings, Atlantic Holdings and ACE
collectively, the Company and also Property and GBHC
until July 22, 2004). All references herein to the Company
and GB Holdings are on a consolidated basis and all operating
assets, including cash, are owned by GB Holdings
subsidiaries, Atlantic Holdings and ACE, and GB Holdings
sole asset is 2,882,938 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common
Stock. All significant intercompany balances and transactions
have been eliminated. Throughout this document, references to
Notes are referring to the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements contained herein.
GB Holdings and Property listed the GB Holdings Common
Stock and 11% Notes, respectively, on the American Stock
Exchange (AMEX) on March 27, 2001. On
January 13, 2004, the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) granted GB Holdings application to delist the
11% Notes from trading on the AMEX. On January 14,
2004, AMEX halted trading on the 11% Notes and on
February 2, 2004 trading resumed. On April 12, 2004,
the SEC granted GB Holdings application to delist the
11% Notes from trading on the AMEX. On April 19, 2004
the AMEX delisted the 11% Notes. On September 2, 2004,
the Securities
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and Exchange Commission granted GB Holdings application to
delist the GB Holdings Common Stock from trading on the
AMEX effective at the opening of business on September 3,
2004. On September 4, 2004, the AMEX delisted the GB
Holdings Common Stock. See Item 7.
Risk Factors GB Holdings may seek to de-register the
GB Holdings Common Stock.
The Company primarily generates revenues from gaming operations
in its Atlantic City facility. Although the Companys other
business activities including rooms, entertainment, retail store
and food and beverage operations also generate revenues, which
are nominal in comparison to the casino operations. The
non-casino operations primarily support the casino operation by
providing complimentary goods and services to deserving casino
customers. The Company competes in a capital intensive industry
that requires continual reinvestment in its facility and
technology. Please refer to the consolidated financial
statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for
further information on revenues from these operations.
The Sands
For a description of The Sands facilities, please refer to
Item 2. Properties.
The Sands has segregated its gaming customers into three broad
segments:
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The Premium Segment Those customers who have
a high potential loss per trip. This segment has the lowest
profit margin percentage per customer. |
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The Middle Segment Those customers who have a
high repeat trip frequency along with a potential loss per trip
that equates to a high annual potential loss per customer. |
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The Mass Segment Those customers who have a
low casino loyalty and a low potential loss per trip. This
category has the highest profit margin percentage per customer. |
Business Strategy. Traditionally, The Sands
marketing strategy in the highly competitive Atlantic City
market has consisted of seeking premium category patrons. In the
past, The Sands has been successful in its marketing efforts
towards these premium patrons through its offering of private,
limited-access facilities, related amenities and use of
information technology to monitor patron play, control certain
casino operating costs and target marketing efforts toward
frequent visitors with above average gaming budgets. While The
Sands strived to maintain market share within this category,
competition within the industry for the premium category (both
table and slot) reduced The Sands ability to retain or attract
this type of player on a profitable basis.
In the second quarter of 2002, The Sands changed its marketing
strategy to reduce its focus on the lower profit margin premium
table games and slot business segments and focus almost
exclusively on the mass slot machine segment. In the process The
Sands reduced the number of table games from 69 to 26 and
increased its number of slot machines by 400. Towards the end of
2002, it had become apparent that the gain in slot machine
revenue could not offset the loss of table game revenue. In
addition, the volume required from the mass slot player segment,
to make up the loss of the middle to premium slot player
segments, could not be accommodated in a property with the
physical constraints of The Sands. Subsequent review of
marketing data revealed that the loss in table game play had a
direct effect on the loss in some slot machine play, as many
slot patrons who frequented The Sands with family and friends
were forced to patronize competitors to find the variety of
gaming experience they desired. As a result, by the end of the
fourth quarter of 2002, The Sands had redirected its marketing
strategy to focus more on the middle to premium categories of
slot players and try to recapture the table game segment. The
Company continues to direct its marketing strategy to both the
middle and premium slot and table game segments and is
aggressively focused on the recovery of inactive players, those
specific players who have had prior play at The Sands and are
not current customers, and the acquisition of new players with a
strong program to generate repeat visits. There will be a
significant emphasis to grow the player database through an
aggressive attraction program and the redistribution of events,
entertainment and promotion expenditures to target the defined
customer segments.
The Company has recognized that The Sands name has a
strong brand recognition and a rich heritage in gaming that went
back to the original property in Las Vegas, Nevada, of the
1950s. Beginning in 2003, the
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Company began to leverage the heritage of The Sands and promote
the property as a boutique casino hotel that provides
outstanding value and service that exceeds expectations. The
tagline The Players Place, was developed and
encapsulates the benefits of playing slots and tables, as well
as communicating the promise that we provide personalized
service to our players in an intimate atmosphere offering
outstanding gaming odds, highest table game limits, more liberal
player rewards towards the avid customer and unparalleled,
personal boutique service.
During the prior three years, The Sands has continued to invest
in improvements and upgrades to the casino hotel complex that
support this theme. These improvements included new slot
machines, renovations to the first floor casino, the showroom,
two private lounges for casino guests and hotel room and suite
renovations to both The Sands and the Madison House Hotel (see
Item 2. Properties).
The first floor casino renovation included the addition of a
high limit pit and Swingers lounge was constructed in the center
of the casino to provide a multi-faceted state-of-the-art
entertainment experience. The Swingers lounge includes bartop
slot machines and is staffed by Flair Bartenders
(part mixologist, part performance artist). In addition, further
renovations to the bus lobby entrance, the promotions center and
the Platinum Club improved the customer experience by providing
easier access to facilities. The slot product has continually
been upgraded including converting a majority of all slot
machines to ticket-in/ticket-out technology. These slots accept
paper cash, coin or coupons and allow the player an option to
return winnings or cash-outs in the form of redeemable tickets.
This technology has gained customer acceptance at competitors
and management believes it will enhance profitability by
reducing labor intensive slot transactions while providing
greater customer service and more uninterrupted player time on
machines.
The Sands uses a player tracking system to record and rate
patrons play through the use of identification cards,
which it issues to patrons (casino players
cards). All Sands slot machines are connected with,
and information with respect to table games activity can be
input into, a computer network. When patrons insert their casino
players card into slot machines or present them to
supervisors at table games, meaningful information, including
amounts wagered and duration of play, is transmitted in
real-time to a casino management database. The information
contained in the database facilitates the implementation of
targeted and cost effective marketing programs, which
appropriately recognize and reward patrons during current and
future visits to The Sands. Certain of these marketing programs
allow patrons to obtain complimentaries based on levels of play.
Such complimentaries include free meals, hotel accommodations,
entertainment, retail merchandise, parking, and sweepstakes
giveaways. Management believes that its ability to reward its
customers on a same-visit basis is valuable in
encouraging the loyalty of repeat visits. The computer systems
also allow The Sands to monitor, analyze and control the
granting of gaming credit, promotional expenses and other
marketing costs.
Management primarily focuses its marketing efforts on patrons
who have been identified by its casino management computer
system as profitable patrons. Management believes that its
philosophy of encouraging participation in its casino
players card program, using the information obtained
thereby to identify the relative playing patterns of patrons and
tailoring specific marketing programs and property amenities to
this market category enhances profitability of The Sands.
The Sands also markets to the mass casino patron market through
various forms of direct and indirect advertising, and group and
bus tour programs. Once new patrons are introduced to The
Sands players card program, management uses its
information technology capabilities to directly market to these
patrons to encourage repeat patronage.
Competition. The Sands faces intense competition from the
eleven other Atlantic City casinos, including the Borgata which
opened in July 2003. According to reports of the Commission the
twelve Atlantic City casinos currently offer approximately
1.4 million square feet of gaming space.
On July 3, 2003, The Borgata, a joint venture of Boyd
Gaming Corporation and MGM Mirage, opened in the marina district
of Atlantic City. The Borgata features a 40-story tower with
2,010 rooms and suites, as well as a 135,000 square-foot
casino, restaurants, retail shops, a spa and pool, and
entertainment venues. This
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project represents a significant increase to capacity in the
market. In addition, other of the Companys competitors in
Atlantic City have recently completed expansions of their hotels
or have announced expansion projects. For example, Resorts
Casino opened a 399-room hotel tower addition in July 2004 and
the Tropicana Atlantic City has completed a significant
expansion which included a 502-room hotel tower, a 25-room
conference center, a 2,400 space parking garage, an expanded
casino floor and a 200,000 square foot themed shopping,
dining and entertainment complex called The Quarter. During
2003, Showboat Atlantic City opened a new 544-room hotel tower
and expanded its gaming space to 101,000 square feet and
increased its slot machines to 3,972 and has recently announced
an expansion and affiliation with House of Blues. The business
of the Company may be adversely impacted (i) by the
additional gaming and room capacity generated by this increased
competition in Atlantic City and/or (ii) by other projects
not yet announced in New Jersey or in other markets (e.g.,
Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland). Accordingly, the existing
and future competing forces could have a materially adverse
impact on the operations of The Sands.
After the announced acquisition of Caesars Entertainment Corp.
by Harrahs Entertainment, Inc. and the related divestiture of
the Atlantic City Hilton, of the twelve Atlantic City casinos,
Harrahs Entertainment will control four casinos and Colony
Capital will control two. Harrahs Entertainment will also
control the so-called Traymore site located between the
boardwalk and The Sands and has acquired a property contiguous
to The Sands parking garage that formerly contained the
Continental Motel property. The Trump Organization controls
three of the twelve Atlantic City casinos. The gaming industry
is highly competitive and the Companys competitors may
have greater resources than the Company. If other properties
operate more successfully, if existing properties are enhanced
or expanded, or if additional hotels and casinos are established
in and around the location in which the Company conducts
business, the Company may lose market share. In particular,
expansion of gaming in or near the geographic area from which
the Company attracts or expects to attract a significant number
of customers could have a significant adverse effect on the
Companys business, financial condition and results of
operations. The Sands competes, and will in the future compete,
with all forms of existing legalized gaming and with any new
forms of gaming that may be legalized in the future.
Additionally, the Company faces competition from all other types
of entertainment.
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA)
is a governmental agency that administers the statutorily
mandated investments required to be funded by casino licensees.
Legislation enacted during 1993 and 1996 allocated an aggregate
of $175 million of CRDA funds and credits to subsidize and
encourage the construction of additional hotel rooms by Atlantic
City casino licensees. Competitors of The Sands that have the
financial resources to construct hotel rooms can take advantage
of such credits more readily than The Sands. The Sands has an
approved hotel expansion program with the CRDA and a retail
entertainment development project. Plans have been announced by
other casino operators to complete expansions within the
required subsidy period. The expansion of existing gaming
facilities and the addition of new casinos will continue to
increase competition within the Atlantic City market.
In April 2004, the casino industry, the CRDA and the New Jersey
Sports and Exposition Authority agreed to a plan regarding New
Jersey video lottery terminals (VLTs). Under the
plan, casinos will pay a total of $96 million over a period
of four years, of which $10 million will fund, through
project grants, North Jersey CRDA projects and $86 million
will be paid to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority
who will then subsidize certain New Jersey horse tracks to
increase purses and attract higher-quality races that would
allow them to compete with horse tracks in neighboring states.
In return, the race tracks and New Jersey have committed to
postpone any attempts to install VLTs for at least four years.
$52 million of the $86 million would be donated by the
CRDA from the casinos North Jersey obligations and
$34 million would be paid by the casinos directly. It is
currently estimated that The Sands current CRDA deposits
for North Jersey projects are sufficient to fund The Sands
proportionate obligations with respect to the $10 million
and $52 million commitments. The Sands proportionate
obligation with respect to the $34 million commitment is
estimated to be approximately $1.3 million payable over a
four year period. The Sands proportionate obligation with
respect to the combined $10 million and $52 million
commitment is estimated to be approximately $2.5 million
payable over a four year period.
On March 1, 2005, the Acting Governor of the State of New
Jersey proposed a state budget for the 2005-2006 fiscal year
which includes as a revenue source the proceeds from
installation and operation of 1,500
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to 2,000 VLTs at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford,
New Jersey. This location in Northern New Jersey would be in
direct competition for gamblers who now frequent the Atlantic
City casinos. At this time, there is no certainty that the
Legislature of New Jersey will enact the necessary legislation
to permit the installation and operation of these VLTs.
The Sands also competes with legalized gaming from casinos
located on Native American tribal lands. In July 2004, the
Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York unanimously
ruled that Native American owned casinos could legally be
operated in New York under the New York State law passed in
October 2001. That law permits three casinos in Western New
York, all of which would be owned by the Seneca Indian Nation.
The law also permits up to three casinos in the Catskills in
Ulster and Sullivan Counties, also to be owned by Native
American Tribes. In addition, the legislation allows slot
machines to be placed in Native American-owned casinos. The
court also ruled that New York could participate in the
Multi-State Mega Millions Lottery Game.
The New York law had also permitted the installation of VLTs at
five racetracks situated across the State of New York. In the
July 2004 ruling, the Appellate Division ruled that a portion of
the law was unconstitutional because it required a portion of
the VLTs revenues to go to horse-racing, breeding funds and
track purses. It is anticipated that ruling will be appealed.
The Pennsylvania legislature passed and the governor signed a
bill in July 2004 that will allow for up to 61,000 slot machines
state wide in up to 14 different locations, seven or eight of
which would be racetracks plus four or five slot parlors in
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and two small resorts.
Maryland is among the other states contemplating some form of
gaming legislation. Marylands proposed legislation would
authorize VLTs at some of Marylands racing facilities. The
Maryland Legislature did not enact any legalized gaming
legislation during their 2004 legislative sessions.
In this highly competitive environment, each propertys
relative success is affected by a great many factors that relate
to its location and facilities. These include the number of
parking spaces and hotel rooms it possesses, close proximity to
Pacific Avenue, the Boardwalk and to other casino/hotels and
access to the main expressway entering Atlantic City. During
2003, the Pacific Avenue front entrance was redesigned and
refurbished as an exclusive entrance for Sands bus patrons,
complete with a new and expanded bus waiting lounge. Also during
2003, the porte cochere was renovated and expanded in order to
make The Sands more easily accessible to the drive-in customer.
In 2004, the Company renovated an entire floor of standard rooms
into suites providing a competitive resource to attract and
retain customers in the Middle and Premium Segments. The Company
continued to invest in its slot product by purchasing new slot
machines, most of which included ticket-in/ticket-out
technology. The ticket-in/ticket-out slot machines are less
labor intensive in operation than traditional slot machines.
Industry Developments. On July 1, 2003, the State of
New Jersey amended the NJCCA to impose various tax increases on
Atlantic City casinos, including The Sands. Among other things,
the amendments to the NJCCA include the following new tax
provisions: (i) a new 4.25% tax on casino complimentaries,
with proceeds deposited to the Casino Revenue Fund; (ii) an
8% tax on casino service industry multi-casino progressive slot
machine revenue, with the proceeds deposited to the Casino
Revenue Fund; (iii) a 7.5% tax on adjusted net income of
licensed casinos (the Casino Net Income Tax) in State
fiscal years 2004 through 2006, with the proceeds deposited to
the Casino Revenue Fund; (iv) a fee of $3.00 per day
on each hotel room in a casino hotel facility that is occupied
by a guest, for consideration or as a complimentary item, with
the proceeds deposited into the Casino Revenue Fund in State
fiscal years 2004 through 2006, and beginning in State fiscal
year 2007, $2.00 of the fee deposited into the Casino Revenue
Fund and $1.00 to be transferred to the Casino Reinvestment
Development Authority (CRDA); (v) an increase
of the minimum casino hotel parking fee from $1.50 to $3.00,
with $1.50 of the fee to be deposited into the Casino Revenue
Fund in State fiscal years 2004 through 2006, and beginning in
State fiscal year 2007, $0.50 to be deposited into the Casino
Revenue Fund and $1.00 to be transferred to the CRDA for its
purposes pursuant to law, and for use by the CRDA to post a bond
for $30 million for deposit into the Casino Capital
Construction Fund, which was also created by the July 1,
2003 Act; and (vi) the elimination of the deduction from
casino licensee calculation of gross revenue for uncollectible
gaming debt. These changes to the NJCCA, and the new taxes
imposed on The
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Sands and other Atlantic City casinos, will reduce the
Companys profitability. For the year ended
December 31, 2004, these new and increased taxes have cost
The Sands approximately $1.9 million annually in additional
net expenses.
Slot machines continue to be more popular than table games
particularly with frequent patrons and with recreational and
other casual visitors. Casino operators have been catering
increasingly to slot patrons through new forms of promotions and
incentives such as slot machines that are linked among the
various casinos enabling the pay out of large pooled jackpots,
and through more attractive and entertaining gaming machines
with secondary jackpots. Various competitors have committed
efforts to provide ticket-in/ticket-out technology in their slot
product, which appears to be an industry trend for the future.
Slot machines generally produce higher margins and profitability
than table games because they require less labor and have lower
operating costs. As a result, slot machine revenue growth has
outpaced table game revenue growth in recent years. In 2004,
according to Commission filings, slot win accounted for
approximately 73.8% of total Atlantic City gaming win. However,
table games remain important to a select category of gaming
patrons and industry table game drop has shown two consecutive
years of growth in 2004 and 2003 after three straight years of
decline. Management believes the availability of table games
provides a varied gaming experience that benefits both slot and
table game revenues.
Casino Credit. Casino operations are conducted on both a
credit and a cash basis. Patron gaming debts incurred in
accordance with the NJCCA are enforceable under New Jersey law.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, gaming credit
extended to The Sands table game patrons accounted for
approximately 21.8% of overall table game wagering, and table
game wagering accounted for approximately 12.1% of overall
casino wagering during the period. At December 31, 2004,
gaming receivables amounted to $7.8 million before an
allowance for uncollectible gaming receivables of
$3.5 million. Management believes that such allowance is
adequate.
Seasonality. Historically, The Sands operations
have been highly seasonal in nature, with the peak activity
occurring from May to September. Consequently, the results of
operations for the first and fourth quarters are traditionally
less profitable than the other quarters of the fiscal year. Such
seasonality and fluctuations may materially affect casino
revenues and profitability.
Environmental Matters. We are subject to various federal,
state and local laws, ordinances and regulations that
(1) govern activities or operations that may have adverse
environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water or
(2) may impose liability for the costs of cleaning up and
certain damages resulting from sites of past spills, disposals
or other releases of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes. We
endeavor to maintain compliance with environmental laws, but
from time to time, current or historical operations on, or
adjacent to, our property may have resulted or may result in
noncompliance or liability for cleanup pursuant to environmental
laws. In that regard, we may incur costs for cleaning up
contamination relating to historical uses of certain of our
properties.
License Agreement. The Companys rights to the trade
name The Sands (the Trade Name) were
derived from a license agreement with an unaffiliated third
party. Amounts payable by the Company for these rights were
equal to the amounts paid to the unaffiliated third party. On
September 29, 2000, High River Limited Partnership
(High River) assigned the Company the rights under a
certain agreement with the owner of the Trade Name to use the
Trade Name as of September 29, 2000 through May 19,
2086, subject to termination rights for a fee after a certain
minimum term. High River is an entity controlled by Carl C.
Icahn. High River received no payments for its assignment of
these rights. Payment is made directly to the owner of the Trade
Name. On or about July 14, 2004, the Company entered into a
license agreement with the Las Vegas Sands, Inc., for the use of
the trade name Sands through May 19, 2086,
subject to termination rights for a fee after a certain minimum
term. This new license agreement superseded and replaced the
above-mentioned trade name rights assigned to the Company by
High River. In connection with the Transaction discussed above,
the July 14, 2004 license agreement was assigned to ACE as
of July 22, 2004. The payments made to the licensor in
connection with the trade name amounts to $259,000, $263,000 and
$272,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002.
8
Employees and Labor Relations. In Atlantic City, all
employees, except certain hotel employees, must be licensed
under the NJCAA. Due to the seasonality of the operations of The
Sands, the number of employees varies during the course of the
year. At December 31, 2004, The Sands had approximately
1,938 employees. The Sands has collective bargaining agreements
with three unions that represent approximately 804 employees.
Management considers its labor relations to be good.
Available Information
We file annual and quarterly reports and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy
any document that we file at the Securities and Exchange
Commissions Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call
1-800-SEC-0300 for further information on the operation of the
Public Reference Room. Reports and other information regarding
issuers, including us, that file electronically with the
Securities and Exchange Commission are also available to the
public from the Securities and Exchange Commissions Web
site at http://www.sec.gov.
Casino Regulation
Casino gaming is strictly regulated in Atlantic City under the
NJCCA and the regulations of the Commission, which affect
virtually all aspects of the operations of The Sands. The NJCCA
and regulations affecting Atlantic City casino licensees concern
primarily the financial stability, integrity and character of
casino operators, their employees, their debt and equity
security holders and others financially interested in casino
operations; the nature of casino/hotel facilities; the operation
methods (including rules of games and credit granting
procedures); and financial and accounting practices used in
connection with casino operations. A number of these regulations
require practices that are different from those in casinos in
Nevada and elsewhere, and some of these regulations result in
casino operating costs greater than those in comparable
facilities in Nevada and elsewhere.
Casino Licenses. The NJCCA requires that all casino
owners and management contractors be licensed by the Commission
and that all employees (except for certain non-casino related
job positions), major shareholders and other persons or entities
financially interested in the casino operation be either
licensed or approved by the Commission. A license is not
transferable and may be revoked or suspended under certain
circumstances by the Commission. A plenary license authorizes
the operation of a casino with the games authorized in an
operation certificate issued by the Commission, and the
operation certificate may be issued only on a finding that the
casino conforms to the requirements of the NJCCA and applicable
regulations and that the casino is prepared to entertain the
public. Under such determination, ACE has been issued a plenary
casino license. The plenary license issued to The Sands was
renewed by the Commission in September 2004 for a period of four
years.
