Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration Number 333-129106
PROSPECTUS
HARRAH'S OPERATING COMPANY, INC.
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
$750,000,000 principal amount of our
5.75% Senior Notes due 2017,
which have been registered under the Securities Act,
for any and all of our outstanding unregistered 5.75% Senior Notes
due 2017
Material Terms of the Exchange Offer
Please refer to "Risk Factors" beginning on page 12 of this prospectus for a description of the risks you should consider before participating in the exchange offer.
None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission, any state gaming commission or any other gaming authority has approved of the exchange notes or determined that this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is November 17, 2005.
We have not authorized any dealer, salesperson or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in this prospectus. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained in this prospectus as if we had authorized it. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which it relates, nor does this prospectus constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. By acknowledging that it will deliver a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for private notes where such private notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, starting on the expiration date and ending on the close of business 180 days after the expiration date, we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution."
| FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS | 2 | |
| MARKET DATA | 3 | |
| PROSPECTUS SUMMARY | 4 | |
| RISK FACTORS | 12 | |
| USE OF PROCEEDS | 17 | |
| SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA | 18 | |
| UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA | 20 | |
| REGULATION AND LICENSING | 28 | |
| THE EXCHANGE OFFER | 30 | |
| DESCRIPTION OF EXCHANGE NOTES | 39 | |
| MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS | 51 | |
| PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION | 52 | |
| VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES | 53 | |
| EXPERTS | 53 | |
| WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION | 54 | |
| DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE | 54 |
This prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about us that is not included in or delivered with the document. This information is available without charge to you upon written or oral request to:
Harrah's
Entertainment, Inc.
One Harrah's Court
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
Attention: Corporate Secretary
(702) 407-6000
To obtain timely delivery, you must request the information no later than five business days before the date you must make your investment decision, or no later than December 9, 2005.
1
This prospectus and the other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain or may contain "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified 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," "project," "might," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend, " "could," "would," "estimate," "continue" or "pursue," or the negative of these words or other words or expressions of similar meaning may identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this prospectus and the other documents incorporated by reference. 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, in each case relating to Harrah's, wherever they occur in this prospectus or the other documents incorporated by reference herein, are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of the management of Harrah's 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, including those set forth in this prospectus and incorporated by reference into this prospectus. In addition to the risk factors identified elsewhere, important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation:
2
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus or, in the case of documents incorporated by reference, as of the date of those documents. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
Market data used throughout this prospectus including information relating to our relative position in the casino and gaming industry is based on our good faith estimates, which estimates we based upon our review of internal surveys, independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Although we believe these sources are reliable, we have not independently verified the information and cannot guarantee its accuracy and completeness.
3
In this prospectus, the words "Harrah's Entertainment" refer to Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation, "Harrah's Operating" refer to Harrah's Operating Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Harrah's Entertainment, and "Harrah's," "we," "our," "ours," and "us" refer to Harrah's Entertainment and its consolidated subsidiaries, including without limitation Harrah's Operating, unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires. The following summary contains basic information about this offering. It may not contain all the information that is important to you. We urge you to read this entire prospectus carefully, including the "Risk Factors" section, the information incorporated by reference herein and the documents identified under "Where You Can Find More Information." The "Description of Exchange Notes" section of this prospectus contains more detailed information regarding the terms and conditions of the exchange notes.
We are one of the leading casino entertainment providers in the world. Harrah's Entertainment's business is conducted through Harrah's Operating, a wholly-owned subsidiary, which owns or manages through various subsidiaries more than 40 casinos in three countries with more than 3 million square feet of gaming space and approximately 40,000 hotel rooms. Our casino entertainment facilities, operating primarily under the Harrah's, Caesar's and Horseshoe brand names, include twenty land-based casinos, fourteen riverboat or dockside casinos (including our Mississippi Gulf Coast, New Orleans and Lake Charles properties), a combination greyhound racetrack and casino, a combination thoroughbred racetrack and casino, and four managed casinos on Indian lands. We also operate casinos on three cruise ships. See "Recent Developments" on page 7 for a discussion of the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on our Mississippi Gulf Coast, New Orleans and Lake Charles properties.
Our principal executive offices are located at One Harrah's Court, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119. Our telephone number is (702) 407-6000. The address of our internet site is http://www.harrahs.com. Any internet addresses provided in this prospectus are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be hyperlinks. Accordingly, no information in any of these internet addresses is included herein.
Summary of Property Information
The following table sets forth our gaming operations as of June 30, 2005, including number of hotel rooms, slots and gaming tables, and casino square footage. The accompanying footnotes include updated information based on available estimates of the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
| Market/Property |
Type of Casino |
Casino Square Footage(1) |
Hotel Rooms(1) |
Slots(1) |
Gaming Tables(1) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City, New Jersey | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Atlantic City | Land-based | 140,500 | 1,630 | 4,000 | 100 | ||||||
| Showboat Atlantic City | Land-based | 124,400 | 1,310 | 4,010 | 70 | ||||||
| Bally's Atlantic City | Land-based | 225,800 | 1,740 | 5,580 | 220 | ||||||
| Caesars Atlantic City | Land-based | 130,900 | 1,220 | 3,160 | 120 | ||||||
| Las Vegas, Nevada | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Las Vegas | Land-based | 87,700 | 2,530 | 1,370 | 90 | ||||||
| Rio | Land-based | 107,000 | 2,530 | 1,190 | 150 | ||||||
| Caesars Palace | Land-based | 126,700 | 2,400 | (2) | 1,800 | 110 | |||||
| Paris Las Vegas | Land-based | 85,000 | 2,920 | 1,420 | 90 | ||||||
| Bally's Las Vegas | Land-based | 66,400 | 2,810 | 1,380 | 60 | ||||||
| Flamingo Las Vegas | Land-based | 76,800 | 3,550 | 1,980 | 90 | ||||||
4
| Lake Tahoe, Nevada | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Lake Tahoe | Land-based | 57,600 | 530 | 880 | 70 | ||||||
| Bill's Lake Tahoe | Land-based | 18,000 | | 380 | 20 | ||||||
| Harveys Lake Tahoe | Land-based | 63,300 | 740 | 920 | 80 | ||||||
| New Orleans, Louisiana | |||||||||||
| Harrah's New Orleans(3) | Land-based | 125,100 | | (3) | 2,020 | 120 | |||||
| Reno, Nevada | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Reno | Land-based | 57,000 | 930 | 1,000 | 60 | ||||||
| Reno Hilton(4) | Land-based | 107,000 | 2,000 | 1,110 | 50 | ||||||
| Laughlin, Nevada | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Laughlin | Land-based | 47,000 | 1,560 | 930 | 40 | ||||||
| Flamingo Laughlin(5) | Land-based | 57,200 | 1,910 | 1,420 | 50 | ||||||
| Lake Charles, Louisiana | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Lake Charles(6) | Dockside | 60,000 | 260 | 1,250 | 70 | ||||||
| Chicago, Illinois area | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Joliet (Illinois)(7) | Dockside | 39,200 | 200 | 1,190 | 20 | ||||||
| Horseshoe Hammond (Indiana) | Dockside | 48,300 | | 2,000 | 50 | ||||||
| Metropolis, Illinois | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Metropolis | Dockside | 29,800 | 120 | (8) | 1,180 | 30 | |||||
| Mississippi Gulf Coast | |||||||||||
| Grand Casino Biloxi(9) | Dockside | 134,000 | 980 | 2,630 | 100 | ||||||
| Grand Casino Gulfport(9) | Dockside | 105,000 | 1,000 | 2,080 | 90 | ||||||
| Tunica, Mississippi | |||||||||||
| Horseshoe Tunica | Dockside | 63,000 | 510 | 1,980 | 90 | ||||||
| Grand Casino Tunica | Dockside | 136,000 | 1,360 | 2,450 | 100 | ||||||
| Sheraton Casino & Hotel | Dockside | 31,000 | 130 | 1,390 | 40 | ||||||
| Southern Indiana | |||||||||||
| Caesars Indiana | Dockside | 87,000 | 500 | 2,330 | 140 | ||||||
| Council Bluffs, Iowa | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Council Bluffs | Dockside | 28,000 | 250 | 1,220 | 40 | ||||||
| Bluffs Run Casino(10) | Greyhound Racing Facility and Land-based Casino | 41,600 | | 1,640 | | ||||||
| Bossier City, Louisiana | |||||||||||
| Louisiana Downs | Thoroughbred Racing Facility and Land-based Casino | 14,900 | | 1,400 | | ||||||
| Horseshoe Bossier City | Dockside | 29,900 | 610 | 1,630 | 60 | ||||||
| North Kansas City, Missouri | |||||||||||
| Harrah's North Kansas City | Dockside | 60,100 | 200 | (11) | 1,700 | 60 | |||||
| St. Louis, Missouri | |||||||||||
| Harrah's St. Louis | Dockside | 120,000 | 500 | 2,830 | 90 | ||||||
| Phoenix, Arizona | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin(12) | Indian Reservation | 48,000 | 150 | 880 | 20 | ||||||
| Cherokee, North Carolina | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Cherokee(12) | Indian Reservation | 80,000 | 250 | (13) | 3,170 | 30 | |||||
| Topeka, Kansas | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Prairie Band(12)(14) | Indian Reservation | 34,900 | 300 | 1,110 | 30 | ||||||
| San Diego, California | |||||||||||
| Harrah's Rincon(12) | Indian Reservation | 69,900 | 650 | 1,600 | 50 | ||||||
| Punte del Este, Uruguay | |||||||||||
| Conrad Punta del Este Resort and Casino(15) | Land-based | 44,500 | 300 | 500 | 90 | ||||||
5
| Ontario, Canada | |||||||||||
| Casino Windsor(16) | Land-based | 100,000 | 390 | 3,270 | 85 | ||||||
| Cruise Ships | |||||||||||
| S.S. Crystal Harmony(17) | Cruise ship | 3,000 | | 90 | 8 | ||||||
| S.S. Crystal Symphony(17) | Cruise ship | 4,000 | | 120 | 8 | ||||||
| S.S. Crystal Serenity(17) | Cruise ship | 4,000 | | 90 | 8 | ||||||
| Total | 3,119,500 | 38,970 | 74,280 | 2,899 | |||||||
6
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast impacting Harrah's properties on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in New Orleans. On September 24, 2005, Hurricane Rita hit the gulf coast impacting Harrah's property in Lake Charles. We are currently unable to estimate the full extent of damage from Hurricane Katrina to our Harrah's New Orleans casino. However, we believe that our Grand Casino Biloxi and Grand Casino Gulfport are significantly damaged. We also believe that Hurricane Rita caused significant damage to Harrah's Lake Charles. We are unable to provide estimated reopening dates for each of these properties.
