SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Mark One)
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 1-13794
TRUMP HOTELS & CASINO RESORTS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware |
13-3818402 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction or Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
1000 Boardwalk Atlantic City, New Jersey |
08401 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
(Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (609) 449-6515
Commission file number: 33-90786
TRUMP HOTELS & CASINO RESORTS HOLDINGS, L.P.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware |
13-3818407 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction or Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
1000 Boardwalk Atlantic City, New Jersey |
08401 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
(Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (609) 449-6515
Commission file number: 33-90786
TRUMP HOTELS & CASINO RESORTS FUNDING, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware |
13-3818405 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction or Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
1000 Boardwalk Atlantic City, New Jersey |
08401 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
(Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (609) 449-6515
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class |
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | |
Common Stock, par value $0.01 share |
New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants: (1) have 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 registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of 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. x
Indicate by check mark whether any of the registrants is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, Inc. held by non-affiliates as of March 19, 2003 was $39,021,577, based upon the closing price of $1.96 for the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on that date. The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Funding, Inc. held by non-affiliates as of March 19, 2003 was $0.
As of March 19, 2003, there were 22,010,027 shares of common stock and 1,000 shares of class B common stock of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, Inc. outstanding.
As of March 19, 2003, there were 100 shares of common stock of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Funding, Inc. outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by ReferenceNone
FORM 10-K
PART I |
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1 | ||||
1 | ||||
2 | ||||
28 | ||||
30 | ||||
30 | ||||
PART II |
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Item 5. Market For Registrants Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters |
31 | |||
32 | ||||
Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
33 | |||
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
49 | |||
49 | ||||
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
49 | |||
PART III |
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Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrants |
50 | |||
55 | ||||
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management |
62 | |||
63 | ||||
66 | ||||
PART IV |
||||
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K. |
67 | |||
Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, Inc. |
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72 | ||||
73 | ||||
Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Holdings, L.P. |
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75 | ||||
76 | ||||
Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Funding, Inc. |
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78 | ||||
79 | ||||
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |
F-1 |
PART I
IMPORTANT FACTORS RELATING TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements contains words such as may, will, project, might, expect, believe, anticipate, intend, could, would, estimate, continue or pursue, or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. In particular, they include statements relating to, among other things, future actions, new projects, strategies, future performance, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings and future financial results. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events.
We caution the reader that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following factors as well as other factors described from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC):
| the effect of economic, credit and capital market conditions on the economy in general, and on gaming and hotel companies in particular; |
| the effects of environmental and structural building conditions relating to our properties; |
| access to available and feasible financing and insurance; |
| changes in laws (including increased tax rates), regulations or accounting standards, insurance premiums, and third-party relations and approvals, and decisions of courts, regulators and governmental bodies; |
| litigation outcomes and judicial actions, including gaming legislative action, referenda and taxation; |
| ability of our customer-tracking programs and marketing to continue to increase or sustain customer loyalty; |
| our ability to recoup costs of capital investments through higher revenues; |
| acts of war or terrorist incidents; |
| abnormal gaming hold percentages; and |
| the effects of competition, including locations of competitors and operating and market competition. |
Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Our Internet address is www.trump.com. We make available free of charge on or through our Internet website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
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Recent Events
TCH Note Offering. On March 25, 2003, two of our subsidiaries, Trump Casino Holdings, LLC, or TCH, and Trump Casino Funding, Inc., or TCF, consummated an offering, or the TCH Note Offering, of $475.0 million aggregate principal amount of two new mortgage notes, consisting of $425.0 million principal amount of first priority mortgage notes due March 15, 2010, bearing interest at a rate of 11.625% per year payable in cash, sold at a price of 94.832% of their face amount for an effective yield of 12.75%, or the First Priority Mortgage Notes, and $50.0 million principal amount of second priority mortgage notes due September 15, 2010, bearing interest at a rate of 11.625% per year payable in cash, plus 6.0% through the issuance of payable-in-kind notes (the Second Priority Mortgage Notes, and together with the First Priority Mortgage Notes, the TCH Notes).
In connection with the TCH Note Offering, Donald J. Trump purchased in a concurrent private offering, $15.0 million aggregate principal amount of additional Second Priority Mortgage Notes at the same purchase price at which the initial purchasers purchased the Second Priority Mortgage Notes. See Certain Relationships and Related Transactions; Second Priority Mortgage Notes.
Interest on the First Priority Mortgage Notes is payable quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing June 15, 2003. The First Priority Mortgage Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis, jointly and severally, by each of TCHs existing and future subsidiaries: Trump Marina Associates, L.P. (formerly known as Trumps Castle Associates, L.P.), Trump Marina, Inc. (formerly known as Trumps Castle Hotel & Casino, Inc.), Trump Indiana, Inc., Trump Indiana Realty LLC, THCR Management Holdings, LLC and THCR Management Services, LLC (collectively, the Subsidiary Guarantors). TCF and future subsidiaries of TCH which are deemed to be unrestricted upon formation will not be guarantors of the TCH Notes. The obligations of TCH and TCF under the TCH Notes are secured by first priority liens, subject to certain exceptions, on substantially all of each Subsidiary Guarantors existing and future assets, including, among other things, all of each Subsidiary Guarantors owned and leased real and personal property, equipment and related general intangibles, as well as all of the equity interests held in and by such Subsidiary Guarantors, whether now owned or later acquired. The liens do not include, however, the Subsidiary Guarantors accounts receivables, inventory, gaming licenses, certain furniture, fixtures and equipment and certain property.
Interest on the Second Priority Mortgage Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, commencing September 15, 2003. The Second Priority Mortgage Notes are secured by the same collateral as the First Priority Mortgage Notes, except that the liens securing the Second Priority Mortgage Notes and the guarantees of the Second Priority Mortgage Notes rank junior to the liens securing the First Priority Mortgage Notes and certain other liens permitted under the indentures governing the TCH Notes. To the extent that collateral is released under the liens securing the First Priority Mortgage Notes, the holders of the Second Priority Mortgage Notes would be required to release their security interest in the same collateral.
The net proceeds of the TCH Note Offering were or will be used to:
| redeem at the applicable redemption prices $242.1 million aggregate principal amount of Trumps Castle Funding, Inc.s, or Castle Fundings, 11.75% Mortgage Notes due 2003; |
| repay $70.0 million aggregate principal amount of Trump Marina Associates, L.P.s, or Marina Associates, bank debt due 2003; |
| redeem at the applicable redemption prices $14.3 million principal amount of Castle Fundings 13.875% Pay-In-Kind Notes due 2005, or the Castle PIK Notes; |
| repay $20.3 million aggregate principal amount of Trump Indiana, Inc.s bank debt in 2006; |
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| acquire and redeem at the applicable redemption prices $96.9 million aggregate principal amount (including the call premium) of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Holdings, L.P.s, or THCR Holdings, 15.5% Senior Notes due 2005, or the THCR Holdings Senior Notes; and |
| repay $0.2 million aggregate principal amount of THCR Management Services, LLCs, or Trump 29 Services, bank debt due 2003. |
Also, in connection with the TCH Note Offering, $141.9 million principal amount of Castle PIK Notes and $35.5 million principal amount of THCR Holdings Senior Notes held by THCR Holdings and its subsidiaries were contributed to TCH and cancelled without payment.
Included in the $96.9 million principal amount (including call premium) of THCR Holdings Senior Notes purchased with the net proceeds of the TCH Note Offering, $1.7 million principal amount of THCR Holdings Senior Notes were held by Mr. Trump. THCR Holdings also acquired an additional $15.0 million principal amount of THCR Holdings Senior Notes on the closing date of the TCH Note Offering in a private transaction with Donald J. Trump. The purchase price of the aggregate $16.7 million principal amount of THCR Holdings Senior Notes acquired from Mr. Trump consisted of 1,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock of THCR valued at $15.0 million, plus a cash amount equal to $1.7 million, plus the applicable redemption premium of 2.583% (approximately $432,000) and accrued interest of approximately $0.7 million on the entire $16.7 million principal amount of THCR Holdings Senior Notes sold by Mr. Trump. The Series A Preferred Stock of THCR may in the future be exchanged for an aggregate of 7,894,737 shares of common stock of THCR. The Series A Preferred Stock (which is newly designated) does not pay or accrue any dividend and has a liquidation preference aggregating $15.0 million. The Series A Preferred Stock may not be exchanged for common stock until such time as the stockholders of THCR approve such issuance. See Certain Relationships and Related Transactions; Purchase of THCR Holdings Senior Notes from Mr. Trump.
The TCH Notes were offered to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Exchange Act. Under the indentures governing the TCH Notes, TCH and TCF have agreed to use their best efforts to file a registration statement with the SEC within 90 days of the closing to register notes having substantially identical terms as the TCH Notes, or the Exchange Notes, as part of an offer to exchange freely tradable Exchange Notes for the TCH Notes and to cause that registration statement to be declared effective within 210 days of the TCH Note Offering. If the registration statement for the Exchange Notes is not filed on time or declared effective within 210 days of filing with the SEC, or if the offer to exchange the TCH Notes for the Exchange Notes is not completed within 240 days of the TCH Note Offering, the interest rate of the TCH Notes will increase by 0.5% increments for each 90-day period during which the registration default continues, until a maximum additional interest rate of 2.0% over the initial rate is obtained. The interest rate on the TCH Notes will revert to the initial interest rate when the registration statement for the Exchange Notes is declared effective by the SEC. TCH and TCF have also agreed to file Exchange Act reports with the SEC.
Formation of TCH and TCF. TCH is a Delaware limited liability company of which THCR Holdings is the sole member. TCF is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of TCH. Upon the consummation of the TCH Note Offering, THCR Holdings contributed to TCH the equity interests of the Subsidiary Guarantors. Upon THCR Holdings contribution of the equity securities in the above-mentioned entities to TCH, these entities became wholly-owned subsidiaries of TCH.
General
Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, Inc., or THCR, was formed in Delaware in March 1995 and has been a public company since June 1995. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DJT. Our principal assets consist of our general and limited partnership interests in Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Holdings, L.P., or THCR Holdings, which holds through its subsidiaries substantially all of the assets of our business. THCR Holdings partnership agreement, dated June 12, 1995, as amended, requires that all of our business activities be conducted through THCR Holdings or a subsidiary of THCR Holdings. As the sole general partner of THCR Holdings, we generally have the exclusive rights, responsibilities and discretion as to the management and control of THCR Holdings and its subsidiaries. Our company is the exclusive vehicle through which Donald J. Trump, our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and a limited
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partner of THCR Holdings, engages in gaming activities. Our company is separate and distinct from Mr. Trumps other holdings and business activities.
Through THCR Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, we own and/or manage five casino hotel properties:
| Trump Plaza Hotel and Casinoan elegantly styled resort located at the center of Atlantic Citys boardwalk and adjacent to Atlantic Citys renovated Boardwalk Hall (the home of the Miss America Pageant). Opened in 1984, Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, or Trump Plaza, features 904 hotel rooms, including 143 suites, 91,181 square feet of casino space with 2,979 slot machines and 88 table games. Amenities and services include 18,157 square feet of convention space, an 800-seat cabaret theater, three cocktail lounges, eight restaurants, a player club, health spa, an indoor pool, arcade, tennis courts and four retail outlets. Trump Plaza is connected by an enclosed pedestrian walkway to a ten-story parking garage which can accommodate 14 buses and approximately 2,800 cars. The parking garage is located directly off the Atlantic City Expressway, the main highway into Atlantic City, and provides patrons with safe and immediate access to the casino. |
| Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resortan exotically-themed destination resort located on the northern end of Atlantic Citys boardwalk. Opened in 1990 and acquired by us in April 1996, the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, or Trump Taj Mahal, features 1,250 hotel rooms, including 242 suites, 19 dining and 12 beverage locations, parking for 6,950 cars, a 14-bay bus terminal and approximately 140,000 square feet of ballroom, meeting room and pre-function area space. The Trump Taj Mahal also features 156,984 square feet of gaming space which includes 191 table games, 4,826 slot machines and an approximately 12,000 square-foot poker, Keno and Race Simulcasting room and an Asian-themed table game area offering popular Asian table games. The Trump Taj Mahal also features: a 20,000 square foot multi-purpose entertainment complex known as the Xanadu Theater, with seating capacity for up to approximately 1,200 persons, which can be used as a theater, concert hall, boxing arena or exhibition hall; the Casbah, a popular New York style nightclub; and the Mark G. Etess Arena featuring approximately 63,000 square feet of exhibition and entertainment space accommodating up to 5,200 persons. |
In the fall of 2002, we began renovating the Trump Taj Mahals hotel guest rooms and suites. Approximately 230 guest rooms and suites were completed by December 31, 2002. The remaining guest rooms are intended to be substantially completed by June 2003, prior to the high occupancy summer season.
| Trump Marina Hotel Casinoappealing to a youthful (30 plus something) crowd with its Wild Side image and situated in a favorable section of Atlantic Citys rapidly developing marina district. Opened in 1985 and acquired by us in October 1996, Trump Marina Hotel Casino, or Trump Marina, offers high quality amenities, entertainment offerings and strong customer service. The property consists of a 27-story hotel with 728 guest rooms, including 153 suites, 97 of which are luxury suites. The casino offers approximately 81,200 square feet of gaming space, 2,527 slot machines, 79 table games, a simulcast racetrack facility and 40,000 square feet of convention, ballroom and meeting space. Trump Marina also features a 540-seat cabaret-style theater, a nightclub, two player clubs, two retail stores, seven restaurants, a cocktail lounge and a pool side snack bar. To facilitate access to the property, Trump Marina has a nine-story parking garage capable of accommodating approximately 3,000 cars. Trump Marina also has a 645-slip marina adjacent to the property, 11 bus bays and a roof-top helipad. |
| Trump Indiana Casino Hotela riverboat casino located approximately 25 miles from downtown Chicago and catering primarily to the northwest Indiana and Chicago markets. Opened in June 1996, Trump Indiana Casino Hotel, or Trump Indiana, is located conveniently near I-80/95 and I-90 on a 280-foot gaming vessel with 43,000 square feet of gaming space, 1,784 slot machines, 46 table games and the capacity to accommodate approximately 2,700 passengers. Trump Indiana operates in Buffington Harbor, an approximately 100-acre site in Gary, Indiana. Our docking facility and |
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land-based pavilion, which we share with our joint venture partner, Majestic Star Casino, LLC, or Majestic Star, includes a 40,000 square foot pavilion housing a buffet, a steakhouse restaurant, several restaurant kiosks, bars and lounges, gift shops and staging and ticketing areas. Through another joint venture with Majestic Star, we also own the site immediately adjacent to Trump Indiana, which includes surface parking for 2,300 automobiles and a parking garage (completed in May 2002) that accommodates up to 2,000 cars. Also on the site is a 300-room hotel that we own and operate through our subsidiary, Trump Indiana, Inc. See Business; Certain Agreements; Buffington Harbor Joint Venture.
In August 2002, Indiana permitted riverboat casinos to implement dockside gaming, which we have adopted. Dockside gaming eliminates Trump Indianas need to cruise which required patrons to wait for boarding times that had previously been scheduled every two hours.
| Trump 29 Casinolocated in Coachella, California in the Palm Springs resort area and featuring a desert-style floor setting ringed with gleaming mountains, columns of water and walls of fire. Reopened under its new name, Trump 29 Casino, in April 2002, we manage Trump 29 Casino, or Trump 29, pursuant to a management agreement with the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of California, or the Tribe. Trump 29 is owned by the Tribe through its sole ownership of the Twenty-Nine Palms Enterprises Corporation, or Twenty-Nine Palms. Located just off Interstate 10 in Coachella, California, 25 miles east of Palm Springs and 120 miles east of Los Angeles, Trump 29 is located within 175 miles of Californias three largest metropolitan areas, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego, with a combined 2000 population of approximately 15.2 million people. |
During 2002, Trump 29 completed a two-stage expansion and renovation project. The first expansion and renovation stage (completed in March 2002) increased Trump 29s casino facility to 200,000 square feet and included the addition of 1,500 slot machines and 35 table games. The second stage (completed in September 2002) included the addition of approximately 500 slot machines, a 2,200 seat theater-type showroom, a fine-dining steakhouse and a food court. Trump 29 currently features approximately 1,970 slot machines, 35 table games and a 5,000 square foot ballroom in addition to the showroom and five restaurants. See Business; Certain Agreements; Trump 29 Management Agreement.
Hotel-Casino Resort Properties
We have provided below certain information regarding our properties as of December 31, 2002. Other than Trump 29, we wholly own and operate these properties.
Name and Location |
Number of Rooms/Suites |
Approximate Casino Square Footage |
Slots Machines |
Gaming Tables(1) | ||||
Atlantic City, NJ |
||||||||
Trump Plaza |
904 |
91,181 |
2,979 |
88 | ||||
Trump Taj Mahal |
1,250 |
156,984 |
4,826 |
191 | ||||
Trump Marina |
728 |
81,200 |
2,527 |
79 | ||||
Subtotal |
2,882 |
329,365 |
10,332 |
358 | ||||
Buffington Harbor, IN |
||||||||
Trump Indiana |
300 |
43,000 |
1,784 |
46 | ||||
Coachella, CA |
||||||||
Trump 29(2) |
|
80,000 |
1,970 |
35 | ||||
Total |
3,182 |
452,365 |
14,086 |
439 | ||||
(1) | Generally includes blackjack, baccarat, craps, pai gow poker, Caribbean stud poker, roulette and poker. |
(2) | We manage Trump 29 pursuant to a management agreement with the Tribe. See Business; Certain Agreements; Trump 29 Management Agreement. |
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We believe that our properties derive substantial benefit from the widespread recognition of the Trump name and its association with high quality amenities and first class service. Our properties use the Trump name to attract business at each site where we seek to provide an exciting gaming and entertainment experience tailored to the primary patrons in each of our markets.
In this Form 10-K, the term Trump Atlantic City Properties includes Trump Plaza, Trump Taj Mahal and Trump Marina. Trump Casino Properties includes the Trump Atlantic City Properties and Trump Indiana. Unless otherwise noted, the terms we, us, and our includes THCR, THCR Holdings and its subsidiaries.
Business and Marketing Strategy
We consistently evaluate our properties and their amenities in order to remain competitive. From time to time, changes are made to our properties in response to patron demand either on an industry-wide or property-specific basis. Below is a brief description of our business and marketing strategy:
Focus on Slot Revenues. We continue to emphasize our slot business, the most consistently profitable and predictable segment of our gaming revenues. We strive to offer a wide variety of games and marketing programs to attract slot customers and to encourage them to play for longer periods of time in order to promote the stability of our gaming revenues. As part of this focus, we are committed to providing our customers with the latest themed slot machines and gaming technology. In addition, we have continued to improve the Trump Casino Properties slot floors and have changed our marketing and customer loyalty programs to reward our most important slot customers by offering rooms and benefits that were previously reserved for table players.
Trump Indiana was the test site for ticket in/ticket out, or cashless, slot machines in Indiana. Cashless gaming is an alternative payment method to coin handling on the casino slot floor. Casino operators can program a slot machine to pay a slot payout, or a portion thereof, with a ticket. The ticket can then be reinserted into another cashless slot machine, be exchanged for cash at a cashiers station or held by the player and used at a later time. The testing at Trump Indiana was successfully completed in October 2002, and Trump Indiana presently has more than 600 cashless slot machines operating on it casino floor. We anticipate having another 700 new cashless slot machines operating at Trump Indiana during by the third quarter of 2003. We also expect to have a portion of Trump Marinas, Trump Plazas and Trump Taj Mahals slot machines operating with cashless gaming technology during 2003. We believe that cashless slot machines enhance slot patrons gaming experience as well as reduce overhead, labor and costs associated with operating a slot floor. Also, preliminary results have shown an increase in coin-in and win per unit per day for cashless test units.
Targeted Marketing and Promotion. We actively promote our casinos, entertainment offerings, hotels and restaurants by using a variety of media, including billboard and other outdoor signage, print, broadcast and the Internet. In addition, we employ marketing representatives as a means of attracting gaming patrons to our properties. We have developed and maintain extensive and targeted customer databases. We also employ a focused direct-mail program, integrated with our player tracking systems, to efficiently target our database customers with a variety of promotional programs to enhance customer loyalty. Promotional events in 2002 included gift giveaways, sweepstakes, slot tournaments and Asian and other ethnic events which were designed to increase our frequent player programs. Trump Indiana has recently hired new marketing and player development management and staff with significant experience in the Midwest gaming market, in general, and Chicagoland, in particular. We estimate that approximately 81% of our gaming revenues at Trump Plaza come from rated players (i.e., players in our database targeted for promotional programs), approximately 80% at the Trump Taj Mahal, approximately 87% at Trump Marina and approximately 57% at Trump Indiana, evidencing our ability to attract our targeted customers.
Maintain Stringent Cost Controls. We have achieved significant cost savings through several initiatives. These initiatives include matching employee schedules more efficiently to peak business hours and implementing our more efficient cash reward programs that generate higher revenue at a lower cost than previous cash reward
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programs. Coupled with our targeted marketing approach, we have been able to lower marketing costs and increase revenues at the Trump Casino Properties without sacrificing customer service.
Premium Entertainment. We pursue a program of providing headline entertainment at our properties. These entertainment offerings, which generate incremental revenue through ticket sales, also increase pedestrian traffic in our hotels, restaurants and casinos. In addition, we coordinate entertainment events to coincide with slot player promotions to maximize the number of customers and gaming play in our casinos.
The Atlantic City Market
The Atlantic City market serves the New York-Philadelphia-Baltimore-Washington, D.C. corridor with nearly 30 million adults living within a three-hour driving radius and has historically generated consistent growth in gaming revenues. The Atlantic City gaming market currently consists of 11 casino properties with a total of 11,700 hotel rooms and approximately 1.3 million square feet of gaming space containing approximately 38,000 slot machines and approximately 1,200 table games.
Other gaming operators in Atlantic City have announced or recently completed new development or expansion projects that we believe will, if completed, attract new customers to Atlantic City. The Borgata, a casino resort complex being developed in Atlantic Citys marina district through a joint venture between MGM Mirage, Inc. and Boyd Gaming Corporation, is expected to be completed in the summer of 2003 and will be the first new casino in Atlantic City in 13 years. The Borgata, located on a 25-acre site, will feature a 40 story tower with 2,010 rooms and suites, a 135,000 square foot casino, restaurants, retail shops, a spa and pool, and entertainment venues. Also in the marina district, Harrahs recently completed construction of an additional hotel tower with 452 rooms and expanded its casino floor to include 950 additional slot machines. We believe that these projects will attract additional visitors to the marina district.
In addition, Park Place Entertainment, Inc. connected its Ballys and Claridge properties in July 2002 and merged the properties into a single casino resort in December 2002. In December 2002, Park Places Caesars began renovating the adjacent Ocean One Mall into an upscale retail and entertainment monopoly-themed complex, which is expected to be completed in 2004.
In March 2002, Showboat Casino Hotel broke ground for a 544 room hotel tower with an expected completion date in June 2003.
In April 2002, Aztar Corp. commenced its expansion of its Tropicana Atlantic City property. The expansion is intended to include an additional 502 hotel rooms and a 200,000 square foot retail, dining and entertainment complex and is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2004.
In September 2002, Resorts Atlantic City commenced demolition of one of its towers and is replacing it with a 459 room hotel tower expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2004.
Historically, there has been a shortage of available rooms in Atlantic City on the weekends during the peak spring and summer seasons and on long holiday weekends in other parts of the year. We believe that the addition of hotel rooms in Atlantic City would benefit the overall Atlantic City market by increasing patrons visits and perhaps the duration of patrons visits during these peak seasons and weekends. See Business; Seasonality.
In February 2003, in response to state budgetary concerns, the Governor of New Jersey proposed increasing New Jerseys casino gross revenue tax from 8.0% to 10.0%, to tax complementaries and to impose a 7.0% occupancy tax on hotel rooms. The outcome of this tax proposal is uncertain at this time. The Governor also formed a commission to study allowing video lottery terminals (popularly called VLTs and which are similar to slot machines) at racetracks as a source of revenue for the state. To the extent that the State of New Jersey increases gaming revenue or other taxes on Atlantic City casinos or allows the implementation of VLTs at
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racetracks, especially at the nearby Meadowlands racetrack, the development plans of Atlantic City operators could change, and anticipated room expansions may not occur. See Business; Governmental and Gaming Regulations; New Jersey Gaming Regulations; Gross Revenue Tax.
Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland Market
The northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago metropolitan market, known as the Chicagoland market, is the third largest gaming market in the United States, generating approximately $2.3 billion in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2002. As of December 31, 2002, the Chicagoland market featured nine casinos, over 1,000 hotel rooms and over 377,000 square feet of gaming space containing approximately 12,875 slot machines and 416 table games.
