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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES X NO
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment of this Form 10-K. (_________)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) YES X NO
As of March 13, 2003, 13,160,639 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding. As of June 28, 2002 (based upon the closing sale price for such date on the Nasdaq National Market) the aggregate market value of the shares held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant was $243,141,423.
Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 19, 2003 are incorporated by reference herein in response to Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 of Part III of Form 10-K. The exhibit index is located on pages 62 to 65.
PART I
Churchill Downs Incorporated (the “Company”) is a racing company that conducts pari-mutuel wagering on live Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred horse racing and simulcasts signals of races. Additionally, we offer racing services through our other business interests. We were organized as a Kentucky corporation in 1928. Our principal executive offices are located at 700 Central Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky, 40208.
We own and operate our flagship operation, Churchill Downs racetrack, in Louisville, Kentucky (“Churchill Downs”). Churchill Downs has conducted Thoroughbred racing continuously since 1875 and is internationally known as the home of the Kentucky Derby. The Churchill Downs operation also encompasses an off-track betting facility (“OTB”). In addition, the management of Churchill Downs oversees Ellis Park Race Course, Inc. (“Ellis Park”), which operates a Thoroughbred track in Henderson, Kentucky.
Churchill Downs Management Company (“CDMC”), a wholly owned subsidiary, manages all of our racing operations including: Churchill Downs; Ellis Park; Arlington Park, a Thoroughbred racing operation in Arlington Heights along with six OTBs in Illinois; Calder Racecourse, a Thoroughbred racing operation in Miami, Florida; and Hollywood Park, a Thoroughbred racing operation in Inglewood, California. Calder Racecourse and Hollywood Park were acquired in April 1999 and September 1999, respectively. Arlington Park merged with the Company in September 2000.
Additionally, CDMC manages Hoosier Park at Anderson in Anderson, Indiana (“Hoosier Park”). Hoosier Park conducts Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred horse racing, and operates three OTBs in Indiana. Hoosier Park is owned by Hoosier Park, L.P. (“HPLP”), an Indiana limited partnership. Anderson Park, Inc. (“Anderson”), a wholly owned subsidiary of CDMC, is the sole general partner of HPLP. Anderson owns a 62% interest in HPLP and continues to manage its day-to-day operations. Centaur Racing, LLC owns 38% of HPLP and, through a Partnership Interest Purchase Agreement, has options to purchase additional partnership interests from us.
We formed Churchill Downs Investment Company (“CDIC”), a wholly owned subsidiary, to oversee other industry related investments. CDIC owns a 60% ownership interest in Charlson Broadcast Technologies, LLC (“CBT”), a privately held company that provides television production and computer graphic software to the racing industry. CBT’s proprietary software displays odds, statistical data and other racing information on television in real-time for customers at racetracks and OTBs.
During January 2002, we sold our 35% interest in EquiSource, LLC, a procurement business that assists in the group purchasing of supplies and services for the equine industry, to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Inc. CDIC also holds a 30% interest in NASRIN Services, LLC (“NASRIN”), a telecommunications service provider for the pari-mutuel and simulcasting industries and a 24% interest in Kentucky Downs, LLC (“Kentucky Downs”), a Franklin, Kentucky, racetrack that conducts a limited Thoroughbred race meet with seven live racing days in September, as well as year-round simulcasting. Our investments in CBT, EquiSource, NASRIN and Kentucky Downs are and were not material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
We conduct live horse racing at Churchill Downs, Hollywood Park, Calder Racecourse, Arlington Park, Hoosier Park and Ellis Park. The following is a summary of our significant live racing events and a desription of our properties.
The Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, both held at Churchill Downs, continue to be our premier racing events. The Kentucky Derby offers a minimum $1.0 million in purse money, and the Kentucky Oaks offers a minimum $0.5 million in purse money. The Kentucky Derby is the first of the annual Triple Crown Races, which offer a $5.0 million bonus to the winner of all three races. In addition, Churchill Downs offers a $0.8 million purse for the Stephen Foster Handicap. Calder Racecourse is home to The Festival of the Sun, Florida’s richest day in Thoroughbred racing, offering approximately $1.6 million in total purse money. Hollywood Park is home to the Hollywood Gold Cup, which offers $0.75 million in purse money. Hollywood Park’s Autumn Meet is highlighted by the annual $2.1 million Autumn Turf Festival, comprised of six turf races. The Arlington Million, which is run during the International Festival of Racing at Arlington Park, with a purse of $1.0 million, is one of three North American stops for the World Series Racing Championship. Other significant racing events are the Indiana Derby for Thoroughbreds and the Dan Patch Invitational for Standardbreds held at Hoosier Park, as well as the Gardenia Stakes for older fillies and mares held at Ellis Park.
Arlington Park hosted the Breeders’ Cup Championship (“Breeders’ Cup”) in 2002. Churchill Downs hosted the Breeders’ Cup in 2000, 1998, 1994, 1991 and 1988 and Hollywood Park also hosted the Breeders’ Cup in 1997, 1987 and 1984 (all occurring prior to our acquisition of Hollywood Park). Breeders’ Cup Limited, a tax-exempt organization chartered to promote Thoroughbred racing and breeding, sponsors Breeders’ Cup races which feature $13.0 million in purses. These races are held annually for the purpose of determining Thoroughbred champions in eight different events. Racetracks across North America compete for the privilege of hosting the prestigious Breeders’ Cup races each year.
Churchill Downs
The Churchill Downs racetrack site and improvements are located in Louisville, Kentucky (“Churchill facility”). The Churchill facility consists of approximately 147 acres of land with a one-mile dirt track, a seven-eighths (7/8) mile turf track, permanent grandstands and a stabling area. The facility includes clubhouse and grandstand seating for approximately 48,500 persons, a state-of-the-art simulcast wagering facility designed to accommodate 450 persons, a general admission area, and food and beverage facilities ranging from fast food to full-service restaurants. The site also has a saddling paddock, infield accommodations for groups and special events, parking areas for the public, and our racetrack and corporate office facilities. The backside stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate approximately 1,400 horses, a 114-room dormitory and other facilities for backstretch personnel.