We have property damage and business interruption insurance which applies to all of our assets in the New Orleans, Mississippi Gulf Coast and Lake Charles areas. We are working closely with our insurance carriers and claims adjusters to ascertain the full extent of the damage and the insurance amounts due to us. However, we have deductibles for this insurance and cannot, at this time, estimate the total loss, net of insurance proceeds.
We believe that the impact on the surrounding communities, including damage to the infrastructure, major roads, utilities and the residential and commercial properties in these areas could negatively impact the local gaming industry and tourism for an extended period of time.
Ratio Of Earnings To Fixed Charges
The following table sets forth information with respect to Harrah's Entertainment's consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated:
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Year Ended December 31, |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 |
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2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
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| Ratio of earnings to fixed charges | 2.5 | x | 2.7 | x | 2.6 | x | 2.7 | x | 2.0 | x | 2.0 | x | |
For purposes of computing this ratio, "earnings" consist of income before income taxes plus fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest) and minority interests (relating to subsidiaries whose fixed charges are included in the computation), excluding equity in undistributed earnings of less-than-50%-owned-investments. "Fixed charges" include interest whether expensed or capitalized, amortization of debt expense, discount or premium related to indebtedness and such portion of rental expense that we deem to be representative of interest. As required by the rules which govern the computation of this ratio, both earnings and fixed charges are adjusted where appropriate to include the financial results for Harrah's Entertainment's nonconsolidated majority-owned subsidiaries.
7
| The Exchange Offer | We are offering to exchange our exchange notes for our outstanding private notes properly tendered and accepted. You may tender private notes only in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. We will issue the exchange notes on or promptly after the date that the exchange offer expires. As of the date of this prospectus, $750,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of private notes are outstanding. | ||
Expiration Date |
The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 16, 2005, unless extended, in which case the expiration date will mean the latest date and time to which we extend the exchange offer. |
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Conditions to the Exchange Offer |
The exchange offer is not subject to any conditions other than that it not violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC. The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of private notes being tendered for exchange. |
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Procedures for Tendering Private Notes |
If you wish to tender your private notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer you must transmit to U.S. Bank National Association, as exchange agent, prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date, an agent's message, transmitted by a book-entry transfer facility. In addition, the exchange agent must receive a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of the private notes into the exchange agent's account at The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, under the procedures for book-entry transfers described under "The Exchange OfferProcedures for Tendering." |
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The private notes must be tendered by electronic transmission of acceptance through DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program system, which we refer to as ATOP, procedures for transfer. A letter of transmittal need not accompany tenders effected through ATOP. Please carefully follow the instructions contained in this prospectus on how to tender your private notes. By tendering your private notes in the exchange offer, you will make the representations to us described under "The Exchange OfferProcedures for Tendering." |
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Acceptance of Private Notes and Delivery of Exchange Notes |
Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the exchange offer, we will accept for exchange any and all private notes which are validly tendered in the exchange offer and not withdrawn before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. |
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Withdrawal Rights |
You may withdraw the tender of your private notes at any time before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date, by complying with the procedures for withdrawal described in this prospectus under the heading "The Exchange OfferWithdrawal of Tenders." |
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8
Liquidated Damages |
We issued the private notes on September 28, 2005, to the initial purchasers pursuant to a purchase agreement. At the same time, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers requiring us to make the exchange offer. The registration rights agreement also required us to: |
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cause the registration statement filed with respect to the exchange offer to be declared effective by March 27, 2006; and |
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consummate the exchange offer by April 26, 2006. |
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If we do not comply with certain of our obligations under the registration rights agreement, we have agreed to pay liquidated damages. See "The Exchange OfferLiquidated Damages." |
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Exchange Agent |
U.S. Bank National Association, the trustee under the indenture governing the private notes, is serving as the exchange agent. |
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Consequences of Failure to Exchange Notes |
If you do not exchange your private notes for exchange notes, you will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer provided in the private notes and in the indenture governing the private notes. In general, the private notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We do not currently plan to register the private notes under the Securities Act. |
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Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations |
The exchange of private notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer will not be a taxable event to holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations." |
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Registration Rights Agreement |
You are entitled to exchange your private notes for exchange notes with substantially identical terms pursuant to the registration rights agreement. The exchange offer satisfies our obligation to provide the exchange notes in accordance with the registration rights agreement. After the exchange offer is completed, you will no longer be entitled to any exchange or registration rights with respect to your private notes. Under the circumstances described in the registration rights agreement, you may require us to file a shelf registration statement under the Securities Act. |
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Broker-Dealer |
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for private notes, where such private notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. See "Plan of Distribution." |
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We explain the exchange offer in greater detail beginning on page 30.
9
The form and terms of the exchange notes are the same as the form and terms of the private notes, except that the exchange notes will be registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, the exchange notes will not be subject to the transfer restrictions, registration rights and provisions providing for an increase in the interest rate applicable to the private notes. The exchange notes will evidence the same debt obligations as the private notes and both the private notes and the exchange notes, collectively, the "notes," are governed by the same indenture.
| Issuer | Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. | ||
Total Amount of Exchange Notes Offered |
Up to $750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2017, which have been registered under the Securities Act. |
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Maturity |
October 1, 2017. |
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Interest |
5.75% per year. |
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Interest Payment Dates |
April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2006. Interest will accrue from September 28, 2005, the issue date of the notes. |
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Optional Redemption |
We may redeem some or all of the exchange notes at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption price described in the "Description of Exchange NotesOptional Redemption" section. |
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Parent Guarantee |
Harrah's Entertainment will unconditionally guarantee the exchange notes. However, because Harrah's Entertainment's sole material asset is its equity interest in Harrah's Operating, Harrah's Entertainment is dependent upon the receipt of dividends or other payments from Harrah's Operating to make payments on the guarantee of the exchange notes. |
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Ranking |
The exchange notes and parent guarantee will be unsecured senior obligations of Harrah's Operating and Harrah's Entertainment and will, respectively: |
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rank equally and ratably with all existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt of Harrah's Operating and Harrah's Entertainment; |
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rank senior to all existing and any future subordinated debt of Harrah's Operating and Harrah's Entertainment; |
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be effectively junior to any secured debt of Harrah's Operating and Harrah's Entertainment; and |
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be effectively junior to all existing and future debt and other liabilities of Harrah's Operating's subsidiaries. |
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At June 30, 2005, we had approximately $10.5 billion of senior indebtedness outstanding, including approximately $2.1 billion under our credit facility. Of our total indebtedness, $133.6 million represented obligations of Harrah's Operating's subsidiaries, all of which would effectively rank senior to the notes. |
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10
Sinking Fund |
None. |
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Covenants |
The indenture governing the notes contains covenants that limit our ability and our subsidiaries' ability to: |
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enter into certain sale and lease-back transactions; |
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incur liens on our assets to secure debt; |
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merge or consolidate with another company; and |
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transfer or sell substantially all of our assets. |
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For more details, see the "Additional Covenants of Harrah's Operating" and "Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" sections under the heading "Description of Exchange Notes" in this prospectus. |
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Form of Exchange Notes |
The exchange notes will be represented by one or more permanent global certificates, in fully registered form, deposited with a custodian for, and registered in the name of a nominee of, The Depository Trust Company, as depositary. You will not receive exchange notes in certificated form unless one of the events described under the heading "Description of Exchange NotesBook- Entry, Delivery and Form" occurs. Instead, beneficial interests in the exchange notes will be shown on, and transfers of these notes will be effected only through, records maintained in book-entry form by The Depository Trust Company and its participants. |
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Use of Proceeds |
The exchange offer satisfies an obligation under the registration rights agreement. We will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange offer. |
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Additional Notes |
We may from time to time without notice to, or the consent of, the holders of the notes, create and issue additional notes, equal in rank to the notes offered hereby in all respects (or in all respects except for the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of the new notes or except for the first payment of interest following the issue date of the new notes) so that the new notes may be consolidated and form a single series of notes with the notes offered hereby and have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the notes offered hereby. |
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No Public Market |
The exchange notes are a new issue of securities and will not be listed on any securities exchange or included in any automated quotation system. The initial purchasers have advised us that they currently intend to make a market in the exchange notes. The initial purchasers are not obligated, however, to make a market in the exchange notes, and any such market-making may be discontinued by the initial purchasers in their discretion at any time without notice. See "Plan of Distribution." |
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Risk Factors |
See "Risk Factors" and other information in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider prior to participating in the exchange offer. |
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We explain the exchange notes in greater detail beginning on page 39.
11
You should read carefully this entire prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference before participating in the exchange offer. Among the factors that may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operation are the following:
Risks Related to Investment in the Notes
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial results and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the notes.
We currently have a significant amount of indebtedness. At June 30, 2005, our total consolidated indebtedness was approximately $10.5 billion. The indenture will not restrict our ability to borrow substantial additional unsecured indebtedness in the future. If new indebtedness is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could increase.
Our levels of indebtedness, including our increased levels of debt in connection with the recently completed merger with Caesars, could have important consequences for you, as a holder of the notes, including:
Servicing our indebtedness will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.
Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness, including the notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. Harrah's Entertainment is a holding company and Harrah's Operating conducts substantially all of its operations through its subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to meet our debt service obligations substantially depends upon our subsidiaries' cash flow and payments of funds to us by our subsidiaries. This ability, to some extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. An economic downturn in a region where we operate may adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Based on our current level of operations and recent acquisitions, including the acquisition of Caesars, we believe our cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under our credit facility will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs for the foreseeable future. We cannot assure you, however, that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under our credit facility in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including the notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the notes on or before maturity. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
12
Although the notes are referred to as "senior notes," they will be effectively subordinated to our secured indebtedness and the indebtedness of Harrah's Operating's subsidiaries.
The notes will be unsecured and therefore will be effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we may incur to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. In the event of a bankruptcy or similar proceeding involving us, our assets which serve as collateral will be available to satisfy the obligations under any secured indebtedness before any payments are made on the notes. In addition, Harrah's Operating's subsidiaries will not guarantee the notes. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of Harrah's Operating's subsidiaries, creditors of these subsidiaries will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before any assets are made available for distribution to Harrah's Operating, except to the extent we may also have a claim as a creditor. Assuming we had completed this offering on June 30, 2005, the notes would have been effectively junior to approximately $133.6 million of indebtedness of subsidiaries of Harrah's Operating.
An active trading market may not develop for the notes.
There is no existing trading market for the private notes. The initial purchasers have advised us that they currently intend to make a market in the exchange notes. The initial purchasers are not obligated to do so, however, and any market-making activities with respect to the exchange notes may be discontinued at any time without notice.
We do not intend to apply for listing of the private notes or the exchange notes on any securities exchange or for quotation on The Nasdaq National Market.
The liquidity of any market for the exchange notes will depend on a number of factors, including:
We cannot assure you that an active market for the exchange notes will develop or, if developed, that it will continue.
If you do not properly tender your private notes, you will continue to hold unregistered private notes and your ability to transfer private notes will be adversely affected.
We will only issue exchange notes in exchange for private notes that are timely received by the exchange agent. Therefore, you should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery of the private notes and you should carefully follow the instructions on how to tender your private notes. Neither we nor the exchange agent are required to tell you of any defects or irregularities with respect to your tender of the private notes. If you do not tender your private notes or if we do not accept your private notes because you did not tender your private notes properly, then, after we consummate the exchange offer, you may continue to hold private notes that are subject to the existing transfer restrictions. In addition, if you tender your private notes for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the exchange notes, you will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. If you are a broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for your own account in exchange for private notes that you acquired as a result of market-making activities or any other trading activities, you will be required to acknowledge that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes.
13
After the exchange offer is consummated, if you continue to hold any private notes, you may have difficulty selling them because there will be less private notes outstanding. In addition, if a large amount of private notes are not tendered or are tendered improperly, the limited amount of exchange notes that would be issued and outstanding after we consummate the exchange offer could lower the market price of such exchange notes.
Risks Relating to Harrah's Entertainment's Operations
If we are unable to effectively compete against our competitors, our profits will decline.
The gaming industry is highly competitive and our competitors vary considerably by their size, quality of facilities, number of operations, brand identities, marketing and growth strategies, financial strength and capabilities, level of amenities, management talent and geographic diversity. In certain areas, such as Las Vegas, we compete with a wide range of casinos, some of which are significantly larger and offer substantially more non-gaming activities to attract customers. We also compete with other non-gaming resorts and vacation areas, and with various other entertainment businesses.
In recent years, with fewer new markets opening for development, competition in existing markets has intensified. The expansion of existing casino entertainment properties, the increase in the number of properties and the aggressive marketing strategies of many of our competitors have increased competition in many markets in which we compete, and this intense competition is expected to continue. These competitive pressures have and are expected to continue to adversely affect our financial performance in certain markets.
In particular, our business may be adversely impacted by the additional gaming and room capacity in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Missouri, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois and Louisiana and in Canada and/or other projects not yet announced in any of the other markets in which we operate. In addition, our operations located in the states of New Jersey and Nevada may be adversely impacted by the expansion of Native American gaming in New York and California.
We are subject to extensive governmental regulation and taxation policies, the enforcement of which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to extensive gaming regulations and political and regulatory uncertainty. Regulatory authorities at the U.S. Federal, state and local levels have broad powers with respect to the licensing of casino operations and may revoke, suspend, condition or limit our gaming or other licenses, impose substantial fines and take other actions, any one of which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. From time to time, individual jurisdictions have also considered legislation or referendums, which could adversely impact our operations. The likelihood or outcome of similar legislation and referendums in the future cannot be predicted.
The casino entertainment industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to the various jurisdictions in which casinos operate. From time to time, various state and federal legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, including increases in tax rates, which would affect the industry. If adopted, such changes could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The development and construction of new hotels, casinos and gaming venues and the expansion or reconstruction of existing ones are susceptible to delays, cost overruns and other uncertainties, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may decide to develop, construct and open new hotels, casinos and other gaming venues in response to opportunities that may arise in addition to continuing to develop projects that were undertaken by Caesars. Future development projects and acquisitions may require significant capital
14
commitments and could result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, the incurrence of additional debt, guarantees of third party-debt, the incurrence of contingent liabilities and an increase in amortization expenses related to amortizing intangible assets, which could have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition and results of operations. The development and construction of new hotels, casinos and gaming venues and the expansion or reconstruction of existing ones are susceptible to various risks and uncertainties, such as:
Our failure to complete any new development, expansion or reconstruction project as planned, on schedule, within budget and in a manner that generates anticipated profits could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of the merger with Caesars.
Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger with Caesars will depend, in part, on our ability to integrate the businesses of Caesars with our businesses. The combination of two independent companies is a complex, costly and time-consuming process. This process may disrupt the business of either or both of the companies, and may not result in the full benefits expected by us. The difficulties of combining the operations of the companies include, among others:
We cannot assure you that the combination of Caesars with us will result in the realization of the full benefits anticipated from the merger.
The risks associated with our international operations could reduce our profits.
Some of our properties are located in countries outside the United States. International operations are subject to inherent risks including:
15
In addition, we have announced plans to develop and operate a casino in the United Kingdom, partnering with Quintain Estates and Development Group at the Wembley National Soccer Stadium in London. The statutory gaming laws of the United Kingdom were reformed on April 8, 2005. The legislation authorized one "regional" casino, which is anticipated to have approximately 1,250 U.S. style slot machines. The location of the regional casino has not been determined. Published reports have indicated that the location will be determined based on regeneration benefits.
Acts of terrorism, war or other natural disasters may negatively impact our future profits.
Terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility have created many economic and political uncertainties. We cannot predict the extent to which terrorism, security alerts or the war in Iraq will continue to directly or indirectly impact our business and operating results. For example, the United States Coast Guard is considering regulations designed to increase homeland security, which, if passed, could affect some of our properties and require significant expenditures to bring such properties into compliance. As a consequence of the threat of terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility in the future, premiums for a variety of insurance products have increased, and some types of insurance are no longer available. Given current conditions in the global insurance markets, we are predominately uninsured for losses and interruptions caused by terrorist acts and acts of war. In addition, natural disasters such as major fires, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes could also adversely impact our business and operating results. Such events could lead to the loss of use of one or more of our properties for an extended period of time and disrupt our ability to attract customers to certain of our gaming facilities. If any such event were to affect our properties, we would likely be adversely impacted.
Work stoppages and other labor problems could negatively impact our future profits.
Some of our employees are represented by labor unions. A lengthy strike or other work stoppages at one of our casino properties or construction projects could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. From time to time we have also experienced attempts to unionize certain of our non-union employees. While these efforts have achieved only limited success to date, we cannot provide any assurance that we will not experience additional and more successful union activity in the future.
16
The exchange offer satisfies an obligation under the registration rights agreement. We will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange offer.
17
The selected consolidated financial data below for the five years ended December 31, 2004, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto filed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2005. The financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2005, is derived from our unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements. The unaudited results reflect all the adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that our management considers necessary for a fair presentation of operating results. The operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2005, are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be achieved for a full year. The information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with (i) the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and accompanying notes contained in this prospectus as described under "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements," and (ii) the consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes and management's discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition of Harrah's Entertainment, all of which can be found in publicly available documents, including those incorporated by reference into this prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
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Year Ended December 31, |
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Six Months Ended June 30, |
Pro Forma for Horseshoe Acquisition and Caesars Merger 2004(4) |
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| (In millions, except per share amounts and ratios) |
Pro Forma for Caesars Merger 2005(1) |
2005(2) |
2004(3) |
2004(5) |
2003(6) |
2002(7) |
2001(8) |
2000(9) |
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| Income Statement Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 4,581.3 | $ | 2,724.6 | $ | 2,049.6 | $ | 8,794.4 | $ | 4,548.3 | $ | 3,948.9 | $ | 3,747.9 | $ | 3,317.4 | $ | 2,977.8 | ||||||||||||
| Income from operations | 519.5 | 459.7 | 368.3 | 1,455.0 | 791.1 | 678.8 | 708.7 | 521.8 | 188.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests | 228.3 | 292.0 | 255.3 | 881.3 | 528.8 | 428.2 | 470.6 | 294.2 | (36.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) from continuing operations | 136.2 | 177.6 | 159.0 | 516.4 | 329.5 | 261.1 | 282.2 | 173.8 | (46.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | 209.6 | 172.0 | 367.7 | 292.6 | 326.2 | 209.0 | (12.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income/(loss) | 209.6 | 172.0 | 367.7 | 292.6 | 235.0 | 209.0 | (12.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per share-diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income/(loss) from continuing operations | 0.74 | 1.47 | 1.41 | 2.83 | 2.92 | 2.36 | 2.48 | 1.50 | (0.40 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income/(loss) | 1.74 | 1.52 | 3.26 | 2.65 | 2.07 | 1.81 | (0.10 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends declared per common share | 0.66 | 0.66 | 0.60 | 1.26 | 1.26 | 0.60 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial and Operating Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | 103.8 | 335.2 | 791.0 | 666.8 | 646.2 | 713.4 | 449.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net of interest capitalized | (168.6 | ) | (117.1 | ) | (271.8 | ) | (234.4 | ) | (240.2 | ) | (255.8 | ) | (227.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(10) | 2.5 | 2.9 | 2.7 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2.0 | 2.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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At December 31, |
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At June 30, 2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
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| Balance Sheet Data: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 19,433.6 | $ | 8,585.6 | $ | 6,578.8 | $ | 6,350.0 | $ | 6,128.6 | $ | 5,166.1 | |||||||
| Short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt | 7.3 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 61.7 | 32.6 | 345.9 | |||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 10,443.6 | 5,151.1 | 3,671.9 | 3,763.1 | 3,719.4 | 2,835.8 | |||||||||||||
| Stockholders' equity | 5,786.4 | 2,035.2 | 1,738.4 | 1,471.0 | 1,374.1 | 1,269.7 | |||||||||||||
18
19
HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are derived from and should be read in conjunction with historical consolidated financial statements and related notes of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. ("Harrah's Entertainment"), Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp. ("Horseshoe") and Caesars Entertainment, Inc. ("Caesars"). Harrah's Entertainment, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Harrah's Operating Company ("Harrah's Operating"), acquired Horseshoe on July 1, 2004. On June 13, 2005, Caesars was merged with and into Harrah's Operating, with Harrah's Operating as the surviving corporation.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of income for the six months ended June 30, 2005, gives effect to:
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2004, gives effect to:
20
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income assume that each of these transactions were consummated at the beginning of 2005 and 2004.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been prepared based upon currently available information and assumptions that are deemed appropriate by Harrah's Entertainment's management. The pro forma information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be indicative of the actual consolidated results that would have been reported had the transactions occurred on the dates indicated, nor does the information represent a forecast of the combined financial results of Harrah's Entertainment, Horseshoe and Caesars for any future period.
