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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2004

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                      to                     

 

Commission File Number: 1-9481

 


 

ARCHON CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Nevada    88-0304348
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)    (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

3993 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 630, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

(Address of principal executive office and zip code)

 

(702) 732-9120

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 


 

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    NO  ¨

 

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  ¨    NO  x

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY

PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

 

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  ¨    NO  ¨

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

6,221,431                         as of                         May 12, 2004

 



Table of Contents

ARCHON CORPORATION

 

INDEX

          Page

PART I    FINANCIAL INFORMATION     
Item 1    Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:     
         

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of March 31, 2004 and September 30, 2003

   1
         

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

   3
         

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited) for the six months ended March 31, 2004

   4
         

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

   5
          Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)    6
Item 2    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    14
Item 3    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    25
Item 4    Controls and Procedures    25
PART II    OTHER INFORMATION     
Item 1    Legal Proceedings    26
Item 2    Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    26
Item 3    Defaults Upon Senior Securities    27
Item 4    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    27
Item 5    Other Information    27
Item 6    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K    28

 

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Archon Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

 

    

March 31,

2004


  

September 30,

2003


ASSETS

             

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,332,264    $ 5,852,354

Investment in marketable securities

     5,052,903      7,262,208

Accounts receivable, net

     3,150,869      3,178,143

Inventories

     333,715      288,947

Prepaid expenses and other

     1,199,889      755,537
    

  

Total current assets

     14,069,640      17,337,189

Land held for development

     23,109,400      23,109,400

Property held for investment, net

     135,238,645      136,824,589

Property and equipment, net

     32,580,509      34,693,525

Restricted cash

     0      13,898,971

Other assets

     8,946,023      11,526,516
    

  

Total assets

   $ 213,944,217    $ 237,390,190
    

  

 

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

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Archon Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

    

March 31,

2004


  

September 30,

2003


LIABILITIES and STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

             

Current liabilities:

             

Accounts payable

   $ 2,408,392    $ 2,668,187

Interest payable

     2,306,944      2,249,954

Accrued and other liabilities

     3,443,484      3,071,867

Current portion of debt

     1,633,874      3,510,004

Current portion of non-recourse debt

     6,794,942      6,414,729
    

  

Total current liabilities

     16,587,636      17,914,741

Debt – less current portion

     18,637,489      1,073,305

Non-recourse debt – less current portion

     107,490,618      110,987,179

Obligation under lease

     0      36,637,505

Deferred income taxes

     29,127,335      29,939,408

Other liabilities

     19,244,458      16,586,096

Stockholders’ equity

     22,856,681      24,251,956
    

  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 213,944,217    $ 237,390,190
    

  

 

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

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Archon Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


   

Six Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Revenues:

                                

Casino

   $ 8,102,513     $ 8,030,807     $ 15,498,718     $ 14,803,136  

Hotel

     821,830       668,958       1,466,036       1,226,540  

Food and beverage

     2,401,632       1,943,266       4,551,787       3,650,943  

Investment properties

     3,100,561       3,100,561       6,201,123       6,201,123  

Other

     686,920       1,161,951       1,167,489       1,742,544  
    


 


 


 


Gross revenues

     15,113,456       14,905,543       28,885,153       27,624,286  

Less casino promotional allowances

     (2,253,614 )     (1,830,314 )     (4,341,868 )     (3,248,846 )
    


 


 


 


Net operating revenues

     12,859,842       13,075,229       24,543,285       24,375,440  
    


 


 


 


Operating expenses:

                                

Casino

     4,171,358       4,772,044       8,382,441       8,647,798  

Hotel

     141,782       165,403       286,013       343,741  

Food and beverage

     1,119,688       983,325       2,061,759       1,858,221  

Other

     473,455       621,299       754,162       1,093,622  

Selling, general and administrative

     1,112,817       1,087,508       2,303,732       2,350,432  

Corporate expenses

     856,198       696,239       1,607,713       1,316,517  

Utilities and property expenses

     1,211,540       1,234,548       2,534,843       2,481,934  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,411,916       1,538,875       3,028,707       3,096,413  
    


 


 


 


Total operating expenses

     10,498,754       11,099,241       20,959,370       21,188,678  
    


 


 


 


Operating income

     2,361,088       1,975,988       3,583,915       3,186,762  

Interest expense

     (3,250,671 )     (4,177,726 )     (7,027,354 )     (8,067,512 )

Interest income

     240,106       239,842       502,079       672,988  
    


 


 


 


Loss before income tax benefit

     (649,477 )     (1,961,896 )     (2,941,360 )     (4,207,762 )

Federal income tax benefit

     220,822       667,045       1,000,062       1,430,639  
    


 


 


 


Net loss

     (428,655 )     (1,294,851 )     (1,941,298 )     (2,777,123 )

Dividends accrued on preferred shares

     (394,143 )     (378,104 )     (788,287 )     (757,328 )
    


 


 


 


Net loss applicable to common shares

   $ (822,798 )   $ (1,672,955 )   $ (2,729,585 )   $ (3,534,451 )
    


 


 


 


Average common shares outstanding

     6,221,431       6,221,431       6,221,431       6,221,431  
    


 


 


 


Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

     6,221,431       6,221,431       6,221,431       6,221,431  
    


 


 


 


Loss per common share:

                                

Basic

   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.44 )   $ (0.57 )
    


 


 


 


Diluted

   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.44 )   $ (0.57 )
    


 


 


 


 

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

 

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Archon Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2004

 

   

Common

Stock


 

Preferred

Stock


   

Additional

Paid-In

Capital


 

Accumulated

Deficit


   

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income


 

Stock

Subscriptions

Receivable


   

Treasury

Stock


    Total

 

Balances, October 1, 2003

  $ 62,214   $ 9,926,221     $ 54,529,070   $ (40,948,873 )   $ 844,841   $ (73,743 )   $ (87,774 )   $ 24,251,956  

Net loss

                        (1,941,298 )                           (1,941,298 )

Preferred stock purchased

          (72,632 )     15,739                                   (56,893 )

Unrealized gain on marketable securities

                                602,916                     602,916  
   

 


 

 


 

 


 


 


Balances, March 31, 2004

  $ 62,214   $ 9,853,589     $ 54,544,809   $ (42,890,171 )   $ 1,447,757   $ (73,743 )   $ (87,774 )   $ 22,856,681  
   

 


 

 


 

 


 


 


 

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

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Archon Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

    

Six Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Cash and cash equivalents provided by operations

   $ 1,432,094     $ 934,765  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

                