In order to renew the license for The Sands, the Commission
determined that Atlantic Holdings and ACE are financially
stable. In order to be found financially stable
under the NJCCA, Atlantic Holdings and ACE must demonstrate,
among other things, their ability to pay, exchange, or refinance
debts that mature or otherwise become due and payable during the
license term, or to otherwise manage such debts. During July
2004, a timely renewal application of the casino license for a
four year term was filed. The CCC approved the casino license
renewal application for a four year term on September 29,
2004 with certain conditions, including monthly written reports
on the status of the 11% Notes, and a definitive plan by GB
Holdings to address the maturity of the 11% Notes to be
submitted no later than August 1, 2005 as well as other
standard industry reporting requirements.
The NJCCA provides for a casino license fee of not less than
$200,000 based upon the cost of the investigation and
consideration of the license application, and a renewal fee of
not less than $100,000 or $200,000 for a one year or four year
renewal, respectively, based upon the cost of maintaining
control and regulatory activities. In addition, a licensee must
pay annual taxes of 8% of casino win (as defined in the NJCCA).
The NJCCA also requires casino licensees to pay an investment
alternative tax of 2.5% of Gross Revenue (the 2.5%
Tax) or, in lieu thereof, to make quarterly deposits of
1.25% of quarterly Gross Revenue with the
9
CRDA (the Deposits). The Deposits are then used to
purchase bonds at below-market interest rates from the CRDA or
to make qualified investments approved by the CRDA. The CRDA
administers the statutorily mandated investments required to be
funded by casino licensees and is required to expend the monies
received by it for eligible projects as defined in the NJCCA.
The Sands has elected to make the Deposits with the CRDA rather
than pay the 2.5% Tax.
The NJCCA also imposes certain restrictions upon the ownership
of securities issued by a corporation that holds a casino
license or is a holding company of a corporate licensee. Among
other restrictions, the sale, assignment, transfer, pledge or
other disposition of any security issued by a corporate licensee
or holding company is subject to the regulation of the
Commission. The Commission may require divestiture of any
security held by a disqualified holder such as an officer,
director or controlling stockholder who is required to be
qualified under the NJCCA.
Note holders are also subject to the qualification provisions of
the NJCCA and may, in the sole discretion of the Commission, be
required to make filings, submit to regulatory proceedings and
qualify under the NJCCA. If an investor is an
Institutional Investor such as a retirement fund for
governmental employees, a registered investment company or
adviser, a collective investment trust, or an insurance company,
then, in the absence of a prima facie showing by the New Jersey
Division of Gaming Enforcement that the Institutional
Investor may be found unqualified, the Commission shall
grant a waiver of this qualification requirement with respect to
publicly traded debt or equity securities of parent companies or
affiliates if the investor will own (i) less than 10% of
the common stock of the company in question on a fully diluted
basis, or (ii) less than 20% of such companys overall
indebtedness provided the investor owns less than 50% of an
outstanding issue of indebtedness of such company; the
Commission, upon a showing of good cause, may, in its sole
discretion, grant a waiver of qualification to an
Institutional Investor not satisfying the above
percentage criteria. An Institutional Investor must
also purchase securities for investment and have no intent to
influence the management or operations of such company. The
Commission may, in its sole discretion, grant a waiver of the
qualification requirement to investors not qualifying as
Institutional Investors under the NJCCA if such
investors will own less than 5% of the publicly traded common
stock of such company on a fully diluted basis or less than 15%
of the publicly traded outstanding indebtedness of such company.
The Sands is located in Atlantic City, New Jersey on
approximately 6.1 acres of land one-half block from the
Boardwalk at Brighton Park between Indiana Avenue and
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The Sands
facility currently consists of a casino and simulcasting
facility with approximately 78,000 square feet of gaming
space containing approximately 2,205 slot machines and
approximately 73 table games; 2 hotels (see discussion on the
Madison House Hotel immediately below) with an overall total of
620 rooms (including 187 suites); five restaurants; two cocktail
lounges; two private lounges for invited guests; an 800-seat
cabaret theater; retail space; an adjacent nine-story office
building with approximately 77,000 square feet of office
space for its executive, financial and administrative personnel;
the People Mover, an elevated, enclosed, one-way
moving sidewalk connecting The Sands to the Boardwalk using air
rights granted by an easement from the City of Atlantic City and
a garage and surface parking for approximately 1,684 vehicles.
The Sands entered into a long-term lease of the Madison House
Hotel. The initial lease period is from December 2000 to
December 2012 with lease payments ranging from $1.8 million
per year to $2.2 million per year. The Madison House is
physically connected at two floors to the existing Sands
casino-hotel complex. The Sands completed renovations in 2002 to
upgrade and combine the rooms of the Madison House into a total
of 113 suites and 13 single rooms. It is the intention of The
Sands to maintain and operate the Madison House at the same
quality level as The Sands.
With the exception of the land over which the People Mover is
constructed and the Madison House Hotel land, the Company owns
the land and improvements comprising The Sands facility.
The Company owns and operates the casino, the hotel, all of the
restaurants, the cocktail lounge, the private lounges, the
theatre and a retail gift shop. In addition, the Company has
licensed certain space within the hotel building to unrelated
third parties who operate a beauty shop, a peanut shop, a game
room and a coffee stand.
10
|
|
Item 3. |
Legal Proceedings |
We are, from time to time, parties to various legal proceedings
arising out of our businesses. We believe, however, that other
than the proceedings discussed below, there are no proceedings
pending or threatened against us, which, if determined
adversely, would have a material adverse effect upon our
business, financial conditions, results of operations or
liquidity.
Tax appeals on behalf of ACE and the City of Atlantic City
challenging the amount of ACEs real property assessments
for tax years 1996 through 2003 are pending before the
NJ Tax Court.
By letter dated January 23, 2004, Sheffield Enterprises,
Inc. asserted potential claims against the Company under the
Lanham Act for permitting a show entitled The Main Event, to run
at The Sands during 2001. Sheffield also asserts certain
copyright infringement claims growing out of the Main Event
performances. This matter was concluded by a confidential
settlement entered in to by the parties in January 2005. Under
the settlement, the Company was fully indemnified by Main
Events insurer for the amount of the stipulated damages.
The Company was responsible for payment of its own legal fees,
which were not material.
|
|
Item 4. |
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company did not submit
any matter to a stockholder vote.
11
PART II
|
|
Item 5. |
Market for the Registrants Common Stock and Related
Security Holder Matters |
GB Holdings voting securities consist of an aggregate of
10,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of .01
per share. As of March 28, 2005 there were 9 record holders
of GB Holdings Common Stock.
In July 2004, our board of directors set July 23, 2004, as
the payment date for the distribution (the
Distribution), on a pro rata basis, to the
stockholders of record of the Company on July 22, 2004 (the
Record Date), of 10,000,000 warrants issued by
Atlantic Holdings, which under certain conditions will allow the
holders to purchase from Atlantic Holdings, an aggregate of
2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, at a
purchase price of $.01 per share, representing 27.5% of the
outstanding common stock of Atlantic Holdings, on a fully
diluted basis, which is equivalent to a dividend of 1 warrant to
purchase .275 shares of common stock of Atlantic Holdings
for every 1 share of common stock of the Company. The
Company has no plans to pay any other dividend in the future.
The GB Holdings Common Stock was listed and commenced
trading on the AMEX on March 27, 2002. To the
Companys knowledge, other than certain of the shares of
GB Holdings Common Stock owned by affiliates of Carl
Icahn (77.5%), and Robino Stortini Holdings, LLC (16.1%),
substantially all of the shares of the GB Holdings
Common Stock are held by Cede & Co. as nominee.
On September 2, 2004, the Securities and Exchange
Commission granted GB Holdings application to delist the
GB Holdings Common Stock from trading on the AMEX
effective at the opening of business on September 3, 2004.
On September 4, 2004, the AMEX delisted the
GB Holdings Common Stock.
As of March 30, 2005, GB Holdings had 9 record holders and
because GB Holdings has less than 300 record holders of common
stock, GB Holdings may de-register the GB Holdings Common
Stock. See RISK FACTORS The Company may seek
to de-register the GB Holdings Common Stock.
GB Holdings Common Stock is quoted on the NASD
over-the-counter electronic bulletin board under the symbol
GBHD.PK. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices
and may not represent actual transactions.
The range of high and low market prices for
GB Holdings Common Stock from January 1, 2003
through September 4, 2004, the date of delisting from AMEX,
and of our high and low quotations from September 5, 2004
through December 31, 2004, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended: |
|
High | |
|
Low | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
March 31, 2003
|
|
$ |
2.98 |
|
|
$ |
2.45 |
|
June 30, 2003
|
|
$ |
6.20 |
|
|
$ |
2.66 |
|
September 30, 2003
|
|
$ |
6.00 |
|
|
$ |
2.56 |
|
December 31, 2003
|
|
$ |
3.70 |
|
|
$ |
2.41 |
|
March 31, 2004
|
|
$ |
3.10 |
|
|
$ |
2.30 |
|
June 30, 2004
|
|
$ |
2.41 |
|
|
$ |
1.87 |
|
July 1, 2004 through September 4, 2004
|
|
$ |
3.09 |
|
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bid Quotations | |
|
|
| |
|
|
High | |
|
Low | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
September 5, 2004 through September 30, 2004
|
|
$ |
2.50 |
|
|
$ |
1.05 |
|
December 31, 2004
|
|
$ |
3.85 |
|
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
12
|
|
Item 6. |
Selected Financial Data |
The following table summarizes certain selected historical
consolidated financial data of GB Holdings, and is
qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction
with, GB Holdings Consolidated Financial Statements
and related Notes thereto contained elsewhere herein. The data
as of December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000 and for
the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and
2000 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial
statements of GB Holdings at those dates and for those periods.
All references herein to the Company and GB Holdings are on
a consolidated basis and all operating assets, including cash,
are owned by GB Holdings subsidiaries, Atlantic
Holdings and ACE, and GB Holdings sole asset is
2,882,938 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock.
The Company implemented Statement of Position No. 90-7
Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under
the Bankruptcy Code and, therefore, adopted fresh
start reporting as of September 30, 2000. The
Companys emergence from its Chapter 11 proceedings
resulted in a new reporting entity with no retained earnings or
accumulated deficit as of September 30, 2000. Accordingly,
the Companys consolidated financial statements for periods
prior to September 30, 2000 are not comparable to
consolidated financial statements presented on or subsequent to
September 30, 2000. Column headings have been included on
the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations Data to
distinguish between the pre-reorganization and
post-reorganization entities.
13
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre- | |
|
|
Post-Reorganization | |
|
|
Reorganization | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
10/01/00 | |
|
|
01/01/00 | |
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
Year Ended | |
|
Year Ended | |
|
Year Ended | |
|
through | |
|
|
through | |
|
|
12/31/04 | |
|
12/31/03 | |
|
12/31/02 | |
|
12/31/01 | |
|
12/31/00 | |
|
|
09/30/00 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Statements of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Revenues
|
|
$ |
194,389 |
|
|
$ |
191,683 |
|
|
$ |
213,273 |
|
|
$ |
237,463 |
|
|
$ |
47,910 |
|
|
|
$ |
168,634 |
|
Promotional Allowances
|
|
|
(23,146 |
) |
|
|
(23,934 |
) |
|
|
(23,356 |
) |
|
|
(29,298 |
) |
|
|
(7,099 |
) |
|
|
|
(20,922 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
|
171,243 |
|
|
|
167,749 |
|
|
|
189,917 |
|
|
|
208,165 |
|
|
|
40,811 |
|
|
|
|
147,712 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Departmental
|
|
|
153,087 |
|
|
|
155,122 |
|
|
|
169,046 |
|
|
|
189,393 |
|
|
|
41,702 |
|
|
|
|
124,897 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
14,898 |
|
|
|
14,123 |
|
|
|
13,292 |
|
|
|
10,511 |
|
|
|
2,756 |
|
|
|
|
8,561 |
|
|
Provision for obligatory investments
|
|
|
1,165 |
|
|
|
1,434 |
|
|
|
1,521 |
|
|
|
1,238 |
|
|
|
1,068 |
|
|
|
|
853 |
|
|
Loss on impairment of assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,282 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
|
|
|
152 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
185 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses
|
|
|
169,302 |
|
|
|
170,707 |
|
|
|
185,326 |
|
|
|
201,162 |
|
|
|
45,537 |
|
|
|
|
134,321 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
1,941 |
|
|
|
(2,958 |
) |
|
|
4,591 |
|
|
|
7,003 |
|
|
|
(4,726 |
) |
|
|
|
13,391 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-operating income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
422 |
|
|
|
627 |
|
|
|
1,067 |
|
|
|
2,671 |
|
|
|
1,338 |
|
|
|
|
518 |
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(11,115 |
) |
|
|
(12,581 |
) |
|
|
(12,195 |
) |
|
|
(11,453 |
) |
|
|
(3,143 |
) |
|
|
|
(366 |
) |
|
Debt restructuring costs
|
|
|
(3,084 |
) |
|
|
(1,843 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reorganization costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
|
(2,807 |
) |
|
Gain on prepetition debt discharge
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,795 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-operating expense, net
|
|
|
(13,777 |
) |
|
|
(13,797 |
) |
|
|
(11,128 |
) |
|
|
(8,782 |
) |
|
|
(1,771 |
) |
|
|
|
12,140 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) income before income taxes
|
|
|
(11,836 |
) |
|
|
(16,755 |
) |
|
|
(6,537 |
) |
|
|
(1,779 |
) |
|
|
(6,497 |
) |
|
|
|
25,531 |
|
Income tax provision
|
|
|
(986 |
) |
|
|
(958 |
) |
|
|
(784 |
) |
|
|
(55 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
|
$ |
(12,822 |
) |
|
$ |
(17,713 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,321 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,834 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,497 |
) |
|
|
$ |
25,531 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic/diluted (loss) income per common share:
|
|
$ |
(1.28 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.77 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.73 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.18 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.65 |
) |
|
|
$ |
2.55 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
Other Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Expenditures
|
|
$ |
17,378 |
|
|
$ |
12,825 |
|
|
$ |
14,058 |
|
|
$ |
23,095 |
|
|
$ |
2,934 |
|
|
|
$ |
14,422 |
|
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(3)
|
|
|
0.0 |
x |
|
|
(0.2 |
)x |
|
|
0.5 |
x |
|
|
0.9 |
x |
|
|
5.9 |
x(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
Deficiency of less than one-to-one ratio
|
|
$ |
11,483 |
|
|
$ |
16,452 |
|
|
$ |
6,300 |
|
|
$ |
1,779 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of | |
|
As of | |
|
As of | |
|
As of | |
|
As of | |
|
|
|
|
12/31/04 | |
|
12/31/03 | |
|
12/31/02 | |
|
12/31/01 | |
|
12/31/00 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
216,958 |
|
|
$ |
227,563 |
|
|
$ |
244,712 |
|
|
$ |
255,922 |
|
|
$ |
264,247 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total current capital leases
|
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current portion long-term debt
|
|
|
43,741 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current capital leases
|
|
|
432 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
|
66,259 |
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
110,371 |
|
|
|
110,838 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
35,226 |
|
|
|
91,635 |
|
|
|
109,348 |
|
|
|
116,669 |
|
|
|
118,503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Income (loss) per share information is presented on a pro forma
basis for periods presented prior to the September 30, 2000. |
|
(2) |
Includes $14,795 of gain on pre-petition debt discharge and is
presented for combined full year 2000. |
|
(3) |
For purposes of calculating this ratio, earnings consist of the
sum of (a) pretax income, (b) fixed charges and
(c) amortization of capitalized interest, less the sum of
interest capitalized. Fixed charges consists of
(a) interest expensed and capitalized, (b) amortized
premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to
indebtedness, and (c) our estimate of the interest within
rental expense. |
15
|
|
Item 7. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations |
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking
statements about the business, financial condition and prospects
of GB Holdings, Inc. (GB Holdings),
Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (Atlantic
Holdings) and ACE Gaming LLC (ACE) and
collectively with GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings the
Company. The actual results could differ materially
from those indicated by the forward-looking statements because
of various risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties
are beyond managements ability to control and, in many
cases, cannot be predicted by management. When used in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K, the words believes,
estimates, anticipates,
expects, intends and similar expressions
as they relate to GB Holdings, Atlantic Holdings, ACE or
its management are intended to identify forward-looking
statements (see Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act below). All references herein to the Company and GB
Holdings are on a consolidated basis and all operating assets,
including cash, are owned by GB Holdings subsidiaries,
Atlantic Holdings and ACE, and GB Holdings sole asset is
2,882,938 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock.
Overview
GB Holdings is a Delaware corporation. In February 1994,
GB Holdings acquired Greate Bay Hotel and Casino, Inc.
(GBHC), through a capital contribution by its then
parent. GBHCs principal business activity was its
ownership of The Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City
(The Sands). Until July 22, 2004, GBHC was the
owner and operator of The Sands. Atlantic Holdings is a Delaware
corporation and was a wholly-owned subsidiary of GBHC which was
a wholly-owned subsidiary of GB Holdings and was formed in
October 2003. ACE a New Jersey limited liability company and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlantic Holdings was formed in
November 2003. Atlantic Holdings and ACE were formed in
connection with a transaction (the Transaction),
which included the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange in
which holders of $110 million of 11% Notes due 2005
(the 11% Notes), issued by GB Property
Funding Corp. (Property), a wholly-owned subsidiary
of GB Holdings, were given the opportunity to exchange such
notes, on a dollar for dollar basis, for $110 million of
3% Notes due 2008 (the 3% Notes), issued
by Atlantic Holdings. The Transaction and the Consent
Solicitation and Offer to Exchange were consummated on
July 22, 2004, and holders of approximately
$66.3 million of 11% Notes exchanged such notes for
approximately $66.3 million of 3% Notes. Also on
July 22, 2004, in connection with a Consent Solicitation
and Offer to Exchange, the indenture governing the
11% Notes was amended to eliminate certain covenants and to
release the liens on the collateral securing such Notes. The
Transaction included, among other things, the transfer of
substantially all of the assets of GB Holdings to Atlantic
Holdings. The transfer of assets has been accounted for as an
exchange of net assets between entities under common control,
whereby the entity receiving the assets shall initially
recognize the assets and liabilities transferred at their
historical carrying amount in the accounts of the transferring
entity at the date of transfer. No gain or loss was recorded
relating to the transfer. The 3% Notes, are guaranteed by
ACE. Atlantic Holdings and its subsidiary, ACE, had limited
operating activities prior to July 22, 2004. Also on
July 22, 2004, in connection with the consummation of the
Transaction and the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange,
Property and GBHC, merged into GB Holdings, with
GB Holdings as the surviving entity. In connection with the
transfer of the assets and certain liabilities of
GB Holdings, including the assets and certain liabilities
of GBHC, Atlantic Holdings issued 2,882,938 shares of
common stock, par value $.01 per share (the Atlantic
Holdings Common Stock) of Atlantic Holdings to GBHC which,
following the merger of GBHC became the sole asset of
GB Holdings. Substantially all of the assets and
liabilities of GB Holdings and GBHC (with the exception of
the remaining 11% Notes and accrued interest thereon, the
Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, and the related pro rata share
of deferred financing costs) were transferred to Atlantic
Holdings or ACE. As part of the Transaction an aggregate of
10,000,000 warrants, issued by Atlantic Holdings, were
distributed on a pro rata basis to the stockholders of
GB Holdings upon the consummation of the Transaction. Such
Warrants allow the holders to purchase, from Atlantic Holdings,
at an exercise price of $.01 per share, an aggregate of
2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and are
only exercisable following the earlier of (a) either the
3% Notes being paid in cash or upon conversion, in whole or
in part, into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, (b) payment
in full of the outstanding principal of the 11% Notes
exchanged, or (c) a determination by a majority of the
board of directors of Atlantic Holdings (including at least one
independent director of Atlantic
16
Holdings) that the Warrants may be exercised. The New Jersey
gaming license for The Sands was transferred to ACE in
accordance with the approval of the New Jersey Casino Control
Commission.
GB Holdings owns 2,882,938 shares of Atlantic Holdings
Common Stock, which, on a non-diluted basis, represents 100% of
the outstanding Atlantic Holdings Common Stock. At the election
of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount
of the 3% Notes outstanding, which they may exercise at any
time in their sole discretion, such Notes are convertible into
4,367,062 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock. Also,
as set forth above, if such holders so elect, the Warrants will
be exercisable for 2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings
Common Stock. Currently, affiliates of Mr. Icahn own
approximately 96% of the 3% Notes and have the ability,
which they may exercise prior to the maturity of the 11% Notes
or at any other time in their sole discretion, to determine when
and whether the 3% Notes will be paid in or convertible
into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock at, or prior to, maturity,
thereby making the Warrants exercisable. If the 3% Notes
are converted into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and the
Warrants are exercised, GB Holdings will own 28.8% of the
Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and affiliates of Carl Icahn will
beneficially own approximately 63.4% of the Atlantic Holdings
Common Stock (without giving effect to the affiliates of
Mr. Icahns interest in Atlantic Holdings Common Stock
which is owned by GB Holdings).
On September 2, 2004, the Securities and Exchange
Commission granted GB Holdings application to delist the
GB Holdings Common Stock from trading on the American
Stock Exchange (AMEX) effective at the opening of
business on September 3, 2004. On September 4, 2004,
the AMEX delisted the Common Stock.
The Company primarily generates revenues from gaming operations
in its Atlantic City facility. Although the Companys other
business activities including rooms, entertainment, retail
store, food and beverage operations also generate revenues,
which are nominal in comparison to the casino operations. The
non-casino operations primarily support the casino operation by
providing complimentary goods and services to deserving casino
customers. The Company competes in a capital intensive industry
that requires continual reinvestment in its facility and
technology.
The Company faces a number of competitive challenges during
fiscal 2005, including increased competition from other existing
casinos that invested in capital improvements, and a
corresponding increase in competition for both table game and
slot machine players.
In connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to
Exchange described above, holders of approximately
$66.3 million of 11% Notes exchanged such notes for an
equal principal amount of 3% Notes. As a result,
approximately $43.7 million of principal amount of the
11% Notes remain outstanding and will mature in September
2005. GB Holdings ability to pay the interest and
principal amount of the remaining 11% Notes at maturity in
September 2005 will depend upon its ability to refinance such
Notes on favorable terms or at all or to derive sufficient funds
from the sale of its Atlantic Holdings Common Stock or from a
borrowing. If GB Holdings is unable to pay the interest and
principal due on the remaining 11% Notes at maturity it
could result in, among other things, the possibility of GB
Holdings seeking bankruptcy protection or being forced into
bankruptcy or reorganization. The status of the 11% Notes
due September 2005 is currently being reviewed by the Company
and various alternatives are being evaluated.
Pursuant to New Jersey law, the corporate owner of The Sands is
required to maintain a casino license in order to operate The
Sands. The gaming licenses required to own and operate The Sands
were required to be renewed in 2004, which required that the CCC
determine that among other things, Atlantic Holdings and ACE are
financially stable. In order to be found financially
stable under the NJCCA, Atlantic Holdings and ACE must
demonstrate among other things, their ability to pay, exchange,
or refinance debts that mature or otherwise become due and
payable during the license term, or to otherwise manage such
debts. During July 2004, a timely renewal application of the
casino license for a four year term was filed. The CCC approved
the casino license renewal application for a four year term on
September 29, 2004 with certain conditions, including
monthly written reports on the status of the 11% Notes, a
definitive plan by GB Holdings to address the maturity of
the 11% Notes, to be submitted no later than August 1,
2005 as well as other standard industry reporting requirements.
17
Liquidity and Capital Resources
In connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to
Exchange described above, holders of $66,258,970 of
11% Notes exchanged such notes for an equal principal
amount of 3% Notes. As a result, $43,741,030 of principal
amount of the 11% Notes remain outstanding and will mature
on September 29, 2005. GB Holdings ability to pay the
interest and principal amount of the remaining 11% Notes at
maturity in September 2005 will depend upon its ability to
refinance such Notes on favorable terms or at all or to derive
sufficient funds from the sale of its Atlantic Holdings Common
Stock or from a borrowing. If GB Holdings is unable to pay the
interest and principal due on the remaining 11% Notes at
maturity it could result in, among other things, the possibility
of GB Holdings seeking bankruptcy protection or being forced
into bankruptcy or reorganization. The status of the
11% Notes due September 2005 is currently being reviewed by
the Company and various alternatives are being evaluated.
Management believes that cash flows generated from operations of
the subsidiaries of the Company during 2005, as well as
available cash reserves, will be sufficient to meet their
operating plan. Based upon expected cash flow generated from
operations, management determined that it would be prudent for
the subsidiaries of the Company to obtain a line of credit to
provide additional cash availability, to meet the working
capital needs of the subsidiaries of the Company, in the event
that anticipated cash flow is less than expected or expenses
exceed those anticipated. As a result of this determination, on
November 12, 2004, Atlantic Holdings and ACE entered into a
senior secured revolving credit facility, with Fortress Credit
Corp. (Fortress), which provides for working capital
loans of up to $10 million to be used for working capital
purposes, in the operation of The Sands. The loan agreement and
the loans thereunder have been designated by the Board of
Directors of Atlantic Holdings and Atlantic Holdings,as manager
of ACE, as Working Capital Indebtedness (as that term is defined
in the Indenture, dated as of July 22, 2004, among Atlantic
Holdings, as issuer, ACE, as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, as trustee). As of December 31, 2004,
the Company had not borrowed any funds available under the
$10 million credit facility.
Atlantic Holdings and ACE are currently exploring various plans
for potential expansion and improvements. If they decide to
expand and improve the facilities, they will need to obtain
additional financing since internally generated funds and
amounts available for borrowing under existing facilities would
not be sufficient. They may not be able to obtain the required
consents or additional financing.
At December 31, 2004, the Company had cash and cash
equivalents of $12.8 million. The Company generated
$4.4 million of net cash provided by operating activities
during the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to
$2.3 million used in operating activities and
$9.7 million provided by operating activities during the
years ending December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2004
amounted to $17.4 million compared to $12.8 million
and $14.1 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The
2004 expenditures primarily included the 15th floor suite
renovations, new slot machines and refurbishing premium slot and
table game areas of the casino. In order to enhance its
competitive position in the market place, The Company may
determine to incur additional substantial costs and expenses to
maintain, improve and expand its facilities and operations
depending on availability of cash flow.
The Company is required by the NJCCA to make certain quarterly
deposits based on gross revenue with the CRDA in lieu of a
certain investment alternative tax. Deposits for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 amounted to
$2.3 million, $2.3 million and $2.5 million,
respectively.
18
In connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to
Exchange described above, holders of approximately $66,259,000
of 11% Notes exchanged such notes for an equal principal
amount of 3% Notes. As a result, approximately $43,741,000
of principal amount of the 11% Notes remain outstanding and
mature on September 29, 2005. GB Holdings ability to
pay the interest and principal amount of the remaining
11% Notes at maturity on September 29, 2005 will
depend upon its ability to refinance such Notes on favorable
terms or at all or to derive sufficient funds from the sale of
its Atlantic Holdings Common Stock or from a borrowing. If GB
Holdings is unable to pay the interest and principal due on the
remaining 11% Notes at maturity it could result in, among
other things, the possibility of GB Holdings seeking bankruptcy
protection or being forced into bankruptcy or reorganization.
The 3% Notes mature on July 22, 2008.
At December 31, 2004 and 2003, accrued interest on the
11% Notes was $1,216,000 and $3,092,000, respectively.
Interest on the 11% Notes is due semi-annually on
March 29th and September 29th. Accrued interest on the
3% Notes was $883,000 at December 31, 2004. Interest
on the 3% Notes is due at maturity, on July 22, 2008.
On November 12, 2004, Atlantic Holdings and ACE entered
into a Loan and Security Agreement (the Loan
Agreement), by and among Atlantic Holdings, as borrower,
ACE, as guarantor, and Fortress Credit Corp., as lender, and
certain related ancillary documents, pursuant to which, Fortress
agreed to make available to Atlantic Holdings a senior secured
revolving credit line providing for working capital loans of up
to $10 million (the Loans), to be used for
working capital purposes in the operation of The Sands. The Loan
Agreement and the Loans thereunder have been designated by the
Board of Directors of Atlantic Holdings and Atlantic Holdings,
as manager of ACE, as Working Capital Indebtedness (as that term
is defined in the Indenture) (the Indenture), dated
as of July 22, 2004, among Atlantic Holdings, as issuer,
ACE, as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,
as trustee (the Trustee).
The aggregate amount of the Loans shall not exceed
$10 million plus interest. All Loans under the Loan
Agreement are payable in full by no later than the day
immediately prior to the one-year anniversary of the Loan
Agreement, or any earlier date on which the Loans are required
to be paid in full, by acceleration or otherwise, pursuant to
the Loan Agreement.
The outstanding principal balance of the Loan Agreement will
accrue interest at a fixed rate to be set monthly which is equal
to one month LIBOR (but not less than 1.5%), plus 8% per
annum. In addition to interest payable on the principal balance
outstanding from time to time under the Loan Agreement, Atlantic
Holdings is required to pay to Fortress an unused line fee for
each preceding three-month period during the term of the Loan
Agreement in an amount equal to .35% of the excess of the
available commitment over the average outstanding monthly
balance during such preceding three-month period.
The Loans are secured by a first lien and security interest on
all of Atlantic Holdings and ACEs personal property
and a first mortgage on The Sands. Fortress entered into an
Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2004,
with the Trustee pursuant to the Loan Agreement. The Liens (as
that term is defined in the Indenture) of the Trustee on the
Collateral (as that term is defined in the Indenture), are
subject and inferior to Liens which secure Working Capital
Indebtedness such as the Loans.
Fortress may terminate its obligation to advance and declare the
unpaid balance of the Loans, or any part thereof, immediately
due and payable upon the occurrence and during the continuance
of customary defaults which include payment default, covenant
defaults, bankruptcy type defaults, attachments, judgments, the
occurrence of certain material adverse events, criminal
proceedings, and defaults by Atlantic Holdings or ACE under
certain other agreements.
The Borrower and Guarantor on the Loan Agreement are required to
maintain the following financial covenants; (1) a minimum
EBITDA (as defined in the Loan Agreement) of $12.5 million,
which shall be measured and confirmed as of the twelve month
period ended each respective January 1, April 1,
July 1 and October 1 of each year until the full and
final satisfaction of the loan and (2) a Minimum Leverage
Ratio of which the Borrower shall not permit its ratio of
defined Total Debt to EBITDA, as measured and confirmed
19
annually on a trailing twelve month basis to exceed 6.25:1. As
of December 31, 2004, the Company is in compliance with
these covenants.
Pursuant to New Jersey law, the corporate owner of The Sands is
required to maintain a casino license in order to operate The
Sands. The gaming licenses required to own and operate The Sands
were required to be renewed in 2004, which required that the CCC
determine that among other things, Atlantic Holdings and ACE are
financially stable. In order to be found financially
stable under NJCCA, Atlantic Holdings and ACE had to
demonstrate among other things, its ability to pay, exchange, or
refinance debts that mature or otherwise become due and payable
during the license term, or to otherwise manage such debts.
During July 2004, The Sands filed a timely renewal application
of its casino license for a four year term. The CCC approved The
Sands casino license renewal application on
September 29, 2004 with certain conditions, including
monthly written reports on the status of the 11% Notes, a
definitive plan to address the maturity of the 11% Notes,
to be submitted no later than August 1, 2005 as well as
other standard industry reporting requirements.
|
|
|
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates |
The Companys discussion and analysis of its results of
operations and financial condition are based upon its
consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in
accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles
(US GAAP). The preparation of financial statements
in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates and assumptions are
evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical and
other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The results of these estimates may form the basis of the
carrying value of certain assets and liabilities and may
not be readily apparent from other sources. Actual results,
under conditions and circumstances different from those assumed,
may differ from estimates. The impact and any associated risks
related to estimates, assumptions, and accounting policies are
discussed within Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as well as in the
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, if applicable,
where such estimates, assumptions, and accounting policies
affect the Companys reported and expected financial
results.
The Company believes the following accounting policies are
critical to its business operations and the understanding of
results of operations and affect the more significant judgments
and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated
financial statements:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company
maintains accounts receivable allowances for estimated losses
resulting from the inability of its customers to make required
payments. The adequacy of the allowance is determined by
management based on a periodic review of the receivable
portfolio. Additional allowances may be required if the
financial condition of the Companys customers deteriorates.
Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation On an ongoing basis, the Company assesses
the potential liabilities related to any lawsuits or claims
brought against the Company. While it is typically very
difficult to determine the timing and ultimate outcome of such
actions, the Company uses its best judgment to determine if it
is probable that it will incur an expense related to the
settlement or final adjudication of such matters and whether a
reasonable estimation of such probable loss, if any, can be
made. In assessing probable losses, the Company makes estimates
of the amount of insurance recoveries, if any. The Company
accrues a liability when it believes a loss is probable and the
amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Due to the inherent
uncertainties related to the eventual outcome of litigation and
potential insurance recovery, it is possible that certain
matters may be resolved for amounts materially different from
any provisions or disclosures that the Company has previously
made.
Long-Lived Assets The Company periodically
reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
asset may not be recoverable. Assumptions and estimates used in
the determination of impairment losses, such as future cash
flows and disposition costs, may affect the carrying value of
long-lived assets and possible impairment expense in the
Companys consolidated financial statements.
20
Self-Insurance The Company retains the
obligation for certain losses related to customers claims
of personal injuries incurred while on the Company property as
well as workers compensation claims beginning in 2002 and major
medical claims for non-union employees beginning in 2003. The
Company accrues for outstanding reported claims, claims that
have been incurred but not reported and projected claims based
upon managements estimates of the aggregate liability for
uninsured claims using historical experience, and adjusting
companys estimates and the estimated trends in claim
values. Although management believes it has the ability to
adequately project and record estimated claim payments, it is
possible that actual results could differ significantly from the
recorded liabilities.
Income Taxes The Company accounts for income
tax assets and liabilities in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards, Accounting for Income Taxes, or
SFAS No. 109. SFAS No. 109 requires the
recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the
expected future tax consequences of temporary differences
between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing
assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in
tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the
enactment date. The Company maintains valuation allowances where
it is determined more likely than not that all or a portion of a
deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation
allowances from period to period are included in the tax
provision in the period of change. In determining whether a
valuation allowance is warranted, Management takes into account
such factors as prior earnings history, expected future
earnings, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax planning
strategies. Management believes that it is more likely than not
that the tax benefits of certain future deductible temporary
differences will be realized based on the reversal of existing
temporary differences, and therefore, a valuation allowance has
not been provided for these deferred tax assets. Additionally,
management has determined that the realization of certain of the
Companys deferred tax assets is not more likely than not
and, as such, has provided a valuation allowance against those
deferred tax assets at December 31, 2004 and 2003.
Allowance for Obligatory Investments The
Company maintains obligatory investment allowances for its
investments made in satisfaction of its CRDA obligation. The
obligatory investments may ultimately take the form of CRDA
issued bonds, which bear interest at below market rates, direct
investments or donations. CRDA bonds bear interest at
approximately one-third below market rates. Management bases its
reserves on the type of investments the obligation has taken or
is expected to take. Donations of The Sands quarterly
deposits to the CRDA have historically yielded a 51% future
credit or refund of obligations. Therefore, management has
reserved the predominant balance of its obligatory investments
at between 33% and 49%.
Results of Operations
Information contained herein, regarding Atlantic City casinos
other than The Sands, was obtained from reports filed with the
Commission.
Table game drop increased by $30.0 million (13.8%) during
2004 compared with 2003 and decreased by $24.7 million
(10.2%) in 2003 compared to 2002. By comparison, according to
Commission reports, table game drop at all other Atlantic City
casinos increased 10.3% in 2004 compared to 2003 and by 2.6% in
2003 compared to 2002. During 2004, The Sands has gradually
increased its number of table games to 83 units at
December 31, 2004 after increasing to 73 units in 2003
from 40 units at the end of 2002. The table game product
was supported by marketing, player development and customer
service programs that focused on attracting premium and middle
category table game players.
Slot machine handle decreased $124.0 million (6.5%) during
2004, compared with 2003 and $307.5 million (13.8%) in 2003
compared to 2002. By comparison, according to Commission
reports, the percentage increase in slot machine handle for all
other Atlantic City casinos for the same periods was 6.7% and
2.1%, respectively. The decreased Sands slot handle during 2004
and 2003 can be attributed to an increase in
21
competitive capacity of both gaming space and hotel rooms in the
Atlantic City Market. The number of slot machines increased
slightly at The Sands to 2,205 at December 31, 2004
compared to 2,202 at December 31, 2003. For all other
Atlantic City casinos, the number of slot machines decreased
1.9% in 2004 compared to 2003.
Casino revenues at The Sands increased by $2.8 million
(1.8%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and decreased by
$20.3 million (11.5%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004
increase was due to the $7.0 million increase in table game
revenues, which was a result of the $30.0 million (13.8%)
increase in table game drop and a 1.0% increase in table hold
percentage. An increase in slot hold percentage from 7.78% in
2003 to 8.15% in 2004 slightly offset the impact of the decrease
in slot handle. The 2003 decrease was due to the
$19.3 million decline in slot revenues, which was a result
of the $307.5 million (13.8%) decrease in slot handle. The
decrease in slot handle was primarily due to an increase in
competitive capacity in the Atlantic City market.
Room revenues decreased by $86,000 (0.8%) in 2004 compared to
2003 and by $149,000 (1.3%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004
decrease is due to a decrease in occupied room nights offset
slightly by an increase in average room rates. The 2004 decrease
in occupied room nights was due to the continuing increased
rooms inventory in the Atlantic City market and a conscious
decision to reduce the number of complimentary rooms allotted to
lower rated customers as compared to the prior year. The 2003
decrease is due to a decrease in occupied room nights while
average room rates remained flat. This was a result of a
decrease in occupied room nights for cash sales, offset slightly
by an increase in occupied room nights for complimentary rooms.
The 2003 decline in occupied room nights for cash sales is
primarily due to the increased rooms inventory in the Atlantic
City market as a result of the Borgata, which opened in July
2003, as well as room additions at existing competitors.
Food and beverage revenues decreased $64,000 (0.3%) in 2004
compared to 2003 and decreased by $1.4 million (5.8%) in
2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 decrease is due to a $662,000
decrease in food revenue offset by a $598,000 increase in
beverage revenues. The decrease in food revenue is primarily due
to a decrease in cash sales and covers in the Boardwalk Buffet.
The increase in beverage revenue is due to increased sales (cash
and complimentary) in Swingers Lounge. The 2003 decrease is due
to a decrease in food revenue ($2.2 million) partially
offset by an increase in beverage revenues ($841,000). The
decrease in food revenue occurred predominantly in the high
volume outlets (Boardwalk Buffet and Food Factory). The Food
Factory has been closed since December 2002. In 2002, these
outlets were the preferred choice of and marketed to the mass
category slot player. The 2003 increase in beverage revenue is
primarily due to the new Swingers lounge, which opened in July
2003, as well as increases in room service and casino service
bars.
Other revenues increased $26,000 in 2004 compared to 2003 and by
$179,000 (4.8%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 increase is
due to increased revenue from outlet rentals, parking and
commissions offset by decreases in entertainment and retail
sales. The 2003 increase is due to increased revenue in
entertainment, lobby store sales and parking. These increases
were primarily from complimentaries provided to customers in the
middle and premium segments.
Promotional allowances are comprised of the estimated retail
value of complimentary goods and services provided to the casino
customers under various marketing programs. As a percentage of
casino revenues, promotional allowances decreased to 14.7%
during 2004 compared to 15.5% during 2003 and increased from
13.3% in 2002. The 2004 decrease is primarily attributable to a
Company emphasis to provide increased profitability of customers
and less reliance on lower rated room customers. The 2003
increase is a result of the marketing, player development and
customer service programs implemented to maintain and recapture
lost market share in the middle and premium player segments due
to the reduction in table games and the marketing program during
the summer of 2002 that focused on the mass slot player segments.
22
Casino expenses at The Sands decreased by $2.2 million
(4.2%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and by $7.3 million (12.2%)
in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 decrease is primarily due to
reduced payroll and benefits costs ($1.9 million) as a
result of the increased utilization of ticket-in/ticket-out slot
technology, which reduces related slot and cashier labor. The
2003 decrease is primarily due to a reduction in casino payroll
and employee benefits ($2.4 million) as a result of a full
year of lower employment levels related to a series of layoffs
and job eliminations beginning in 2001. Other favorable casino
expense variances in 2003 were directly related to the lower
casino revenues, including gaming taxes ($1.8 million). The
2002 decrease in casino expenses is primarily due to the
reduction of complimentary costs associated with food and
beverage and decreased Casino payroll expenses due to the
reduction in table games. The decrease in the provision for
doubtful accounts expense was caused by a reduction in credit
issuance due to lower table game activity. Lower costs for
customer transportation were a result of reduced volume in air
travel and ground transportation. Reductions in advertising
expense and gaming revenue tax also contributed significantly to
the decreases in casino expenses in 2002.
Rooms expenses increased by $720,000 (26.9%) in 2004 compared to
2003 and decreased by $962,000 (26.4%) in 2003 compared to 2002.
The 2004 increase is primarily due to less allocable cost
related to a decrease in complimentary rooms utilization by
Casino and Marketing departments ($849,000). The 2003 decrease
is primarily due to reductions in staffing, which reduced
payroll and employee benefits. Linen usage and laundry expense
decreased as a result of fewer occupied rooms in 2003 compared
to 2002.
Food and beverage expenses decreased by $551,000 (6.5%) in 2004
compared to 2003 and by $1.9 million (18.0%) in 2003
compared to 2002. The 2004 decrease is primarily due to lower
payroll and employee benefits ($1.2 million) and cost of
food sales ($139,000) offset by increased costs as a result of
lower allocable costs for complimentaries ($366,000) and
employee meals ($240,000). Cost of beverage sales increased also
($203,000) as a direct result of increased sales. The 2003
decrease is due to a decrease in payroll and employee benefits
as a result of staffing reductions. Food cost of sales decreased
as a result of lower food costs in the Boardwalk Buffet and the
closing of the Food Factory in 2002. These favorable variances
were offset slightly by lower allocable food and beverage costs
transferred to other departments.
Other expenses decreased by $427,000 (32.9%) in 2004 compared to
2003 and increased by $75,000 (6.1%) in 2003 compared to 2002.
The 2004 decrease is due to lower costs for headline
entertainment and allocable cost of complimentaries as a result
of fewer headline shows in 2004 than 2003. The 2003 increase was
due to increased entertainment costs as the theatre was open
more often with headliner entertainers than it was in 2002.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by
$413,000 (0.5%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and decreased by
$3.9 million (4.1%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004
increase is due to increases in utilities ($443,000),
advertising and payroll taxes ($362,000) partially offset by
decreases in allocated cost of complimentaries
($1.0 million). The 2003 decrease was primarily due to
lower payroll and benefits costs ($2.1 million) as a result
of continued labor efficiencies. Also contributing to the
decrease in 2003, was lower severance payouts
($1.6 million) than in 2002 as a result of smaller
adjustments in staffing levels than in the prior year. These
favorable variances were offset somewhat by increases in
insurance premiums and reserves due to market conditions and
higher payouts and more significant claims in 2003.
Depreciation and amortization increased by $775,000 (5.5%) in
2004 compared to 2003 and by $831,000 (5.7%) in 2003 compared to
2002. The 2004 and 2003 increase is due to increased
depreciation expense ($773,000 and $826,000, respectively)
resulting from further renovations and upgrades to
infrastructure and public areas such as the replacement of slot
machines, the 15th floor suite renovations, Swingers Lounge,
Platinum Club and the new bus entrance and waiting area.
23
|
|
|
Interest Income and Expense |
Interest income decreased by $205,000 (32.7%) in 2004 compared
to 2003 and by $440,000 (41.2%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The
2004 and 2003 decreases were due to lower invested cash
reserves, which were used to fund capital expenditures, debt
restructuring costs and consent fees during those years.