21
HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2005
(unaudited)
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Harrah's Historical (Note 1) |
Caesars Historical (Note 2) |
Pro Forma Adjustments (Note 5) |
Harrah's As Adjusted For Caesars |
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(In millions, except per share amounts) |
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| Revenues | ||||||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | 2,435.6 | $ | 1,257.2 | $ | | $ | 3,692.8 | ||||||||
| Food and beverage | 386.8 | 325.0 | | 711.8 | ||||||||||||
| Rooms | 238.5 | 336.6 | | 575.1 | ||||||||||||
| Management fees | 32.9 | 6.6 | | 39.5 | ||||||||||||
| Other | 136.9 | 137.5 | | 274.4 | ||||||||||||
| Less: casino promotional allowances | (506.1 | ) | (206.2 | ) | | (712.3 | ) | |||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,724.6 | 1,856.7 | | 4,581.3 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
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| Direct | ||||||||||||||||
| Casino | 1,215.6 | 615.8 | | 1,831.4 | ||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 156.4 | 176.4 | | 332.8 | ||||||||||||
| Rooms | 40.6 | 70.5 | | 111.1 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 198.1 | 167.4 | | 365.5 | ||||||||||||
| Write-downs, reserves and recoveries | 25.1 | | | 25.1 | ||||||||||||
| Project opening costs | 5.5 | 1.5 | - | 7.0 | ||||||||||||
| Property general, administrative and other | 564.5 | 451.6 | | 1,016.1 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate expense | 38.2 | 27.3 | | 65.5 | ||||||||||||
| Merger and integration costs related to Harrah's/Caesars merger | 20.7 | 288.7 | | 309.4 | ||||||||||||
| Losses/(income) in nonconsolidated affiliates | 0.2 | (2.3 | ) | | (2.1 | ) | ||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 2,264.9 | 1,796.9 | | 4,061.8 | ||||||||||||
| Income from operations | 459.7 | 59.8 | | 519.5 | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net of interest capitalized | (168.6 | ) | (127.1 | ) | (55.9 (0.8 38.9 20.4 |
)(a) )(b) (c) (d) |
(293.1 | ) | ||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | (2.2 | ) | | | (2.2 | ) | ||||||||||
| Other income, including interest income | 3.1 | 1.0 | | 4.1 | ||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes and minority interests | 292.0 | (66.3 | ) | 2.6 | 228.3 | |||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | (108.9 | ) | 26.3 | (1.0 | )(e) | (83.6 | ) | |||||||||
| Minority interests | (5.5 | ) | (3.0 | ) | | (8.5 | ) | |||||||||
| Income from continuing operations | $ | 177.6 | $ | (43.0 | ) | $ | 1.6 | $ | 136.2 | |||||||
Earnings per share from continuing operations |
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| Basic | $ | 1.50 | $ | 0.75 | ||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 1.47 | $ | 0.74 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
118.2 |
180.8 |
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| Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding | 120.8 | 183.0 | ||||||||||||||
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.
22
HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
(unaudited)
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Harrah's Historical (Note 1) |
Shreveport Sale Adjustments (Note 5) |
Horseshoe Historical (Note 6) |
Horseshoe Pro Forma Adjustments (Note 7) |
Harrah's As Adjusted For Horseshoe |
Caesars Historical (Note 2) |
Pro Forma Adjustments (Note 4) |
Harrah's As Adjusted For Horseshoe And Caesars |
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(In millions, except per share amounts) |
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| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | 4,077.7 | $ | (64.1 | ) | $ | 437.2 | $ | | $ | 4,450.8 | $ | 2,690.1 | $ | | $ | 7,140.9 | ||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 665.5 | (8.4 | ) | 40.1 | | 697.2 | 667.5 | | 1,364.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Rooms | 390.1 | (6.3 | ) | 15.3 | | 399.1 | 640.3 | | 1,039.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Management fees | 60.6 | | | | 60.6 | 24.9 | | 85.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 217.2 | (1.9 | ) | 9.2 | | 224.5 | 307.6 | | 532.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Less: casino promotional allowances | (862.8 | ) | 15.9 | (79.4 | ) | | (926.3 | ) | (441.9 | ) | | (1,368.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 4,548.3 | (64.8 | ) | 422.4 | | 4,905.9 | 3,888.5 | | 8,794.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
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| Direct | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | 2,061.6 | (36.2 | ) | 244.5 | | 2,269.9 | 1,357.8 | | 3,627.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 278.1 | (1.7 | ) | 12.4 | | 288.8 | 368.4 | | 657.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Rooms | 67.0 | (0.5 | ) | 1.0 | | 67.5 | 148.4 | | 215.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 327.2 | | 27.0 | (10.4 | )(f) | 343.8 | 386.6 | | 730.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Write-downs, reserves and recoveries | 9.6 | (0.3 | ) | | | 9.3 | (0.5 | ) | | 8.8 | |||||||||||||||||
| Project opening costs | 9.5 | | | | 9.5 | 6.9 | | 16.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Property general, administrative and other | 934.2 | (12.8 | ) | 108.8 | (45.6 4.6 |
)(g) (f) |
989.2 | 958.2 | | 1,947.4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Corporate expense | 66.8 | | 31.5 | (30.8 | )(g) | 67.5 | 48.1 | | 115.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Merger and integration costs related to Harrah's/Caesars merger | 2.3 | | | | 2.3 | 21.8 | | 24.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Losses/(income) on interests in non-consolidated affiliates | 0.9 | | | | 0.9 | (5.0 | ) | | (4.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 3,757.2 | (51.5 | ) | 425.2 | (82.2 | ) | 4,048.7 | 3,290.7 | | 7,339.4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from operations | 791.1 | (13.3 | ) | (2.8 | ) | 82.2 | 857.2 | 597.8 | | 1,455.0 | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net of interest capitalized | (271.8 | ) | 2.3 | (23.8 | ) | (37.9 (1.0 23.8 |
)(h) )(i) (j) |
(308.4 | ) | (304.8 | ) | (124.5 (1.8 85.4 63.7 |
)(a) )(b) (c) (d) |
(590.4 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Losses on early extinguishment of debt | | | (0.2 | ) | | (0.2 | ) | | (0.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Other income, including interest income | 9.5 | | 0.3 | | 9.8 | 7.1 | 16.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes and minority interests | 528.8 | (11.0 | ) | (26.5 | ) | 67.1 | 558.4 | 300.1 | 22.8 | 881.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | (190.6 | ) | 3.9 | | (14.9 | )(k) | (201.6 | ) | (140.1 | ) | (8.4 | )(e) | (350.1 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Minority interests | (8.6 | ) | 0.4 | | | (8.2 | ) | (6.6 | ) | | (14.8 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations | $ | 329.6 | $ | (6.7 | ) | $ | (26.5 | ) | $ | 52.2 | $ | 348.6 | 153.4 | $ | 14.4 | $ | 516.4 | ||||||||||
Earnings per share from continuing operations |
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| Basic | $ | 2.97 | $ | 3.14 | $ | 2.88 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 2.92 | $ | 3.09 | $ | 2.83 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
111.2 |
111.2 |
179.1 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding | 112.9 | 112.9 | 182.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.
23
HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1Harrah's Entertainment's Basis of Presentation
Historical financial information for Harrah's Entertainment for the six months ended June 30, 2005, and the year ended December 31, 2004, has been derived from Harrah's Entertainment's historical financial statements.
Note 2Caesars Basis of Presentation
Historical financial information for Caesars from January 1, 2005, through June 13, 2005, and the year ended December 31, 2004, has been derived from Caesars' historical financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to the historical Caesars financial statements to conform to the presentation used in Harrah's Entertainment's historical financial statements. Such reclassifications had no effect on Caesars' previously reported income from continuing operations.
Note 3Caesars Merger
On June 13, 2005, Caesars was merged with and into Harrah's Operating, with Harrah's Operating as the surviving corporation.
The following tables set forth the determination of the consideration paid for Caesars and the preliminary allocation of the purchase price. The purchase price is based on a market value of $48.74 per share of Harrah's Entertainment's common stock, which is the average of the quoted market price of Harrah's Entertainment's common stock for the period beginning two trading days before and ending two trading days after the merger was announced.