Accounts receivable, net

     27,274       21,290  

Notes receivable

     0       (1,602,235 )

Inventories

     (44,768 )     59,489  

Prepaid expenses and other

     (444,352 )     (151,320 )

Deferred income taxes

     (812,073 )     (1,430,639 )

Other assets

     (464,266 )     (627,364 )

Accounts payable

     69,418       273,809  

Interest payable

     56,990       (16,848 )

Accrued and other liabilities

     3,029,980       2,992,182  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,850,297       453,129  
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

     13,898,971       (311,044 )

Capital expenditures

     (669,902 )     (224,801 )

Marketable securities purchased

     (49,237 )     (449,925 )

Marketable securities sold

     2,861,458       1,448,555  
    


 


Net cash provided by investing activities

     16,041,290       462,785  
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Proceeds from debt

     18,000,000       0  

Paid on debt and obligation under lease

     (41,247,334 )     (2,837,943 )

Note receivable

     2,892,550       0  

Preferred stock acquired

     (56,893 )     (487,899 )
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (20,411,677 )     (3,325,842 )
    


 


Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,520,090 )     (2,409,928 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     5,852,354       8,615,412  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 4,332,264     $ 6,205,484  
    


 


 

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

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ARCHON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Presentation and General Information

 

Archon Corporation (the “Company” or “Archon”), is a publicly held Nevada corporation. The Company’s primary business operations are conducted through a wholly-owned subsidiary corporation, Pioneer Hotel Inc. (“PHI”), which operates the Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall (the “Pioneer”) in Laughlin, Nevada. In addition, the Company owns real estate on Las Vegas Boulevard South (the “Strip”) and at the corner of Rainbow and Lone Mountain Road, both in Las Vegas, Nevada, and also owns investment properties in Dorchester, Massachusetts and Gaithersburg, Maryland.

 

The consolidated condensed financial statements included herein are unaudited and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods have been made. The results for the three and six-month periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended September 30, 2003 and the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2003.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of Archon and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Amounts representing the Company’s investment in less than majority-owned companies in which a significant equity ownership interest is held are accounted for on the equity method. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Earnings Per Share. The Company presents its per share results in accordance with Statement of Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (“SFAS 128”). SFAS 128 requires the presentation of basic net loss per share and diluted net loss per share. Basic per share amounts are computed by dividing net loss by average shares outstanding during the period, while diluted per share amounts reflect the impact of additional dilution for all potentially dilutive securities, such as stock options. Dilutive stock options of approximately 540,000 were not included in diluted calculations during the quarters or six-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 since the Company incurred a net loss during these periods and the effect would be antidilutive.

 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. The Company had a Key Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Stock Option Plan”) which terminated in 2003 for the issuance of new grants. The Company accounts for the Stock Option Plan under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion

 

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No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net loss, as all options granted under the Stock Option Plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and loss per share as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation (in thousands except for per share amounts).

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


   

Six Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

     2003

 

Net loss applicable to common shares

   $ (823 )   $ (1,673 )   $ (2,730 )    $ (3,534 )

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     0       0       (0 )      (1 )
    


 


 


  


Pro forma net loss applicable to common shares

   $ (823 )   $ (1,673 )   $ (2,730 )    $ (3,535 )
    


 


 


  


Loss per share:

                                 

Basic and diluted – as reported

   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.44 )    $ (0.57 )
    


 


 


  


Basic and diluted – pro forma

   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.44 )    $ (0.57 )
    


 


 


  


 

Estimates and Assumptions. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates used by the Company include those related to customer incentives, bad debts, inventories, investments, estimated useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets, valuation reserves and estimated cash flows in assessing the recoverability of long-lived assets, estimated liabilities for slot club bonus point programs, income taxes, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from estimates.

 

Recently Issued Accounting StandardsFIN 46. In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In December 2003, the FASB reissued Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46R”) with certain modifications and clarifications. Application of FIN 46R is effective for interests in certain variable interest entities for periods ending after March 15, 2004 unless FIN 46 was previously applied. FIN 46 and FIN 46R establish standards for determining under what circumstances VIEs should be consolidated with their primary beneficiary, including those in which the usual condition for consolidation does not apply. FIN 46 and FIN 46R also require disclosures about unconsolidated VIEs in which the Company has a significant variable interest. The consolidation requirements of FIN 46 and FIN 46R apply immediately to VIEs created after January 31, 2003 and are effective beginning in the

 

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Company’s second quarter ended March 31, 2004. The Company has evaluated its relationships and does not believe it has any significant, consolidatable VIEs. As such, the adoption of these interpretations had no impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.

 

3. Comprehensive Loss

 

Comprehensive loss is the total of net loss and all other non-stockholder changes in stockholders’ equity. Comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 is as follows (in thousands):

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


   

Six Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

     2003

 

Net loss

   $ (429 )   $ (1,295 )   $ (1,941 )    $ (2,777 )

Unrealized gain on marketable securities

     522       63       603        231  
    


 


 


  


Comprehensive income/(loss)

   $ 93     $ (1,232 )   $ (1,338 )    $ (2,546 )
    


 


 


  


 

4. Other Assets

 

Included in “Other Assets” at March 31, 2004 and September 30, 2003 is a note receivable from PDS Gaming, Inc. of approximately $2.0 million and $4.9 million, respectively. This note bears a stated interest at a rate of 10%. The $2.0 million receivable was collected in April 2004.

 

Also included in “Other Assets” at March 31, 2004 and September 30, 2003 are unamortized loan issue costs (approximately $2.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively) which were incurred when the Company acquired certain rental property, and deferred rents (approximately $2.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively). The unamortized loan issue costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis, which closely approximates the effective interest method, over the loan period.

 

Also included in “Other Assets” at March 31, 2004 and September 30, 2003 is approximately $700,000 of commercial and residential mortgage loans, representing loans originally funded by J & J Mortgage to unaffiliated third parties as well as loans made directly to J & J Mortgage under a master loan agreement. The loans purchased by the Company were purchased for the principal amount, plus accrued interest, if any. The advances to J & J Mortgage under the master loan arrangement bear interest at the prime rate plus 2%. J & J Mortgage is owned by LICO, which in turn is wholly-owned by Paul W. Lowden, the President, Chief Executive Officer and majority stockholder of the Company. John W. Delaney, a director of the Company, is the president of J & J Mortgage.

