-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Jil676w4hoSOWRrf+m4b8kLXLPPTpZBvPTwltYXJ/WhnNe3JRhtbwjpSuVKnXTD5 dSbe3k3n06bTiyhu4NRP5Q== 0001193125-07-238664.txt : 20071107 0001193125-07-238664.hdr.sgml : 20071107 20071107172537 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-07-238664 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070930 FILED AS OF DATE: 20071107 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20071107 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARRAHS ENTERTAINMENT INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000858339 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-MISCELLANEOUS AMUSEMENT & RECREATION [7990] IRS NUMBER: 621411755 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-10410 FILM NUMBER: 071222580 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE HARRAHS COURT CITY: LAS VEGAS STATE: NV ZIP: 89119 BUSINESS PHONE: 7024076000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE HARRAHS COURT CITY: LAS VEGAS STATE: NV ZIP: 89119 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: PROMUS COMPANIES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2007

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 No. 1-10410

 


HARRAH’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   I.R.S. No. 62-1411755

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

One Caesars Palace Drive

Las Vegas, Nevada

  89109
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(702) 407-6000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

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

 


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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  x   Accelerated filer  ¨   Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of October 31, 2007, there were 187,578,183 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding.

 



PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation, have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and notes necessary for complete financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The results for the periods indicated are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of operating results.

Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of a full year of operations. These Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

2


HARRAH’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

(In millions, except share amounts)

   Sept. 30,
2007
    Dec. 31,
2006
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 654.7     $ 799.6  

Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $121.9 and $94.7

     416.4       429.6  

Deferred income taxes

     194.3       143.6  

Income tax receivable

     58.3       28.5  

Prepayments and other

     200.4       166.5  

Inventories

     72.0       63.0  
                

Total current assets

     1,596.1       1,630.8  
                

Land, buildings, riverboats and equipment

     18,582.9       16,744.9  

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (3,240.5 )     (2,723.9 )
                
     15,342.4       14,021.0  

Assets held for sale (Notes 1 and 11)

     3.5       387.3  

Goodwill (Notes 3 and 4)

     3,690.1       3,689.4  

Intangible assets (Notes 3 and 4)

     2,045.9       2,044.5  

Deferred costs and other

     508.3       511.9  
                
   $ 23,186.3     $ 22,284.9  
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable

   $ 346.5     $ 465.0  

Accrued expenses

     1,422.3       1,324.8  

Current portion of long-term debt (Note 6)

     10.7       451.2  
                

Total current liabilities

     1,779.5       2,241.0  

Liabilities held for sale (Notes 1 and 11)

     0.7       0.6  

Long-term debt (Note 6)

     12,282.0       11,638.7  

Deferred credits and other

     468.7       384.2  

Deferred income taxes

     1,949.0       1,896.9  
                
     16,479.9       16,161.4  
                

Minority interests

     57.4       52.4  
                

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6, 8, 9 and 12)

    

Stockholders’ equity (Notes 5 and 6)

    

Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized—720,000,000 shares, outstanding—187,552,920 and 186,146,738 shares (net of 36,021,071 and 35,735,329 shares held in treasury)

     18.8       18.6  

Capital surplus

     5,292.7       5,148.2  

Retained earnings

     1,332.9       907.1  

Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)

     4.6       (2.8 )
                
     6,649.0       6,071.1  
                
   $ 23,186.3     $ 22,284.9  
                

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

3


HARRAH’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Third Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended  

(In millions, except per share amounts)

   Sept. 30,
2007
    Sept. 30,
2006
    Sept. 30,
2007
   

Sept. 30,

2006

 

Revenues

        

Casino

   $ 2,333.6     $ 2,054.4     $ 6,686.7     $ 5,868.7  

Food and beverage

     445.1       411.7       1,299.1       1,192.6  

Rooms

     341.6       310.0       1,035.9       936.8  

Management fees

     20.5       23.8       64.2       66.9  

Other

     184.8       165.9       525.1       452.8  

Less: casino promotional allowances

     (485.3 )     (453.3 )     (1,413.3 )     (1,274.5 )
                                

Total revenues

     2,840.3       2,512.5       8,197.7       7,243.3  
                                

Operating expenses

        

Direct

        

Casino

     1,195.9       1,002.2       3,444.8       2,873.2  

Food and beverage

     194.3       179.0       553.7       523.5  

Rooms

     67.0       62.6       201.1       193.8  

Property general, administrative and other

     592.7       584.0       1,795.4       1,605.3  

Depreciation and amortization

     206.8       169.3       601.4       487.1  

Write-downs, reserves and recoveries

     (54.5 )     (1.3 )     (83.0 )     9.0  

Project opening costs

     4.8       5.7       22.1       14.9  

Corporate expense

     37.6       48.0       97.7       136.1  

Merger and integration costs

     0.7       3.9       8.3       23.7  

Losses/(income) on interests in nonconsolidated affiliates

     0.1       0.2       (3.6 )     (2.9 )

Amortization of intangible assets

     17.7       17.0       53.5       52.8  
                                

Total operating expenses

     2,263.1       2,070.6       6,691.4       5,916.5  
                                

Income from operations

     577.2       441.9       1,506.3       1,326.8  

Interest expense, net of interest capitalized

     (216.1 )     (165.7 )     (578.4 )     (492.2 )

Losses on early extinguishments of debt

     (2.0 )     (0.9 )     (2.0 )     (62.0 )

Other income, including interest income

     4.9       3.0       28.7       4.7  
                                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests

     364.0       278.3       954.6       777.3  

Provision for income taxes

     (137.4 )     (96.3 )     (354.1 )     (279.7 )

Minority interests

     (6.0 )     (3.7 )     (17.2 )     (13.2 )
                                

Income from continuing operations

     220.6       178.3       583.3       484.4  
                                

Discontinued operations

        

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations

     39.0       (3.2 )     133.3       4.2  

Provision for income taxes

     (15.2 )     2.1       (49.4 )     (0.5 )
                                

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net

     23.8       (1.1 )     83.9       3.7  
                                

Net income

   $ 244.4     $ 177.2     $ 667.2     $ 488.1  
                                

Earnings per share—basic

        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 1.18     $ 0.97     $ 3.14     $ 2.64  

Discontinued operations, net

     0.13       (0.01 )     0.45       0.02  
                                

Net income

   $ 1.31     $ 0.96     $ 3.59     $ 2.66  
                                

Earnings per share—diluted

        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 1.16     $ 0.96     $ 3.07     $ 2.59  

Discontinued operations, net

     0.12       (0.01 )     0.44       0.02  
                                

Net income

   $ 1.28     $ 0.95     $ 3.51     $ 2.61  
                                

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.40     $ 0.40     $ 1.20     $ 1.13  
                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     186.5       184.3       186.0       183.8  

Additional shares based on average market price for period applicable to:

        

Restricted stock

     0.1       0.3       0.1       0.4  

Stock options

     2.4       1.7       2.4       3.0  

Stock appreciation rights

     0.3       —         0.2       —    

Convertible debt

     1.4       —         1.4       —    
                                

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

     190.7       186.3       190.1       187.2  
                                

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

4


HARRAH’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Nine Months Ended  

(In millions)

   Sept. 30,
2007
    Sept. 30,
2006
 

Cash flows from operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 667.2     $ 488.1  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:

    

Income from discontinued operations, before income taxes

     (133.3 )     (4.2 )

Income from insurance claims for hurricane losses

     (116.9 )     —    

Losses on early extinguishments of debt

     2.0       62.0  

Depreciation and amortization

     664.8       515.4  

Write-downs, reserves and recoveries

     3.1       0.8  

Other noncash items

     23.2       32.5  

Share-based compensation expense

     39.4       38.4  

Deferred income taxes

     84.6       35.4  

Tax benefit from stock equity plans

     1.3       1.2  

Minority interests’ share of income

     17.2       13.2  

Income on interests in nonconsolidated affiliates

     (3.6 )     (2.9 )

Net change in insurance receivables for hurricane damage

     0.2       —    

Returns on investment in nonconsolidated affiliate

     1.3       2.2  

Insurance proceeds for hurricane losses

     63.9       —    

Net gains from asset sales

     (16.9 )     (2.7 )

Net change in long-term accounts

     4.8       (5.8 )

Net change in working capital accounts

     (117.4 )     (89.3 )
                

Cash flows provided by operating activities

     1,184.9       1,084.3  
                

Cash flows from investing activities

    

Land, buildings, riverboats and equipment additions

     (1,035.8 )     (1,654.8 )

Payments for businesses acquired, net of cash acquired

     (579.6 )     —    

Insurance proceeds for hurricane losses for discontinued operations

     58.2       86.7  

Insurance proceeds for hurricane losses for continuing operations

     58.0       70.0  

(Decrease)/Increase in construction payables

     (15.1 )     20.1  

Investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates

     (0.8 )     (0.9 )

Proceeds from other asset sales

     95.8       18.5  

Proceeds from sales of discontinued operations

     —         388.5  

Proceeds from sale of long-term investments

     —         49.4  

Other

     (76.2 )     (26.7 )
                

Cash flows used in investing activities

     (1,495.5 )     (1,049.2 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities

    

Borrowings under lending agreements, net of deferred financing costs

     23,607.8       4,544.1  

Repayments under lending agreements

     (22,263.9 )     (4,398.8 )

Scheduled debt retirements

     (1,001.7 )     (5.0 )

Dividends paid

     (224.2 )     (208.3 )

Early extinguishments of debt

     (120.1 )     (795.0 )

Minority interests’ (distributions)/contributions, net

     (12.8 )     3.8  

Proceeds from exercises of stock options

     71.3       55.2  

Excess tax benefit from stock equity plans

     32.4       18.8  

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of issue costs

     —         739.1  

Premiums paid on early extinguishments of debt

     —         (56.7 )

Losses on derivative instrument

     —         (2.6 )

Other

     (1.6 )     4.6  
                

Cash flows provided by/(used in) financing activities

     87.2       (100.8 )
                

Cash flows from discontinued operations

    

Cash flows from operating activities

     78.7       17.1  

Cash flows from investing activities

     (0.2 )     (3.9 )
                

Cash flows provided by discontinued operations

     78.5       13.2  
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (144.9 )     (52.5 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     799.6       724.4  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 654.7     $ 671.9  
                

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

5


HARRAH’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

    Third Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended

(In millions)

  Sept. 30,
2007
    Sept. 30,
2006
  Sept. 30,
2007
    Sept. 30,
2006

Net income

  $ 244.4     $ 177.2   $ 667.2     $ 488.1
                           

Other comprehensive income:

       

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (benefit)/provision of $(2.6), $0.8, $(1.9) and $0.9

    (3.2 )     1.0     (2.2 )     1.2

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax (benefit)/provision of $(2.7), $0.0, $4.0 and $0.0

    (6.4 )     —       9.2       —  

Reclassification of loss on derivative instrument from other comprehensive income to net income, net of tax provision of $0.1, $0.0, $0.2 and $0.2

    0.1       0.1     0.4       0.5
                           
    (9.5 )     1.1     7.4       1.7
                           

Comprehensive income

  $ 234.9     $ 178.3   $ 674.6     $ 489.8
                           

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

6


Note 1—Basis of Presentation and Organization

Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (“Harrah’s Entertainment,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us,” and including our subsidiaries where the context requires) is a Delaware corporation. As of September 30, 2007, we own or manage 50 casinos, primarily under the Harrah’s, Caesars and Horseshoe brand names in the United States. Our casino entertainment facilities include 31 land-based casinos, 12 riverboat or dockside casinos, three managed casinos on Indian lands, one combination thoroughbred racetrack and casino, one combination greyhound racetrack and casino, one combination harness racetrack and casino and one managed casino in Canada. Our 31 land-based casinos include one in Uruguay, nine in the United Kingdom, two in Egypt and one in South Africa. We view each property as an operating segment and aggregate all operating segments into one reporting segment.

On December 19, 2006, we entered into a definitive agreement for affiliates of TPG, formerly Texas Pacific Group, and Apollo Management, L.P. (“Apollo”) to acquire Harrah’s Entertainment in an all-cash transaction valued on that date at approximately $27.8 billion, including the assumption of $10.7 billion of debt. Under the terms of the agreement, holders of Harrah’s Entertainment stock will receive $90.00 in cash for each outstanding share of common stock.

At a special meeting on April 5, 2007, Harrah’s Entertainment’s stockholders approved the merger and merger agreement.

The transaction is expected to be completed in late 2007 or early 2008 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. As of November 5, 2007, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission and the Mississippi Gaming Commission have approved the transaction. The transaction is not subject to financing conditions. If the other closing conditions in the agreement are satisfied or waived, the affiliates of TPG and Apollo will merge with and into Harrah’s Entertainment, and Harrah’s Entertainment will be the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of an entity controlled by TPG and Apollo.