From 1997 to 2002, total gaming revenues in the Chicagoland market have increased approximately 49.3%, during which period only two new facilities opened. We believe that the Chicagoland market possesses some of the most attractive characteristics of any gaming market in the United States, including one of the highest ratios of local population to gaming positions. The Chicagoland market is the third most populated metropolitan area in the United States. Furthermore, the population and average income in the Chicagoland market rank highest among all United States riverboat gaming markets. Entrance into the market is limited by the fixed number of gaming licenses available in Indiana and Illinois. Currently, a maximum of 11 licenses are permitted in Indiana, of which 10 have already been issued (five on Lake Michigan, including Trump Indiana, and five on the Ohio River), and a maximum of 10 licenses are permitted in Illinois, of which nine have been issued. The remaining Indiana license is expected to be granted in the southern portion of the state, and the remaining Illinois license is currently under dispute.
There has been limited casino development and expansion activity in the areas surrounding Trump Indiana. In February 2002, Harrahs completed construction on a new 293-room luxury hotel at its East Chicago, Indiana property.
Southern California Market
Trump 29 is located in Californias Coachella Valley in Riverside County, near the Palm Springs resort area. The property is located just off Interstate 10 and enjoys excellent access and visibility from the freeway, with an estimated 27,000 vehicles passing by Trump 29 each day. Riverside County offers Trump 29 a rapidly growing local market, with population having risen over 130% from 1980 to 2000 to reach approximately 1.6 million people. In addition, Coachella is located within 175 miles of Californias three largest metropolitan areas, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego, with a combined 2000 population of approximately 15.2 million people.
Competition
Atlantic City
Atlantic City. Competition in the Atlantic City market remains intense. At the present time, there are 11 casino hotels located in Atlantic City which compete with each other on the basis of customer service and quality and extent of amenities, including each of the Trump Atlantic City Properties. For this reason, substantial capital expenditures are required from time to time to compete effectively. Substantial new expansion and development activity has recently been completed, is under construction, or has been announced in Atlantic City at other properties, including the development of the Borgata by Boyd Gaming and MGM Mirage, Inc. which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2003. See Business; The Atlantic City Market.
In addition, we believe that there are several other sites on the boardwalk and in the marina district on which casino hotels could be built in the future, and various applications for casino licenses have been filed and
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announcements with respect thereto have been made from time to time. There can be no assurance that proposed and future developments and expansions, especially the Borgata, would not have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. There also can be no assurances that the Atlantic City development projects, which are planned or in process, will be completed. See Business; The Atlantic City Market.
Native American Tribes. The Trump Atlantic City Properties also face considerable competition from casino facilities in a number of states operated by federally recognized Native American tribes, such as Foxwoods Resorts Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut and Mohegan Sun Casino Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut. Pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, or the IGRA, which was passed by Congress in 1988, any state which permits casino-style gaming (even if only for limited charity purposes) is required to negotiate gaming compacts with federally recognized Native American tribes. Under the IGRA, Native American tribes enjoy comparative freedom from regulation and taxation of gaming operations, which provides them with an advantage over their competitors, including the Trump Atlantic City Properties.
In addition, Native American nations are seeking federal recognition, land and negotiation of gaming compacts in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and other states near Atlantic City. If successful, there can be no assurance that additional casinos built in or near this portion of the United States would not have a material adverse effect on the business and operations of the Trump Atlantic City Properties.
New Jersey State Legislation. In September 2002, the New Jersey State Legislature proposed an amendment to the New Jersey constitution that, if approved, by the citizens of New Jersey in a general election, would permit the legislature to adopt legislation permitting slot machines at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey. If New Jerseys constitution were to be so amended and such legislation adopted, slot machines at the Meadowlands would compete to some extent with Atlantic Citys casinos, including the Trump Atlantic City Properties, for gaming patrons.
New York State Legislation. In October 2001, the State of New York, citing a statewide economic crisis precipitated by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City, passed legislation permitting video lottery terminals at five harness racetracks and further allows the governor to negotiate Class III gaming compacts with Native American tribes for up to six resort-scale casinos. The legislation allows three tribal resort scale casinos in the Catskills, within 90 minutes of New York City, and the other three in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls area. The three Buffalo-Niagara Falls resort scale casinos would join two existing Indian casinos, the Turning Stone, operated by the Oneida Nation near Syracuse and one owned by the St. Regis Mohawks, near the Canadian Border. A lawsuit was filed in New Yorks Supreme Court in Albany on January 29, 2002, claiming, among other things, that the legislation violated the provisions of New York States constitution. Competition from these properties, when opened, could have a material adverse effect on the Trump Atlantic City Properties.
Other States. Legislation permitting other forms of casino gaming has been proposed, from time to time, in various states, including those bordering the State of New Jersey. Six states have presently legalized riverboat gambling while others are considering its approval, including the State of New York and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Several states are considering or have approved large-scale land-based casinos. The business and operations of the Trump Atlantic City Properties could be adversely affected by such competition, particularly if casino gaming were permitted in jurisdictions near or elsewhere in New Jersey or in other states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Currently, casino gaming, other than Native American gaming, is not allowed in other areas of New Jersey or in Connecticut, New York or Pennsylvania. To the extent that legalized gaming becomes more prevalent in New Jersey or other jurisdictions near Atlantic City, competition would further intensify. In particular, proposals have been introduced to legalize gaming in other locations, including Pennsylvania and Maryland. The legislative proposals in Pennsylvania would allow for a wide range of gaming activities, including riverboat gaming, slots at racetracks, video lottery terminals at liquor stores and the formation of a gaming commission. Marylands proposed legislation would authorize video lottery terminals at some of Marylands racing facilities. The results of the 2002 gubernatorial elections in Pennsylvania and Maryland have also increased the likelihood of gaming legislation in such states. We are unable to predict
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whether any such legislation, in such states or elsewhere, will be enacted or whether, if passed, would have material adverse effect on the Trump Atlantic City Properties.
Chicagoland
Competition in the Chicagoland market is intense. We believe that competition in the gaming industry, particularly the riverboat and dockside gaming industry, is based on a combination of quality and location of gaming facilities, the implementation of effective marketing strategies and customer service and satisfaction. Trump Indiana is seeking a competitive advantage primarily based upon its superior location, including its proximity to, and direct access from Chicago, extensive parking facilities, name recognition, a superior gaming vessel and gaming experience, and targeted marketing strategies. Although we believe that the location of Trump Indiana allows it to compete effectively with other casinos in the surrounding geographic area, management expects competition in the casino gaming industry to become more intense as casinos are opened and new entrants into the gaming industry become even more operational.
Trump Indiana competes primarily with riverboats and other casinos in the Chicagoland market. Although northwest Indiana is part of the Chicagoland market, which is one of the most successful new gaming markets in the United States, Trump Indiana may be more dependent on patrons from northwest Indiana than its Illinois competitors, and the propensity of these patrons to wager cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty. In addition to competing with Majestic Stars riverboat at the Buffington Harbor site, Trump Indiana competes with three other riverboats in the northwest Indiana market. To a lesser degree, Trump Indiana competes with five operating riverboats located in southern Indiana. In addition, a casino opened during 1994 in Windsor, Ontario. In 1997, Detroit approved land-based casino gaming with a limit of three licenses for the metropolitan area, and selected the operators for the licenses. Two of these land-based casinos opened for operation in 1999 and the third opened in 2000.
At the present time, there are four other riverboats in the Chicago, Illinois area. In June 1999, the Illinois State Legislature authorized additional gaming facilities to be constructed in Illinois, including authorizing new sites in the Chicagoland area with which Trump Indiana would compete. The Illinois Legislature also authorized gaming on barges in Illinois. In addition to barge gaming, which facilitates a larger casino floor than a conventional boat, Illinois gaming regulators relaxed ownership hurdles, allowing operators to own more than one casino in the state. There can be no assurance that Indiana will follow suit in allowing gaming on barges or multiple licenses to current operators.
Southern California
Competition in the Southern California market is also intense. Trump 29 principally competes with other tribal casinos in the Palm Springs area. At the present time, fifteen tribal casinos are open in the Southern California market, five of which directly compete with Trump 29 and are located within a 45-mile radius from Trump 29, and other Indian tribes may receive approval to engage in casino gaming. Trump 29s five principal competitors are Fantasy Springs Casino, Agua Caliente, Spa Hotel and Casino, Casino Morongo and Augustine Casino.
Certain Agreements
We are party to certain agreements, some of which are described below. See Executive Compensation; Employment Agreements, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Financial ConditionSummary of Companys Public Indebtedness and Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
Buffington Harbor Joint Venture
In June 1995, Trump Indiana, Inc. acquired approximately 88 acres of land at Buffington Harbor in Gary, Indiana, or the Buffington Harbor Site, for an aggregate purchase price of $13.5 million from the Lehigh Portland
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Cement Company, or Lehigh. Trump Indiana, Inc. also leased certain of Lehighs property adjacent to the Buffington Harbor Site for the docking of Trump Indianas casino vessel (the Harbor Lease Agreement). Trump Indiana, Inc. contributed the Buffington Harbor Site and its rights under the Harbor Lease Agreement to Buffington Harbor Riverboats, LLC, or BHR, a 50/50 joint venture between Trump Indiana, Inc. and Majestic Star Casino, LLC, or Majestic Star, in connection with the formation of BHR. Pursuant to Trump Indianas and Majestic Stars joint venture agreement, or the BHR Agreement, BHR owns, develops and operates all common land-based and waterside operations in support of Trump Indianas and Majestic Stars separate riverboat casinos at Buffington Harbor. Trump Indiana, Inc. and Majestic Star are each equally responsible for the development and the operating expenses of BHR.
In September 2000, THCR and an affiliate of Majestic Star formed a joint venture, Buffington Harbor Parking Associates, or BHPA, for the purpose of constructing and operating a parking garage (the Indiana Parking Garage). In September 2000, BHPA acquired approximately 14 additional acres of land (not including the Buffington Harbor Site) previously leased from Lehigh for the construction of the Indiana Parking Garage for an aggregate purchase price of $14.2 million, and the Harbor Lease Agreement was terminated. The construction of the Indiana Parking Garage commenced in the second quarter of 2001 and was completed in the second quarter of 2002.
BHPA separately leases the Indiana Parking Garage to each of (i) Trump Indiana, Inc. pursuant to a parking lease, dated June 19, 2001, or the Trump Indiana Garage Lease, and (ii) Majestic Star under a substantially identical lease agreement. The term of the Trump Indiana Garage Lease is until December 31, 2018. The initial rent installment, paid by Trump Indiana, Inc. upon the execution of the Trump Indiana Garage Lease, was $8.4 million. In addition, Trump Indiana, Inc. is obligated to pay BHPA a monthly rent equal to (i) 50.0% of BHPAs debt service on the $17.1 million financing to build the Indiana Parking Garage and (ii) 50.0% of any construction costs incurred by BHPA in excess of the net proceeds of the financing. In the event either party defaults on its rental obligations under its respective garage lease with BHPA, the other party will be obligated to pay rent in an amount sufficient to satisfy 100.0% of BHPAs debt service obligations on the financing.
Casino Services Agreement
We service the Trump Casino Properties and Trump 29 and manage their administrative overhead costs through a casino services agreement, dated January 1, 1998, as amended, or the Casino Services Agreement, with Trump Administration, a division of Trump Taj Mahal Associates, or Taj Associates, a subsidiary which operates the Trump Taj Mahal. Trump Administration assumed the rights and responsibilities of the Casino Services Agreement when we merged Trump Casino Services, LLC, or TCS, into Taj Associates in December 2000. Pursuant to the Casino Services Agreement, Trump Administration provides each of our properties with managerial, financial, accounting, purchasing, legal and other services incidental to running a casino and hotel, collectively referred to as the Casino Services. In return, the properties reimburse Trump Administration, on a ratable basis, all of the costs and expenses incurred by Trump Administration in providing the Casino Services, including all payroll and employee benefits and related costs associated with the employees utilized by Trump Administration in providing the Casino Services, as well as all overhead and other expenses incurred in the ordinary course of providing such services. We believe that the Casino Services Agreement allows us to take advantage of economies of scale and realize substantial cost savings. The Casino Services Agreement expires on January 1, 2008, unless earlier terminated upon 90 days prior written notice.
Marina Lease
Pursuant to Marina Associates agreement with the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, we operate a 645-boat slip marina adjacent to Trump Marina (the only property in Atlantic City to have direct marina access). Pursuant to the agreement and a lease entered into in September 1990 with the State of New Jersey, Marina Associates leases the marina and improvements thereon for an initial term of 25 years. Pursuant to the marina lease, Marina Associates pays annual rent equal to the greater of (i) a certain percentage of Marina Associates
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gross revenues from operating the marina or (ii) a minimum amount ($400,000 in 2002 and which will increase every five years to $500,000 in 2010). In addition, Marina Associates is responsible for all of the costs and expenses related to the premises, including but not limited to, all maintenance and repair costs, insurance premiums, real estate taxes, assessments and utility charges. Also, any improvements made to the marina (excluding an elevated pedestrian walkway which we constructed and which connects Trump Marina to a two-story building containing a restaurant and retail and office space) automatically becomes the property of the State of New Jersey upon the termination of the lease.
Trademark License Agreement
Subject to certain restrictions, we have the exclusive world-wide right to use the Trump name and Mr. Trumps likeness in connection with gaming and related activities pursuant to a trademark license agreement, dated June 12, 1995, and the amendments thereto, between Mr. Trump, as licensor, and THCR, as licensee. Pursuant to the license agreement, we are permitted to use the names Trump, Donald J. Trump and variations thereof, collectively referred to as the Trump Names, and related intellectual property rights, or the Marks, in connection with casino and gaming activities and related services and products. We, in turn, allow our subsidiaries and properties to use the Trump Names and Marks under various parol licenses which do not create enforceable licenses. The license agreement, however, does not restrict Mr. Trumps right to use or further license the Trump Names and Marks in connection with services and products other than casino services and related products.
The term of the license agreement is until the later of: (i) June 2015, (ii) such time as Mr. Trump and his affiliates own less than a 15.0% voting interest in THCR or (iii) such time as Mr. Trump ceases to be employed or retained by THCR pursuant to an employment, management, consulting or similar services agreement. Upon expiration of the license agreement, Mr. Trump is required to grant THCR a non-exclusive, worldwide and royalty free license to use the casino related trademarks for a reasonable transition period on terms to be agreed upon between us and Mr. Trump. Mr. Trumps obligations under the license agreement are secured by a security agreement, pursuant to which Mr. Trump has granted THCR a first priority security interest in the Trump Names and the related intellectual property rights for use in connection with casino services, as well as related hotel, bar and restaurant services. See Executive Compensation; Employment Agreements, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements; Donald J. Trump, Executive Compensation; Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Trademark License Agreement and Certain Relationships and Related Transactions; Trademark License Agreement.
Trump 29 Management Agreement
We, through Trump 29 Services, manage and direct all of the day-to-day operations of Trump 29 pursuant to an amended and restated gaming facility management agreement, dated as of March 28, 2002, with the Tribe and Twenty-Nine Palms. The management agreement was approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission, or the NIGC, on April 15, 2002, commenced on April 16, 2002 and expires on April 16, 2007.
Pursuant to our management agreement with the Tribe, an annual management fee equal to 30.0% of net revenues of Trump 29 (as defined in the management agreement) is payable to Trump 29 Services for each year of the term. The management fee is payable monthly in arrears. Payment of the monthly management fee is subordinate to the debt service on Twenty-Nine Palmss bank debt and is payable after certain other monthly priority payments are made or reserve requirements are satisfied, including the payment of operating expenses of Trump 29 (excluding the management fee) and various debt service reserve requirements required by Twenty-Nine Palms loan agreement. If revenues of Trump 29 are less than the amount necessary to pay any required amount under the management agreement in any given month, Trump 29 Services is obligated to advance the funds necessary to pay the minimum guaranteed monthly payment to the Tribe.
Twenty-Nine Palms revenues have been pledged to its lenders as security for its bank debt and Trump 29 Services has subordinated its right to receive management fees to the payment by the Tribe of its bank debt. As a
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result of this pledge and subordination, until the Tribes bank debt is paid in full, Trump 29 Services may not accept or receive any prepayment of its management fee or accept or receive any payment from the Tribe in respect of the management fee if a default has occurred and is continuing under the Tribes bank debt, or if such payment of the management fee would result in a default under the Tribes bank debt. Trump 29 Services has also guaranteed Twenty-Nine Palms obligations to its bank lenders up to an amount not to exceed $2.5 million.
On or after May 31, 2005, Twenty-Nine Palms has the right to purchase all of the rights of Trump 29 Services under the management agreement upon satisfaction of certain conditions, including payment to Trump 29 Services of an early termination fee. Such fee would be equal to one and one-half times the aggregate management fee payable to Trump 29 Services for the twelve-month period preceding the notice of early termination. If Twenty-Nine Palms were to exercise this right, Trump 29 Services would not generate any further revenues from the management agreement.
Governmental and Gaming Regulations
The following is only a summary of the applicable provisions of the New Jersey Casino Control Act (or the Casino Control Act), the Indiana Riverboat Gambling Act (or the Riverboat Gambling Act), the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (or IGRA) and certain other laws and regulations. It does not purport to be a full description and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Casino Control Act, the Riverboat Gambling Act, IGRA and such other applicable laws and regulations.
New Jersey Gaming Regulations
In general, the Casino Control Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder contain detailed provisions concerning, among other things:
| the granting and renewal of casino licenses; |
| the suitability of the approved hotel facility, and the amount of authorized casino space and gaming units permitted therein; |
| the qualification of natural persons and entities related to the casino licensee; |
| the licensing of certain employees and vendors of casino licensees; |
| the rules of the games; |
| the selling and redeeming of gaming chips; |
| the granting and duration of credit and the enforceability of gaming debts; |
| management control procedures, accounting and cash control methods and reports to gaming agencies; |
| the security standards; |
| the manufacture and distribution of gaming equipment; |
| the simulcasting of horse races by casino licensees, advertising, entertainment and alcoholic beverages. |
Casino Control Commission. The ownership and operation of casino/hotel facilities in Atlantic City are the subject of strict state regulation under the Casino Control Act. The New Jersey Casino Control Commission, or the CCC, is empowered to regulate a wide spectrum of gaming and non-gaming related activities and to approve the form of ownership and financial structure of not only a casino licensee, but also its entity qualifiers and intermediary and holding companies and any other related entity required to be qualified.
Operating Licenses. In May 1999, the CCC renewed Marina Associates license to operate Trump Marina through May 2003. In June 1999, the CCC renewed Plaza Associates and Taj Associates (collectively with Marina Associates, the Trump Atlantic City Licensees) licenses to operate Trump Plaza and Trump Taj Mahal, until June 2003, respectively. Each entity has filed an application for the renewal of its casino license through
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June 2007. The CCC has consolidated the license renewal applications for hearing in late June 2003 and has extended the casino licenses to operate the Trump Atlantic City Properties through June 30, 2003.
Casino Licenses. No casino hotel facility may operate unless the appropriate license and approvals are obtained from the CCC, which has broad discretion with regard to the issuance, renewal, revocation and suspension of such licenses and approvals, which are non-transferable. The qualification criteria with respect to the holder of a casino license include its financial stability, integrity and responsibility; the integrity and adequacy of its financial resources which bear any relation to the casino project; its good character, honesty and integrity; and the sufficiency of its business ability and casino experience to establish the likelihood of a successful, efficient casino operation. The casino license currently held by each of Trump Atlantic City Licensees is renewable for periods of up to four years. The CCC may reopen licensing hearings at any time, and must reopen a licensing hearing at the request of the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
To be considered financially stable, a licensee must demonstrate the following abilities: to pay winning wagers when due; to achieve an annual gross operating profit; to pay all local, state and federal taxes when due; to make necessary capital and maintenance expenditures to insure that it has a superior first-class facility; and to pay, exchange, refinance or extend debts which will mature or become due and payable during the license term.
In the event a licensee fails to demonstrate financial stability, the CCC may take such action as it deems necessary to fulfill the purposes of the Casino Control Act and protect the public interest, including: issuing conditional licenses, approvals or determinations; establishing an appropriate cure period; imposing reporting requirements; placing restrictions on the transfer of cash or the assumption of liabilities; requiring reasonable reserves or trust accounts; denying licensure; or appointing a conservator.
Pursuant to the Casino Control Act and the regulations and precedent of the CCC, no entity may hold a casino license unless each officer, director, principal employee, person who directly or indirectly holds any beneficial interest or ownership in the licensee, each person who in the opinion of the CCC has the ability to control or elect a majority of the board of directors of the licensee (other than a banking or other licensed lending institution which makes a loan or holds a mortgage or other lien acquired in the ordinary course of business) and any lender, underwriter, agent or employee of the licensee or other person whom the CCC may consider appropriate, obtains and maintains qualification approval from the CCC. Qualification approval means that such person must, but for residence, individually meet the qualification requirements as a casino key employee.
Management believes that it has adequate financial resources to meet the financial stability requirements of the Casino Control Act for the foreseeable future.
Control Persons. An entity qualifier or intermediary or holding company, such as THCR, THCR Holdings and its subsidiaries: TCH, Trump Marina, Inc., Trump Atlantic City Associates, or Trump AC, Trump Atlantic City Holding, Inc., or Trump AC Holding, and Trump Atlantic City Corporation, or TACC, is required to register with the CCC and meet the same basic standards for approval as a casino licensee; provided, however, that the CCC, with the concurrence of the Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement, may waive compliance by a publicly-traded corporate holding company with the requirement that an officer, director, lender, underwriter, agent or employee thereof, or person directly or indirectly holding a beneficial interest or ownership of the securities thereof, individually qualify for approval under casino key employee standards so long as the CCC and the Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement are, and remain, satisfied that such officer, director, lender, underwriter, agent or employee is not significantly involved in the activities of the casino licensee, or that such security holder does not have the ability to control the publicly-traded corporate holding company or elect one or more of its directors. Persons holding 5.0% or more of the equity securities of such holding company are presumed to have the ability to control the company or elect one or more of its directors and will, unless this presumption is rebutted, be required to individually qualify. Equity securities are defined as any voting stock or any security similar to or convertible into or carrying a right to acquire any security having a direct or indirect participation in the profits of the issuer.
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Financial Sources. The CCC may require all financial backers, investors, mortgagees, bond holders and holders of notes or other evidence of indebtedness, either in effect or proposed, which bear any relation to any casino project, including holders of publicly-traded securities of an entity which holds a casino license or is an entity qualifier, subsidiary or holding company of a casino licensee, to qualify as financial sources. In the past, the CCC has waived the qualification requirement for holders of less than 15.0% of a series of publicly-traded mortgage bonds so long as the bonds remained widely distributed and freely traded in the public market and the holder had no ability to control the casino licensee. The CCC may require holders of less than 15.0% of a series of debt to qualify as financial sources even if not active in the management of the issuer or casino licensee.
Institutional Investors. An institutional investor is defined by the Casino Control Act as any retirement fund administered by a public agency for the exclusive benefit of federal, state or local public employees; any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; any collective investment trust organized by banks under Part Nine of the Rules of the Comptroller of the Currency; any closed end investment trust; any chartered or licensed life insurance company or property and casualty insurance company; any banking and other chartered or licensed lending institution; any investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and such other persons as the CCC may determine for reasons consistent with the policies of the Casino Control Act.
An institutional investor may be granted a waiver by the CCC from financial source or other qualification requirements applicable to a holder of publicly-traded securities, in the absence of a prima facie showing by the Division of Gaming Enforcement that there is any cause to believe that the holder may be found unqualified, on the basis of the CCCs findings that: (i) its holdings were purchased for investment purposes only and, upon request by the CCC, it files a certified statement to the effect that it has no intention of influencing or affecting the affairs of the issuer, the casino licensee or its holding or intermediary companies; provided, however, that the institutional investor will be permitted to vote on matters put to the vote of the outstanding security holders; and (ii) if (x) the securities are debt securities of a casino licensees holding or intermediary companies or another subsidiary company of the casino licensees holding or intermediary companies which is related in any way to the financing of the casino licensee and represent either (A) 20.0% or less of the total outstanding debt of the company or (B) 50.0% or less of any issue of outstanding debt of the company, (y) the securities are equity securities and represent less than 10.0% of the equity securities of a casino licensees holding or intermediary companies or (z) the securities so held exceed such percentages, upon a showing of good cause. There can be no assurance, however, that the CCC will make such findings or grant such waiver and, in any event, an institutional investor may be required to produce for the CCC or the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice upon request, any document or information which bears any relation to such debt or equity securities.