 

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5. Related Parties

 

The Company has entered into a Patent Rights and Royalty Agreement with David Lowden, brother of Paul W. Lowden, with respect to certain gaming technology for which David Lowden has been issued a patent. The Company has agreed to pay certain royalty payments with respect to the technology incorporated into gaming devices placed in operation, as well as costs related to maintain the patent. David Lowden has granted the Company an exclusive five-year license expiring in January 2007 in the United States with respect to the technology, which will be automatically renewed for additional two-year terms unless Archon terminates the agreement within thirty days prior to the renewal or the agreement is otherwise earlier terminated in accordance with its terms. The Company also has an understanding with David Lowden that it will pay for the costs of commercial development of the technology. Through March 31, 2004, the Company had expensed approximately $250,000 for commercial development of the technology, although none have been expensed in the six months ended March 31, 2004.

 

The Company had previously loaned approximately $1.4 million to Duke’s – Sparks (“Duke’s”), a Nevada limited liability company. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Archon Sparks Management Company, operated Duke’s casino. Chris Lowden, son of Paul W. Lowden, is a limited partner in the company that is the managing member of Duke’s. The Company also previously had acquired a $100,000 Class B member interest in Duke’s.

 

In December 2003, Duke’s closed its casino operations. The Company has written-off its investment in Duke’s and has recorded a reserve for its receivable from Duke’s of approximately $1.4 million during its fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 and has no further asset exposure from Duke’s.

 

See Note 4 for information regarding transactions between the Company and J & J Mortgage.

 

6. Federal Income Tax

 

The Company recorded federal income tax benefits, based on statutory rates, of $221,000 and $667,000, respectively, for the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 and $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets related to net operating assets as the Company is able to offset its deferred tax assets with its deferred tax liabilities. Realization of the net deferred tax assets is dependent on the Company’s ability to generate profits from operations or from the sale of long-lived assets which would reverse the temporary differences that established the deferred tax liabilities. In the event the Company does not generate profits from sales of long-lived assets in the future, the valuation allowance would need to be recorded and would impact the Company’s future results of operations.

 

7. Lease Retirement

 

On December 29, 2003, the Company exercised an early purchase option to acquire leases related to PHI from a third party. The Company paid approximately $35.6 million in exercising its option to retire certain lease obligations of approximately $37.0 million. Proceeds from debt of approximately $18.0 million as well as a use of marketable securities, cash and collections on certain receivables financed this acquisition. Previous agreements, covenants and restrictions on the use of cash related to the lease agreements are no longer applicable. The debt of $18.0 million is secured by land held for development by the Company, as well as a personal guaranty from the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board and

 

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requires monthly principal and interest payments of approximately $120,000 with a balloon payment of approximately $16.3 million in December 2006. The debt bears interest at a variable rate (approximately 5% at March 31, 2004).

 

As part of the early purchase option exercise, whereby the Company paid approximately $1.4 million less than its recorded book value of capital lease obligations, the Company reduced its carrying value of property and equipment by $1.4 million in accordance with Financial Interpretation No. 26, “Accounting for Purchase of a Leased Asset By the Lessee During the Term of the Lease, An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 13”.

 

8. Supplemental Statement of Cash Flows Information

 

Supplemental statement of cash flows information for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 is presented below:

 

     2004

   2003

     (amounts in thousands)

Operating activities:

             

Cash paid during the period for interest

   $ 6,702    $ 7,469
    

  

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

   $ 0    $ 0
    

  

Investing and financing activities:

             

Other liabilities incurred in the acquisition of machinery and equipment

   $ 329    $ 0
    

  

Long-term debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of machinery and equipment

   $ 249    $ 0
    

  

Long-term debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of other assets

   $ 0    $ 1,717
    

  

Negative amortization of obligation under lease

   $ 345    $ 615
    

  

Reduction of property and equipment from the acquisition of capital leases

   $ 1,412    $ 0
    

  

Unrealized gain on marketable securities

   $ 603    $ 231
    

  

 

9. Segment Information

 

The Company’s operations are in the hotel/casino industry and investment properties. The Company’s hotel/casino operations are conducted at the Pioneer in Laughlin, Nevada. The Company owns investment properties in Dorchester, Massachusetts and Gaithersburg, Maryland. “Other and Eliminations” below includes financial information for the Company’s corporate operations and Archon Sparks Management Company, adjusted to reflect eliminations upon consolidation.

 

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Set forth below is the financial information for the segments in which the Company operates for the three-month and six-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Pioneer Hotel:

                

Net operating revenues

   $ 9,410     $ 9,173  
    


 


Operating income

   $ 937     $ 160  

Depreciation and amortization

     511       617  
    


 


EBITDA (1)

   $ 1,448     $ 777  
    


 


Interest expense

   $ 332     $ 1,219  
    


 


Interest income

   $ 5     $ 5  
    


 


Capital expenditures / transfers

   $ 2,368     $ 125  
    


 


Investment Properties:

                

Net operating revenues

   $ 3,101     $ 3,101  
    


 


Operating income

   $ 2,250     $ 2,250  

Depreciation and amortization

     851       851  
    


 


EBITDA (1)

   $ 3,101     $ 3,101  
    


 


Interest expense

   $ 2,944     $ 2,996  
    


 


Interest income

   $ 0     $ 0  
    


 


Capital expenditures / transfers

   $ 0     $ 0  
    


 


Other and Eliminations:

                

Net operating revenues

   $ 349     $ 801  
    


 


Operating loss

   $ (826 )   $ (434 )

Depreciation and amortization

     50       71  
    


 


EBITDA (1)

   $ (776 )   $ (363 )
    


 


Interest expense

   $ (25 )   $ (37 )
    


 


Interest income

   $ 235     $ 235  
    


 


Capital expenditures / transfers

   $ (1,449 )   $ 0  
    


 


Total:

                

Net operating revenues

   $ 12,860     $ 13,075  
    


 


Operating income

   $ 2,361     $ 1,976  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,412       1,539  
    


 


EBITDA (1)

   $ 3,773     $ 3,515  
    


 


 

11


Table of Contents
     Three Months Ended
March 31,


     2004

   2003

     (dollars in thousands)

Interest expense

   $ 3,251    $ 4,178
    

  

Interest income

   $ 240    $ 240
    

  

Capital expenditures / transfers

   $ 919    $ 125
    

  

 

    

Six Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 
     (dollars in thousands)  

Pioneer Hotel:

                

Net operating revenues

   $ 17,447     $ 17,298  
    


 


Operating income (loss)

   $ 896     $ (229 )

Depreciation and amortization

     1,117       1,253  
    


 