As a result of the merger, if completed, our stock will no longer be publicly traded.

The merger agreement with affiliates of TPG and Apollo contains customary restrictions on the operations of the Company prior to the consummation of the transaction, including restrictions related to the incurrence of debt and capital expenditures.

Certain of our properties were sold in 2006, and prior to their sales, assets and liabilities of these properties were classified in our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as Assets/Liabilities held for sale, and their operating results through the date of their sales were presented as discontinued operations. See Note 11 for further information regarding discontinued operations.

Note 2—Stock-Based Employee Compensation

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”. We recognized expense for stock-based employee compensation of $19.8 million and $56.1 million in third quarter and the first nine months of 2007, respectively, and $20.7 million and $48.6 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, respectively. Effective January 1, 2007, we began allocating a portion of the expense related to stock options and stock appreciation rights to the applicable reporting unit, whereas, in 2006, that expense was included in Corporate expense. For the third quarter and first nine months of 2007, $15.0 million and $29.5 million, respectively, of this expense is included in Corporate expense, and $4.8 million and $26.6 million, respectively, of the expense is included in Property general, administrative and other in our 2007 Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income. For the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, $18.0 million and $44.1 million, respectively, of this expense is included in Corporate expense, and $2.7 million and $4.5 million, respectively, of the expense is included in Property general, administrative and other in our 2006 Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income.

 

7


During third quarter 2007, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) were granted for approximately 0.7 million shares of stock at a grant price of $85.43, and 0.2 million shares of restricted stock, with a grant price of $85.43 per share, were granted. The SARs and restricted stock vest over three years; however, upon consummation of the proposed sale of the Company, outstanding SARs, whether vested or unvested, and unvested restricted stock will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash. These grants represented the only material award activity in the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Note 3—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table sets forth changes in our goodwill for the period ended September 30, 2007.

 

(In millions)     

Balance at December 31, 2006

   $ 3,689.4

Additions or adjustments

     0.7
      

Balance at September 30, 2007

   $ 3,690.1
      

The following table provides the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible assets.

 

     September 30, 2007    December 31, 2006
(In millions)   

Gross

Carrying

Amount

  

Accumulated

Amortization

  

Net

Carrying

Amount

   Gross
Carrying
Amount
  

Accumulated

Amortization

  

Net

Carrying

Amount

Amortizing intangible assets:

                 

Trademarks

   $ 31.0    $ 14.3    $ 16.7    $ 31.0    $ 9.6    $ 21.4

Gaming rights

     37.5      3.0      34.5      37.4      2.0      35.4

Contract rights

     131.7      46.9      84.8      131.7      36.6      95.1

Customer relationships

     654.2      130.6      523.6      654.2      93.0      561.2
                                         
   $ 854.4    $ 194.8      659.6    $ 854.3    $ 141.2      713.1
                                         

Nonamortizing intangible assets:

                 

Trademarks

           570.4            570.2

Gaming rights

           815.9            761.2
                         
           1,386.3            1,331.4
                         

Total

         $ 2,045.9          $ 2,044.5
                         

The aggregate amortization expense for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007, for those assets that are amortized under the provisions of SFAS No. 142 was $17.7 million and $53.5 million, respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense for those assets for the years ending December 31, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 is $71.3 million, $69.7 million, $68.2 million, $61.1 million and $55.5 million, respectively. The amount of amortization to be recorded in future periods is subject to change as the purchase price allocations are refined and finalized (see Note 4).

Note 4—Acquisitions

London Clubs

In December 2006, we completed our acquisition of 100% of the ordinary shares of London Clubs International Limited (“London Clubs”) for approximately $590.2 million, including acquisition costs, and assumed the entity’s debt of approximately $78.5 million. As of September 30, 2007, London Clubs operates nine casinos in the United Kingdom, two in Egypt and one in South Africa. London Clubs also has two additional casinos under development in the United Kingdom. The results for London Clubs are included in our operating results subsequent to its acquisition.

 

8


For purposes of these financial statements, we have assigned values to the assets, including intangible assets, and liabilities of London Clubs equal to their historical net book values. The initial value of $150.3 million that has been assigned to intangible assets represents London Clubs’ costs for gaming licenses, which are not subject to amortization. We have assumed that the excess of the purchase price over the net book value of the assets acquired is goodwill. Values assigned to assets will be revised upon review of reports from third parties that we have engaged to perform valuation studies. The purchase price allocation will be completed within one year of the acquisition.

Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon

On February 27, 2007, we exchanged certain real estate, acquired for $367.9 million, that we owned on the Las Vegas Strip for property formerly known as the Barbary Coast, located at the northeast corner of Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard, between Bally’s Las Vegas and Flamingo Las Vegas. With the closing of this acquisition and other parcels under an acquisition agreement, we have a total of nearly 350 acres of land encompassing the area between Paris Las Vegas to the south, Harrah’s Las Vegas to the north, Koval Avenue to the east and the Rio to the west. We have essentially completed our land assemblage goals in Las Vegas. We began operating the acquired property on March 1, 2007, as Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, and its results are included in our operating results from the date of its acquisition. For purposes of these financial statements, we have assumed that the excess of the purchase price over the net book value of the assets acquired is land costs. Values assigned to assets, including land, will be revised upon finalization of the purchase price allocation, which will be completed within one year of the acquisition.

Note 5—Stockholders’ Equity

In addition to its common stock, Harrah’s Entertainment has the following classes of stock authorized but unissued:

Preferred stock, $100 par value, 150,000 shares authorized

Special stock, $1.125 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized—

Series A Special Stock, 4,000,000 shares designated

In July 2007, the Company declared a regular cash dividend of 40 cents per share, which was paid on August 22, 2007, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 8, 2007. The Company has paid quarterly cash dividends since third quarter 2003. Subsequent to the end of third quarter 2007, we declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 40 cents per share, payable on November 21, 2007, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 8, 2007.

Note 6—Debt

At September 30, 2007, $250 million, face amount, of our Floating Rate Senior Notes due February 2008, and $400 million of our 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due September 2008, are classified as long-term in our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet because the Company has both the intent and the ability to refinance these notes.

Credit Agreement

Our primary credit facilities (the “Credit Agreement”) provide for up to $5.0 billion in borrowings, maturing on April 25, 2011. Interest on the Credit Agreement is based on our debt ratings and leverage ratio and is subject to change. As of September 30, 2007, the Credit Agreement bore interest based upon 62.5 basis points over LIBOR and bore a facility fee for borrowed and unborrowed amounts of 17.5 basis points, a combined 80.0 basis points. At our option, we may borrow at the prime rate under the Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2007, $4.5 billion in borrowings was outstanding under the Credit Agreement with an additional $138.5 million committed to back letters of credit. After consideration of these borrowings, $379.2 million of additional borrowing capacity was available to the Company under this facility as of September 30, 2007.

 

9


Additional Credit Agreement

On February 14, 2007, we entered into an Additional Credit Agreement that provides for a term loan of $1.125 billion and revolving advances of $1.125 billion, totaling an aggregate principal amount of $2.25 billion, maturing February 14, 2010. The additional credit facilities will provide funds to cover debt service requirements and other working capital needs until the merger is complete. The Credit Agreement remains in effect and is not affected by the Additional Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2007, $1.125 billion in borrowings was outstanding under the Additional Credit Agreement, with an additional $1.125 billion of borrowing capacity available to the Company under this agreement.

Contingent Convertible Senior Notes

Included in the debt assumed in the Caesars acquisition is $375 million Floating Rate Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2024. The notes bear interest at an annual rate equal to the three month LIBOR, adjusted quarterly. The interest rate on these notes was 5.4% at September 30, 2007. The notes are convertible into cash and shares of common stock in the following circumstances:

 

   

during any fiscal quarter, if the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock for 20 out of the last 30 consecutive trading days during the previous quarter is more than 120% of the Conversion Price of the notes;

 

   

the Company has called the notes for redemption and the redemption has not yet occurred;

 

   

during the five trading day period immediately after any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price of the notes per $1,000 principal amount for each day of such period was less than 95% of the product of the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on such day multiplied by the number of shares issuable upon conversion; provided that, if on such date, the common stock price is between the Conversion Price and 120% of the Conversion Price, as defined, then the holders will receive the principal amount of the notes surrendered plus accrued but unpaid interest; or

 

   

upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions as defined in the indenture covering these notes.

Because the closing price of our common stock was more than 120% of the Conversion Price of the notes for 20 of the last 30 trading days of the quarter ended September 30, 2007, these notes are currently convertible.

Holders may convert any outstanding notes into cash and shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price per share of $65.54 (the “Conversion Price”) at September 30, 2007. This represents a conversion rate of approximately 15.2579 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (the “Conversion Rate”). Subject to certain exceptions described in the indenture covering these notes, at the time the notes are tendered for conversion, the value (the “Conversion Value”) of the cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, if any, to be received by a holder converting $1,000 principal amount of the notes will be determined by multiplying the Conversion Rate by the “Ten Day Average Closing Stock Price,” which equals the average of the closing per share prices of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the ten consecutive trading days beginning on the second trading day following the day the notes are submitted for conversion. The Conversion Value will be delivered to holders as follows: (1) an amount in cash (the “Principal Return”) equal to the lesser of (a) the aggregate Conversion Value of the notes to be converted and (b) the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be converted, and (2) if the aggregate Conversion Value of the notes to be converted is greater than the Principal Return, any amount in shares (the “Net Shares”) equal to the aggregate Conversion Value less the Principal Return (the “Net Share Amount”). The Company will pay the Principal Return and deliver the Net Shares, if any, as promptly as practicable after determination of the Net Share Amount. The number of Net Shares to be paid will be determined by dividing the Net Share Amount by the Ten Day Average Closing Stock Price.

The Conversion Price decreases when cash dividends are declared so that the Conversion Price equals the price determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the record date for such

 

10


dividend by a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is the average of the pre-dividend sale price, as defined in the agreement, minus the amount of the cash dividend, and (ii) the denominator of which is the pre-dividend sale price. As a result of the third quarter 2007 cash dividend, the Conversion Price was adjusted from $65.85 at June 30, 2007, to $65.54 at September 30, 2007.

The notes are redeemable by the Company at any time on or after April 20, 2009, at 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. Holders may require the Company to purchase all or a portion of these notes on April 15, 2009, 2014, or 2019 at 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. The notes are unsecured obligations, rank equal with our other senior indebtedness and are senior to all of our subordinated indebtedness.

Upon consummation of the pending sale of the Company and for a period of 15 days thereafter, the holders of our notes will have the right to convert the notes into the merger consideration. Each $1,000 note would be divided by the then current conversion rate and the holder would receive the merger consideration for each share on an as-converted basis. In addition, the merger would be deemed a change in control under the indenture governing the notes. Upon any change of control, we must make an offer to repurchase any outstanding notes within 30 days of the closing of the merger at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest. To the extent the notes are not converted into the merger consideration or repurchased by us, they will be assumed by the buyers pursuant to a supplemental indenture.

Derivative Instruments

We account for derivative instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and all amendments thereto. SFAS No. 133 requires that all derivative instruments be recognized in the financial statements at fair value. Any changes in fair value are recorded in the income statement or in other comprehensive income, depending on whether the derivative is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting, the type of hedge transaction and the effectiveness of the hedge. The estimated fair values of our derivative instruments are based on market prices obtained from dealer quotes. Such quotes represent the estimated amounts we would receive or pay to terminate the contracts.

Our derivative instruments contain a credit risk that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. We minimize that risk by evaluating the creditworthiness of our counterparties, which are limited to major banks and financial institutions, and we do not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.

We use interest rate swaps to manage the mix of our debt between fixed and variable rate instruments. As of September 30, 2007, we have seven variable-for-fixed interest rate swap agreements for a total notional amount of $1.5 billion. The difference to be paid or received under the terms of the interest rate swap agreements is accrued as interest rates change and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense for the related debt. Changes in the variable interest rates to be paid or received pursuant to the terms of the interest rate swap agreements will have a corresponding effect on future cash flows. The major terms of the interest rate swaps are as follows.

 

Effective Date

  

Fixed Rate

Paid

   

Variable
Rate Received
as of

September 30,
2007

    Notional
Amount
  

Maturity

Date

                 (In millions)     

April 25, 2007

   4.898 %   5.360 %   $ 200    April 25, 2011

April 25, 2007

   4.896 %   5.360 %     200    April 25, 2011

April 25, 2007

   4.925 %   5.360 %     200    April 25, 2011

April 25, 2007

   4.917 %   5.360 %     200    April 25, 2011

April 25, 2007

   4.907 %   5.360 %     200    April 25, 2011

September 26, 2007

   4.809 %   5.188 %     250    April 25, 2011

September 26, 2007

   4.775 %   5.188 %     250    April 25, 2011

 

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Our interest rate swap agreements are not designated as hedging instruments; therefore, gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair values of the swaps are recognized in earnings in the period of change. In the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007, $25.2 million and $10.8 million, respectively, representing the aggregate net losses from the changes in the fair values of our interest rate swaps, are included in Interest expense in our 2007 Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income.