Generally, the CCC requires each institutional holder seeking waiver of qualification to execute a certification to the effect that (i) the holder has reviewed the definition of Institutional Investor under the Casino Control Act and believes that it meets the definition of Institutional Investor; (ii) the holder purchased the securities for investment purposes only and holds them in the ordinary course of business; (iii) the holder has no involvement in the business activities of and no intention of influencing or affecting, the affairs of the issuer, the casino licensee or any affiliate; and (iv) if the holder subsequently determines to influence or affect the affairs of the issuer, the casino licensee or any affiliate, it shall provide not less than 30 days prior notice of such intent and shall file with the CCC an application for qualification before taking any such action. If an Institutional Investor changes its investment intent, or if the CCC finds reasonable cause to believe that it may be found unqualified, the Institutional Investor may take no action with respect to the security holdings, other than to divest itself of such holdings, until it has applied for interim casino authorization and has executed a trust agreement pursuant to such an application. See Interim Casino Authorization.
Ownership and Transfer of Securities. The Casino Control Act imposes certain restrictions upon the issuance, ownership and transfer of securities of a regulated company and defines the term security to include instruments which evidence a direct or indirect beneficial ownership or creditor interest in a regulated company including, but not limited to, mortgages, debentures, security agreements, notes and warrants. Each of the Trump
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Atlantic City Licensees, Trump AC, Trump AC Holding, Trump Marina, Inc., THCR Holdings, THCR and TCH is deemed to be a regulated company, and instruments evidencing a beneficial ownership or creditor interest therein, including a partnership interest, are deemed to be the securities of a regulated company.
If the CCC finds that a holder of such securities is not qualified under the Casino Control Act, it has the right to take any remedial action it may deem appropriate, including the right to force divestiture by such disqualified holder of such securities. In the event that certain disqualified holders fail to divest themselves of such securities, the CCC has the power to revoke or suspend the casino license affiliated with the regulated company which issued the securities. If a holder is found unqualified, it is unlawful for the holder (i) to exercise, directly or through any trustee or nominee, any right conferred by such securities or (ii) to receive any dividends or interest upon such securities or any remuneration, in any form, from its affiliated casino licensee for services rendered or otherwise.
With respect to non-publicly-traded securities, the Casino Control Act and regulations of the CCC require that the corporate charter or partnership agreement of a regulated company establish a right in the CCC of prior approval with regard to transfers of securities, shares and other interests and an absolute right in the regulated company to repurchase at the market price or the purchase price, whichever is the lesser, any such security, share or other interest in the event that the CCC disapproves a transfer. With respect to publicly-traded securities, such corporate charter or partnership agreement is required to establish that any such securities of the entity are held subject to the condition that if a holder thereof is found to be disqualified by the CCC, such holder shall dispose of such securities.
Under the terms of the indentures governing the TCH Notes and TAC Notes, if a holder of the TCH Notes or TAC Notes, as the case may be, does not qualify under the Casino Control Act when required to do so, such holder must dispose of its interest in such securities, and the respective Issuer or Issuers of such securities may redeem the securities at the lesser of the outstanding amount or fair market value.
Interim Casino Authorization. Interim casino authorization is a process which permits a person who enters into a contract to obtain property relating to a casino operation or who obtains publicly-traded securities relating to a casino licensee to close on the contract or own the securities until plenary licensure or qualification. During the period of interim casino authorization, the property relating to the casino operation or the securities is held in trust.
Whenever any person enters into a contract to transfer any property, which relates to an ongoing casino operation, including a security of the casino licensee or a holding or intermediary company or entity qualifier, under circumstances which would require that the transferee obtain licensure or be qualified under the Casino Control Act, and that person is not already licensed or qualified, the transferee is required to apply for interim casino authorization. Furthermore, except as set forth below with respect to publicly-traded securities, the closing or settlement date in the contract at issue may not be earlier than the 121st day after the submission of a complete application for licensure or qualification together with a fully executed trust agreement in a form approved by the CCC. If, after the report of the Division and a hearing by the CCC, the CCC grants interim authorization, the property will be subject to a trust. If the CCC denies interim authorization, the contract may not close or settle until the CCC makes a determination on the qualifications of the applicant. If the CCC denies qualification, the contract will be terminated for all purposes and there will be no liability on the part of the transferor.
If, as a result of a transfer of publicly-traded securities of a licensee, a holding or intermediary company or entity qualifier of a licensee, or a financing entity of a licensee, any person is required to qualify under the Casino Control Act, that person is required to file an application for licensure or qualification within 30 days after the CCC determines that qualification is required or declines to waive qualification. The application must include a fully executed trust agreement in a form approved by the CCC or, in the alternative, within 120 days after the CCC determines that qualification is required, the person whose qualification is required must divest such securities as the CCC may require in order to remove the need to qualify.
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The CCC may grant interim casino authorization where it finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (i) statements of compliance have been issued pursuant to the Casino Control Act; (ii) the casino hotel is an approved hotel in accordance with the Casino Control Act; (iii) the trustee satisfies qualification criteria applicable to key casino employees, except for residency; and (iv) interim operation will best serve the interests of the public.
When the CCC finds the applicant qualified, the trust will terminate. If the CCC denies qualification to a person who has received interim casino authorization, the trustee is required to endeavor, and is authorized, to sell, assign, convey or otherwise dispose of the property subject to the trust to such persons who are licensed or qualified or shall themselves obtain interim casino authorization.
Where the holder of publicly-traded securities is required, in applying for qualification as a financial source or qualifier, to transfer such securities to a trust in application for interim casino authorization and the CCC thereafter orders that the trust become operative: (i) during the time the trust is operative, the holder may not participate in the earnings of the casino hotel or receive any return on its investment or debt security holdings; and (ii) after disposition, if any, of the securities by the trustee, proceeds distributed to the unqualified holder may not exceed the lower of their actual cost to the unqualified holder or their value calculated as if the investment had been made on the date the trust became operative.
Approved Hotel Facilities. The CCC may permit an existing licensee, such as one of the Trump Atlantic City Properties, to increase its casino space if the licensee agrees to add a prescribed number of qualifying sleeping units within two years after the commencement of gaming operations in the additional casino space. However, if the casino licensee does not fulfill such agreement due to conditions within its control, the licensee will be required to close the additional casino space, or any portion thereof that the CCC determines should be closed.
Persons who are parties to the lease for an approved hotel building or who have an agreement to lease a building which may in the judgment of the CCC become an approved hotel building are required to hold a casino license unless the CCC, with the concurrence of the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey, determines that such persons do not have the ability to exercise significant control over the building or the operation of the casino therein.
Unless otherwise determined by the CCC, agreements to lease an approved hotel building or the land under the building must be for a term exceeding 30 years, must concern 100.0% of the entire approved hotel building or the land upon which it is located and must include a buy-out provision conferring upon the lessee the absolute right to purchase the lessors entire interest for a fixed sum in the event that the lessor is found by the CCC to be unsuitable.
Agreement for Management of Casino. Each party to an agreement for the management of a casino is required to hold a casino license, and the party who is to manage the casino must own at least 10.0% of all the outstanding equity securities of the casino licensee. Such an agreement shall: (i) provide for the complete management of the casino; (ii) provide for the unrestricted power to direct the casino operations; and (iii) provide for a term long enough to ensure the reasonable continuity, stability and independence and management of the casino.
License Fees. The CCC is authorized to establish annual fees for the renewal of casino licenses. The renewal fee is based upon the cost of maintaining control and regulatory activities prescribed by the Casino Control Act, and may not be less than $200,000 for a four-year casino license. Additionally, casino licensees are subject to potential assessments to fund any annual operating deficits incurred by the CCC or the Division of Gaming Enforcement. There is also an annual license fee of $500 for each slot machine maintained for use or in use in any casino.
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Gross Revenue Tax. Each casino licensee is currently required to pay an annual tax of 8.0% on its gross casino revenues. The table below sets forth each Trump Atlantic City Licensees gross revenue tax and license, investigation and other fees and assessments for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000.
Trump Atlantic City Licensee |
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, |
Gross Revenue Tax |
License, Investigation and Other Fees and Assessments | |||||
($ in millions) | ||||||||
Plaza Associates |
2002 |
$ |
27.1 |
$ |
5.2 | |||
2001 |
|
26.4 |
|
4.8 | ||||
2000 |
|
25.8 |
|
5.1 | ||||
Taj Associates |
2002 |
$ |
42.6 |
$ |
5.6 | |||
2001 |
|
42.6 |
|
5.5 | ||||
2000 |
|
43.8 |
|
5.1 | ||||
Marina Associates |
2002 |
$ |
21.7 |
$ |
4.4 | |||
2001 |
|
21.6 |
|
4.3 | ||||
2000 |
|
21.8 |
|
3.7 |
On July 3, 2002, the State of New Jersey passed the New Jersey Business Tax Reform Act which, among other things, requires the suspension of the use of the New Jersey net operating loss carry forwards for two years and the introduction of a new alternative minimum assessment under the New Jersey corporate business tax based on gross receipts or gross profits.
In February 2003, in response to state budgetary concerns, the Governor of New Jersey proposed increasing New Jerseys casino gross revenue tax from 8.0% to 10.0%, to tax complimentaries and to impose a 7.0% occupancy tax on hotel rooms. The outcome of this tax proposal is uncertain at this time. See Business; The Atlantic City Market.
Investment Alternative Tax Obligations. An investment alternative tax imposed on the gross casino revenues of each licensee in the amount of 2.5% is due and payable on the last day of April following the end of the calendar year. A licensee is obligated to pay the investment alternative tax for a period of 35 years. Estimated payments of the investment alternative tax obligation must be made quarterly in an amount equal to 1.25% of estimated gross revenues for the preceding three-month period. Investment tax credits may be obtained by making qualified investments or by the purchase of bonds issued by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. Such bonds may have terms as long as 50 years and bear interest at below market rates, resulting in a value lower than the face value of such bonds.
For the first 10 years of its tax obligation, the licensee is entitled to an investment tax credit against the investment alternative tax in an amount equal to twice the purchase price of such bonds issued to the licensee. Thereafter, the licensee (i) is entitled to an investment tax credit in an amount equal to twice the purchase price of such bonds or twice the amount of its investments authorized in lieu of such bond investments or made in projects designated as eligible by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and (ii) has the option of entering into a contract with the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority to have its tax credit comprised of direct investments in approved eligible projects which may not comprise more than 50.0% of its eligible tax credit in any one year.
From the monies made available to the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, it is required to set aside $175.0 million for investment in hotel development projects in Atlantic City undertaken by a licensee which result in the construction or rehabilitation of at least 200 hotel rooms. These monies will be held to fund up to 27.0% of the cost to casino licensees of expanding their hotel facilities to provide additional hotel rooms, a portion of which has been required to be available with respect to the new Atlantic City Convention Center.
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Minimum Casino Parking Charges. As of July 1, 1993, each casino licensee is required to pay the New Jersey State Treasurer a $1.50 charge for every use of a parking space for the purpose of parking motor vehicles in a parking facility owned or leased by a casino licensee or by an person on behalf of a casino licensee. This amount is paid into a special fund established and held by the New Jersey State Treasurer for the exclusive use of the CRDA. Plaza Associates and Taj Associates currently charge their parking patrons $2.00 in order to make their required payments to the New Jersey State Treasurer and cover related expenses. Amounts in the special fund will be expended by the CRDA for eligible projects in the corridor region of Atlantic City related to improving the highways, roads, infrastructure, traffic regulation and public safety of Atlantic City or otherwise necessary or useful to the economic development and redevelopment of Atlantic City in this regard.
Atlantic City Fund. On each October 31st during the years 1996 through 2003, each casino licensee shall pay into an account established in the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and known as the Atlantic City Fund, its proportional share of an amount related to the amount by which annual operating expenses of the CCC and the Division of Gaming Enforcement are less than a certain fixed sum. Additionally, a portion of the investment alternative tax obligation of each casino licensee for the years 1994 through 1998 allocated for projects in northern New Jersey shall be paid into and credited to the Atlantic City Fund. Amounts in the Atlantic City Fund will be expended by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority for economic development projects of a revenue-producing nature that foster the redevelopment of Atlantic City other than the construction and renovation of casino hotels.
Conservatorship. If, at any time, it is determined that any licensee or any other entity qualifier has violated the Casino Control Act or that any of such entities cannot meet the qualification requirements of the Casino Control Act, such entity could be subject to fines or the suspension or revocation of its license or qualification. If a casino license is suspended for a period in excess of 120 days or is revoked, or if the CCC fails or refuses to renew such casino license, the CCC could appoint a conservator to operate and dispose of such licensees casino hotel facilities. A conservator would be vested with title to all property of such licensee relating to the casino and the approved hotel subject to valid liens and/or encumbrances. The conservator would be required to act under the direct supervision of the CCC and would be charged with the duty of conserving, preserving and, if permitted, continuing the operation of the casino hotel. During the period of the conservatorship, a former or suspended casino licensee is entitled to a fair rate of return out of net earnings, if any, on the property retained by the conservator. The CCC may also discontinue any conservatorship action and direct the conservator to take such steps as are necessary to effect an orderly transfer of the property of a former or suspended casino licensee. Such events could result in an event of default under the terms of the indentures governing the TAC Notes and the TCH Notes.
Qualification of Employees. Certain or our employees must be licensed by or registered with the CCC, depending on the nature of the position held. Casino employees are subject to more stringent requirements than non-casino employees and must meet applicable standards pertaining to financial stability, integrity and responsibility, good character, honesty and integrity, business ability and casino experience and New Jersey residency. These requirements have resulted in significant competition among Atlantic City casino operators for the services of qualified employees.
Gaming Credit. The casino games at the Trump Atlantic City Properties are conducted on a credit as well as cash basis. Gaming debts arising in Atlantic City in accordance with applicable regulations are enforceable in the courts of the state of New Jersey. The extension of gaming credit is subject to regulations that detail procedures which casinos must follow when granting gaming credit and recording counter checks which have been exchanged, redeemed or consolidated. Gaming credit may not be collectible in foreign countries.
Control Procedures. Gaming at the Trump Atlantic City Properties is conducted by trained and supervised personnel. We employ extensive security and internal controls. Security checks are made to determine, among other matters, that job applicants for key positions have had no criminal history or associations. Security controls utilized by the surveillance department include closed circuit video cameras to monitor the casino floor and money counting areas. The count of moneys from gaming also is observed daily by representatives of the CCC.
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Indiana Gaming Regulations
Indiana Gaming Commission. The ownership and operation of riverboat gaming operations in Indiana are subject to strict state regulation under the Riverboat Gambling Act and the administrative rules promulgated thereunder. Under the Riverboat Gambling Act, all games typically available in Atlantic City casinos are permitted on Trump Indiana. The riverboat casinos in Indiana are permitted to stay open 21 hours per day, 365 days per year and to extend credit and accept credit cards with no loss or wagering limits. The Indiana Gaming Commission, or the IGC, is empowered to administer, regulate and enforce the system of riverboat gaming established under the Riverboat Gambling Act and has jurisdiction and supervision over all riverboat gaming operations in Indiana, as well as all persons on riverboats where gaming operations are conducted. The IGC is empowered to regulate a wide variety of gaming and non-gaming related activities, including the licensing of suppliers to, and employees at, riverboat gaming operations and to approve the form of ownership and financial structure of not only riverboat owner and supplier licensees, but also their entity qualifiers and intermediary and holding companies. The IGC has adopted certain final rules and has published others in proposed or draft form which have proceeded through the review and final adoption process. The IGC also has indicated its intent to publish additional proposed rules in the future. The IGC has broad rulemaking power, and it is impossible to predict what effect, if any, the amendment of existing rules or the finalization of currently proposed rules might have on the operations of Trump Indiana or THCR. The following reflects both adopted and proposed regulations. Further, the Indiana General Assembly has the power to promulgate new laws and implement amendments to the Riverboat Gambling Act, which could materially affect the operations or economic viability of the gaming industry in Indiana.
Riverboat Owners License. The operation of a gaming riverboat in Indiana is subject to the Riverboat Gambling Act and the administrative rules promulgated thereunder. In June 1996, the IGC granted Trump Indiana, Inc. a riverboat owners license, which in June 2002 was renewed to June 2003. We have timely filed an application with the IGC regarding the renewal of Trump Indiana, Inc.s riverboat owners license.
Transfer of Riverboat Owners License. Pursuant to IGC proposed rules, an ownership interest in a riverboat owners license shall not be transferred unless the transfer complies with applicable rules, and no riverboat gaming operation may operate unless the appropriate licenses and approvals are obtained from the IGC. Under current Indiana law, a maximum of 10 riverboat owners licenses may be in effect at any given time. No person or entity may simultaneously own an interest in more than two riverboat owners licenses. A person or entity may simultaneously own up to 100.0% in one riverboat owners license and no more than 10.0% in a second riverboat owners license.
A riverboat owners licensee must possess a level of skill, experience, or knowledge necessary to conduct a riverboat gaming operation that will have a positive economic impact on the host site, as well as the entire state of Indiana. Additional representative, but not exclusive, qualification criteria with respect to the holder of a riverboat owners license include character, reputation, financial integrity, the facilities or proposed facilities for the conduct of riverboat gaming including related non-gaming projects such as hotel development, and the good faith affirmative action plan to recruit, train and upgrade minorities and women in all employment classifications. The IGC shall require persons holding riverboat owners licenses to adopt policies concerning the preferential hiring of residents of the city in which the riverboat docks for riverboat jobs. The IGC has broad discretion in regard to the issuance, renewal, revocation and suspension of licenses and approvals, and the IGC is empowered to regulate a wide variety of gaming and non-gaming related activities, including the licensing of suppliers to, and employees at, riverboat gaming operations, and to approve the form of ownership and financial structure of not only riverboat owner and supplier licensees, but also their subsidiaries and affiliates.
A riverboat owners licensee or any other person may not lease, hypothecate, borrow money against or loan money against a riverboat owners license. An ownership interest in a riverboat owners license may only be transferred in accordance with the regulations promulgated under the Riverboat Gambling Act. An applicant for the approval of a transfer of a riverboat owners license must comply with application procedures prescribed by
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the IGC, present evidence that it meets or possesses the standards, qualifications and other criteria under Indiana gaming laws, that it meets all requirements for a riverboat owners license, and that it pay an investigative fee in the amount of $50,000 with the application. If the IGC denies the application to transfer an ownership interest, it shall issue notice of denial to the applicant, and, unless specifically stated to the contrary, a notice of denial of an application for transfer shall not constitute a finding that the applicant is not suitable for licensure. A person who is served with notice of denial under this rule may request an administrative hearing.
Control Persons and Operational Matters. The IGC has implemented strict regulations with respect to the suitability of the riverboat owners licensee, their key personnel and their employees similar to the regulations and precedent of the CCC. The IGC utilizes a class-based licensing structure that subjects all individuals associated with Trump Indiana, Inc. to varying degrees of background investigations. Likewise, comprehensive security measures, including video surveillance by both random and fixed cameras, are required in the casino and money counting areas. Additionally, the IGC has delineated procedures for the reconciliation of the daily revenues and tax remittance to the state as further detailed below.
Tax. Under Indiana gaming law, a tax is imposed on admissions to gaming excursions. In June 2002, the Indiana legislature enacted legislation which changed the admissions tax rate from $3.00 per person per cruise to $3.00 per person. This admission tax is imposed upon the riverboat owners licensee conducting the gaming excursion on a per-person basis without regard to the actual fee paid by the person using the ticket, with the exception that no tax shall be paid by admittees who are actual and necessary officials, employees of the licensee or other persons actually working on the riverboat. The IGC may suspend or revoke the license of a riverboat owners licensee that does not submit the payment or the tax return form regarding admission tax within the required time established by the IGC. Since Trump Indiana shares its berthing site with Majestic Star, the IGC authorized us to operate a joint turnstile. Trump Indiana and Majestic Star are each responsible to pay one-half of the admissions tax owed for guests using the joint turnstile.
A tax is imposed on the adjusted gross receipts received from gaming authorized under the Riverboat Gambling Act. Effective July 1, 2002, recent legislation increased the tax rate from 20.0% to 22.5%. Adjusted gross receipts is defined as the total of all cash and property (including checks received by a licensee), whether collected or not, received by a licensee from gaming operations less the total of all cash paid out as winnings to patrons including a provision for uncollectible gaming receivables as is further set forth in the Riverboat Gambling Act.
In addition, pursuant to the legislation passed in June 2002, casinos are permitted to convert to dockside operations. If a casino elects to become a dockside operation, the gaming tax structure changes from a flat rate of 22.5% to a graduated scale as follows:
| 15% on gaming revenue from $0 to $25 million based on the states fiscal year (July 1-June 30); |
| 20% on gaming revenue over $25 million but less than $50 million; |
| 25% on gaming revenue over $50 million but less than $75 million; |
| 30% on gaming revenue over $75 million but less than $150 million; and |
| 35% on gaming revenue over $150 million. |
All riverboat casinos in Indiana, including Trump Indiana, converted their operations from cruising to dockside in August 2002.
The impact of the increase in the gaming tax rate in Indiana is partially mitigated by a change in the methodology for determining the amount of admission tax payable by gaming patrons, which changes from charging the tax per patron per cruise to a single per admission charge per patron.
The legislation passed in June 2002 also created the Indiana Department of Gaming Research and each riverboat and racetrack is required to pay a $25,000 yearly fee to fund this department.
In addition to the Indiana tax requirements, a similar payment on adjusted gross receipts is payable to the City of Gary at a rate of 4.0% pursuant to the Development Agreement.
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Restricted Transactions. Under proposed IGC rules, no riverboat owners licensee or riverboat license applicant may enter into or perform any contract or transaction in which it transfers or receives consideration which is not commercially reasonable or which does not reflect the fair market value of the goods or services rendered or received as determined at the time the contract is executed. Any contract entered into by a riverboat licensee or riverboat license applicant that exceeds the total dollar amount of $50,000 shall be a written contract. A riverboat license applicant means an applicant for a riverboat owners license that has been issued a certificate of suitability.
Pursuant to IGCs proposed rules, riverboat licensees and riverboat license applicants must submit an internal control procedure regarding purchasing transactions which must contain provisions regarding ethical standards, compliance with state and federal laws, and prohibitions on the acceptance of gifts and gratuities by purchasing and contracting personnel from suppliers of goods or services. The proposed rules also require any riverboat licensee or applicant to submit any contract, transaction, or series of transactions greater than $500,000 in any twelve-month period to the IGC within 10 days of the execution, and to submit a summary of all contracts or transactions greater than $50,000 in any 12-month period on a quarterly basis. The proposed rules provide that contracts submitted to the IGC are not submitted for approval by the IGC, but grant the IGC authority to cancel or terminate any contract not in compliance with Indiana law and the IGC rules.
A riverboat licensee or affiliate may not enter into a debt transaction in excess of $1 million without the prior approval of the IGC. A debt transaction is any transaction that will result in the encumbrance of assets. Unless waived, approval of debt transactions requires consideration by the IGC at two business meetings.
Finance. Pursuant to IGC rules, any person (other than an institutional investor) acquiring 5.0% or more of any class of voting securities of a publicly-traded corporation that owns a riverboat owners license or 5.0% or more of the beneficial interest in a riverboat licensee, directly or indirectly, through any class of the voting securities of any holding or intermediary company of a riverboat licensee shall apply to the IGC for a finding of suitability within 45 days after acquiring the securities. Each institutional investor who, individually or in association with others, acquires, directly or indirectly, 5.0% or more of any class of voting securities of a publicly-traded corporation that owns a riverboat owners license or 5.0% or more of the beneficial interest in a riverboat licensee through any class of the voting securities of any holding or intermediary company of a riverboat licensee shall notify the IGC within 10 days after the institutional investor acquires the securities and shall provide additional information and may be subject to a finding of suitability as required by the IGC.
Under IGC rules, an institutional investor who would otherwise be subject to a suitability finding shall, within 45 days after acquiring the interests, submit the following information: (i) a description of the institutional investors business and a statement as to why the institutional investor satisfies the definitional requirements of an institutional investor under Indiana gaming rule requirements; (ii) a certification made under oath that the voting securities were acquired and are held for investment purposes only and were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional investor; (iii) the name, address, telephone number and the social security number or federal tax identification number of each person who has the power to direct or control the institutional investors exercise of its voting rights as a holder of voting securities of the riverboat licensee; (iv) the name of each person who beneficially owns 5.0% or more of the institutional investors voting securities or equivalent; (v) a list of the institutional investors affiliates; (vi) a list of all securities of the riverboat licensee that are or were beneficially owned by the institutional investor or its affiliates within the preceding one year; (vii) a disclosure of all criminal and regulatory sanctions imposed during the preceding 10 years; (viii) a copy of any filing made under 16 U.S.C. Section 18(a); and (ix) any other additional information the IGC may request to ensure compliance with Indiana gaming laws.
Each institutional investor who, individually or in association with others, acquires, directly or indirectly, the beneficial ownership of 15.0% or more of any class of voting securities of a publicly-traded corporation that owns a riverboat owners license or 15.0% or more of the beneficial interest in a riverboat licensee through any class of voting securities of any holding company or intermediary company of a riverboat licensee shall apply to the IGC for a finding of suitability within 45 days after acquiring the securities.