Interest expense decreased by $1.5 million (11.7%) in 2004
compared to 2003 and increased by $386,000 (3.2%) in 2003
compared to 2002. The 2004 decrease is primarily due to the
modification of debt resulting in the exchange of approximately
$66.3 million in notes accruing interest at 11% for an
equal amount at 3% interest. The increase in 2003 is due to
lower levels of capitalized interest than in 2002.
Income tax provision increased $28,000 (2.9%) in 2004 compared
to 2003 and $174,000 (22.2%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004
increase is primarily due to the increase in net revenues, which
is the basis for the New Jersey Alternative Minimum Assessment.
The 2003 increase is predominantly due to the newly enacted New
Jersey Casino Net Income Tax ($175,000), which became effective
in July 2003.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth the contractual obligations of
the Company at December 31, 2004.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due By Period | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Less Than | |
|
1-3 | |
|
3-5 | |
|
More Than | |
Contractual Obligations |
|
Total | |
|
1 Year | |
|
Years | |
|
Years | |
|
5 Years | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Long-Term Debt
|
|
$ |
110,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
43,741,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
66,259,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Capital Lease Obligations
|
|
|
760,000 |
|
|
|
286,000 |
|
|
|
474,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obligatory Contributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CRDA Obligation
|
|
|
4,736,000 |
|
|
|
74,000 |
|
|
|
154,000 |
|
|
|
2,244,000 |
|
|
|
2,264,000 |
|
|
VLT Agreement
|
|
|
2,860,000 |
|
|
|
953,000 |
|
|
|
1,907,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Leases:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Madison House
|
|
|
16,226,000 |
|
|
|
1,800,000 |
|
|
|
3,996,000 |
|
|
|
3,996,000 |
|
|
|
6,434,000 |
|
|
Equipment
|
|
|
167,000 |
|
|
|
167,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Contractual Obligations
|
|
$ |
134,749,000 |
|
|
$ |
47,021,000 |
|
|
$ |
6,531,000 |
|
|
$ |
72,499,000 |
|
|
$ |
8,698,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a
safe harbor for forward-looking statements. Certain
information included in this Form 10-K and other materials
filed or to be filed by GB Holdings, with the SEC (as well as
information included in oral statements or other written
statements made by such companies) contains statements that are
forward-looking, such as statements relating to future expansion
plans, future construction costs and other business development
activities including other capital spending, economic
conditions, financing sources, competition and the effects of
tax regulation and state regulations applicable to the gaming
industry in general or GB Holdings in particular. Such
forward-looking information involves important risks and
uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated
results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ
from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by
or on behalf of GB Holdings. These risks and uncertainties
include, but are not limited to, those relating to development
and construction activities, dependence on existing management,
leverage and debt service (including sensitivity to fluctuations
in interest rates), domestic or global economic conditions,
activities of competitors and the presence of new or additional
competition, fluctuations and changes in customer
24
preference and attitudes, changes in federal or state tax laws
or the administration of such laws and changes in gaming laws or
regulations (including the legalization of gaming in certain
jurisdictions).
Risk Factors Related to the Business of The Company
|
|
|
GB Holdings may be unable to pay the interest or principal
on the 11% Notes at maturity which may impact our ability
to continue as a going concern. |
GB Holdings ability to pay the interest and principal
amount of the remaining 11% Notes at maturity on
September 29, 2005 will depend upon its ability to
refinance such Notes on favorable terms or at all or to derive
sufficient funds from the sale of its Atlantic Holdings Common
Stock or from a borrowing. If GB Holdings is unable to pay the
interest and principal due on the remaining 11% Notes at
maturity it could result in, among other things, the possibility
of GB Holdings seeking bankruptcy protection or being forced
into bankruptcy or reorganization.
|
|
|
The Sands must maintain its casino license in order to
operate. |
Pursuant to New Jersey law, the corporate owner of The Sands is
required to maintain a casino license in order to operate The
Sands. The gaming licenses required to own and operate The Sands
were required to be renewed in 2004, which required that the CCC
determine that among other things, Atlantic Holdings and ACE are
financially stable. In order to be found financially
stable under the NJCCA, Atlantic Holdings and ACE must
demonstrate among other things, their ability to pay, exchange,
or refinance debts that mature or otherwise become due and
payable during the license term, or to otherwise manage such
debts. During July 2004, a timely renewal application of its
casino license for a four year term was filed. The CCC approved
the casino license renewal application for a four year term on
September 29, 2004 with certain conditions, including
monthly written reports on the status of the 11% Notes, a
definitive plan by GB Holdings to address the maturity of the
11% Notes, to be submitted no later than August 1,
2005 as well as other standard industry reporting requirements.
|
|
|
Going Concern Consideration. |
Our accompanying consolidated financial statements have been
prepared assuming we continue as a going concern. Our
independent registered public accounting firms report on
our consolidated financial statements, includes an explanatory
paragraph relating to substantial doubt as to the ability of GB
Holdings to continue as a going concern, due to GB
Holdings recurring net losses, net working capital
deficiency and significant current debt obligations. The
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments
that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. On
September 29, 2005, the 11% Notes will mature and GB
Holdings will owe approximately $46.1 million in interest
and principal payments. If GB Holdings is unable to pay the
interest and principal due at maturity it will be in default on
the 11% Notes.
|
|
|
The Company may need to increase capital expenditures to
compete effectively. |
Capital expenditures, such as room refurbishments, amenity
upgrades and new gaming equipment, are necessary from time to
time to preserve the competitiveness of The Company. The gaming
industry is very competitive and is expected to become more
competitive in the future. If cash from operations is
insufficient to provide for needed levels of capital
expenditures, The Sands competitive position could
deteriorate if the Company is unable to borrow funds for such
purposes.
|
|
|
If the Company fails to offer competitive products and
services or maintain the loyalty of The Sands patrons, its
business will be adversely affected. |
In addition to capital expenditures, the Company is required to
anticipate the changing tastes of The Sands patrons and
offer both competitive and innovative products and services to
ensure that repeat patrons return and new patrons visit The
Sands. The demands of meeting the Companys debt service
payments and the need to make capital expenditures limits the
available cash to finance such products and services. In
25
addition, the consequences of incorrect strategic decisions may
be difficult or impossible to anticipate or correct in a timely
manner.
|
|
|
The Companys quarterly operating results are subject
to fluctuations and seasonality, and if the Company fails to
meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors, the
Companys share price may decrease significantly. |
The Companys quarterly operating results are highly
volatile and subject to unpredictable fluctuations due to
unexpectedly high or low losses, changing customer tastes and
trends, unpredictable patron gaming volume, the proportion of
table game revenues to slot game revenues, weather and
discretionary decisions by The Sands patrons regarding
frequency of visits and spending amounts. The Companys
operating results for any given quarter may not meet analyst
expectations or conform to the operating results of the
Companys local, regional or national competitors. If the
Companys operating results do not conform to such
expectations our share price may be adversely affected.
Conversely, favorable operating results in any given quarter may
be followed by an unexpected downturn in subsequent quarters.
|
|
|
GB Holdings may seek to de-register the GB Holdings
Common Stock. |
GB Holdings may determine to de-register the GB Holdings
Common Stock because a company with less than 300 record holders
may elect to de-register under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. If GB Holdings de-registers the GB Holdings Common
Stock, it will not be obligated to file quarterly and annual
reports and de-registration may impact your ability to trade
your shares.
|
|
|
Increased state taxation of gaming and hospitality
revenues could adversely affect the Companys results of
operations. |
The casino industry represents a significant source of tax
revenues to the various jurisdictions in which casinos operate.
Gaming companies are currently subject to significant state and
local taxes and fees in addition to normal federal and state
corporate income taxes. For example, casinos in Atlantic City
pay for licenses as well as special taxes to the city and state.
New Jersey taxes annual gaming revenues at the rate of 8.0%. New
Jersey also levies an annual investment alternative tax of 2.5%
on annual gaming revenues in addition to normal federal and
state income taxes. This 2.5% obligation, however, can be
satisfied by purchasing certain bonds or making certain
investments in the amount of 1.25% of annual gaming revenues. On
July 3, 2002, the State of New Jersey passed the New Jersey
Business Tax Reform Act, which, among other things, suspended
the use of the New Jersey net operating loss carryforwards for
two years and introduced a new alternative minimum assessment
under the New Jersey corporate business tax based on gross
receipts or gross profits. For the years ended December 31,
2004 and 2003, there was a charge to income tax provision of
$636,000 and $778,000, respectively, related to the impact of
the New Jersey Business Tax Reform Act.
On July 1, 2003, the State of New Jersey amended the NJCCA
to impose various tax increases on Atlantic City casinos,
including The Sands. Among other things, the amendments to the
NJCCA include the following new tax provisions: (i) a new
4.25% tax on casino complimentaries, with proceeds deposited to
the Casino Revenue Fund; (ii) an 8% tax on casino service
industry multi-casino progressive slot machine revenue, with the
proceeds deposited to the Casino Revenue Fund; (iii) a 7.5%
tax on adjusted net income of licensed casinos (the Casino
Net Income Tax) in State fiscal years 2004 through 2006, with
the proceeds deposited to the Casino Revenue Fund; (iv) a
fee of $3.00 per day on each hotel room in a casino hotel
facility that is occupied by a guest, for consideration or as a
complimentary item, with the proceeds deposited into the Casino
Revenue Fund in State fiscal years 2004 through 2006, and
beginning in State fiscal year 2007 $2.00 of the fee deposited
into the Casino Revenue Fund and $1.00 transferred to the CRDA;
(v) an increase of the minimum casino hotel parking charge
from $2 to $3, with $1.50 of the fee to be deposited into the
Casino Revenue Fund in State fiscal years 2004 through 2006, and
beginning in State fiscal year 2007, $0.50 to be deposited into
the Casino Revenue Fund and $1.00 to be transferred to the CRDA
for its purposes pursuant to law, and for use by the CRDA to
post a bond for $30 million for deposit into the Casino
Capital Construction Fund, which was also created by the
July 1, 2003 Act; and (vi) the elimination of the
deduction from casino
26
licensee calculation of gross revenue for uncollectible gaming
debt. These changes to the NJCCA, and the new taxes imposed on
The Sands and other Atlantic City casinos, has reduced the
Companys profitability.
Future changes in New Jersey state taxation of casino gaming
companies cannot be predicted and any such changes could
adversely affect The Companys profitability.
|
|
|
Energy price increases may adversely affect the
Companys costs of operations and revenues of The
Sands. |
The Sands uses significant amounts of electricity, natural gas
and other forms of energy. While no shortages of energy have
been experienced, substantial increases in the cost of forms of
energy in the U.S. will negatively affect the
Companys operating results. The extent of the impact is
subject to the magnitude and duration of the energy price
increases, but this impact could be material. In addition,
higher energy and gasoline prices which affect The Sands
customers may result in reduced visitation to The Sands
property and a reduction in revenues.
|
|
|
A downturn in general economic conditions may adversely
affect the Companys results of operations. |
The Companys business operations are affected by
international, national and local economic conditions. A
recession or downturn in the general economy, or in a region
constituting a significant source of customers for The
Sands property, could result in fewer customers visiting
the Companys property and a reduction in spending by
customers who do visit the Companys property, which would
adversely affect the Companys revenues while some of its
costs remain fixed, resulting in decreased earnings.
A majority of The Sands patrons are from automobile travel
and bus tours. Higher gasoline prices could reduce automobile
travel to The Sands location and could increase bus fares
to The Sands. In addition, adverse winter weather conditions
could reduce automobile travel to The Sands location and
could reduce bus travel. Accordingly, the Companys
business, assets, financial condition and results of operations
could be adversely affected by a weakening of regional economic
conditions and higher gasoline prices or adverse winter weather
conditions.
|
|
|
Acts of terrorism and the uncertainty of the outcome and
duration of the activity in Iraq and elsewhere, as well as other
factors affecting discretionary consumer spending, have impacted
the gaming industry and may harm the Companys operating
results and the Companys ability to insure against certain
risks. |
The potential for future terrorist attacks, the national and
international responses to terrorist attacks and other acts of
war or hostility have created many economic and political
uncertainties which could adversely affect the Companys
business and results of operations. Future acts of terror in the
U.S. or an outbreak of hostilities involving the United
States, may again reduce The Sands guests
willingness to travel with the result that the Companys
operations will suffer.
|
|
|
The Company may incur losses that would not be covered by
insurance and the cost of insurance will increase. |
Although the Company is required to maintain insurance customary
and appropriate for its business the Company cannot assure you
that insurance will be available or adequate to cover all loss
and damage to which the Companys business or the
Companys assets might be subjected. In connection with
insurance renewals subsequent to September 11, 2001, the
insurance coverage for certain types of damages or occurrences
has been diminished substantially and is unavailable at
commercial rates. The Company is self-insured for certain risks.
The lack of insurance for certain types or levels of risk could
expose the Company to significant losses in the event that an
uninsured catastrophe occurred. Any losses the Company incurs
that are not covered by insurance may decrease its future
operating income, require it to find replacements or repairs for
destroyed property and reduce the funds available for payments
of its obligations on the 11% Notes and 3% Notes.
27
|
|
|
There are risks related to the creditworthiness of patrons
of the casinos. |
The Company is exposed to certain risks related to the
creditworthiness of its patrons. Historically The Sands has
extended credit on a discretionary basis to certain qualified
patrons. For the year ended December 31, 2004, gaming
credit extended to The Sands table game patrons accounted
for approximately 21.8% of overall table game wagering, and
table game wagering accounted for approximately 12.1% of overall
casino wagering during the period. At December 31, 2004,
gaming receivables amount to $7.8 million before an
allowance for uncollectible gaming receivables of
$3.5 million. There can be no assurance that defaults in
the repayment of credit by patrons of The Sands would not have a
material adverse effect on the results of operations of The
Sands and, consequently the Company.
|
|
|
The Companys success depends in part on the
availability of qualified management and personnel and on the
Companys ability to retain such employees. |
The quality of individuals hired for positions in the hotel and
gaming operations will be critical to the success of the
Companys business. It may be difficult to attract, retain
and train qualified employees due to the competition for
employees with other gaming companies and their facilities in
the Companys jurisdiction and nationwide. The Borgata
opening and other Atlantic City casino expansions has aggravated
this problem. Future expansions, in Atlantic City or other
neighboring jurisdictions, could further exacerbate this
situation. The Company cannot assure you that it will be
successful in retaining current personnel or in hiring or
retaining qualified personnel in the future. A failure to
attract or retain qualified management and personnel at all
levels or the loss of any of the Company or Operatings key
executives could have a material adverse effect on the
Companys financial condition and results of operations.
Risk Factors Related to the Gaming Industry
|
|
|
The gaming industry is highly competitive. |
The gaming industry is highly competitive and the Companys
competitors may have greater resources than the Company. If
other properties operate more successfully, if existing
properties are enhanced or expanded, or if additional hotels and
casinos are established in and around the location in which the
Company conducts business, the Company may lose market share. In
particular, expansion of gaming in or near the geographic area
from which the Company attracts or expects to attract a
significant number of customers could have a significant adverse
effect on the Companys business, financial condition and
results of operations. The Sands competes, and will in the
future compete, with all forms of existing legalized gaming and
with any new forms of gaming that may be legalized in the
future. Additionally, the Company faces competition from all
other types of entertainment.
|
|
|
Pending and enacted gaming legislation from neighboring
States and New Jersey may harm The Sands. |
In the summer of 2003, the State of New Jersey considered
approving VLTs at the racetracks in the state and on
July 1, 2003, the NJCCA was amended to impose various new
and increased taxes on casino license revenues. There is no
guarantee that New Jersey will not consider approving VLTs in
the future, and if VLTs are approved, it could adversely affect
the Companys operations, and an increase in the gross
gaming tax without a significant simultaneous increase in
revenue would adversely affect the Companys results of
operations.
In April 2004, the casino industry, the CRDA and the New Jersey
Sports and Exposition Authority agreed to a plan regarding New
Jersey VLTs. Under the plan, casinos will pay a total of
$96 million over a period of four years, of which
$10 million will fund, through project grants, North Jersey
CRDA projects and $86 million will be paid to the New
Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority who will then subsidize
certain New Jersey horse tracks to increase purses and attract
higher-quality races that would allow them to compete with horse
tracks in neighboring states. In return, the race tracks and New
Jersey have committed to postpone any attempts to install VLTs
for at least four years. $52 million of the
$86 million would be donated by the CRDA from the
casinos North Jersey obligations and $34 million
would be paid by the casinos directly. It is currently estimated
that The Sands current CRDA deposits for North Jersey
projects are sufficient to fund
28
The Sands proportionate obligations with respect to the
$10 million and $52 million commitments. The
Sands proportionate obligation with respect to the
$34 million commitment is estimated to be approximately
$1.3 million payable over a four year period. The
Sands proportionate obligation with respect to the
combined $10 million and $52 million commitment is
estimated to be approximately $2.5 million payable over a
four year period.
The Sands also competes with legalized gaming from casinos
located on Native American tribal lands. In July 2004, the
Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York unanimously
ruled that Native American owned casinos could legally be
operated in New York under the New York State law passed in
October 2001. That law permits three casinos in Western New
York, all of which would be owned by the Seneca Indian Nation.
The law also permits up to three casinos in the Catskills in
Ulster and Sullivan Counties, also to be owned by Native
American Tribes. In addition, the legislation allows slot
machines to be placed in Native American-owned casinos. The
court also ruled that New York could participate in the
Multi-State Mega Millions Lottery Game.
The New York law had also permitted the installation of VLTs at
five racetracks situated across the State of New York. In the
July 2004 ruling, the Appellate Division ruled that a portion of
the law was unconstitutional because it required a portion of
the VLTs revenues to go to horse-racing, breeding funds and
track purses. It is anticipated that ruling will be appealed.
The Pennsylvania legislature passed and the governor signed a
bill in July 2004 that will allow for up to 61,000 slot machines
state wide in up to 14 different locations, seven or eight of
which would be racetracks plus four or five slot parlors in
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and two small resorts.
Maryland is among the other states contemplating some form of
gaming legislation. Marylands proposed legislation would
authorize VLTs at some of Marylands racing facilities. The
Maryland Legislature did not enact any legalized gaming
legislation during their 2004 legislative sessions which ended
September 30, 2004.
The Sands market is primarily a drive-to market, and
legalized gambling in Pennsylvania, the Catskills and any other
neighboring state within close proximity to New Jersey could
have a material adverse effect on the Atlantic City gaming
industry overall, including The Sands.
On March 1, 2005, the Acting Governor of the State of New
Jersey proposed a state budget for the 2005-2006 fiscal year
which includes as a revenue source the proceeds from
installation and operation of 1,500 to 2,000 VLTs at the
Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This
location in Northern New Jersey would be in direct competition
for gamblers who now frequent the Atlantic City casinos. At this
time, there is no certainty that the Legislature of New Jersey
will enact the necessary legislation to permit the installation
and operation of these VLTs.
|
|
|
Holders of the Companys securities are subject to
the CCC and the NJCCA. |
The holders of the GB Holding Common Stock, the 11% Notes
and the 3% Notes are subject to certain regulatory
restrictions on ownership. While holders of publicly traded
obligations such as the 11% Notes and the 3% Notes are
generally not required to be investigated and found suitable to
hold such securities, the CCC has the discretionary authority to
(i) require holders of securities of corporations governed
by New Jersey gaming law to file applications;
(ii) investigate such holders; and (iii) require such
holders to be found suitable or qualified to be an owner or
operator of a gaming establishment. Pursuant to the regulations
of the CCC such gaming corporations may be sanctioned, including
the loss of its approvals, if, without prior approval of the
CCC, it (i) pays to the unsuitable or unqualified person
any dividend, interest or any distribution whatsoever;
(ii) recognizes any voting right by such unsuitable or
unqualified person in connection with the securities;
(iii) pays the unsuitable or unqualified person
remuneration in any form; or (iv) makes any payments to the
unsuitable or unqualified person by way of principal,
redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation, or similar
transaction. If the Company is served with notice of
disqualification of any holder, such holder will be prohibited
by the NJCCA from receiving any payments on, or exercising any
rights connected to, the GB Holdings Common Stock, the
11% Notes, or the 3% Notes as applicable.
29
|
|
Item 7a. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk |
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from changes in market
rates and prices, such as interest rates and foreign currency
exchange rates. The Company does not have securities subject to
interest rate fluctuations and has not invested in
derivative-based financial instruments. The note entitled
Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report
outlines the principal amounts, interest rates, fair values and
other terms required to evaluate the expected sensitivity of
interest rate changes on the fair value of our long-term debt.
No market exists for the 11% Notes since April 16,
2004, the last full trading day prior to the delisting of
11% Notes from trading on the American Stock Exchange,
therefore the fair market value of GB Holdings fixed rate
debt was $35.4 million compared with its carrying amount of
$43.7 million at December 31, 2004.
30
|
|
Item 8. |
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
31
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders of GB Holdings, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
GB Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004
and 2003 and the related consolidated statements of operations,
changes in shareholders equity, and cash flows for each of
the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004.
In connection with our audits of the 2004, 2003 and 2002
consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the
related consolidated financial statement schedule. These
consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule are the responsibility of the companys
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial
statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of GB Holdings, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, in
conformity with US generally accepted accounting principles.