Commercial Paper

To provide the Company with cost-effective borrowing flexibility, we have a $200 million commercial paper program that is used to borrow funds for general corporate purposes. At September 30, 2007, there were no borrowings under this program.

Shelf Registration

To provide for additional financing flexibility, Harrah’s Entertainment, in connection with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. (“HOC”), filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in April 2006 for Harrah’s Entertainment’s common stock or HOC debt securities. The issue price of Harrah’s Entertainment common stock or the terms and conditions of HOC debt securities, which may be guaranteed by Harrah’s Entertainment, will be determined by market conditions at the time of issuance. The shelf registration statement is available until April 2009.

Retirement of Debt

In February 2007, $496.7 million of our 9.375% Senior Subordinated Notes matured and was retired, and in June 2007, $500.0 million of our 7.125% Senior Notes matured and was retired. The retirements were funded using proceeds from our Additional Credit Agreement and Credit Agreement, respectively.

In July 2007, we retired a $120.1 million credit facility of London Clubs, our subsidiary in the United Kingdom, and recorded a loss of $2.0 million on the early extinguishment of that debt.

Debt Repurchase Program

In July 2003, our Board of Directors authorized the Company to retire, from time to time through cash purchases, portions of our outstanding debt in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. These repurchases will be funded through available cash from operations and borrowings from our established debt programs. Such repurchases will depend on prevailing market conditions, the Company’s liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. No repurchases were made under this program during the first nine months of 2007.

Parent Company Guarantee of Subsidiary Debt

HOC, a 100% owned subsidiary and the principal asset of Harrah’s Entertainment, is the issuer of certain debt securities that have been guaranteed by Harrah’s Entertainment. Due to the comparability of HOC’s consolidated financial information with that of Harrah’s Entertainment, separate financial statements and other disclosures regarding HOC have not been presented. Management has determined that such information is not material to holders of HOC’s debt securities. Harrah’s Entertainment has no independent assets or operations, its guarantee of HOC’s debt securities is full and unconditional and its only other subsidiaries are minor. There are no significant restrictions on Harrah’s Entertainment’s ability to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividends or loans. In addition, the amount of consolidated retained earnings representing undistributed earnings of 50-percent-or-less owned persons accounted for under the equity method is less than 0.5 percent and there are no significant restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Company.

 

12


Note 7—Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Cash Paid for Interest and Taxes

The following table reconciles our Interest expense, net of interest capitalized, per the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income, to cash paid for interest:

 

     Nine Months Ended  
(In millions)   

Sept. 30,

2007

   

Sept. 30,

2006

 

Interest expense, net of interest capitalized

   $ 578.4     $ 492.2  

Adjustments to reconcile to cash paid for interest:

    

Net change in accruals

     0.4       1.8  

Amortization of deferred finance charges

     (7.6 )     (6.4 )

Net amortization of discounts and premiums

     30.6       54.5  

Amortization of other comprehensive income

     (0.7 )     —    

Change in fair value of interest rate swaps

     (10.8 )     —    
                

Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized

   $ 590.3     $ 542.1  
                

Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds

   $ 278.8     $ 174.5  
                

Note 8—Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Contractual Commitments

We continue to pursue additional casino development opportunities that may require, individually and in the aggregate, significant commitments of capital, up-front payments to third parties, guarantees by the Company of third-party debt and development completion guarantees.

The agreements under which we manage casinos on Indian lands contain provisions required by law that provide that a minimum monthly payment be made to the tribe. That obligation has priority over scheduled payments of borrowings for development costs and over the management fee earned and paid to the manager. In the event that insufficient cash flow is generated by the operations of the Indian-owned properties to fund this payment, we must pay the shortfall to the tribe. Subject to certain limitations as to time, such advances, if any, would be repaid to us in future periods in which operations generate cash flow in excess of the required minimum payment. These commitments will terminate upon the occurrence of certain defined events, including termination of the management contract. As of September 30, 2007, our aggregate monthly commitment for the minimum guaranteed payment pursuant to these contracts for the three Indian-owned facilities that we currently manage, which extend for periods of up to 74 months from September 30, 2007, is $1.2 million. The maximum exposure for the minimum guaranteed payments to the tribes is unlikely to exceed $58.8 million.

We may guarantee all or part of the debt incurred by Indian tribes, with which we have entered into management contracts, to fund development or expansion of casino facilities on the Indian lands. For the existing guarantee of Indian debt, we have obtained a first lien on certain personal property (tangible and intangible) of the casino enterprise. There can be no assurance, however, that the value of such property would satisfy our obligations in the event the guarantee was enforced. Additionally, we have received limited waivers from the Indian tribe of its sovereign immunity to allow us to pursue our rights under the contracts between the parties and to enforce collection efforts as to any assets in which a security interest is taken. The aggregate outstanding balance of such debt as of September 30, 2007, was $167.9 million.

Some of our guarantees of the debt for casinos on Indian lands were modified during 2003, resulting in the requirement under FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of indebtedness of Others,” to recognize a liability for the estimated

 

13


fair value of those guarantees. Liabilities, representing the fair value of our guarantees, and corresponding assets, representing the portion of our management fee receivable attributable to our agreements to provide the related guarantees, were recorded and are being amortized over the lives of the related agreements. We estimate the fair value of the obligations by considering what premium would have been required by us or by an unrelated party. The amounts recognized represent the present value of the premium in interest rates and fees that would have been charged to the tribes if we had not provided the guarantees. Because we did not renew the management agreement for one of the properties for which we had such a guarantee, the liability and corresponding asset were written off in first quarter 2007. The unamortized balance of the liability for the remaining guarantee and of the related asset at September 30, 2007, was $1.5 million.

In February 2007, we entered into an agreement with the State of Louisiana whereby we extended our guarantee of an annual payment obligation of JCC, our wholly-owned subsidiary, of $60 million owed to the State of Louisiana. The guarantee was extended for one year to end March 31, 2010.

In addition to the guarantees discussed above, as of September 30, 2007, we had commitments and contingencies of $2,452.1 million, including construction-related commitments.

Severance Agreements

As of September 30, 2007, we have severance agreements with 26 of our senior executives, which provide for payments to the executives in the event of their termination after a change in control, as defined. These agreements provide, among other things, for a compensation payment of 1.5 to 3.0 times the executive’s average annual compensation, as defined, as well as for accelerated payment or accelerated vesting of any compensation or awards payable to the executive under any of our incentive plans. The estimated amount, computed as of September 30, 2007, that would be payable under the agreements to these executives based on the compensation payments and stock awards aggregated approximately $237.3 million. The estimated amount that would be payable to these executives does not include an estimate for the tax gross-up payment, provided for in the agreements, that would be payable to the executive if the executive becomes entitled to severance payments which are subject to federal excise tax imposed on the executive.

Self-Insurance

We are self-insured for various levels of general liability, workers’ compensation and employee medical coverage. Insurance claims and reserves include accruals of estimated settlements for known claims, as well as accruals of actuarial estimates of incurred but not reported claims.

Other

The Company is conducting an investigation of certain construction-related matters after learning of certain permitting and other issues associated with projects in Las Vegas. The investigation involves renovation and remodeling projects undertaken since 2000 and has resulted in the closure for remediation of 894 rooms at the Rio and Harrah’s Las Vegas, of which 328 continue to be closed as of November 6, 2007. The Company is working diligently to rectify the problems identified and does not believe that the remediation costs and room closures will have a material effect on our business or results of operations.

Note 9—Litigation

Certain of our legal proceedings are reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, with material developments since that report described below. We are involved in various inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation relating to contracts, sales of property and other matters arising in the normal course of business. While any proceeding or litigation has an element of uncertainty, we believe that the final outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect upon our consolidated financial position or our results of operations.

 

14


On March 8, 2007, Harrah’s Entertainment, our board of directors, and the other named defendants in the Delaware and Nevada Lawsuits described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, entered into a memorandum of understanding with plaintiffs’ counsel in those lawsuits. Under the terms of the memorandum, Harrah’s Entertainment, our board of directors, the other named defendants, and the plaintiffs have agreed in principle that the Initial Nevada Lawsuits and the Delaware Lawsuit will be dismissed without prejudice and, subject to court approval, the Subsequent Nevada Lawsuits would be dismissed with prejudice.

Harrah’s Entertainment, our board of directors, and the other defendants deny all of the allegations in the lawsuits. Nevertheless, the defendants have agreed in principle to settle the purported class action litigations in order to avoid costly litigation and mitigate the risk of any delay to the closing of the merger. Pursuant to the terms of the memorandum, we have agreed to provide certain additional information to stockholders that has been included in our definitive proxy statement dated March 8, 2007. In addition, Harrah’s Entertainment or its successor has agreed to pay the legal fees and expenses of plaintiffs’ counsel, up to a certain limit and subject to approval by the court. Any payment of legal fees and expenses will not affect the amount of consideration to be paid in the acquisition by affiliates of TPG and Apollo. The entry of a final judgment and the grant of a release against Harrah’s Entertainment, our board of directors and the other named defendants will not affect the rights of any stockholders who timely and validly request exclusion from the settlement class pursuant to applicable law or who seek appraisal rights in compliance with all requirements of Delaware law. Additional details of the settlement in principle will be set forth in a separate notice to be sent to stockholders prior to a court hearing to consider the settlement, including any award of attorneys’ fees.

In April 2000, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (the “Tribe”) granted Caesars the exclusive rights to develop a casino project in the State of New York. On April 26, 2000, certain individual members of the Tribe purported to commence a class action proceeding in a “Tribal Court” in Hogansburg, New York, against Caesars seeking to nullify Caesars’ agreement with the Tribe. On March 20, 2001, the “Tribal Court” purported to render a default judgment against Caesars in the amount of $1.787 billion. Prior to our acquisition of Caesars in June 2005, it was believed that this matter was settled pending execution of final documents and mutual releases. Although fully executed settlement documents were never provided, on March 31, 2003, the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York dismissed litigation concerning the validity of the judgment, without prejudice, while retaining jurisdiction to reopen that litigation, if, within three months thereof, the settlement had not been completed and further litigation was necessary. On June 22, 2007, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York against Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. by certain trustees of the Catskill Litigation Trust alleging the Catskill Litigation Trust had been assigned the “Tribal Court” judgment and seeks to enforce it, with interest. According to a “Tribal Court” order, accrued interest through July 9, 2007, was $1.0 billion. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the case on August 13, 2007, and is awaiting a ruling from the District Court. The Company believes this matter to be without merit and will vigorously contest any attempt to enforce the judgment.

Note 10—Income Taxes

We adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recognized approximately a $12 million increase in the net liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007, balance of retained earnings. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2007, and September 30, 2007, are $183 million and $141 million, respectively. We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. We had approximately $40 million for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at January 1, 2007. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007, are $48 million of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. As a result of negotiations with the Australian Tax Office, payments made in connection with various amended state tax returns and expected assessments, we expect that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease during 2007 between $20 million and $50 million. Prior to the end of 2007, we will finalize our purchase accounting adjustments related to the

 

15


acquisition of London Clubs. As a result of the purchase accounting adjustments, it may be necessary to adjust the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for London Clubs. No range of possible adjustments has been defined as of the date of these financial statements.

We file income tax returns, including returns for our subsidiaries, with federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. As a large taxpayer, we are under continual audit by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and other taxing authorities on open tax positions, and it is possible that the amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits could change during the next twelve months. We are participating in the IRS’s Compliance Assurance Program (CAP) for the 2007 tax year. This program accelerates the examination of key transactions with the goal of resolving any issues before the return is filed. Our 2004 and 2005 federal income tax returns are currently being examined by the IRS in a traditional audit process.

Note 11—Discontinued Operations

In November 2006, we sold Harrah’s Lake Charles, which had been damaged in a hurricane in September 2005. Results for Harrah’s Lake Charles, until its sale in November 2006, were presented as discontinued operations. We recorded a pretax gain of approximately $10.9 million on this sale. Pursuant to the terms of the sale agreement, we are to retain all insurance proceeds related to Harrah’s Lake Charles, and in the first nine months of 2007, $57.6 million of insurance proceeds related to Lake Charles claims are reported in Discontinued operations in our Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income.

