(PAGE) SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
/X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998, OR
/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________TO___________
Commission file number 000-25306
EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
_______________________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia 54-1719877
_______________________________ ___________________
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
650 Munoz Rivera Avenue
Doral Building, 7th Floor
Hato Rey, PR 00918
_____________________________________________________
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)
(787) 753-0676
____________________________________________________
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
_______________________________________________________
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if
changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed
all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
file such report(s), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the
issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable
date. 6,333,617 Class A Units
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
FORM 10 Q
INDEX
Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Number
Item 1 - Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the Six
Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 (Unaudited) 1
Consolidated Statements of Loss for the Three
Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 (Unaudited) 3
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 1998
(Unaudited) and December 31, 1997 (Audited) 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine
Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 (Unaudited) 7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 9
Item 2 -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 20
Results of Operations 21
Liquidity and Capital Resources 27
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings 32
Item 2 - Material Modifications of Rights of Registrant's
Securities 32
Item 3 - Default upon Senior Securities 32
Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of
Security Holders 32
Item 5 - Other Information 32
Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 32
Signatures 33
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
(Unaudited)
1998 1997
----------- ----------
REVENUES:
Rental income from El Comandante Race Track $ - $10,348,140
Commissions on wagering 44,371,528 3,447,470
Net revenues from lottery services 742,366 -
Other revenues 2,971,750 934,045
----------- -----------
48,085,644 14,729,655
----------- -----------
EXPENSES:
Payments to horse owners 21,860,903 1,723,735
Salaries, wages and employee benefits 8,459,887 864,767
Operating expenses 6,702,628 1,915,513
General and administrative 1,796,349 1,548,115
Marketing and satellite transmission costs 2,769,058 461,914
Depreciation and amortization 2,789,728 1,770,416
----------- ----------
44,378,553 8,284,460
----------- ----------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 3,707,091 6,445,195
----------- ---------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
Financial expenses (6,749,252)(6,481,586)
Gain from sale of Television Stations - 4,615,000
Interest income 43,758 376,607
----------- ----------
(6,705,494)(1,489,979)
----------- ----------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES, MINORITY
INTEREST AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM (2,998,403) 4,955,216
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES - 784,240
----------- ----------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST AND
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM (2,998,413) 4,170,976
MINORITY INTEREST IN INCOME (LOSSES) (27,321) 734,190
----------- ----------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM (2,971,082) 3,436,786
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM- Premium on early redemption
of First Mortgage Notes and write-off of
related deferred financing costs and
note discount - 459,173
----------- ----------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $(2,971,082)$2,977,613
=========== ==========
(continues)
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
(Unaudited)
(continued)
1998 1997
----------- -----------
ALLOCATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS):
General Partners $ (29,711) $ 29,776
Limited Partners (2,941,371) 2,947,837
----------- ----------
$(2,971,082) $2,977,613
=========== ==========
PER UNIT AMOUNTS:
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item $ (0.47) $ 0.54
Extraordinary item - (0.07)
----------- ----------
Net income (loss) $ (0.47)$ 0.47
=========== ==========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNITS OUTSTANDING 6,333,617 6,333,617
=========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
(Unaudited)
1998 1997
----------- -----------
REVENUES:
Rental income from El Comandante Race Track $ - $3,235,297
Commissions on wagering 13,198,149 1,124,153
Net revenues from lottery services 120,410 -
Other revenues 1,290,199 378,137
----------- -----------
14,608,758 4,737,587
----------- -----------
EXPENSES:
Payments to horse owners 6,646,898 562,077
Salaries, wages and employee benefits 2,861,418 292,180
Operating expenses 2,188,225 667,734
General and administrative 625,291 824,645
Marketing and satellite transmission costs 835,735 163,869
Depreciation and amortization 966,735 588,042
----------- ----------
14,124,302 3,098,547
----------- ----------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 484,456 1,639,040
----------- ----------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
Financial expenses (2,299,662)(2,075,419)
Interest income 17,405 105,349
----------- ----------
(2,282,257)(1,970,070)
----------- ----------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES, MINORITY INTEREST
AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM (1,797,801) (331,030)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT - (58,508)
----------- ----------
LOSS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST AND
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM (1,797,801) (272,522)
MINORITY INTEREST IN LOSSES (18,400) (80,890)
----------- ----------
LOSS BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM (1,779,401) (191,632)
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM - Premium on early redemption
on First Mortgage Notes and write-off of
related deferred financing costs and note
discount - 459,173
------------ ----------
NET LOSS $(1,779,401)$ (650,805)
=========== ==========
(continues)
(PAGE)
EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
(Unaudited)
(continued)
1998 1997
----------- -----------
ALLOCATION OF NET LOSS:
General Partners $ (17,794) $ (6,508)
Limited Partners (1,761,607) (644,297)
----------- ----------
$(1,779,401) $ (650,805)
=========== ==========
PER UNIT AMOUNTS:
Net loss before extraordinary item $ (0.28) $ (0.03)
Extraordinary item 0.07
----------- ----------
Net Loss $ (0.28) $ (0.10)
=========== ==========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNITS OUTSTANDING 6,333,617 6,333,617
=========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, December 31,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
(Unaudited) (Audited)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash, including restricted cash of
$296,675 in 1998 $ 883,098 $ 507,656
Accounts receivable, net 2,159,267 480,483
Receivable from El Comandante Operating
Company, Inc. ("ECOC") - 3,106,497
Prepayments and supplies inventory 741,511 128,833
Notes receivable 1,328,337 -
----------- -----------
5,112,213 4,223,469
----------- -----------
DEFERRED COSTS, net:
Financing 3,191,583 3,565,586
Panama contract 2,273,792 2,356,292
Organizational and other costs 730,938 986,227
----------- -----------
6,196,313 6,908,105
----------- -----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Land 7,128,858 7,128,858
Buildings and improvements 52,940,187 48,855,905
Equipment and furniture 12,142,062 3,346,834
----------- -----------
72,211,107 59,331,597
Less- accumulated depreciation (19,534,452) (14,275,812)
----------- -----------
52,676,655 45,055,785
----------- -----------
$63,985,181 $56,187,359
=========== ===========
(continues)
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(continued)
September 30, December 31,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
(Unaudited) (Audited)
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' DEFICIT
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable $ 6,802,493 $ 1,010,000
Current portion of capital lease
obligations 899,969 260,706
Accrued interest 2,255,599 335,670
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 6,176,339 1,484,973
Outstanding winning tickets and refunds 729,550 68,857
----------- -----------
16,863,950 3,160,206
----------- -----------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Capital lease obligations 1,280,696 354,991
Notes payable - 250,000
First Mortgage Notes, net of note
discount of $1,253,128 and $1,398,887,
respectively 63,509,872 63,364,113
Deferred income taxes 1,068,594 1,068,594
----------- -----------
65,859,162 65,037,698
----------- -----------
MINORITY INTEREST 25,131 82,631
----------- -----------
PARTNERS' DEFICIT:
General Partners (795,343) (728,644)
Limited Partners- 6,383,617 units
authorized; 6,333,617 units issued
and outstanding (17,967,719) (11,364,532)
----------- -----------
(18,763,062) (12,093,176)
----------- -----------
- - - $63,985,181 $56,187,359
=========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated balance sheets.