Also in our opinion, the related consolidated financial
statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth
therein.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been
prepared assuming that GB Holdings, Inc. will continue as a
going concern. As discussed in Notes 1 and 2 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered
recurring net losses, has a net working capital deficiency and
has significant debt obligations which are due within one year
that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a
going concern. Managements plans in regard to these
matters are also described in Notes 1 and 2. The
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments
that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 11, 2005
32
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
ASSETS |
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
12,756,000 |
|
|
$ |
33,454,000 |
|
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $3,862,000 and
$5,918,000, respectively
|
|
|
5,223,000 |
|
|
|
5,247,000 |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
2,499,000 |
|
|
|
2,222,000 |
|
|
Deferred financing costs
|
|
|
2,260,000 |
|
|
|
762,000 |
|
|
Insurance deposits
|
|
|
3,017,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
1,689,000 |
|
|
|
3,946,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
27,444,000 |
|
|
|
45,631,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and Equipment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land
|
|
|
54,344,000 |
|
|
|
54,344,000 |
|
|
Buildings and improvements
|
|
|
88,147,000 |
|
|
|
88,249,000 |
|
|
Equipment
|
|
|
73,675,000 |
|
|
|
64,722,000 |
|
|
Construction in progress
|
|
|
2,040,000 |
|
|
|
2,111,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
218,206,000 |
|
|
|
209,426,000 |
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(46,566,000 |
) |
|
|
(40,013,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
171,640,000 |
|
|
|
169,413,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obligatory investments, net of allowances of $12,500,000 and
$11,340,000, respectively
|
|
|
11,647,000 |
|
|
|
10,705,000 |
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
6,227,000 |
|
|
|
1,814,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other assets
|
|
|
17,874,000 |
|
|
|
12,519,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
216,958,000 |
|
|
$ |
227,563,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion debt
|
|
$ |
43,741,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Current portion capital leases
|
|
|
248,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
7,082,000 |
|
|
|
6,815,000 |
|
|
Accrued liabilities
Payroll and related expenses
|
|
|
4,379,000 |
|
|
|
4,241,000 |
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
1,216,000 |
|
|
|
3,092,000 |
|
|
|
Gaming obligations
|
|
|
3,363,000 |
|
|
|
2,725,000 |
|
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
4,330,000 |
|
|
|
2,505,000 |
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
2,175,000 |
|
|
|
2,821,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
66,534,000 |
|
|
|
22,199,000 |
|
Long-Term Debt, net of current maturities
|
|
|
66,259,000 |
|
|
|
110,000,000 |
|
Non-current capital leases
|
|
|
432,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
|
|
|
4,920,000 |
|
|
|
3,729,000 |
|
Commitments and Contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants in Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
|
|
|
43,587,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders Equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share;
5,000,000 shares authorized;
0 shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share;
20,000,000 shares authorized; 10,000,000 shares issued
and outstanding
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
81,313,000 |
|
|
|
124,900,000 |
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(46,187,000 |
) |
|
|
(33,365,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
35,226,000 |
|
|
|
91,635,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
216,958,000 |
|
|
$ |
227,563,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
33
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$ |
157,643,000 |
|
|
$ |
154,813,000 |
|
|
$ |
175,065,000 |
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
10,908,000 |
|
|
|
10,994,000 |
|
|
|
11,143,000 |
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
21,898,000 |
|
|
|
21,962,000 |
|
|
|
23,330,000 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
3,940,000 |
|
|
|
3,914,000 |
|
|
|
3,735,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
194,389,000 |
|
|
|
191,683,000 |
|
|
|
213,273,000 |
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
(23,146,000 |
) |
|
|
(23,934,000 |
) |
|
|
(23,356,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
|
171,243,000 |
|
|
|
167,749,000 |
|
|
|
189,917,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
50,467,000 |
|
|
|
52,657,000 |
|
|
|
59,971,000 |
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
3,397,000 |
|
|
|
2,677,000 |
|
|
|
3,639,000 |
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
7,930,000 |
|
|
|
8,481,000 |
|
|
|
10,343,000 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
870,000 |
|
|
|
1,297,000 |
|
|
|
1,222,000 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
90,423,000 |
|
|
|
90,010,000 |
|
|
|
93,871,000 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
14,898,000 |
|
|
|
14,123,000 |
|
|
|
13,292,000 |
|
|
Provision for obligatory investments
|
|
|
1,165,000 |
|
|
|
1,434,000 |
|
|
|
1,521,000 |
|
|
Loss on impairment of fixed assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,282,000 |
|
|
Loss on disposal of assets
|
|
|
152,000 |
|
|
|
28,000 |
|
|
|
185,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
169,302,000 |
|
|
|
170,707,000 |
|
|
|
185,326,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
1,941,000 |
|
|
|
(2,958,000 |
) |
|
|
4,591,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-operating income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
422,000 |
|
|
|
627,000 |
|
|
|
1,067,000 |
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(11,115,000 |
) |
|
|
(12,581,000 |
) |
|
|
(12,195,000 |
) |
|
Debt restructuring costs
|
|
|
(3,084,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,843,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-operating expense, net
|
|
|
(13,777,000 |
) |
|
|
(13,797,000 |
) |
|
|
(11,128,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income taxes
|
|
|
(11,836,000 |
) |
|
|
(16,755,000 |
) |
|
|
(6,537,000 |
) |
|
Income tax provision
|
|
|
(986,000 |
) |
|
|
(958,000 |
) |
|
|
(784,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(12,822,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(17,713,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,321,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic/diluted loss per common share
|
|
$ |
(1.28 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.77 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.73 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic/diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
34
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Additional | |
|
Accumulated | |
|
|
|
|
Shares | |
|
Amount | |
|
Paid-in Capital | |
|
Deficit | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
BALANCE, December 31, 2001
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
124,900,000 |
|
|
$ |
(8,331,000 |
) |
|
$ |
116,669,000 |
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,321,000 |
) |
|
|
(7,321,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE, December 31, 2002
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
124,900,000 |
|
|
$ |
(15,652,000 |
) |
|
$ |
109,348,000 |
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(17,713,000 |
) |
|
|
(17,713,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE, December 31, 2003
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
124,900,000 |
|
|
$ |
(33,365,000 |
) |
|
$ |
91,635,000 |
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,822,000 |
) |
|
|
(12,822,000 |
) |
|
Dividend to common shareholders in the form of warrants,
exercisable for 2,750,000 common shares of Atlantic Coast
Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(43,587,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(43,587,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE, December 31, 2004
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
81,313,000 |
|
|
$ |
(46,187,000 |
) |
|
$ |
35,226,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
35
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(12,822,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(17,713,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,321,000 |
) |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used
in) operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
14,898,000 |
|
|
|
14,123,000 |
|
|
|
13,292,000 |
|
|
|
Provision for obligatory investments
|
|
|
1,165,000 |
|
|
|
1,434,000 |
|
|
|
1,521,000 |
|
|
|
Loss on impairment of fixed assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,282,000 |
|
|
|
Loss on disposal of assets
|
|
|
152,000 |
|
|
|
28,000 |
|
|
|
185,000 |
|
|
|
Provision for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
416,000 |
|
|
|
1,040,000 |
|
|
|
1,586,000 |
|
|
|
Decrease in deferred financing costs
|
|
|
1,229,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in insurance deposits
|
|
|
(3,017,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
|
|
|
(392,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,312,000 |
) |
|
|
2,349,000 |
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and and accrued
liabilities
|
|
|
360,000 |
|
|
|
(130,000 |
) |
|
|
(3,080,000 |
) |
|
|
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
2,187,000 |
|
|
|
(98,000 |
) |
|
|
(426,000 |
) |
|
|
Increase in other noncurrent assets
|
|
|
(929,000 |
) |
|
|
(11,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in other noncurrent liabilities
|
|
|
1,178,000 |
|
|
|
369,000 |
|
|
|
285,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
|
4,425,000 |
|
|
|
(2,270,000 |
) |
|
|
9,673,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
|
|
(17,378,000 |
) |
|
|
(12,825,000 |
) |
|
|
(14,058,000 |
) |
|
Proceeds from disposition of assets
|
|
|
308,000 |
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
320,000 |
|
|
Proceeds from sale of obligatory investments
|
|
|
202,000 |
|
|
|
130,000 |
|
|
|
208,000 |
|
|
Purchase of obligatory investments
|
|
|
(2,308,000 |
) |
|
|
(2,336,000 |
) |
|
|
(2,496,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(19,176,000 |
) |
|
|
(14,921,000 |
) |
|
|
(16,026,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from long-term debt
|
|
|
758,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayments of long-term debt
|
|
|
(79,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(371,000 |
) |
|
Cost of issuing long-term debt
|
|
|
(6,626,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(5,947,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(371,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(20,698,000 |
) |
|
|
(17,191,000 |
) |
|
|
(6,724,000 |
) |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
|
|
33,454,000 |
|
|
|
50,645,000 |
|
|
|
57,369,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
|
$ |
12,756,000 |
|
|
$ |
33,454,000 |
|
|
$ |
50,645,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid
|
|
$ |
10,744,000 |
|
|
$ |
12,100,000 |
|
|
$ |
12,128,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Capitalized
|
|
$ |
86,000 |
|
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
766,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Taxes paid
|
|
$ |
1,051,000 |
|
|
$ |
899,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,764,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends to Common Shareholders in the form of Warrants in
Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
|
|
$ |
43,587,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of 3% Notes in exchange for 11% Notes
|
|
$ |
66,259,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
36
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
(1) |
Organization, Business and Basis of Presentation |
GB Holdings, Inc. (GB Holdings) is a Delaware
corporation and was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pratt Casino
Corporation (PCC) through December 31, 1998.
PCC, a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in September 1993
and was wholly-owned by PPI Corporation (PPI), a New
Jersey corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greate Bay
Casino Corporation (GBCC). Effective after
December 31, 1998, PCC transferred 21% of the stock
ownership in GB Holdings to PBV, Inc. (PBV), a
newly formed entity controlled by certain stockholders of GBCC.
As a result of a certain confirmed plan of reorganization of PCC
and others in October 1999, the remaining 79% stock interest of
PCC in GB Holdings was transferred to Greate Bay Holdings,
LLC (GBLLC), whose sole member as a result of the
same reorganization was PPI. In February 1994, GB Holdings
acquired Greate Bay Hotel and Casino, Inc. (GBHC), a
New Jersey corporation, through a capital contribution by its
then parent. From its creation until July 22, 2004,
GBHCs principal business activity was its ownership of The
Sands Hotel and Casino located in Atlantic City, New Jersey
(The Sands). GB Property Funding Corp.
(Property), a Delaware corporation and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of GB Holdings, was incorporated in
September 1993 as a special purpose subsidiary of
GB Holdings for the purpose of borrowing funds for the
benefit of GBHC.
On January 5, 1998, GB Holdings and its then existing
subsidiaries filed petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of
the United States Bankruptcy Code (the Bankruptcy
Code) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the
District of New Jersey (the Bankruptcy Court). On
August 14, 2000, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order (the
Confirmation Order) confirming the Modified Fifth
Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of
the Bankruptcy Code Proposed by the Official Committee of
Unsecured Creditors and High River Limited Partnership and its
affiliates (the Plan) for GB Holdings and its
then existing subsidiaries. High River Limited Partnership
(High River) is an entity controlled by Carl C.
Icahn. On September 13, 2000, the New Jersey Casino Control
Commission (the Commission or CCC)
approved the Plan. On September 29, 2000, the Plan became
effective (the Effective Date). All material
conditions precedent to the Plan becoming effective were
satisfied on or before September 29, 2000. In addition, as
a result of the Confirmation Order and the occurrence of the
Effective Date, and in accordance with Statement of Position
No. 90-7, Financial Reporting by Entities in
Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code
(SOP 90-7), GB Holdings has adopted
fresh start reporting in the preparation of the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.
GB Holdings emergence from Chapter 11 resulted
in a new reporting entity with no retained earnings or
accumulated deficit as of September 30, 2000.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
GB Holdings, Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
(Atlantic Holdings) and ACE Gaming, LLC
(ACE and collectively with GB Holdings and
Atlantic Holdings, the Company and also Property and
GBHC until July 22, 2004). Until July 22, 2004, GBHC
was the owner and operator of The Sands. Atlantic Holdings is a
Delaware corporation and was a wholly-owned subsidiary of GBHC
which was a wholly-owned subsidiary of GB Holdings and was
formed in October 2003. ACE a New Jersey limited liability
company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlantic Holdings was
formed in November 2003. Atlantic Holdings and ACE were formed
in connection with a transaction (the Transaction),
which included a Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange in
which holders of $110 million of 11% Notes due 2005
(the 11% Notes), issued by GB Property
Funding Corp. (Property), a wholly-owned subsidiary
of GB Holdings, were given the opportunity to exchange such
notes, on a dollar for dollar basis, for $110 million of
3% Notes due 2008 (the 3% Notes), issued
by Atlantic Holdings. The Transaction and the Consent
Solicitation and Offer to Exchange were consummated on
July 22, 2004, and holders of approximately
$66.3 million of 11% Notes exchanged such notes for
approximately $66.3 million 3% Notes. Also on
July 22, 2004, in connection with the Consent Solicitation
and Offer to Exchange, the indenture governing the
11% Notes was amended to eliminate certain covenants and to
release the liens on the collateral securing such notes. The
Transaction included, among other things, the transfer of
substantially all of the assets of GB Holdings to Atlantic
Holdings. The transfer of assets has been accounted for as an
exchange of net assets between entities under common control,
whereby the entity
37
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
receiving the assets shall initially recognize the assets and
liabilities transferred at their historical carrying amount in
the accounts of the transferring entity at the date of transfer.
No gain or loss was recorded relating to the transfer. The
3% Notes are guaranteed by ACE. Atlantic Holdings and its
subsidiary had limited operating activities prior to
July 22, 2004. Also on July 22, 2004, in connection
with the consummation of the Transaction and the Consent
Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, Property and GBHC, merged
into GB Holdings, with GB Holdings as the surviving
entity. In connection with the transfer of the assets and
certain liabilities of GB Holdings, including the assets
and certain liabilities of GBHC, Atlantic Holdings issued
2,882,937 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per
share (the Atlantic Holdings Common Stock) of
Atlantic Holdings to GBHC which, following the merger of GBHC
became the sole asset of GB Holdings. Substantially all of
the assets and liabilities of GB Holdings and GBHC (with
the exception of the remaining 11% Notes and accrued
interest thereon, the Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, and the
related pro rata share of deferred financing costs) were
transferred to Atlantic Holdings or ACE. As part of the
Transaction an aggregate of 10,000,000 warrants were distributed
on a pro rata basis to the stockholders of GB Holdings upon
the consummation of the Transaction. Such Warrants allow the
holders to purchase from Atlantic Holdings at an exercise price
of $.01 per share, an aggregate of 2,750,000 shares of
Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and are only exercisable
following the earlier of (a) either the 3% Notes being
paid in cash or upon conversion, in whole or in part, into
Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, (b) payment in full of the
outstanding principal of the 11% Notes exchanged, or
(c) a determination by a majority of the board of directors
of Atlantic Holdings (including at least one independent
director of Atlantic Holdings) that the Warrants may be
exercised. The Sands New Jersey gaming license was
transferred to ACE in accordance with the approval of the New
Jersey Casino Control Commission.
In connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to
Exchange described above, holders of $66,258,970 of
11% Notes exchanged such notes for an equal principal
amount of 3% Notes. As a result, $43,741,030 of principal
amount of the 11% Notes remain outstanding and mature in
September 2005. GB Holdings ability to pay the
interest and principal amount of the remaining 11% Notes at
maturity in September 2005 will depend upon its ability to
refinance such Notes on favorable terms or at all or to derive
sufficient funds from the sale of its Atlantic Holdings Common
Stock or from a borrowing. If GB Holdings is unable to pay
the interest and principal due on the remaining 11% Notes
at maturity it could result in, among other things, the
possibility of GB Holdings seeking bankruptcy protection or
being forced into bankruptcy or reorganization. The status of
the 11% Notes due September 2005 is currently being
reviewed by the Company and various alternatives are being
evaluated.
Additionally, on July 22, 2004 in connection with the
consummation of the Transaction, GB Holdings distributed
warrants, issued by Atlantic Holdings, to its shareholders which
will initially be exercisable for an aggregate of
2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock to
GB Holdings stockholders (the Warrants). The
Warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $.01 per
share.
Currently, affiliates of Mr. Icahn own approximately 96% of
the 3% Notes and have the ability which they may exercise
prior to the maturity of the 11% Notes at any other time, in
their sole discretion, to determine when and whether the
3% Notes will be paid in or convertible into Atlantic
Holdings Common Stock at, or prior to, maturity thereby making
the Warrants exercisable. If the 3% Notes are converted
into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and if the Warrants are
exercised, GB Holdings will own 28.8% of the Atlantic
Holdings Common Stock and affiliates of Carl Icahn will
beneficially own approximately 63.4% of the Atlantic Holdings
Common Stock (without giving effect to the affiliates of Mr.
Icahns interest in Atlantic Holdings Common Stock which is
owned by GB Holdings). Affiliates of Carl Icahn currently
own approximately 77.5% of GB Holdings Common Stock.
All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been
eliminated in consolidation. All references herein to the
Company and GB Holdings are on a consolidated basis and all
operating assets, including cash, are owned by
GB Holdings subsidiaries, Atlantic Holdings and ACE,
and GB Holdings sole asset is 2,882,938 shares of Atlantic
Holdings Common Stock.
38
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been
prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going
concern. As discussed below, the Company has suffered recurring
net losses, has a net working capital deficiency and significant
current debt obligations. These factors raise substantial doubt
about its ability to continue as a going concern.
Managements plans in regard to these matters are also
described below. The consolidated financial statements do not
include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of
this uncertainty.
Since emerging from bankruptcy in 2000, the Company has invested
in refurbishments to the hotel product, gaming equipment and
related technology and building infrastructure. Although the
investments have improved the condition of the property and the
investment in gaming technology has resulted in significant
labor efficiencies and cost savings, those efficiencies and cost
savings were not enough to offset the increased competition
within the Atlantic City market. Since 2003, the Borgata opened
in the marina district of Atlantic City and expansions which
have added both hotel room and retail capacity to the Atlantic
City market have occurred at the Showboat, Resorts and Tropicana
casinos. Although these expansions have caused the gaming market
to expand in Atlantic City, the expansion has not exceeded the
added capacity, which has put substantial pressure on the
Company to maintain gaming revenue market share. The Company
continues to face competitive market conditions. During the
three years ended December 31, 2004, the Company incurred
net losses of $37,856,000.
In connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to
Exchange, $66,258,970 of the 11% Notes were exchanged and
$43,741,030 of the 11% Notes remain outstanding and will
mature on September 29, 2005. GB Holdings ability to
pay the interest and principal amount of the remaining
11% Notes at maturity in September 2005 will depend upon
its ability to refinance such Notes on favorable terms or at all
or to derive sufficient funds from the sale of its Atlantic
Holdings Common Stock or from a borrowing. If GB Holdings is
unable to pay the interest and principal due on the remaining
11% Notes at maturity it could result in, among other
things, the possibility of GB Holdings seeking bankruptcy
protection or being forced into bankruptcy or reorganization.
The status of the 11% Notes is currently being reviewed by
the Company and various alternatives are being evaluated.
|
|
(3) |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
The significant accounting policies followed in the preparation
of the accompanying consolidated financial statements are
discussed below. The consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in conformity with US generally accepted accounting
principles. The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with US generally accepted accounting principles
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the balance sheets, and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
|
|
|
Casino revenues, promotional allowances and departmental
expenses |
The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with industry
practice. Casino revenue is recorded as net win from gaming
activities (the difference between gaming wins and losses) as
casino revenues. Casino revenues are net of accruals for
anticipated payouts of progressive and certain other slot
machine jackpots. Such anticipated jackpots and payouts are
included in gaming liabilities on the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets.
Cash and coin incentives are provided to attract new customers
as well as reward loyal customers, through the use of loyalty
programs, with points based on amounts wagered, that can be
redeemed for a specified period of time for cash. We deduct the
cash and coin incentive amounts from casino revenue.
39
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The retail value of rooms, food and beverage and other items
that were provided to customers without charge has been included
in revenues and a corresponding amount has been deducted as
promotional allowances. The costs of such complimentaries have
been included in Casino and Selling, General and Administrative
expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations. Costs of complimentaries allocated from the Rooms,
Food and Beverage and Other Operating departments to the Casino
and Selling, General and Administrative departments were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Allocation From:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rooms
|
|
$ |
6,511,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,360,000 |
|
|
$ |
8,274,000 |
|
Food and Beverage
|
|
|
16,116,000 |
|
|
|
16,482,000 |
|
|
|
17,399,000 |
|
Other Operating
|
|
|
2,294,000 |
|
|
|
2,070,000 |
|
|
|
1,324,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
24,921,000 |
|
|
$ |
25,912,000 |
|
|
$ |
26,997,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allocation To:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$ |
3,846,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,815,000 |
|
|
$ |
4,186,000 |
|
Selling, General and Administrative
|
|
|
21,075,000 |
|
|
|
22,097,000 |
|
|
|
22,811,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
24,921,000 |
|
|
$ |
25,912,000 |
|
|
$ |
26,997,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents are generally comprised of cash and
investments with original maturities of three months or less,
such as commercial paper, certificates of deposit and fixed
repurchase agreements.
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
In its normal course of business the Company incurs receivables
arising from credit provided to casino and hotel customers. The
allowance for doubtful accounts adjusts these gross receivables
to Managements estimate of their net realizable value. The
provision for doubtful accounts charged to expense is determined
by Management based on a periodic review of the receivable
portfolio. This provision is based on estimates, and actual
losses may vary from these estimates. The allowance for doubtful
accounts is maintained at a level that Management considers
adequate to provide for possible future losses. Provisions for
doubtful accounts amounting to $416,000, $1,040,000 and
$1,586,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and
2002, respectively, were recorded in expenses on the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in,
first-out basis) or market.
Property and equipment purchased after September 29, 2000
have been recorded at cost and are being depreciated utilizing
the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as
follows:
|
|
|
Buildings and improvements
|
|
25-40 years |
Operating equipment
|
|
3-7 years |
Interest costs related to property and equipment acquisitions
are capitalized during the acquisition period and are being
amortized over the useful lives of the related assets.