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Under IGC rules, an institutional investor means any of the following: (i) a retirement fund administered by a public agency for the exclusive benefit of federal, state, or local public employees; (ii) an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; (iii) a collective investment trust organized by banks under Part 9 of the Rules of the Comptroller of the Currency; (iv) a closed end investment trust; (v) a chartered or licensed life insurance company or property and casualty insurance company; (v) a banking, chartered or licensed lending institution; (vi) an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and (vi) any other entity the IGC determines constitutes an institutional investor. The IGC may in the future promulgate regulations with respect to the qualification of other financial backers, mortgagees, bond holders, holders of indentures, or other financial contributors.
Minority and Women Business Participation. The Riverboat Gambling Act places special emphasis on minority and women business enterprise participation in the riverboat industry. Riverboat licensees must establish goals of expending ten percent of the total dollars spent on the majority of goods and services with minority business enterprises and five percent with women business enterprises. Riverboat licensees may be subject to a disciplinary action for failure to meet the minority and women business enterprise expenditure goals.
Indiana Gaming Commission Action. All licensees subject to the jurisdiction of the IGC have a continuing duty to maintain suitability for licensure. The IGC may initiate an investigation or disciplinary action or both against a licensee whom the commission has reason to believe is not maintaining suitability for licensure, is not complying with licensure conditions, and/or is not complying with Indiana gaming laws or regulations. The IGC may suspend, revoke, restrict, or place conditions on the license of a licensee; require the removal of a licensee or an employee of a licensee; impose a civil penalty or take any other action deemed necessary by the IGC to insure compliance with Indiana gaming laws.
Indian Gaming Regulations
General. We and the Tribe are subject to federal, tribal and certain state laws applicable to commercial relationships with Indian tribes, Indian gaming and the management and financing of Indian casinos. In addition, our gaming operations are regulated by federal and certain state laws applicable to the gaming industry and to the distribution of gaming equipment. The following description of the regulatory environment is only a summary and not a complete recitation of all applicable law. Moreover, since this gaming regulatory environment is particularly susceptible to interpretation and change as the result of public policy considerations, it is impossible to predict how certain provisions of applicable laws will be interpreted in the future or whether and how they will be modified. Unexpected interpretations of, or changes in, applicable law could have a material adverse impact on our operations.
Tribal Law and Legal Systems
Tribal Law; Applicability of State and Federal Law. Federally recognized Indian tribes are independent governments, subordinate to the United States, with sovereign powers. As sovereign entities, Indian tribes enact their own laws and maintain their own governmental systems, often including their own judicial systems. Indian tribes have the right to tax persons and enterprises conducting business on Indian lands, and also have the right to require licenses and to impose other forms of regulation and regulatory fees on persons and businesses operating on their lands.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Indian tribes are subject to many federal laws and, under limited circumstances, to certain state laws. The U.S. Constitution entrusts the U.S. Congress with the power to promulgate laws regulating Indian affairs. While principles of federalism and sovereignty make state laws generally inapplicable to Indian tribes, Congress has the power to subject tribes to state and federal law, and to waive a tribes sovereign immunity as it deems necessary. Trump 29 Services management agreement with the Tribe includes a limited waiver of sovereign immunity whereby the Tribe consents to Trump 29 Services enforcement of arbitration awards in federal court or, if federal court declines to exercise jurisdiction, in the California State Courts.
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Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988
Regulatory Authority. The operation of all casinos and other forms of gaming on Indian lands is subject to IGRA. IGRA is administered by the NIGC, an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Interior, exercising primary federal regulatory responsibility for Indian gaming. The NIGC has the exclusive federal authority to issue regulations governing tribal gaming activities, approve tribal ordinances regulating class II and class III gaming (as described below), and approve management agreements for gaming facilities. The NIGC also has authority to conduct investigations and generally monitor tribal gaming. The NIGC is empowered to inspect and audit all Indian gaming facilities, conduct background checks on all persons associated with class II or class III Indian gaming, hold hearings, issue subpoenas, take depositions, adopt regulations and assess fees and impose civil penalties for IGRA violations. Criminal enforcement of IGRA is the exclusive responsibility of the United States Department of Justice, except to the extent such enforcement responsibility is shared with the State of California under the compacts and, with respect to crimes committed by tribal members, retained by the Tribe.
Tribal Ordinances. Under IGRA, except to the extent otherwise provided in a tribal-state gaming compact, Indian tribal governments have primary regulatory authority over class III gaming on land within a tribes jurisdiction. Therefore, gaming operations, and all persons engaged in gaming activities at the gaming facilities, are guided by and subject to the provisions of the Tribes ordinances and regulations regarding gaming. However, IGRA requires that the NIGC review tribal gaming ordinances and authorizes the NIGC to approve such ordinances only if they meet certain requirements relating to:
| the ownership, security, personnel background, record-keeping and auditing of a tribes gaming enterprises; |
| the use of the revenues from such gaming operations; and |
| the protection of the environment and the public health and safety. |
The Tribe adopted its tribal gaming ordinance in November 1993 and the NIGC approved the tribal gaming ordinance in April 1994.
Classes of Gaming. IGRA classifies gaming activities that Indians may conduct on their tribal lands into three categories. Class I gaming includes social games solely for prizes of minimal value or traditional forms of Indian gaming engaged in by individuals as part of, or in connection with, tribal ceremonies or celebrations. Class II gaming includes bingo, pulltabs, lotto, punch boards, tip jars, certain non-banked card games (if such games are played legally elsewhere in the state), instant bingo and certain other games similar to bingo, if those games are played at the same location in which bingo is played. Class III gaming includes all other forms of gaming, such as slot machines, video casino games (e.g., video slots, video black jack and video poker), so-called table games (e.g., blackjack, craps, roulette) and other commercial gaming (e.g., sports betting and pari-mutual wagering).
Only class II and class III gaming is subject to IGRA. Class I gaming is within the exclusive jurisdiction of Indian tribes. IGRA permits class II gaming on Indian lands if, among other things:
| such gaming is not otherwise specifically prohibited on Indian lands by federal law; |
| such gaming is conducted in accordance with a tribal ordinance or resolution that has been approved by the NIGC; |
| an Indian tribe has sole proprietary interest and responsibility for the conduct of gaming; and |
| the primary management officials and key employees are tribally licensed. |
IGRA permits class III gaming if the conditions applicable to class II gaming are met and such gaming is conducted in conformity with the terms of a tribal-state gaming compact (a written agreement between the tribal government and the government of the state within whose boundaries the tribes lands lie).
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Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. IGRA requires states to negotiate in good faith with Indian tribes that seek to enter into tribal-state gaming compacts to conduct class III gaming. Such compacts may include provisions for the allocation of criminal and civil jurisdiction between the state and the Indian tribe necessary for the enforcement of applicable laws and regulations, taxation of the gaming activities by the tribe in amounts comparable to those amounts assessed by the state for comparable activities, remedies for breach of the compact, standards for the operation of gaming and maintenance of the gaming facility, including licensing, and any other subjects that are directly related to the operation of gaming activities. While the terms of these compacts vary from state-to-state, compacts within one state usually are substantially similar. Compacts usually specify the types of gaming permitted, establish technical standards for video gaming machines, set maximum and minimum machine payout percentages, entitle the state to inspect casinos, require background investigations and the licensing of casino employees and may require the tribe to pay a portion of the states expense for establishing and maintaining regulatory agencies. Some compacts are for set terms, while others are for an indefinite duration.
As with the other tribal-state gaming compacts in California, the Tribes compact with the State requires that the Tribe be subject to Californias workers compensation (unless the Tribe develops its own ordinances regarding workers compensation), labor and unemployment and disability compensation laws, federal occupational health and safety and discrimination laws, and county building and safety codes and standards. The Tribes compact also requires the Tribe to make reasonable provisions for adequate emergency, fire, medical and related relief and disaster services for its gaming patrons and employees, and to consider the off-reservation environmental impacts of its casino development.
In addition, under the terms of its compact, the Tribe was required to adopt a labor relations ordinance which provides that eligible employees, have, among other things, the right to self-organization, to bargain collectively through representatives of their choosing, and the right to refrain from any such activities. The labor relations ordinance also prohibits the Tribe from interfering with these rights and requires, among other things, the Tribe to provide any unions access to the facility for the purpose of organizing employees as long as that access does not interfere with normal operations.
California Constitution
On March 7, 2000, California voters approved Proposition 1A which amended the California Constitution to exempt Indian gaming in California from the constitutional provision prohibiting Nevada-style casino gaming in California. The Amendment also authorized the Governor to negotiate and execute tribal-state gaming compacts for the operation of slot machines and for the conduct of lottery games and banking and percentage card games by federally recognized Indian tribes on Indian land in California. Subsequently, California has entered into compacts with 61 tribes (including the Tribe).
Licensing and Registration Requirements of the Compact and State Regulation
In California, licensing and registration requirements for tribal financing sources are governed by the compact and by regulations adopted by the California Gambling Control Commission and the Tribal Gaming Authority.
Compact. The Tribes compact expires on December 31, 2020, but beginning 18 months prior to the expiration date, the Tribe may request to enter into negotiations to extend its respective compact or enter into a new compact. The Tribes compact will automatically be extended until June 30, 2022 if the Tribe and the State have not agreed to extend the expiration date or have not entered into a new compact. The Tribes compact requires that any person who directly or indirectly extends financing to the Tribes gaming facility or gaming operation must be licensed as a financial source by the Tribal Gaming Authority. However, as permitted by the compact, the Tribal Gaming Authority has by ordinance exempted federally and state regulated banks, savings and loan associations and other federally and state regulated lending institutions, as well as persons who hold less than 10.0% of notes issued by the Tribe or a related entity. For an applicant who is a non-exempted business
25
entity, these licensing provisions also apply to the entitys officers, directors, principal management employees, owners (if an unincorporated entity), partners and greater than 10.0% shareholders. Under the compact, a permanent license cannot be issued unless the Tribal Gaming Authority has conducted an investigation as to the suitability of the applicant. Any application for a gaming license may be denied, and any license issued may be revoked, if the Tribal Gaming Authority determines the applicant to be unsuitable or otherwise unqualified for a gaming license. Each license is subject to review for compliance at least every two years.
Prior to receiving a license, an applicant must apply to the California Gambling Control Commission for a determination of suitability. The California Department of Justice, Division of Gambling Control will then conduct an investigation of the applicant following the guidelines set forth in the California Gambling Control Act and will provide its suitability recommendation to the California Gambling Control Commission. If the Tribal Gaming Authority receives notice that the Commission has determined that a person is unsuitable, the compact requires that the Tribal Gaming Authority revoke any license it has issued to such person.
The compact states that any agreement between the Tribe and a financial source terminates upon revocation or non-renewal of the financial sources license because of a determination of unsuitability by the California Gambling Control Commission. Upon such a termination, the Tribes only liability is for the bona fide repayment of all outstanding sums (exclusive of interest) owed as of the termination date, exclusive of unpaid accrued interest.
Further, the Tribe is not permitted to enter into, or continue to make payments under, any financing agreement with anyone whose application to the California Gambling Control Commission for a determination of suitability has been denied or has expired without renewal.
Possible Changes in Federal Law
Several bills have been introduced in Congress that would amend IGRA. While there have been a number of technical amendments to IGRA, to date there have been no material changes. Any amendment of IGRA could change the governmental structure and requirements within which the Tribe could conduct gaming.
Other Laws and Regulations
Clean Water Regulations
Operation of Trump Indiana must be in compliance with applicable state and federal environmental requirements, including the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Refuse Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Refuse Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act establish an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection and cleanup of the environment from oil spills and releases of hazardous substances and other pollutants, and affect all owners and operators whose vessels operate in United States waters, which include the Great Lakes. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 requires vessel owners and operators to establish and maintain with the U.S. Coast Guard evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet their potential liabilities under the act. U.S. Coast Guard regulations also implement the financial responsibility requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act by requiring evidence of financial responsibility, in addition to any required under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. THCR and Trump Indiana, Inc. have obtained insurance coverage and a Certificate of Financial Responsibility as required by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. However, in the case of a catastrophic spill or a spill in a sensitive environment, there can be no assurance that such occurrence would not result in liability in excess of the insurance coverage.
26
Treasury Regulations
The United States Department of the Treasury has adopted regulations pursuant to which a casino is required to file a report of each deposit, withdrawal, exchange of currency, gambling tokens or chips, or other payments or transfers by, through or to such casino which involves a transaction in currency of more than $10,000 per patron, per gaming day. Such reports are required to be made on forms prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury and are filed with the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, THCR is required to maintain detailed records (including the names, addresses, social security numbers and other information with respect to its gaming customers) dealing with, among other items, the deposit and withdrawal of funds and the maintenance of a line of credit.
In the past, the Internal Revenue Service had taken the position that winnings from table games by nonresident aliens were subject to a 30.0% withholding tax. The Internal Revenue Service, however, subsequently adopted a practice of not collecting such tax. Recently enacted legislation exempts from withholding tax table game winnings by nonresident aliens, unless the Secretary of the Treasury determines by regulation that such collections have become administratively feasible.
The Trump Casino Properties have adopted the following internal control procedures to increase compliance with these Treasury regulations: (i) computer exception reporting; (ii) establishment of a committee to review currency transaction report transactions and reporting which consists of executives from the Casino Operations, Marketing and Administration Departments; (iii) internal audit testing of compliance with the Treasury regulations; (iv) training for all new and existing employees in compliance with the Treasury regulations; and (v) a disciplinary program for employee violations of the policy.
Other Regulations
Trump Indiana is located near protected wetlands which subject THCR to obligations or liabilities in connection with wetlands mitigation or protection.
THCR is subject to other federal, state and local regulations and, on a periodic basis, must obtain various licenses and permits, including those required to sell alcoholic beverages. We believe all required licenses and permits necessary to conduct the business of THCR have been obtained for operations in the States of New Jersey and Indiana.
THCR expects to be subject to similar rigorous regulatory standards in each other jurisdiction in which it seeks to conduct gaming operations. There can be no assurance that regulations adopted, permits required or taxes imposed by other jurisdictions will permit profitable operations by THCR in those jurisdictions.
In addition, the Federal Merchant Marine Act of 1936 and the Federal Shipping Act of 1916 and the applicable regulations thereunder require, among other things, that 75.0% of the outstanding stock and voting power of any entity owning or operating a vessel in the United States coastwise trade, which includes the Great Lakes, must be beneficially owned and controlled by citizens of the United States, as defined therein. During any period when more than 25.0% of the outstanding capital stock and voting power of THCR is owned and controlled by persons who are not citizens of the United States, the vessel would be ineligible to operate in the Great Lakes, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
27
Employees and Labor Relations
The table below sets forth the number of full-time equivalent employees working at each of the Trump Casino Properties and Trump 29 as of December 31, 2002:
Property: |
Number of Full-Time Equivalent Employees: | |
Trump Plaza |
2,600 | |
Trump Taj Mahal |
4,300 | |
Trump Marina |
2,200 | |
Trump Indiana |
855 | |
Trump 29 |
| |
Total |
9,955 | |
Certain of our casino hotel employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. We believe that we have a good relationship with our employees. In addition, certain of our executives and employees provide services, from time-to-time and as requested, to one or more of our casino properties pursuant to the Casino Services Agreement described herein. See Business; Certain Agreements; Casino Services Agreement.
Also, certain of our employees are required to be licensed by, or registered with, the New Jersey Casino Commission, or the CCC, and/or the Indiana Gaming Commission, or the IGC, depending upon the nature of their employment. Casino employees are subject to more stringent licensing requirements than non-casino employees, and are required to meet applicable standards pertaining to such matters as financial responsibility, good character, ability, casino training, experience and in-state residency. These regulations have resulted in significant competition for eligible employees.
Seasonality
Our cash flows from operating activities are seasonal in nature. Spring and summer are traditionally the peak seasons for the Trump Atlantic City Properties, with autumn and winter being non-peak seasons. Trump 29s peak seasons are late winter and spring. Trump Indiana is not seasonal. Since the Trump Atlantic City Properties account for the majority of our business, our operating results for the two quarters ending in March and December are not historically as profitable as the two quarters ending in June and September. Any excess cash flow achieved from operations during peak seasons is used to subsidize non-peak seasons. Performance in non-peak seasons is usually dependent on favorable weather and a long-weekend holiday calendar. In the event that we are unable to generate excess cash flows in one or more peak seasons, we may not be able to subsidize non-peak seasons, if necessary.
Inflation
There was no significant impact on operations as a result of inflation during 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Please see Item 1. Business for a brief description of the location and general character of each of the Trump Casino Properties. Substantially all of the real and personal property (other than cash) of each of the Trump Casino Properties, including their respective hotel and casino facilities and the parcels of land on which they are situated, secures the obligations under their respective indebtedness. Each of the Trump Casino Properties has financed or leased and, from time to time, will finance or lease its acquisition of furniture, fixtures and equipment. The lien in favor of any such lender or lessor may be superior to the liens securing their indebtedness. See Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Financial ConditionSummary of Companys Public Indebtedness.
Also, each of the Trump Atlantic City Properties leases space to various retailers in their respective facilities.
28
Trump Plaza
Through our subsidiary, Plaza Associates, we own and lease several parcels of land in and around Atlantic City, including four parcels of land on which Trump Plaza is situated. We also lease one of the four parcels of land on which Trump Plaza is situated from Plaza Hotel Management Company, or PHMC, pursuant to a non-renewable ground lease expiring in December 2078, or the PHMC Lease. Plaza Associates, in addition to the payment of fixed rent, is responsible for all costs and expenses with respect to the use, operation and ownership of the leased tract and the improvements now, or which may in the future be, located thereon, including, but not limited to, all maintenance and repair costs, insurance premiums, real estate taxes, assessments and utility charges. The improvements located on the leased tract are owned by Plaza Associates during the term of the PHMC Lease, and upon the expiration of the term of the PHMC Lease (for any reason), ownership of such improvements will then belong to PHMC. Plaza Associates has the option to purchase the leased parcel at certain times during the term of such PHMC Lease under certain circumstances.
Plaza Associates also leases, pursuant to the PHMC Lease, a 11,800 square foot parcel of land located near the intersection of Mississippi and Pacific Avenues and owns a 5,750 square foot parcel of land adjacent to it.
Plaza Associates also owns five parcels of land, aggregating approximately 43,300 square feet, and subleases one parcel consisting of approximately 3,125 square feet. All of such parcels are contiguous and are located along Atlantic Avenue, on the same block as Trump Plazas garage. They are used for signage and surface parking and are encumbered by the TAC Mortgages.
Plaza Associates also owns approximately three acres of land adjacent to the boardwalk and on which the former Trump Worlds Fair, closed in October 1999, was situated.
Plaza Associates owns a 64,000 square foot warehouse and office facility located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.
Trump Taj Mahal
Through our subsidiary, Taj Associates, we currently own the approximately 30 acres of land which comprise the Trump Taj Mahal site. The Taj Mahal site includes the Steel Pier (approximate 3.6 acres) and related property located on the opposite side of the boardwalk from the Trump Taj Mahal. Taj Associates leases the Steel Pier to an amusement park operator pursuant to a lease agreement terminating on December 31, 2005, unless extended.
Trump Marina
Through Marina Associates, we own Trump Marinas hotel and casino facility and the 14.7-acre triangular-shaped parcel of land on which it is situated. Marina Associates also owns an employee parking lot located on Route 30, approximately two miles from Trump Marina, which can accommodate approximately 1,000 cars.
Trump Indiana
Through Trump Indiana, Inc., we own Trump Indianas 280 foot riverboat vessel. Pursuant to Trump Indianas and Majestic Stars joint venture, Buffington Harbor Riverboats, LLC (or BHR), BHR owns, develops and operates all common land-based and waterside operations in support of Trump Indianas and Majestic Stars separate riverboat casinos at Buffington Harbor, including a 40,000 square foot pavilion. Also, through Trump Indiana, Inc.s and Majestic Stars joint venture, Buffington Harbor Parking Associates, or BHPA, Trump Indiana, Inc. and Majestic Star each lease the Indiana Parking Garage, completed in the second quarter of 2002. See Business; Certain Agreements; Buffington Harbor Joint Venture.
29
New York City
We lease office space in Trump Tower located in New York, New York for general, executive and administrative purposes pursuant to a lease, dated November 1, 1996, as amended, with Trump Tower Commercial, LLC, an entity owned by Donald J. Trump. The lease expires on August 31, 2010. The annual rent, payable in equal monthly installments, during the three-year period from September 1, 2000 to August 31, 2003 is $64,655. The annual rent for the subsequent three year period is $68,459. The annual rent for during the last four-year period is $72,262. According to the lease, we are also obligated to pay imposed property taxes and porters wage escalation increases. During the year ended December 31, 2002, we incurred and paid $3,095 in property taxes and wage escalation increases. See Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Trump Tower Lease and Certain Relationships and Related Transactions; Trump Tower Lease.
From time to time, we and certain of our officers, directors, agents and employees are subject to various legal proceedings incidental to our business. In the past, we have vigorously defended ourselves and our officers, directors, agents and employees against any such actions and intend to do so in the future. Generally, pursuant to our articles of incorporation, we have undertaken to indemnify, to the fullest extent allowable by law, our officers, directors, agents and employees against all expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts payable in settlement incurred by them in connection with such actions, suits or proceedings, provided that they have acted in good faith and in a manner they believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful.
In 1994, Trump Indiana, Inc. had discussions with eight Indiana residents regarding the potential purchase by such residents of non-voting stock of Trump Indiana, Inc. and the creation and funding of a charitable foundation for the residents of the Gary, Indiana area. Subsequent to those discussions, however, management decided to include Trump Indiana, Inc. as a wholly-owned subsidiary of THCR Holdings in our June 1995 initial public offering. The residents then asserted a right to purchase stock in THCR equal to 7.5% of the value of Trump Indiana, Inc. and also asserted that Trump Indiana, Inc. was required to contribute an additional 7.5% of its value, represented by shares of its stock, into the charitable foundation. Such residents filed a complaint in the United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, against Trump Indiana, THCR, THCR Holdings, and Mr. Trump. Monetary settlements later were reached between all defendants and six of the eight plaintiffs. In February 1999, the court entered summary judgment against the two remaining plaintiffs. The case was then tried in United States District Court, Indianapolis. On March 3, 1999, the jury assessed damages against Trump Indiana, Inc. for breach of contract in the total amount of approximately $1.3 million and further determined that Trump Indiana, Inc. had breached a contract to create and fund a charitable foundation. On December 9, 1999, the United States District Court, sitting in equity, decided the equity claim ruling that the plaintiffs were not entitled to the equitable relief sought and that Trump Indiana, Inc. had met its obligation by establishing and funding another charitable foundation for the benefit of the residents of the City of Gary. In June 2001, the United States Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the lower courts ruling and remanded the case back to the United States District Court for another trial. On September 3, 2002, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit summarily affirmed the entry of final judgment by the United States District Court in favor of Trump Indiana, Inc. Plaintiffs Petitions for Rehearing of this decision were also summarily denied by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals on October 17, 2002. The deadline for further appealing these decisions has expired. As a result, the March 3, 1999 verdict in favor of the plaintiffs and against Trump Indiana, Inc. in the amount of approximately $1.3 million has been reversed and final judgment has been entered on our behalf.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote, either through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, to our security holders during the fourth quarter of 2002.
30
PART II
Item 5. Market For Registrants Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol DJT. The following table reflects the high and low sales prices, rounded to the nearest penny, of our common stock as reported by the NYSE for each full quarterly period within the two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim period:
High |
Low | |||||
2001 |
||||||
First Quarter |
$ |
3.02 |
$ |
1.88 | ||
Second Quarter |
$ |
2.25 |
$ |
1.95 | ||
Third Quarter |
$ |
2.05 |
$ |
1.51 | ||
Fourth Quarter |
$ |
1.58 |
$ |
0.85 | ||
2002 |
||||||
First Quarter |
$ |
2.20 |
$ |
1.18 | ||
Second Quarter |
$ |
3.43 |
$ |
1.80 | ||
Third Quarter |
$ |
2.73 |
$ |
2.05 | ||
Fourth Quarter |
$ |
2.60 |
$ |
2.06 | ||
2003 |
||||||
First Quarter (through March 19, 2003) |
$ |
3.19 |
$ |
1.90 |
As of March 19, 2003, there were 1,346 holders of record of our common stock.
We have never paid a dividend on our common stock and we do not anticipate paying one in the foreseeable future. The payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, our financial condition and capital needs, legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, contractual restrictions in financing agreements and on other factors deemed pertinent by our Board of Directors. It is the current policy of our Board to retain earnings, if any, for use in our properties operations.
1,000 shares of our class B common stock are also issued and outstanding, all of which are beneficially owned by Mr. Trump. No established trading market exists for our class B common stock; and our class B common stock is not permitted to receive any dividends or distributions (other than certain distributions upon liquidation) with respect to the equity of THCR.