EBITDA (1)

   $ 2,013     $ 1,024  
    


 


Interest expense

   $ 1,584     $ 2,430  
    


 


Interest income

   $ 12     $ 11  
    


 


Capital expenditures / transfers

   $ 1,900     $ 225  
    


 


Identifiable assets (2)

   $ 37,511     $ 36,665  
    


 


Investment Properties:

                

Net operating revenues

   $ 6,201     $ 6,201  
    


 


Operating income

   $ 4,499     $ 4,499  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,702       1,702  
    


 


EBITDA (1)

   $ 6,201     $ 6,201  
    


 


Interest expense

   $ 5,445     $ 5,713  
    


 


Capital expenditures / transfers

   $ 0     $ 0  
    


 


Identifiable assets (2)

   $ 142,878     $ 145,715  
    


 


Other and Eliminations:

                

Net operating revenues

   $ 895     $ 876  
    


 


Operating loss

   $ (1,811 )   $ (1,083 )

Depreciation and amortization

     210       141  
    


 


EBITDA (1)

   $ (1,601 )   $ (942 )
    


 


Interest expense

   $ (2 )   $ (75 )
    


 


Interest income

   $ 490     $ 662  
    


 


Capital expenditures / transfers

   $ (1,449 )   $ 0  
    


 


 

12


Table of Contents
    

Six Months Ended

March 31,


     2004

   2003

     (dollars in thousands)

Identifiable assets (2)

   $ 33,555    $ 57,984
    

  

Total:

             

Net operating revenues

   $ 24,543    $ 24,375
    

  

Operating income

   $ 3,584    $ 3,187

Depreciation and amortization

     3,029      3,096
    

  

EBITDA (1)

   $ 6,613    $ 6,283
    

  

Interest expense

   $ 7,027    $ 8,068
    

  

Interest income

   $ 502    $ 673
    

  

Capital expenditures / transfers

   $ 451    $ 225
    

  

Identifiable assets (2)

   $ 213,944    $ 240,364
    

  

 


(1) EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Company’s definition of EBITDA may not be the same as that of similarly captioned measures used by other companies. EBITDA is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure because management believes that it is (i) a widely used measure of operating performance in the gaming industry and (ii) a principal basis of valuation of gaming companies by certain analysts and investors. Management uses segment-level EBITDA as the primary measure of the Company’s business segments’ performance. EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute for operating income or a better indicator of liquidity than cash flow from operating, investing and financing activities, which are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
(2) Identifiable assets represent total assets less elimination for intercompany items

 

13


Table of Contents

ARCHON CORPORATION

 

Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

This discussion is intended to further the reader’s understanding of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Archon Corporation (the “Company” or “Archon”). It should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended September 30, 2003. These historical financial statements may not be indicative of the Company’s future performance.

 

General

 

Overview of Business Operations and Trends

 

The Company historically has owned, managed and operated hotel/casino properties through a number of acquisitions or developments, and it has subsequently divested certain of these properties. Presently, the Company operates a hotel/casino in Laughlin, Nevada, known as the Pioneer Hotel and Casino. It also owns land in Las Vegas, Nevada that it plans to develop in the future. Management may develop its owned land on the Las Vegas strip as it believes that the trend of continued development in Las Vegas, Nevada of themed resorts which attract visitors will continue in the foreseeable future.

 

The Company’s property in Laughlin, Nevada has experienced a flattening of its revenues over the last few years after experiencing strong revenue and profit growth in the early 1990’s. Management believes the growth of casino properties on Native American lands in such locations as California and Arizona within the last several years caused revenue declines and caused the Company to focus on market definition and development in Laughlin to maintain profitability. Management believes Laughlin has now become a mature market with marginal growth forecasted for the next few years based on its current plans. Management also believes it will be necessary to make certain capital improvements to maintain its existing customer base and remain competitive in its market as evidenced by an approximate $1.0 million refurbishment to its primary restaurant facilities in late 2003.

 

The Company also owns two investment properties. These investment properties contribute neither significant profitability nor net cash flow to the Company.

 

Management believes the recent revenue and expense trends in its Laughlin hotel/casino property may not change significantly over the next few years, but believes the opportunity to develop a Las Vegas strip property could greatly enhance the Company’s ability to generate future profitability.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the Company incurred a net loss applicable to common shareholders of approximately $823,000 as compared to a net loss applicable to common shareholders for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 of approximately $1.7 million. The cause of this improvement was principally due to the acquisition of certain capital leases of approximately $37.0 million, for total consideration of $35.6 million, in late December 2003 whereby the Company used certain of its restricted and unrestricted cash balances and marketable securities, as well as acquiring $18.0 million in debt at an approximately 5% interest rate to purchase the leases which carried an implied interest rate of approximately 13%. As a result of this transaction the Company reduced its carrying value of property and equipment by $1.4 million. The improved debt and capital lease structure was the main reason the Company’s

 

14


Table of Contents

financial results improved in the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the similar period of the prior year.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses Archon’s unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to customer incentives, bad debts, inventories, investments, estimated useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets, valuation reserves and estimated cash flows in assessing the recoverability of long-lived assets, estimated liabilities for slot club bonus point programs, income taxes, contingencies and litigation. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

Management believes the following critical accounting policies affects its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements:

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We allow for an estimated amount of receivables that may not be collected. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts using a specific formula applied to aged receivables as well as a specific review of large balances. Historical experience is considered, as are customer relationships, in determining specific reserves.

 

Long-Lived Assets. We have a significant investment in long-lived property and equipment. We estimate that the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of these assets exceeds the current carrying value of these assets. Any adverse change in the estimate of these undiscounted future cash flows could necessitate an impairment charge that would adversely affect operating results. We estimate useful lives for our assets based on historical experience, estimates of assets’ commercial lives, and the likelihood of technological obsolescence. Should the actual useful life of a class of assets differ from the estimated useful life, we would record an impairment charge. We review useful lives and obsolescence and we assess commercial viability of these assets periodically.