To supplement the facilities at Churchill Downs, we provide additional stabling facilities sufficient to accommodate 500 horses and a three-quarter (3/4) mile dirt track, which is used for training Thoroughbreds, at the OTB known as Trackside (formerly the Louisville Sports Spectrum). The facilities provide a year-round base of operation for many horsemen and enable us to attract new horsemen to race at Churchill Downs.
We continue to make numerous capital improvements to the Churchill facility in order to better serve our horsemen and patrons. During the first quarter of 2002 we began a $121.7 million renovation plan to restore and modernize key areas at the Churchill Downs racetrack, referred to as our “Master Plan”. The $26.6 million Phase I of the Master Plan is currently underway and is slated for completion in the fall of 2003. Phase I includes renovation of the historic Jockey Club and construction of 64 new luxury suites, a ballroom, new meeting rooms and kitchen facilities. The $95.1 million Phase II of the Master Plan is scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2003 and will include the demolition and rebuilding of a large section of the clubhouse area including the addition of 15 new luxury suites. Phase II construction is scheduled for completion in 2005.
As part of the financing for the Master Plan, in 2002 we transferred the Churchill facility to the City of Louisville, Kentucky and leased back the facility. Subject to the terms of the lease agreement we can buy back the facility at any time for $1.00. This transaction has no significant impact on our current financial position or results of operations.
Hollywood Park and the Hollywood Park Casino site and improvements are located in Inglewood, California (“Hollywood Park facility”). The Hollywood Park facility consists of approximately 240 acres of land upon which the racetrack and casino are located with a one and one-eighth (1 1/8) mile dirt track, a one-mile turf track, permanent grandstands and a stabling area. The facility includes clubhouse and grandstand seating for 16,675 persons, a general admission area, a saddling paddock area and food and beverage facilities ranging from fast food to full-service restaurants. The stabling area consists of stalls to accommodate approximately 2,000 horses, tack rooms, feed rooms, a federally approved quarantine facility, a half-mile training track, and a not-for-profit Equine Teaching Hospital and Research Center operated under the direction of the Southern California Equine Foundation. The Hollywood Park facility also features parking areas for the public and office facilities.
The Hollywood Park Casino is a state-of-the-art facility that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The casino features more than 150 gaming tables offering a variety of California approved casino games. Under California gaming law, the casino is a card club. Thus, it is not authorized to operate slot machines or electronic gaming devices but instead rents tables to casino patrons for a seat fee charged on a per hand basis. The casino also offers facilities for simulcast wagering. We lease the facility to Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. under a 10-year lease for an annual rent of $3.0 million. The lease includes a 10-year renewal option and is subject to an adjustment to the rent at the time the option is exercised.
Calder Racecourse
The Calder Racecourse racetrack and improvements are located in Miami, Florida (“Calder Racecourse facility”). The Calder Racecourse facility is adjacent to Pro Player Stadium, home of the Florida Marlins and Miami Dolphins. The Calder Racecourse facility consists of approximately 220 acres of land with a one-mile dirt track, a seven-eighths (7/8) mile turf track, a training area with a five-eighths (5/8) mile training track, permanent grandstands and a stabling area. The facility includes clubhouse and grandstand seating for approximately 15,000 persons, a general admission area, and food and beverage facilities ranging from fast food to full-service restaurants. The stable area consists of a receiving barn, feed rooms, tack rooms, detention barns and living quarters and can accommodate approximately 1,800 horses. The Calder Racecourse facility also features a saddling paddock, parking areas for the public and office facilities.
Arlington Park
The Arlington Park racecourse was constructed in 1927 and reopened its doors in 1989 after a devastating fire engulfed the clubhouse four years earlier. The racecourse sits on 325 acres, has a one and one-eighths (1 1/8) mile dirt track, a one-mile turf track and a five-eighths (5/8) mile training track. The facility includes permanent clubhouse, grandstand and suite seating for 6,045 persons, and food and beverage facilities ranging from fast food to full-service restaurants. Arlington Park has 34 barns able to accommodate approximately 2,200 horses. The Arlington Park facility also features a saddling paddock, parking areas for the public and office facilities.
Ellis Park
The Ellis Park racetrack and improvements, located in Henderson, Kentucky (“Ellis Park facility”), consist of approximately 250 acres of land just north of the Ohio River with a one and one-eighths (1 1/8) mile dirt track, a one-mile turf track, permanent grandstands and a stabling area for 1,140 horses. The facility includes clubhouse and grandstand seating for 8,000 people, a general admission area, and food and beverage facilities ranging from fast food to full-service restaurants. The Ellis Park facility also features a saddling paddock, parking areas for the public and office facilities.
Hoosier Park
Hoosier Park is located in Anderson, Indiana, about 40 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis (“Hoosier Park facility”). Hoosier Park leases the land under a long-term lease with the city of Anderson and owns all of the improvements on the site. The Hoosier Park facility consists of approximately 110 acres of leased land with a seven-eighths (7/8) mile dirt track, permanent grandstands and a stabling area. The facility includes seating for approximately 2,400 persons, a general admission area, and food and beverage facilities ranging from fast food to a full-service restaurant. The site also has a saddling paddock, parking areas for the public and office facilities. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 980 horses and other facilities for backstretch personnel.
We generate a portion of our revenues by transmitting signals of races from our racetracks to other facilities (“export”), and receiving signals from other tracks (“import”). Revenues are earned through pari-mutuel wagering on signals that we both import and export.
The Churchill Downs Simulcast Network (“CDSN”) oversees our interstate and international simulcast and wagering opportunities, as well as the marketing, sales, operations and data support efforts related to the Company-owned racing content. CDSN administers the exporting of the Company’s live racing signals, and CDSN will present 620 racing programs from our six racetracks to wagering outlets during 2003.