THCR is the sole general partner of THCR Holdings and holds a 59.87743% partnership interest therein. THCR Holdings limited partners are: THCR/LP Corporation (3.55096%), Mr. Trump (27.06457%), Trump Casinos, Inc. (3.69695%), and Trump Casinos II, Inc. (5.81009%). THCR/LP Corporation is a subsidiary of THCR. Trump Casinos, Inc. and Trump Casinos II, Inc. are wholly owned by Mr. Trump.
31
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth certain historical consolidated financial information of THCR for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. All financial information should be read in conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Year Ended December 31, 1998 |
Year Ended December 31, 1999 |
Year Ended December 31, 2000 |
Year Ended December 31, 2001 |
Year Ended December 31, 2002 |
||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
$ |
1,288,394 |
|
$ |
1,275,829 |
|
$ |
1,245,014 |
|
$ |
1,239,530 |
|
$ |
1,276,301 |
| |||||
Other(a) |
|
285,277 |
|
|
300,054 |
|
|
258,659 |
|
|
250,763 |
|
|
252,442 |
| |||||
Gross Revenues |
|
1,573,671 |
|
|
1,575,883 |
|
|
1,503,673 |
|
|
1,490,293 |
|
|
1,528,743 |
| |||||
Less: Promotional Allowances(b) |
|
345,575 |
|
|
345,668 |
|
|
323,865 |
|
|
314,002 |
|
|
299,708 |
| |||||
Net Revenues |
|
1,228,096 |
|
|
1,230,215 |
|
|
1,179,808 |
|
|
1,176,291 |
|
|
1,229,035 |
| |||||
Costs and Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Gaming(b) |
|
630,913 |
|
|
627,607 |
|
|
598,447 |
|
|
588,745 |
|
|
578,776 |
| |||||
Other |
|
82,971 |
|
|
88,256 |
|
|
78,172 |
|
|
75,229 |
|
|
78,627 |
| |||||
General and administrative |
|
275,517 |
|
|
292,288 |
|
|
282,194 |
|
|
258,953 |
|
|
277,249 |
| |||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
83,722 |
|
|
83,323 |
|
|
77,231 |
|
|
73,870 |
|
|
83,734 |
| |||||
Debt renegotiation costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,282 |
| |||||
Trump Worlds Fair closing costs(c) |
|
|
|
|
123,959 |
|
|
814 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Total costs and expenses |
|
1,073,123 |
|
|
1,215,433 |
|
|
1,036,858 |
|
|
996,797 |
|
|
1,021,668 |
| |||||
Income from operations |
|
154,973 |
|
|
14,782 |
|
|
142,950 |
|
|
179,494 |
|
|
207,367 |
| |||||
Interest expense, net |
|
(213,507 |
) |
|
(215,566 |
) |
|
(212,890 |
) |
|
(216,861 |
) |
|
(220,782 |
) | |||||
Gain on purchase of Senior Notes(d) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,903 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Other non-operating (expense) income(e) |
|
(1,093 |
) |
|
(1,501 |
) |
|
(653 |
) |
|
270 |
|
|
1,962 |
| |||||
Loss in joint venture |
|
(2,969 |
) |
|
(3,008 |
) |
|
(3,134 |
) |
|
(2,808 |
) |
|
(2,448 |
) | |||||
Income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,968 |
) | |||||
Minority interest(f) |
|
22,878 |
|
|
75,076 |
|
|
21,512 |
|
|
14,593 |
|
|
6,900 |
| |||||
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(h) |
|
|
|
|
(3,565 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Net loss |
$ |
(39,718 |
) |
$ |
(133,782 |
) |
$ |
(37,312 |
) |
$ |
(25,312 |
) |
$ |
(11,969 |
) | |||||
Basic and diluted loss per common share(g) |
$ |
(1.79 |
) |
$ |
(6.03 |
) |
$ |
(1.69 |
) |
$ |
(1.15 |
) |
$ |
(0.54 |
) | |||||
Average Shares Outstanding |
|
22,203,612 |
|
|
22,178,878 |
|
|
22,041,048 |
|
|
22,010,027 |
|
|
22,010,027 |
| |||||
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
114,757 |
|
$ |
104,026 |
|
$ |
95,429 |
|
$ |
119,173 |
|
$ |
116,072 |
| |||||
Property and equipment, net |
|
1,977,609 |
|
|
1,860,596 |
|
|
1,815,068 |
|
|
1,797,489 |
|
|
1,786,056 |
| |||||
Total assets |
|
2,429,578 |
|
|
2,267,242 |
|
|
2,199,313 |
|
|
2,219,119 |
|
|
2,196,129 |
| |||||
Total long-term debt, net of current maturities |
|
1,838,492 |
|
|
1,855,327 |
|
|
1,827,023 |
|
|
1,881,636 |
|
|
1,913,026 |
| |||||
Minority interest |
|
125,540 |
|
|
48,409 |
|
|
26,897 |
|
|
12,167 |
|
|
5,061 |
| |||||
Total capital |
|
286,908 |
|
|
152,664 |
|
|
115,149 |
|
|
89,602 |
|
|
77,273 |
|
32
(a) | On September 15, 1999, an agreement was reached between Taj Associates, All Star Café and Planet Hollywood International, Inc. to terminate the All Star Café Lease effective September 24, 1999. Upon termination of the All Star Café Lease, all property, improvements, alterations and All Stars personal property, with the exception of specialty trade fixtures, became the property of Taj Associates. Taj Associates recorded the $17.2 million estimated fair market value of these assets in other revenue based on an independent appraisal. |
(b) | During 2002, THCR reclassified certain costs (primarily bus coin) from gaming expenses to promotional allowances to be consistent with prevailing industry practice. Such amounts totaled $43.8 million, $42.7 million, $34.0 million and $27.1 million for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively. |
(c) | On October 4, 1999, THCR closed Trump Worlds Fair. The estimated cost of closing Trump Worlds Fair was approximately $124.0 million, including $97.2 million for the writedown of the net book value of the assets and $26.7 million of costs incurred in connection with the closing and demolition of the building. For the year ended December 31, 2000, an additional $0.8 million was charged to operations. |
(d) | The gain on sale of Senior Notes for the year ended December 31, 2000 relates to the repurchase by THCR Enterprises of $35.5 million of THCR Holdings Senior Notes, net of the writedown of unamortized loan costs. |
(e) | Other non-operating expense for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 includes $0.7 million, $1.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of costs associated with certain litigation. For the year ended December 31, 2002, $1.3 million was reversed and recorded as non-operating income as a result of a favorable final judgment on behalf of the Company. |
(f) | Minority interest represents the approximate 37% interest held by Trump. |
(g) | Basic and diluted loss per share has been calculated for all periods presented in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board No. 128 Earnings per Share. Diluted earnings per share is based upon average shares outstanding, shares and phantom stock units awarded to the Chief Executive Officer of THCR under the 1995 Stock Plan (as defined) and common stock equivalents, if dilutive. Earnings per share represents net loss divided by such amounts. The shares of THCRs Class B Common Stock owned by Trump have no economic interest and, therefore, are not considered. Diluted earnings per share is the same as basic earnings per share for all years as the effect of all potentially dilutive securities was anti-dilutive. |
(h) | The cumulative effect of change in accounting principle results from the adoption of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5 Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities, whereby THCR wrote off development costs of $3,565, net of minority interest of $2,055. |
Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This section contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict. THCRs actual results may differ substantially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the related notes thereto. Terms not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them elsewhere in the Form 10-K.
General
We have substantial indebtedness and interest expense which could limit capital expenditures and adversely affect our competitiveness.
Our company has substantial indebtedness and interest expense. At December 31, 2002, THCRs consolidated long-term debt was approximately $1.9 billion and its ratio of debt to capital was 25.0 to 1. Interest expense as a percentage of net revenues was 18.1%, 18.8% and 18.7% for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
As previously announced, we have sought to refinance or modify the terms of THCRs and its subsidiaries public debt issues. In March 2003, we refinanced an aggregate principal amount of approximately $444.2 million of debt with the net proceeds of the TCH Note Offering. See Business; Recent Events; TCH Note Offering. Upon consummation of the TCH Note Offering, our consolidated long-term debt was not reduced significantly and our consolidated interest expense will remain high. Capital expenditures, such as room refurbishment,
33
amenity upgrades and replacements and additions of new gaming equipment, are necessary from time to time to preserve the competitiveness of our properties. In addition, construction of additional rooms at one or more of our Atlantic City properties could be desirable in the future. Our high levels of interest expense, however, could limit our ability to make capital expenditures necessary to improve and upgrade our properties and preserve our competitive position. We have substantial indebtedness maturing in 2006, and we may seek to refinance this indebtedness on more favorable terms when and if market conditions are suitable. We cannot assure you, however, that we will be successful in reducing our interest expense in any refinancing. Management believes that, based upon THCRs current cash flow forecasts for 2003, THCR and its subsidiaries will have sufficient cash flows to meet their respective debt service and operating expense requirements throughout 2003.
The ability of Trump AC and its subsidiaries to pay interest on the TAC Notes ($1.3 billion principal amount) and the ability of TCH and TCF to pay interest on the TCH Notes ($490.0 million principal amount) depends primarily on the ability of the Trump Casino Properties to generate cash from operations sufficient for such purposes. In the case of principal payments at maturity, the ability to refinance such indebtedness is also important. The future operating performance of the Trump Casino Properties is subject to general economic conditions, industry conditions, including competition and regulatory matters, and numerous other factors, many of which are unforeseeable or are beyond the control of the Trump Casino Properties. There can be no assurance that the future operating performance of the Trump Casino Properties will be sufficient to generate the cash flows required to meet the debt service obligations of the Trump Casino Properties. The ability of the Trump Casino Properties to pay the principal amount of their public debt at maturity (whether scheduled or by acceleration thereof) is primarily dependent upon their ability to obtain refinancing. There is also no assurance that the general state of the economy, the status of the capital markets generally, or the receptiveness of the capital markets to the gaming industry or to THCR and its subsidiaries will be conducive to refinancing debt at any given time or on more favorable terms.
Restrictions contained in the indentures governing our public indebtedness may impose limits on our ability to pursue certain business strategies.
The indentures governing our public indebtedness (i.e., the TAC Notes and TCH Notes) contain operating and financial restrictions that limit our discretion on various business matters. These restrictions include covenants limiting our ability to:
| incur additional debt; |
| grant liens; |
| make capital expenditures; |
| make investments; |
| sell assets; |
| merge or consolidate with another company; |
| pay dividends and other distributions; |
| issue stock of subsidiaries; and |
| enter into transactions with affiliates. |
These restrictions may reduce our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and gaming industry. This reduced flexibility could hurt our results of operations and our ability to meet our debt service obligations with respect to our indebtedness.
We do not know how the Borgata, when opened, will affect us.
In September 2000, Boyd Gaming and MGM Mirage, Inc. commenced their joint development of a 25-acre site located in Atlantic Citys marina district for the construction of the Borgata. The Borgata is expected to
34
feature 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. Construction of the Borgata is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2003. We believe that the opening of the Borgata will attract additional visitors to Atlantic City, especially the marina district which could benefit Trump Marina. It is also possible, however, that the Borgata could have an adverse effect on our business and operations, including a reduction in net revenues caused by a loss of gaming patrons.
New York has enacted gaming legislation which may harm us, and other states may do so in the future. We do not know how these initiatives will affect us.
In October 2001, the New York State legislature passed extensive legislation that could adversely affect us. The legislation permits three new casinos in western New York, one in Niagara Falls, one in Buffalo and one on land owned by the Seneca Indian Nation, all of which would be owned by the Seneca Indian Nation. The legislation also permits up to three casinos in the Catskills in Ulster and Sullivan counties, also to be owned by Native American tribes, which could open as early as mid-2005. In addition, the legislation allows slot machines to be placed in Indian-owned casinos. Video lottery terminals could be installed at five horse racing tracks across the State of New York and, if local governments approve, at certain other tracks. Finally, the law provides for New York joining the Powerball lottery that operates in 26 states with large jackpots. The net effect of these facilities and other items, when operational, on Atlantic City, including the Trump Atlantic City Properties, cannot be predicted. We believe, however, that a substantial amount of existing and potential new gaming customers could patronize such facilities instead of Atlantic City, at least occasionally. In January 2002, a lawsuit was commenced contesting the above legislation package on the grounds that certain of its provisions were adopted in violation of New York States constitution. The likely outcome of this lawsuit cannot be ascertained at this time.
Pennsylvania and Maryland are among the other states currently contemplating some form of gaming legislation. Legislative proposals introduced in Pennsylvania would potentially allow for a wide range of gaming activities, including riverboat gaming, slot machines at racetracks, video lottery terminals at liquor stores and the formation of a gaming commission. Marylands proposed legislation would authorize video lottery terminals at some of Marylands racing facilities. The results of the recent gubernatorial elections in Pennsylvania and Maryland have increased the likelihood of gaming legislation in such states. Since our market is primarily a drive-to market, legalized gaming in Pennsylvania, Maryland or one or more states neighboring or within close proximity to New Jersey could have a material adverse effect on the Atlantic City gaming market overall, including the Trump Atlantic City Properties.
A downturn in the regional economy and high energy and gasoline prices and adverse winter weather conditions could negatively impact our financial performance.
Moderate or severe economic downturns or adverse conditions in the Atlantic City and regional markets and surrounding areas may negatively affect our operations. During periods of economic contraction, our revenues may decrease while some of our costs remain fixed, resulting in decreased earnings. This is because gaming and other leisure activities we offer are discretionary expenditures and participation in such activities may decline during economic downturns because consumers have less disposable income. Even an uncertain economic outlook may adversely affect consumer spending in our gaming operations and related facilities, as consumers spend less in anticipation of a potential economic downturn. Furthermore, the effects, if any, of the hostilities in Iraq on the economy generally and on the habits of consumers are not known. A prolonged conflict with Iraq and other uncertainties could adversely affect consumer spending, increase gasoline prices and, perhaps, adversely affect our operations.
We use significant amounts of electricity, natural gas and other forms of energy. While no shortages of energy have been experienced, any substantial increases in the cost of electricity and natural gas in the United States may negatively impact our operating results. The extent of any impact is subject to the magnitude and duration of the energy price increases and could be material.
Also, a majority of our patrons drive to our property. Rising gasoline prices could reduce automobile travel and decrease the number of patrons to our properties. In addition, adverse winter weather conditions reduce
35
automobile travel. As a result, our business, assets, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by a weakening of regional economic conditions, high gasoline prices and/or adverse winter weather conditions.
We may incur losses that would not be covered by insurance and the cost of insurance will increase.
Although we maintain insurance which is customary and, we believe, appropriate for our business, we cannot assure you that insurance will be available or adequate to cover all losses and damage to which our business or our assets might be subjected. In connection with insurance renewals subsequent to September 11, 2001, the availability of insurance coverage for certain types of damages or occurrences has been diminished substantially. Consequently, we are self-insured for certain risks and levels of risk. The lack of insurance for certain types or levels of risk could expose us to significant losses in the event that an uninsured catastrophe occurred. Any uncovered losses may decrease our future operating income, require us to find replacements or repairs and reduce funds otherwise available to upgrade our property.
Taxation of the gaming industry, already significant, may increase in the future which would reduce our profitability.
The casino industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to the various jurisdictions in which casinos operate. We, as well as other gaming companies, are currently subject to significant state and local taxes and fees in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes. New Jersey taxes annual gaming revenues at the rate of 8.0% and levies an annual investment alternative tax of 2.5% on annual gaming revenue. 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. In July 2002, New Jersey passed the New Jersey Business Tax Reform Act, which, among other things, suspended the use of the 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. Future changes in New Jerseys taxation of gaming companies cannot be predicted and any such changes could adversely affect our profitability.
From time to time, and as was the case in the second quarter of 2002 in Indiana, various state and federal legislators have proposed changes in tax laws that affect the gaming industry. In connection with permitting dockside gaming which we believe is advantageous, the Indiana state legislature passed legislation effective July 1, 2002 that increased the gaming tax rates in Indiana. If a casino elects to become a dockside operations, the gaming tax rate structure changes from a flat tax rate of 22.5% to a graduated scale with a maximum tax rate of 35.0%, depending on gaming revenues levels. Trump Indiana became a dockside operation in August 2002.
In February 2003, in response to state budgetary concerns, the Governor of New Jersey proposed increasing New Jerseys casino gross revenue tax from 8.0% to 10.0%, to tax complimentaries and to impose a 7.0% occupancy tax on hotel rooms. The outcome of this tax proposal is uncertain at this time. Any tax increase imposed on Atlantic City casinos, including the Trump Atlantic City Properties, could reduce our profitability. See Business; The Atlantic City Market.
Our success depends, in part, on the availability of qualified management and personnel and on our ability to retain such employees.
Certain of our employees are required to be licensed by, or registered with, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, Indiana Gaming Commission and/or the National Indian Gaming Commission, depending upon the nature of their employment. Casino employees are subject to more stringent licensing requirements than non-casino employees, and are required to meet applicable standards pertaining to such matters as financial responsibility, good character, ability, casino training, experience and in-state residency. These regulations have resulted in significant competition for eligible employees. As a result, it may be difficult to attract, retain and train qualified employees due to the competition for employees with other gaming companies in our jurisdiction and nationwide. A failure to attract or retain qualified management and personnel at all levels or the loss of our key executives could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
36
Our right to use the Trump name is subject to certain limitations.
Subject to certain limitations, THCR has the exclusive right to use the Trump name and Mr. Trumps likeness in connection with gaming and related activities pursuant to a trademark license agreement between Mr. Trump and THCR. THCRs rights under the license agreement are secured by a security interest in the names Trump, Donald Trump and Donald J. Trump and variations thereof (collectively, the Trump Names) and related intellectual property rights (collectively, the Marks) for use in connection with casino services, pursuant to a security agreement. THCR, in turn, allows its subsidiaries to use the Trump Names under various parol licenses which do not create an enforceable license in favor of these subsidiaries. If there were a default under the license agreement or the security agreement, THCR would have rights, subject to applicable state law, to enforce the rights and remedies contained in the security agreement. THCRs subsidiaries would not have any such rights. In the event of a foreclosure sale of the Marks, the net amount realized in such sale by THCR might not yield the full amount of damages that THCR could sustain as a result of the default. In addition, the existence of rights of others to use the Trump Names, including pursuant to any security interests in trademarks for non-gaming hotels, could adversely affect the ability of THCR to realize the benefits of the security agreement. See Business; Certain Agreements; Trademark License Agreement.
Gaming is a regulated industry and changes in the law could have a material adverse effect on our positions.
Gaming in New Jersey and Indiana and at Trump 29 is regulated extensively by federal and state regulatory bodies, including the New Jersey Casino Control Commission (or the CCC), the Indiana Gaming Commission (or the IGC), the National Indian Gaming Commission (or the NIGC) and state and federal taxing, law enforcement and liquor control agencies. See Business; Governmental and Gaming Regulation. The Company and its various officers and other qualifiers have received the licenses, permits and authorizations required to operate our properties. Failure to maintain or obtain the requisite casino licenses would have a material adverse effect on us.
Our license to operate Trump Marina expires in May 2003. Our licenses to operate Trump Plaza and Trump Taj Mahal expire in June 2003. We timely filed applications to renew each license through July 2007 and a hearing is scheduled for late June 2003. Although we believe the CCC will renew the licenses, no assurance can be given as to such renewal or as to what license conditions, if any, may be imposed by the CCC in connection with such renewals. See Business; Governmental and Gaming Regulations; Operating Licenses.
In June 1996, the IGC granted Trump Indiana, Inc. a riverboat owners license for the ownership and operation of a gaming vessel at Buffington Harbor, which was renewed in June 2002 and expires in June 2003. Although we believe the IGC will renew the license, no assurance can be given as to such renewal or as to what license conditions, if any, may be imposed by the IGC in connection with such renewal.
Gaming at Trump 29 is regulated extensively by federal, state and tribal regulatory bodies, including the NIGC, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Tribal Gaming Authority and, to a lesser extent, by the California Gambling Control Commission.
If new gaming regulations are adopted by the jurisdictions in which we operate, such regulations could impose restriction or costs that could have a significant adverse effect on us. From time to time, various proposals have been introduced by the legislatures of New Jersey and Indiana that, if enacted, could adversely affect the tax, regulatory, operations or other aspects of the gaming industry and us. We cannot assure you that legislation of this type will not be enacted in the future.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States 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 periods. Management periodically evaluates the Companys policies and the estimates and assumptions related to such policies. The Trump Casino Properties
37
operate in a highly regulated industry and are subject to regulations that describe and regulate operating and internal control procedures. The Company believes its most critical accounting policies and significant estimates are described below.
Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The majority of the Companys revenue is from gaming activities, and the majority of such revenue is derived from cash, which by nature does not require complex estimations. The Company does extend credit to customers on a discretionary basis to certain qualified patrons. Credit play as a percentage of total dollars wagered has been approximately 20% for the past three years. The Trump Casino Properties establish credit limits based upon the particular patrons creditworthiness, as determined by an examination of various factors including a credit check of the patron, checking the patrons personal checking account balance, and checking the patrons credit limits and indebtedness at other casinos. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for those customers whose checks have been unable to be deposited due to non-sufficient funds. This allowance is based on a specific review of customer accounts as well as a review of the history of write-offs of returned markers. Management believes that the reserve recorded is reasonable; however, these estimates could change in the near term based on actual collection experience with each returned marker.
Long-lived Assets
Management has determined that the Companys policy associated with its long-lived assets and the related estimates is critical to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The Company has a significant investment in long-lived property and equipment. Management estimates that the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of these assets exceed the current carrying value of these assets. Any adverse change to the estimate of these undiscounted cash flows could necessitate an impairment charge that would adversely affect operating results. Management estimates the useful lives for the Companys assets based on historical experience and the estimates of assets commercial lives. Should the actual useful life of a class of assets differ from the estimated useful life, an impairment charge would be recorded. Management reviews useful lives and obsolescence and assesses commercial viability of the Companys assets periodically.
Self-Insurance Reserves
Self-insurance reserves represent the estimated amounts of uninsured claims related to employee health medical costs, workers compensation, and personal injury claims that have occurred in the normal course of business. These reserves are established by management based upon specific review of open claims, with consideration of incurred but not reported claims as of the balance sheet date. The costs of the ultimate disposition of these claims may differ from these reserve numbers.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 141 Business Combinations (SFAS 141) and Statement No. 142 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142). SFAS 141 is effective as follows: a) use of the pooling-of-interest method is prohibited for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001; and b) the provisions of SFAS 141 also apply to all business combinations accounted for by the purchase method that are completed after June 30,2001. SFAS 142 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 and applies to all goodwill and other intangible assets recognized in an entitys statement of financial position at that date, regardless of when those assets were initially recognized. The effect of adoption of these pronouncements did not have any impact on the Company.
In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. This standard addresses the financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after June15, 2002. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 143 to have an impact on the Companys financial results.
38
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets. This standard addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2001. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 on January 1, 2002 and the effect of adoption had no impact to the Company.
In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections. SFAS No. 145 requires, among other items, gains or losses of extinguishment of debt to be classified as income (loss) from continuing operations rather than as an extraordinary item as previously required under SFAS No. 4 unless such extinguishment is determined to be extraordinary pursuant to Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 30, Reporting the Results of OperationsReporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Transactions. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 145 during 2002, and the effect of adoption was not material to the Company but required a reclassification to a gain on the purchase of our THCR Holdings Senior Notes during 2000.
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. This pronouncement, which nullifies EITF 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit on Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring), addresses the accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and is effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 146 to have a material impact on the Companys financial position or results of operations.
In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34 (FIN No. 45). The interpretation requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, the entity must recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under that obligation. This interpretation is intended to improve the comparability of financial reporting by requiring identical accounting for guarantees issued with separately identified consideration and guarantees issued without separately identified consideration. For the company, the initial recognition, measurement provision and disclosure requirements of FIN No. 45 are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The Company is currently evaluating what impact, if any, adoption of FIN No. 45 will have on its consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations, or liquidity.
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN No. 46). This interpretation clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN No. 46 applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. For existing variable interest entities, the consolidated requirement is effective for interim or annual financial statements beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company is evaluating whether it has any variable interest entities, which will be subject to consolidation pursuant to FIN No. 46.
Financial Condition
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flows from operating activities of the Trump Casino Properties are our primary source of liquidity. To a lesser extent, we rely on capital lease financing for our capital resource needs. Our ability to borrow funds for our liquidity needs is severely restricted by covenants in the various indentures governing the public debt issues of our subsidiaries and by already high levels of indebtedness. Sources of our short-term and long-term liquidity include primarily: (i) table win, (ii) slot win, (iii) room occupancy, (iv) food and beverage sales and
39
(v) miscellaneous items, less promotional expenses. A variety of factors, including a decrease or change in the demand for our services, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our ability to service our debt obligations.