40
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
Deferred financing costs |
The costs of issuing long-term debt, including all related
underwriting, legal, directors and accounting fees, were
capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the related
debt issue. Deferred financing costs of $180,000 were incurred
in connection with Propertys offering of $110,000,000
11% Notes due 2005 (the 11% Notes). During
2001, additional costs of $2,083,000 associated with a Consent
Solicitation by Property to modify the original indenture for
the 11% Notes were capitalized. In July 2004, holders of
the 11% Notes that tendered in the Consent Solicitation and
Offer to Exchange also received their pro rata share of the
aggregate consent fees ($6.6 million) at the rate of
$100 per $1,000 of principal amount of the 11% Notes
tendered. The pro rata share of the unamortized deferred
financing costs associated with the 11% Notes tendered
($399,000) were included with the consent fees and recorded in
Deferred Financing Costs ($1.9 million) and Other Assets
($4.5 million) on the accompanying Consolidated Balance
Sheets (Deferred 3% Note Fees). The
exchange is being accounted for as a modification of debt. The
Deferred 3% Note Fees are being amortized over the
term of the 3% Notes using the effective yield method. All
external costs associated with the issuance of the 3% Notes
have been expensed. For the years ended December 31, 2004,
2003 and 2002 amortization of deferred financing costs was
$1,212,000, $555,000 and $555,000, respectively is are included
in Interest Expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements
of Operations.
In 2002, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 144,
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets (FAS No. 144), which excludes
from the definition of long-lived assets goodwill and other
intangibles that are not amortized in accordance with FASB
Statement No. 142 Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets. FAS No. 144 requires that long-lived
assets to be disposed of by sale be measured at the lower of
carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, whether
reported in continuing operations or in discontinued operations.
FAS No. 144 also expands the reporting of discontinued
operations to include components of an entity that have been or
will be disposed of rather than limiting such discontinuance to
a segment of a business. The adoption of FAS No. 144
did not have an impact on the Companys consolidated
financial statements.
The Company periodically reviews long-lived assets, for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Impairments are recognized when the expected future undiscounted
cash flows derived from such assets are less than their carrying
value. For such cases, losses are recognized for the difference
between the fair value and the carrying amount. Assets to be
disposed of by sale or abandonment, and where management has the
current ability to remove such assets from operations, are
recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost
of disposition. Depreciation for these assets is suspended
during the disposal period, which is generally less than one
year. Assumptions and estimates used in the determination of
impairment losses, such as future cash flows and disposition
costs, may affect the carrying value of long-lived assets and
possible impairment expense in the Companys consolidated
financial statements. Management does not believe that any
impairment currently exists related to its long-lived assets.
The Company is self insured for a portion of its general
liability, workers compensation, certain health care and other
liability exposures. A third party insures losses over
prescribed levels. Accrued insurance includes estimates of such
accrued liabilities based on an evaluation of the merits of
individual claims and historical claims experience. Accordingly,
the Companys ultimate liability may differ from the
amounts accrued.
41
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
GB Holdings provision for federal income taxes is
calculated and paid on a consolidated basis with its
Subsidiaries.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
future tax consequences attributable to differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and
liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets
and liabilities are measured using enacted rates expected to
apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect
on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax
rates is recognized in income in the period of the enactment
date.
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per
Share (FAS 128), requires, among other things,
the disclosure of basic and diluted earnings per share for
public companies. Since the capital structure of GB Holdings is
simple, in that no potentially dilutive securities were
outstanding during the periods presented, basic loss per share
is equal to diluted loss per share. Basic loss per share is
computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years
consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year
consolidated financial statement presentations. The most
significant reclassifications include the following: marketing
costs that had been in Casino expense are now included in
Selling, General and Administrative expense; Cash and coin
incentives that were included in Promotional Allowances are now
included in Casino Revenues and certain complimentary expenses
that were included in Casino expense are now included in
Promotional Allowances.
Long-term debt is comprised of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
11% notes, due September 29, 2005(a)
|
|
$ |
43,741,000 |
|
|
$ |
110,000,000 |
|
3% Notes due July 22, 2008(b)
|
|
|
66,259,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total indebtedness
|
|
|
110,000,000 |
|
|
|
110,000,000 |
|
Less current maturities
|
|
|
(43,741,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
$ |
66,259,000 |
|
|
$ |
110,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
In accordance with its approved plan of reorganization, GB
Holdings through its then wholly-owned subsidiaries issued
$110 million at 11% interest payable September 29,
2005 (11% Notes). Interest on the
11% Notes is payable on March 29 and September 29,
beginning March 29, 2001. The outstanding principal is due
on September 29, 2005. |
|
|
|
The original indenture for the 11% Notes contained various
provisions, which, among other things, restricted the ability of
GB Holdings, and GBHC to incur certain senior secured
indebtedness beyond certain limitations, and contained certain
other limitations on the ability to merge, consolidate, or sell
substantially all of their assets, to make certain restricted
payments, to incur certain additional senior liens, and to enter
into certain sale-leaseback transactions. |
42
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
In a Consent Solicitation Statement and Consent Form dated
September 14, 2001, Property sought the consent of holders
of the 11% Notes to make certain changes to the original
indenture (the Modifications). The Modifications
included, but were not limited to, a deletion of, or changes to,
certain provisions the result of which would be (i) to
permit GB Holdings and its subsidiaries to incur any additional
indebtedness without restriction, to issue preferred stock
without restriction, to make distributions in respect of
preferred stock and to prepay indebtedness without restriction,
to incur liens without restriction and to enter into
sale-leaseback transactions without restriction, (ii) to
add additional exclusions to the definition of asset
sales to exclude from the restrictions on asset
sales sale-leaseback transactions, conveyances or
contributions to any entity in which GB Holdings or its
subsidiaries has or obtains equity or debt interests, and
transactions (including the granting of liens) made in
accordance with another provision of the Modifications relating
to collateral release and subordination or any documents entered
into in connection with an approved project (a new
definition included as part of the Modifications which includes,
if approved by the Board of Directors of GB Holdings, incurrence
of indebtedness or the transfer of assets to any person if GB
Holdings or any of its subsidiaries has or obtain debt or equity
interests in the transferee or any similar, related or
associated event, transaction or activity) in which a release or
subordination of collateral has occurred including, without
limitation, any sale or other disposition resulting from any
default or foreclosure, (iii) to exclude from the operation
of covenants related to certain losses to collateral, any assets
and any proceeds thereof, which have been subject to the release
or subordination provisions of the Modifications, (iv) to
permit the sale or other conveyances of Casino Reinvestment
Development Authority (the CRDA) investments in
accordance with the terms of a permitted security interest
whether or not such sale was made at fair value, (v) to
exclude from the operation of covenants related to the deposit
into a collateral account of certain proceeds of asset
sales or losses to collateral any assets and any proceeds
thereof, which have been subject to the release or subordination
provisions of the Modifications, (vi) to add new provisions
authorizing the release or subordination of the collateral
securing the 11% Notes in connection with, in anticipation
of, as a result of, or in relation to, an approved
project, and (vii) various provisions conforming the
text of the original indenture to the intent of the preceding
summary of the Modifications. |
|
(b) |
|
On July 22, 2004, Atlantic Holdings consummated the Consent
Solicitation and Offer to Exchange which it commenced and in
which Atlantic Holdings offered to exchange its 3% Notes
due July 22, 2008 for 11% Notes due September 29,
2005, issued by Property. Pursuant to the Consent Solicitation
and Offer to Exchange, an aggregate principal amount of
$66,258,970 of 11% Notes, representing 60.2% of the
outstanding 11% Notes, were tendered to Atlantic Holdings,
on a dollar for dollar basis, in exchange for an aggregate
principal amount of $66,258,970 of 3% Notes. At the
election of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding 3% Notes, each $1,000 principal amount of
3% Notes is payable in or convertible into
65.909 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, subject to
adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits, recapitalizations
and the like. As a result of the Transaction, the
$43.7 million in 11% Notes are no longer secured by
any property or equipment of the Company. Holders of the
11% Notes that tendered in the Consent Solicitation and
Offer to Exchange also received their pro rata share of the
aggregate consent fees ($6.6 million) at the rate of
$100 per $1000 principal amount of the 11% Notes
tendered, plus accrued interest ($2.3 million) on the
11% Notes tendered, which amounts were paid at the
consummation of the Transaction. The exchange is being accounted
for as a modification of debt. The consent fees paid are being
amortized over the term of the 3% Notes using the effective
yield method. All external costs associated with the issuance of
the 3% Notes have been expensed. As indicated in the
Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, an aggregate of
10,000,000 warrants, issued by Atlantic Holdings, were
distributed on a pro rata basis to the shareholders of GB
Holdings upon the consummation of the Transaction. Such Warrants
allow the holders to purchase, from Atlantic Holdings, at an
exercise price of $.01 per share, an aggregate of
2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and are
only exercisable following the earlier of (a) either the
3% Notes being paid in cash or upon conversion, in whole or
in part, into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, (b) payment
in full of the |
43
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
outstanding principal of the 11% Notes which have not been
exchanged, or (c) a determination by a majority of the
board of directors of Atlantic Holdings (including at least one
independent director of Atlantic Holdings) that the Warrants may
be exercised. The fair value of the warrants as of July 22,
2004 (date of issuance) was $43,587,000 (as determined by a
third party valuation). An additional $4.9 million in
legal, accounting, professionals and state transfer fees were
expended related to the Transaction, of which $3.1 million
and $1.8 million were charged to debt restructuring costs
during 2004 and 2003, respectively. |
On November 12, 2004, Atlantic Holdings and ACE entered
into a Loan and Security Agreement (the Loan
Agreement), by and among Atlantic Holdings, as borrower,
ACE, as guarantor, and Fortress Credit Corp.
(Fortress), as lender, and certain related ancillary
documents, pursuant to which, Fortress agreed to make available
to Atlantic Holdings a senior secured revolving credit line
providing for working capital loans of up to $10 million
(the Loans), to be used for working capital purposes
in the operation of The Sands, located in Atlantic City, New
Jersey. The Loan Agreement and the Loans thereunder have been
designated by the Board of Directors of Atlantic Holdings and
Atlantic Holdings,as manager of ACE, as Working Capital
Indebtedness (as that term is defined in the Indenture) (the
Indenture), dated as of July 22, 2004, among
Atlantic Holdings, as issuer, ACE, as guarantor, and Wells Fargo
Bank, National Association, as trustee (the Trustee).
The aggregate amount of the Loans shall not exceed
$10 million plus interest. All Loans under the Loan
Agreement are payable in full by no later than the day
immediately prior to the one-year anniversary of the Loan
Agreement, or any earlier date on which the Loans are required
to be paid in full, by acceleration or otherwise, pursuant to
the Loan Agreement.
The outstanding principal balance of the Loan Agreement will
accrue interest at a fixed rate to be set monthly which is equal
to one month LIBOR (but not less than 1.5%), plus 8% per
annum. In addition to interest payable on the principal balance
outstanding from time to time under the Loan Agreement, Atlantic
Holdings is required to pay to Fortress an unused line fee for
each preceding three-month period during the term of the Loan
Agreement in an amount equal to .35% of the excess of the
available commitment over the average outstanding monthly
balance during such preceding three-month period.
The Loans are secured by a first lien and security interest on
all of Atlantic Holdings and ACEs personal property
and a first mortgage on The Sands. Fortress entered into an
Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2004,
with the Trustee pursuant to the Loan Agreement. The Liens (as
that term defined in the Indenture) of the Trustee on the
Collateral (as that term is defined in the Indenture), are
subject and inferior to Liens which secure Working Capital
Indebtedness such as the Loans.
Fortress may terminate its obligation to advance and declare the
unpaid balance of the Loans, or any part thereof, immediately
due and payable upon the occurrence and during the continuance
of customary defaults which include payment default, covenant
defaults, bankruptcy type defaults, attachments, judgments, the
occurrence of certain material adverse events, criminal
proceedings, and defaults by Atlantic Holdings or ACE under
certain other agreements. As of December 31, 2004 there had
been no borrowings related to the Loans.
The Borrower and Guarantor on the Loan Agreement are required to
maintain the following financial covenants; (1) a minimum
EBITDA (as defined in the Loan Agreement) of $12.5 million,
which shall be measured and confirmed as of the twelve month
period ended each respective January 1, April 1,
July 1 and October 1 of each year until the full and
final satisfaction of the loan and (2) a Minimum Leverage
Ratio of which the Borrower shall not permit its ratio of
defined Total Debt to EBITDA, as measured and confirmed annually
on a trailing twelve month basis to exceed 6.25:1. As of
December 31, 2004, The Company is in compliance with these
covenants.
At December 31, 2004 and 2003, accrued interest on the
11% Notes was $1,216,000 and $3,092,000, respectively and
is included in Accrued Interest. Accrued interest on the
3% Notes was $883,000 at
44
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 2004 and is included in Other Non-Current
Liabilities. Interest on the 11% Notes is due semi-annually
on March 29th and September 29th. Interest on the
3% Notes are due at maturity, on July 22, 2008.
The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Federal income tax provision
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State income tax provision
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
(986,000 |
) |
|
|
(958,000 |
) |
|
|
(784,000 |
) |
|
Deferred
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(986,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(958,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(784,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes, and the amounts
used for income tax purposes. The major components of deferred
tax liabilities and assets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003
were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bad debt reserve
|
|
$ |
1,578,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,418,000 |
|
|
|
Deferred financing costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
234,000 |
|
|
|
Group insurance
|
|
|
904,000 |
|
|
|
747,000 |
|
|
|
Accrued vacation
|
|
|
603,000 |
|
|
|
613,000 |
|
|
|
Action cash awards accrual
|
|
|
191,000 |
|
|
|
123,000 |
|
|
|
Jackpot accrual
|
|
|
407,000 |
|
|
|
298,000 |
|
|
|
Medical reserve
|
|
|
534,000 |
|
|
|
408,000 |
|
|
|
Debt restructuring costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
754,000 |
|
|
|
CRDA
|
|
|
6,293,000 |
|
|
|
5,724,000 |
|
|
|
Federal and state net operating loss carryforward
|
|
|
21,962,000 |
|
|
|
17,004,000 |
|
|
|
Workers Compensation
|
|
|
462,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grantors trust income
|
|
|
3,713,000 |
|
|
|
3,616,000 |
|
|
|
Credit carryforwards
|
|
|
3,345,000 |
|
|
|
3,385,000 |
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
770,000 |
|
|
|
297,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax assets
|
|
|
40,762,000 |
|
|
|
35,621,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Less valuation allowance
|
|
|
(24,209,000 |
) |
|
|
(17,685,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance
|
|
|
16,553,000 |
|
|
|
17,936,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation of plant and equipment
|
|
|
(16,336,000 |
) |
|
|
(17,812,000 |
) |
|
|
Deferred financing costs
|
|
|
(81,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(11,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chips and tokens
|
|
|
(125,000 |
) |
|
|
(124,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(16,553,000 |
) |
|
|
(17,936,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The net change in the valuation allowance for deferred income
tax assets was an increase of $6.5 million in 2004 and an
increase of $7.4 million in 2003. Federal net operating
loss carryforwards totaled approximately $59 million as of
December 31, 2004 and will begin expiring in the year 2022
and forward. New Jersey net operating loss carryforwards totaled
approximately $20.2 million as of December 31, 2004.
The Company also has general business credit carryforwards of
approximately $1.1 million which expire in 2005 through
2024. Additionally, as of December 2004, the Company has a
federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) credit carryforward
of about $72,000 and a New Jersey alternative minimum assessment
(AMA) credit carryforward of approximately
$2.2 million, both of which can be carried forward
indefinitely.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets,
management considers whether it is more likely than not that
some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be
realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of
deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and
tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Management
believes that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits
of certain
46
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
future deductible temporary differences will be realized based
on the reversal of existing temporary differences, and
therefore, a valuation allowance has not been provided for these
deferred tax assets. Additionally, management has determined
that the realization of certain of the Companys deferred
tax assets is not more likely than not and, as such, has
provided a valuation allowance against those deferred tax assets
at December 31, 2004 and 2003.
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed
at the federal statutory rate as a result of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Expected federal benefit
|
|
|
(35.0 |
)% |
|
|
(35.0 |
)% |
|
|
(35.0 |
)% |
State taxes net of federal benefit
|
|
|
(0.4 |
)% |
|
|
(2.2 |
)% |
|
|
(1.6 |
)% |
State tax rate correction
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
3.9 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Expired tax credit
|
|
|
2.7 |
% |
|
|
0.7 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Permanent differences
|
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
|
0.2 |
% |
|
|
0.9 |
% |
Tax credits
|
|
|
(6.2 |
)% |
|
|
(5.2 |
)% |
|
|
(13.2 |
)% |
Deferred tax valuation allowance
|
|
|
55.2 |
% |
|
|
43.3 |
% |
|
|
57.8 |
% |
Other
|
|
|
(8.4 |
)% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
3.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.3 |
% |
|
|
5.7 |
% |
|
|
12.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6) |
Transactions with Related Parties |
The Companys rights to the trade name The
Sands (the Trade Name) were derived from a
license agreement with an unaffiliated third party. Amounts
payable by the Company for these rights were equal to the
amounts paid to the unaffiliated third party. On
September 29, 2000, High River assigned the Company the
rights under a certain agreement with the owner of the Trade
Name to use the Trade Name as of September 29, 2000 through
May 19, 2086, subject to termination rights for a fee after
a certain minimum term. High River is an entity controlled by
Carl C. Icahn. High River received no payments for its
assignment of these rights. Payment was made directly to the
owner of the Trade Name. On or about July 14, 2004, the
Company entered into a license agreement with Las Vegas Sands,
Inc., for the use of the trade name Sands through
May 19, 2086, subject to termination rights for a fee after
a certain minimum term. This new license agreement superseded
and replaced the above-mentioned trade name rights assigned to
the Company by High River. In connection with the Transaction
discussed above, the July 14, 2004 license agreement was
assigned to ACE as of July 22, 2004. The payments made to
the licensor in connection with the trade name amounted to
$259,000, $263,000 and $272,000, respectively, for the years
ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.
The Company has entered into an intercompany services
arrangement with American Casinos & Entertainment
Properties LLC (ACEP), which is controlled by
affiliates of Mr. Icahn, whereby ACEP provides management
and consulting services. The Company is billed based upon an
allocation of salaries plus an overhead charge of 15% of the
salary allocation plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, we were billed
approximately $387,500, $190,600 and $27,900, respectively.
On February 28, 2003, the Company entered into a two year
agreement with XO Communications, Inc. a long-distance phone
carrier controlled by Carl C. Icahn. The agreement can be
extended beyond the minimum two year term on a month-to-month
basis. Payments for such charges incurred for the year ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003 amounted to $181,000 and
$127,000, respectively. The agreement is currently continuing on
a monthly basis.
47
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company owed
approximately $371,000 and $48,000, respectively, for
reimbursable expenses to related parties.
|
|
(7) |
New Jersey Regulations and Obligatory Investments |
The Company conducts gaming operations in Atlantic City, New
Jersey and operates a hotel and several restaurants, as well as
related support facilities. The operation of an Atlantic City
casino/hotel is subject to significant regulatory control. Under
the New Jersey Casino Control Act (NJCCA), ACE was
required to obtain and is required to periodically renew its
operating license. A casino license is not transferable and,
after the initial licensing and two one-year renewal periods, is
issued for a term of up to four years. The plenary license
issued to The Sands was renewed by the Commission in September,
2004 and extended through September 2008. The Commission may
reopen licensing hearings at any time. If it were determined
that gaming laws were violated by a licensee, the gaming license
could be conditioned, suspended or revoked. In addition, the
licensee and other persons involved could be subject to
substantial fines.
In order to renew the casino license for The Sands, the
Commission determined that Atlantic Holdings and ACE are
financially stable. In order to be found financially
stable under the NJCCA, Atlantic Holdings and ACE must
demonstrate, among other things, their ability to pay, exchange,
or refinance debts that mature or otherwise become due and
payable during the license term, or to otherwise manage such
debts. During July 2004, a timely renewal application of the
casino license for a four year term was filed. The CCC approved
the casino license renewal application for a four year term on
September 29, 2004 with certain conditions, including
monthly written reports on the status of the 11% Notes, and
a definitive plan by GB Holdings to address the maturity of the
11% Notes to be submitted no later than August 1, 2005
as well as other standard industry reporting requirements.
The NJCCA requires casino licensees to pay an investment
alternative tax of 2.5% of Gross Revenue (the 2.5%
Tax) or, in lieu thereof, to make quarterly deposits of
1.25% of quarterly Gross Revenue with the CRDA (the
Deposits). The Deposits are then used to purchase
bonds at below-market interest rates from the CRDA or to make
qualified investments approved by the CRDA. The CRDA administers
the statutorily mandated investments made by casino licensees
and is required to expend the monies received by it for eligible
projects as defined in the NJCCA. The Sands has elected to make
the Deposits with the CRDA rather than pay the 2.5% Tax.
As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had purchased
bonds totaling $6,717,000 and $6,875,000, respectively. In
addition, the Company had remaining funds on deposit and held in
escrow by the CRDA at December 31, 2004 and 2003, of
$17,430,000 and $15,171,000, respectively. The bonds purchased
and the amounts on deposit and held in escrow are included in
obligatory investments.
Obligatory investments at December 31, 2004 and 2003, are
net of accumulated valuation allowances of $12,500,000 and
$11,340,000, respectively, based upon the estimated realizable
values of the investments. Provisions for valuation allowances
for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
amounted to $1,165,000, $1,434,000 and 1,521,000, respectively.
The Company has, from time to time, contributed certain amounts
held in escrow by the CRDA to fund CRDA sponsored projects.
During 2004 and 2003, the Company donated $333,000 and $694,000,
respectively, of its escrowed funds to CRDA sponsored projects.
No specific refund or future credit has been associated
48
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
with the 2003 contributions. During 2002, the Company
contributed $925,000 of its escrowed funds to CRDA sponsored
projects and received $116,000 in a cash refund. Prior to this,
the CRDA had granted the Company both cash refunds and waivers
of certain of its future Deposit obligations in consideration of
similar contributions. Other assets aggregating $414,000 and
$621,000, respectively, have been recognized at
December 31, 2004 and 2003, and are being amortized over a
period of ten years commencing with the completion of the
projects. Amortization of other assets totaled $207,000,
$205,000 and $199,000 for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and are included in
depreciation and amortization, including provision for
obligatory investments.