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(in millions) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash consideration | $ | 1,876.6 | ||
| Value of stock consideration | 3,309.2 | |||
| Fair value of Caesars' employee stock grants | 97.7 | |||
| Fair market value of Caesars debt assumed by Harrah's | 3,949.4 | |||
| Estimated transaction costs and expenses | 51.7 | |||
| Pro forma purchase price | $ | 9,284.6 | ||
The preliminary allocation of the pro forma purchase price is as follows:
| Land, buildings, riverboats, furniture, fixtures and equipment | $ | 7,209.7 | ||
| Goodwill and other intangible assets | 3,041.5 | |||
| Other, net | (966.6 | ) | ||
| $ | 9,284.6 | |||
The preliminary purchase price allocation used for the purpose of this pro forma financial information is primarily based on Caesar's book value of assets and liabilities at June 13, 2005. Caesars' debt assumed by Harrah's Entertainment was recorded at its market value at the date of acquisition. The final purchase price and its allocation will be based on independent appraisals, discounted cash flows, quoted market prices and estimates by management and will be completed within one year from the date of the acquisition.
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Note 4Pro Forma Statements of Income Adjustments
Following are brief descriptions of the pro forma adjustments to the statements of income to reflect the merger of Caesars with Harrah's Operating. For purposes of this pro forma financial information, depreciation expense related to property and equipment is based on Caesars' estimated useful lives of 30 to 40 years for buildings and riverboats and 3 to 10 years for furniture and equipment. Since most of the intangible assets included in the Caesars merger are anticipated to have indefinite lives and, therefore, to be non-amortizing, no amortization of intangible assets has been included in the pro forma financial information. Estimated useful lives and amortization periods of property, equipment and intangible assets will be determined during the purchase price allocation and adjusted accordingly.
Pro forma results for the six months ended June 30, 2005, include non-recurring charges of $289 million recorded by Caesars related to the change in control of the company, which, for Caesars' stock incentive plan, became effective on March 11, 2005, when Caesars' stockholders approved the merger with Harrah's Entertainment.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not reflect any synergistic benefits that may be realized through the combination of the two companies or costs that may be incurred in integrating their operations. We estimate that we will realize approximately $80 million of synergies in the first twelve months after the merger.
25
Note 5Pro Forma Sale of Harrah's Shreveport
The operating results of Harrah's Shreveport, which was sold May 19, 2004, are being eliminated and interest expense is being reduced as the net proceeds from the sale were used to reduce outstanding debt. The sale of Harrah's Shreveport avoided over-exposure in that market and facilitated gaming regulatory approval for the acquisition of Horseshoe.
Note 6Horseshoe Basis of Presentation
Historical financial information for Horseshoe for the six months ended June 30, 2004, has been derived from Horseshoe's historical financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to the historical Horseshoe financial statements to conform to the presentation used in Harrah's historical financial statements. Such reclassifications had no effect on Horseshoe's previously reported income from continuing operations.
Note 7Horseshoe Pro Forma Statements of Income Adjustments
Following are brief descriptions of the pro forma adjustments to the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2004, to reflect the July 1, 2004, acquisition of Horseshoe. For purposes of this pro forma financial information, depreciation expense related to property and equipment is based on Harrah's Entertainment's estimated useful lives of 10 to 40 years for buildings, riverboats and barges and 2 to 15 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Most of the intangible assets included in the Horseshoe acquisition are anticipated to have indefinite lives and, therefore, to be non-amortizing. See (f) below for a description of intangible assets to be amortized.
26
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The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities are subject to extensive governmental regulation. Each of the jurisdictions in which we operate gaming facilities requires us to hold various licenses, findings of suitability, registrations, permits, and approvals, collectively referred to herein as Gaming Licenses. Under the gaming laws of Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Arizona, California, Kansas, North Carolina, Canada and Uruguay, and our corporate charter, holders of our securities may be required, under certain circumstances, to dispose of the securities. If the holder refuses to do so, we may be required to repurchase the security. In addition, the management contracts and the operation of gaming and casinos on Indian land in the United States are subject to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which is administered by the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Consequently, each holder of notes, by accepting any notes, will be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the requirements imposed by the gaming authorities in any jurisdictions we, or any of our subsidiaries, conduct or propose to conduct gaming activities. See "Description of NotesMandatory Disposition Pursuant to Gaming Laws." In addition, under the indenture governing the notes, each holder and beneficial owner of notes, by accepting or otherwise acquiring an interest in any notes, will be deemed to have agreed to apply for a license, qualification, or finding of suitability if and to the extent required by the gaming authorities in any jurisdiction in which we, or any of our subsidiaries, conduct or propose to conduct gaming activities. In such an event, if a holder of notes fails to apply or become licensed or qualified or is found unsuitable, we shall have the right, at our option:
We will not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by any such holder or beneficial owner in connection with its application for a license, qualification or finding of suitability. Harrah's Operating's charter also expressly provides that debt securities issued by Harrah's Operating may be redeemed if a holder of such securities is found unsuitable by any governmental agency.
The Nevada Gaming Commission, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, the Mississippi Gaming Commission, the Missouri Gaming Commission, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, the Illinois Gaming Board, the Indiana Gaming Commission, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and the Internal Auditors Bureau of Uruguay under the authority of the Executive Forum of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay may also, among other things, limit, condition, suspend or revoke a Gaming License or approval to own the stock or joint venture interests of any of our operations in such licensing authority's jurisdiction, for any cause deemed reasonable by such licensing authority. Substantial fines or forfeiture of assets for violations of gaming laws or regulations may be levied against us, such subsidiaries and joint ventures and the persons involved. The suspension or revocation of any of our Gaming Licenses or the levy on us of substantial fines or forfeiture of assets could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Under Nevada and Mississippi law, we may not make a public offering of our securities without the prior approval of the applicable gaming commission if we intend to use the offering proceeds to construct, acquire or finance a gaming facility, or retire or extend existing obligations incurred for such purposes. On November 18, 2004, the Nevada Gaming Commission granted Harrah's Entertainment and Harrah's Operating prior approval to make offerings for a period of two years, subject to certain
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conditions. The Chairman of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board may rescind this approval for good cause without prior notice upon the issuance of an interlocutory stop order. We received a similar two-year approval from the Mississippi Gaming Commission on July 15, 2005. These prior approvals do not constitute a finding, recommendation or approval by the Nevada Gaming Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board or the Mississippi Gaming Commission as to the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus, or the investment merits of the notes. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful. Additionally, Indiana requires approval of any debt transaction involving $1 million or more. Indiana has approved the issuance of the exchange notes. Under Indiana law, a riverboat owner licensee or any other person may not lease, hypothecate, borrow money against or loan money against an owner's riverboat gaming license.
To date, we have obtained all Gaming Licenses necessary for the operation of our gaming activities. Gaming Licenses and related approvals, however, are deemed to be privileges under the laws of the jurisdictions in which we conduct gaming activities, and no assurances can be given that any new Gaming Licenses that may be required in the future will be granted or that existing Gaming Licenses will not be revoked or suspended.
The foregoing is only a summary of the applicable regulatory requirements. For a more detailed description of the applicable regulatory requirements, including requirements under gaming laws and our corporate charter, see "Governmental Regulation" filed as Exhibit 99 to Harrah's Entertainment's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
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Purpose of the Exchange Offer
We sold the private notes on September 28, 2005 to the initial purchasers pursuant to a purchase agreement. The initial purchasers subsequently sold the private notes to "qualified institutional buyers," as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act, in reliance on Rule 144A and to certain persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act. As a condition to the sale of the private notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers on September 28, 2005. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, we agreed that, unless the exchange offer is not permitted by applicable law or SEC policy, we would:
Upon the effectiveness of this registration statement, we will offer the exchange notes in exchange for the private notes. We filed a copy of the registration rights agreement as an exhibit to the registration statement.
Resale of the Exchange Notes
We are making the exchange offer in reliance on the position of the staff of the SEC as set forth in interpretive letters addressed to third parties in other transactions. For further information on the SEC's position, see Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation, available May 13, 1988, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, available June 5, 1991 and Shearman & Sterling, available July 2, 1993, and other interpretive letters to similar effect. We have not sought our own interpretive letter, however, and we cannot assure you that the staff would make a similar determination with respect to the exchange offer as it has in interpretive letters to third parties. Based on these interpretations by the staff, we believe that the exchange notes issued under the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by you, without further compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, so long as you:
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By tendering the private notes in exchange for exchange notes, you will be required to represent to us that each of the above statements applies to you. If you are participating in or intend to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes, or have any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes to be acquired in this exchange offer, you may be deemed to have received restricted securities and may not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC. If you are so deemed, you will have to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any secondary resale transaction.
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for private notes, which the broker-dealer acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. By so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. A broker-dealer may use this prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for private notes which the broker-dealer acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities.
Terms of the Exchange Offer
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in this prospectus, we will accept any and all private notes validly tendered and not withdrawn before the expiration date. You may tender outstanding private notes only in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.
The form and terms of the exchange notes are the same as the form and terms of the private notes except that:
The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the private notes and will be issued under the same indenture, so the exchange notes and the private notes will be treated as a single class of debt securities under the indenture.
As of the date of this prospectus, $750,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the private notes are outstanding and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee for The Depository Trust Company, or DTC. Only a registered holder of the private notes, or such holder's legal representative or attorney-in-fact, as reflected on the records of the trustee under the indenture, may participate in the exchange offer. We will not set a fixed record date for determining registered holders of the private notes entitled to participate in the exchange offer.
You do not have any appraisal or dissenters' rights under the indenture in connection with the exchange offer. We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the provisions of the registration rights agreement and the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC.
We will be deemed to have accepted validly tendered private notes when, as and if we had given oral or written notice of acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as your agent for the purposes of receiving the exchange notes from us.
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If you tender private notes in the exchange offer, you will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of private notes pursuant to the exchange offer. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than the applicable taxes described below, in connection with the exchange offer.
Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments
The term "expiration date" will mean 5:00 p.m., New York City time on December 16, 2005, unless we, in our sole discretion, extend the exchange offer, in which case the term "expiration date" will mean the latest date and time to which we extend the exchange offer.
To extend the exchange offer, we will:
each before 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.
We reserve the right, in our reasonable discretion:
We will follow any delay in acceptance, extension or termination as promptly as practicable by oral or written notice to the exchange agent and a press release or oral or written notice to the holders of the private notes. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner we determine constitutes a material change, we will promptly disclose the amendment in a prospectus supplement that we will distribute to the registered holders. We will also extend the exchange offer for a period of five to ten business days, depending upon the significance of the amendment and the manner of disclosure, if the exchange offer would otherwise expire during the five to ten business day period.
Interest on the Exchange Notes
The exchange notes will bear interest at the same rate and on the same terms as the private notes. Consequently, the exchange notes will bear interest at a rate equal to 5.75% per annum. Interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing April 1, 2006.
Interest on the exchange notes will accrue from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the private notes or, if no interest was paid on the private notes, from the date of issuance of the private notes, which was September 28, 2005. We will deem the right to receive any interest accrued on the private notes waived by you if we accept your private notes for exchange.
Procedures for Tendering
If you are a DTC participant that has private notes which are credited to your DTC account also by book-entry and which are held of record by DTC's nominee, you may tender your private notes by book-entry transfer as if you were the record holder. Because of this, references in this prospectus to registered or record holders include DTC participants with private notes credited to their accounts. If
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you are not a DTC participant, you may tender your private notes by book-entry transfer by contacting your broker or opening an account with a DTC participant.
If you wish to tender private notes in the exchange offer, you must cause to be transmitted to the exchange agent an agent's message, which agent's message must be received by the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. In addition, the exchange agent must receive a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of the private notes into the exchange agent's account at DTC through ATOP under the procedure for book-entry transfers described in this prospectus along with a properly transmitted agent's message, on or before the expiration date.
The term "agent's message" means a message, transmitted by DTC to, and received by, the exchange agent and forming a part of a book-entry confirmation, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from its participant tendering private notes which are the subject of this book-entry confirmation that this participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and that we may enforce the agreement against the participant. To receive confirmation of a valid tender of private notes, you should contact the exchange agent at the telephone number listed under "Exchange Agent."
Your tender, if not withdrawn before the expiration date, will constitute a binding agreement between you and us in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions described in this prospectus. Only a registered holder of private notes may tender the private notes in the exchange offer. If you wish to tender private notes that are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, you should promptly instruct the registered holder to tender on your behalf.
We will determine in our sole discretion all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, time of receipt, acceptance and withdrawal of tendered private notes, which determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all private notes not properly tendered or any private notes our acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular private notes. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, you must cure any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of private notes within the time we determine. Although we intend to notify you of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of private notes, neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person will incur any liability for failure to give you that notification. We will not deem tenders of private notes to have been made until you cure, or we waive, any defects or irregularities.
While we have no present plan to acquire any private notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer or to file a registration statement to permit resales of any private notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer, we reserve the right in our sole discretion to purchase or make offers for any private notes that remain outstanding after the expiration date. We also reserve the right to terminate the exchange offer, as described below under "Conditions," and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, purchase private notes in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The terms of any of those purchases or offers could differ from the terms of the exchange offer.
By tendering, you will be making several representations to us including that:
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If you are a broker-dealer that will receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for private notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, you will also be required to acknowledge that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of those exchange notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, you will not be deemed to admit that you are an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act.
Return of Private Notes
If we do not accept any tendered private notes for any reason described in the terms and conditions of the exchange offer or if you withdraw or submit private notes for a greater principal amount than you desire to exchange, we will return the unaccepted, withdrawn or non-exchanged notes without expense to you as promptly as practicable. We will credit such private notes to an account maintained at DTC designated by such DTC participant after the expiration date of the exchange offer or the withdrawal or termination of the exchange offer.
Book-Entry Transfer
The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account with respect to the private notes at DTC for purposes of the exchange offer within two business days after the date of this prospectus. Any financial institution that is a participant in DTC's systems may make book-entry delivery of private notes by causing DTC to transfer the private notes into the exchange agent's account at DTC in accordance with the DTC's procedures for transfer. Delivery of documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.
Upon satisfaction of all conditions to the exchange offer, we will accept, promptly after the expiration date, all private notes properly tendered and will issue the exchange notes promptly after acceptance of the private notes.
For purposes of the exchange offer, we will be deemed to have accepted properly tendered private notes for exchange when we have given oral or written notice of that acceptance to the exchange agent. For each initial note accepted for exchange, you will receive an exchange note having a principal amount equal to that of the surrendered initial note.
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In all cases, we will issue exchange notes for private notes that we have accepted for exchange under the exchange offer only after the exchange agent timely receives:
If we do not accept any tendered private notes for any reason set forth in the terms of the exchange offer, we will credit the non-exchanged private notes to your account maintained with DTC.
Withdrawal of Tenders
Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, you may withdraw tenders of private notes at any time before the exchange offer expires.
For a withdrawal to be effective, the holder must cause to be transmitted to the exchange agent an agent's message, which agent's message must be received by the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. In addition, the exchange agent must receive a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of the private notes out of the exchange agent's account at DTC under the procedure for book-entry transfers described in this prospectus along with a properly transmitted agent's message on or before the expiration date.
We will determine in our sole discretion all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt, of notices of withdrawal. Our determination will be final and binding on all parties. Any private notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer, and we will not issue exchange notes with respect to those private notes, unless you validly retender the withdrawn private notes. The private notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC for the private notes. You may retender properly withdrawn private notes by following one of the procedures described under "Procedures for Tendering" at any time on or before the expiration date.
Conditions
Notwithstanding any other term of the exchange offer, we will not be required to accept for exchange, or exchange the exchange notes for, any private notes, and may terminate or amend the exchange offer as provided in this prospectus before the acceptance of the private notes, if, in our reasonable judgment, the exchange offer violates applicable law, rules or regulations or an applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC or any action or proceeding has been instituted or threatened in any court or before any governmental agency with respect to the exchange offer which, in our judgment, might impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer or materially and adversely affect us.
If we determine in our reasonable discretion that any of these conditions are not satisfied, we may:
If the waiver constitutes a material change to the exchange offer, we will promptly disclose the waiver by means of a prospectus supplement that we will distribute to the registered holders of the private notes, and we will extend the exchange offer for a period of five to ten business days,
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depending upon the significance of the waiver and the manner of disclosure to the registered holders, if the exchange offer would otherwise expire during the five to ten business day period.
Termination of Rights
All of your rights under the registration rights agreement will terminate upon consummation of the exchange offer except with respect to our continuing obligations:
Shelf Registration
If:
we will, at our cost:
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We will provide to each relevant holder copies of the prospectus which is part of the shelf registration statement, notify each holder when the shelf registration statement has been filed and when it has become effective and take certain other actions as are required to permit unrestricted resales of the notes. A holder that sells notes pursuant to the shelf registration statement generally:
In addition, a holder of private notes will be required to deliver information to be used in connection with the shelf registration statement in order to have the holder's private notes included in the shelf registration statement. The notes of any holder that unreasonably fails to furnish this information within a reasonable time after receiving the request may be excluded from the shelf registration statement.
Liquidated Damages
If:
the interest rate borne by the notes will increase by 0.25% per annum during the 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of any of the events described above, each of which will constitute a registration default. The interest rate will increase by 0.25% per annum at the end of each subsequent 90-day period until all such registration defaults have been cured, but in no event shall such rate increase exceed 0.50% per annum. Following the cure of all registration defaults, the accrual of the additional interest will cease and the interest rate will revert to the original rate.
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Exchange Agent
We have appointed U.S. Bank National Association, as exchange agent for the exchange offer. You should direct any questions and requests for assistance and requests for additional copies of this prospectus to the exchange agent addressed as follows:
U.S.
Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107-1419
Attention: Raymond Haverstock
Specialized Finance
Telephone:
(800) 934-6802
Facsimile: (651) 495-8097
Fees and Expenses
We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders. We are making the principal solicitation by mail; however, our and our affiliates' officers and regular employees may make additional solicitations by telegraph, telephone or in person.
We have not retained any dealer manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any payments to brokers, dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We will, however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
We will pay the cash expenses incurred in connection with the exchange offer which we estimate to be approximately $200,000. These expenses include registration fees, fees and expenses of the exchange agent and the trustee, accounting and legal fees and printing costs, among others.
We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of notes pursuant to the exchange offer. If, however, a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of the private notes pursuant to the exchange offer, then you must pay the amount of these transfer taxes. If you do not submit satisfactory evidence of payment of these taxes or exemption from payment, we will bill the amount of these transfer taxes directly to you.
Consequence of Failures to Exchange
Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary. We urge you to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your decisions on what action to take.
Private notes that are not exchanged for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer will remain restricted securities. Accordingly, those private notes may be resold only:
In each case, the private notes may be resold only in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any other applicable jurisdiction.
Accounting Treatment
For accounting purposes, we will recognize no gain or loss as a result of the exchange offer. The expenses of the exchange offer will be amortized over the term of the exchange notes.
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General
The private notes are governed by and the exchange notes will be governed by an indenture among Harrah's Operating, Harrah's Entertainment and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The following summary highlights certain material terms of the exchange notes, which are identical in all material respects to the terms of the private notes, except that the registration rights and related liquidated damages provisions, and the transfer restrictions that apply to the private notes, do not apply to the exchange notes. We urge you to read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines your rights as holders of the exchange notes. As used in this section, the terms "note" and "notes" refer to the exchange notes.
The notes:
The guarantees by Harrah's Entertainment will be:
The notes initially are limited to $750,000,000 principal amount. We may from time to time without the consent of the holders of the notes create and issue additional notes, equal in rank to the notes offered hereby in all respects (or in all respects except for the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of the new notes or except for the first payment of interest following the issue date of the new notes) so that the new notes may be consolidated and form a single series of notes with the notes offered hereby and have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the notes offered hereby. In the event that we issue additional notes, we will prepare a new prospectus.