Churchill Downs, Arlington Park and Calder Racecourse conduct simulcast wagering only during live race meets, while Hollywood Park, Hoosier Park and Ellis Park offer year-round simulcast wagering at the racetracks. Our OTB in Kentucky primarily conducts simulcast wagering only when Churchill Downs is not operating a live race meet. The OTBs located in Indiana and Illinois conduct simulcast wagering year-round.
Off-Track Betting Facilities
Our ten OTBs are collectively branded “Trackside” to create a common identity for our OTB operations. The Kentucky OTB is located in Louisville, Kentucky, about five miles from the Churchill facility. This 100,000-square-foot property, on approximately 88 acres of land, is a Thoroughbred training and stabling annex which has state-of-the-art audio visual capabilities for pari-mutuel wagering. The OTB provides audio and visual technology, seating for approximately 3,000 persons, parking, offices and related facilities for simulcasting races.
Arlington Park also operates six OTBs that accept wagers on races at Arlington Park as well as on races simulcast from other locations. One OTB is located on the Arlington Park property. Another is located in Rockford, Illinois consisting of approximately 8.6 acres, and a third is located in Moline, Illinois on approximately 232.6 acres. Arlington Park also leases three OTBs located in: Waukegan, Illinois consisting of approximately 25,000 square feet; Chicago, Illinois consisting of approximately 19,700 square feet; and South Elgin, Illinois. The South Elgin facility was opened in December 2002 within an existing restaurant and conducts pari-mutuel wagering through a license agreement.
Hoosier Park operates three OTBs providing a statewide distribution system for Hoosier Park’s racing signal, and additional simulcast markets for our products. These OTBs are located in: Merrillville, located about 30 miles southeast of Chicago, which consists of approximately 27,300 square feet of space; Fort Wayne which consists of approximately 15,750 square feet of space; and downtown Indianapolis where Hoosier Park leases approximately 24,800 square feet of space.
Kentucky Off-Track Betting, LLC
We are a 50% owner in Kentucky Off-Track Betting, LLC (“KOTB”), with 25% of this ownership through our Ellis Park racetrack and the other 25% of this ownership through our Churchill Downs racetrack. KOTB’s purpose is to own and operate facilities for the simulcasting of races and the acceptance of wagers on such races at locations other than a racetrack. These OTBs may be located no closer than 75 miles from an existing racetrack without the racetrack’s consent and in no event closer than 50 miles to an existing racetrack. Each OTB must first be approved by the Kentucky Racing Commission (“KRC”) and the local government where the facility is to be located. KOTB currently owns or leases and operates OTBs in Corbin, Maysville, Jamestown and Pineville, Kentucky which conduct simulcast wagering year-round.
OTBs developed by KOTB provide additional markets for the intrastate simulcasting of and wagering on Churchill Downs’ and Ellis Park’s live races and interstate simulcasting of and wagering on out-of-state signals. KOTB did not contribute significantly to our operations in 2002 and is not anticipated to have a substantial impact on our operations in the future. Our investment in KOTB is not material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In-Home Wagering
In-home wagering, or account wagering, allows viewers to place wagers through an account established with an operating company. The operating company provides distribution of the live racing product through a broadcast medium such as television or the internet. We have entered into an agreement with Television Games Network (“TVG”), affiliated with Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc., to broadcast our simulcast products as part of TVG’s programming content. We license our live racing products to TVG for which we receive a simulcast host fee and a source market fee.
We believe that in-home wagering will attract both new customers who may be intimidated by a live track or an OTB facility and existing racing fans who will use account wagering in addition to the live track and OTB operations.
Pari-mutuel wagering is currently excluded from the Federal restrictions on internet gambling. In-home wagering, through networks such as TVG, is currently permitted in 12 states and is not expressly prohibited in an additional 26 states. At this time, in-home wagering does not represent a material portion of our revenues. However, we view this distribution channel as a potential source of future growth in the off-track market which requires no additional capital investment by us.
Our pari-mutuel revenues include commissions on pari-mutuel wagering at our racetracks and off-track betting facilities (net of state pari-mutuel taxes), plus simulcast host fees, and source market fees generated from contracts with our in-home wagering providers. In addition to the commissions earned on pari-mutuel wagering we also earn pari-mutuel related streams of revenues from sources that are not related to the handle wagered at our facilities. These other revenues are primarily derived from statutory racing regulations in some of the states where our facilities are located and can fluctuate year-to-year. Additional non-wagering revenues are primarily generated from Indiana riverboat admisssions subsidy, admissions, concessions, sponsorships, licensing rights and broadcast fees, lease income and other sources.
Financial information about our segments required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the information contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.
The following table is a summary of our live racing dates and the number of live racing days for each of our six racetracks. All of the racing dates have been approved by the respective state racing authorities, mentioned later in this section:
Kentucky’s racetracks, including Churchill Downs and Ellis Park, are subject to the licensing and regulation of the KRC. Licenses to conduct live Thoroughbred race meets and to participate in simulcasting are approved annually by the KRC based upon applications submitted by the racetracks in Kentucky. Although to some extent Churchill Downs and Ellis Park compete with other racetracks in Kentucky for the award of racing dates, the KRC is required by state law to consider and seek to preserve each racetrack’s usual and customary live racing dates. Generally, there is no substantial change from year to year in the racing dates awarded to each racetrack.
In California, licenses to conduct live Thoroughbred racing and to participate in simulcasting are approved annually by the California Horse Racing Board based upon applications submitted by California racetracks. Generally, there is no substantial change from year to year in the racing dates awarded to each racetrack.
In Florida, licenses to conduct live Thoroughbred racing and to participate in simulcasting are approved by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering (“DPW”). The DPW is responsible for overseeing the network of state offices located at every pari-mutuel wagering facility, as well as issuing the permits necessary to operate a pari-mutuel wagering facility. The DPW also approves annual licenses for Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse races.
Tax laws in Florida historically discouraged the three Miami-area racetracks in Florida from applying for licenses for race dates outside of their traditional racing season. Effective July 1, 2001, a new tax structure, as defined in the Florida Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act, eliminated this deterrent. Accordingly, Calder Racecourse may face direct competition from other Florida racetracks and may be subject to an increase or decrease in live racing dates in the future.