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
(Unaudited)
1998 1997
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $(2,971,082) $2,977,613
----------- -----------
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash provided
by operating activities-
Gain from sale of Television Stations - (4,615,000)
Extraordinary Item - 459,173
Depreciation 2,573,079 1,737,049
Amortization 754,403 458,192
Deferred income tax provision - 781,692
Currency translation adjustments (40,470) (18,126)
Minority interest (27,321) 734,190
Decrease (increase) in assets-
Rent receivable from ECOC - (379,140)
Accounts receivable (1,162,623) 372,274
Prepayments and supplies inventory (335,021) -
Deferred and other costs 239,864 (227,359)
Panama contract - (2,260,000)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities-
Accrued interest 1,919,929 1,886,913
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 404,498 (920,799)
Outstanding winning tickets and refunds (336,063) -
----------- -----------
Total adjustments 3,990,275 (1,990,941)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,019,193 986,672
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (6,153,072) (422,306)
Increase in notes receivable, net (892,092) -
Acquisition of ECOC cash accounts upon
termination of lease agreement 1,061,239 -
Collections of note from ECOC - 243,231
Sale of Television Stations -
Proceeds - 7,000,000
Costs - (559,757)
----------- -----------
Net cash (used in) provided by
investing activities (5,983,925) 6,261,168
----------- -----------
(continues)
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
(Unaudited)
(continued)
1998 1997
------------ -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Redemption of First Mortgage Notes - (3,237,000)
Premium on redemption of First Mortgage Notes - (250,000)
Contributions by minority stockholders 33,410 -
Repayments of loans from general
partner, net - (415,883)
Issuance of notes payable to Supra - 260,000
Loans from financial institutions 6,667,090 -
Payments on notes payable and capital
lease obligations (1,341,773) (455,946)
Increase in deferred costs (18,553) (229,519)
Redemption of 17% minority interest in HDA - (4,314,284)
Cash distributions to minority
partners of HDA - (544,140)
---------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities 5,340,174 (9,186,772)
---------- -----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 375,442 (1,938,932)
CASH, beginning of year 507,656 4,268,029
---------- -----------
CASH, end of period $ 883,098 $ 2,329,097
========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Interest paid $4,192,496 $ 4,148,187
Income taxes paid 2,480 262,500
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS:
Equipment acquired through capital leases 266,992 -
Acquisition of ECOC's non cash accounts upon
termination of lease agreement (4,719,572) -
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
(PAGE) EQUUS GAMING COMPANY L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Equus Gaming Company L.P. (the "Company"), a Virginia limited
partnership, is engaged in thoroughbred racing, wagering and other gaming
businesses in the Caribbean. Through its wholly-owned Puerto Rico
subsidiary, Equus Entertainment Corporation ("EEC"), the Company provides
management services to all the race tracks in which it has an interest. The
Company has a 99% interest in Housing Development Associates S.E. ("HDA"),
the owner of El Comandante Race Track ("El Comandante"), the only licensed
thoroughbred racing facility in Puerto Rico, located in 257 acres of land.
El Comandante was leased to El Comandante Operating Company, Inc., a Puerto
Rico non-stock corporation ("ECOC") until December 31, 1997 when the lease
agreement was terminated by HDA (see Note 3). El Comandante is now operated
by a wholly-owned subsidiary of HDA, El Comandante Management Company, LLC
("ECMC") under an operating license from the Puerto Rico Racing Board.
The Company also has controlling interests in two foreign subsidiaries,
each of which operates a government-owned race track: (i) Galapagos, S.A.
("Galapagos"), the operator since April 1995 of the V Centenario Race Track
in the Dominican Republic ("V Centenario") and (ii) Equus Entertainment de
Panama, S.A. ("EEP", formerly known as Equus Gaming de Panama S.A.), the
operator since January 1, 1998 of the Presidente Remon Race Track in the
Republic of Panama ("Presidente Remon"). In October 1998, the Company
acquired a 50% interest in Los Comuneros Race Track in Medellin, Colombia.
HDA was also the owner of S & E Network Inc. ("S&E"), which owned and
operated three UHF television stations in Puerto Rico (the "Television
Stations"), until sold to Paxson Communications of San Juan, Inc. ("Paxson")
in transactions closed in August 1996 (50% interest) and January 1997 (50%
interest).
Consolidation and Presentation
The consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 1998 and for
the nine and the three month periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 are
unaudited but include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring
adjustments) which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of
the results of operations of the interim periods. The operating results for
the nine months ended September 30, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of
the results that may be expected for the year. Net income (loss) per Unit is
calculated based on weighted average of Units outstanding. Outstanding
options and warrants to purchase Units do not have a material dilutive effect
on the calculation of earnings per Unit.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities, if any, at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
(PAGE)
These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted. While
Management believes that the disclosures presented are adequate to make the
information not misleading, it is suggested that these financial statements
be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes of the
Company and ECOC included in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1997.
The Company consolidates in its financial statements the accounts of
entities in which it has a controlling interest in excess of 50%. The
accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its subsidiaries after eliminating all significant intercompany
transactions. All of the entities included in the consolidated financial
statements are hereinafter referred to collectively, when practicable, as the
"Company".
During the nine and the three months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997,
the Company recorded minority interest in the income and (losses) of
consolidated subsidiaries, as follows:
For the Nine Months For the Three Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
-------------------- ---------------------
Subsidiary 1998 1997 1998 1997
- - ----------------- -------------------- ---------------------
HDA $(27,000) $1,064,000 $(18,000) $ 42,000
Galapagos - (330,000) - (123,000)
-------- --------- --------- ---------
$(27,000) $ 734,000 $(18,000) $ (81,000)
======== ========= ========= =========
Minority interest in HDA represents the minority partners' share in
HDA's net income based on approximately 1% since August 20, 1997, when HDA
redeemed a 17% interest owned by Supra & Company S.E. ("Supra") and 18% until
such date. Minority interest in Galapagos represents the minority
stockholders's 45% share in Galapagos net losses. However, for the nine and
the three months ended September 30, 1998, the Company recognized $195,500
and $141,600, respectively, of losses attributable to the minority interest
because the minority partners have no legal obligation to fund such losses in
excess of their investment.
Comprehensive Income
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted the Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards Board No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive
Income", which establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income and
its components. Comprehensive income (loss) is the sum of net income and all
other nonowner changes in equity. Net losses from changes in exchange rates
due to the translation of assets and liabilities of Galapagos and from
(PAGE)
unsettled long term intercompany transactions among Galapagos and the Company
and its subsidiaries are the only components of other comprehensive income
the Company is required to report. Comprehensive loss of the Company for the
nine and the three months ended September 30, 1998 is $3,011,552 and
$1,781,210, respectively.
Advertising Expenses
The Company has incurred advertising costs of $940,000 and $263,000
during the nine and the three months ended September 30, 1998.
Currencies
The Company consolidates its accounts with Galapagos whose functional
currency is the Dominican Republic peso ("RD$"), although United States
dollars ("US$") are also a recording currency. US$ are exchanged into RD$
and vice versa through commercial banks and/or the Central Bank of the
Dominican Republic. Galapagos remeasures its monetary assets and liabilities
recorded in US$ into RD$ using the exchange rate in effect at the balance
sheet date (the "current rate") and all other assets and liabilities and
capital accounts, at the historical rates. Galapagos then translates its
financial statements from RD$ into US$ using the current rate, for all assets
and liabilities, and the average exchange rate prevailing during the year for
the revenues and expenses.
For the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, net exchange
losses resulting from remeasurement of accounts, together with gains and
losses from foreign currency transactions, amounted to $55,385 and $15,679
and are included in general and administrative expenses. Accumulated net
losses from changes in exchange rates due to the translation of assets and
liabilities of Galapagos are included in partners' deficit and at September
30, 1998 and December 31, 1997 amounted, respectively, to $223,868,
including $125,308 from unsettled long-term intercompany transactions, and to
$183,396, including $52,200 from unsettled long-term intercompany
transactions. The exchange rates as of September 30, 1998 and December 31,
1997 were US$1.00 to RD$15.74 and US$1.00 to RD$14.50, respectively. The
average exchange rates prevailing during the nine months ended September 30,
1998 and 1997, were US$1.00 to RD$15.27 and US$1.00 to RD$14.24,
respectively.
The Company also consolidates its accounts with EEP whose functional
currencies are the Panama colones and the US$. Because these currencies are
of equivalent value, there is no effect attributed to foreign currency
transactions of EEP.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In April 1998, the AICPA issued Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting
on the Costs of Start-UP Activities" ("SOP 98-5"). SOP 98-5 requires all
costs associated with pre-opening and organization activities to be expensed
as incurred. The Company will adopt SOP 98-5 beginning January 1, 1999.
Adoption of this Statement will require the Company to write off unamortized
organization and certain other deferred costs as of January 1, 1999. Such
costs aggregated approximately $500,000 at September 30, 1998.
(PAGE)
Reclassifications
Certain amounts presented for 1997 in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 1998
presentation.
2. FINANCING, LIQUIDITY AND RELATED MATTERS
The Company and HDA have historically met its liquidity requirements.
However, due to the interruption of racing operations in Puerto Rico as a
result of damage inflicted by hurricane Georges on September 21-22, 1998 to
El Comandante, cash flow from operations of HDA during the fourth quarter
would not be sufficient to cover HDA's financing requirements and investments
needs. Although races resumed on November 14, 1998, the OTB agency system is
not operating at full capacity. Also, due to personal losses suffered by the
Puerto Rican population, it is not certain what levels of wagering would be
reached upon resuming races at el Comandante. Consequently, Management is
principally relying in arriving to a satisfactory settlement with the
insurance company and has filed a claim for total losses of $22 million. To
date, the insurance company has made advances totalling $7.5 million.