Some of the capitalized terms used in the "Description of Exchange Notes" are defined below under "Certain Definitions."
Principal, Maturity and Interest
Harrah's Operating will issue the notes in fully registered book-entry form only, without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000. The notes will mature on October 1, 2017, referred to as the "Maturity Date." Each note will bear interest at the rate of 5.75% from September 28, 2005, or from the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for, payable semiannually on April 1 and October 1 of each year (each, an "Interest Payment Date"), commencing April 1, 2006, to the persons in whose names such notes are registered at the close of business on the date fifteen calendar days prior to such Interest Payment Date.
If any Interest Payment Date, date of redemption (the "Redemption Date") or Maturity Date of any of the notes is not a business day, then payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest will be made on the next succeeding business day. No interest will accrue on the amount so payable for the period from such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be, to the date payment is made. Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year, consisting of twelve 30-day months.
The notes will not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund.
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Optional Redemption
The notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time, at our option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of:
Accrued and unpaid interest will be paid to the Redemption Date.
"Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any Redemption Date for the notes, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity (computed as of the third business day immediately preceding the Redemption Date of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for that Redemption Date. The Treasury Rate shall be calculated on the third business day preceding the Redemption Date.
"Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security selected by the Reference Treasury Dealer (as defined below) as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the notes that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the notes.
"Comparable Treasury Price" means with respect to any Redemption Date the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for that Redemption Date.
"Reference Treasury Dealer" means Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and its successor; provided that, if Citigroup Global Markets Inc. ceases to be a primary U.S. Government securities dealer, we will substitute another nationally recognized investment banking firm that is a primary U.S. Government securities dealer.
"Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the trustee by the Reference Treasury Dealer at 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such Redemption Date.
"Remaining Scheduled Payments" means the remaining scheduled payments of principal of and interest on the notes that would be due after the related Redemption Date but for that redemption. If that Redemption Date is not an Interest Payment Date with respect to the notes, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment on the notes will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued on the notes to such Redemption Date.
We will mail a notice of redemption at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each holder of notes to be redeemed. If we elect to partially redeem the notes, the trustee will select in a fair and appropriate manner the notes to be redeemed.
Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on the notes or portions thereof called for redemption.
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Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets
Harrah's Operating may not consolidate with or merge with or into any other corporation, person or entity or, directly or indirectly, sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets to another corporation, person or entity, and may not permit any corporation, person or entity to, directly or indirectly, sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets to Harrah's Operating, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, unless:
Harrah's Entertainment may not consolidate with or merge with or into any other corporation, person or entity or, directly or indirectly, sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets (computed on a consolidated basis) to another corporation, person or entity, and may not permit any corporation, person or entity to, directly or indirectly, sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets to Harrah's Entertainment, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, unless:
Events of Default
"Event of Default" means, with respect to the notes, any of the following events:
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"Non-recourse Indebtedness" means indebtedness with terms providing that the lender's claim for repayment of that indebtedness is limited solely to a claim against the property which secures the indebtedness.
"Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the total amount of assets (including investments in Joint Ventures) of Harrah's Operating and its subsidiaries (less applicable depreciation, amortization and other valuation reserves) after deduction therefrom of:
If an Event of Default with respect to notes (other than an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes may, by a notice as provided in the indenture, declare the unpaid principal amount of, and any accrued and unpaid interest on, all notes to be due and payable immediately. However, at any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to notes has been made, but before the trustee obtains a judgment or decree based on that acceleration, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul that acceleration and its consequences. For information regarding waiver of defaults, see "Amendment and Waiver" below.
The indenture will provide that, subject to the trustee's duty to act with the required standard of care during an Event of Default, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders, unless such holders offer the trustee reasonable security or indemnity. Subject to certain provisions of the indenture, including those entitling the trustee to receive security and indemnification, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the notes.
The indenture requires that we furnish annually to the trustee a statement as to our performance of our obligations under the indenture. In addition, we are required to notify the trustee any time we become aware of a default or Event of Default.
Amendment and Waiver
We generally may amend the indenture or the notes with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes affected by the amendment. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes may also waive our compliance in a particular instance with any provision of the indenture with respect to the notes. We must obtain the
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consent of each holder of notes affected by a particular amendment or waiver, however, if such amendment or waiver:
We may amend the indenture or the notes without the consent of any holder of a debt security:
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes, by notice to the trustee, may waive any existing default or Event of Default and its consequences with respect to the notes other than a default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of or any interest on any notes; provided, however, that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from the acceleration.
Additional Covenants of Harrah's Operating
Limitation on Liens. Neither Harrah's Operating nor any of its Subsidiaries may issue, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness secured by a Lien upon any Consolidated Property or on any Indebtedness or shares of capital stock of, or other ownership interests in, any Subsidiaries (regardless of whether the Consolidated Property, Indebtedness, capital stock or ownership interests were acquired before or after the date of the Indenture) without effectively providing that the notes shall be secured equally and ratably with (or prior to) such Indebtedness so long as such Indebtedness shall be so secured, except that this restriction will not apply to:
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, Harrah's Operating and any one or more of its Subsidiaries may, without securing the notes, issue, assume or guarantee Indebtedness which would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions in an aggregate principal amount which, together with all other such Indebtedness of Harrah's Operating and its Subsidiaries which would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions (not including Indebtedness permitted by the preceding paragraph) and the aggregate Value of Sale and Lease-Back Transactions (other than those in connection with which Harrah's Operating has voluntarily retired Funded Debt), does not at any one time exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of Harrah's Operating and its consolidated Subsidiaries.
Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions. Neither Harrah's Operating nor any of its Subsidiaries will enter into any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction unless either:
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Lease-Back Transaction, secured by a Lien on the property to be leased, without equally and ratably securing the notes, or
Taxes. Harrah's Operating will, and will cause each of its significant subsidiaries to, pay prior to delinquency all material taxes, assessments and governmental levies, except as contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to a holder of the notes.
Guarantee of Notes
Harrah's Entertainment will irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee, on an unsecured senior basis, the payment of all obligations of Harrah's Operating under the notes. If Harrah's Operating defaults in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on such notes when and as the same shall become due, whether upon maturity, acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, without the necessity of action by the trustee or any holder of such notes, Harrah's Entertainment shall be required promptly and fully to make such payment. The indenture provides for the release of Harrah's Entertainment as guarantor of the notes in certain circumstances, including circumstances in which:
Harrah's Entertainment conducts substantially all of its business through Harrah's Operating and its subsidiaries and does not own any material assets other than the common stock of Harrah's Operating. As such, Harrah's Entertainment is dependent on the receipt of dividends or other payments from Harrah's Operating to make payments on the guarantee of the notes.
Limited Liability of Certain Persons
None of the past, present or future stockholders, incorporators, employee officers or directors, as such, of Harrah's Operating, Harrah's Entertainment or any of our affiliates or successor corporations shall have any personal liability in respect of our obligations under the indenture or the notes by reason of his, her or its status as such stockholder, incorporator, employee officer or director.
Mandatory Disposition Pursuant to Gaming Laws
Federal, state and local authorities in several jurisdictions regulate extensively our casino entertainment operations. The nature of such regulation is described in detail in Exhibit 99 to our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, which we have incorporated by reference herein. The gaming authority of any jurisdiction in which we or any of our subsidiaries conduct or propose to conduct gaming may require that a holder of the notes or the beneficial owner of the notes of a holder be licensed, qualified or found suitable under applicable gaming laws. Under the indenture, each person that holds or acquires beneficial ownership of any of the notes shall be deemed to have agreed, by accepting such notes, that if any such gaming authority requires such person to be licensed, qualified or found suitable under applicable gaming laws, such holder or beneficial
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owner, as the case may be, shall apply for a license, qualification or a finding of suitability within the required time period.
If a person required to apply or become licensed or qualified or be found suitable fails to do so, we shall have the right, at our election, (1) to require such person to dispose of its notes or beneficial interest therein within 30 days of receipt of notice of such election or such earlier date as may be requested or prescribed by such gaming authority or (2) to redeem such notes at a redemption price equal to the lesser of:
No Protection in the Event of a Change of Control
The notes do not contain any provisions which may afford holders of the notes protection in the event either Harrah's Operating or Harrah's Entertainment has a change of control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control) which could adversely affect holders of the notes.
Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances
Defeasance and Discharge. The indenture provides that we may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the notes, except for certain obligations to pay additional amounts, if any, upon the occurrence of certain tax, assessment or governmental charge events with respect to payments on such notes, to register the transfer or exchange of notes, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated notes, to maintain paying agencies and to hold money for payment in trust. We will be so discharged when we:
Defeasance of Certain Covenants. The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the notes, upon compliance with certain conditions:
When we may omit to comply with certain provisions of the indenture as provided above, we refer to it as a "covenant defeasance."
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The conditions require, among others, that we:
Certain Definitions
"Affiliate" of any specified person means any other person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified person. For the purposes of this definition, "control," including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlled by" and "under common control with," as used with respect to any person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or by agreement or otherwise.
"Consolidated Property" means any property of Harrah's Operating or any of its Subsidiaries.
"Funded Debt" means all Indebtedness of Harrah's Operating which (1) matures by its terms on, or is renewable at the option of any obligor thereon to, a date more than one year after the date of original issuance of such Indebtedness and (2) ranks at least pari passu with the notes.