In Illinois, licenses to conduct live Thoroughbred racing and to participate in simulcasting are approved by the Illinois Racing Board (“IRB”). Arlington Park also hosted the 2002 Breeders’ Cup during 2002 which is not included in the number of live racing days noted in the table above.
In Indiana, licenses to conduct live Standardbred and Thoroughbred race meets, including Quarter Horse races, and to participate in simulcasting are approved annually by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission (“IHRC”) based upon applications submitted by Indiana racetracks. Indiana law requires us to conduct live racing for at least 120 days each year in order to simulcast races. Hoosier Park cancelled the last two days of its 2002 live Thoroughbred meet due to inclement weather. Management does not expect the reduction of live Standardbred racing dates from 90 days in 2002 to 50 days in 2003 to have a material impact on our results of operations.
A new racetrack, Indiana Downs, located in Shelbyville, Indiana, opened on December 6, 2002 approximately 32 miles from Hoosier Park. The addition of a second racetrack in Indiana impacts Hoosier Park’s share of the riverboat admissions revenue and creates an increase in competition in the market. These factors could result in an adverse impact on future profitability of the facility.
The total number of days on which each racetrack conducts live racing fluctuates annually according to each calendar year. A substantial change in the allocation of live racing days at any of our six racetracks could significantly impact our operations and earnings in future years.
North American bloodstock sales declined in 2002, a continued departure from the upward trend that began in 1995. According to The Jockey Club Fact Book, gross sales fell for the second year with a nine percent decrease in 2002 compared to 2001 and a 22.5 percent decrease in 2001 compared to 2000. Bloodstock sales, particularly sales of weanlings and yearlings, were impacted by Mare Reproduction Loss Syndrome (“MRLS”) in 2001 and slowing economies in the United States and major world markets. The results of these declines and the uncertain effects of MRLS could have an impact on the Thoroughbred population participating in live racing over the next several years.
We generally do not directly compete with other racetracks or OTBs for patrons due to the geographic separation of facilities or differences in seasonal timing of meets. However, we face competition from a variety of other sources for discretionary consumer spending including spectator sports and entertainment and gaming options, including riverboat, cruise ship and land-based casinos and lotteries. Additionally, the industry faces increasing competition for overall wagering dollars from internet wagering services, which are often established off-shore to avoid regulation under U.S. state and federal laws.
The development of riverboat gaming facilities began in Indiana pursuant to authorizing legislation passed by the state of Indiana in 1993. Illinois had previously authorized riverboat gaming. There are currently seven riverboat casinos operating on the Ohio River along Kentucky’s border. In addition to those riverboats operating along the Ohio River, five riverboat casinos are located along the Indiana shore of Lake Michigan and four are situated in Illinois near Chicago. There are also Native American gaming operations in Wisconsin and Florida, which have drawn patrons from the Arlington and Calder markets, respectively.
In response to the continued increased competition from other gaming options, the horseracing industry continues to search for new sources of revenue. Several recent developments are anticipated to be key contributors to overall growth within the industry. The developments focus on increasing the core customer base and developing new fans through new technology to increase the distribution of racing content, and through developing better identification of existing customers to increase revenues from existing sources. Finally, the industry continues to seek additional ways to draw additional new and existing customers to live racing venues. Each of these developments is highly dependent on the regulatory environment and legal developments within individual state jurisdictions.
Alternative Gaming
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (“NTRA”), the representative body for the racing industry, is in favor of the alternative gaming movement at racetracks and is working with regulators and legislators to pass alternative gaming legislation. Alternative gaming refers to the operation of slot machines or electronic gaming devices (“EGDs”) within a racing facility. In general, the NTRA and the racing industry, believe that alternative gaming will result in the following benefits:
• Higher racetrack revenues and purse levels and pass through benefits to breed developers and breeding farms• Increased tax revenues for states and local municipalities• Increased attendance at live track facilities driven primarily by “light fans,” or those who are patrons of traditional gaming operations such as casinos but are not racing customers
In Kentucky, the horse industry continues to seek legislation to allow EGDs at the state’s eight existing racetracks. EGDs would enable our Kentucky racetracks to better compete with neighboring gaming venues by providing substantial new revenues for purses and capital improvements. The industry was not successful in seeking the passage of such legislation during the regular 2003 session of the Kentucky General Assembly.
Legislation to allow pari-mutuel pull-tab machines at approved racetracks and OTBs was introduced but not passed in the 2003 session of the Indiana General Assembly. The legislation would have allocated revenues to the racetracks, purses and breed development funds, and the state’s General Fund. While this legislation would help Hoosier Park compete with increased riverboat competition, it could have an adverse impact on our Kentucky Operations if passed.
In Florida, legislation has been introduced which would authorize video lottery terminals in Florida’s 27 pari-mutuel facilities, including Thoroughbred, Harness and Greyhound tracks, and Jai Alai frontons, beginning October 1, 2003. Currently, no action has been taken on the bill.
In 1999, the state of Illinois enacted legislation that provides for pari-mutuel tax relief and related tax credits for Illinois racetracks, as well as legislation providing for subsidies to Illinois horse racing tracks from revenues generated by the relocation of a license to operate a riverboat casino gaming facility. Arlington’s share of subsidies from the proposed Rosemont casino under the 1999 legislation would range from $4.6 million to $8.0 million annually, based on publicly available sources. In the event Arlington Park receives such subsidies, additional shares of common stock would be issued to Duchossois Industries, Inc., to a maximum of 1.25 million shares under our merger agreement related to Arlington Park. In January 2001, the Illinois Gaming Board (“IGB”) denied a license application of Emerald Casino, Inc. to operate the Rosemont casino. The group has the option to appeal the decision. The IGB may also award the license to other applicants in the future. During 2002, Emerald Casino, Inc. filed for bankruptcy and is attempting to sell its license rights subject to the approval of the IGB and the Bankruptcy court.