Although conversations with representatives of the insurance company make
Management confident that it will arrive to a settlement prior to December
15, 1998, there can be no assurance that this would actually happen.
In the event that the liquidity of HDA be adversely effected by the lack
of a settlement with the insurance company, Management would have access to a
$5 million line of credit from a financial institution. However, these funds
might not be sufficient to allow HDA to complete the optional redemption of
Fist Mortgage Notes in December 1998, discussed in Note 6.
3. EL COMANDANTE LEASE AND PUERTO RICO OPERATIONS:
On January 1, 1998 at HDA's direction, ECOC transferred to ECMC, at book
value, all assets employed in the racing business, ECMC assumed all
agreements of ECOC and its liabilities and ECMC commenced operating El
Comandante pursuant to the operating license previously granted to ECOC. Net
liabilities assumed by ECMC amounted to $3,658,332, including the $3.1
million due to HDA, which has been eliminated in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements, and $550,000 in commitments made by
ECOC's Board of Directors to make contributions to several charitable and
educational institutions during a four year period ending in 2001.
On May 5, 1998 the Puerto Rico Racing Board approved the termination of
the El Comandante Lease and the assignment of the operating license to ECMC,
effective January 1, 1998, subject to making the Company and HDA primarily
responsible to ensure that ECMC complies with all terms and provisions of the
operating license and applicable regulations and orders of the Puerto Rico
Racing Board, and certain other conditions which the Company does not believe
will have a material impact on its financial position.
(PAGE)
Management is in the process of renegotiating the agreement with the
Confederacion Hipica de Puerto Rico (Horseowners Association) and does not
expect any changes in the economic terms of the contract that might
materially affect the financial position or results of operations of ECMC or
the Company.
As a result of damage inflicted by hurricane Georges, racing operations
at El Comandante were suspended on September 20, 1998. The race track
facilities and operations are covered by insurance against physical damages
and business interruption. The Company has filed a claim for total losses of
$22 million with the insurance company. The Company has received $7.5
million in advances against its claim and for the three months ended
September 30, 1998, the Company recognized income of $500,000 from its
business interruption claim, included in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements as other revenues. During the fourth quarter of 1998
the Company expects to recognize additional income from business
interruption, which amount will depend on final settlement.
Races at El Comandante resumed on November 14, 1998.
4. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC OPERATIONS:
The Dominican Republic Government agreed to invest tax receipts on
simulcasted races from July 1997 through January 1998 to improve horse
racing. Galapagos was entitled to 75% of the tax receipts, as reimbursement
for repairs and maintenance at V Centenario, marketing and television costs
and certain other items. Horseowners were entitled to the balance of the tax
receipts as additional purses. On May 15, 1998, the Government approved a
two year extension of this agreement until January 31, 2000. Pursuant to an
agreement with horse owners, Galapagos's share of these tax receipts was
reduced to 65% in July 1998 and will be reduced to 50% in July 1999 and
thereafter. The assistance provided by the Government is included in other
revenues and for the nine and the three months ended September 30, 1998
amounted to $413,077 and $183,504, respectively, excluding amounts paid to
horseowners as additional purses. For the three months ended September 30,
1997 this amount was $146,958.
As a result of damage inflicted by Hurricane Georges, racing operations
at V Centenario were suspended. Live races at V Centenario were resumed on
October 22, 1998, and simulcasting of races from El Comandante, on November
14, 1998. The race track and its operations are covered by insruance against
physical damage and insurance business interruption. Management arrived at a
satisfactory settlement with the insurance company for damage to the physical
facilities and losses due to business interruption. Under the agreement with
the insurance company, Galapagos will receive approximately $950,000:
$540,000 to repair and/or replace fixtures and electronic equipment, and
$410,000 for business interruption. The Dominican Republic Government will
receive $400,000 to repair the racetrack building and will be responsible for
any additional costs incurred in the reconstruction. Galapagos has received
advances against its business interruption claim of approximately $300,000.
During the three months ended September 30, 1998, the Company recognized
$46,000 of business interruption income, which amount is included in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements as other revenues. The
(PAGE)
remainder of this compensation (i.e. $364,000) will be recognized as income
in the fourth quarter of 1998.
5. REPUBLIC OF PANAMA OPERATIONS:
On October 22, 1998, the Company raised approximately $6 million from
the public offering in Panama of securities of EEP. EEP received $2 million
for the issuance of an aggregate of 49% interest in its common stock, and $4
million in unsecured bonds. Net offering proceeds were used to pay-off $5
million in short-term debt, incurred to finance capital improvements at
Presidente Remon race track, and for working capital. (see Note 7).
6. FIRST MORTGAGE NOTES AND WARRANTS:
Pursuant to a private offering, El Comandante Capital Corp. ("ECCC"), a
single-purpose wholly owned subsidiary of HDA, issued first mortgage notes in
the aggregate principal amount of $68 million (the "First Mortgage Notes")
under an indenture dated December 15, 1993 (the "Indenture"), and HDA
Management Corporation ("HDAMC") issued Warrants to purchase 68,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock of HDAMC under a Warrant Agreement. Following the
public distribution of Units of the Company in 1995, the Warrants became
exercisable to purchase an aggregate of 1,205,232 units of the Company,
currently owned by HDAMC.
The First Mortgage Notes mature on December 15, 2003 and bear interest
at 11.75%, payable semiannually. ECCC is required to redeem First Mortgage
Notes in the principal amount of $6,800,000 on December 15, 2000, $10,200,000
on December 15, 2001, $10,200,000 on December 15, 2002, and the balance at
maturity. However, certain redemptions made in 1997 reduced the amount due
on December 15, 2000. The stated maturities of the First Mortgage Notes at
September 30, 1998, reduced by prior redemptions are as follows (in
thousands):
Year ended
September 30, Amount
--------- -------
1999 $ -
2000 -
2001 3,563
2002 10,200
2003 10,200
2004 40,800
-------
64,763
Less note discount (1,253)
-------
$63,510
=======
HDA is required to make an offer, not later than December 1, 1998, to
redeem First Mortgage Notes in the principal amount of $3 million at 110% of
par or pay a penalty equal to 1.5% of the principal amount of outstanding
(PAGE)
First Mortgage Notes. The amount due in the year ended September 30, 2001
will be reduced by any redemptions of First Mortgage Notes in 1998 pursuant
to the $3 million offer.
Under the Warrant Agreement, if the Company is not a "qualified public
company" prior to December 15, 1998, the expiration date of the Warrants,
HDAMC is required to make an offer to purchase the Warrants. The conditions
necessary for the Company to be considered a "qualified public company" have
not been satisfied. Consequently, HDA, as guarantor of this obligation, has
made an offer as of November 6, 1998 to purchase for cash, at a repurchase
price of $15.49 per Warrant any or all of the 68,000 outstanding Warrants
issued pursuant to the Warrant Agreement. All Warrants tendered will be
repurchased on December 21, 1998. The repurchase offer will expire on
December 15, 1998 (the "Expiration Time"). Any Warrants not tendered for
repurchase will expire at the Expiration Time pursuant to the terms of the
Warrant Agreement.
7. NOTES PAYABLE AND CAPITAL LEASES:
The Company's outstanding notes payable consist of the following:
Balance
Maturity Interest September 30,
Borrower Description Date Rate 1998
------------- -------------- -------- ------- ----------
HDA* Term Loan (a) 1/01/99 P+0.5% $ 750,000
ECMC Line of Credit (b) 4/21/99 P+1.0% 649,100
The Company Term Loan (c) 10/16/98 P+0.5% 3,000,000
EEP Line of Credit (d) 6/25/99 10.5% 203,493
The Company Loan from affiliate demand P+1.0% 200,000
EEP Bridge Loan (e) demand 11.0% 2,000,000
----------
$6,802,493
==========
(a) Payable in four quarterly installments of $250,000 commencing April
1, 1998. At the Company's request, the bank waived the payment due on July
1, 1998, which was made upon closing of the Panama offering. The Company has
assigned up to $250,000 of quarterly distributions from HDA to the bank.
(b) Maximum outstanding balance is $750,000. Available to finance
loans to horseowners for the acquisition of horses.
(c) On September 11, 1998, the Company assumed this loan, and HDA was
released as a guarantor. On October 22, 1998, this loan was repaid from
proceeds of the EEP offering (see Note 5).
(d) Maximum outstanding balance is $250,000. Available to finance
loans to horseowners for the acquisition of horses.
(e) Was repaid on October 22, 1998, from proceeds of EEP offering.
(PAGE)
* Also guaranteed by the Company.