In March 2006, we sold the assets of Grand Casino Gulfport, which had been damaged in a hurricane in August 2005, in their “as is” condition, and those assets were included in Assets/Liabilities held for sale in our 2006 Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. Operating results for Grand Casino Gulfport were presented as discontinued operations until its sale. No gain or loss was recorded on this sale. Pursuant to the terms of the sale agreement, we are to retain all insurance proceeds related to Grand Casino Gulfport, and in third quarter and the first nine months of 2007, $36.9 million and $73.8 million, respectively, of insurance proceeds related to Mississippi Gulf Coast claims are reported in Discontinued operations in our Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income.

Flamingo Laughlin was sold in May 2006. Prior to its sale, Flamingo Laughlin’s results were presented as discontinued operations, and its assets and liabilities were included in Assets/Liabilities held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets. No gain or loss was recorded on this sale.

The sale of Reno Hilton closed in June 2006. Prior to its sale, Reno Hilton’s results were presented as discontinued operations, and its assets and liabilities were included in Assets/Liabilities held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets. No gain or loss was recorded on this sale.

Note 12—Hurricane-Damaged Properties

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast in third quarter 2005 and caused significant damage to our assets in Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi, and New Orleans and Lake Charles, Louisiana. The current status of the impacted operations is as follows:

 

   

Our New Orleans property re-opened on February 17, 2006.

 

   

We sold the Gulfport assets in their “as is” condition during first quarter 2006. No gain or loss was recognized as a result of this disposition. We are retaining all insurance proceeds related to the Gulfport property. (See Note 11.)

 

   

Grand Casino Biloxi re-opened in August 2006 in a smaller facility. (See Note 11.)

 

   

We sold the two subsidiaries that owned our Lake Charles operations to another casino company in fourth quarter 2006. We are retaining all insurance proceeds related to the Lake Charles operations.

 

16


Insurance covers the repair or replacement of our assets that suffered loss or damage in the hurricanes. Our insurance policies also provide coverage for interruption to our business, including lost profits, and reimbursement for other expenses and costs we have incurred relating to the damages and losses suffered. We are working closely with our insurance carriers and claims adjusters to ascertain the full amount of insurance proceeds due to us as a result of the damages and losses. Due to our expectation that the costs incurred in the aftermath of the storm would be less than the anticipated business interruption insurance proceeds, post-storm costs are offset by the expected recovery. Insurance proceeds have exceeded the net book value of the impacted assets and costs and expenses that are expected to be reimbursed under our business interruption claims, and the excess is recorded as income in the line item, “Write-downs, reserves and recoveries,” for properties included in continuing operations and in the line item, “Income/(loss) from discontinued operations,” for properties included in discontinued operations. In third quarter and the first nine months of 2007, $61.1 million and $116.9 million, respectively, of insurance proceeds are included in Write-downs, reserves and recoveries and $36.9 million and $131.4 million, respectively, of insurance proceeds are included in Discontinued operations in our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income.

 

17


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

The following discussion and analysis of the financial position and operating results of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (referred to in this discussion, together with its consolidated subsidiaries where appropriate, as “Harrah’s Entertainment,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us”) for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 and 2006, updates, and should be read in conjunction with, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations presented in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

AGREEMENT WITH PRIVATE EQUITY FIRMS

On December 19, 2006, we entered into a definitive agreement for affiliates of TPG, formerly Texas Pacific Group, and Apollo Management, L.P. (“Apollo”) to acquire Harrah’s Entertainment in an all-cash transaction valued on that date at approximately $27.8 billion, including the assumption of $10.7 billion of debt. Under the terms of the agreement, holders of Harrah’s Entertainment stock will receive $90.00 in cash for each outstanding share of common stock.

At a special meeting on April 5, 2007, Harrah’s Entertainment’s stockholders approved the merger and merger agreement.

The transaction is expected to be completed in late 2007 or early 2008 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. As of November 5, 2007, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission and the Mississippi Gaming Commission have approved the transaction. The transaction is not subject to financing conditions. If the other closing conditions in the agreement are satisfied or waived, the affiliates of TPG and Apollo will merge with and into Harrah’s Entertainment, and Harrah’s Entertainment will be the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of an entity controlled by TPG and Apollo.

As a result of the merger, if completed, our stock will no longer be publicly traded.

The merger agreement with affiliates of TPG and Apollo contains customary restrictions on the operations of the Company prior to the consummation of the transaction, including restrictions related to the incurrence of debt and capital expenditures.

OPERATING RESULTS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Overall

 

      Third Quarter     Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
    First Nine Months     Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(In millions, except earnings per share)    2007     2006       2007     2006    

Casino revenues

   $ 2,333.6     $ 2,054.4     13.6 %   $ 6,686.7     $ 5,868.7     13.9 %

Total revenues

     2,840.3       2,512.5     13.0 %     8,197.7       7,243.3     13.2 %

Income from operations

     577.2       441.9     30.6 %     1,506.3       1,326.8     13.5 %

Income from continuing operations

     220.6       178.3     23.7 %     583.3       484.4     20.4 %

Net income

     244.4       177.2     37.9 %     667.2       488.1     36.7 %

Earnings per share—diluted

            

From continuing operations

     1.16       0.96     20.8 %     3.07       2.59     18.5 %

Net income

     1.28       0.95     34.7 %     3.51       2.61     34.5 %

Operating margin

     20.3 %     17.6 %   2.7 pts     18.4 %     18.3 %   0.1 pt

 

18


The executive officers of our Company review operating results, assess performance and make decisions related to the allocation of resources on a property-by-property basis. We, therefore, believe that each property is an operating segment and that it is appropriate to aggregate and present the operations of our Company as one reportable segment. In order to provide more detail than would be possible on a consolidated basis, our properties have been grouped as follows to facilitate discussion of our operating results:

 

Las Vegas

 

Atlantic City

  Louisiana/Mississippi   Iowa/Missouri

Caesars Palace

Bally’s Las Vegas

Flamingo Las Vegas

Harrah’s Las Vegas

Paris Las Vegas

Rio

Imperial Palace

Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon

 

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Showboat Atlantic City

Bally’s Atlantic City

Caesars Atlantic City

Harrah’s Chester

  Harrah’s New Orleans

Harrah’s Louisiana
Downs


Horseshoe Bossier City


Grand Casino Biloxi


Grand Casino Tunica


Horseshoe Tunica


Sheraton Tunica

  Harrah’s St. Louis

Harrah’s North Kansas
City


Harrah’s Council Bluffs


Horseshoe Council
Bluffs/Bluffs Run

 

Illinois/Indiana

        

Other Nevada

        

Managed/International/Other

Caesars Indiana

Harrah’s Joliet

Harrah’s Metropolis

Horseshoe Hammond

     

Harrah’s Reno

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

Harveys Lake Tahoe

Bill’s Lake Tahoe

Harrah’s Laughlin

     

Harrah’s Ak-Chin

Harrah’s Cherokee

Harrah’s Prairie Band (through 6/30/07)

Harrah’s Rincon

Conrad Punta del Este

Casino Windsor(1)

London Clubs International(2)


(1) We have a 50 percent interest in Windsor Casino Limited, which manages this property. The province of Ontario owns the complex.
(2) Operates 9 casino clubs in the United Kingdom, 2 in Egypt and 1 in South Africa.

Included in income from operations for each grouping are project opening costs and write-downs, reserves and recoveries. Project opening costs include costs incurred in connection with the integration of acquired properties into Harrah’s Entertainment’s systems and technology and costs incurred in connection with expansion and renovation projects at various properties. Write-downs, reserves and recoveries include various pretax charges to record asset impairments, contingent liability reserves, project write-offs and demolition costs, recoveries of previously recorded charges and other non-routine transactions, including insurance proceeds in excess of the net book value of the impacted assets and costs and expenses that are expected to be reimbursed under our business interruption claims.

Las Vegas Results

 

     Third Quarter    

Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)

    First Nine Months     Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
 

(In millions)

   2007     2006       2007     2006    

Casino revenues

   $ 506.9     $ 436.6     16.1 %   $ 1,462.7     $ 1,267.4     15.4 %

Total revenues

     900.4       812.4     10.8 %     2,721.5       2,441.4     11.5 %

Income from operations

     212.8       192.1     10.8 %     687.3       635.9     8.1 %

Operating margin

     23.6 %     23.6 %   —         25.3 %     26.0 %   (0.7 )pt

Record third quarter and nine months revenues and income from operations in 2007 were driven by the robust visitor volume, cross-market play and the acquisition of Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon.

 

19


On February 27, 2007, we exchanged certain real estate that we owned on the Las Vegas Strip for property formerly known as the Barbary Coast, located at the northeast corner of Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard, between Bally’s Las Vegas and Flamingo Las Vegas. With the closing of this acquisition and other parcels under an acquisition agreement, we will have a total of nearly 350 acres of land encompassing the area between Paris Las Vegas to the south, Harrah’s Las Vegas to the north, Koval Avenue to the east and the Rio to the west. We have essentially completed our land assemblage goals in Las Vegas. We began operating the acquired property on March 1, 2007, as Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, and its results are included in our operating results from the date of its acquisition.

In July 2007, we announced plans for an expansion and renovation of Caesars Palace Las Vegas, which is expected to cost approximately $1 billion and will include a 650-room hotel tower, including 75 luxury suites, additional meeting space and, a remodeled and expanded pool area. As of September 30, 2007, $50.4 million had been spent on this project.

In August 2007, Harrah’s Entertainment and AEG, a leading sports and entertainment developer and operator, announced plans to create a privately financed, world-class arena, subject to completion of definitive documents. Projected to open in 2010, the 20,000-seat, state-of-the-art arena will feature private hospitality centers, luxury suites, club seats and an array of amenities, gourmet food offerings and entertainment options. The proposed location is one block east of the Las Vegas Strip on approximately ten acres of land that are part of Harrah’s Entertainment’s current land holdings. AEG will serve as managing partner of the venue and be responsible for developing, operating and programming a full range of live events, special events and award presentations, as well as sporting events, tournaments and exhibitions.

Atlantic City Results

 

     Third Quarter    

Percentage
Increase/

(Decrease)

    First Nine Months    

Percentage
Increase/

(Decrease)

 
(In millions)    2007     2006       2007     2006    

Casino revenues

   $ 674.9     $ 576.7     17.0 %   $ 1,867.6     $ 1,620.9     15.2 %

Total revenues

     671.5       560.2     19.9 %     1,810.2       1,571.4     15.2 %

Income from operations

     141.0       136.2     3.5 %     290.3       356.3     (18.5 )%

Operating margin

     21.0 %     24.3 %   (3.3 )pts     16.0 %     22.7 %   (6.7 )pts

Atlantic City regional revenues were higher in the third quarter and the nine months ended September 30, 2007, due to the inclusion of Harrah’s Chester, which opened for simulcasting and live harness racing on September 10, 2006, and for slots play on January 22, 2007. The Atlantic City market was affected by the opening of slot operations at three racing facilities in eastern Pennsylvania and one in Yonkers, New York, and the implementation of new smoking regulations in New Jersey, resulting in lower revenues for the market. Additionally, promotional and marketing costs aimed at attracting and retaining customers resulted in higher operating expenses as compared to 2006.

Construction is underway on an upgrade and expansion of Harrah’s Atlantic City, which will include a new hotel tower with approximately 960 rooms, a casino expansion and a retail and entertainment complex. A new 620-seat buffet and substantially all of a retail promenade opened on February 16, 2007. We expect the new hotel tower to open in mid-2008. This project is expected to cost approximately $550 million, $320.7 million of which had been spent as of September 30, 2007.

 

20


Louisiana/Mississippi Results

 

     Third Quarter    

Percentage
Increase/

(Decrease)

    First Nine Months    

Percentage
Increase/

(Decrease)

 
(In millions)    2007     2006       2007     2006    

Casino revenues

   $ 371.2     $ 365.5     1.6 %   $ 1,115.4     $ 1,000.1     11.5 %

Total revenues

     391.6       376.1     4.1 %     1,171.1       1,019.4     14.9 %

Income from operations

     123.7       73.7     67.8 %     292.9       201.7     45.2 %

Operating margin

     31.6 %     19.6 %   12.0 pts     25.0 %     19.8 %   5.2 pts

Grand Casino Gulfport was sold in March 2006, and Harrah’s Lake Charles was sold in November 2006. Both properties ceased operations in the third quarter of 2005 due to hurricane damage. Results of Grand Casino Gulfport and Harrah’s Lake Charles are classified as discontinued operations through the dates of their sales and are, therefore, not included in our Louisiana/Mississippi grouping.