A bill was filed in the 2003 session of the Illinois legislature, which would eliminate the statutory right of Arlington Park and the other Illinois racetracks to recapture amounts from their purse accounts. Since 2000, the Illinois General Assembly has appropriated money to reimburse each racetrack’s purse account for the amounts recaptured, however, the appropriation was vetoed by Illinois’s governor during 2002. Illinois horsemen unsuccessfully petitioned the IRB to prevent the tracks from recapturing purse amounts in any year where Illinois does not appropriate funds for reimbursement. Subsequently, the Illinois horsemen have filed a lawsuit against the IRB and the Illinois racetracks, including Arlington Park, challenging the recapture of purse account amounts.
Additional information regarding how our facilities could be impacted by legislative changes are included in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-K.
The septic system at our Ellis Park facility must be replaced with a hook-up to city sewers. The cost of the hook-up is estimated by the City of Henderson, Kentucky to be $1.4 million. Ellis Park applied for partial funding from the State of Kentucky during 2002. The project is expected to be completed during 2003.
In 1992, we acquired certain assets of Louisville Downs Incorporated for $5.0 million including the site of the Louisville OTB. In conjunction with this purchase, we withheld $1.0 million from the amount due to the sellers to offset certain costs related to the remediation of environmental contamination associated with underground storage tanks at the site. All of the $1.0 million hold back had been utilized as of December 31, 2002 and additional costs of remediation have not yet been conclusively determined. The sellers had previously received a reimbursement of $1.0 million from the Commonwealth of Kentucky for remediation costs, and that amount is now being held in an escrow account to pay further costs of remediation. Approximately $1.2 million, including interest on the escrow principal, remains in the account. The seller has submitted a Corrective Action Plan to the state and has reported to the state that all wells, with the exception of one, are “below action.” Well-testing continues and the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet has not taken final action on this matter. In addition to the hold back, we have obtained an indemnity to cover the full cost of remediation from the prior owner of the property. We do not believe the cost of further investigation and remediation will exceed the amount of funds in the escrow.
It is not anticipated that we will have any material liability as a result of compliance with environmental laws with respect to any of our properties. Compliance with environmental laws has not materially affected the ability to develop and operate our properties and we are not otherwise subject to any material compliance costs in connection with federal or state environmental laws.
We hold numerous state and federal service mark registrations on specific names and designs in various categories including entertainment business, apparel, paper goods, printed matter and housewares and glass. We license the use of these service marks and derive revenue from such license agreements.
As of December 31, 2002, we employed approximately 1,300 full-time employees Company-wide. Due to the seasonal nature of our live racing business, the number of seasonal and part-time persons employed will vary throughout the year. During 2002, average full-time and seasonal employment per pay period was approximately 2,100 individuals Company-wide.
Copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge on or through our website (www.churchilldownsincorporated.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Information concerning property owned by us required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the information contained in Item 1. “Business” of this Report.
Our real and personal property (but not including the property of Hoosier Park, Charlson, KOTB, NASRIN or Kentucky Downs) is encumbered by liens securing our $250 million line of credit facility. The shares of stock of certain of our subsidiaries are also pledged to secure this facility.
The Kentucky Derby Museum is located on property which is adjacent to, but not owned by, Churchill Downs. The Museum is owned and operated by the Kentucky Derby Museum Corporation, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
There are no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business, to which we are a party or of which any of our property is the subject and no such proceedings are known to be contemplated by governmental authorities.
No matter was submitted to a vote of our shareholders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market automated quotation system (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol CHDN. As of March 11, 2003, there were approximately 3,630 shareholders of record.
The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices, as reported by Nasdaq, and dividend payment information for our common stock during the last two years:
We presently expect that comparable annual cash dividends (adjusted for any stock splits or other similar transactions) will continue to be paid in the future.
(In thousands, except per share data)
Information set forth in this discussion and analysis contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ( the “Act”) provides certain “safe harbor” provisions for forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are made pursuant to the Act. These statements represent our judgment concerning the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual operating results and financial condition to differ materially. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the use of terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include: the effect of global economic conditions; the effect (including possible increases in the cost of doing business) resulting from future war and terrorist activities or political uncertainties; the impact of increasing insurance costs; the financial performance of our racing operations; the impact of gaming competition (including lotteries and riverboat, cruise ship and land-based casinos) and other sports and entertainment options in those markets in which we operate; a substantial change in law or regulations affecting our pari-mutuel activities; a substantial change in allocation of live racing days; litigation surrounding the Rosemont, Illinois, riverboat casino; changes in Illinois law that impact revenues of racing operations in Illinois; a decrease in riverboat admissions subsidy revenue from our Indiana operations; the impact of an additional racetrack near our Indiana operations; our continued ability to effectively compete for the country’s top horses and trainers necessary to field high-quality horse racing; our continued ability to grow our share of the interstate simulcast market; the impact of interest rate fluctuations; our ability to execute our acquisition strategy and to complete or successfully operate planned expansion projects; the economic environment; our ability to adequately integrate acquired businesses; market reaction to our expansion projects; the loss of our totalisator companies or their inability to keep their technology current; our accountability for environmental contamination; the loss of key personnel and the volatility of our stock price.
You should read this discussion together with the financial statements and other financial information included in the report. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
General Information About Our Business
We conduct pari-mutuel wagering on live Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred horse racing and simulcast signals of races. Additionally, we offer racing services through our other interests.
We operate the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, which has conducted Thoroughbred racing since 1875 and is internationally known as the home of the Kentucky Derby, and Ellis Park Race Course, Inc., a Thoroughbred racing operation in Henderson, Kentucky (collectively referred to as “Kentucky Operations”). We also own and operate Hollywood Park, a Thoroughbred racing operation in Inglewood, California; Arlington Park, a Thoroughbred racing operation in Arlington Heights, Illinois; and Calder Racecourse, a Thoroughbred racing operation in Miami, Florida. Additionally, we are the majority owner and operator of Hoosier Park in Anderson, Indiana, which conducts Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred horse racing. We conduct simulcast wagering on horse racing at ten simulcast wagering facilities in Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois, as well as at our six racetracks.