The following table summarizes future minimum payments on capital leases
and notes payable of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries:
Due during the year Capital Notes
ending September 30, Leases Payable
-------------------- ---------- ----------
1999 $1,081,750 $6,802,493
2000 887,521 -
2001 362,497 -
2002 145,307 -
2002 22,493 -
2,499,568 6,802,493
---------- ----------
Less-interest (318,903) -
---------- ----------
$2,180,665 $6,802,493
========== ==========
Pursuant to the EEP offering, on October 22, 1998 EEP raised $4 million
in unsecured bonds, with a maturity date of June 30, 2004. Interest is
payable on a quarterly basis at a rate of 11%. Principal amortization
commences on June 30, 2001 with annual payments due as follows: $600,000 in
2001, $1 million in 2002, $1.2 million in 2003 and $1.2 million in 2004.
The bonds may be redeemed by EEP prior to June 30, 2001 at a redemption price
of 102% of the principal amount and thereafter at par. HDA or the Company
are required to maintain an investment in the capital of EEP of $2 million
and to provide funds as working capital loans in the event EEP does not meet
certain debt to equity ratio.
8. INCOME TAXES:
A corporate subsidiary of the Company, EEC, is subject to Puerto Rico
income tax on its Puerto Rico source income, attributed to its interest in El
Comandante. The provision for income taxes included in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements represents deferred income taxes related to
the difference between the Puerto Rico tax basis of the Company's investment
in HDA and the amount reported in the financial statements.
Galapagos and EEP have deferred income tax benefits for loss
carryforwards, which have been fully reserved by a valuation allowance.
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
The following represents a summary of amounts accrued for services
rendered by certain related parties, namely, Equus Management Company
("EMC"), general partner of the Company, Interstate Business Corporation
("IBC"), sole owner of EMC, and Interstate General Company L.P. ("IGC"),
owner of a 1% interest in HDA.
(PAGE) For the Nine For the Three
Months ended Months Ended
Services Rendered September 30 September 30,
- - --------------------- --------------- -------------
To By Concept 1998 1997 1998 1997
- - ----------- -------- ------------ ----- ------ ----- ------
HDA EMC Management agreement $ - $208,818 $ - $69,900
The Company IBC Accounting services 3,000 9,000 - 3,000
The Company IGC Support agreement 18,430 18,700 10,680 8,700
The Company EMC Expenses in excess
of receipts - 185,800 - 86,200
The Company EMC Directors fees 65,500 71,400 19,000 23,500
10. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:
Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are presently named as defendants
in various lawsuits and might be subject to other claims arising out of its
normal business operations. Management, based in part upon advice from legal
counsel, believes that the results of such actions will not have an adverse
effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Prompted by HDA's then pending sale of S&E, on December 30, 1996 the
Racing Board issued an order (the "Order") seeking to impose certain
obligations on HDA, ECOC and Paxson in conjunction with the second sale,
including that (i) in addition to live racing broadcasts, ECOC must
rebroadcast races at times of lesser audience, (ii) any broadcast agreement
for races must be approved by the Racing Board, and (iii) HDA, ECOC and Paxson
must indemnify third parties for any losses suffered from any discontinuance
of racing telecasts and, to secure this indemnity, HDA and ECOC must post a $4
million bond.
On January 21, 1997 HDA filed with the Racing Board a motion for
reconsideration of the Order arguing that the Racing Board failed to comply
with applicable administrative procedures in issuing the Order and that the
Racing Board lacked jurisdiction to impose conditions on the S&E sale. The
Racing Board held a hearing on the motion for reconsideration on March 4, 1997
but did not issue a ruling on the motion within the 90 day period provided
under applicable law. That term having expired, the Racing Board lost
jurisdiction on the motion of reconsideration and HDA filed an appeal on May
18, 1997 to contest the Order before the Circuit Court of Appeals of Puerto
Rico. On May 30, 1997, the Racing Board filed a motion to dismiss for lack of
jurisdiction. HDA opposed said motion and on March 20, 1998, the Circuit
Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico ruled in favor of HDA. However, on appeal by
the Racing Board on July 17, 1998, the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico agreed to
review the decision of the Circuit Court of Appeal. Management and legal
counsel believe that none of such actions will have a material adverse effect
on HDA's or the Company's financial position or results of operations.
11. UNAUDITED PROFORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
Effective January 1, 1998, HDA terminated the El Comandante Lease and
commenced operating El Comandante through its wholly owned subsidiary, ECMC
(the "Proforma Transactions"). The following unaudited proforma consolidated
(PAGE)
statements of income for the nine and the three months ended September 30,
1997 are based upon the historical consolidated statement of the Company and
its subsidiaries, and were prepared as if the Proforma Transactions had
occurred on January 1, 1997, excluding all intercompany transactions.
Proforma adjustments include all the accounts of ECOC for the nine and the
three months ended September 30, 1997. The unaudited proforma consolidated
statement are not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of
operations of the Company would have been assuming such transactions had been
completed as of January 1, 1997, and does not purport to represent the results
of operations for future periods. In Management's opinion, all adjustments
necessary to reflect the effects of these transactions have been made.
(PAGE) PROFORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)
1998 1997
----------- -----------
(Historical) (Proforma)
REVENUES:
Commissions on wagering $44,372 $44,840
Net revenues from lottery services 742 -
Other revenues 2,972 2,816
------- --------
48,086 47,656
------- --------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Payments to horse owners 21,860 22,342
Salaries, wages and employee benefits 8,460 6,477
Operating expenses 6,703 5,551
General and administrative 1,796 3,117
Marketing and satellite transmission costs 2,769 2,015
Depreciation and amortization 2,790 2,114
------- -------
44,378 41,616
------- -------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 3,708 6,040
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
Financial expenses (6,750) (6,572)
Gains from sale of Television Stations - 4,615
Interest income 44 377
------- -------
(6,706) (1,580)
------- -------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND
MINORITY INTEREST (2,998) 4,460
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES - 734
------- -------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST (2,998) 3,726
MINORITY INTEREST IN INCOME (LOSS) (27) 734
------- -------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM (2,971) 2,992
EXTRAORDINARY (GAIN) LOSSES - (1,343)
-------- -------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $(2,971) $ 4,335
======== =======
ALLOCATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS):
General Partners $ (30) $ 43
Limited Partners (2,941) 4,292
------- -------
$(2,971) $ 4,335
======= =======
PER UNIT AMOUNTS:
Net (loss) Income before Extraordinary Item $ (0.47) $ 0.47
Extraordinary (Gain) Loss - (0.21)
-------- --------
Net (Loss) Income $ (0.47) $ 0.68
======= =======
WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNITS OUTSTANDING 6,334 6,334
===== =====
(PAGE)
PROFORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)
1998 1997
----------- -----------
(Historical) (Proforma)
REVENUES:
Commissions on wagering $13,199 $14,066
Net revenues from lottery services 120 -
Other revenues 1,290 916
------- --------
14,609 14,982
------- --------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Payments to horse owners 6,646 7,003
Salaries, wages and employee benefits 2,861 2,216
Operating expenses 2,189 2,036
General and administrative 626 1,285
Marketing and satellite transmission costs 835 621
Depreciation and amortization 967 423
------- -------
14,124 13,584
------- -------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 485 1,398
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
Financial expenses (2,300) (2,028)
Interest income 18 105
------- -------
(2,282) (1,923)
------- -------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST (1,797) (525)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT - (132)
------- -------
LOSS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST (1,797) (393)
MINORITY INTEREST IN LOSSES (18) (81)
------- -------
LOSS BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS (1,779) (312)
EXTRAORDINARY (GAIN) LOSS - (1,343)
------- -------
$(1,779) $ 1,031
NET INCOME (LOSS) ======= =======
ALLOCATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS):
General Partners $ (18) $ 10
Limited Partners (1,761) 1,021
------- -------
$(1,779) $ 1,031
======= =======
PER UNIT AMOUNTS:
Loss before Extraordinary (gain) loss $ (0.28) $ (0.05)
Extraordinary (gain) loss (0.21)
-------- --------
Net (loss) income $ (0.28) $ 0.16
======== =======
WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNITS OUTSTANDING 6,334 6,334
===== =====
(PAGE)
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company's results of operations are principally attributed to its
interests in three horse race tracks: (i) El Comandante in Puerto Rico,
operated by El Comandante Management Company, LLC ("ECMC") since January 1,
1998, (ii) V Centenario in the Dominican Republic, operated by Galapagos S.E.
since April 1995, and (iii) Presidente Remon in the Republic of Panama,
operated by Equus Entertainment de Panama, S.A. ("EEP") since January 1,
1998. The Company also had an interest in three UHF television stations in
Puerto Rico (the "Television Stations") which were sold in transactions
closed in August 1996 and January 1997.