Combined third quarter 2007 revenues from our operations in Louisiana and Mississippi were higher than in third quarter 2006 due to contributions from Grand Casino Biloxi, which was closed for a portion of third quarter 2006 due to damages caused by Hurricane Katrina, and higher revenues from Harrah’s New Orleans. Third quarter 2007 income from operations includes insurance proceeds of $61.1 million that are in excess of the net book value of the impacted assets and costs and expenses that are expected to be reimbursed under our business interruption claims. Insurance proceeds are included in Write-downs, reserves and recoveries in our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income. Income from operations was negatively impacted by lower results in the Tunica market.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, combined revenues from our properties in Louisiana and Mississippi were higher than in the same period last year due to contributions from Harrah’s New Orleans and Grand Casino Biloxi, which were closed for a portion of 2006 due to damages caused by Hurricane Katrina. For the first nine months of 2007, income from operations includes insurance proceeds of $116.9 million that are in excess of the net book value of the impacted assets and costs and expenses that are expected to be reimbursed under our business interruption claims. Income from operations was negatively impacted by increased promotional spending in the Tunica market and higher depreciation expense related to the 26-story, 450-room hotel at Harrah’s New Orleans that opened in September 2006.

After being closed for a year due to Hurricane Katrina, Grand Casino Biloxi opened in August 2006 with approximately 650 slot machines and 20 table games, a 500-room hotel, restaurants and other amenities. In November 2006, we acquired the remaining assets of Casino Magic Biloxi, which is adjacent to the site of Grand Casino Biloxi. Construction began in third quarter 2007 on Margaritaville Casino & Resort in Biloxi, a resort project to be developed by Harrah’s Entertainment and singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett. The project, which is expected to cost more than $700 million, is expected to include approximately 100,000 square feet of casino space, 250,000 square feet of retail space, approximately 66,000 square feet of meeting space, 420 new hotel rooms, a pool deck area with cabanas, bar and tropical landscaping and a full-service spa. Completion of the project is projected for the spring of 2010. As of September 30, 2007, $9.4 million had been spent on this project.

In October 2007, Grand Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi, announced a strategic alliance with Food Network star Paula Deen and a renovation of its facility. Paula Deen’s Buffet is expected to open in May 2008. In conjunction with the renovation of Grand Casino Resort, which is expected to cost approximately $45 million and to be completed in May 2008, the casino will be rebranded to be Harrah’s Casino Tunica.

 

21


Iowa/Missouri Results

 

     Third Quarter    

Percentage
Increase/

(Decrease)

    First Nine Months     Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(In millions)    2007     2006       2007     2006    

Casino revenues

   $ 194.1     $ 195.1     (0.5 )%   $ 578.1     $ 579.0     (0.2 )%

Total revenues

     206.8       206.4     0.2 %     613.8       607.0     1.1 %

Income from operations

     39.7       33.8     17.5 %     110.0       99.2     10.9 %

Operating margin

     19.2 %     16.4 %   2.8 pts     17.9 %     16.3 %   1.6 pts

Combined third quarter 2007 total revenues at our Iowa and Missouri properties were even with the same period last year, but income from operations was higher than in last year’s third quarter, due to improved margins at all properties in the group. Higher margins were driven by efficiencies and cost savings.

The increases in combined revenues and income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, were driven primarily by the capital improvements completed in March 2006 at Horseshoe Council Bluffs and higher operating margins at all properties in the group.

Illinois/Indiana Results

 

     Third Quarter     Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
    First Nine Months     Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(In millions)    2007     2006       2007     2006    

Casino revenues

   $ 341.1     $ 324.5     5.1 %   $ 1,012.6     $ 956.6     5.9 %

Total revenues

     328.5       314.4     4.5 %     974.7       926.6     5.2 %

Income from operations

     57.7       56.3     2.5 %     158.9       172.7     (8.0 )%

Operating margin

     17.6 %     17.9 %   (0.3 )pt     16.3 %     18.6 %   (2.3 )pts

Combined revenues and income from operations for the third quarter were higher than in last year’s third quarter due to stronger performances at Harrah’s Joliet and Horseshoe Hammond.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, combined revenues increased over last year’s first nine months revenues; however, income from operations was lower than in the same period last year due, in part, to a 3% tax assessed by Illinois against certain gaming operations in July 2006. In second quarter 2007, a State court declared that the 3% tax that was assessed on Harrah’s Joliet and three unrelated riverboats was unconstitutional. A motion has been filed asking the court to declare that the riverboats can cease making payments, and we will ask for the return of the money that has been paid for this tax; however, given that the State has appealed the decision to the Illinois Supreme Court and the situation is still uncertain, we are continuing to accrue and pay this tax. As of September 30, 2007, Harrah’s Joliet has paid approximately $14.8 million for this tax since it was first assessed in July 2006. Higher non-operating expenses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 also impacted income from operations.

Construction began in third quarter 2006 on the renovation and expansion of Horseshoe Hammond, which will include a two-level entertainment vessel including a 108,000 square-foot casino. The project is expected to cost approximately $485 million, $172.4 million of which had been spent as of September 30, 2007. The project is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2008.

 

22


Other Nevada Results

 

(In millions)    Third Quarter    

Percentage
Increase/

(Decrease)

    First Nine Months    

Percentage

Increase/

(Decrease)

 
        
   2007     2006       2007    2006    

Casino revenues

   $ 138.9     $ 144.2     (3.7 )%   $ 385.0    $ 390.0     (1.3 )%

Total revenues

     176.4       183.4     (3.8 )%     484.2      494.8     (2.1 )%

Income from operations

     36.7       41.3     (11.1 )%     79.4      90.3     (12.1 )%

Operating margin

     20.8 %     22.5 %   (1.7 )pts     16.4      18.2 %   (1.8 )pts

Third quarter 2007 revenues and income from operations from our Nevada properties outside of Las Vegas were lower than in third quarter 2006 due to higher customer complimentary costs and lower unrated play and retail customer visitation. We define retail customers as Total Rewards customers who typically spend up to $50 per visit.

In addition to the factors affecting third quarter 2007 results, poor ski conditions in the Lake Tahoe market in the first quarter of 2007, a poor end to the spring ski season and fires in the Lake Tahoe area in late June contributed to the decline for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Managed/International/Other

 

(In millions)    Third Quarter     Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
    First Nine Months     Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
   2007     2006       2007     2006    

Revenues

            

Managed

   $ 20.6     $ 23.8     (13.4 )%   $ 64.6     $ 66.9     (3.4 )%

International

     120.6       14.2     N/M       298.5       64.3     N/M  

Other

     23.9       21.6     10.6 %     59.1       51.5     14.8 %
                                    

Total Revenues

   $ 165.1     $ 59.6     N/M     $ 422.2     $ 182.7     N/M  
                                    

Income/(loss) from operations

            

Managed

   $ 17.3     $ 19.9     (13.1 )%   $ 53.0     $ 54.2     (2.0 )%

International

     (0.1 )     (1.2 )   N/M       10.0       10.6     (5.7 )%

Other

     (13.3 )     (58.3 )   77.2 %     (69.6 )     (134.3 )   48.2 %
                                    

Total Income/(loss) from operations

   $ 3.9     $ (39.6 )   N/M     $ (6.5 )   $ (69.5 )   90.6 %
                                    

N/M=Not Meaningful

Managed, international and other results include income from our managed properties, results of our international properties and certain marketing and administrative expenses, including development costs, and income from our non-consolidated subsidiaries. Favorable results are due to lower costs for pursuit of projects and concept development in 2007 and inclusion of results of London Clubs International Limited (“London Clubs”), which was acquired in fourth quarter 2006. As of September 30, 2007, London Clubs owns or manages casinos in the United Kingdom, Egypt and South Africa. London Clubs also has two casinos under development in the United Kingdom.

In September 2007, we acquired Macau Orient Golf, located on 175 acres on Cotai adjacent to the Lotus Bridge, one of the two border crossings into Macau from China, and rights to a land concession contract for a total consideration of approximately $577.7 million. The government of Macau owns most of the land in Macau, and private interests are obtained through long-term leases and other grants of rights to use land from the government. The term of the land concession is 25 years from its inception in 2001, with rights to renew for additional periods until 2049. Annual rental payments are approximately $90,000 and are adjustable at five-year intervals. Macau Orient Golf is one of only two golf courses in Macau and is the only course that is semi-private. The acquisition was funded through our existing credit facilities.

 

23


Management of Harrah’s Prairie Band Casino was transferred to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation on July 1, 2007, which was nine months earlier than the termination date of the agreement.

Other Factors Affecting Net Income

 

     Third Quarter     Increase/
(Decrease)
    First Nine Months    

Increase/

(Decrease)

 
(In millions)    2007     2006       2007     2006    

(Income)/expense

            

Corporate expense

   $ 37.6     $ 48.0     (21.7 )%   $ 97.7     $ 136.1     (28.2 )%

Merger and integrations costs

     0.7       3.9     (82.1 )%     8.3       23.7     (65.0 )%

Amortization of intangible assets

     17.7       17.0     4.1 %     53.5       52.8     1.3 %

Interest expense, net

     216.1       165.7     30.4 %     578.4       492.2     17.5 %

Losses on early extinguishments of debt

     2.0       0.9     N/M       2.0       62.0     (96.8 )%

Other income

     (4.9 )     (3.0 )   63.3 %     (28.7 )     (4.7 )   N/M  

Effective tax rate

     38.4 %     35.1 %   3.3 pts     37.8 %     36.6 %   1.2 pts

Minority interests

   $ 6.0     $ 3.7     62.2 %   $ 17.2     $ 13.2     30.3 %

Discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     (23.8 )     1.1     N/M       (83.9 )     (3.7 )   N/M  

N/M=Not Meaningful

Corporate expense decreased in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2007 from the same periods in the prior year due to allocation of stock-based compensation expense to the applicable reporting unit and to implementation of cost savings and efficiencies.

2007 merger and integration costs include costs in connection with the proposed sale of the Company. 2006 includes costs for consultants and dedicated internal resources executing the plans for the integration of Caesars into Harrah’s Entertainment.

Interest expense increased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 from the same periods in 2006 due to increased borrowings and higher interest rates on our variable rate debt. Included in interest expense for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007, are $25.2 million and $10.8 million, respectively, representing the losses from the change in the fair values of our interest rate swaps. The average interest rate on our variable-rate debt, including the impact of our swap agreements, was 6.0% at September 30, 2007, and 6.0% at September 30, 2006. A change in interest rates will impact our financial results. For example, assuming a constant outstanding balance for our variable-rate debt for the next twelve months, a hypothetical 1% change in corresponding interest rates would change interest expense for the next twelve months by approximately $47.7 million, or $11.9 million per quarter. At September 30, 2007, our variable-rate debt, excluding $1.5 billion of variable-rate debt for which we have entered into interest rate swap agreements, represents approximately 39% of our total debt, while our fixed-rate debt is approximately 61% of our total debt.

Losses on early extinguishments of debt represent premiums paid and the write-offs of unamortized deferred financing costs. The charges in 2007 were incurred in connection with the retirement of a $120.1 million credit facility of London Clubs, our subsidiary in the United Kingdom. 2006 charges were associated with the retirements of portions of our 7.5% Senior Notes due in January 2009, our 8.0% Senior Notes due in February 2011 and our 7.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due in December 2006.

Other income was higher in the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 than in same periods last year due primarily to gains on the sales of corporate assets. Also included in Other income is interest income on the cash surrender value of life insurance policies.

The effective tax rates for both periods are higher than the federal statutory rate due primarily to state income taxes.

 

24


Minority interests reflect minority owners’ shares of income from our majority owned subsidiaries.

Third quarter and first nine months 2007 Discontinued operations reflect insurance proceeds of $22.5 million, after taxes, and $82.6 million, after taxes, respectively, that are in excess of the net book value of the impacted assets and costs and expenses that are expected to be reimbursed under our business interruption claims for Harrah’s Lake Charles and Grand Casino Gulfport, both of which were sold in 2006. Pursuant to the terms of the sales agreements, we will retain all insurance proceeds related to Harrah’s Lake Charles and Grand Casino Gulfport. Discontinued operations for 2006 also included Reno Hilton, Flamingo Laughlin, Harrah’s Lake Charles and Grand Casino Gulfport, all of which were sold in 2006.

CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT

In addition to the development and expansion projects discussed in the OPERATING RESULTS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS section, we also perform on-going refurbishment and maintenance at our casino entertainment facilities to maintain our quality standards, and we continue to pursue development and acquisition opportunities for additional casino entertainment facilities that meet our strategic and return on investment criteria. Prior to the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, the costs of pursuing development projects are expensed as incurred. Construction-related costs incurred after the receipt of necessary approvals are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the resulting asset. Project opening costs are expensed as incurred.

Our planned development projects, if they go forward, will require, individually and in the aggregate, significant capital commitments and, if completed, may result in significant additional revenues. The commitment of capital, the timing of completion and the commencement of operations of casino entertainment development projects are contingent upon, among other things, negotiation of final agreements and receipt of approvals from the appropriate political and regulatory bodies. Cash needed to finance projects currently under development as well as additional projects pursued is expected to be made available from operating cash flows, established debt programs (see DEBT AND LIQUIDITY), joint venture partners, specific project financing, guarantees of third-party debt and additional debt offerings. Our capital spending for the first nine months of 2007 totaled approximately $1.1 billion. Estimated total capital expenditures for 2007 are expected to be between $1.6 billion and $1.8 billion, excluding estimated expenditures for development opportunities and acquisitions.