 

Income Taxes. The Company recorded federal income tax benefits, based on statutory rates, of $221,000 and $667,000, respectively, for the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 and $1.0 million and 1.4 million, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets related to net operating assets as the Company is able to offset its deferred tax assets with its deferred tax liabilities. Realization of the net deferred tax assets is dependent on the Company’s ability to generate profits from operations or from the sale of long-lived assets which would reverse the temporary differences that established the deferred tax liabilities. In the event the Company does not generate profits from sales of long-lived assets in the future, the valuation allowance would need to be recorded and would impact the Company’s future results of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations – Six Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

 

Consolidated

 

Net Operating Revenues. Consolidated net operating revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2004 were $24.5 million, a $100,000, or 0.7%, increase from $24.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2003. Income from the investment properties was $6.2 million in each of the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. Net revenues increased $100,000 to $17.4 million at the Pioneer Hotel and Gambling Hall (the “Pioneer”) for the six months ended March 31, 2004 compared to the six months ended March 31, 2003. Archon Sparks Management Company (“ASMC”), which began operating Duke’s Casino in February 2003 and closed on December 31, 2003, had net revenues of approximately $400,000 and $300,000 during the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses decreased $200,000, or 1.1%, to $21.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $21.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2003. Total operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 85.4% in the current year period from 86.9% in the prior year period. Operating expenses decreased by $1.0 million, or 5.6%, at the Pioneer due primarily to employee headcount reductions throughout the 2004 period and increased by $300,000 in general corporate expenses. The increase in corporate expenses was primarily due to increased payroll and other expenses. ASMC had operating expenses of $800,000 and $500,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Operating Income. Consolidated operating income for the six months ended March 31, 2004 was $3.6 million, an increase of $400,000, or 12.5%, from $3.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2003. Operating income of $4.5 million for each of the six-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 is attributable to the investment properties. Operating income increased by $1.1 million at the Pioneer to $900,000 and decreased by $300,000 at corporate. ASMC had operating loss of $400,000 and $200,000 during the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Interest Expense. Consolidated interest expense for the six months ended March 31, 2004 was $7.0 million, a $1.1 million decrease compared to $8.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2003. The decrease was primarily due to the retirement of lease obligations at the Pioneer and the replacement thereof with lower cost debt.

 

Interest Income. Consolidated interest income for the six months ended March 31, 2004, was $500,000, a $200,000 decrease compared to $700,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2003, due principally to a decrease in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities in the 2004 period.

 

Loss Before Income Tax. Consolidated loss before income tax for the six months ended March 31, 2004 was $2.9 million, a $1.3 million decrease compared to a loss of $4.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2003.

 

Federal Income Tax. The Company recorded a federal income tax benefit of $1.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2004, compared to a $1.4 million benefit for the six months ended March 31, 2003 based on statutory income tax rates.

 

Preferred Share Dividends. Undeclared preferred share dividends are not recorded in the stockholders’ equity section of the balance sheet as the Company may elect at its sole discretion whether to redeem its preferred stock. However, dividends of approximately $800,000 for each of the six-month

 

16


Table of Contents

periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 accrued on the preferred stock for purposes of calculating net loss applicable to common shares.

 

Net Loss. Consolidated net loss attributable to common shares was $2.7 million, or $0.44 per common share, for the six months ended March 31, 2004 compared to net loss attributable to common shares of $3.5 million, or $0.57 per common share, for the six months ended March 31, 2003.

 

Pioneer

 

General. Casino, hotel and food/beverage revenues and expenses at the Pioneer comprise the majority of consolidated casino, hotel and food/beverage revenues and expenses included in the Company’s unaudited consolidated condensed statements of operations and are discussed separately below. There are other insignificant casino and food/beverage revenues and expenses in the 2004 and 2003 periods from ASMC which are not discussed in similar detail below.

 

Net Operating Revenues. Net operating revenues at the Pioneer increased $100,000, or 0.9%, to $17.4 million in the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $17.3 million in the six months ended March 31, 2003.

 

Casino revenues increased $600,000, or 4.1%, to $15.1 million in the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $14.5 million in the six months ended March 31, 2003. Slot and video poker revenues increased $800,000, or 6.4%, to $13.3 million in the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $12.5 million in the six months ended March 31, 2003. Management believes this increase was a result of the utilization of newer slot equipment in the 2004 period which has a slightly higher hold percentage. Coin-in, a measurement of volume, was consistent period over period. Other gaming revenues, including table games, decreased $200,000, or 10.6%, to $1.8 million in the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $2.0 million in the six months ended March 31, 2003. Casino promotional allowances increased $1.1 million, or 32.5%, to $4.3 million in the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $3.2 million in the six months ended March 31, 2003 primarily due to enhancements made to the Pioneer’s players’ club program.

 

Hotel revenues increased $300,000, or 19.5%, to $1.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $1.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2003, as an decrease in occupancy rate to 70.0% from 74.7% was offset by a increase in average daily room rate. Food and beverage revenues increased $800,000, or 22.6%, to $4.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2004 compared to $3.7 million in the six months ended March 31, 2003, primarily due to the increase in casino promotional allowances. Other revenues decreased $400,000, or 40.3%, to $700,000 in the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $1.1 million in the six months ended March 31, 2003, due to decreased sales in the Pioneer’s retail outlets caused by competition from retail sales in other casinos in Laughlin.

 

Operating Expenses. Operating expenses decreased $1.0 million, or 5.6%, to $16.5 million in the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $17.5 million in the six months ended March 31, 2003. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 94.9% in the current year period from 101.3% in the prior year period.

 

Casino expenses decreased $100,000, or 1.5%, to $8.1 million in the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $8.2 million in the six months ended March 31, 2003. The increase in casino promotional allowances was offset by reductions in other casino expenses, principally a result of a decrease in full time employees in the 2004 period as compared to the 2003 period. Casino expenses as a percentage of casino revenues decreased to 53.3% in the current year period from 56.3% in the prior year period.

 

17


Table of Contents

Hotel expenses were relatively unchanged at $300,000 in the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. Food and beverage expenses increased $100,000, or 6.5%, to $2.0 million in the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $1.9 million in the six months ended March 31, 2003. An increase in cost of sales was offset by reductions in other food and beverage expenses. Food and beverage expenses as a percentage of food and beverage revenues decreased to 44.2% in the current year period from 50.9% in the prior year period. Other expenses decreased $500,000, or 46.5% to $600,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2004 compared to $1.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2003. The decrease was related to the lower volume of sales in the Pioneer’s retail sales outlets. Other expenses as a percentage of other revenues decreased to 85.8% in the current year period from 95.7% in the prior year period.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $300,000, or 11.0%, to $2.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $2.7 million for the six months ended March 31, 2003. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 13.8% in the current year period from 15.7% in the prior year period. Utilities and property expenses were unchanged at $2.1 million in the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. Utilities and property expenses as a percentage of revenues were unchanged at 12.1% in the current year and prior year periods. Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $200,000, or 10.9%, to $1.1 million in the six months ended March 31, 2004 from $1.3 million in the six months ended March 31, 2003, due to a write-down of certain property and equipment related to the acquisition of capital leases in December 2003 partially offset by the purchase of new slot equipment.