"Indebtedness" of any person means (1) any indebtedness of such person, contingent or otherwise, in respect of borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such person or only to a portion thereof), or evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit, or representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property, including any such indebtedness incurred in connection with the acquisition by such person or any of its Subsidiaries of any other business or entity, if and to the extent such indebtedness would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such person prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, including for such purpose obligations under capitalized leases, and (2) any guarantee, endorsement (other than for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business), discount with recourse, agreement (contingent or otherwise) to purchase, repurchase or otherwise acquire or to supply or advance funds with respect to, or to become liable with respect to (directly or indirectly) any indebtedness, obligation, liability or dividend of any person, but shall not include indebtedness or amounts owed for compensation to employees, or for goods or materials purchased, or services utilized, in the ordinary course of business of such person. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, "Indebtedness" shall not include (1) any contracts providing for the completion of construction or other payment or performance with respect to the construction, maintenance or improvement of, or payment of taxes, revenue share payments or other fees to governmental entities with respect to, property or equipment of Harrah's Operating or its Affiliates or (2) any contracts providing for the obligation to advance funds, property or services on behalf of an Affiliate of Harrah's Operating in order to maintain the financial condition of such Affiliate. For purposes of this definition of Indebtedness, a "capitalized lease" shall be deemed to mean a lease of real or personal property which, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, is required to be capitalized.
"Joint Venture" means any partnership, corporation or other entity, in which up to and including 50% of the partnership interests, outstanding voting stock or other equity interests is owned, directly or indirectly, by Harrah's Operating and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries.
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"Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit, arrangement, encumbrance, security interest, lien (statutory or otherwise), or preference, priority or other security or similar agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
"Obligations" means any principal, interest, premium, if any, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages or other liabilities or amounts payable under the documentation governing or otherwise in respect of any Indebtedness.
"Sale and Lease-Back Transaction" means any arrangement with a person (other than Harrah's Operating or any of its Subsidiaries), or to which any such person is a party, providing for the leasing to Harrah's Operating or any of its Subsidiaries for a period of more than three years of any Consolidated Property which has been or is to be sold or transferred by Harrah's Operating or any of its Subsidiaries to such person or to any other person (other than Harrah's Operating or any of its Subsidiaries), to which funds have been or are to be advanced by such person on the security of the leased property.
"Stated Maturity" means when used with respect to the notes or any installment of interest thereon the date specified in the notes as the fixed date on which the principal of the notes or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.
"Subsidiary" of any specified person means any corporation of which at least a majority of the outstanding stock having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time directly or indirectly owned by such person, or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by such person and one or more other Subsidiaries.
"Value" means, with respect to a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, as of any particular time, the amount equal to the greater of (1) the net proceeds of the sale or transfer of property leased pursuant to such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction or (2) the fair value, in the opinion of Harrah's Operating's Board of Directors as evidenced by a board resolution, of such property at the time of entering into such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction.
Book-Entry, Delivery and Form
The notes will be represented by one or more permanent global notes in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons and will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for, and registered in the name of a nominee of, DTC.
We expect that pursuant to procedures established by DTC (i) upon the issuance of the notes, DTC or its custodian will credit, on its internal system, the principal amount at maturity of the individual beneficial interests represented by such notes to the respective accounts of persons who have accounts with such depositary and (ii) ownership of beneficial interests in a global note will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee (with respect to interests of participants) and the records of participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants). Ownership of beneficial interests in a global note will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC ("participants") or persons who hold interests through participants.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of the notes, DTC or that nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by the global note for all purposes under the indenture and the notes. No beneficial owner of an interest in a global note will be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with DTC's applicable
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procedures, in addition to those provided for under the indenture and, if applicable, those of Euroclear and Clearstream Banking.
Payments of the principal of, and interest on, a global note will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner thereof. Neither we, the trustee nor any paying agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global note or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest in respect of a global note, will credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such global note as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global note held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. Such payments will be the responsibility of such participants.
Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in same-day funds. Transfers between participants in Euroclear and Clearstream Banking will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.
Subject to compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the notes, cross-market transfers between the participants in DTC, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream Banking, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC's rules on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream Banking, as the case may be, by its respective depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream Banking, as the case may be, by the counterparts in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream Banking, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the relevant global notes in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and Clearstream Banking participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear or Clearstream Banking.
Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream Banking participant purchasing an interest in a global note from a participant in DTC will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream Banking participant, during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and Clearstream Banking) immediately following the settlement date of DTC. Cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream Banking as a result of sales of interest in a global note by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream Banking participant to a participant in DTC will be received with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream Banking cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream Banking following DTC's settlement date.
We expect that DTC will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes (including the presentation of notes for exchange as described below) only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account DTC interests in a global note is credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of notes as to which such participant or participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an Event of Default under the notes, the Depository Trust Company will exchange the applicable global note for certificated notes, which it will distribute to its participants.
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We understand that: DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a "banking organization" within the meaning of New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code and a "Clearing Agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Indirect access to DTC system is available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies and certain other organizations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly ("indirect participants").
Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream Banking are expected to follow the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in a global note among participants of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream Banking, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither we nor the Trustee will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream Banking or their respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as a depositary for the global notes and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue certificated notes in exchange for the global notes. Holders of an interest in a global note may receive certificated notes in accordance with DTC's rules and procedures in addition to those provided for under the indenture.
Same Day Settlement and Payment
We will make payments in respect of the notes represented by the Global Notes (including principal, premium, if any, interest and liquidated damages, if any) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Global Note holder. We will make all payments of principal, interest and premium and liquidated damages, if any, with respect to Certificated Notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders thereof or, if no account is specified, by mailing a check to that holder's registered address. The notes represented by the Global Notes are expected to trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in the notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds. We expect that secondary trading in any Certificated Notes will also be settled in immediately available funds.
Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant purchasing an interest in a Global Note from a Participant in DTC will be credited, and any crediting of this type will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant, during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and Clearstream) immediately following the settlement date of DTC. DTC has advised us that cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a Global Note by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a Participant in DTC will be received with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTC's settlement date.
The Trustee
The trustee under the indenture is U.S. Bank National Association.
Governing Law
The indenture and the notes will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the state of New York.
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange of private notes for exchange notes pursuant to this exchange offer. This discussion is not a complete analysis of all potential U.S. federal income tax consequences, nor does it address any tax consequences arising under any state, local or foreign tax laws or U.S. federal estate or gift tax laws. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service, all as in effect as of the date of this prospectus. These authorities may change, possibly retroactively, resulting in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS with respect to the matters discussed below, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not take a contrary position regarding the tax consequences of the exchange of private notes for exchange notes pursuant to this exchange offer.
This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular holder in light of the holder's particular circumstances. This discussion also does not consider any specific facts or circumstances that may be relevant to holders subject to special rules under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including U.S. expatriates, partnerships and other pass-through entities, "controlled foreign corporations," "passive foreign investment companies," corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax, financial institutions, insurance companies, brokers, dealers or traders in securities, commodities or currencies, tax-exempt organizations, tax-qualified retirement plans, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, and persons holding the notes as part of a hedge, straddle or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction or other integrated investment.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER IN LIGHT OF YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS.
Exchange of Private Notes for Exchange Notes
The exchange of private notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer will not be treated as an "exchange" for U.S. federal income tax purposes because the exchange notes will not be considered to differ materially in kind or extent from the private notes. Accordingly, the exchange of private notes for exchange notes will not be a taxable event to holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A holder's initial tax basis in an exchange note will be equal to its tax basis in the private note exchanged therefor, and a holder's holding period in an exchange note will include its holding period in the private note exchanged therefor.
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Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale, offer to resell or other transfers of such exchange notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for private notes where such private notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, starting on the expiration date and ending on the close of business 180 days after the expiration date, we will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes by brokers-dealers or any other persons. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the exchange notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such exchange notes. Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such exchange notes may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit of any such resale of exchange notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. By acknowledging that it will deliver a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the holder of the private notes) other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the holders of the private notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
The broker-dealer acknowledges and agrees that, upon receipt of notice from us of the happening of any event which:
which notice we agree to deliver promptly to the broker-dealer, the broker-dealer will suspend use of this prospectus until we have notified the broker-dealer that delivery of the prospectus may resume and have furnished copies of any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to the broker-dealer.
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The validity of the securities offered hereby is being passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP, Costa Mesa, California.
The consolidated financial statements, the related financial statement schedule, and management's report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated in this offering memorandum by reference from the Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports (which reports (1) express an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule and include an explanatory paragraph relating to Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.'s change in 2002 in its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, (2) express an unqualified opinion on management's assessment regarding the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and (3) express an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting), which are incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedule of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. incorporated in this offering memorandum by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. dated September 14, 2005 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report (which report expresses an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to Caesars Entertainment, Inc.'s change in 2002 in its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets), which is incorporated herein by reference, and has been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements of Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp. incorporated in this offering memorandum by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Harrah's Entertainment Inc. dated September 29, 2005 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the application of procedures relating to certain disclosures of financial statement amounts related to the 2001 financial statements that were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations and for which they have expressed no opinion or other form of assurance other than with respect to such disclosures and also includes an explanatory paragraph relating to Horseshoe's change in 2002 in its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets), which is incorporated herein by reference, and has been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp. for the year ended December 31, 2001 were audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, as indicated in their report with respect thereto.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our SEC filings are available to the public at our website at www.harrahs.com and the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC's Public Reference Room located at:
Judiciary
Plaza
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
202-942-7040
You may obtain information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 (1-800-732-0330).
In addition, because our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, you may read our reports, proxy statements, and other documents at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
As long as any of the exchange notes remain outstanding and during any period in which we are not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, we will provide holders of the exchange notes, security analysts and prospective purchasers with the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act at their request.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
We "incorporate by reference" the information Harrah's Entertainment files with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus modifies or replaces that statement. We incorporate by reference the documents of Harrah's Entertainment listed below and any future filings made by Harrah's Entertainment with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, prior to the termination of the exchange offer:
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You may request a free copy of these filings by writing or telephoning us at the following address:
Harrah's
Entertainment, Inc.
One Harrah's Court
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
Attention: Corporate Secretary
(702) 407-6000
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HARRAH'S OPERATING COMPANY, INC.
Offer to Exchange up to $750,000,000 of its
5.75% Senior Notes due 2017
Which Have Been Registered Under the Securities Act,
for up to $750,000,000 of its Outstanding
5.75% Senior Notes due 2017
PROSPECTUS
November 17, 2005