The merger agreement with TPG and Apollo contains customary restrictions on the operations of the Company prior to the consummation of the transaction, including restrictions related to capital expenditures.

DEBT AND LIQUIDITY

We generate substantial cash flows from operating activities, as reflected on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows. These cash flows reflect the impact on our consolidated operations of the success of our marketing programs, our strategic acquisitions and on-going cost containment focus. For the first nine months of 2007 and 2006, we reported cash flows from operating activities of $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.

We use the cash flows generated by the Company to fund reinvestment in existing properties for both refurbishment and expansion projects, pursue additional growth opportunities via strategic acquisitions of existing companies or properties and new development opportunities and return capital to our stockholders in the form of dividends. When necessary, we supplement the cash flows generated by our operations with funds provided by financing activities.

 

25


Our cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $654.7 million at September 30, 2007, compared to $671.9 million at September 30, 2006.

We believe that our cash and cash equivalents balance, our cash flows from operations and the financing sources discussed herein, will be sufficient to meet our normal operating requirements during the next twelve months and to fund additional investments. In addition, we may consider issuing additional debt in the future to fund potential acquisitions or growth or to refinance existing debt. We continue to review additional opportunities to acquire or invest in companies, properties and other investments that meet our strategic and return on investment criteria. If a material acquisition or investment is completed, our operating results and financial condition could change significantly in future periods. If the proposed sale of the Company is consummated, we will incur substantial additional debt, which could significantly change our financial position.

At September 30, 2007, $250 million, face amount, of our Floating Rate Senior Notes due February 2008, and $400 million of our 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due September 2008, are classified as long-term in our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet because the Company has both the intent and the ability to refinance these notes. The majority of our debt is due in September 2008 and beyond. Payments of short-term debt obligations and other commitments are expected to be made from operating cash flows and from borrowings under our established debt programs. Long-term obligations are expected to be paid through operating cash flows, refinancing of debt, joint venture partners or, if necessary, additional debt offerings.

Financing of Proposed Equity Buy-Out

In connection with the proposed sale of the Company, TPG and Apollo have received a debt commitment letter from prospective arrangers and lenders to provide, subject to certain conditions, for (i) up to $9.0 billion of senior secured credit facilities for the purpose of repaying or refinancing certain existing indebtedness of Harrah’s Entertainment and its subsidiaries, as well as for providing ongoing working capital and for other general corporate purposes of the surviving corporation and its subsidiaries; (ii) up to $6.025 billion of senior unsecured bridge loans under a bridge loan facility, for the purpose of financing the merger, repaying or refinancing certain existing indebtedness of Harrah’s Entertainment and its subsidiaries and paying fees and expenses incurred in connection with the merger; and (iii) to one or more direct or indirect subsidiaries of TPG and Apollo, up to $7.25 billion (which amount may be increased by up to $750 million subject to a corresponding reduction in the other facilities) of mortgage loans and/or related mezzanine financing and/or real estate term loans under a real estate facility, for the purpose of financing the merger, repaying or refinancing certain existing indebtedness of Harrah’s and its subsidiaries and paying fees and expenses incurred in connection with the merger.

TPG and Apollo have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to arrange the debt financing on the terms and conditions described in the commitments. The closing of the merger is not conditioned on the receipt of the debt financing.

Credit Agreement

Our primary credit facilities (the “Credit Agreement”) provide for up to $5.0 billion in borrowings, maturing on April 25, 2011. Interest on the Credit Agreement is based on our debt ratings and leverage ratio and is subject to change. As of September 30, 2007, the Credit Agreement bore interest based upon 62.5 basis points over LIBOR and bore a facility fee for borrowed and unborrowed amounts of 17.5 basis points, a combined 80.0 basis points. At our option, we may borrow at the prime rate under the Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2007, $4.5 billion in borrowings was outstanding under the Credit Agreement with an additional $138.5 million committed to back letters of credit. After consideration of these borrowings, $379.2 million of additional borrowing capacity was available to the Company under this facility as of September 30, 2007.

 

26


Additional Credit Agreement

On February 14, 2007, we entered into an Additional Credit Agreement that provides for a term loan of $1.125 billion and revolving advances of $1.125 billion, totaling an aggregate principal amount of $2.25 billion, maturing February 14, 2010. The additional credit facilities will provide funds to cover debt service requirements and other working capital needs until the merger is complete. The Credit Agreement remains in effect and is not affected by the Additional Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2007, $1.125 billion in borrowings was outstanding under the Additional Credit Agreement, with an additional $1.125 billion of borrowing capacity available to the Company under this agreement.

Contingent Convertible Senior Notes

Included in the debt assumed in the Caesars acquisition is $375 million Floating Rate Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2024. The notes bear interest at an annual rate equal to the three month LIBOR, adjusted quarterly. The interest rate on these notes was 5.4% at September 30, 2007. The notes are convertible into cash and shares of common stock in the following circumstances:

 

   

during any fiscal quarter, if the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock for 20 out of the last 30 consecutive trading days during the previous quarter is more than 120% of the Conversion Price of the notes;

 

   

the Company has called the notes for redemption and the redemption has not yet occurred;

 

   

during the five trading day period immediately after any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price of the notes per $1,000 principal amount for each day of such period was less than 95% of the product of the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on such day multiplied by the number of shares issuable upon conversion; provided that, if on such date, the common stock price is between the Conversion Price and 120% of the Conversion Price, as defined, then the holders will receive the principal amount of the notes surrendered plus accrued but unpaid interest; or

 

   

upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions as defined in the indenture covering these notes.

Because the closing price of our common stock was more than 120% of the Conversion Price of the notes for 20 of the last 30 trading days of the quarter ended September 30, 2007, these notes are currently convertible.

Holders may convert any outstanding notes into cash and shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price per share of $65.54 (the “Conversion Price”) at September 30, 2007. This represents a conversion rate of approximately 15.2579 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (the “Conversion Rate”). Subject to certain exceptions described in the indenture covering these notes, at the time the notes are tendered for conversion, the value (the “Conversion Value”) of the cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, if any, to be received by a holder converting $1,000 principal amount of the notes will be determined by multiplying the Conversion Rate by the “Ten Day Average Closing Stock Price,” which equals the average of the closing per share prices of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the ten consecutive trading days beginning on the second trading day following the day the notes are submitted for conversion. The Conversion Value will be delivered to holders as follows: (1) an amount in cash (the “Principal Return”) equal to the lesser of (a) the aggregate Conversion Value of the notes to be converted and (b) the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be converted, and (2) if the aggregate Conversion Value of the notes to be converted is greater than the Principal Return, any amount in shares (the “Net Shares”) equal to the aggregate Conversion Value less the Principal Return (the “Net Share Amount”). The Company will pay the Principal Return and deliver the Net Shares, if any, as promptly as practicable after determination of the Net Share Amount. The number of Net Shares to be paid will be determined by dividing the Net Share Amount by the Ten Day Average Closing Stock Price.

The Conversion Price decreases when cash dividends are declared so that the Conversion Price equals the price determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the record date for such

 

27


dividend by a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is the average of the pre-dividend sale price, as defined in the agreement, minus the amount of the cash dividend, and (ii) the denominator of which is the pre-dividend sale price. As a result of the third quarter 2007 cash dividend, the Conversion Price was adjusted from $65.85 at June 30, 2007, to $65.54 at September 30, 2007.

The notes are redeemable by the Company at any time on or after April 20, 2009, at 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. Holders may require the Company to purchase all or a portion of these notes on April 15, 2009, 2014, or 2019 at 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. The notes are unsecured obligations, rank equal with our other senior indebtedness and are senior to all of our subordinated indebtedness.

Upon consummation of the pending sale of the Company and for a period of 15 days thereafter, the holders of our notes will have the right to convert the notes into the merger consideration. Each $1,000 note would be divided by the then current conversion rate and the holder would receive the merger consideration for each share on an as-converted basis. In addition, the merger would be deemed a change in control under the indenture governing the notes. Upon any change of control, we must make an offer to repurchase any outstanding notes within 30 days of the closing of the merger at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest. To the extent the notes are not converted into the merger consideration or repurchased by us, they will be assumed by the buyers pursuant to a supplemental indenture.

Derivative Instruments

We account for derivative instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and all amendments thereto. SFAS No. 133 requires that all derivative instruments be recognized in the financial statements at fair value. Any change in fair value is recorded in the income statement or in other comprehensive income, depending on whether the derivative is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting, the type of hedge transaction and the effectiveness of the hedge. The estimated fair values of our derivative instruments are based on market prices obtained from dealer quotes. Such quotes represent the estimated amounts we would receive or pay to terminate the contracts.

Our derivative instruments contain a credit risk that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. We minimize that risk by evaluating the creditworthiness of our counterparties, which are limited to major banks and financial institutions, and we do not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.

We use interest rate swaps to manage the mix of our debt between fixed and variable rate instruments. As of September 30, 2007, we have seven variable-for-fixed interest rate swap agreements for a total notional amount of $1.5 billion. The difference to be paid or received under the terms of the interest rate swap agreements is accrued as interest rates change and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense for the related debt. Changes in the variable interest rates to be paid or received pursuant to the terms of the interest rate swap agreements will have a corresponding effect on future cash flows. The major terms of the interest rate swaps are as follows.

 

Effective Date

  

Notional

Amount

  

Fixed Rate

Paid

   

Variable
Rate Received
as of

September 30,
2007

   

Last Reset

Date

  

Maturity

Date

     (In millions)                      

April 25, 2007

   $ 200    4.898 %   5.360 %   July 25, 2007    April 25, 2011

April 25, 2007

   $ 200    4.896 %   5.360 %   July 25, 2007    April 25, 2011

April 25, 2007

   $ 200    4.925 %   5.360 %   July 25, 2007    April 25, 2011

April 25, 2007

   $ 200    4.917 %   5.360 %   July 25, 2007    April 25, 2011

April 25, 2007

   $ 200    4.907 %   5.360 %   July 25, 2007    April 25, 2011

September 26, 2007

   $ 250    4.809 %   5.188 %   Sept. 26, 2007    April 25, 2011

September 26, 2007

   $ 250    4.775 %   5.188 %   Sept. 26, 2007    April 25, 2011

 

28


Our interest rate swap agreements are not designated as hedging instruments; therefore, gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair values of the swaps are recognized in earnings in the period of change. In the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007, $25.2 million and $10.8 million, respectively, representing the aggregate net losses from the change in the fair values of our interest rate swaps, are included in Interest expense in our 2007 Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income.

Commercial Paper

To provide the Company with cost-effective borrowing flexibility, we have a $200 million commercial paper program that is used to borrow funds for general corporate purposes. At September 30, 2007, there were no borrowings under this program.

Shelf Registration

To provide for additional financing flexibility, Harrah’s Entertainment, in connection with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. (“HOC”), filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in April 2006 for Harrah’s Entertainment’s common stock or HOC debt securities. The issue price of Harrah’s Entertainment common stock or the terms and conditions of HOC debt securities, which may be guaranteed by Harrah’s Entertainment, will be determined by market conditions at the time of issuance. The shelf registration statement is available until April 2009.

Retirement of Debt

In February 2007, $496.7 million of our 9.375% Senior Subordinated Notes matured and was retired, and in June 2007, $500.0 million of our 7.125% Senior Notes matured and was retired. The retirements were funded using proceeds from our Additional Credit Agreement and Credit Agreement, respectively.

In July 2007, we retired a $120.1 million credit facility of London Clubs, our subsidiary in the United Kingdom, and recorded a loss of $2.0 million on the early extinguishment of that debt.

Debt Repurchase Program

In July 2003, our Board of Directors authorized the Company to retire, from time to time through cash purchases, portions of our outstanding debt in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. These repurchases will be funded through available cash from operations and borrowings from our established debt programs. Such repurchases will depend on prevailing market conditions, the Company’s liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. No repurchases were made under this program during the first nine months of 2007.

Cash Dividends

In July 2007, the Company declared a regular cash dividend of 40 cents per share, which was paid on August 22, 2007, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 8, 2007. Subsequent to the end of third quarter 2007, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 40 cents per share, payable on November 21, 2007, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 8, 2007.