 

Results of Operations – Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

 

Consolidated

 

Net Operating Revenues. Consolidated net operating revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 were $12.9 million, a $200,000, or 1.6%, decrease from $13.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. Income from the investment properties was $3.1 million in each of the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. Revenues increased $200,000, or 2.6%, at the Pioneer. ASMC had revenues of $0 and $300,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses decreased $600,000, or 5.4%, to $10.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 from $11.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. Total operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 81.6% for the current year quarter from 84.9% for the prior year quarter. Operating expenses decreased by $500,000, or 6.0%, at the Pioneer due primarily to employee headcount reductions throughout the 2004 period and increased by approximately $200,000 in general corporate expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2004. The increase in corporate expenses was primarily due to increased payroll and other expenses. ASMC had operating expenses of $100,000 and $500,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Operating Income. Consolidated operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 was $2.4 million, an increase of $400,000, or 19.5%, from $2.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. Operating income of $2.3 million for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 is attributable to the investment properties. Operating income increased by $800,000 at the Pioneer to $900,000 and decreased by $300,000 in corporate expenses. ASMC had an operating loss of $100,000 and $200,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

Interest Expense. Consolidated interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was $3.3 million, a $900,000 decrease compared to $4.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2003. The decrease was primarily due to the retirement of lease obligations at the Pioneer and the replacement thereof with lower cost debt.

 

Interest Income. Consolidated interest income was $200,000 for each of the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

Loss Before Income Tax. Consolidated loss before income tax for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 was $600,000, a $1.4 million decrease compared to a loss of $2.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

 

Federal Income Tax. The Company recorded a federal income tax benefit of $200,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 compared to a $700,000 benefit for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 based on statutory income tax rates.

 

Preferred Share Dividends. Undeclared preferred share dividends are not recorded in the stockholders’ equity section of the balance sheet as the Company may elect at its sole discretion whether to redeem its preferred stock. However, dividends of approximately $400,000 for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 accrued on the preferred stock for purposes of calculating net loss applicable to common shares.

 

Net Loss. Consolidated net loss attributable to common shares was $800,000, or $0.13 per common share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 compared to net loss attributable to common shares of $1.7 million, or $0.27 per common share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

 

Pioneer

 

Net Operating Revenues. Net operating revenues at the Pioneer increased $200,000, or 2.6%, to $9.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $9.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2003.

 

Casino revenues increased $300,000, or 4.2%, to $8.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $7.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2003. Slot and video poker revenues increased $400,000, or 6.3%, to $7.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $6.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2003. Management believes this increase was a result of the utilization of newer slot equipment in the 2004 period which has a slightly higher hold percentage. Coin-in, a measurement of volume, was consistent period over period. Other gaming revenues, including table games, decreased $100,000, or 10.1%, to $900,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2003 from $1.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2003. Casino promotional allowances increased $400,000, or 23.1%, to $2.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $1.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2003 primarily due to enhancements made to the Pioneer’s players’ club programs.

 

Hotel revenues increased $200,000, or 22.9%, to $800,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $700,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003, as a decrease in occupancy rate to 79.3% from 83.7% was offset by a increase in average daily room rate. Food and beverage revenues increased $500,000, or 23.6%, to $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to $1.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2003, primarily due to the increase in casino promotional allowances. Other revenues decreased $300,000, or 45.2%, to $300,000 in the three months

 

19


Table of Contents

ended March 31, 2004 from $600,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2003, due to decreased sales in the Pioneer’s retail outlets caused by competition from retail sales in other casinos in Laughlin.

 

Operating Expenses. Operating expenses decreased $500,000, or 6.0%, to $8.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $9.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2003. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 90.0% in the current year period from 98.3% in the prior year period.

 

Casino expenses decreased $100,000, or 3.4%, to $4.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $4.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2003. The increase in casino promotional allowances was offset by reductions in other casino expenses. Casino expenses as a percentage of casino revenues decreased to 51.5% in the current year period from 55.5% in the prior year period.

 

Hotel expenses were relatively unchanged at $100,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. Food and beverage expenses increased $100,000, or 13.9%, to $1.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $1.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2003. An increase in cost of sales was offset by reductions in other food and beverage expenses. Food and beverage expenses as a percentage of food and beverage revenues decreased to 46.6% in the current year period from 50.6% in the prior year period. Other expenses decreased $300,000, or 50.0% to $300,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to $600,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003. The decrease was related to the lower volume of retail sales. Other expenses as a percentage of other revenues decreased to 90.0% in the current year period from 98.6% in the prior year period.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $100,000, or 6.0%, to $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 12.8% in the current year period from 14.0% in the prior year period. Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $100,000, or 17.3%, to $500,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $600,000 in the six months ended March 31, 2003, due to a write-down of certain property and equipment related to the acquisition of capital leases in December 2003 partially offset by the purchase of new slot equipment.

 

20


Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources; Trends and Factors Relevant to Future Operations

 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments: The following table summarizes the Company’s fiscal year contractual obligations and commitments as of March 31, 2004 (for the six month period ending September 30, 2004 and for the fiscal years ending September 30, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and thereafter.)

 

     Payments Due By Periods (1)

     2004

   2005

   2006

   2007

   2008

   2009

   2010 and
Thereafter


   Total

     (dollars in thousands)

Non-recourse debt:

                                                       

Gaithersburg

   $ 735    $ 1,658    $ 1,915    $ 2,195    $ 2,490    $ 2,828    $ 40,302    $ 52,123

Sovereign

     2,564      28,400      0      0      0      0      31,199      62,163

Debt:

                                                       

Building

     31      70      80      14      0      0      0      195

Equipment

     220      461      463      418      13      0      0      1,575

Mortgage obligation

     316      565      594      16,451      0      0      0      17,926

Other

     571      4      0      0      0      0      0      575

Operating leases:

                                                       

Ground lease

     405      807      807      807      807      807      55,915      60,355

Corp. offices

     74      151      98      22      0      0      0      345
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 4,916    $ 32,116    $ 3,957    $ 19,907    $ 3,310    $ 3,635    $ 127,416    $ 195,257
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 


(1) Expected cash interest payments are $5.9 million, $11.1 million, $8.2 million, $7.4 million, $7.0 million, $6.8 million and $52.8 million for the six months ending September 30, 2004, the fiscal years ending September 30, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and thereafter, respectively.