The Company has agreed to contribute certain of its future
investment obligations to the CRDA in connection with the
renovation related to the Atlantic City Boardwalk Convention
Center. The projected total contribution will amount to
$6.9 million, which will be paid through 2011 based on an
estimate of certain of the Companys future CRDA deposit
obligations. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had
satisfied $2.2 million of this obligation.
In April 2004, the casino industry, the CRDA and the New Jersey
Sports and Exposition Authority agreed to a plan regarding New
Jersey video lottery terminals (VLTs). Under the
plan, casinos will pay a total of $96 million over a period
of four years, of which $10 million will fund, through
project grants, North Jersey CRDA projects and $86 million
will be paid to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority
which will then subsidize certain New Jersey horse tracks to
increase purses and attract higher-quality races that would
allow them to compete with horse tracks in neighboring states.
In return, the race tracks and New Jersey have committed to
postpone any attempts to install VLTs for at least four years.
$52 million of the $86 million would be donated by the
CRDA from the casinos North Jersey obligations and
$34 million would be paid by the casinos directly. It is
currently estimated that the Companys current CRDA
deposits for North Jersey projects are sufficient to fund the
Companys proportionate obligations with respect to the
$10 million and $52 million commitments. The
Companys proportionate obligation with respect to the
$34 million commitment is estimated to be approximately
$1.3 million payable over a four year period in annual
installments due October 15th ranging from $278,000 to
$398,000 per year. The Companys proportionate
obligation with respect to the combined $10 million and
$52 million commitment is estimated to be approximately
$2.5 million payable over a four year period. The amounts
will be charged to operations, on a straight-line basis, through
January 1, 2009. The Company made its initial cash payment
of $278,000 in satisfaction of this obligation during October
2004.
|
|
(8) |
Commitments and Contingencies |
We are, from time to time, parties to various legal proceedings
arising out of our businesses. We believe, however, that other
than the proceedings discussed below, there are no proceedings
pending or threatened against us, which, if determined
adversely, would have a material adverse effect upon our
business financial conditions, results of operations or
liquidity.
Tax appeals on behalf of ACE and the City of Atlantic City
challenging the amount of ACEs real property assessments
for tax years 1996 through 2003 are pending before the NJ Tax
Court.
By letter dated January 23, 2004, Sheffield Enterprises,
Inc. asserted potential claims against the Company under the
Lanham Act for permitting a show entitled The Main Event, to run
at The Sands during 2001. Sheffield also asserts certain
copyright infringement claims growing out of the Main Event
performances. This matter was concluded by a confidential
settlement entered into by the parties in January 2005. Under
the settlement, the Company was fully indemnified by Main
Events insurer for the amount of the stipulated damages.
The Company was responsible for payment of its own legal fees,
which were not material.
49
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Company has collective bargaining agreements with three
unions that represent approximately 804 employees, most of
whom are represented by the Hotel, Restaurant Employees and
Bartenders International Union, AFL-CIO, Local 54. The
collective bargaining agreement with Local 54 was renewed
for a five year term in 2004. The collective bargaining
agreements with the Carpenters, Local 623 (4.6% of union
employees) and Entertainment Workers, Locals 68 and 917
(10.0% of union employees) expire in April and July 2006,
respectively. Management considers its labor relations to be
good.
|
|
(9) |
Employee Retirement Savings Plan |
ACE administers and participates in The Sands Retirement
Plan, a qualified defined contribution plan for the benefit of
all of ACE employees, who satisfy certain eligibility
requirements.
The Sands Retirement Plan is designed and operated to meet
the qualification requirements under section 401(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code)
and contains a qualified cash-or-deferred arrangement meeting
the requirements of section 401(k) of the Code. All
employees of ACE, who have completed one year of service, as
defined, and who have attained the age of 21, are eligible
to participate in the Savings Plan.
The Sands Retirement Plan provides for an employer
matching contribution based upon certain criteria, including
levels of participation by The Sands employees. The
Company incurred matching contributions totaling $441,000,
$406,000 and $575,000, for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
The Company also contributes to multi-employer pension, health
and welfare plans for its union employees. For the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company contributed
$5,576,000, $5,411,000 and $5,750,000, respectively.
|
|
(10) |
Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments |
Disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments
is required under FAS No 107, Disclosure About Fair Value
of Financial Instruments. The fair value estimates are
made at discrete points in time based on relevant market
information and information about the financial instruments.
These estimates may be subjective in nature and involve
uncertainties and significant judgment and therefore cannot be
determined with precision.
Cash and cash equivalents are valued at the carrying amount.
Such amount approximates the fair value of cash equivalents
because of the short maturity of these instruments.
Obligatory investments are valued at a carrying amount which
includes an allowance reflecting the below market interest rate
associated with such investments.
The 11% Notes are valued at the market trading price at
April 16, 2004 which was the last full trading day prior to
the delisting of these Notes from trading on the American Stock
Exchange.
The 3% Notes are valued at the amount paid by American Real
Estate Partnership, L.P. (AREP) to purchase the
Notes held by Icahn affiliates in January 2005.
50
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The estimated carrying amounts and fair values of GB
Holdings financial instruments are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
December 31, 2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Carrying | |
|
|
|
Carrying | |
|
|
|
|
Amount | |
|
Fair Value | |
|
Amount | |
|
Fair Value | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Financial Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
12,756,000 |
|
|
$ |
12,756,000 |
|
|
$ |
33,454,000 |
|
|
$ |
33,454,000 |
|
|
Obligatory investments, net
|
|
|
11,647,000 |
|
|
|
11,647,000 |
|
|
|
10,705,000 |
|
|
|
10,705,000 |
|
Financial Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest payable
|
|
|
2,099,000 |
|
|
|
2,099,000 |
|
|
|
3,092,000 |
|
|
|
3,092,000 |
|
|
11% Notes
|
|
|
43,741,000 |
|
|
|
35,430,000 |
|
|
|
110,000,000 |
|
|
|
91,300,000 |
|
|
3% Notes
|
|
|
66,259,000 |
|
|
|
64,452,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company leases certain equipment and property under
operating leases. Total lease expense was $2.0 million,
$2.1 million and $2.5 million for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The
following table sets forth the future minimum commitments for
operating leases and capital leases having remaining
non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Leases | |
|
Capital Leases | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
2005
|
|
$ |
1,967,000 |
|
|
$ |
286,000 |
|
2006
|
|
|
1,998,000 |
|
|
|
286,000 |
|
2007
|
|
|
1,998,000 |
|
|
|
188,000 |
|
2008
|
|
|
1,998,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
1,998,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
6,434,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Minimum Lease Payments
|
|
$ |
16,393,000 |
|
|
|
760,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less imputed interest costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(80,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Present value of Net Minimum Capital Lease Payments
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
680,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On January 21, 2005, AREP and Cyprus LLC
(Cyprus), an affiliate of Mr. Icahn, entered
into a Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which AREP agreed to
purchase from Cyprus 4,121,033 shares of GB Holdings and
warrants to purchase 1,133,284 shares of common stock
of Atlantic Holdings. The warrants were distributed to Cyprus by
GB Holdings in connection with the Transaction and will become
exercisable upon certain conditions at an exercise price of
$.01 per share.
51
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
(13) |
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter | |
|
|
| |
|
|
First | |
|
Second | |
|
Third | |
|
Fourth | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Year Ended December 31, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
$ |
40,990,000 |
|
|
$ |
44,570,000 |
|
|
$ |
44,160,000 |
|
|
$ |
41,523,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
$ |
915,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,911,000 |
|
|
$ |
719,000 |
|
|
$ |
(1,604,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(3,140,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,493,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,124,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,065,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per share
|
|
$ |
(0.31 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.25 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.31 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.41 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
$ |
39,303,000 |
|
|
$ |
45,464,000 |
|
|
$ |
45,211,000 |
|
|
$ |
37,771,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
$ |
(1,298,000 |
) |
|
$ |
2,607,000 |
|
|
$ |
(144,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,123,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(4,401,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(507,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,456,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,349,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per share
|
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.35 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.93 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
Item 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
None.
|
|
Item 9A. |
Controls and Procedures |
The Companys senior management is responsible for
establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act))
designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by
the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the
Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported,
within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and
forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without
limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports
that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated
and communicated to the issuers management, including its
principal executive officer or officers and principal financial
officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15,
the Company carried out an evaluation, with the participation of
the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well
as other key members of the Companys management, of the
effectiveness of the Companys disclosure and procedures as
of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that
evaluation, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer concluded that the Companys disclosure
controls and procedures were effective, as of the end of the
period covered by this report, to provide reasonable assurance
that information required to be disclosed in the Companys
reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules
and forms.
|
|
Item 9B. |
Other Information |
Not applicable.
53
PART III
|
|
Item 10. |
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant |
The Board of Directors of GB Holdings consist of: Carl C.
Icahn, Michael L. Ashner, Martin Hirsch, Harold First, Auguste
E. Rimpel, Jr. and John P. Saldarelli. Messrs. Ashner,
First and Rimpel, Jr. were elected to the Board of
Directors of GB Holdings, as independent members, and to
the Audit Committee of GB Holdings.
No family relationships exist between any directors or executive
officers of GB Holdings.
Directors and Officers
Certain information is set forth below concerning the directors
and executive officers of each of GB Holdings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age | |
|
Position | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Carl C. Icahn(1)
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors |
|
Martin Hirsch(2)
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
Director |
|
John P. Saldarelli(3)
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
Director |
|
Michael L. Ashner(4)
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
Director |
|
Harold First(5)
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
Director |
|
Auguste E. Rimpel, Jr.(6)
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
Director |
|
Richard P. Brown(7)
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
Denise Barton(8)
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer |
Thomas Davis(9)
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
Former President |
|
George Toth(10)
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
President, ACE Gaming, LLC |
|
Patricia M. Wild(11)
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Carl C. Icahn has served as Chairman of the Board and a director
of Starfire Holding Corporation (Starfire) (formerly
Icahn Holding Corporation), a privately-held holding company,
and Chairman of the Board and a director of various subsidiaries
of Starfire, since 1984. Mr. Icahn is and has been since
1994 a majority shareholder, the Chairman of the Board and a
Director of American Railcar Industries, Inc. (ARI),
a Missouri corporation. ARI is primarily engaged in the business
of manufacturing, managing, leasing and selling of railroad
freight and tank cars. Mr. Icahn has also been Chairman of
the Board and President of Icahn & Co., Inc., a
registered broker-dealer and a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, since 1968. Since November
1990, Mr. Icahn has been Chairman of the Board of American
Property Investors, Inc., the general partner of American Real
Estate Partners, L.P., a public limited partnership that invests
in real estate and holds various other interests, including the
interests in its subsidiaries that are engaged, among other
things, in the oil and gas business and casino entertainment
business. Mr. Icahn has been a director of Cadus
Pharmaceutical Corporation, a firm that holds various
biotechnology patents, since 1993. From August 1998 to August
2002, Mr. Icahn served as Chairman of the Board of
Maupintour Holding LLC (f/k/a/ Lowestfare.com, LLC),
an internet travel reservations company. From October 1998
through May, 2004, Mr. Icahn was the President and a
director of Stratosphere Corporation, which operates the
Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. Since September 29, 2000,
Mr. Icahn has served as the Chairman of the Board of
GB Holdings which owns all of the outstanding stock of
Atlantic Holdings, which through its wholly-owned subsidiary
owns and operates The Sands. Mr. Icahn also serves in the
same capacity with Atlantic Holdings. In January 2003,
Mr. Icahn became Chairman of the Board and a director of
XO Communications, Inc., a telecommunications company.
Mr. Icahn received his B.A. from Princeton University in
1957. |
54
|
|
|
|
(2) |
Martin Hirsch has served as a Vice President of API since 1991
and AREP since inception. Mr. Hirsch focuses on investment,
management and disposition of real estate properties and other
assets. On March 23, 2000, Mr. Hirsch was elected to
serve as Executive Vice President and Director of Acquisitions
and Development of API. From January 1986 to January 1991,
Mr. Hirsch was a Vice President of Integrated Resources,
Inc. where he was involved in the acquisition of commercial real
estate properties and asset management. In 1985 and 1986,
Mr. Hirsch was a Vice President of Hall Financial Group
where he was involved in acquiring and financing commercial and
residential properties. Mr. Hirsch has been a director of
National Energy Group, Inc. since 1998. Since September 29,
2000 Mr. Hirsch served as a director of GB Property
Funding Inc. from September 29, 2000 until July 22,
2004 and of Greate Bay Hotel and Casino, Inc. from
February 28, 2001 until July 22, 2004. Mr. Hirsch
has served as a Director of GB Holdings, Inc. which owns
all of the outstanding stock of Atlantic Coast Entertainment
Holdings, Inc., which through its wholly-owned subsidiary owns
and operates The Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New
Jersey and GB Property Funding, Inc. Since July 22,
2004, Mr. Hirsch also serves in the same capacity with
Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
(3) |
John P. Saldarelli has served as Vice President, Secretary and
Treasurer of API since March 18, 1991 and as Chief
Financial Officer since June 2000 and of AREP Finance since
inception. Mr. Saldarelli was President of Bayswater Realty
Brokerage Corp. from June 1987 until November 19, 1993, and
Vice President of Bayswater Realty & Capital Corp. from
September 1979 until April 15, 1993. Mr. Saldarelli
served as a director of Stratosphere from October, 1998 until
May 2004. Mr. Saldarelli has served as a director of
GB Property Funding, Inc. and Greate Bay Hotel and Casino,
Inc. from February 28, 2001 until July 22, 2004. Since
February 28, 2001, Mr. Saldarelli has served as a
Director of GB Holdings, Inc. which owns all of the
outstanding stock of Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings,
Inc., which through its wholly-owned subsidiary owns and
operates The Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New
Jersey. Since July 22, 2004, Mr. Saldarelli also
serves in the same capacity with Atlantic Coast Entertainment
Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
(4) |
Michael L. Ashner serves as the Chief Executive Officer of
Newkirk MLP Corp., a position he has held since January 2002 as
well as the Chief Executive Officer of Winthrop Financial
Associates, a Limited Partnership and its affiliates, a position
he has held since January 1996. Mr. Ashner has been the
Chief Executive Officer of First Union Real Estate Equity and
Mortgage Investments, a publicly traded real estate investment
trust which we refer to as First Union, since December 31,
2003 and Chairman since April 2004. Mr. Ashner has also
served as the Chief Executive Officer of Shelbourne
Properties I, Inc., Shelbourne Properties II, Inc. and
Shelbourne Properties III, Inc., three separate publicly
traded real estate investment trusts listed on the American
Stock Exchange that were recently liquidated. Since 1981,
Mr. Ashner has been Chairman of Exeter Capital Corporation,
a firm that has organized and administered real estate limited
partnerships. Mr. Ashner also currently serves on the Board
of Directors of NBTY Inc., a publicly traded company that
is a manufacturer, marketer and retailer of nutritional
supplements. Mr. Ashner has been a member of the Audit
Committee of GB Holdings since October 3, 2000. Since
October 31, 2003, Mr. Ashner has served as a member of
Atlantic Holdings Board of Directors. |
|
|
(5) |
Harold First has been a self-employed independent financial
consultant since 1993. He is a certified public accountant.
Within the past five years, Mr. First served as a director
and chairman of the Audit Committee of Philip Services
Corporation, a leading integrated provider of industrial and
metals services that at the time was a public company in which
Carl C. Icahn held an interest through ownership of securities
and debt, and as a director of Panaco Inc., an oil and gas
drilling company that at the time was a public company in which
Mr. Icahn held an interest through securities or debt. |
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. First serves as a director and chairman of the Audit
Committee of GB Holdings, which owns all of the outstanding
stock of Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc., which
through its wholly-owned subsidiary owns and operates The Sands.
Mr. First is also a director and chairman of the Audit
Committee of Atlantic Holdings. |
|
|
|
Mr. First holds a B.S. from Brooklyn College. |
55
|
|
|
|
(6) |
Auguste E. Rimpel, Jr. has been a retired partner of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) since 2000. He
was with PwC and its predecessor firm, Price Waterhouse, since
1983, most recently as Managing Partner of International
Consulting services for the Washington Consulting Practice of
the firm. Prior to his tenure at PwC, Dr. Rimpel served as
a Partner with Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., a
management consulting firm and as a Vice President of Arthur D.
Little International, Inc., a management consulting firm. |
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Rimpel currently serves as Chairman of the Board of
Trustees of the University of the Virgin Islands. Since
April 25, 2001, he has served as a member of the Audit
Committee and Board of Directors of GB Holdings, which owns
all of the outstanding stock of Atlantic Holdings, which through
its wholly-owned subsidiary owns and operates The Sands.
Dr. Rimpel also serves as a member of the Board of
Directors and the Audit Committee of Atlantic Holdings. |
|
|
|
Dr. Rimpel received a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from
Carnegie Institute of Technology and was an International Fellow
at Columbia University Graduate School of Business. |
|
|
|
|
(7) |
Richard P. Brown serves as President and Chief Executive Officer
of GB Holdings, Inc. and Atlantic Coast Entertainment
Holdings, Inc., and also serves as the President and Chief
Executive Officer of American Entertainment
Properties Corp., American Casino & Entertainment
Properties Finance Corp. and American Casino &
Entertainment Properties LLC (ACEP); and
President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of American
Entertainment Properties Corp. and ACEP Finance since
inception. Mr. Brown has over 12 years experience in
the gaming industry. Mr. Brown has been the President and
Chief Executive Officer of each of the Stratosphere, Arizona
Charlies Decatur and Arizona Charlies Boulder since
June 2002. From January 2001 to June 2002, he served as Chief
Operating Officer for all three properties. Prior to joining
Stratosphere Gaming Corp. in March 2000 as Executive Vice
President of Marketing, Mr. Brown held executive positions
with Harrahs Entertainment and Hilton Hotels Corporation. |
|
|
(8) |
Denise Barton serves as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Principal Accounting Officer of GB Holdings, Inc. and
Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc., and also serves as
the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
and Secretary of American Entertainment Properties Corp.,
American Casino & Entertainment Properties Finance
Corp. and American Casino & Entertainment
Properties LLC since inception. Ms. Barton has been
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of each of the
Stratosphere, Arizona Charlies Decatur and Arizona
Charlies Boulder since February 2003. Ms. Barton
joined the Stratosphere as Vice President of Finance and Chief
Financial Officer in August 2002. From February 1999 to June
2002, she served as Chief Financial Officer for Lowestfare.com,
a travel company controlled by affiliates of Mr. Icahn.
Ms. Barton was employed by KPMG LLP, certified public
accountants, from January 1990 to February 1999. Ms. Barton
is a certified public accountant. |
|
|
(9) |
Thomas Davis, served as President of GB Holdings, Property,
GBHC and Atlantic Holdings from February 2003 until February
2004. Previously, Mr. Davis served as Vice President of
Business Development at Stratosphere Corporation from November
2002 until February 2003. Prior to joining the Stratosphere
Corporation, Mr. Davis served as General Manager of Little
River Casino Resort from 1999, General Manager at Chinook Winds
Resort-Casino from 1998 to 1999 and General Manager of Pioneer
Gambling Hall & Hotel from 1996 to 1998. |
|
|
(10) |
George Toth was appointed Interim President of the GBHC in
February 2004 and appointed President of ACE in June 2004. Prior
to that, Mr. Toth was Vice President of Hotel Operations
and Security for GBHC and has held various positions in the
company since 1994, including Vice President of Construction and
Operations and Executive Director of Support Services. |
|
(11) |
Patricia M. Wild has served as Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary of GB Holdings, Atlantic Holdings and ACE
Gaming since June 2004. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Wild
served as Vice President, Corporate Counsel and Vice President
of Claims Administration for Park Place Entertainment
Corporation from 1998 to 2003. From 1989 to 1998, Ms. Wild
served in various legal capacities for the Trump casino hotel
properties in Atlantic City, including Vice President of Legal
Affairs for Trumps Castle Associates and Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary for Trump Plaza |
56
|
|
|
Associates. From 1986 to 1989, Ms. Wild served as a Deputy
Attorney General with the Environmental Prosecutions Task Force
of the NJ Division of Criminal Justice. Ms. Wild was a
Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey Division of Gaming
Enforcement from 1983 to 1986. |
The Board of Directors has determined that Harold First
qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as
defined in ITEM 401(h) of Regulation S-K of the
Exchange Act, and that Mr. First is independent of
management as that term is used in Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of
Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act.
Each director shall hold office until the next annual meeting
and until his successor is elected and qualified or until his
earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal. Each
executive officer shall hold office until his successor is
chosen and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its
chief executive officer and senior financial officers.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
requires GB Holdings officers and directors, and
persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of
GB Holdings equity securities, to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers,
directors and greater than ten percent shareholders are required
by SEC regulation to furnish GB Holdings with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of
the copies of such forms furnished by the Company, or written
representations that no Forms 5 were required,
GB Holdings believes that during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004, all Section 16(a) filing
requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater
than ten-percent beneficial owners were satisfied.
57
|
|
Item 11. |
Executive Compensation |
Summary of Cash and Certain Other Compensation
GB Holdings does not pay any compensation to any employee
or executive officer. Atlantic Holdings provides money to
GB Holdings to pay the compensation of the independent
directors (see Compensation of Directors below). The
following table provides certain summary information concerning
compensation paid or accrued by Atlantic Holdings, to or on
behalf of (i) Atlantic Holdings Chief Executive
Officer; (ii) each of the other executive officers of
Atlantic Holdings determined as of the end of the last fiscal
year; and (iii) additional individuals who would have
qualified as among the executive officers of Atlantic Holdings
but for the fact that the individual was not serving as an
executive officer at the end of the last year (hereafter
referred to as the named executive officers), for the years
ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
All Other | |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year | |
|
Salary | |
|
Bonus | |
|
Compensation(1) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Richard P. Brown(2)
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George Toth
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
218,529 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,267 |
|
|
President, ACE |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
144,685 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,477 |
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
109,756 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,639 |
|
Thomas Davis
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
64,211 |
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Former President, GBH |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
247,067 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William Cooney(3)
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
214,538 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
4,604 |
|
|
Senior Vice President |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
159,374 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
2,721 |
|
|
Customer Development |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
180,654 |
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephanie Wheeler(4)
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
149,203 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,792 |
|
|
Vice President Human Resources |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
145,999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
901 |
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
88,038 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes matching contributions by ACE to The Sands
Retirement Savings Plan on behalf of the named executive officer. |
|
(2) |
Mr. Brown has served as Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic
Holdings since November 2003. Mr. Brown has been Chief
Executive Officer of GB Holdings since September 2002. He also
serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of ACEP, which
provides services to us and receives fees for those services
from us. Mr. Brown does not receive any compensation from
us. He is compensated by ACEP. See Related Party
Transactions. |
|
(3) |
William Cooney has served ACE as Senior Vice President, Customer
Development since July 2004 and he served in the same capacity
at GBHC from February 2003 through July 2004. Prior to that,
Mr. Cooney was Vice President, Player Development at
Tropicana Casino from May 2002 until February 2003.