The Trump Atlantic City Properties also compete with other Atlantic City casino/hotels based on the quality of customer service, the array of games offered, the attractiveness of a casino/hotel and the extent and quality of the facilities and amenities.
Because we have substantial indebtedness and related interest expense, we have not been able to pursue various capital expansion plans, such as the addition of more hotel rooms. See Business; The Atlantic City Marketplace and Business; Competition.
TRUMP HOTELS & CASINO RESORTS
CONSOLIDATING CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
(IN THOUSANDS)
TAJ ASSOCIATES* |
PLAZA ASSOCIATES |
TRUMP AC CONSOL. |
TRUMP MARINA |
TRUMP INDIANA |
THCR HOLDINGS |
THCR CONSOL. | |||||||||||||||
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of Property & Equipment |
$ |
15,184 |
$ |
4,741 |
$ |
19,925 |
$ |
5,468 |
$ |
9,910 |
$ |
63 |
$ |
35,366 | |||||||
Capital Lease Additions |
|
14,048 |
|
10,341 |
|
24,389 |
|
8,235 |
|
107 |
|
|
|
32,731 | |||||||
Total Capital Expenditures |
$ |
29,232 |
$ |
15,082 |
$ |
44,314 |
$ |
13,703 |
$ |
10,017 |
$ |
63 |
$ |
68,097 | |||||||
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of Property & Equipment |
$ |
5,758 |
$ |
2,006 |
$ |
7,764 |
$ |
3,979 |
$ |
2,984 |
$ |
127 |
$ |
14,854 | |||||||
Capital Lease Additions |
|
6,460 |
|
6,620 |
|
13,080 |
|
5,340 |
|
1,953 |
|
|
|
20,373 | |||||||
Total Capital Expenditures |
$ |
12,218 |
$ |
8,626 |
$ |
20,844 |
$ |
9,319 |
$ |
4,937 |
$ |
127 |
$ |
35,227 | |||||||
* | Includes Trump Administration. See Business; Certain Agreements; Casino Services Agreement. |
Capital lease additions for Trump AC were principally slot machines. Castle Associates capital expenditures consisted principally of purchases of slot machines, hotel room renovations and ongoing property enhancements. Approximately $14.2 million costs of hotel construction and other infrastructure improvements at Trump Indiana were applied towards satisfying the economic development commitment required in connection with the Indiana licensing process.
Summary of the Companys Public Indebtedness
TAC Notes. Trump ACs debt consists primarily of the TAC Notes. The TAC Notes bear interest at the rate of 11.25% per annum, payable on May 1st and November 1st of each year, and mature on May 1, 2006. The TAC Notes are redeemable in whole or in part, at any time upon not less than 30 but not more than 60 days notice. If redeemed at any time during the twelve-month period prior to May 1, 2003, the redemption price of the
40
TAC Notes is 103.75% of the outstanding principal amount, plus accrued interest. For the twelve-month period commencing on May 1, 2003, the redemption price decreases to 101.875% of the outstanding principal amount, plus accrued interest. If any of the TAC Notes are redeemed on or after May 1, 2004, the redemption price is 100.0% of the outstanding principal amount of the TAC Notes redeemed, plus accrued interest.
As of December 31, 2002, $1.3 billion principal amount of TAC Notes were outstanding.
The TAC Notes are secured on a senior basis by substantially all of the real and personal property owned or leased by Plaza Associates and Taj Associates. The obligations evidenced by the TAC Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by Taj Associates, Plaza Associates and Trump AC and all future subsidiaries of Trump AC (other than Trump AC Funding).
TCH Notes. See Business; Recent Events; TCH Note Offering for a summary of the TCH Notes. Except in connection with a public or private equity offering, the TCH Notes are not redeemable until March 15, 2007. In addition, until March 15, 2006, TCH and TCF may redeem up to 35.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the First Priority Mortgage Notes and the Second Priority Mortgage Notes with the net proceeds of one or more public of private offerings. The Second Priority Mortgage Notes are not redeemable while the First Priority Mortgage Notes are outstanding. For the twelve-month period commencing March 15, 2007, the TCH Notes are redeemable at 108.719% of their outstanding principal amount. For the twelve-month period commencing March 15, 2008, the redemption price decrease to 104.359% of the outstanding principal amount. For the twelve-month period commencing March 15, 2009, the redemption price is 100.0% of the outstanding principal amount.
If there is a Change of Control (as defined in the indentures) of TCH, the holders of the TCH Notes will have the right to sell the TCH Notes to TCH and TCF at 101.0% of their face amount, plus accrued interest.
Miscellaneous. In addition, the ability of (i) Plaza Associates and Taj Associates (through Trump AC) and (ii) Marina Associates (through TCH) to make payments, dividends or distributions to THCR Holdings may be restricted by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission and/or the Indiana Gaming Commission. Similarly, the ability of Trump Indiana, Inc. (through TCH) to make payments of dividends or distributions to THCR Holdings may be restricted by the Indiana Gaming Commission.
Cash flow from operations was sufficient to provide for cash interest expense in 2002 and in prior years. Capital expenditures, however, were limited due primarily to the high level of interest expense on THCRs public debt issues. As shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in our Financial Statements, THCR has consistently generated sufficient cash for debt service and operating requirements. Management believes that, based upon its cash flow forecast for 2003, THCR and its consolidated subsidiaries will have sufficient cash flows to meet their respective debt service and operating requirements throughout 2003.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments.
The following tables set forth summaries of our obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2002 to make future payments under contracts, such as debt and lease agreements, and under contingent commitments:
Payments Due by Period(1) | |||||||||||||||
Total |
2003 |
2004-2005 |
2006-2007 |
Thereafter | |||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations |
|||||||||||||||
Long-Term Debt (2) |
$ |
1,904,259 |
$ |
2,955 |
$ |
680 |
$ |
1,300,199 |
$ |
600,425 | |||||
Capital Lease Obligations |
|
41,074 |
|
16,956 |
|
23,366 |
|
752 |
|
| |||||
Operating Leases |
|
119,711 |
|
5,937 |
|
9,728 |
|
6,913 |
|
97,133 | |||||
Other Long-Term obligations (3) |
|
30,749 |
|
18,676 |
|
8,883 |
|
3,190 |
|
| |||||
Total Contractual Cash Obligations |
$ |
2,095,793 |
$ |
44,524 |
$ |
42,657 |
$ |
1,311,054 |
$ |
697,558 | |||||
(1) | Amounts related to long-term debt have been reflected pursuant to the debt refinancing subsequent to year end. See Business; Recent Events. |
(2) | Excludes interest on such obligations. |
(3) | Consists primarily of base compensation under employment agreements with employees. |
41
Effects of Transactions with Related and Certain Other Parties.
Affiliate party transactions are governed by the terms of our public debt and by a stockholder settlement agreement entered into in January 2002, which generally require that such transactions be on terms as favorable as would be obtainable from an unaffiliated party, and require the approval of a majority of the independent directors of THCR for certain affiliated transactions.
Trump and certain affiliates have engaged in certain related party transactions with respect to THCR and its subsidiaries. See Executive Compensation; Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation and Certain Related Party Transactions.
Results of Operations
The following tables include selected data of Plaza Associates, Taj Associates, Trump Indiana and Trump Marina for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
Year Ended December 31, 2002 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Plaza Associates |
Taj Associates |
Trump Indiana |
Trump Marina |
THCR Consolidated* |
||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
$ |
336.4 |
|
$ |
529.3 |
|
$ |
128.7 |
|
$ |
281.9 |
|
$ |
1,276.3 |
| |||||
Other |
|
69.9 |
|
|
110.0 |
|
|
8.2 |
|
|
61.6 |
|
|
252.4 |
| |||||
Gross Revenue |
|
406.3 |
|
|
639.3 |
|
|
136.9 |
|
|
343.5 |
|
|
1,528.7 |
| |||||
Less: Promotional Allowance |
|
90.1 |
|
|
123.4 |
|
|
12.9 |
|
|
73.3 |
|
|
299.7 |
| |||||
Net Revenue |
|
316.2 |
|
|
515.9 |
|
|
124.0 |
|
|
270.2 |
|
|
1,229.0 |
| |||||
Cost and Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
|
155.5 |
|
|
232.8 |
|
|
63.0 |
|
|
127.4 |
|
|
578.8 |
| |||||
Other |
|
21.7 |
|
|
35.8 |
|
|
6.1 |
|
|
15.0 |
|
|
78.7 |
| |||||
General & Administrative |
|
68.2 |
|
|
107.8 |
|
|
28.2 |
|
|
71.9 |
|
|
280.5 |
| |||||
Depreciation & Amortization |
|
18.0 |
|
|
38.2 |
|
|
6.3 |
|
|
21.3 |
|
|
83.7 |
| |||||
Total Costs and Expenses |
|
263.4 |
|
|
414.6 |
|
|
103.6 |
|
|
235.6 |
|
|
1,021.7 |
| |||||
Income from Operations |
|
52.8 |
|
|
101.3 |
|
|
20.4 |
|
|
34.6 |
|
|
207.3 |
| |||||
Non-Operating Income (Expense) |
|
0.6 |
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
3.9 |
| |||||
Interest Expense |
|
(52.7 |
) |
|
(96.4 |
) |
|
(3.9 |
) |
|
(63.5 |
) |
|
(222.7 |
) | |||||
Total Non-Operating Expense, Net |
|
(52.1 |
) |
|
(95.8 |
) |
|
(2.5 |
) |
|
(63.2 |
) |
|
(218.8 |
) | |||||
Loss in Joint Venture |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(2.4 |
) | |||||
Income Taxes |
|
(1.5 |
) |
|
(2.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.2 |
) |
|
(5.0 |
) | |||||
Income (Loss) Before Minority Interest |
$ |
(0.8 |
) |
$ |
3.2 |
|
$ |
15.5 |
|
$ |
(29.8 |
) |
$ |
(18.9 |
) | |||||
Minority Interest |
|
6.9 |
| |||||||||||||||||
Net Loss |
$ |
(12.0 |
) | |||||||||||||||||
* | Intercompany eliminations and income and expenses of THCR, THCR Holdings, and THCR Management are not separately shown. |
42
Year Ended December 31, 2001 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Plaza Associates |
Taj Associates |
Trump Indiana |
Trump Marina |
THCR Consolidated* |
||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
$ |
324.3 |
|
$ |
525.1 |
|
$ |
123.6 |
|
$ |
266.5 |
|
$ |
1,239.5 |
| |||||
Other |
|
72.5 |
|
|
108.7 |
|
|
9.2 |
|
|
60.4 |
|
|
250.8 |
| |||||
Gross Revenue |
|
396.8 |
|
|
633.8 |
|
|
132.8 |
|
|
326.9 |
|
|
1,490.3 |
| |||||
Less: Promotional Allowance |
|
95.2 |
|
|
132.9 |
|
|
11.9 |
|
|
73.9 |
|
|
314.0 |
| |||||
Net Revenue |
|
301.6 |
|
|
500.9 |
|
|
120.9 |
|
|
253.0 |
|
|
1,176.3 |
| |||||
Cost and Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
|
160.4 |
|
|
238.6 |
|
|
65.4 |
|
|
124.3 |
|
|
588.7 |
| |||||
Other |
|
19.4 |
|
|
35.6 |
|
|
6.6 |
|
|
13.8 |
|
|
75.2 |
| |||||
General & Administrative |
|
64.3 |
|
|
97.0 |
|
|
28.1 |
|
|
66.5 |
|
|
259.0 |
| |||||
Depreciation & Amortization |
|
15.6 |
|
|
33.8 |
|
|
6.3 |
|
|
17.8 |
|
|
73.9 |
| |||||
Total Costs and Expenses |
|
259.7 |
|
|
405.0 |
|
|
106.4 |
|
|
222.4 |
|
|
996.8 |
| |||||
Income from Operations |
|
41.9 |
|
|
95.9 |
|
|
14.5 |
|
|
30.6 |
|
|
179.5 |
| |||||
Non-Operating Income (Expense) |
|
1.1 |
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
4.0 |
| |||||
Interest Expense |
|
(48.0 |
) |
|
(93.3 |
) |
|
(5.4 |
) |
|
(60.1 |
) |
|
(220.6 |
) | |||||
Total Non-Operating Expense, Net |
|
(46.9 |
) |
|
(91.9 |
) |
|
(4.7 |
) |
|
(59.5 |
) |
|
(216.6 |
) | |||||
Loss in Joint Venture |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(2.8 |
) | |||||
Income (Loss) Before Minority Interest |
$ |
(5.0 |
) |
$ |
4.0 |
|
$ |
7.0 |
|
$ |
(28.9 |
) |
$ |
(39.9 |
) | |||||
Minority Interest |
|
14.6 |
| |||||||||||||||||
Net Loss |
$ |
(25.3 |
) | |||||||||||||||||
* | Intercompany eliminations and expenses of THCR and THCR Holdings are not separately shown. |
43
Year Ended December 31, 2000 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Plaza Associates |
Taj Associates |
Trump Indiana |
Trump Marina |
THCR Consolidated* |
||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
$ |
320.2 |
|
$ |
538.3 |
|
$ |
119.2 |
|
$ |
267.4 |
|
$ |
1,245.0 |
| |||||
Other |
|
75.3 |
|
|
113.1 |
|
|
8.6 |
|
|
61.5 |
|
|
258.7 |
| |||||
Gross Revenue |
|
395.5 |
|
|
651.4 |
|
|
127.8 |
|
|
328.9 |
|
|
1,503.7 |
| |||||
Less: Promotional Allowance |
|
100.5 |
|
|
134.5 |
|
|
19.0 |
|
|
69.9 |
|
|
323.9 |
| |||||
Net Revenue |
|
295.0 |
|
|
516.9 |
|
|
108.8 |
|
|
259.0 |
|
|
1,179.8 |
| |||||
Cost and Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Gaming |
|
162.2 |
|
|
245.8 |
|
|
62.1 |
|
|
128.2 |
|
|
598.4 |
| |||||
Other |
|
20.5 |
|
|
36.1 |
|
|
6.3 |
|
|
15.1 |
|
|
78.2 |
| |||||
General & Administrative |
|
72.5 |
|
|
101.6 |
|
|
31.7 |
|
|
68.6 |
|
|
282.2 |
| |||||
Depreciation & Amortization |
|
16.3 |
|
|
35.6 |
|
|
7.8 |
|
|
17.4 |
|
|
77.2 |
| |||||
Trump Worlds Fair closing costs |
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.8 |
| |||||
Total Costs and Expenses |
|
272.3 |
|
|
419.1 |
|
|
107.9 |
|
|
229.3 |
|
|
1,036.8 |
| |||||
Income from Operations |
|
22.7 |
|
|
97.8 |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
29.7 |
|
|
143.0 |
| |||||
Non-Operating Income (Expense) |
|
1.1 |
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
6.7 |
| |||||
Gain on purchase of Senior Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.9 |
| |||||
Interest Expense |
|
(47.8 |
) |
|
(93.4 |
) |
|
(5.7 |
) |
|
(56.8 |
) |
|
(220.2 |
) | |||||
Total Non-Operating Expense, Net |
|
(46.7 |
) |
|
(91.2 |
) |
|
(5.3 |
) |
|
(55.3 |
) |
|
(198.6 |
) | |||||
Loss in Joint Venture |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(3.2 |
) | |||||
Income (Loss) Before Minority Interest |
$ |
(24.0 |
) |
$ |
6.6 |
|
$ |
(7.6 |
) |
$ |
(25.6 |
) |
$ |
(58.8 |
) | |||||
Minority Interest |
|
21.5 |
| |||||||||||||||||
Net Loss |
$ |
(37.3 |
) | |||||||||||||||||
* | Intercompany eliminations and expenses of THCR and THCR Holdings are not separately shown. |
44
Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, Inc.
Results of Operations
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
(in millions, except statistical data)
2002 Plaza Associates |
2002 Taj Associates |
2002 Trump Indiana |
2002 Trump Marina |
2002 THCR Consolidated |
||||||||||||||||
Table Game Revenues |
$ |
100.3 |
|
$ |
151.4 |
|
$ |
21.2 |
|
$ |
64.2 |
|
$ |
337.1 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
$ |
4.4 |
|
$ |
(12.4 |
) |
$ |
(3.5 |
) |
$ |
0.9 |
|
$ |
(10.6 |
) | |||||
Table Game Drop |
$ |
608.9 |
|
$ |
935.3 |
|
$ |
128.3 |
|
$ |
377.6 |
|
$ |
2,050.0 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
|
26.8 |
|
$ |
(64.2 |
) |
$ |
(15.6 |
) |
$ |
(7.1 |
) |
$ |
(60.2 |
) | |||||
Table Win Percentage |
|
16.5 |
% |
|
16.2 |
% |
|
16.6 |
% |
|
17.0 |
% |
|
16.4 |
% | |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
|
|
|
|
(0.2 |
)pts. |
|
(0.6 |
)pts. |
|
0.5 |
pts. |
|
(0.1 |
)pts. | |||||
Number of Table Games |
|
88 |
|
|
137 |
|
|
46 |
|
|
79 |
|
|
350 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
|
(8 |
) |
|
(4 |
) |
|
(6 |
) |
|
1 |
|
|
(17 |
) | |||||
Slot Revenues |
$ |
236.1 |
|
$ |
355.4 |
|
$ |
107.5 |
|
$ |
216.9 |
|
$ |
915.9 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
$ |
7.7 |
|
$ |
17.3 |
|
$ |
8.6 |
|
$ |
14.5 |
|
$ |
48.1 |
| |||||
Slot Handle |
$ |
2,941.0 |
|
$ |
4,463.2 |
|
$ |
1,398.4 |
|
$ |
2,734.8 |
|
$ |
11,537.4 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
$ |
(22.5 |
) |
$ |
12.4 |
|
$ |
32.0 |
|
$ |
135.2 |
|
$ |
157.1 |
| |||||
Slot Win Percentage |
|
8.0 |
% |
|
8.0 |
% |
|
7.7 |
% |
|
7.9 |
% |
|
7.9 |
% | |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
|
0.3 |
pts. |
|
0.4 |
pts. |
|
0.5 |
pts. |
|
0.1 |
pts |
|
0.3 |
pts. | |||||
Number of Slot Machines |
|
2,928 |
|
|
4,826 |
|
|
1,635 |
|
|
2,527 |
|
|
11,916 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
|
92 |
|
|
101 |
|
|
301 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
495 |
| |||||
Other Gaming Revenues |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
22.5 |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0.8 |
|
$ |
23.3 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
(0.7 |
) |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0.0 |
|
$ |
(0.7 |
) | |||||
Total Gaming Revenues |
$ |
336.4 |
|
$ |
529.3 |
|
$ |
128.7 |
|
$ |
281.9 |
|
$ |
1,276.3 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
$ |
12.1 |
|
$ |
4.2 |
|
$ |
5.1 |
|
$ |
15.4 |
|
$ |
36.8 |
| |||||
2001 Plaza Associates |
2001 Taj Associates |
2001 Trump Indiana |
2001 Trump Marina |
2001 THCR Consolidated |
||||||||||||||||
Table Game Revenues |
$ |
95.9 |
|
$ |
163.8 |
|
$ |
24.7 |
|
$ |
63.3 |
|
$ |
347.7 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
$ |
2.8 |
|
$ |
(18.4 |
) |
$ |
(2.0 |
) |
$ |
(9.7 |
) |
$ |
(27.4 |
) | |||||
Table Game Drop |
$ |
582.1 |
|
$ |
999.5 |
|
$ |
143.9 |
|
$ |
384.7 |
|
$ |
2,110.2 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
$ |
(66.6 |
) |
$ |
(71.7 |
) |
$ |
(17.9 |
) |
$ |
(56.1 |
) |
$ |
(212.3 |
) | |||||
Table Win Percentage |
|
16.5 |
% |
|
16.4 |
% |
|
17.2 |
% |
|
16.5 |
% |
|
16.5 |
% | |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
|
2.1 |
pts. |
|
(0.6 |
)pts. |
|
0.7 |
pts. |
|
(0.1 |
)pts. |
|
0.3 |
pts. | |||||
Number of Table Games |
|
96 |
|
|
141 |
|
|
52 |
|
|
78 |
|
|
367 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
2 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
2 |
| |||||
Slot Revenues |
$ |
228.4 |
|
$ |
338.1 |
|
$ |
98.9 |
|
$ |
202.4 |
|
$ |
867.8 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
$ |
1.4 |
|
$ |
4.4 |
|
$ |
6.4 |
|
$ |
9.4 |
|
$ |
21.7 |
| |||||
Slot Handle |
$ |
2,963.5 |
|
$ |
4,450.8 |
|
$ |
1,366.4 |
|
$ |
2,599.6 |
|
$ |
11,380.3 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
$ |
57.6 |
|
$ |
137.6 |
|
$ |
(55.9 |
) |
$ |
140.4 |
|
$ |
279.7 |
| |||||
Slot Win Percentage |
|
7.7 |
% |
|
7.6 |
% |
|
7.2 |
% |
|
7.8 |
% |
|
7.6 |
% | |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
|
(0.1 |
) pts. |
|
(0.1 |
) pts. |
|
0.7 |
pts. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Number of Slot Machines |
|
2,836 |
|
|
4,725 |
|
|
1,334 |
|
|
2,526 |
|
|
11,421 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
|
(3 |
) |
|
168 |
|
|
96 |
|
|
116 |
|
|
377 |
| |||||
Other Gaming Revenues |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
23.2 |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0.8 |
|
$ |
24.0 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0.8 |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
(0.6 |
) |
$ |
0.2 |
| |||||
Total Gaming Revenues |
$ |
324.3 |
|
$ |
525.1 |
|
$ |
123.6 |
|
$ |
266.5 |
|
$ |
1,239.5 |
| |||||
Incr (Decr) over prior period |
$ |
4.2 |
|
$ |
(13.2 |
) |
$ |
4.4 |
|
$ |
(0.9 |
) |
$ |
(5.5 |
) |
45
2000 Plaza Associates |
2000 |
2000 Trump Indiana |
2000 Trump Marina |
2000 |
||||||||||||||||
Table Game Revenues |
$ |
93.1 |
|
$ |
182.2 |
|
$ |
26.7 |
|
$ |
73.0 |
|
$ |
375.1 |
| |||||
Table Game Drop |
$ |
648.7 |
|
$ |
1,071.2 |
|
$ |
161.8 |
|
$ |
440.8 |
|
$ |
2,322.5 |
| |||||
Table Win Percentage |
|
14.4 |
% |
|
17.0 |
% |
|
16.5 |
% |
|
16.6 |
% |
|
16.2 |
% | |||||
Number of Table Games |
|
96 |
|
|
143 |
|
|
50 |
|
|
76 |
|
|
365 |
| |||||
Slot Revenues |
$ |
227.0 |
|
$ |
333.7 |
|
$ |
92.5 |
|
$ |
193.0 |
|
$ |
846.1 |
| |||||
Slot Handle |
$ |
2,905.9 |
|
$ |
4,313.2 |
|
$ |
1,422.3 |
|
$ |
2,459.2 |
|
$ |
11,100.6 |
| |||||
Slot Win Percentage |
|
7.8 |
% |
|
7.7 |
% |
|
6.5 |
% |
|
7.8 |
% |
|
7.6 |
% | |||||
Number of Slot Machines |
|
2,839 |
|
|
4,557 |
|
|
1,238 |
|
|
2,410 |
|
|
11,044 |
| |||||
Other Gaming Revenues |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
22.4 |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
1.4 |
|
$ |
23.8 |
| |||||
Total Gaming Revenues |
$ |
320.1 |
|
$ |
538.3 |
|
$ |
119.2 |
|
$ |
267.4 |
|
$ |
1,245.0 |
|
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2001 and 2002
Gaming revenues are the primary source of THCRs revenues. Table game revenues represent the amount retained by THCR from amounts wagered at table games. The table win percentage tends to be fairly constant over the long term, but may vary significantly in the short term, due to large wagers by high rollers. THCRs table game win percentage was 16.5% and 16.4% for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The Atlantic City industry table game win percentages were 15.6 % and 15.7% for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively.
Table game revenues decreased $10.6 million, or 3.0%, to $337.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2002 from $347.7 million in the comparable period in 2001. The $12.4 million decrease in table game revenues at the Taj Mahal was primarily due to a $64.2 million decrease in table game drop. Trump Plazas table game revenues increase of $4.4 million was due to the $26.8 million increase in table game drop. Trump Marinas $0.9 million increase in table game revenues is primarily due to a 0.5 point increase in table win percentage which offset the $7.1 million decrease in table game drop. Trump Indianas $3.5 million decrease in table game revenues was primarily due to a $15.6 million decrease in table game drop, resulting from a general decrease in table game play experienced throughout the Indiana and Illinois market, a change in the Asian bus program in the third quarter of 2002, and managements decision in 2001 to eliminate high end table player marketing efforts.