 

The Company has no significant purchase commitments or obligations other than those included in the above schedule.

 

Our ability to service our contractual obligations and commitments, other than the non-recourse debt, will be dependent on the future performance of the Pioneer, which will be affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, including competitive pressure from the expansion of Native American gaming facilities in the southwest United States, certain of which are beyond our control. In addition, we will be dependent on the continued ability of the tenants in the investment properties in Gaithersburg, Maryland and Dorchester, Massachusetts to make payments pursuant to the leases with the Company. The payments under the leases are contractually committed to be used to make payments on the Company’s non-recourse debt obligations related to the properties.

 

Liquidity. As of March 31, 2004, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $4.3 million compared to $5.9 million at September 30, 2003. The Company had $5.1 million in investment in marketable securities at March 31, 2004 compared to $7.3 million at September 30, 2003. Certain amounts of debt have been reduced during the six months ended March 31, 2004 by utilizing certain marketable securities. The investment properties are structured such that future tenants payments cover future required mortgage payments including balloon payments. Management believes that the Company

 

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will have sufficient available cash and cash resources to meet its cash requirements for a reasonable period of time. In April 2004, the Company collected an outstanding receivable of approximately $2.0 million included in “Other Assets” in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities. The Company’s cash provided by operating activities was $2.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to $500,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2003. The increase was primarily due to an improvement in cash provided by operations and a decrease in federal tax benefit.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Cash provided by investing activities was $16.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to $500,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2003. The increase was due to a reduction in restricted cash and marketable securities. The restricted cash and marketable securities were used to fund, in part, the purchase of property subject to certain lease obligations as described below.

 

Cash Used in Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities was $20.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to $3.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2003. For the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company repaid $41.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively, of debt and obligations under lease. For the six months ended March 31, 2004, the Company received $2.9 million from a note receivable and $18.0 million of proceeds from a loan, as described below. For the six months ended March 31, 2003, the Company used $500,000 to acquire shares of its preferred stock.

 

The Company’s primary source of operating cash is from Pioneer operations and from interest income on available cash and cash equivalents and investment in marketable securities. Rental income from the Company’s two investment properties is contractually committed to reducing the non-recourse indebtedness issued or assumed in connection with the acquisition of the investment properties. Under the two leases, the tenants are responsible for substantially all obligations related to the property. Sahara Las Vegas Corp. (“SLVC”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, owns an approximately 27-acre parcel of real property on Las Vegas Boulevard South which is subject to a lease with a water theme park operator. SLVC generates minimal cash from the lease agreement after payment of property costs.

 

The Company’s primary use of funds is for corporate expenses of Archon, which includes costs of executive and administrative personnel, administrative functions and costs to explore development opportunities. The Company had the option to acquire the Pioneer during the period from December 29, 2003 to December 31, 2007. On November 13, 2003, the Company notified GE Capital that in accordance with Article 25 of the lease between HAHF Pioneer, LLC (“GE”) and PHI, the Company would exercise its Early Purchase Option (“EPO”) on December 29, 2003. The EPO was exercised on December 29, 2003 in the amount of $35.6 million and was paid from the following monies: a $2.5 million payment on a note receivable from PDS Gaming, a loan in the amount of $18.0 million, funds from the restricted cash accounts in the amount of approximately $12.6 million, and $2.5 million from marketable securities. Obligations under lease of $37.0 million were retired under this option. Accordingly, the Company recorded a reduction of its carrying value of property and equipment at the Pioneer of approximately $1.4 million in connection with this transaction.

 

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Pioneer

 

Pioneer’s principal uses of cash are for payments of obligations under lease, rent and capital expenditures to maintain the facility. The Company has implemented changes in personnel and promotional programs and installed new slot equipment to address the decreases in revenues and operating income. One of management’s main focuses is to recapture market share in the Laughlin market. Management believes this will be partially achieved by capital improvements to the Pioneer’s food and beverage and other retail outlets, certain of which were completed in October 2003. The capital expenditures totaled approximately $900,000 and were mainly funded with cash from Pioneer’s restricted cash accounts. As a result of the Company’s exercise of its early purchase option to retire the leases, there are no longer any restrictions on the use of Pioneer’s cash nor are there any other operational restrictions or requirements which otherwise existed prior to the exercise.

 

Payments of obligations under lease were $900,000 and $1.7 million, for the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and rent expense was approximately $400,000 for each of the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. Capital expenditures to maintain the facility in fiscal 2004 are expected to be approximately $1.5 million.

 

As a consequence of the exercise of the EPO, payments of obligations under lease, which would have increased in January 2004 from $280,000 per month to $340,000 per month, ceased after December 2003. Instead, as of February 2004, the Company is making principal and interest payments of $120,000 per month on a new mortgage loan, which is secured by land held for investment in Las Vegas and by a personal guaranty from the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

 

Duke’s Casino

 

The Company, had previously loaned approximately $1.4 million to Duke’s – Sparks (“Duke’s”), a Nevada limited liability company. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary ASMC, operated Duke’s casino. Chris Lowden, son of Paul W. Lowden, is a limited partner in the company which is a managing member of Duke’s. The Company also acquired a $100,000 Class B member interest in Duke’s.

 

In December 2003, Duke’s closed its casino operations. The Company has written-off its investment in Duke’s and has recorded a reserve for its receivable from Duke’s of approximately $1.4 million during its fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 and has no further asset exposure from Duke’s.

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company’s preferred stock provides that dividends accrue on a semi-annual basis, to the extent not declared. Prior to fiscal 1997, the Company satisfied the semiannual dividend payments on its preferred stock through the issuance of paid-in-kind dividends. The Company has not declared the semiannual preferred stock dividends since October 1, 1996. The dividend rate per annum was equal to 8% of $2.14 for each share of preferred stock until September 30, 1998, at which date the dividend rate increased to 11%; the dividend rate continued to increase by an additional 50 basis points on each succeeding semiannual dividend payment date up to a maximum of 16% per annum. In October 2003, the dividend rate increased to 16.0%. As of March 31, 2004, the aggregate liquidation preference of the preferred stock was approximately $18.8 million, or $4.07 per share.

 

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Pursuant to the Certificate of Designation of Preferred Stock, dividends are payable only when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors and the liquidation preference is payable only upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. Because dividends in an amount equal to dividend payments for one dividend period have accrued and remain unpaid for at least two years, the preferred stockholders, voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect two directors. As such, two of the Company’s six directors have been elected by the preferred shareholders.