The table below summarizes the results of operations of the Company and
its consolidated subsidiaries for the nine and the three months period ended
September 30, 1998 as compared to the results for the nine and the three
months period ended September 30, 1997. Effective January 1, 1998 Housing
Development Associates S.E.("HDA") terminated the lease agreement with El
Comandante Operating Company, Inc. ("ECOC") and commenced operating El
Comandante through ECMC, its wholly owned subsidiary (the "Proforma
Transaction"). As a result, the Company's historical results of operations
for 1997 are not readily comparable with results of operations for 1998.
Accordingly, the unaudited proforma results for 1997 also have been also
presented as if the Proforma Transaction had occurred on January 1, 1997 and
the accounts of ECOC had been included in the Company's consolidated
financial statements, after eliminating all intercompany transactions (see
Note 11 to the Company's consolidated financial statements).
(PAGE) Nine Months Three Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
1998 1997 1997 1998 1997 1997
Proforma Proforma
--------------------------- ----------------------
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Revenues:
Puerto Rico $37,555 $10,348 $43,275 $11,145 $3,235 $13,480
Dominican Republic 4,510 4,382 4,381 1,238 1,503 1,502
Republic of Panama 6,021 - - 2,226 - -
------- ------ ------- ------- ------ -------
48,086 14,730 47,656 14,609 4,738 14,982
Expenses:
Puerto Rico 32,678 3,215 36,547 9,922 1,334 11,822
Dominican Republic 4,833 5,069 5,069 1,504 1,762 1,762
Republic of Panama 6,867 - - 2,698 - -
------- ------ ------- ------- ------ -----
Income from Operations 3,708 6,446 6,040 485 1,642 1,398
Financial expenses (6,750) (6,481) (6,572) (2,300) (2,075) (2,028)
Other income 44 4,991 4,992 18 103 105
Income taxes - (785) (734) - 58 132
Minority interest 27 (734) (734) 18 81 81
Extraordinary Items - (459) 1,343 - (459) 1,343
------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Net income (loss) $(2,971) $2,978 $4,335 $(1,779) $(650) $1,031
======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Income from Operations
Puerto Rico Operations
Revenues. Increased in the third quarter of 1998 by $7,910,000 from the
comparative quarter of 1997. On a proforma basis, there was a decrease of
$2,335,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 1998, revenues
increased by $27,207,000 from the comparative period of 1997. On a proforma
basis, there was a decrease of $5,720,000.
Revenues from the Puerto Rico operations in the third quarter of 1998
include commissions on wagering on El Comandante races of $10,218,000 (20.7%
average take) on 59 race days, as compared to proforma revenues in the third
quarter of 1997, when there were commissions on wagering of $12,942,000 (20.9%
average take) on 65 race days. This represents a decrease in commissions of
$2,724,000 in the third quarter of 1998, from the comparative quarter in 1997.
Revenues from the Puerto Rico operations during the nine month period ended
September 30, 1998 include commissions on wagering on El Comandante races of
$35,544,000 (20.75% average take) on 185 race days, as compared to proforma
revenues in the comparative period of 1997, when there were commissions on
wagering of $41,393,000 (20.95% average take) on 192 race days. This
represents a decrease in commissions during the nine and the three month ended
September 30, 1998 of $5,849,000, from the comparative period in 1997.
(PAGE)
The decrease in commissions during the nine and the three month periods
ended September 30, 1998 was attributable to various factors, principally: (i)
a strike by union workers of the Puerto Rico Telephone Company ("PRTC"), which
lasted 45 days until July 28, 1998, and, (ii) Hurricane Georges on September
21-22, 1998.
PRTC Strike. Union workers opposing the privatization of the PRTC went on
strike in early June. The strike, which included significant vandalism of PRTC
installations, disrupted the operations of the telephone company and led to a
decline in wagering. Approximately 97% of the wagering on El Comandante races
in Puerto Rico is handled through the off-track betting ("OTB") system of over
650 independent agencies. The OTB system operates by way of dedicated
telephone lines provided by PRTC that relay information from the agencies to
the main computer located at the track. During the strike, an average of 200
agencies per racing day were affected and unable to take bets due to the
disruption of telephone service.
The strike ended July 28 but full restoration of telephone service within
the OTB system did not occur until the middle of August. The Company has filed
a business interruption insurance claim for revenue losses during the PRTC
strike.
Management is evaluating various communications alternatives in order to
reduce the dependence on the PRTC system.
Hurricane Georges. Hurricane Georges caused significant damage island
wide in Puerto Rico forcing suspension of racing operations beginning September
20. Eight racing dates in the third quarter were cancelled. Due to
the extensive damage to the racetrack and Puerto Rico's electrical and
telecommunications infrastructure, live racing did not resume until November
14, 1998. The race track and its operations are covered by insurance against
physical damage and business interruption.
Other factors which affected the Company's plans for increasing wagering
are: (i) delay in the development of an account-based telephone betting
system, which requires approval of the Puerto Rico Racing Board, and (ii) delay
in the implementation of changes to the racing schedule (such as racing
Saturdays) and the wagering menu (new bets, such as the "Superfecta"), aimed at
attracting more bettors and providing a more interesting and varied product.
Saturday racing was approved by the Racing Board on a three-month trial basis
for the fourth quarter of 1998.
Additional gaming and entertainment opportunities available to the public
have intensified competition. Recent legislation gives Casinos the right to
operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Currently, slot machines are the
fastest growing segment of the gaming industry with more and up-graded slot
machines available in casino hotels. Also, the government-sponsored electronic
lottery expanded the number of drawings held per week on the Pick-3 game from
two to four, and guaranteed a jackpot prize of $2 million on the weekly nine-
number lotto game.
Revenues from sources, other than commissions on wagering, in the third
quarter of 1998 decreased by $2,308,000, while on a proforma basis there was an
(PAGE)
increase of $389,000 from the comparative quarter of 1997. During the nine
months ended September 30, 1998, revenues from other sources decreased
$8,337,000, while on a proforma basis there was an increase of $129,000 from
the comparative period of 1997. The increase in other revenues on a proforma
basis, is attributable in part to $500,000 of income, recognized from the
business interruption claim in connection with damages caused by hurricane
Georges. The Company has filed a claim for total losses of $22 million,
including physical damages with the insurance company. The Company has
received $7.5 million in advances against the claim. During the fourth quarter
of 1998 the Company expects to recognize additional income from business
interruption. However, the final amount cannot yet be determined.
Expenses. Increased in the third quarter of 1998 by $8,588,000 from the
comparative quarter of 1997. On a proforma basis, there was a decrease of
$1,901,000, of which $1,315,000 relates to payments made to horseowners, based
on the amount of commissions on El Comandante wagering and $586,000 to other
categories of expenses. During the nine months ended September 30, 1998,
expenses increased by $29,462,000 from the comparative period in 1997. On a
proforma basis, there was a decrease of $3,870,000 of which $2,825,000 relates
to payments made to horseowners, and $1,045,000 to other categories of
expenses.
The decrease in other expenses during 1998 was principally caused by an
intensified effort by Management to reduce costs to minimize the impact of the
decline in wagering. Due to the interruption of races as a result of the
hurricane Georges and the corresponding decrease in handle, in the third
quarter of 1998 there were decreases in certain operating expenses that are
based on wagering levels, such as costs for Autotote wagering services and
contributions made on special race days for pecuniary entities. Other
reductions in costs were attributed to the race track restaurant under a new
agreement that does not require a subsidy from El Comandante, and reduction in
costs of telephone lines, as a result of a new contract effective in early
1998.
These expense decreases were offset in part by increases in other
categories, such as marketing, television and satellite costs and depreciation.
The increase in television costs, which affected primarily the third quarter,
was caused by an increase in the hourly rate for broadcast time. Also, there
was an increase in the satellite expense as a result of the increased number of
race days transmitted weekly, from four days in 1997 to five days in 1998, and
the use of analog transponders at a higher rate. This increase was offset in
part by a decrease in the hourly rate for the satellite time due to a change to
digital signal. Although there was an increase during the nine month period of
1998 in marketing costs due to advertising and promotional campaigns, aimed at
introducing new comers to the sport of horse racing and enhancing the awareness
of racing as both an industry and a sport, these efforts were reduced during
the third quarter.