Slot revenues increased $48.1 million, or 5.5%, to $915.9 million for the year ended December 31 , 2002 from $867.8 million in the comparable period in 2001. Increases in slot handle of $135.2 million at the Trump Marina and $32.0 million at Trump Indiana primarily contributed to their respective increases in slot revenues in slot revenues of $14.5 million and $8.6 million, respectively. Trump Indianas increase in slot revenues is also attributed to the opening of the new 2,000 space garage in 2002 and the commencement of dockside gaming in August 2002. Trump Plazas slot revenues increased $7.7 million due to a 0.3 point increase in slot win percentage which offset an $22.5 million decrease in slot handle. Trump Taj Mahals slot revenues increased $17.3 million due to a 0.4 point increase in slot win percentage combined with a $12.4 million increase in slot handle. Overall, slot revenues increased primarily as a result of improved slot product on the casino floor, managements continued focus on marketing initiatives and customer service, and favorable weather conditions in the first three months of 2002.
Other revenues for the years ended December 31, 2002 includes a $2.7 million management fee from the Trump 29 Casino located in Coachella, California, for which there was no comparative revenue in 2001.
Gaming costs and expenses were $578.8 million for the year ended December 31 , 2002, a decrease of $9.9 million, or 1.7%, from $588.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. Gaming costs at the Taj Mahal decreased $5.8 million, or 2.4%, from the comparable period in 2001 and Trump Plazas gaming costs
46
decreased $4.9 million, or 3.1%, from the comparable period in 2001 primarily due to decreased payroll expense and more efficient marketing programs. Trump Marinas gaming costs increased $3.1 million primarily due to increased spending on marketing programs, which was incurred to stimulate gaming revenues. Trump Indianas gaming costs decreased $2.4 million from the comparable period in 2001 due to labor and expense cost management. Also the State of Indianas change in assessing a $3 tax from a per person per excursion to a per person on admission to the gaming facility contributed to the decrease in gaming expenses.
General and administrative expenses were $280.5 million for the year ended December 31 , 2002, a $21.5 million, or 8.3%, increase from $259.0 million in the comparable period in 2001. The increase is primarily attributed to the write-off of approximately $14.4 million of CRDA deposits by the Atlantic City casinos, with the carrying value of $9.6 million, donated during the fourth quarter of 2002, in exchange for the right to utilize other CRDA deposits for the development of an entertainment retail district project or projects. This increase is also attributed to higher insurance, real estate taxes, entertainment and employee benefits. Trump Marinas increase also includes incremental costs incurred related to the Trump Services Agreement. General and administrative expenses also include expenses incurred by THCR Management of $1.1 million, including pre-opening costs of $0.6 million.
Income taxes of $5.0 million represent taxes recorded in connection with the changes to the New Jersey state income tax law enacted during July 2002 (see Note 2).
THCR previously announced its intention to refinance or modify the terms of its public debt which was approximately $1.7 billion aggregate principal amount as of December 31, 2002. During the year ended December 31, 2002, debt renegotiation costs of $3.3 million were incurred: $1.6 million by Trump AC on its $1.3 billion outstanding debt, $1.3 million by Trump Marina, $0.3 million by Trump Indiana and $0.1 million by THCR Holdings. Accordingly, the debt renegotiation costs have been expensed in the accompanying Statements of Operations. THCR and its subsidiaries will continue to seek to refinance certain debt when market conditions are favorable. See GeneralWe have substantial indebtedness... .
Included in other non-operating income for the year ended December 31, 2002, is a $0.7 million distribution from Miss Universe, L.P., LLLP, to THCR Holdings. There was no comparable income in 2001.
During the year ended December 31, 2002, Trump Indiana paid sales tax assessed by the State of Indiana relating to its vessel in the amount of $1.8 million. As this assessment is being appealed by Trump Indiana, it has been included in other assets. Trump Indiana believes that the $1.8 million will be recoverable on settlement of the appeal.
Management intends to continue its focus on cost containment. There is a limit, however, as to how far costs can be reduced without adversely affecting performance.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2000 and 2001
Gaming revenues are the primary source of THCRs revenues. Table game revenues represent the amount retained by THCR from amounts wagered at table games. The table win percentage tends to be fairly constant over the long term, but may vary significantly in the short term, due to large wagers by high rollers. THCRs table game win percentage was 16.2% and 16.5% for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001, respectively. The Atlantic City industry table game win percentages were 15.4% and 15.6% for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001, respectively.
Table games revenues decreased $27.4 million or 7.3% to $347.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 from $375.1 million in the comparable period in 2000. Decreased table drop at all four properties primarily contributed to the decrease in revenues. Table drop was negatively affected by decreased activity from premium international table game customers, a weak domestic market as well as the negative national economic impacts of
47
the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The $18.4 million decrease in table games revenue at the Taj Mahal was also due to a decrease in table win percentage. Although Trump Plazas table game drop declined, the 2.1 points increase in table win percentage contributed to a $2.8 million increase in table games revenue. Trump Marinas $9.7 million decrease in table games revenue is due to declines in both table drop and win percentage. Trump Indianas $2.0 million or 7.5% decrease in table games revenue was partially offset by a .7 point increase in table win percentage on an 11.0% decrease in table game drop.
Slot revenues increased $21.7 million or 2.6% to $867.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 from $846.1 million in the comparable period in 2000 primarily due to new slot product, marketing efforts and improved customer service. Increased slot handle of $335.6 million at the three Atlantic City casinos primarily contributed to the increase in revenues. Trump Indianas slot revenues in 2001 increased $6.4 million or 6.9% from the comparable period in 2000 due to a 0.7 point increase in slot win percentage which totally offset a $55.9 million or 3.9% decrease in slot handle from the comparable period in 2000. Slot revenues increased due to managements efforts to improve the slot product at all properties and sustained marketing programs designed specifically for the slot customer.
Gaming costs and expenses were $588.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, a decrease of $9.7 million or 1.6% from $598.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The Taj Mahals gaming costs decreased $7.2 million or 2.9% from the year ended December 31, 2000 due to decreased marketing expenses and gaming taxes associated with decreased table games revenue. Expense decreases of $1.8 million or 1.1% from the year ended December 31, 2000 at the Trump Plaza were primarily due to decreased marketing expenses and incentives. Trump Marinas gaming costs decreased $3.9 million or 3.0% from the year ended December 31, 2000 primarily due to decreased promotional expenses achieved by eliminating less profitable programs. Trump Indianas gaming costs increased $3.3 million or 5.3% from the year ended December 31, 2000 due to increased gaming taxes associated with the increase in gaming revenues.
General and administrative expenses were $259.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, a $23.2 million or 8.2% decrease from $282.2 million in the comparable period in 2000. Expense decreases at the Taj Mahal were primarily due to decreased insurance, litigation, entertainment, payroll and CRDA expenses. Expense decreases at the Trump Plaza were primarily due to decreased entertainment, insurance, payroll and advertising expenses. Trump Marinas decrease is due to the additional writeoff of CRDA deposits, which were necessitated due to additional donation commitments during the year ended December 31, 2000. Trump Indianas decrease is primarily due to the $3.0 million decrease in expense associated with the completion of the five-year license period accrual in June 2001 for economic development and infrastructure improvements of the City of Gary. The decrease in corporate general and administrative expenses is due to an aircraft lease termination in 2000, decreased payroll, legal and lobbying expense in 2001.
Management intends to continue its focus on cost containment. There is a limit, however, as to how far costs can be reduced without adversely affecting performance.
Seasonality
Our cash flows from operating activities are seasonal in nature. Spring and summer are traditionally the peak seasons for the Trump Atlantic City Properties, with autumn and winter being non-peak seasons. Trump 29s peak seasons are late winter and spring. Trump Indiana is not seasonal. Since the Trump Atlantic City Properties account for the majority of our business, our operating results for the two quarters ending in March and December are not historically as profitable as the two quarters ending in June and September. Any excess cash flow achieved from operations during peak seasons is used to subsidize non-peak seasons. Performance in non-peak seasons is usually dependent on favorable weather and a long-weekend holiday calendar. In the event that we are unable to generate excess cash flows in one or more peak seasons, we may not be able to subsidize non-peak seasons, if necessary.
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Inflation
There was no significant impact on operations as a result of inflation during 2002, 2001 or 2000.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Management has reviewed the disclosure requirements for Item 7A and, based upon our current capital structure, scope of operations and financial statement structure, management believes that such disclosure is not warranted at this time. Since conditions may change, we will periodically review our compliance with this disclosure requirement to the extent applicable.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
An index to financial statements and required financial statement schedules is set forth in Item 15 of this Form 10-K.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
See our Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 3, 2002, filed with the SEC on June 4, 2002.
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PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers and directors:
Name |
Position | |
Donald J. Trump |
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer | |
Mark A. Brown |
Chief Operating Officer | |
Robert M. Pickus |
Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel | |
Francis X. McCarthy, Jr. |
Executive Vice President of Corporate Finance and Chief Financial Officer | |
John P. Burke |
Executive Vice President and Corporate Treasurer | |
Joseph A. Fusco |
Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs | |
Wallace B. Askins |
Director | |
Don M. Thomas |
Director | |
Peter M. Ryan |
Director | |
Robert J. McGuire |
Director |
Donald J. Trump (56 years old) has been serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of each of THCR, THCR Funding and THCR Holdings since June 2000. Also since June 2000, Trump has been serving as the (i) President of each of Trump AC Holding, Trump AC, Trump AC Funding, Trump AC Funding II, Trump AC Funding III, TACC and THCR Enterprises, Inc.; (ii) President and Chief Executive Officer of each of Castle Funding and TCHI; (iii) President of Trump Indiana; (iv) President and Treasurer of THCR/LP; and (v) Chief Executive Officer of Taj Associates. Since June 1998, Trump has been serving as the President, Treasurer and sole director of TCI. Since the consummation of the TCH Note Offering, Mr. Trump has been serving as the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of TCH and TCF. Until April 1998, Trump served as the President and Treasurer of Castle Funding. Since November 1997, Trump has been serving as the Chairman of each of Trump AC Funding II and Trump AC Funding III, and as the Chairman of THCR Enterprises, Inc. since January 1997. Since January 1996, he has been serving as the Chairman of Trump AC Funding. Since March 1995, Trump has been the Chairman of each of THCR, THCR Funding and THCR Holdings. Since February 1993, Trump has been the Chairman of Trump AC Holding. Since December 1992, Trump has been serving as the sole director of Trump Indiana. Since May 1992, Trump has been the Chairman of the Board of Partner Representatives of Castle Associates. Since November 1991, Trump has been serving as the President, Treasurer and sole director of TCI-II. Since October 1991, he has been the Chairman of each of THCR Holding Corp. and THCR/LP. Since March 1991, Trump has been the President and Treasurer of THCR Holding Corp. and the sole director of TACC. Since May 1986, he has been serving as the President and sole director of Realty Corp. Since March 1986, he has been the Chairman, President and Treasurer of Plaza Funding. Since March 1985, Trump has been the Chairman of TCHI. From February 1993 through December 1997, Trump served as the President of Trump AC Holding. From March 1991 through December 1997, Trump served as the President and Treasurer of TACC. Trump is also currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Trump Organization, Inc. which has been in the business, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, of acquiring, developing and managing real estate properties for more than the past five years.
Mark A. Brown (42 years old) has been serving as the Chief Operating Officer of each of THCR and Trump AC since June 2000. Also since June 2000, Mr. Brown has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of each of Taj Associates, Plaza Associates, Castle Associates and Trump Indiana. Since the consummation of the TCH Note Offering, Mr. Brown has been serving as the Chief Operating Officer of TCH and TCF. Since January
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2000, Mr. Brown has been serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Taj Associates. Until January 2000, he served as a Vice President of TCHI. From November 1997 to January 2000, Mr. Brown served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Castle Associates. From July 1995 to November 1997, he served as the Executive Vice President of Operations of Castle Associates.
Robert M. Pickus (48 years old) has been the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of THCR since March 1995. Since June 2000, Mr. Pickus has been the Secretary and Vice President of THCR/LP. Since April 2000, he has been serving as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of each of THCR Holdings and Trump AC. Since April 1998, Mr. Pickus has been the Secretary of Castle Funding. Since February 1998, he has been serving as the (i) Secretary of each of TACC and Trump AC Holding and (ii) Assistant Secretary and a director of TCHI. Until February 1998, Mr. Pickus served as the Assistant Secretary of TACC. Since January 1997, Mr. Pickus has been serving as the (i) Secretary of THCR Holding Corp. and (ii) Vice President, Secretary and a director of THCR Enterprises, Inc. Since November 1997, he has been serving as a director of each of Trump AC Funding II and Trump AC Funding III. Since February 1996, Mr. Pickus has been serving as the Secretary of Castle Associates. Since January 1996, he has been serving as the Secretary and a director of Trump AC Funding. Since October 1995, Mr. Pickus has been serving as a member of the Board of Partner Representatives of Castle Associates. Since February 1995, he has been serving as the Executive Vice President of Corporate and Legal Affairs of each of Taj Associates, Plaza Associates and Castle Associates. Since December 1992, Mr. Pickus has been serving as the Executive Vice President and Secretary of Trump Indiana. Since March 1986, Mr. Pickus has been serving as the Vice President and Secretary of Plaza Funding. From April to December 2000, Mr. Pickus served as the President of TCS. From June 1996 to April 2000, he served as the Executive Vice President of TCS. From November 1995 to May 2000, Mr. Pickus served as a director of each of THCR Holding Corp. and THCR/LP. From April 1994 to February 1998, he served as the Assistant Secretary of Trump AC Holding. Mr. Pickus has been admitted to practice law in the States of New York and New Jersey since 1980, and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since 1981.
Francis X. McCarthy, Jr. (50 years old) has been serving as the Executive Vice President of Corporate Finance and Chief Financial Officer of each of THCR, THCR Holdings and THCR Funding since September 1998. Since August 2000, Mr. McCarthy has been the (i) Chief Financial Officer of Castle Associates and (ii) Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Treasurer of Castle Funding. Since September 1998, he has been the Chief Financial Officer of each of Trump AC, Trump AC Funding, Trump AC Funding II and Trump AC Funding III. From October 1996 to December 2000, Mr. McCarthy served as the Executive Vice President of Corporate Finance of TCS.
John P. Burke (55 years old) has been serving as the Executive Vice President of each of THCR, THCR Holdings, THCR Funding and Trump AC since January 1999 and of TCH and TCF since the consummation of the TCH Note Offering. Since April 1998, he has been serving as the Assistant Treasurer of TCHI. Since February 1998, Mr. Burke has been the (i) Assistant Treasurer of each of THCR Holding Corp. and THCR/LP and (ii) Treasurer of TACC. Since November 1997, he has been serving as the Treasurer of each of Trump AC Funding II and Trump AC Funding III. Since March 1997, Mr. Burke has been serving as a member of the Board of Partner Representatives of Castle Associates. Since January 1997, he has been a Vice President and the Treasurer of THCR Enterprises, Inc. Since January 1996, Mr. Burke has been the Treasurer of Trump AC Funding. Since March 1995, he has been serving as the Corporate Treasurer of each of THCR, THCR Holdings, THCR Funding and Trump AC. Since December 1993, Mr. Burke has been serving as a Vice President of each of Castle Associates, Castle Funding, TCI-II and TCHI. Since December 1992, Mr. Burke has been the Treasurer of Trump Indiana. Since October 1991, he has been the Corporate Treasurer of each of Taj Associates, Plaza Associates and Castle Associates. From June 1997 to January 1999, Mr. Burke served as a Senior Vice President of each of THCR, THCR Holdings and THCR Funding. From January 1996 to June 1997, he served as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance of THCR.
Joseph A. Fusco (58 years old) has been serving as the Executive Vice President of Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs of each of THCR, THCR Holdings and Trump AC since June 1996 and of TCS from July 1996 until December 2000. From August 1985 to June 1996, Mr. Fusco practiced law as a partner in various
51
Atlantic City law firms specializing in New Jersey casino regulatory, commercial and administrative law matters, most recently from January 1994 to June 1996 as a partner in the law firm of Sterns & Weinroth, P.C., located in Atlantic City. Mr. Fusco previously served as Atlantic County Prosecutor, a Gubernatorial appointment, from April 1981 to July 1985 and as Special Counsel for Licensing for the CCC from the inception of that agency in September 1977 to March 1981. Mr. Fusco has been admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey since 1969.
Wallace B. Askins (72 years old) has been serving as a director of each of THCR and THCR Funding since June 1995. Since December 1997, Mr. Askins as been a director of Trump AC Funding II and Trump AC Funding III. Since April 1996, he has been serving as a director of Trump AC Funding. Since April 1994, Mr. Askins has been serving as a director of Trump AC Holding. Upon consummation of the TCH Note Offering, Mr. Askins became a member of TCHs and TCFs Boards of Directors. From June 1984 to November 1992, Mr. Askins served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and as a director of Armco, Inc.
Don M. Thomas (72 years old) has been serving as a director of each of THCR and THCR Funding since June 1995. Since December 1997, Mr. Thomas has been serving as a director of each of Trump AC Funding II and Trump AC Funding III. Since April 1996, he has been a director of Trump AC Funding. Since January 1985, Mr. Thomas has been serving as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs of the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of New York. From 1985 through 1987, Mr. Thomas served as a Commissioner and the acting Chairman of the CRDA, and a Commissioner of the CCC from 1980 through 1984 during a portion of which time Mr. Thomas also served as the acting Chairman. Mr. Thomas is an attorney licensed to practice law in New York. Upon consummation of the TCH Note Offering, Mr. Thomas became a member of TCHs and TCFs Boards of Directors.
Peter M. Ryan (65 years old) has been serving as a director of each of THCR and THCR Funding since June 1995. He has also been the President of each of The Marlin Group, LLC and The Brookwood Carrington Fund, LLC, real estate financial advisory groups, since January 1995. Prior to that, Mr. Ryan was the Senior Vice President of The Chase Manhattan Bank for more than five years. Upon consummation of the TCH Note Offering, Mr. Ryan became a member of TCHs and TCFs Boards of Directors.
Robert J. McGuire (66 years old) has been a director of THCR and THCR Funding since July 2001. Mr. McGuire has been Counsel to the New York law firm of Morvillo, Abramowitz, Grand, Iason & Silberberg, P.C. since 1981. As an Assistant United States Attorney from 1962 through 1966, Mr. McGuire prosecuted cases in the Southern District of New York. In 1969, he established his own law firm of McGuire and Lawler where he worked until his appointment as New York City Police Commissioner. Mr. McGuire served as New York City Police Commissioner from 1978 to 1983. In 1984, Mr. McGuire was elected Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pinkertons, Inc. where he remained for four years before joining Kroll Associates. Mr. McGuire resigned as President of Kroll Associates in 1997. Mr. McGuire serves on numerous Boards and is the President of the Police Athletic League. Upon consummation of the TCH Note Offering, Mr. McGuire became a member of TCHs and TCFs Boards of Directors.
Messrs. Trump, Brown, Pickus, McCarthy and Fusco have executive employment agreements pursuant to which such individuals serve as officers of our company. See Executive Compensation; Employment Agreements, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements for a description of certain of agreements.
All of the persons listed above are citizens of the United States and have been qualified or licensed by the CCC.
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Management of Trump Plaza
Trump AC is the managing general partner of Plaza Associates, our subsidiary which operates Trump Plaza. Trump Atlantic City Holding, Inc., or Trump AC Holding, is the managing general partner of Trump AC. The Board of Directors of Trump AC Holding consists of Messrs. Trump (Chairman), Askins and Thomas.
Set forth below are the names, ages, positions and offices held with Plaza Associates and a brief summary of the business experience during the past five years of each of the executive officers of Plaza Associates other than those who are also directors or executive officers of THCR.
Matthew A. Harkness (46 years old) has been the Chief Operating Officer of Plaza Associates since January 2001. Mr. Harkness served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at the Trump Taj Mahal throughout 2000. From September 1995 to December 1999, Mr. Harkness served as the Executive Director of Marketing at Trump Marina. Mr. Harkness has served in various Atlantic City casinos in operational and marketing capacities since 1979.
Theresa A. Glebocki (41 years old) has been the Senior Vice President of Finance of Plaza Associates since September 2000. Ms. Glebocki served as the Executive Director of Finance of Plaza Associates and TCS from November 1996 until September 2000, and Financial Controller of Plaza Associates from 1991 until 1996.
All of the persons listed above are citizens of the United States and are licensed by the CCC.
Management of Trump Taj Mahal
Trump AC is the managing general partner of Taj Associates. Trump AC Holding is the managing general partner of Trump AC. The Board of Directors of Trump AC Holding consists of Messrs. Trump (Chairman), Askins and Thomas.
Set forth below are the names, ages, positions and offices held with Taj Associates and a brief summary of the business experience during the past five years of each of the executive officers and certain key employees of Taj Associates other than certain individuals who are also directors or executive officers of THCR.
Mark A. Brown. See Mr. Browns biography above. Ms. Catherine Walker, currently the General Manager of Trump Indiana, has agreed to serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the Trump Taj Mahal. See Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant; Management of Trump Indiana.
Stephen S. Oskiera (44 years old) has been serving as the Senior Vice President of Finance of Taj Associates since January 2000. Mr. Oskiera previously served as the Vice President of Finance of TCS from November 1999 to January 2000 and as Vice President of Finance of Marina Associates from October 1998 until November 1999. Mr. Oskiera served as Executive Director of Finance for both Marina Associates and TCS from October 1995 to October 1998.
All of the persons listed above are citizens of the United States and are licensed by the CCC.
Management of Trump Marina
All decisions affecting the operation of Trump Marina are decided by executive officers and director of TCH. Upon consummation of the Offering TCH Notes, Marina Associates Board of Partner Representatives was replaced with TCHs and TCFs Boards of Directors. Messrs. Trump, Askins, Thomas, Ryan and McGuire are the current members of TCHs and TCFs Board of Directors.
Paul R. Ryan (47 years old) has been serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Marina Associates since October 2002. Mr. Ryan served as the Vice President of Hotel Operations of Marina Associates from
53
March 1997 to January 2000. From January 2000 to October 2002, Mr. Ryan served in various capacities with Taj Associates, including as the Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations from January 2000 to July 2000 and Executive Vice President of Hotel/Food & Beverage Operations from July 2000 to October 2002.
Daniel M. McFadden (37 years old) has been serving as the Vice President of Finance of Marina Associates since September 2001. Mr. McFadden previously serviced as Director of Finance since joining Marina Associates in November 1998. Prior to joining Marina Associates, Mr. McFadden served Taj Associates and TCS in various financial capacities since December 1989.
All of the persons listed above are citizens of the United States and are licensed by the CCC.
Management of Trump Indiana
Mr. Trump is the sole director of Trump Indiana, Inc. Set forth below are the names, ages, positions and offices held with Trump Indiana, Inc. and a brief account of the business experience during the past five years of each of the directors and executive officers of Trump Indiana, Inc. other than those who are also directors or executive officers of THCR.
Catherine A. Walker (48 years old) has been the General Manager of Trump Indiana, Inc. since August 2000. Ms. Walker has agreed to serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the Trump Taj Mahal. However, she will remain active in the management of Trump Indiana, Inc. during the transition to new management. Ms. Walker will participate in the search for the new General Manager and will assist in acclimating the General Manager with the operations of Trump Indiana, Inc. From March to August 2000, Ms. Walker was the Vice President of Operations and Assistant General Manager of Harrahs East Chicago. From July 1996 to March 2000, Ms. Walker served as the Vice President and General Manager of Players Lake Charles LLC and Showboat Star Partnership. Prior to 1996, Ms. Walker was on the legal staff of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission for approximately 13 years. During her tenure with the Commission, Ms. Walker provided legal advices on various matters, such as corporate restructuring in financing transactions, internal controls, rules of the games and casino license issues.
Patrick M. Fox (51 years old) has been Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Trump Indiana, Inc. since November 2001. Mr. Fox was previously employed until September 2001 as the Director of Finance at Carlson Group. Prior to that, from October 1996 to February 2001, Mr. Fox served in various positions with Accenture. From July 1975 to October 1996, Mr. Fox served in the Arthur Andersen Worldwide organization in various positions, which included Controller-Andersen Worldwide Services.
All of the persons listed above are citizens of the United States and are licensed by the IGC.
Management of Trump 29 Services
Trump 29 Services is a single member limited liability company managed by THCR Management Holdings, which, in turn, is owned by THCR Holdings. The general partner of THCR Holdings is THCR. The biographies of certain executive officers and directors of THCR are included above.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
To our knowledge, based solely upon our review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to us pursuant to Rule 16a-3(e) of the Exchange Act during our most recent fiscal year and Form 5 and amendments thereto furnished to us with respect to our most recent fiscal year, no director, officer, beneficial owner of more than 10 percent of any class of our equity securities registered pursuant Section 12 of the Exchange Act, or any other persons so required, failed to file on a timely basis, as disclosed in the above forms, reports required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during the most recent fiscal year or prior fiscal years.