Mr. Cooney had previously served GBHC as Executive Vice
President, Marketing Operations from February 2001 until May
2002 and Vice President Marketing from March 2000 until February
2001 and Vice President, Player Development from September 1999
until March 2000. Prior to that, Mr. Cooney served as
Executive Director of Player Development. |
|
(4) |
Stephanie Wheeler has served ACE as Vice President, Human
Resources & Hotel Services since March 2005. Prior to
that, Ms. Wheeler served ACE as Vice President, Human
Resources from July 22, 2004 until March 2005. Prior to
that, Ms. Wheeler served GBHC as Vice President, Human
Resources from May 2002 until July 22, 2004. Prior to that,
Ms. Wheeler was Program Director, Human Capital Strategies
at William J. Hughes Technical Center/ Federal Aviation
Administration from March 2002 to |
58
|
|
|
May 2002. Prior to that, Ms. Wheeler was Vice President,
Human Resources at Harrahs Casino Hotel Atlantic City from
January 2000 through August 2001. |
|
(5) |
Includes severance compensation. |
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
The Company does not have a stock option plan.
Employment Contracts
The Company currently has no executive officers under employment
contracts.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The Company does not maintain any equity compensation plans, nor
does it issue any options, warrants or rights to directors,
officers or employees. No securities are reserved for future
issuance in connection with our equity compensation plan.
Employee Retirement Savings Plan
ACE administers and participates in The Sands Retirement
Plan, a qualified defined contribution plan for the benefit of
all of ACE employees, who satisfy certain eligibility
requirements.
The Sands Retirement Plan is qualified under the
requirements of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code
allowing participating employees to benefit from the tax
deferral opportunities provided therein. All employees of ACE,
who have completed one year of service, as defined, and who have
attained the age of 21, are eligible to participate in the
Savings Plan.
The Sands Retirement Plan provides for an employer
matching contribution based upon certain criteria, including
levels of participation by The Sands employees. The Sands
incurred matching contributions totaling $441,000, $406,000 and
$575,000, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and
2002, respectively.
The Sands also contributes to multi-employer pension, health and
welfare plans for its union employees. For the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, The Sands contributed
$5,576,000, $5,411,000 and $5,750,000, respectively.
Compensation of Directors
Independent directors of the Board of Directors of GB Holdings
are entitled to receive an annual fee of $22,500. The Board of
Directors of GB Holdings held 5 meetings either in person or by
unanimous consent during the year ended December 31, 2004.
All directors attended at least 75% of all meetings of the Board
of Directors and committees thereof for which they were eligible
to serve.
The Board of Directors of GB Holdings also has an Audit
Committee. Compensation for members of the Audit Committee is
included in the compensation described above.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation
On October 3, 2000, GB Holdings established a Compensation
Committee consisting of Messrs. Hirsch and Ashner. No
Compensation Committee meeting was held during 2004.
Affiliates of Mr. Icahn are actively involved in the gaming
industry. Furthermore, affiliates of Mr. Icahn currently
own approximately 77.5% of GB Holdings Common Stock of
which AREP currently owns approximately 36.3% of GB
Holdings Common Stock. AREP has entered into an agreement
to acquire the remaining approximately 41.2% of GB
Holdings Common Stock owned by affiliates of
Mr. Icahn and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of
certain events, an additional approximately 11.3% of the fully
diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings (see Item 12).
Casinos owned or managed by Mr. Icahn may directly or
indirectly compete with the Company. In addition, the potential
for conflicts of interest exists
59
among the Company and Mr. Icahn for future business
opportunities. Mr. Icahn may pursue other business
opportunities and there is no agreement requiring that such
additional business opportunities be presented to GB Holdings.
Audit and Special Committees
The Audit Committee has the duty to (i) review the
engagement and performance of the independent auditors,
including the remuneration to be paid; (ii) recommend
annually to the Board of Directors the independent public
accountants to be engaged to audit the books, records and
accounts of the Company for the ensuing year; (iii) review
with the Companys independent auditors, as well as the
Companys management, the Companys system of internal
control including the programs and policies of the Company
designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws and
regulations as well as monitoring results of these compliance
efforts; (iv) review with financial management and the
independent auditors the Companys annual financial
statements and any financial reports or other financial
information submitted to any governmental body or the public by
either the Company or its independent auditors and the review of
the Forms 10-Q and 10-K prepared by the financial
management and the independent auditors of the Company prior to
their filing and release; discuss any significant changes to the
Companys accounting principles; (v) review of any
significant disagreement among management of the Company and the
independent auditors in connection with the preparation of the
financial reports of the companies and prior to releasing the
year-end earnings, discuss with the independent auditors matters
required to be communicated to audit committees in accordance
with SAS 61 and (vi) make such reports and recommendations
to the Board of Directors in connection with the foregoing as it
shall deem appropriate or as the Board of Directors may request,
and take such action thereon as the Board of Directors may
direct it to take. As of the Effective Date, the Audit Committee
was comprised of Mr. Ashner and Ms. Barbara Lang.
Mr. Ashner does not receive any additional compensation for
his participation on the Audit Committee. Effective
February 28, 2001, GB Holdings adopted a charter for the
Audit Committee conforming to the listing requirements of the
American Stock Exchange. Messrs. Harold First and Auguste
E. Rimpel, Jr. have served as members of the Board of
Directors and the Audit committee, of GB Holdings since
April 25, 2001, at which time Ms. Lang resigned as a
member of the Audit Committee. Messrs. First and
Rimpel, Jr. have also served as Directors of Property and
GBHC since June 6, 2001.
During 2003 and 2004, a special committee of the GB Holdings
Board of Directors was formed to review and implement
refinancing alternatives related to the 11% Notes
(the Special Committee). The Special Committee was
comprised of Messrs. Ashner, First and Rimpel, Jr.
Each member of the Special Committee received $35,000 for their
services in this connection which was paid during 2003.
60
|
|
Item 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management |
The following table sets forth as of March 21, 2005,
certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares
of GB Holdings Common Stock by each director of the
Company, each of the executive officers listed in the Summary
Compensation Table, each person known to the Company to be the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares and
all directors and executive officers as a group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of | |
|
|
Name |
|
Shares | |
|
Percent | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Robino Stortini Holdings LLC(1)
|
|
|
1,607,416 |
|
|
|
16.1 |
% |
Carl C. Icahn(2)
|
|
|
7,748,744 |
|
|
|
77.5 |
% |
Martin Hirsch
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John P. Saldarelli
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael L. Ashner
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Harold First
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Auguste E. Rimpel, Jr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard P. Brown
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George Toth
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denise Barton
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William Cooney
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephanie Wheeler
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Directors and officers
|
|
|
7,748,744 |
|
|
|
77.5 |
% |
|
|
(1) |
Pursuant to a Schedule 13D, dated March 21, 2005,
filed by Robino Stortini Holdings LLC, or RSH, Michael Stortini
and Charles J. Robino, RSH and Messrs. Stortini and Robino
may be deemed to beneficially own 1,607,416 shares of the
GB Holdings Common Stock. The shares are held in street
name for the accounts of RSH, SSI Fund, LLC or
Mr. Stortini. SSI Fund was merged into RSH effective
July 1, 2004, and the shares previously held by SSI Fund
became assets of RSH. Messrs. Stortini and Robino are the
manager of RSH. RSH and Mr. Robino disclaim beneficial
ownership to any and all shares of GB Holdings Common
Stock in Mr. Stortinis name or held in street name
for his account. Each of RSH and Messrs. Stortini and
Robino may be deemed to share the power to vote or to direct the
vote of, and may be deemed to share the power to dispose of or
to direct the disposition of, 1,607,416 shares of GB
Holdings Common Stock. The principal business address of
RSH and Messrs. Stortini and Robino is 6 Larch Avenue,
Wilmington, DE 19808. |
|
(2) |
Pursuant to a Schedule 13D, dated January 21, 2005,
filed by Carl C. Icahn and certain of his affiliates,
Mr. Icahn and affiliates beneficially own
7,748,744 shares of GB Holdings Common Stock. The
Schedule 13D provides that on January 21, 2005,
American Real Estate Partners, L.P., or AREP, and Cyprus, LLC
entered into a purchase agreement, pursuant to which
(1) Cyprus agreed to sell to AREP 4,121,033 shares of
GB Holdings Common Stock and warrants to
purchase 1,133,284 shares of common stock of Atlantic
Holdings, in consideration for which (2) AREP agreed to
issue 413,793 Depositary Units to Cyprus. In addition, following
the end of fiscal year 2006 of AREP, provided that certain
conditions are met, Cyprus will have the right to receive up to
an additional 206,897 Depositary Units. In connection with the
transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement:
(1) AREP will contribute to American Real Estate Holdings
Limited partnership or AREH, of which AREP owns a 99% limited
partnership interest, the purchased shares and the purchased
warrants; and (2) AREH will contribute to AREP Sands
Holding LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AREH,
(a) 7,748,744 shares of GB Holdings Common Stock
(including the purchased shares), (b) warrants to
purchase 2,130,904 shares of common stock of Atlantic
Holdings (including the purchased warrants), and
(c) $26,914,500 principal amount of 3% promissory notes of
Atlantic Holdings (which are convertible into an aggregate of
1,773,907 shares of common stock of Atlantic Holdings).
AREP Sands currently owns approximately $37.0 million
principal amount of 3% promissory notes of Atlantic Holdings
(which are convertible into an aggregate of approximately
2.4 million shares of common stock of Atlantic Holdings). |
61
The principal business address of AREP, AREH and AREP Sands is
100 South Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco, New York 10549. The
principal business address of Mr. Icahn and Cyprus is
c/o Icahn Associates Corp., 767 Fifth Avenue, 47th Floor,
New York, New York 10153.
|
|
Item 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions |
Affiliates of Mr. Icahn are actively involved in the gaming
industry. Furthermore, affiliates of Mr. Icahn currently
own approximately 77.5% of GB Holdings common stock of
which AREP currently owns approximately 36.3% of GB
Holdings Common Stock. AREP has entered into an agreement
to acquire the remaining approximately 41.2% of GB
Holdings Common Stock owned by affiliates of
Mr. Icahn and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of
certain events, an additional approximately 11.3% of the fully
diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings (see Item 12).
Casinos owned or managed by Mr. Icahn may directly or
indirectly compete with the Company. In addition, the potential
for conflicts of interest exists among the Company and
Mr. Icahn for future business opportunities. Mr. Icahn
may pursue other business opportunities and there is no
agreement requiring that such additional business opportunities
be presented to GB Holdings.
The Companys rights to the trade name The
Sands (the Trade Name) were derived from a
license agreement with an unaffiliated third party. Amounts
payable by the Company for these rights were equal to the
amounts paid to the unaffiliated third party. On
September 29, 2000, High River Limited Partnership
(High River) assigned the Company the rights under a
certain agreement with the owner of the Trade Name to use the
Trade Name as of September 29, 2000 through May 19,
2086, subject to termination rights for a fee after a certain
minimum term. High River is an entity controlled by Carl C.
Icahn. High River received no payments for its assignment of
these rights. Payment is made directly to the owner of the Trade
Name. On or about July 14, 2004, the Company entered into a
license agreement with the Las Vegas Sands, Inc., for the use of
the trade name Sands through May 19, 2086,
subject to termination rights for a fee after a certain minimum
term. This new license agreement superseded and replaced the
above-mentioned trade name rights assigned to the Company by
High River. In connection with the Transaction discussed above,
the July 14, 2004 license agreement was assigned to ACE as
of July 22, 2004. The payments made to the licensor in
connection with the trade name amounts to $259,000, $263,000 and
$272,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002.
On July 22, 2004, as a result of, and pursuant to the terms
of, the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, dated
June 1, 2004 to holders of the Existing Notes, holders that
consented were paid $100 for each $1,000 of principal amount of
notes tendered for exchange, thus affiliates of Mr. Icahn
were paid approximately $6,380,000 because they tendered for
exchange thereby consenting to certain amendments to the Amended
and Restated Indenture, dated as of October 12, 2001, among
Property, as issuer, GB Holdings and GBHC, as guarantors, and
Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee.
The Company has entered into an intercompany services
arrangement with ACEP, which is controlled by affiliates of
Mr. Icahn, whereby ACEP provides management and consulting
services. The Company is billed based upon an allocation of
salaries plus an overhead charge of 15% of the salary allocation
plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. During
2004, 2003 and 2002, we were billed approximately $387,500,
$190,600 and $27,900, respectively.
62
On February 28, 2003, the Company entered into a two year
agreement with XO New Jersey, Inc. a long-distance phone carrier
affiliated with Carl C. Icahn. The agreement can be extended
beyond the minimum two year term on a month-to-month basis.
Payments for such charges incurred for the year ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003 amounted to $181,000 and
$127,000, respectively. The agreement is currently continuing on
a monthly basis.
As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company owed
approximately $371,000 and $48,000, respectively, for
reimbursable expenses to related parties.
Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, under which GB Holdings
contributed substantially all of its assets to Atlantic
Holdings, Atlantic Holdings paid $2.4 million to GB
Holdings in 2004 and agreed to pay GB Holdings normal, ordinary
course operating expenses (including legal and accounting costs,
directors and officers insurance premiums, and fees
for SEC filings) not to exceed in the aggregate $250,000 in any
twelve month period, subject to a number of conditions.
|
|
Item 14. |
Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
Summary of KPMG LLP Fees For Professional Services
Rendered
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Audit fees(1)
|
|
$ |
524,000 |
|
|
$ |
410,000 |
|
Audit related fees(2)
|
|
|
16,000 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
Tax fees(3)
|
|
|
37,920 |
|
|
|
14,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total fees
|
|
$ |
577,920 |
|
|
$ |
442,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Services relating to audit of GB Holdings, Inc.s
consolidated financial statements and review of condensed
consolidated financial statements included in the Companys
Forms 10-Q, and public offerings. |
|
(2) |
Services relating to employee benefit plan audits and
coordination of workpaper review by the Division of Gaming
Enforcement. |
|
(3) |
Tax fees include work performed for tax compliance. |
All non-audit services must be pre-approved by the Audit
committee prior to their commencement. The fees described above
under Tax Fees were so pre-approved.
PART IV
|
|
Item 15. |
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on
Form 8-K |
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this
report:
The financial statements filed as part of this report are listed
on the Index to Financial Statements on page 31.
63
|
|
2. |
Financial Statement Schedule |
Schedule II; Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules for which provision is made in the
applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange
Commission are not required under the related instructions and
are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
|
|
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
|
|
Order Confirming Modified Fifth Amended Joint Plan of
Reorganization under Chapter 11 of The Bankruptcy Code
Proposed by The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors and
High River |
2.2
|
|
|
|
Plan of Merger between Greate Bay Hotel and Casino, Inc.
(GBHC), Atlantic Coast Depository, LLC, and GB Holdings,
Inc. (GB Holdings) |
3.1
|
|
|
|
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of GB Holdings. |
3.2
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Atlantic Coast Entertainment
Holdings Inc. (Atlantic Holdings) |
3.3
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Formation of ACE Gaming LLC (ACE) |
3.4
|
|
|
|
Amended and Restated By-laws of GB Holdings |
3.5
|
|
|
|
By-laws of Atlantic Holdings |
4.1
|
|
|
|
Operating Agreement of ACE, as amended, by Atlantic Holdings |
4.2
|
|
|
|
Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of October 12,
2001, among GB Property Funding Corp. (Property), as
issuer, GB Holdings and GBHC, as guarantors, and Wells Fargo
Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee |
4.3
|
|
|
|
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as
of July 22, 2004, among Property, as issuer, GB Holdings
and GBHC, as guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as trustee, and Form of Second Amended and Restated
Indenture, dated as of July 22, 2004, among GB Holdings, as
obligor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee |
4.4
|
|
|
|
Second Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of July 22,
2004, among GB Holdings, as obligor, and Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, as trustee |
4.5
|
|
|
|
Indenture, dated as of July 22, 2004, among Atlantic
Holdings, as issuer, ACE, as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, as trustee |
4.7
|
|
|
|
Warrant Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004, between
Atlantic Holdings and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company |
4.8
|
|
|
|
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004,
between Atlantic Holdings and the Signatories listed therein |
10.1
|
|
|
|
Contribution Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004, among GB
Holdings, GBHC, Atlantic Holdings and ACE |
10.2
|
|
|
|
Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004,
among Atlantic Holdings, ACE and certain subsidiaries of
Atlantic Holdings, as Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as trustee |
10.3
|
|
|
|
Assignment of Leases, dated as of July 22, 2004, between
ACE and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association |
10.4
|
|
|
|
Mortgage, Fixture Filing and Security Agreement, dated as of
July 22, 2004, between ACE and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association |
10.5
|
|
|
|
Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 12, 2004, by
and among Atlantic Holdings, as borrower, ACE, as guarantor, and
Fortress Credit Corp., as lender |
10.6
|
|
|
|
Guaranty to Fortress Credit Corp, dated as of November 12,
2004, among ACE, as guarantor, and Fortress Credit Corp. as
lender |
10.7
|
|
|
|
First Mortgage and Security Agreement, dated November 12,
2004, by and among ACE, as mortgagor, and Fortress Credit Corp.,
as mortgagee. |
64
|
|
|
|
|
12.1
|
|
|
|
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges |
14.1
|
|
|
|
Code of Ethics |
21.1
|
|
|
|
List of Subsidiaries of GB Holdings |
31.1
|
|
|
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
31.2
|
|
|
|
Certification of Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
32.1
|
|
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
32.2
|
|
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
Filed as an exhibit to GB Holdings Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on August 21, 2000, and
incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
Filed as an exhibit to GB Holdings Registration Statement
on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on September 29, 2000, and
incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
Filed as an exhibit to GB Holdings Annual Report on
Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2003, and
incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
Filed as an exhibit to GB Holdings Annual Report on
Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and
incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
|
|
Filed as an exhibit to Atlantic Holdings Registration Statement
on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on August 3, 2004, and
incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
Filed as an exhibit to Atlantic Holdings Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 11, 2004, and
incorporated herein by reference. |
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
During the quarter ended December 31, 2004, the Registrant
filed one Current Report on Form 8-K (Items 8.01 and
9.01) on November 18, 2004.
65
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
Date: April 14, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
Denise Barton |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on
behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates
indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Carl C. Icahn
Carl
C. Icahn |
|
Chairman of the Board of, GB Holdings, Inc. |
|
April 14, 2005 |
|
/s/ Martin Hirsch
Martin
Hirsch |
|
Director of GB Holdings, Inc. |
|
April 14, 2005 |
|
/s/ John P. Saldarelli
John
P. Saldarelli |
|
Director of GB Holdings, Inc. |
|
April 14, 2005 |
|
Michael
L. Ashner |
|
Director of GB Holdings, Inc. |
|
April 14, 2005 |
|
/s/ Harold First
Harold
First |
|
Director of GB Holdings, Inc. |
|
April 14, 2005 |
|
/s/ Auguste E.
Rimpel, Jr.
Auguste
E. Rimpel, Jr. |
|
Director of GB Holdings, Inc. |
|
April 14, 2005 |
|
/s/ Richard P. Brown
Richard
P. Brown |
|
Chief Executive Officer of GB Holdings, Inc. |
|
April 14, 2005 |
|
/s/ Denise Barton
Denise
Barton |
|
Chief Financial Officer of
GB Holdings, Inc.
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
|
April 14, 2005 |
66
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
GB Holdings, Inc. And Subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
Schedule II; Valuation and Qualifying Accounts |
67
SCHEDULE II
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance of | |
|
Charged to | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of | |
|
Costs and | |
|
|
|
Balance at | |
|
|
Period | |
|
Expenses | |
|
Deductions | |
|
End of Period | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Year Ended December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
|
|
$ |
5,918,000 |
|
|
$ |
416,000 |
|
|
$ |
(2,472,000 |
)(1) |
|
$ |
3,862,000 |
|
|
Allowance for obligatory investments
|
|
|
11,340,000 |
|
|
|
1,165,000 |
|
|
|
(5,000 |
)(2) |
|
|
12,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
17,258,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,581,000 |
|
|
$ |
(2,477,000 |
) |
|
$ |
16,362,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2003:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
|
|
$ |
11,301,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,040,000 |
|
|
$ |
(6,423,000 |
)(1) |
|
$ |
5,918,000 |
|
|
Allowance for obligatory investments
|
|
|
10,028,000 |
|
|
|
1,434,000 |
|
|
|
(122,000 |
)(2) |
|
|
11,340,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
21,329,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,474,000 |
|
|
$ |
(6,545,000 |
) |
|
$ |
17,258,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2002:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
|
|
$ |
14,406,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,586,000 |
|
|
$ |
(4,691,000 |
)(1) |
|
$ |
11,301,000 |
|
|
Allowance for obligatory investments
|
|
|
9,290,000 |
|
|
|
1,521,000 |
|
|
|
(783,000 |
)(2) |
|
|
10,028,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
23,696,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,107,000 |
|
|
$ |
(5,474,000 |
) |
|
$ |
21,329,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Represents net write offs of uncollectible accounts. |
|
(2) |
Represents write offs of obligatory investments in connection
with the contribution of certain obligatory investments to CRDA
approved projects. |
68