Depreciation during the third quarter of 1998 increased as a result of
capital improvements to the race track recently completed, such as major
repairs to the racing strip, new barn entrance and replacement of central air
conditioning units. Some of this new property was damaged by hurricane Georges
and will be replaced from insurance proceeds, which Management expects will be
(PAGE)
sufficient.
Dominican Republic Operations
The accounting records of Galapagos are maintained in Dominican Republic
pesos and converted to U.S. dollars based on the average exchange rate during
the reporting period. Consequently, fluctuations in exchange rates have an
effect on the results of operations of Galapagos, when reported in U.S.
dollars. The average exchange rate for the nine months ended September 30,
1998 was 15.27 pesos to one U.S. dollar, compared to 14.24 pesos to one U.S.
dollar in the comparative period of 1997.
Revenues. Increased in the third quarter of 1998 by $265,000 from the
comparative quarter of 1997, which is net of a decrease of $309,000 in
commissions on wagering. During the nine months ended September 30, 1998,
revenues increased by $128,000 from the comparative period of 1997, which is
net of a decrease of $493,000 in commissions on wagering.
Commissions on wagering from Dominican Republic operations in the third
quarter of 1998 were $816,000 as compared to $1,125,000 in the third quarter of
1997. Commissions on wagering from Dominican Republic operations during the
nine month period ended September 30, 1998 were $2,955,000 on 145 race days, as
compared to $3,448,000 in the comparative period of 1997 on 146 race days.
The decline in wagering during the nine and the three months periods ended
September 30, 1998 was attributable in part to the continuing competition posed
by the government-licensed electronic lottery and the cancellation of both
live and simulcast racing operations in the wake of Hurricane Georges.
The electronic lottery, which held the first of its weekly drawings in
November 1997, has steadily increased its share of the gaming market. Wagering
on the lottery shows strong cyclical patterns directly linked to the amount
accumulated in its jackpot. The lottery has carried jackpot prizes of over
US$2 million at least three times during 1998, which has affected racing
wagering especially on Saturdays, the date the lotto draw is made, and the best
selling day of the week for racing. The lottery's jackpot competes directly
with racing's Pick-6 wager, which represents roughly 40% of the handle on
racing. The simulcast Pick-6 from Puerto Rico, consistently affording a larger
jackpot than the Dominican Pick-6, has been better able to withstand the cycles
associated with the lottery jackpot.
Hurricane Georges forced the cancellation of four live racing and eight
simulcast days in late September resulting in revenue losses during the third
quarter of 1998. Damage to the racetrack and the country's electrical and
communications infrastructure was substantial. Racing operations at V
Centenario Racetrack resumed on October 22, 1998. The racetrack and its
operations are covered by physical damage and business interruption insurance.
Management reached at a settlement with the insurance company. Under the
agreement, Galapagos will receive approximately $950,000: $540,000 to repair
and/or replace fixtures and electronic equipment, and $410,000 for business
interruption. The Dominican Republic Government will receive $400,000 to
repair the racetrack building and will be responsible for any additional costs
to be incurred in the reconstruction of the building. Galapagos has received
(PAGE)
advances against its business interruption claim of approximately $300,000.
During the three months ended September 30, 1998, the Company recognized
$46,000 of business interruption income (included as other revenues). The
remainder of the insurance proceeds (i.e. $364,000) will be recognized as
income in the fourth quarter of 1998.
The intense attention garnered by Sammy Sosa in his pursuit of Major
League Baseball's single-season home run record may have also adversely
affected wagering on horse racing during the third quarter of 1998. Sosa is
regarded as a national hero in the Dominican Republic, a country in which
wagering on Major League Baseball is the foremost form of legal gambling. Lack
of TV coverage in certain cities has limited the development of new agencies
and an increase in new racing fans.
Revenues from other sources in the third quarter of 1998 increased by
$44,000 from the comparative quarter of 1997. During the nine months ended
September 30, 1998, revenues from other sources increased by $621,000. The
increase in each of the three and nine month periods was primarily attributable
to $120,000 and $742,000, respectively, in net fees earned under a contract for
providing for the distribution of the electronic lottery that commenced in
November 1997. The distribution system of the lottery was also affected by
hurricane Georges and, correspondingly, fees earned by Galapagos during the
third quarter were reduced. The increase in other revenues was offset, in
part, by a reduction in other racing income and in revenues from the restaurant
operation, which was eliminated by Galapagos in late 1997 since it generated
net losses.
Expenses. Decreased in the third quarter of 1998 by $258,000 from the
comparative quarter of 1997, of which $166,000 relates to payments made to
horseowners, based on the amount of commissions on wagering and $92,000 to
other categories of expenses. During the nine months ended September 30,
1998, expenses decreased by $236,000 from the comparative period of 1998.
There was a decrease of $258,000 attributable to payments made to horseowners,
offset by a net increase of $22,000 in other categories of expenses.
There have been reductions in other categories of expenses, such as in
salaries and wages, due to reduction in personnel and redistribution of
responsibilities. Operating expenses have been reduced, partly, due to
elimination of costs attributed to the restaurant operation, which was
eliminated in late 1997. However, during the third quarter of 1998, these
reductions were partially offset by an increase in advertising and television
costs in relation to the expansion of OTB agencies outside the Santo Domingo
metropolitan area where television coverage of races commenced in mid-1997.
Republic of Panama Operations
The functional currency of EEP, the Panama colones, has a value equivalent
to the US$. Consequently, there is no effect attributed to foreign currency
transactions of EEP.
Overview. On January 1, 1998, EEP took over a 20-year agreement to
operate Presidente Remon race track in Panama, which is owned by the
Government. The track was closed since the beginning of the year for
(PAGE)
renovations and improvements, which included an overhaul of the grandstand
area, new landscape design and construction of new paddock and walking ring
areas.
Revenues. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 1998,
revenues from Panama operations include commissions on wagering of $2,165,000
and $5,873,000, respectively.
During the period of renovations, EEP earned commissions on simulcasted
races from the United States. On February 14, live racing was reinstated on
Saturdays and Sundays to permit continuing renovations during the week, and in
mid-April racing was added on Thursday nights, increasing live races to an
average of 24 races per week. Management's plans for expansion call for the
addition of a fourth day of live racing per week during the third quarter of
1999.
In addition to live racing, simulcasting of El Comandante races began in
May 1998 during all days of the week except Saturday, until September 20, 1998
when races at El Comandante were suspended due to Hurricane Georges.
Handle on live races surpassed the $5 million-mark for the quarter, with a
high of $1.9 million wagered during August, the record-high for one month since
the track's reopening on February 14. During the third quarter EEP primarily
offered simulcast wagering on cards from El Comandante. Due to the
cancellation of El Comandante races in the wake of Hurricane Georges, simulcast
wagering on U.S. races was resumed on September 24. Future simulcast efforts
will offer a menu of races from tracks in the United States and El Comandante's
Pick-6 bet which is attractive to bettors given its large jackpot.
EEP commenced operations with 42 OTB agencies. On September 30, 1998
there were 75 agencies installed, although the daily average of agencies on-
line during the nine month period ended September 30, 1998 was approximately
57. As the number of agencies grows and television coverage expands to areas
outside Panama City, it is expected that commissions on wagering will also
increase.
Expenses. Payments to horseowners represent the biggest expense in
Panama. For the three and the nine months ended September 30, 1998 these
expenses amounted to $1,124,000 and $2,601,000, respectively. Under the
contract with horseowners, EEP is required to pay horseowners as purses a
minimum of $3.8 million during 1998, of which $200,000 is in the form of a non-
interest bearing loan. Other operating costs increased in the second quarter
of 1998, as compared with the first quarter. The increase is principally
attributable to the addition of a third race day per week in April 1998 and to
the fact that the race track was fully operational during the third quarter of
1998 while it was closed during approximately 45 days in the first quarter for
renovations.
Financial Expenses
The increase in financial expenses during the nine and the three months
periods ended September 30, 1998, as compared with the comparative 1997
periods, is primarily attributable to the Panama operation, which required
(PAGE)
temporary financing from financial institutions to fund all major improvements
to the Presidente Remon race track and acquisition of equipment. The Company
borrowed $5 million in 1998 for these purposes, at interest rates ranging from
9% to 11%. These bridge loans were repaid on October 22, 1998 from proceeds of
the EEP offering, which included $4 million in unsecured bonds, bearing annual
interest at 11%.
Other Income
During the nine months ended September 30, 1998, decrease in other
revenues, as compared with the comparative period of 1997, was principally
attributable to a non recurring gain of $4,615,000 in January 1997 as a result
of the sale by HDA of its remaining 50% interest in the Television Stations.