The Churchill Downs Simulcast Network (“CDSN”) segment was developed in 2002 to focus on the distribution of the Company’s simulcast signal. CDSN oversees our interstate and international simulcast and wagering opportunities, as well as the marketing, sales, operations and data support efforts related to the Company-owned racing content.
Our revenues and earnings are significantly influenced by our racing calendar. Therefore, revenues and operating results for any interim quarter are not generally indicative of the revenues and operating results for the year. We historically have very few live racing days during the first quarter, with a majority of our live racing occurring in the second, third and fourth quarters, including the running of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks in the second quarter. Information regarding racing dates at our facilities for 2002 and 2003 is included in Item 1E, “Licenses and Live Racing Dates” of this Form 10-K.
Greater than 70% of our annual revenues are generated by pari-mutuel wagering on both live and simulcast racing content. Live racing handle includes patron wagers on live races at our live tracks and also wagers made on imported simulcast signals during live races. Import simulcasting handle includes wagers on imported signals at our racetracks when the respective tracks are not conducting live races and at our OTBs throughout the year. Export handle includes all patron wagers made on our live racing signals sent to other tracks or OTBs.
The pari-mutuel operator retains as revenue a pre-determined percentage of the total amount wagered, and the balance is distributed to the winning patrons. The percentages retained on live racing at our various locations range from 14.78% to 20.8%. In general, the commissions earned from import and export simulcasting are contractually determined and range from 2.83% to 3.71%. All commissions earned from pari-mutuel wagering are shared with horsemen based on local contracts and average approximately 50%.
To compensate for the adverse impact of riverboat competition, the horse industry in Indiana presently receives $0.65 per $3 admission to riverboats in the state. During 2001, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission (“IHRC”) required 70% of any revenue received from the subsidy to be used for purse expenses, breed development and reimbursement of approved marketing costs. The balance, with a ceiling of $6.8 million, was received by Hoosier Park.
At the start of 2002, the IHRC lifted the $6.8 million ceiling and now requires an allocation of 60% of any subsidy revenue to purse expenses and breed development. A second racetrack in Indiana, Indiana Downs, was opened on December 6, 2002 and the remaining 40% of the subsidy was shared between Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs based on the number of live race days during 2002. To the extent that Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs each run at least 120 days of approved Standardbred and Thoroughbred live racing during 2003, the 2003 subsidy revenue will be split evenly between the two racetracks reducing Hoosier Park’s subsidy revenues by approximately $5.0 million. Prior to passage of new legislation introduced during the 2003 session of the Indiana legislature, it is expected that subsidy revenues will be split evenly between Indiana racetracks during the first half of 2004 and based on purses generated during the latter half of 2004. Currently it is unknown how future subsidy revenues will be allocated to Indiana racetracks.
During the 2003 session of the Indiana legislature, legislation was introduced to legislate a 50/50 split of the riverboat subsidy between Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs. The bill was approved by the Senate in February 2003 and we will continue to monitor its progress as it moves to the House. Additionally, a second bill was introduced, as part of the state budget, which seeks to cap the total horse industry share of the subsidy form riverboat admissions at $17 million. This bill recently passed the House and we continue to monitor its progress in the state Senate.
As a result of the controversy surrounding a Breeders’ Cup Ultra Pick 6 wager, placed on October 26, 2002, we have established, along with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Inc. (“NTRA”), the NTRA Wagering Technology Group. The objective of the group is to ensure the security of pari-mutuel wagering systems and to eliminate concerns of racing patrons as to the integrity of such systems. Although this controversy involves a vendor of the Company, our concerns and rigorous actions are grounded in our interest to protect our patrons.
In addition to the steps taken above, we have also taken other actions to further ensure the integrity of our wagering systems. In an effort to ensure bettors that the odds do not change after the start of a race, effective November 13, 2002, wagering at all of our facilities, excluding Hollywood Park, will be halted at zero minutes to post - or approximately one minute before horses are loaded into the starting gate for each race. The California Horse Racing Board (“CHRB”) regulations currently prevent us from implementing these changes at Hollywood Park. Also, totalisator hubs at our facilities will no longer accept wagers placed through account-wagering facilities that do not make recordings of touch-tone wagering transactions.
In Kentucky, the excise tax credit for racetracks, passed as part of the 2000-2002 state budget, ended June 30, 2002. The excise tax credit resulted in a credit of $0.5 million during 2002 for horsemen incentives and capital improvements at Churchill Downs. The excise tax credit was introduced again in the 2002-2004 state budget, which passed March 10, 2003. The measure results in a $12,000 credit against our excise tax liablity for each day of live racing starting July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004 and is earmarked for horsemen's incentives and necessary capital improvements.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our most significant estimates relate to the valuation of property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, which may be significantly affected by changes in the regulatory environment in which the company operates, and to the aggregate costs for self-insured liability claims. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K annual report.
Our business can be impacted positively and negatively by legislative changes such as those previously described and from alternative gaming competition. Significant negative changes resulting from these activities could result in a significant impairment of our property and equipment and/or our goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards.
Additional information regarding how our business can be impacted by competition and legislative changes are included in Item 1F and 1G, respectively, in this Form 10-K.
For our business insurance renewal effective March 1, 2002, we assumed more risk than in the prior years, primarily through higher retentions and higher maximum losses for stop-loss insurance for certain coverages. Our March 1, 2003 business insurance renewals included substantially the same coverages and rentions as the 2002 renewal. Based on our historical loss experience, management does not anticipate that this increased risk assumption will materially impact our results of operations.
We are currently pursuing the divestiture of our Ellis Park racetrack. If a sale occurs, we plan to use any net proceeds to reduce our debt. During 2002, we reduced the carrying value of the buildings, equipment and furniture and fixtures of Ellis Park to reflect their estimated fair value in a divestiture transaction. Should a transaction not be completed at the currently estimated sales price, an additional write down of these assets could occur.