 

The Board of Directors of the Company authorized an increase in the amount of cash that may be used to purchase preferred stock to $2.5 million. As of May 7, 2004, the Company had purchased 795,228 shares of preferred stock for $1.2 million under this program. During the six months ended March 31, 2004, the Company purchased 33,940 shares for $57,000.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

FIN 46. In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). In December 2003, the FASB reissued Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46R”) with certain modifications and clarifications. Application of FIN 46R is effective for interests in certain variable interest entities for periods ending after March 15, 2004 unless FIN 46 was previously applied. FIN 46 and FIN 46R establish standards for determining under what circumstances VIEs should be consolidated with their primary beneficiary, including those in which the usual condition for consolidation does not apply. FIN 46 and FIN 46R also require disclosures about unconsolidated VIEs in which the Company has a significant variable interest. The consolidation requirements of FIN 46 and FIN 46R apply immediately to VIEs created after January 31, 2003 and are effective beginning in the Company’s second quarter ended March 31, 2004. The Company has evaluated its relationships and does not believe it has any significant, consolidatable VIEs. As such, the adoption of these interpretations had no impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.

 

Effects of Inflation

 

The Company has been generally successful in recovering costs associated with inflation through price adjustments in its hotel. Any such future increases in costs associated with casino operations and maintenance of properties may not be completely recovered by the Company.

 

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

 

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, such as statements relating to future operating results, existing and expected competition, financing and refinancing sources and availability and plans for future development or expansion activities, capital expenditures and expansion of business operations into new areas. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may significantly affect the Company’s liquidity and results in the future and, accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those related to effects of competition, leverage and debt service, general economic conditions, changes in gaming laws or regulations (including the legalization of gaming in various jurisdictions) and risks related to development activities and the startup of non-gaming operations.

 

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Item 3.   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, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity process. Excluding its non-recourse debt, the Company has total interest-bearing debt at March 31, 2004 of approximately $20.3 million, of which approximately $18.5 million bears interest at a variable rate (approximately 5% at March 31, 2004). Therefore, the Company maintains certain market rate risk related to this debt. A change in the interest rates of 1% would cause an approximate $185,000 change in the amount of interest the Company would incur based on the amount of variable-interest rate debt outstanding for any current or future year in which this debt is outstanding. Future borrowings related to this debt will be exposed to this same market rate risk.

 

The Company holds investments in various available-for-sale securities; however, management believes that exposure to price risk arising from the ownership of these investments is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flow as historically price fluctuations of these securities have not been material.

 

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Archon’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

However, our audit committee has recently reviewed our internal disclosure controls and procedures in light of our mistaken belief, in connection with our original filing of our annual report on Form 10-K filed on December 29, 2003, that our independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, had delivered its audit report and consent. The audit committee has concluded that our new Chief Financial Officer should further evaluate our disclosure controls and procedures to determine if, in fact, any changes would provide more assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. No significant changes have been made as of yet although the evaluation of controls is ongoing.

 

As a part of our normal operations, we update our internal controls as necessary to accommodate any modifications to our business processes or accounting procedures. There have not been any other changes in our internal controls or in other factors that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect these controls as of the end of the period covered by this report. There were no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, and therefore no corrective actions were taken.

 

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ARCHON CORPORATION

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

 

None

 

Item 2.   Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases of Archon preferred stock during the six months ended March 31, 2004.

 

Period


   Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased


   Average
Price
Paid
Per
Share


   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs


   Maximum
Dollar Value
of Shares
that May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs


October 2003:

                       

October 1, 2003 through October 31, 2003

   12,894    $ 1.75    774,182    $ 1,320,908
    
  

  
  

November 2003:

                       

November 1, 2003 through November 30, 2003

   3,500    $ 1.71    777,682    $ 1,314,925
    
  

  
  

December 2003:

                       

December 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003

   17,546    $ 1.61    795,228    $ 1,286,618
    
  

  
  

January 2004:

                       

January 1, 2004 through January 31, 2004

   0    $ 0.00    795,228    $ 1,286,618
    
  

  
  

February 2004:

                       

February 1, 2004 through February 29, 2004

   0    $ 0.00    795,228    $ 1,286,618
    
  

  
  

March 2004:

                       

March 1, 2004 through March 31, 2004

   0    $ 0.00    795,228    $ 1,286,618
    
  

  
  

 

All shares of preferred stock were purchased pursuant to a $2,500,000 stock repurchase program which was previously approved by our Board of Directors. Funds are available until expended or until the program is suspended by the Chief Executive Officer or by the Board of Directors.

 

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Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

The Company has outstanding redeemable exchangeable cumulative preferred stock (“Preferred Stock”). Prior to fiscal 1997, the Company satisfied the semi-annual dividend payments on its Preferred Stock through the issuance of paid in kind dividends. Commencing in fiscal 1997, dividends paid on the Preferred Stock, to the extent declared, must be paid in cash. No dividends have been declared on the Preferred Stock since October 1, 1996. Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation with respect to the Preferred Stock, dividends that are not declared are cumulative and accrue. The dividend rate per annum was equal to 8% of $2.14 for each share of preferred stock until September 30, 1998, at which date the dividend rate increased to 11% and the dividend continued to increase by an additional 50 basis points on each succeeding semi-annual dividend payment date up to a maximum of 16% per annum. The dividend rate is 16% effective October 1, 2003. The accrued stock dividends have not been recorded as an increase to the Preferred Stock account. As of March 31, 2004, the aggregate liquidation preference of the Preferred Stock was approximately $18.8 million, or $4.07 per share.

 

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

None

 

Item 5.   Other Information

 

None

 

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Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

a.    Exhibits.

 

     Exhibit
Number


  

Description of Exhibit


     31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       32    Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

b.    Reports on Form 8-K.
          The Company filed a Form 8-K dated March 1, 2004 reporting a March 1, 2004 press release announcing restated consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2003.
          The Company filed a Form 8-K dated February 9, 2004 reporting that John M. Garner had been appointed Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer replacing Charles Sandefur.
          The Company filed a Form 8-k dated December 29, 2003 reporting the purchase of fee ownership of the Pioneer under the early purchase option under the Pioneer Lease.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

ARCHON CORPORATION,

Registrant

By:

 

/s/ Paul W. Lowden


   

Paul W. Lowden

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

By:

 

/s/ John M. Garner


   

John M. Garner,

Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: May 12, 2004

 

 

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