Income Taxes
The provision for income tax is primarily related to Puerto Rico income
taxes on the Company's income from Puerto Rico sources related to its interest
in El Comandante, without taking into account losses of Galapagos and EEP or
expenses of the Company. The deferred income taxes are related to the
difference between the tax basis of the Company's investment in HDA and the
amount shown in its financial statements. For the nine month period ended
September 30, 1997 approximately $463,000 of the deferred income tax provision
relates to the reversal of the tax benefit recorded by the Company in prior
years for accumulated operating losses of the Television Stations, as a result
of the sale of Television Stations in January 1997.
Minority Interest
The Company recognizes minority interest in the income and losses of HDA
and Galapagos. Until August 20, 1997, the minority interest in HDA was based
on 18% of HDA's consolidated net income. For the periods after August 20,
1997, when HDA redeemed the 17% interest owned by Supra & Co. S.E. ("Supra"),
minority interest in HDA has been based on 1% of HDA's consolidated net income
or loss. The minority interest in Galapagos is based on 45% of Galapagos net
losses. However, during the nine and the three months ended September 30,
1998, minority interest in Galapagos' net losses was reduced by $212,946 and
$154,206, respectively, because accumulated losses of Galapagos allocable to
minority stockholders exceeded its investment. If and while Galapagos
continues generating losses, no minority interest in Galapagos' net losses will
be recognized by the Company, and if Galapagos generates profits, no minority
interest in Galapagos' net income will be recognized by the Company, up to
$521,917.
Extraordinary Items
On September 29, 1997 HDA redeemed First Mortgage Notes in the principal
amount of $2.5 million at 110% of par. The $250,000 premium paid and related
bond discount and deferred financing costs were written-off in the third
(PAGE)
quarter of 1997 as an extraordinary item . There were no similar charges in
the comparable period of 1998.
During the third quarter of 1997, extraordinary items also included, on a
proforma basis, a $1,802,500 gain, net of $481,500 of deferred income taxes,
from the forgiveness by Supra of certain indebtedness arising under a series of
agreements executed on December 13, 1993, incident to the reorganization of
ECOC as a nonstock corporation. The obligations were canceled on August 19,
1997 in connection with the purchase by HDA of Supra's 17% interest in HDA.
There were no similar charges in the comparable period in 1998.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview. The Company has a 99% interest in HDA, the owner and operator
(through its wholly owned subsidiary ECMC), of El Comandante race track in
Puerto Rico. Due to certain restrictions under HDA's indenture for the
issuance of its 11.75% First Mortgage Notes due 2003 (the "Indenture"), cash
held by HDA and/or ECMC is not readily available to the Company. Therefore,
capital resources and liquidity of the Company are discussed separately,
excluding the cash flows and operations of HDA (including ECMC) and its
subsidiaries. A separate discussion of the capital resources and liquidity of
HDA (including ECMC) is also presented.
Because the liquidity and capital resources discussion is not presented on
a consolidated basis, some of the discussion relates to transactions that are
eliminated in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Company. Cash of the Company at
September 30, 1998 was $5,500, as compared to $160,000 on December 31, 1997.
The Company's liquidity depends on (i) cash distributions from HDA and (ii)
cash flow from operations, attributable to agreements that the Company has,
through its wholly-owned subsidiary Equus Entertainment Corporation ("EEC"),
with its subsidiaries to provide management services and technical assistance
in the operation of the race tracks in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and
Panama.
During the nine months ended September 30, 1998, the Company did not
receive cash distributions from HDA due to restrictions under the Indenture,
which limit HDA's ability to make distributions to partners to an amount based
on a percentage of HDA's consolidated book income (calculated on a cumulative
basis since January 1, 1994). In August 1998 the Company borrowed $200,000
from an affiliate, payable on demand, at an annual interest rate of one point
over prime. Management believes it will be able to obtain short-term financing
adequately to conduct its operations.
For the fourth quarter of 1998, no cash distributions from HDA are
expected due to consolidated net losses of HDA. During the fourth quarter of
1998, the projected cash requirements of the Company, other than costs
attributable to the performance of management contracts with its subsidiaries,
are related to its investment in Panama and new ventures in Colombia and,
possibly, Ecuador. The amount to be invested in these operations will depend
on the amount of funds raised through a private offering of units of the
(PAGE)
Company, as described below (the "Private Offering"). The timing of the
investments will, therefore, depend on the timing of the closing of the
Private Offering.
Investment in Panama. Pursuant to the terms of the EEP offering, HDA
and/or the Company are required to maintain an investment in the capital of EEP
of $2 million and to provide working capital loans in the event EEP does not
meet a certain debt to equity ratio. Due to restrictions under the Indenture,
the maximum investment HDA could have in EEP, once EEP is no longer a wholly
owned subsidiary of HDA, is $1.5 million. Therefore, upon closing of the EEP
offering on October 22, 1998, the Company invested $540,000 in EEP, in exchange
for a 13.5% interest in its common stock. HDA's ownership was diluted to
37.5%. To relieve HDA's of any future obligation to fund the Panama operation,
with working capital loans, the Company expects to buy HDA's 37.5% interest in
EEP for $1.5 million, the price established by the underwriters in Panama for
the issuance of common stock to Panamanian investors. This transaction,
together with the purchase of a receivable from EEP of approximately $330,000
(currently due to HDA), will be funded from proceeds of the private offering.
These transactions will not have an effect in the consolidated financial
statements of the Company, as the Company will continue to own a 51%
controlling interest (directly, rather than indirectly through HDA) in EEP.
Investment in Colombia. In October 1998, the Company acquired for
$500,000 a 50% interest in Equus Comuneros, S.A. ("SECSA"), the owner and
operator of Los Comuneros race track in Medellin, Colombia. The Company elects
four of the seven members of SECSA's board of directors. The acquisition of
Los Comuneros provides the Company with an opportunity to develop Colombia'a
racing industry consistent with Management's strategy of expansion in the
region. Currently, Los Comuneros hosts one live meet per week with a limited
OTB wagering, both in terms of the number of sites and the technology used to
place and process bets. Objectives for the first year of operations include
establishing an on-line off-track betting system at 300 sites throughout
Medellin, Bogota and Cali, with an increase to two days of live racing per
week. Los Comuneros will also offer simulcast wagering on cards from the
Company's other tracks. In connection with this expansion, it is estimated
that SECSA will require an additional $500,000 for acquisition of equipment and
certain improvements to the race track, of which $100,000 was invested by the
Company in November 1998. The remainder of the investment will be made from
funds raised through the Private Offering or other financial arrangements.
Investment in Ecuador. The Company has signed a letter of intent with the
owner of a racetrack in Guayaquil, Ecuador for the management of this facility
and the development of an OTB network system throughout the country. The
transaction, if it proceeds, will require an investment by the Company of
approximately $500,000.
Private Offering. The Company intends to raise additional funds for the
expansion of its business to other countries and to provide working capital, as
needed for its subsidiaries through a private placement of newly issued units.
The new units will be offered to accredited investors only. The Wilson family,
the Company's largest stockholder group, has indicated an interest in a further
equity investment in the Company. Any sales to the Wilson family will be on
the same basis as that offer to other accredited investors. Neither the size
(PAGE)
of the offering nor the price of the new units has been determined and
therefore it is not known whether the offering will have a dilutable effect,
and, if so, how much, on the present unit value or on earnings per unit.
Liquidity and Capital Resources of HDA and ECMC. HDA's principal uses of cash
during the nine months ended September 30, 1998, attributable to financing and
investing activities were as follows:
(i) Capital improvements to El Comandante race track of $1,445,000, of
which approximately $760,000 was incurred in the resurfing of the racing strip.
This investment was necessary to promote the best interests of the racing
industry by prolonging the productive careers of horses and limiting the number
and severity of injuries to both equine and human athletes.
(ii) Payments of notes payable to Supra in the principal amount of
$260,000, in connection with the redemption of its 17% interest in HDA in
August 1997.
(iii) Payment of $250,000 on a short term loan, with a balance outstanding
at September 30, 1998 of $750,000. The loan matures on January 1, 1999.
(iv) Payment of $489,000 for capital leases for equipment used in El
Comandante operations.
(v) Investment of $2,345,000 in the Panama operations for the acquisition
of equipment, capital improvements to the Presidente Remon race track and
working capital.
Cash available to HDA and ECMC at the beginning of the year, together with
cash flows from operations of El Comandante, were not sufficient to cover HDA's
financing requirements and investment needs during the nine months ended
September 30, 1998. Cash flows from operations of HDA and ECMC are principally
from commissions on wagering on El Comandante's races and on simulcasted races,
principally to the Dominican Republic and Panama. Cash flow from operations
during the quarter ended September 30, 1998 was affected by hurricane Georges,
which forced the suspension of racing operations beginning September 20.