As a result of the reorganization for internal reporting during 2002, this summary is now reported on a new basis, which combines our two Kentucky racetracks into a single segment and separates our CDSN operations into a separate segment.
*Arlington Park's sixth OTB opened during December 2002.
Net Revenues
Net revenues increased $12.2 million from $427.0 million in 2001 to $439.2 million in 2002. Arlington Park revenues increased $3.5 million primarily as a result of five additional live race days and Calder Racecourse revenues increased $5.2 million primarily as a result of an expanded live race meet resulting in ten additional live race days during 2002. Kentucky Operations revenues increased $1.3 million primarily due to an additional six days of live racing as well as record wagering for the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Hollywood Park pari-mutuel revenues increased $3.4 million primarily resulting from three additional live racing days in 2002. However, this increase was offset by a decrease in concessions revenues as a result of outsourcing Hollywood Park’s food service. CDSN revenues increased $8.6 million primarily due to increases in overall export simulcasting activity, as well as the additional days of racing and record wagering on the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby noted above. Net revenues increased less than the sum of the segment variances described above due to increases in intercompany eliminations of $6.4 million due to the increased CDSN simulcasting activity.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased $8.1 million from $345.6 million in 2001 to $353.7 million in 2002 due to several factors, including a $3.2 million increase in 2002 business insurance expenses at all of our racetracks. Arlington Park, Calder Racecourse and Kentucky Operations had increases in operating expenses from the increased number of live race days. Kentucky Operations also experienced additional costs related to the incremental Kentucky Derby security measures in May 2002. Hollywood Park had increases in operating expenses from the increased number of live race days partially offset by decreases in operating expense for the outsourcing of its food service. Increases were partially offset by a decrease in amortization expense of $1.4 million related to the adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 142 on January 1, 2002.
Gross profit
Gross profit increased $4.1 million from $81.4 million in 2001 to $85.5 million in 2002. Although there was revenue growth during 2002 primarily as a result of increased live racing days at Arlington Park, Calder Racecourse, Kentucky Operations and Hollywood Park, record wagering results on Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days and an increase in CDSN wagering activity, these increases were partially offset by increases in business insurance and other operating expenses, as discussed above.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased by $3.7 million primarily due to costs incurred by our Kentucky Operations related to the Kentucky legislative gaming initiatives and consulting project and costs incurred by Arlington Park primarily related to the Illinois riverboat legislation.
Asset Impairment Loss
Other Income and Expense
Interest expense decreased $3.8 million in 2002 as a result of lower interest rates and continued debt reduction through our positive cash flow and balance sheet management.
Income Tax Provision
The decrease in our income tax provision of $0.6 million for 2002 compared to 2001 is the result of a decrease in pre-tax earnings offset by a slight increase in our effective income tax rate from 40.7% in 2001 to 40.9% in 2002.
Year Ended December 31, 2001 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2000
Net revenues increased $64.0 million from $363.0 million in 2000 to $427.0 million in 2001. Arlington Park revenues increased $68.1 million due to the timing of the September 8, 2000 merger. Churchill Downs racetrack, Hoosier Park and Calder Racecourse had increases in revenues primarily due to increased handle during 2001. Increases were offset by a decrease in revenues at Hollywood Park primarily due to a decrease in attendance and handle as a result of the impact of the energy-related problems on the West Coast and the overall economic slowdown. Other investment revenues decreased as a result of the Arlington Park management contract that was in effect during the third quarter of 2000 prior to the closing of the Arlington Park merger.
Operating expenses increased $58.2 million from $287.4 million in 2000 to $345.6 million in 2001 primarily as a result of Arlington Park’s increase in operating expenses of $55.1 million due to the timing of the merger. Hollywood Park had a decrease in operating expenses consistent with the decrease in pari-mutuel revenues described above.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $5.8 million from $75.6 million in 2000 to $81.4 million in 2001. The increase in gross profit was primarily the result of the merger with Arlington Park offset by a decrease in Hollywood Park’s gross profit as a result of the overall decreases in revenues described above.
SG&A expenses increased by $3.1 million from $28.7 million in 2000 to $31.8 million in 2001 as a result of the 2000 merger with Arlington Park.
Interest expense decreased $2.2 million from $14.8 million in 2000 to $12.6 million in 2001 primarily due to the use of available cash to pay down our line of credit, as well as a reduction in interest rates on the revolving loan facility resulting from the improvement in our leverage ratios and an overall decrease in LIBOR interest rates.
The increase in our income tax provision of $1.7 million for 2001 compared to 2000 is the result of an increase in pre-tax earnings offset by a decline in our effective income tax rate from 41.2% in 2000 to 40.7% in 2001 primarily as a result of the reduced impact of non-deductible expenses.
Significant Changes in the Balance Sheet December 31, 2002 to December 31, 2001
Restricted cash decreased $7.5 million since December 31, 2001. Management of the horsemen’s cash and accounts payable accounts at Calder Racecourse was assumed by the Florida Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association (“FHBPA”) resulting in a decrease of $9.5 million. The remaining change in restricted cash relates to Arlington Park balances held for Breeders’ Cup.
Accounts payable decreased $11.6 million primarily due to a decrease of $9.3 million at Calder Racecourse relating to the FHBPA assuming management of the horsemen’s payable account as mentioned above. Hollywood Park had a decrease of $1.8 million resulting from more timely payments of live meet related activity during 2002.
The long-term debt decrease of $9.9 million was the result of the use of current cash flows to reduce borrowings under our bank line of credit during 2002.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The $9.5 million increase in working capital between December 31, 2002 and 2001 is due primarily to the increase in prepaid balances held for Breeders’ Cup and the decrease in accounts payable related to Hollywood Park’s timing of payments. We generally operate with negative working capital, as cash generated daily by our operations is used to reduce our long-term revolving credit borrowings. During periods when we are conducting little or no live racing, funds from the line of credit facility are used for working capital needs.