 

29


Guarantees of Third-Party Debt and Other Obligations and Commitments

The tables below summarize total material additions to or changes in our contractual obligations and other commitments, which were disclosed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations presented in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Contractual Obligations(a)

   Increase/
(Decrease)
    Total
(In millions)     

Debt, including capital lease obligations

   $ 242.1     $ 12,216.4

Estimated interest payments(a)

     (1,145.8 )     2,564.1

Operating lease obligations

     (442.1 )     2,218.4

Purchase order obligations

     (38.6 )     73.9

Guaranteed payments to State of Louisiana

     15.2       150.0

Minimum tax payment guaranteed to State of Illinois

     (45.9 )     —  

Construction commitments

     845.6       1,906.4

Community reinvestment

     (8.2 )     131.4

Entertainment obligations

     50.2       141.1

Minimum franchise fee

     8.1       8.1

Other contractual obligations

     (26.7 )     104.5

(a) In addition to the contractual obligations disclosed in this table, we have unrecognized tax benefits that, based on uncertainties associated with the items, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of potential cash settlements, if any, with taxing authorities. (See Note 10 to our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.)
(b) Estimated interest for variable-rate debt is based on rates at September 30, 2007.

 

Other Commitments

   Increase/
(Decrease)
    Total
(In millions)     

Guarantees of loans

   $ (33.6 )   $ 176.8

Letters of credit

     (3.2 )     160.5

Minimum guaranteed payments to tribes

     (8.5 )     58.8

The agreements pursuant to which we manage casinos on Indian lands contain provisions required by law that provide that a minimum monthly payment be made to the tribe. That obligation has priority over scheduled repayments of borrowings for development costs and over the management fee earned and paid to the manager. In the event that insufficient cash flow is generated by the operations to fund this payment, we must pay the shortfall to the tribe. Subject to certain limitations as to time, such advances, if any, would be repaid to us in future periods in which operations generate cash flow in excess of the required minimum payment. These commitments will terminate upon the occurrence of certain defined events, including termination of the management contract. Our aggregate monthly commitment for the minimum guaranteed payments, pursuant to these contracts for the three managed Indian-owned facilities, which extend for periods of up to 74 months from September 30, 2007, is $1.2 million. Each of these casinos currently generates sufficient cash flows to cover all of its obligations, including its debt service.

We may guarantee all or part of the debt incurred by Indian tribes, with which we have entered into management contracts, to fund development or expansion of casino facilities on the Indian lands. For the existing guarantee of Indian debt, we have obtained a first lien on certain personal property (tangible and intangible) of the casino enterprise. There can be no assurance, however, that the value of such property would satisfy our obligations in the event the guarantee was enforced. Additionally, we have received limited waivers from the Indian tribe of its sovereign immunity to allow us to pursue our rights under the contract between the parties and to enforce collection efforts as to any assets in which a security interest is taken. The aggregate outstanding balance of such debt as of September 30, 2007, was $167.9 million.

 

30


Competitive Pressures

Many casino operators are reinvesting in existing markets in an effort to attract new customers, thereby increasing competition in those markets. As companies have completed expansion projects, supply has sometimes grown at a faster pace than demand in certain markets and competition has increased significantly. Furthermore, several operators, including Harrah’s Entertainment, have announced plans for additional developments or expansions in some markets.

Several states and Indian tribes are considering legislation enabling the development and operation of casinos or casino-like businesses in their jurisdictions. For example, legislation for new gaming was recently passed in Kansas.

Although, historically, the short-term effect of such competitive developments on our Company generally has been negative, we are not able to determine the long-term impact, whether favorable or unfavorable, that development and expansion trends and events will have on current or future markets. We believe that the geographic diversity of our operations; our focus on multi-market customer relationships; our service training, our rewards and customer loyalty programs; and our continuing efforts to establish our brands as premier brands upon which we have built strong customer loyalty have well-positioned us to face the challenges present within our industry. We utilize the unique capabilities of WINet, a sophisticated nationwide customer database, and Total Rewards, a nationwide loyalty program that allows our customers to earn cash, comps and other benefits for playing at our casinos. We believe these sophisticated marketing tools provide us with competitive advantages, particularly with players who visit more than one market.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

We prepare our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Certain of our accounting policies, including the estimated lives assigned to our assets, the determination of bad debt, asset impairment, fair value of guarantees and self-insurance reserves, the purchase price allocations made in connection with our acquisitions and the calculation of our income tax liabilities, require that we apply significant judgment in defining the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Our judgments are based on our historical experience, terms of existing contracts, our observance of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from our estimates. For a discussion of our significant accounting policies and estimates, please refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements presented in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There were no newly identified significant accounting estimates in the first nine months of 2007, nor were there any material changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates discussed in our 2006 Annual Report, other than the change described below.

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which became effective for the Company on January 1, 2007. The Interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The adoption of this standard resulted in a decrease to retained earnings as of January 1, 2007, of approximately $12 million. See Note 10 to our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for further discussion of FIN 48.

 

31


RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

The following are accounting standards adopted or issued in the first nine months of 2007 that could have an impact to our Company.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, but it does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. SFAS No. 157 could impact fair values assigned to assets and liabilities in any future acquisition.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-including an amendment of SFAS No. 115,” which permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Entities that elect the fair value option will report unrealized gains and losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. At this time, we do not expect to adopt the fair value option for assets and liabilities; however, future events and circumstances may impact that decision.

PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains “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. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations about future events. Further, statements that include words such as “may,” “will,” “project,” “might,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “estimate,” “continue” or “pursue,” or the negative or other words or expressions of similar meaning may identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this report. These forward-looking statements, including without limitation, those relating to future actions, new projects, strategies, future performance, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings and future financial results, wherever they occur in this report, are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of our management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors set forth from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include without limitation:

 

   

the effect of economic, credit and capital market conditions on the economy in general, and on gaming and hotel companies in particular;

 

   

construction factors, including delays, increased costs of labor and materials, availability of labor and materials, zoning issues, environmental restrictions, soil and water conditions, weather and other hazards, site access matters and building permit issues;

 

   

the effects of environmental and structural building conditions relating to our properties;

 

   

our ability to effectively integrate companies that we acquire into our operations, including London Clubs;

 

   

access to available and reasonable financing on a timely basis, including the financing necessary to consummate the pending sale of the Company;

 

32


   

the ability of TPG and Apollo to close the acquisition of the Company on a timely basis;

 

   

changes in laws, including increased tax rates, regulations or accounting standards, 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;

 

   

the ability of our customer-tracking, customer loyalty and yield-management programs to continue to increase customer loyalty and same-store or hotel sales;

 

   

our ability to recoup costs of capital investments through higher revenues;

 

   

acts of war or terrorist incidents or natural disasters;

 

   

access to insurance on reasonable terms for our assets;

 

   

abnormal gaming holds; and

 

   

the effects of competition, including locations of competitors and operating and market competition.

You are cautioned to not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this quarterly report for Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

 

33


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk associated with our debt. We attempt to limit our exposure to interest rate risk by managing the mix of our debt between fixed-rate and variable-rate obligations. Of our approximate $12.3 billion total debt at September 30, 2007, $4.8 billion, excluding $1.5 billion of variable-rate debt for which we have entered into interest rate swap agreements, is subject to variable interest rates. For our variable-rate debt subject to the interest rate swap agreements, the average interest rate paid was 4.870% at September 30, 2007, compared to 5.358% interest rate received on the swaps. The average interest rate on our variable-rate debt, including the impact of our swap agreements, was 6.0% at September 30, 2007. Assuming a constant outstanding balance for our variable rate debt for the next twelve months, a hypothetical 1% change in interest rates would change interest expense for the next twelve months by approximately $47.7 million.

We use interest rate swaps to manage the mix of our debt between fixed and variable rate instruments. We have also utilized treasury rate locks to hedge the risk of future treasury rate increases for certain forecasted debt issuances, but we do not currently have any treasury rate lock agreements. We do not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Foreign currency translation gains and losses were not material to our results of operations for the first nine months of 2007. Our only material ownership interests in businesses in foreign countries are London Clubs operations and an approximate 90% ownership of a casino in Uruguay. Therefore, we have not been subject to material foreign currency exchange rate risk from the effects that exchange rate movements of foreign currencies would have on our future operating results or cash flows. With our acquisition of London Clubs in late 2006 and development opportunities that we are pursuing in international markets, we could become subject to material foreign currency exchange rate risk in the future.

From time to time, we hold investments in various available-for-sale equity securities; however, our exposure to price risk arising from the ownership of these investments is not material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of September 30, 2007. Based on such evaluation, they have concluded that as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective and designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

Not applicable.

 

34


PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

Certain of our legal proceedings are reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, with material developments since that report described below.

In April 2000, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (the “Tribe”) granted Caesars the exclusive rights to develop a casino project in the State of New York. On April 26, 2000, certain individual members of the Tribe purported to commence a class action proceeding in a “Tribal Court” in Hogansburg, New York, against Caesars seeking to nullify Caesars’ agreement with the Tribe. On March 20, 2001, the “Tribal Court” purported to render a default judgment against Caesars in the amount of $1.787 billion. Prior to our acquisition of Caesars in June 2005, it was believed that this matter was settled pending execution of final documents and mutual releases. Although fully executed settlement documents were never provided, on March 31, 2003, the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York dismissed litigation concerning the validity of the judgment, without prejudice, while retaining jurisdiction to reopen that litigation, if, within three months thereof, the settlement had not been completed and further litigation was necessary. On June 22, 2007, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York against Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. by certain trustees of the Catskill Litigation Trust alleging the Catskill Litigation Trust had been assigned the “Tribal Court” judgment and seeks to enforce it, with interest. According to a “Tribal Court” order, accrued interest through July 9, 2007, was $1,013,889,945. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the case on August 13, 2007, and is awaiting a ruling from the District Court. The Company believes this matter to be without merit and will vigorously contest any attempt to enforce the judgment.

In addition, the Company is party to ordinary and routine litigation incidental to our business. We do not expect the outcome of any pending litigation to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes with regard to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

 

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

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

 

35


Item 6. Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

  2.1   Agreement and Plan of Merger among Hamlet Holdings LLC, Hamlet Merger Inc. and Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. dated as of December 19, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 20, 2006.)
  2.2   Waiver, dated as of January 10, 2007, to the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Hamlet Holdings LLC, Hamlet Merger, Inc. and Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., dated as of December 19, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 12, 2007.)
  3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of The Promus Companies Incorporated; Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of The Promus Companies Incorporated dated April 29, 1994; Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of The Promus Companies Incorporated dated May 26, 1995; and Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of The Promus Companies Incorporated dated June 30, 1995, changing its name to Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.)
  3.2   Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., dated as of June 9, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-3/A of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., File No. 333-12566, filed July 1, 2005.)
  3.3   Bylaws of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as amended July 19, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 21, 2006.)
  4.1   Certificate of Elimination of Series B Special Stock of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., dated February 21, 1997. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.)
  4.2   Certificate of Designations of Series A Special Stock of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., dated February 21, 1997. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.)
  4.3   Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Designations of Series A Special Stock of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., dated June 23, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 28, 2005.)
  4.4   Indenture, dated as of December 18, 1998, among Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. as obligor, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as Trustee relating to the 7 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2009. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., File No. 333-69263, filed December 18, 1998.)
  4.5   Indenture, dated as of November 9, 1999 between Park Place Entertainment Corp., as Issuer, and Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.)
  4.6   Officers’ Certificate, dated as of September 12, 2000 with respect to the 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to Park Place Entertainment Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 19, 2000.)

 

36


Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

  4.7   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 28, 2005, among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, to the Indenture, dated as of November 9, 1999, as supplemented by certain Officers’ Certificates dated as of November 9, 1999 and September 12, 2000, and as further amended and supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2005, with respect to the 8.5% Senior Notes due 2006 and the 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 2, 2005.)
  4.8   Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2001, between Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to the 8.0% Senior Notes Due 2011. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000.)
  4.9   Indenture, dated as of May 14, 2001, between Park Place Entertainment Corp., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the 8 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Park Place Entertainment Corporation, File No. 333-62508, filed June 7, 2001.)
  4.10   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2005, to Indenture, dated as of May 14, 2001, between Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the 8 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.)
  4.11   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 28, 2005, among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, to the Indenture, dated as of May 14, 2001, as amended and supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2005, with respect to the 8 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 2, 2005.)
  4.12   Indenture, dated as of August 22, 2001, between Park Place Entertainment Corp., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the 7.50% Senior Notes due 2009. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Park Place Entertainment Corporation, File No. 333-69838, filed September 21, 2001.)
  4.13   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2005, to Indenture, dated as of August 22, 2001, between Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the 7.50% Senior Notes due 2009. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.)
  4.14   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 28, 2005, among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, to the Indenture, dated as of August 22, 2001, as amended and supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2005, with respect to the 7.50% Senior Notes due 2009. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 2, 2005.)
  4.15   Indenture, dated as of March 14, 2002, between Park Place Entertainment Corp., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the 7 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Park Place Entertainment Corporation, File No. 333-86142, filed April 12, 2002.)