To meet the cash needs of the Panama operations, on June 15, 1998, HDA
borrowed $3 million from a financial institution. This debt was repaid on
October 22, 1998 from net proceeds of the public offering of securities by EEP.
For the remaining of the year, the projected principal uses of cash for
financing and investing activities, are:
(i) capital improvements to reconstruct El Comandante race track from
damage caused by hurricane Georges. Total costs have not been determined but
preliminary estimates indicate that approximately $5 million will be incurred
during the fourth quarter of 1998. Additional work will be completed in the
first half of 1999;
(ii) principal payments on capital leases and repayment of the short term
loan with an outstanding balance of $750,000;
(PAGE)
(iii) repurchase of certain Warrants for approximately $1 million. In
connection with the issuance of First Mortgage Notes, HDA Management
Corporation ("HDAMC") issued Warrants to purchase 68,000 shares of Class A
Common Stock of HDAMC under a Warrant Agreement. Following the public
distribution of Units of the Company in 1995, the Warrants became exercisable
to purchase an aggregate of 1,205,232 units of the Company, currently owned by
HDAMC. To date, none of the Warrants has been exercised. The Warrant
Agreement required the Company to be a "qualified public company" prior to
December 15, 1998. The conditions necessary for the Company to be a "qualified
public company" have not been met. Consequently, HDA, as guarantor of this
obligation, has made an offer as of November 6, 1998 to purchase for cash, at a
repurchase price of $15.49 per Warrant, any or all of the 68,000 outstanding
Warrants issued pursuant to the Warrant Agreement. All Warrants tendered will
be repurchased on December 21, 1998. The repurchase offer will expire on
December 15, 1998 (the "Expiration Time"). Any Warrants not tendered for
repurchase will expire at the Expiration Time pursuant to the terms of the
Warrant Agreement, and;
(iv) redemption of First Mortgage Notes for $3.3 million, in addition to
the $3.7 million interest payment due on December 15, 1998. HDA is required to
make an offer not later than December 1, 1998 to redeem First Mortgage Notes in
the principal amount of $3 million at 110% of par or pay a penalty of $971,000,
equal to 1.5% of the principal amount of outstanding First Mortgage Notes.
Due to the interruption of racing as a result of hurricane Georges, cash
flow from operations during the fourth quarter will not be sufficient to cover
HDA's financing and investments needs. Although races resumed on November 14,
1998, the OTB agency system will not be operating at full capacity until later.
Also, due to losses suffered by the Puerto Rican population, it is not certain
what levels of wagering will be reached upon resuming races at El Comandante.
Consequently, Management is looking forward to a satisfactory settlement with
the insurance company. The Company is seeking a total of $22 million in
insurance proceeds to cover its losses. The amount and timing of a final
settlement cannot be determined at this time.
If a satisfactory and timely settlement with the insurance company is not
reached, the Company and HDA have access to a $5 million line of credit from a
financial institution. However, these funds might not be sufficient to allow
HDA to complete the optional redemption of Fist Mortgage Notes in December
1998.
Long-Term Commitments. In addition to capital leases, long-term cash
commitments of HDA and ECMC include certain charitable contributions and
repayment of First Mortgage Notes commencing in 2000.
In connection with the termination of the lease agreement of El Comandante
effective January 1, 1998, HDA assumed commitments to make contributions to
certain charitable and educational institutions. Amounts due under these
commitments are: $100,000 in 1999, $100,000 in 2000 and $200,000 in 2001.
Management expects to satisfy these obligations.
HDA's First Mortgage Notes bear interest at 11.75%, payable semiannually
(PAGE)
on June 15 and December 15, and are secured by El Comandante assets. The First
Mortgage Notes are redeemable, at the option of HDA, at redemption prices
(expressed as percentages of principal amount): if redeemed during the 12-
month period beginning December 15 of years 1998 at 104.125%, 1999 at 102.75%,
2000 at 101.5%, and 2001 and thereafter at 100% of principal amount, in each
case together with accrued and unpaid interest. The stated maturity dates are
as follows: $3,563,000 in 2000 (decreased by any amount of First Mortgage Notes
redeemed in December 1998), $10,200,000 in 2001, $10,200,000 in 2002 and
$40,800,000 in 2003, at maturity. Management would consider refinancing this
obligation in 2001.
Government Matters. El Comandante's horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering
operations are subject to substantial government regulation. Pursuant to the
Puerto Rico Horse Racing Industry and Sport Act (the "Racing Act"), the Racing
Board and the Puerto Rico Racing Administrator (the "Racing Administrator")
exercises regulatory control over ECOC's racing and wagering operations. For
example, the Racing Administrator determines the monthly racing program for El
Comandante and approves the number of annual race days in excess of the
statutory minimum of 180. The Racing Act also apportions payments of monies
wagered that would be available as commissions to ECMC. The Racing Board
consists of three persons appointed to four-year terms by the Governor of
Puerto Rico. The Racing Administrator is also appointed by the Governor for a
four-year term.
Year 2000 Computer Issue. Many computer systems in use today were designed and
developed using two digits, rather than four, to specify the year. As a
result, such systems will recognize the year 2000 as "00". This could cause
many computer applications to fail completely or to create erroneous results
unless corrective measures are taken. The Company and its subsidiaries utilize
software and related computer technologies essential to its operations that
will be affected by the year 2000 issue. The Company has appointed a committee
to develop a formal plan to address the Year 2000 issue has completed the
awareness stage and is currently in the remediation stage of the process.
Substantially all wagering operations are processed through a reputable outside
consulting firm. This firm has assured the Company that a Year 2000 complaint
tote system version will be available for deployment by March 1, 1999. The
timeline and cost to upgrade the Company's tote systems cannot presently be
determined, but could be significant. At September 30, 1998, the Company has
not incurred in any costs related to the Year 2000 issue.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings
Prompted by HDA's then pending sale of S&E, on December 30, 1996 the
Racing Board issued an order (the "Order") seeking to impose certain
obligations on HDA, ECOC and Paxson in conjunction with the second sale,
including that (i) in addition to live racing broadcasts, ECOC must
rebroadcast races at times of lesser audience, (ii) any broadcast agreement
for races must be approved by the Racing Board, and (iii) HDA, ECOC and
Paxson must indemnify third parties for any losses suffered from any
discontinuance of racing telecasts and, to secure this indemnity, HDA and
ECOC must post a $4 million bond.
(PAGE)
On January 21, 1997 HDA filed with the Racing Board a motion for
reconsideration of the order arguing that the Racing Board failed to comply
with applicable administrative procedures in issuing the order and that the
Racing Board lacked jurisdiction to impose conditions on the S&E sale. The
Racing Board held a hearing on the motion for reconsideration on March 4,
1997 but did not issue a ruling on the motion within the 90 day period
provided under applicable law. That term having elapsed, the Racing Board
lost jurisdiction on the motion of reconsideration and HDA filed an appeal on
May 18, 1997 to contest the Order before the Circuit Court of Appeals of
Puerto Rico. On May 30, 1997, the Racing Board filed a motion for dismissal
for lack of jurisdiction. HDA opposed said motion and on March 20, 1998,
the Circuit Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico ruled in favor of HDA. However,
at the request of the Racing Board on July 17, 1998, the Supreme Court of
Puerto Rico agreed to review the decision made by the Circuit Court of
Appeal. Based upon facts available to date, Management and legal counsel
believe that none of such actions will have a material adverse effect on
ECOC's, HDA's or the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Item 2 - 5
Not Applicable.
(PAGE) SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Equus Gaming Company L.P.
-----------------------------------
(Registrant)
By: Equus Management Company
Managing General Partner
November 16, 1998 /s/ Thomas B. Wilson
- - ----------------- ------------------------
Date Thomas B. Wilson
President & Chief Executive Officer
November 16, 1998 /s/ Gretchen Gronau
- - ----------------- -----------------------------
Date Gretchen Gronau
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1998
<CASH> 883
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 2,159
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 5,112
<PP&E> 72,211
<DEPRECIATION> 19,534
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 63,985
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 0
<BONDS> 63,510<F1>
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> (18,763)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 63,985
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 48,086
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 0
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 44,378
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 6,749
<INCOME-PRETAX> (2,998)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
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<NET-INCOME> (2,971)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (.47)
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<FN>
<F1>Net of bond discount of $1.253 million.
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