Cash flows provided by operations were $35.4 million, $45.7 million and $27.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The net decrease in cash provided by operations in 2002, as compared to 2001, was primarily a result of the timing of accounts payable and prepaid Breeders’ Cup balances at Arlington Park. The net increase in cash provided by operations in 2001, as compared to 2000, was primarily a result of the timing of payments of purses payable, horsemen’s cash balances and invoicing for special events and the impact of Arlington Park operations for a full year.
Cash flows used in investing activities were $22.7 million, $10.1 million and $17.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively. We used $22.7 million during 2002 for capital spending at our facilities, including $11.9 million for the first phase of the Master Plan renovation of our Churchill Downs racetrack. Capital expenditures were $14.6 million during 2001 and $22.4 million in 2000, including $3.0 million for completion of the expansion of Churchill Downs’ main entrance and corporate offices during 2000. We are planning capital expenditures, including $15.5 million for the completion of the first phase and $24.9 million for the second phase of our Master Plan renovation, of approximately $53.0 million for 2003.
Cash flows used in financing activities were $13.6 million, $30.8 million and $28.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively, reflecting the use of cash flows from operations to reduce borrowings on our line of credit.
We have a $250 million line of credit under a revolving loan facility, of which $116.0 million was outstanding at December 31, 2002. The credit facility contains financial covenant requirements, including specified fixed charge, minimum interest coverage and maximum leverage ratios and minimum levels of net worth. This line of credit is secured by substantially all of our assets and matures in 2004. This credit facility is intended to meet working capital and other short-term requirements and to provide funding for future acquisitions.
We are currently in negotiations to refinance our revolving loan facility to meet our needs for funding future working capital, capital improvements and future acquisitions. The debt refinancing is expected to be completed by April 30, 2003. Management believes cash flows from operations and borrowings after completion of this refinancing will be sufficient to fund our cash requirements for the year.
Our principal commitments to make future payments consisted of repayments of borrowings under our revolving loan facility, capital lease obligations and obligations under operating lease agreements. Our contractual obligations at December 31, 2002 are summarized as follows ($ in thousands):
As of December 31, 2002 we had an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $35.0 million, which matured on March 10, 2003. The carrying amount of the interest rate swap was a payable of approximately $0.4 million at December 31, 2002. Information regarding interest rates on the swap agreement is included in Item 7A of this Form 10-K.
Significant Accounting Pronouncements
The FASB issued SFAS No. 146 “Accounting for Exit or Disposal Activities.” SFAS No. 146 addresses the recognition, measurement, and reporting of costs that are associated with exit and disposal activities, including certain lease termination costs and severance-type costs under a one-time benefit arrangement rather than an ongoing benefit arrangement or an individual deferred-compensation contract. SFAS No. 146 requires liabilities associated with exit and disposal activities to be expensed as incurred and will be effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. Management anticipates that the adoption of SFAS No. 146 will not have a significant effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation –Transition and Disclosure an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” This Statement amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. Management does not currently expect to change its method of accounting treatment for stock options.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, and interpretation of SFAS No. 5, 57 and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34” (“FIN 45”). FIN 45 requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, the entity must recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under that guarantee. FIN 45 requires disclosure about each guarantee even if the likelihood of the guarantor’s having to make any payments under the guarantee is remote. The provisions for initial recognition and measurement are effective on a prospective basis for guarantees that are issued or modified after December 31, 2002. Management does not expect the adoption of this Interpretation to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN 46”). This Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 “Consolidated Financial Statements,” requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective immediately for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied for the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2003. Management does not expect the adoption of this Interpretation to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
At December 31, 2002, we had $116.0 million of debt outstanding under our revolving loan facility, which bears interest at LIBOR based variable rates. We are exposed to market risk on variable rate debt due to potential adverse changes in the LIBOR rate. Assuming the outstanding balance on the revolving loan facility remains constant, a one-percentage point increase in the LIBOR rate would reduce annual pre-tax earnings, recorded fair value and cash flows by $1.2 million.
In order to mitigate a portion of the market risk associated with our variable rate debt, we have entered into an interest rate swap contract with a major financial institution. Under terms of the separate contract we received a LIBOR based variable interest rate and paid a fixed interest rate of 7.015% on a notional amount of $35.0 million, which matured on March 10, 2003. Assuming the notional amount under the interest rate swap contract remains constant between January 1, 2003 and March 10, 2003, when the swap expired, a one-percentage point increase in the LIBOR rate would increase pre-tax earnings, recorded fair value and cash flows by $0.1 million.
To the Shareholders and Board of DirectorsChurchill Downs Incorporated
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15 (a) (1), present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Churchill Downs Incorporated and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15 (a) (2), presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” effective January 1, 2002. As discussed in note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by FASB Statement No. 138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities – an amendment to FASB Statement No. 133,” effective January 1, 2001.
\s\ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPPricewaterhouseCoopers LLPLouisville, KentuckyMarch 6, 2003
The effects of applying SFAS No. 123 in this pro forma disclosure are unlikely to be representative of the effects on pro forma net income for future years since variables such as option grants, exercises, and stock price volatility included in the disclosures may not be indicative of future activity. We anticipate making awards in the future under stock-based compensation plans.
The Company’s Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol CHDN. As of March 11 , 2003, there were approximately 3,630 shareholders of record.
In September 2000, we issued 3.15 million shares of common stock at a price of $16.28 related to the Arlington Park merger.
Quarterly earnings (loss) per share figures may not equal total earnings (loss) per share for the year due in part to the fluctuation of the market price of the stock.
The above table sets forth the high and low bid quotations (as reported by Nasdaq) and dividend payment information for the Company’s Common Stock during its last three years.
I, Thomas H. Meeker, certify that:1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Churchill Downs Incorporated;2. Based on my knowledge, this annual 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 annual report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual 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 annual 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-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
6. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
I, Michael E. Miller, certify that:1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Churchill Downs Incorporated;2. Based on my knowledge, this annual 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 annual report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual 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 annual 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-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.