54
As stated in the amendments to his Schedule 13D filed with the SEC with respect to our equity securities, Mr. Trump has stated that he may, from time to time, effect open market and privately negotiated purchases of equity and/or debt securities of THCR and/or its subsidiaries.
Code of Ethics
In January 2003, our Board of Directors adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our executive officers, including, among others, our chief executive officer and senior financial officers. The Code is intended to qualify as a code of ethics as defined by the SECs Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and is designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
| honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
| full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that we file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications made by us; |
| compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations; |
| prompt internal reporting to an appropriate person and persons identified in the Code of violations of the Code; and |
| accountability for adherence to the Code. |
We have filed the Code as an exhibit to this Form 10-K.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation paid to or accrued by our Chief Executive Officer, and any person who served in such or similar capacity during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, and our four most highly compensated executive officers whose total annual salary and bonus during the last fiscal year exceeded $100,000 (collectively, the Named Executive Officers) for each of the last three completed fiscal years. Compensation accrued during one year and paid in another is recorded under the year of accrual.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Annual Compensation |
Long-Term Compensation |
|||||||||||||
Name and Principal |
Year |
Salary |
Bonus |
Securities Underlying Options(1) |
All Other Compensation |
|||||||||
Donald J. Trump Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer |
2002 2001 2000 |
$ $ $ |
1,500,000 1,500,000 1,250,000 |
|
|
500,000 500,000 500,000 |
$ $ $ |
3,888,927 2,417,541 2,414,266 |
(2) (2) (2) | |||||
Mark A. Brown Chief Operating Officer |
2002 2001 2000 |
$ $ $ |
1,128,608 1,146,462 807,657 |
$
$ |
350,000 175,036 |
50,000 |
$ $ $ |
5,066 4,500 4,500 |
(3) (3) (3) | |||||
Robert M. Pickus Exec. VP, Secy and General Counsel |
2002 2001 2000 |
$ $ $ |
381,468 360,175 338,790 |
$
|
100,000 |
30,000 |
$ $ $ |
4,714 4,500 4,500 |
(3) (3) (3) | |||||
Francis X. McCarthy, Jr. Exec. VP of Corp. Fin. and Chief Financial Officer |
2002 2001 2000 |
$ $ $ |
379,917 354,186 333,120 |
$
|
100,000 |
30,000 |
$ $ $ |
5,500 5,100 4,800 |
(3) (3) (3) | |||||
Joseph A. Fusco Exec. VP of Govt Relations and Regulatory Affairs |
2002 2001 2000 |
$ $ $ |
386,069 356,700 335,639 |
$
|
100,000 |
30,000 |
$ $ $ |
5,500 5,100 4,800 |
(3) (3) (3) |
(1) | Options granted under THCRs 1995 Stock Plan. Options granted in 2002 vest in five equal installments, |
55
one-fifth on the date of grant and on each of the first four anniversary dates of the date of grant. Options granted in 2001 and 2000 vest in three equal installments, one-third on the date of grant and on each of the first two anniversary dates of the date of grant. |
(2) | The amounts listed in 2002, 2001 and 2000 include $3.454 million, $2.207 million and $2.306 million, respectively, recorded pursuant to the Castle Services Agreement (as defined herein) in addition to reimbursement of expenses pursuant to the Executive Agreement, as amended, between Mr. Trump and THCR and THCR Holdings. The Castle Services Agreement was terminated in connection with the TCH Note Offering. See Executive Compensation; Employment Agreements, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements and Executive Compensation; Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Castle Services Agreement. |
(3) | Represents vested and unvested contributions made by Plaza Associates, Taj Associates and/or Marina Associates to Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino Retirement Savings Plan, Trump Taj Mahal Retirement Savings Plan, Trumps Castle Hotel and Casino Retirement Savings Plan and Trump Casino Services Retirement Savings Plan, respectively. Funds accumulated for an employee under these plans consisting of a certain percentage of the employees compensation plus the employer matching contributions equaling 50% of the participants contributions, are retained until termination of employment, attainment of age 59-1/2 or financial hardship, at which time the employee may withdraw his or her vested funds. |
1995 Stock Incentive Plan. In June 1995, our Board of Directors adopted the Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 1995 Stock Plan. Pursuant to the 1995 Stock Plan, directors, employees and consultants of THCR and its subsidiaries and affiliates are eligible to receive awards of various forms of equity-based incentive compensation, including stock options which are intended to qualify as incentive stock options (ISOs) under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), as well as stock options not intended to so qualify (NQSOs), stock-appreciation rights (SARs), stock bonuses, restricted stock awards, performance units and phantom stock, and awards consisting of combinations of such incentives. The 1995 Stock Plan is administered by the Stock Incentive Plan Committee of the Board of Directors of THCR consisting of Messrs. Trump, Askins, Ryan and Thomas (the Stock Incentive Plan Committee). Subject to the provisions of the 1995 Stock Plan, the Stock Incentive Plan Committee has sole discretionary authority to interpret the 1995 Stock Plan and to determine the type of awards to grant, when, if and to whom awards are granted, the number of shares covered by each award and the terms and conditions of the award.
In 1996, we obtained stockholder approval to increase the number of shares of our common stock authorized for issuance under the 1995 Stock Plan from one million to four million.
Option Grants in Fiscal 2002. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to options granted to the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002:
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Name |
Number of Securities |
Percent of Total |
Exercise |
Expiration Date |
Grant Date Present | ||||||||
Donald J. Trump |
500,000 |
64.1 |
% |
$ |
2.75 |
April 23, 2012 |
$ |
875,000 | |||||
Mark A. Brown |
50,000 |
6.4 |
% |
$ |
2.75 |
April 23, 2012 |
$ |
87,500 | |||||
Robert M. Pickus |
30,000 |
3.8 |
% |
$ |
2.75 |
April 23, 2012 |
$ |
52,500 | |||||
Francis X. McCarthy, Jr. |
30,000 |
3.8 |
% |
$ |
2.75 |
April 23, 2012 |
$ |
52,500 | |||||
Joseph A. Fusco |
30,000 |
3.8 |
% |
$ |
2.75 |
April 23, 2012 |
$ |
52,500 |
(1) | NQSOs granted on April 24, 2002. Options vest in five equal installments, one-fourth on the date of grant and on the first four anniversary dates of the date of grant. |
(2) | Based on a total of 780,000 options granted by our Board of Directors on April 24, 2002. |
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(3) | Represents a fair value of approximately $1.75 per option, estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based upon the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 4.6%, expected life of 5 years, volatility of 74% and a dividend yield of 0%. |
None of the Named Executive Officers exercised any stock options during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. The following table sets forth information concerning the fiscal year-end value of unexercised options provided on an aggregate basis.
FISCAL YEAR OPTION VALUE
Name |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options at Fiscal Year End |
Value of Unexercised In-The-Money Options at Fiscal Year End |
||||||||||
Exercisable |
Unexercisable |
Exercisable |
Unexercisable |
|||||||||
Donald J. Trump |
1,433,334 |
566,666 |
$ |
133,333 |
|
$ |
66,667 |
| ||||
Mark A. Brown |
18,000 |
40,000 |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
(1) | ||||
Robert M. Pickus |
36,000 |
24,000 |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
(1) | ||||
Francis X. McCarthy, Jr. |
16,000 |
24,000 |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
(1) | ||||
Joseph A. Fusco |
26,000 |
24,000 |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
(1) |
(1) | The exercise prices of these options exceeded the closing sales price of our common stock on December 31, 2002. |
Employment Agreements, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements
Donald J. Trump. Mr. Trump serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of THCR pursuant to an executive agreement, dated as of June 12, 1995 (the Executive Agreement), by and among Trump, THCR and THCR Holdings. Pursuant to the Executive Agreement, Trump has agreed to act as President and Chief Executive Officer of THCR and to provide THCR, THCR Holdings and its subsidiaries, from time to time when reasonably requested and on a non-exclusive basis, consulting services relating to marketing, advertising, promotional and other similar related services with respect to the business and operations of THCR, THCR Holdings and its subsidiaries. The Executive Agreement has a three-year rolling term which is automatically extended so that the unexpired term on any date is always three years, until such time during such rolling term that either party gives written notice to the other of its election not to continue extending such term, in which case the term shall end three years from the date on which such notice is given. In consideration for Mr. Trumps services under the Executive Agreement, Trump is paid $1.5 million per year, plus reimbursement of expenses. On December 28, 1993, Marina Associates (then known as Castle Associates) entered into a services agreement (or the Castle Services Agreement) with Trump Casinos II, Inc., or TCI-II, an entity wholly- owned by Donald J. Trump. Pursuant to the Castle Services Agreement, TCI-II agreed to provide Marina Associates consulting services on a non-exclusive basis. Mr. Trump has caused TCI-II, to agree to an early termination of the Castle Services Agreement under which TCI-II received the payments described as All Other Compensation in the Summary Compensation Table upon the consummation of the TCH Note Offering. The Company and Mr. Trump intend to restructure his compensation arrangements in the near future. In connection with any new compensation arrangements that may be entered into with Mr. Trump, it is anticipated that all or a portion of such compensation will be allocated among our operating subsidiaries under the Casino Services Agreement. See Business; Certain Agreements; Casino Services Agreement. See Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions; Castle Services Agreement.
Mark A. Brown. Mr. Brown serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Plaza Associates, Taj Associates, Marina Associates and Trump Indiana, Inc. (collectively referred to as the Trump Entities) pursuant to an employment agreement, dated August 2, 2000, or the Brown Employment Agreement, by and among Mr. Brown and Taj Associates. The Brown Employment Agreement, the term of which was effective as of July 1, 2000 and was extended on December 11, 2002 to expire on December 31, 2006, provides for an annual salary of (i) $1.5 million for the 12-month period commencing January 1, 2003; (ii) $1.6 million for the 12-month period commencing January 1, 2004; (iii) $1.7 million for the 12-month period commencing January 1, 2005 and (iv) $1.8 million for the 12-month period commencing January 1, 2006. The Brown
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Employment Agreement may be terminated by the Trump Entities for Cause, defined in the Brown Employment Agreement as (i) the revocation of Mr. Browns casino key employee license, (ii) Mr. Browns conviction for certain crimes, (iii) Mr. Browns disability or death or (iv) Mr. Browns breach of loyalty to the Trump Entities. Upon termination for Cause, Mr. Brown is entitled to receive compensation earned as of the date of termination; provided, however, that if Mr. Browns employment is terminated due to Mr. Browns disability or death, Mr. Brown or his estate, as the case may be, will be entitled to a lump sum severance payment equal to six months compensation based on his then current salary. Mr. Brown may terminate the Brown Employment Agreement at any time following a Change of Control, effective on the 30th day after such effective notice, and Mr. Brown shall be entitled to receive a lump sum payment for the full amount of unpaid compensation for the full term of the Brown Employment Agreement. Change of Control is defined in the Brown Employment Agreement as (i) the acquisition of (x) the Trump Entities or (y) more than thirty-five percent (35%) of our common stock, or equivalent limited partnership interests, by an unrelated party or (ii) the sale or long-term lease of all or substantially all of the assets of Trump Entities. Also, in the event Mr. Brown is transferred to a position located outside of Atlantic City, New Jersey, Mr. Brown shall have the right to terminate the Brown Employment Agreement within seven days of the occurrence of such transfer and shall be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to three months compensation based on his then current salary. During the term of the Brown Employment Agreement, Mr. Brown has agreed not to obtain employment for or on behalf of any other casino hotel located in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Robert M. Pickus. Mr. Pickus serves as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of THCR, THCR Holdings and Trump AC (collectively, the Trump Companies) pursuant to an employment agreement, dated April 17, 2000, or the Pickus Employment Agreement. The Pickus Employment Agreement, as amended, expires on December 31, 2006 and provides for annual base salary of $400,000, which shall be increased at a rate not less than 5% per annum commencing January 1, 2004, and a discretionary bonus. The Pickus Employment Agreement may be terminated by the Trump Companies for Cause, defined in the Pickus Employment Agreement as (i) the revocation of Mr. Pickus casino key employee license, (ii) Mr. Pickus conviction for certain crimes, (iii) Mr. Pickus disability or death or (iv) Mr. Pickus breach of his duty to the Trump Companies. Upon termination for Cause, Mr. Pickus is entitled to receive compensation accrued yet unpaid as of the date of termination. Mr. Pickus may terminate the Pickus Employment Agreement at any time following a Change of Control, effective on the 30th day after such effective notice, and Mr. Pickus shall be entitled to receive a lump sum payment for the full amount of unpaid compensation for the full term of the Pickus Employment Agreement. The Pickus Employment Agreement defines Change of Control as (i) the acquisition of (x) the Trump Companies or (y) more than thirty-five percent (35.0%) of our common stock, or equivalent limited partnership interests of THCR Holdings, by an unrelated party or (ii) the sale or long-term lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Trump Companies. During the term of the Pickus Employment Agreement, Mr. Pickus has agreed to devote his full time, attention and efforts to the Trump Companies, and not to accept employment, either as an employee, consultant or independent contractor, with any other casino hotel located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mr. Pickus has also agreed not to consult with or otherwise engage, either directly or indirectly, in any other activities of a business nature for any other person or entity without the Trump Companies prior written consent.
Francis X. McCarthy, Jr. Mr. McCarthy serves as Executive Vice President of Corporate Finance of the Trump Companies pursuant to an employment agreement, dated April 17, 2000, or the McCarthy Employment Agreement. The McCarthy Employment Agreement, as amended, expires on December 31, 2006 and provides for annual base salary of $400,000, which shall be increased at a rate not less than 5% per annum commencing January 1, 2004, and a discretionary bonus. The McCarthy Employment Agreement may be terminated for Cause, defined in the McCarthy Employment Agreement as (i) the revocation of Mr. McCarthys casino key employee license, (ii) Mr. McCarthys conviction for certain crimes, (iii) Mr. McCarthys disability or death or (iv) the breach by Mr. McCarthy of his duty to the Trump Companies. Upon termination for Cause, Mr. McCarthy is entitled to receive compensation accrued yet unpaid as of the date of termination. Mr. McCarthy may terminate the McCarthy Employment Agreement at any time following a Change of Control, effective on the 30th day after such effective notice, and Mr. McCarthy shall be entitled to receive a lump sum payment of the
58
full amount of the unpaid compensation for the full term of the McCarthy Employment Agreement. The McCarthy Employment Agreement defines Change of Control as (i) the acquisition of (x) the Trump Companies or (y) more than thirty-five percent (35.0%) of our common stock, or equivalent limited partnership interests of THCR Holdings, by an unrelated party or (ii) the sale or long-term lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Trump Companies. During the term of the McCarthy Employment Agreement, Mr. McCarthy has agreed to devote his full time, attention and efforts to the Trump Companies, and not to accept employment, either as an employee, consultant or independent contractor, with any other casino hotel located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mr. McCarthy has also agreed not to consult with or otherwise engage, either directly or indirectly, in any other activities of a business nature for any other person or entity without the Trump Companies prior written consent.
Joseph A. Fusco. Mr. Fusco serves as Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs of the Trump Companies pursuant to an employment agreement, dated April 17, 2000, or the Fusco Employment Agreement. The Fusco Employment Agreement, as amended, expires on December 31, 2006 and provides for annual base salary of $400,000, which shall be increased at a rate not less than 5% per annum commencing January 1, 2004, and a discretionary bonus. The Fusco Employment Agreement may be terminated for Cause, defined in the Fusco Employment Agreement as (i) the revocation of Mr. Fuscos casino key employee license, (ii) Mr. Fuscos conviction for certain crimes, (iii) Mr. Fuscos disability or death or (iv) the breach by Mr. Fusco of his duty to the Trump Companies. Upon termination for Cause, Mr. Fusco is entitled to receive compensation accrued yet unpaid as of the date of termination. Mr. Fusco may terminate the Fusco Employment Agreement at any time following a Change of Control, effective on the 30th day after such notice and Mr. Fusco shall be entitled to receive a lump sum payment of the full amount of the unpaid compensation for the full term of the Fusco Employment Agreement. The Fusco Employment Agreement defines Change of Control as (i) the acquisition of (x) the Trump Companies or (y) more than thirty-five percent (35.0%) of our common stock, or equivalent limited partnership interests of THCR Holdings, by an unrelated party or (ii) the sale or long-term lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Trump Companies. During the term of the Fusco Employment Agreement, Mr. Fusco has agreed to devote his full time, attention and efforts to the Trump Companies, and not to accept employment, either as an employee, consultant or independent contractor, with any other casino hotel located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mr. Fusco has also agreed not to consult with or otherwise engage, either directly or indirectly, in any other activities of a business nature for any other person or entity without the Trump Companies prior written consent.
Compensation of Directors
Mr. Trump, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, received no remuneration for serving as such during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. Members of our Board of Directors who are also employees or consultants of THCR and its affiliates receive no directors fees. Non-employee directors are paid an annual stipend of $50,000, plus $2,000 per meeting attended and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending these meetings, provided that directors currently serving on the Board of Directors of Trump AC Funding or Trump AC Holding receive no additional compensation.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors has the following committees: (i) Executive Committee, (ii) Audit Committee, (iii) Special Committee, (iv) Stock Incentive Plan Committee and (v) Compensation Committee. The Executive Committee consists of Mr. Trump. Both the Audit Committee and the Special Committee consist of Messrs. Askins, Ryan, Thomas and McGuire, each of whom is an independent director of THCR, as defined by the rules and regulations promulgated by the NYSE. Each member of our Board of Directors sits on the Boards Stock Incentive Plan Committee. The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Askins and Thomas. The Special Committee was established pursuant to our bylaws and the THCR Holdings Partnership Agreement, and is empowered to vote on any matters which require approval of a majority of the independent directors of THCR, including affiliated transactions. In connection with a settlement agreement, effective on January 23,
59
2002, in connection with our acquisition of Trump Marina in October 1996, we have covenanted that all proposed transactions involving THCR or THCR Holdings in which Trump has a personal interest valued over $200,000 or any transaction between THCR and any officer or director having a value of at least $200,000 (other than transactions relating to salary or other compensation paid in the ordinary course of business), will be reviewed by the Special Committee, which shall make findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to such proposed transactions. At all times, the Special Committee is required to be comprised of at least two non-employee directors, one of whom shall be Mr. McGuire or his successor who shall be an independent director, and no employee directors.
Financial Expert
Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Askins is a financial expert (as defined by Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002). Mr. Askins is an independent director, as that term is defined by the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, and serves on our Boards Audit Committee, Stock Incentive Plan Committee, Special Committee and Compensation Committee. See Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant; Wallace B. Askins.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
In general, our executive officers compensation is determined by our Boards Compensation Committee, which currently consists of Messrs. Trump, Askins and Thomas. No officer or employee of THCR, other than Mr. Trump, participated in the Boards deliberations concerning executive compensation. Mr. Trump did not participate in the Compensations Committees deliberations concerning his own compensation under the Trump Executive Agreement. See Executive Compensation; Employment Agreements, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements; Donald J. Trump.
During 2002, we and our subsidiaries were involved in several transactions, or series of similar transactions, in which the amount exceeds $60,000 and in which Mr. Trump had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. Below is a brief description of such transactions. See Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
| Trump Tower Lease. We lease office space in Trump Tower located in New York, New York for general, executive and administrative purposes pursuant to a lease, dated November 1, 1996, as amended, with Trump Tower Commercial, LLC, an entity owned by Donald J. Trump. In 2002, we paid $67,750 under the lease. See Properties; New York City. |
| Use of Trumps Facilities. Beginning in late 1997, the Trump Atlantic City Properties began to utilize certain facilities owned by Trump to entertain high-end customers. Management believes that the ability to utilize these facilities enhances THCRs revenues. In 2002, we paid an aggregate amount of $826,000 in consideration for the use of these facilities. |
| Castle Services Agreement. Pursuant to a services agreement, dated December 28, 1993, or the Castle Services Agreement, between Marina Associates and Trump Casinos II, Inc., or TCI-II, an entity wholly-owned by Mr. Trump, Mr. Trump provides consulting services to Marina Associates. In consideration for such services, Marina Associates pays TCIII certain fees in those years in which EBITDA exceeds prescribed amounts. In 2002, Marina Associates paid TCI-II $3,454,000 under the Castle Services Agreement. In connection with the TCH Note Offering, Mr. Trump agreed to terminate the Castle Services Agreement; provided, however, that any incentive compensation earned under the Castle Services Agreement in respect of 2002 but payable thereafter shall remain payable. The Company and Mr. Trump intend to restructure his compensation arrangements in the near future. In connection with any new compensation arrangements that may be entered into with Mr. Trump, it is anticipated that all or a portion of such compensation will be allocated among our operating subsidiaries under the Casino Services Agreement. See Business; Certain Agreements; Casino Services Agreement. See Executive Compensation; Employment Agreements, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements; Donald J. Trump. |
| Trademark License Agreement. Subject to certain restrictions, we have the exclusive world-wide right to use the Trump name and Mr. Trumps likeness in connection with gaming and related activities pursuant to a trademark license agreement, dated June 12, 1995, and the amendments thereto, between |
60
Mr. Trump, as licensor, and THCR, as licensee. In 2002, no money was paid to Mr. Trump under the trademark license agreement. Under the trademark license agreement, THCR and Mr. Trump have agreed to indemnify each other against any damages, liability, costs, claims, fees, obligations or expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and expenses incurred in defense of any action under the trademark license agreement, provided, however, that the obligation to indemnify and hold the other party harmless shall not include any losses arising out of gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of the other party. |
| Purchase of THCR Holdings Senior Notes from Mr. Trump. Included in the $96.9 principal amount (including call premium) of THCR Holdings Senior Notes redeemed or acquired by THCR Holdings with the net proceeds of the TCH Note Offering, $1.7 million principal amount were held by Mr. Trump. THCR Holdings also acquired an additional $15.0 million principal amount of THCR Holdings Senior Notes on the closing date of the TCH Note Offering in a private transaction with Donald J. Trump. The purchase price for the $16.7 aggregate principal amount of THCR Holdings Senior Notes acquired from Mr. Trump consisted of 1,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock of THCR valued at $15.0 million, plus a cash amount equal to $1.7 million, plus the applicable redemption premium of 2.583% (approximately $432,000) and accrued interest of approximately $0.7 million on the entire $16.7 million of THCR Holdings Senior Notes sold by Mr. Trump to THCR. The Series A Preferred Stock of THCR may in the future be exchanged by Mr. Trump for an aggregate of 7,894,737 shares of common stock of THCR. The Series A Preferred Stock (which is newly designated) does not pay or accrue any dividend and has a liquidation preference aggregating $15.0 million. The Series A Preferred Stock may not be exchanged for common stock by Mr. Trump until such time as the stockholders of THCR approve such issuance. See Business; Recent Events; TCH Note Offering and Certain Relationships and Related Transactions; Purchase of THCR Holdings Senior Notes from Mr. Trump. |
| Second Priority Mortgage Notes. In connection with the TCH Note Offering, Donald J. Trump, or one of his affiliates, purchased, in a concurrent private offering, $15.0 million aggregate principal amount of additional Second Priority Mortgage Notes at the same purchase price at which the initial purchasers purchased the Second Priority Mortgage Notes. A portion of the funds required by Mr. Trump to purchase such Second Priority Mortgages Notes was obtained through a loan with an affiliate of UBS Warburg LLC, one of the initial purchasers of the TCH Notes. |
| Riviera Holdings Corporation. On July 1, 2002, consistent with the Contribution Agreement, dated June 12, 1995, between Mr. Trump and THCR Holdings, Mr. Trump purchased 350,000 shares of common stock of Riviera Holdings Corporation. On July 10, 2002, Mr. Trump granted THCR Holdings, at no cost, an option to purchase his 350,000 shares of Rivieras common stock until December 31, 2003 at an exercise price equal to the greater of (i) Mr. Trumps cost of acquiring the shares ($2,275,000 plus incurred brokerage fees and commissions) and (ii) the fair market value of the shares based upon the 20 trading day average closing price of Rivieras common stock as reported on the American Stock Exchange preceding the exercise of the option. |
On December 26, 2002, Mr. Trump purchased an additional 8,000 shares of Rivieras common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $37,970.40, net of brokerage commissions. Mr. Trump granted, at no cost, THCR Holdings an option to purchase the 8,000 shares on the same terms as the original option.
Other Relationships. The SEC requires registrants to describe any relationships that existed during the last completed fiscal year in which a registrants executive officers served on either the compensation committee (or a committee performing similar functions) or board of directors of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on either the compensation committee (or a committee performing similar functions) or board of directors of