 

37


Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

  4.16   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2005, to Indenture, dated as of March 14, 2002, between Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the 7 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.)
  4.17   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 28, 2005, among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, to the Indenture, dated as of March 14, 2002, as amended and supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2005, with respect to the 7 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 2, 2005.)
  4.18   Indenture, dated as of April 11, 2003, between Park Place Entertainment Corp., as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the 7% Senior Notes due 2013. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Park Place Entertainment Corporation, File No. 333-104829, filed April 29, 2003.)
  4.19   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2005, to Indenture, dated as of April 11, 2003, between Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the 7% Senior Notes due 2013. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.)
  4.20   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 28, 2005, among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, to the Indenture, dated as of April 11, 2003, as amended and supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2005, with respect to the 7% Senior Notes due 2013. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 2, 2005.)
  4.21   Indenture, dated as of December 11, 2003, between Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 5.375% Senior Notes due 2013. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.)
  4.22   Indenture, dated as of June 25, 2004, between Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 5.50% Senior Notes due 2010. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.)
  4.23   Indenture, dated as of February 9, 2005, between Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the Senior Floating Rate Notes due 2008. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.)
  4.24   Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of July 28, 2005, among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the Floating Rate Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2024. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 2, 2005.)

 

38


Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

  4.25   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 9, 2005, to Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of July 28, 2005, among Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the Floating Rate Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2024. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-3/A of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., File No. 333-127210, filed September 19, 2005.)
  4.26   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2004, between Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. relating to the Floating Rate Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2024. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Caesars Entertainment, Inc., File No. 333-115641, filed May 19, 2004.)
  4.27   Indenture, dated as of May 27, 2005, between Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 5.625% Senior Notes due 2015. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 3, 2005.)
  4.28   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 19, 2005, to Indenture, dated as of May 27, 2005, between Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 5.625% Senior Notes due 2015. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., File No. 333-127840, filed August 25, 2005.)
  4.29   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 28, 2005, to Indenture, dated as of May 27, 2005, between Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 5.625% Senior Notes due 2015. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 3, 2005.)
  4.30   Indenture dated as of September 28, 2005, among Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 5.75% Senior Notes due 2017. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 3, 2005.)
  4.31   Indenture, dated as of June 9, 2006, between Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and U.S. National Bank Association, as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 14, 2006.)
  4.32   Officers’ Certificate, dated as of June 9, 2006, pursuant to Sections 301 and 303 of the Indenture dated as of June 9, 2006 between Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and U.S. National Bank Association, as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 14, 2006.)
  4.33   Form of 6.50% Senior Note due 2016. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 14, 2006.)
10.1   Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2006 among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. as Guarantor, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. as Borrower, the Lenders named therein, Syndication Agent, Co-Documentation Agents and Administrative Agent. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 26, 2006.)
10.2   Amendment No. 1, dated June 16, 2006, to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2006 among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. as Guarantor, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. as Borrower, the Lenders named therein, Syndication Agent, Co-Documentation Agents and Administrative Agent. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.)

 

39


Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

10.3   Amendment No. 2, dated August 16, 2006, to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2006 among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. as Guarantor, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. as Borrower, the Lenders named therein, Syndication Agent, Co-Documentation Agents and Administrative Agent. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.)
10.4   Amendment No. 3, dated September 29, 2006, to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2006 among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. as Guarantor, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. as Borrower, the Lenders named therein, Syndication Agent, Co-Documentation Agents and Administrative Agent. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 2, 2006.)
10.5   Additional Credit Agreement dated February 14, 2007 among Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. as Guarantor, Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. as Borrower and the Lenders named therein. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 20, 2007.)
10.6   Purchase Agreement, dated June 22, 2004, among Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as representative of the Initial Purchasers, relating to the 5.50% Senior Notes due 2010. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.)
10.7   Purchase Agreement, dated February 4, 2005, among Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and Goldman Sachs & Co., as Initial Purchaser, relating to Senior Floating Rate Notes due 2008. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.)
10.8   Purchase Agreement, dated May 19, 2005, among Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., as representatives of the Initial Purchasers, relating to the 5.625% Senior Notes due 2015. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.)
10.9   Purchase Agreement, dated September 21, 2005, among Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., as Representatives of the Initial Purchasers, relating to the 5.625% Senior Notes due 2015. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., File No. 333-127840, filed October 18, 2005.)
10.10   Additional Purchase Agreement, dated September 21, 2005, among Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and Barclays Capital Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as Representatives of the Initial Purchasers, relating to the 5.75% Senior Notes due 2017. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., File No. 333-127840, filed October 18, 2005.)
10.11   Issuing and Paying Agent Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2000, among Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and Bank One, National Association, as issuing and paying agent; Corporate Commercial Paper Master Note in favor of Cede & Co., as nominee of The Depository Trust Company, by Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, and Bank One, N.A., as Paying Agent. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.)

 

40


Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

  10.12   Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2000, among Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., as Issuer, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., as Guarantor, and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, as Dealer. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.)
  10.13   Form of Interest Rate Swap Agreements with BNP Paribas, JPMorgan Chase Bank, and The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, filed May 7, 2004.)
†10.14   Employment Agreement dated as of September 4, 2002, between Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and Gary W. Loveman. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.)
†10.15   Amendment dated as of October 31, 2005, to Employment Agreement dated as of September 4, 2002, between Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and Gary W. Loveman. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005.)
†10.16   Severance Agreement dated January 1, 2003 entered into with Gary W. Loveman (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.)
†10.17   Form of Employment Agreement between Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc. and Charles L. Atwood, Stephen H. Brammell, Jonathan S. Halkyard, Thomas M. Jenkin, Janis L. Jones, David W. Norton, John Payne, Virginia E. Shanks, Timothy S. Stanley, Mary H. Thomas and J. Carlos Tolosa. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.)
†10.18   Form of Severance Agreement entered into with Charles L. Atwood, Stephen H. Brammell, Jonathan S. Halkyard, Thomas M. Jenkin, Janis L. Jones, David W. Norton, John Payne, Virginia E. Shanks, Timothy S. Stanley, Mary H. Thomas and J. Carlos Tolosa. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.)
  10.19   Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into by The Promus Companies Incorporated and each of its directors and executive officers. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. on Form 10, File No. 1-10410, filed on December 13, 1989.)
  10.20   Form of Supplemental Indemnification Agreement entered into by Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and each of its directors and executive officers. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 21, 2006.)
†10.21   Financial Counseling Plan of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. as amended June 1996. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.)
†10.22   The Promus Companies Incorporated 1996 Non-Management Director’s Stock Incentive Plan dated April 5, 1995. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 1995 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed April 25, 1995.)
†10.23   Amendment dated February 20, 1997 to 1996 Non-Management Director’s Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997.)
†10.24   Amendment dated as of November 15, 2000 to the 1996 Non-Management Directors Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000.)

 

41


Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

  10.25   Summary Plan Description of Executive Term Life Insurance Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.)
†10.26   Park Place Entertainment Corporation 1998 Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Registration Statement of Park Place Entertainment Corporation on Form S-8, filed on December 22, 1998); and the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended May 11, 2001. (Incorporated by reference the exhibit to the Registration Statement of Park Place Entertainment Corporation on Form S-8, filed on July 31, 2001.)
†10.27   Amendment dated June 13, 2005 to the Park Place Entertainment Corporation 1998 Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.)
†10.28   Caesars Entertainment, Inc. 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. on Form S-8, filed on February 9, 2005.)
†10.29   Amendment dated June 13, 2005 to the Caesars Entertainment, Inc. 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.)
†10.30   The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Stock Option Plan, as amended July 29, 1994. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1994.)
†10.31   Amendment, dated April 5, 1995, to The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Stock Option Plan as adjusted on December 12, 1996. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.)
†10.32   Amendment, dated February 26, 1998, to the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998.)
†10.33   Amendment, dated April 30, 1998, to the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.)
†10.34   Amendment, dated October 29, 1998, to the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.)
†10.35   Amendment, dated as of May 6, 1999, to Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999.)
†10.36   Amendment, dated as of February 23, 2000, to Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.)
†10.37   The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Restricted Stock Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 1989.)
†10.38   Amendment, dated April 5, 1995, to The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Restricted Stock Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 1995 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed April 25, 1995.)
†10.39   Amendment, dated February 26, 1998, to the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 1990 Restricted Stock Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998.)

 

42


Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

†10.40   Amendment, dated April 30, 1998, to the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 1990 Restricted Stock Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.)
†10.41   Amendment, dated October 29, 1998, to the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 1990 Restricted Stock Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.)
  10.42   Letter Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., dated August 31, 2000, concerning appointment as Escrow Agent under Escrow Agreement for deferred compensation plans. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.)
  10.43   Amendment to Escrow Agreement, dated April 26, 2000, between Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., Successor to Bank of America, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.)
  10.44   Trust Agreement dated June 20, 2001 by and between Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.)
†10.45   Time Accelerated Restricted Stock Award Plan (“TARSAP”) program dated December 12, 1996. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.)
†10.46   TARSAP Deferral Plan dated July 28, 1999. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999.)
†10.47   Time Accelerated Restricted Stock Award Plan II (TARSAP II) dated April 26, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.)
†10.48   Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 2000 Senior Executive Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.)
†10.49   Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 2005 Senior Executive Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference from Annex C to the Company’s Proxy Statement, filed March 4, 2004.)
†10.50   Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 2001 Executive Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., File No. 333-63854, filed June 26, 2001.)
†10.51   Amendment dated as of January 1, 2003 to the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 2001 Executive Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.)
†10.52   Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 2001 Broad-Based Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., File No. 333-63856 filed June 26, 2001.)
†10.53   Amendment dated as of January 1, 2003 to the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. 2001 Broad-Based Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.)
†10.54   The 2001 Restatement of the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Savings And Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002.)

 

43


Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

†10.55   First Amendment to the 2001 Restatement of the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan effective January 1, 1997. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.)
†10.56   Second Amendment to the 2001 Restatement of the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan effective January 1, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.)
†10.57   Third Amendment to the 2001 Restatement of the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan effective November 24, 2003. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.)
†10.58   Fourth Amendment to the 2001 Restatement of the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan executed December 22, 2003. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.)
†10.59   Fifth Amendment to the 2001 Restatement of the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan effective January 1, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.)
†10.60   Sixth Amendment to the 2001 Restatement of the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan adopted July 20, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.)
†10.61   Seventh Amendment to the 2001 Restatement of the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan effective August 30, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.)
†10.62   Eighth Amendment to the 2001 Restatement of the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan adopted September 20, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.)
†10.63   Ninth Amendment to the 2001 Restatement of the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan adopted November 7, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.)
†10.64   Tenth Amendment to the 2001 Restatement of the Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan executed December 29, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.)
†10.65   Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Incentive Award Plan. (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Proxy Statement filed March 14, 2006, Annex B.)
†10.66   Form of Stock Option Agreement. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.)
†10.67   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.)
†10.68   Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement to the Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Incentive Award Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 21, 2006.)
†10.69   Amendment and Restatement of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, effective August 3, 2007.

 

44


Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

  †10.70   Amendment and Restatement of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of August 3, 2007.
  †10.71   Amendment and Restatement of Park Place Entertainment Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of August 3, 2007.
  †10.72   Amendment and Restatement of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Executive Supplemental Savings Plan, effective as of August 3, 2007.
  †10.73   Amendment and Restatement of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Executive Supplemental Savings Plan II, effective as of August 3, 2007.
  14       Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Principal Officers, adopted February 26, 2003. (Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed March 10, 2003.)
*31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated November 7, 2007.
*31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated November 7, 2007.
*32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated November 7, 2007.
*32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated November 7, 2007.

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-Q pursuant to Item 6 of Form 10-Q.
* Filed herewith.

 

45


SIGNATURE

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

 

        HARRAHS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

November 7, 2007

    By:  

/s/    ANTHONY D. MCDUFFIE        

      Anthony D. McDuffie
      Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

 

46

EX-31.1 2 dex311.htm CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER SECTION 302 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Section 302

Exhibit 31.1

I, Gary W. Loveman, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 7, 2007

 

/s/    GARY W. LOVEMAN        

Gary W. Loveman
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President
EX-31.2 3 dex312.htm CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER SECTION 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Section 302

Exhibit 31.2

I, Jonathan S. Halkyard, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 7, 2007

 

/s/    JONATHAN S. HALKYARD        

Jonathan S. Halkyard
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
EX-32.1 4 dex321.htm CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER SECTION 906 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Section 906

Exhibit 32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

(i) the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: November 7, 2007

 

/s/    GARY W. LOVEMAN        

Gary W. Loveman
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely to accompany the Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

EX-32.2 5 dex322.htm CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER SECTION 906 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Section 906

Exhibit 32.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

(i) the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: November 7, 2007

 

/s/    JONATHAN S. HALKYARD        

Jonathan S. Halkyard
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely to accompany the Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, and is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

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