FORM 10Q








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 27, 2001                         

                               OR

( )

 

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



For the transition period from                to               


Commission file number    1-5440                               


                                AZTAR CORPORATION                            
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



          Delaware                
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 



           86-0636534           

       (I.R.S. Employer
        Identification No.)


2390 East Camelback Road, Suite 400, Phoenix, Arizona            85016       
(Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)


Registrant¢ s telephone number, including area code (602) 381-4100


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



At October 25, 2001, the registrant had outstanding 36,555,764 shares of its common stock, $.01 par value.




















AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

INDEX



     

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PAGE
----

  Item 1.

Financial Statements

 



Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 27, 2001 and
December 28, 2000




Consolidated Statements of Operations for the quarters and
nine months ended September 27, 2001 and September 28, 2000




Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months
ended September 27, 2001 and September 28, 2000




Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the
nine months ended September 27, 2001 and September 28, 2000



Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations


13 

  Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

19 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

  Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

19 

  Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

19 



























2







AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
(in thousands, except share data)





Assets
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Accounts receivable, net
  Inventories
  Prepaid expenses
  Deferred income taxes, net

    Total current assets

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated
  partnership
Other investments

Property and equipment:
  Buildings, riverboats and equipment, net
  Land
  Construction in progress
  Leased under capital leases, net


Deferred charges and other assets

September 27,
    2001     



$   81,650  
21,619  
8,082  
10,148  
    17,599  

139,098  


6,566  
23,124  


713,654  
104,957  
27,733  
       715  
847,059  

    36,288  

$1,052,135  
==========  

December 28,
    2000    



$   48,080  
21,769  
8,446  
9,987  
    18,938  

107,220  


7,007  
21,523  


727,164  
104,957  
6,090  
     1,390  
839,601  

    36,345  

$1,011,696  
==========  





























The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



3







AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)(continued)
(in thousands, except share data)





Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accruals
  Accrued payroll and employee benefits
  Accrued interest payable
  Income taxes payable
  Current portion of long-term debt
  Current portion of other long-term liabilities

    Total current liabilities

Long-term debt
Other long-term liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Contingencies and commitments
Series B ESOP convertible preferred stock
   (redemption value $8,862 and $11,905)

Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, $.01 par value (36,843,131 and
    38,696,672 shares outstanding)
  Paid-in capital
  Retained earnings
  Less: Treasury stock

    Total shareholders' equity

September 27,
    2001     



$   60,540  
26,894  
11,095  
4,737  
1,353  
     1,498  

106,117  

459,042  
20,031  
16,518  


6,070  



516  
430,268  
160,834  
  (147,261

   444,357  

$1,052,135  
==========  

  December 28,
    2000    



$   53,356  
27,377  
5,470  
4,764  
1,608  
     1,544  
 
94,119  

463,011  
20,307  
5,153  


6,400  



515  
428,537  
116,194  
  (122,540

   422,706  

$1,011,696  
==========  














The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



4







AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
For the periods ended September 27, 2001 and September 28, 2000
(in thousands, except per share data)

 

    Third Quarter     

     Nine Months     


Revenues
  Casino
  Rooms
  Food and beverage
  Other

Costs and expenses
  Casino
  Rooms
  Food and beverage
  Other
  Marketing
  General and administrative
  Utilities
  Repairs and maintenance
  Provision for doubtful accounts
  Property taxes and insurance
  Rent
  Depreciation and amortization


Operating income

  Interest income
  Interest expense
  Equity in unconsolidated
    partnership's loss

Income before income taxes

  Income taxes


Net income


Net income per common share

Net income per common share
  assuming dilution

Weighted-average common shares
  applicable to:
  Net income per common share
  Net income per common share
    assuming dilution

  2001   

$175,014 
19,434 
13,769 
   9,896 
218,113 

72,063 
10,189 
13,596 
8,206 
21,752 
19,156 
5,088 
6,103 
1,092 
6,358 
4,306 
  12,861 
 180,770 

37,343 

392 
(9,529)

    (845)

27,361 

  (9,536)


$ 17,825 
======== 

$    .47 


$    .46 



37,223 

38,879 

  2000   
 
$177,389 
19,270 
14,672 
  10,874 
222,205 

77,367 
10,292 
14,558 
8,922 
22,174 
19,696 
4,730 
6,094 
540 
6,079 
4,478 
  13,478 
 188,408 

33,797 

313 
 (10,407)

  (1,081)

22,622 

  (8,070)


$ 14,552 
======== 

$    .35 


$    .34 



40,428 

42,397 

  2001   
 
$506,783 
58,494 
42,654 
  29,382 
637,313 

214,373 
29,771 
41,762 
24,502 
61,835 
57,908 
13,415 
18,170 
2,936 
18,750 
13,995 
  38,788 
 536,205 

101,108 

1,108 
(28,691)

  (2,825)

70,700 

 (25,472)


$ 45,228 
======== 

$   1.19 


$   1.15 



37,670 

39,178 

  2000   
 
$523,592 
55,980 
43,922 
  31,198 
654,692 

226,875 
29,062 
43,043 
25,648 
69,211 
58,826 
11,604 
19,198 
3,204 
17,997 
12,828 
  40,644 
 558,140 

96,552 

995 
 (31,669)

  (3,166)

62,712 

 (14,783)


$ 47,929 
======== 

$   1.14 


$   1.10 



41,383 

43,078 








The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



5







AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
For the periods ended September 27, 2001 and September 28, 2000
(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months      



Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  provided by (used in) operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization
    Provision for losses on accounts receivable
    Loss on reinvestment obligation
    Rent expense
    Distribution in excess of equity in income
      of partnership
    Deferred income taxes
    Change in assets and liabilities:
      (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
      (Increase) decrease in refundable income taxes
      (Increase) decrease in inventories and
        prepaid expenses
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable,
        accrued expenses and income taxes payable
      Other items, net

  Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Reduction in other investments
Purchases of property and equipment
Additions to other long-term assets

  Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Principal payments on long-term debt
Principal payments on other long-term liabilities
Debt issuance costs
Repurchase of common stock
Preferred stock dividend
Redemption of preferred stock

  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  2001   


$ 45,228 


39,723 
2,936 
964 
(753)

441 
12,704 

(2,786)
-- 

203 

12,799 
     273 

 111,732 


1,380 
(41,805)
  (4,303)

 (44,728)


305,100 
1,350 
(309,369)
(26)
(4,732)
(24,708)
(499)
    (550)

 (33,434)

33,570 
  48,080 

$ 81,650 
======== 

  2000   


$ 47,929 


41,539 
3,204 
1,291 
(678)

504 
(1,719)

(1,623)
881 

86 

24,176 
     460 

 116,050 


1,956 
(17,620)
  (6,778)
 
 (22,442)


182,800 
4,120 
(238,791)
(1,215)
-- 
(46,866)
(541)
    (623)

(101,116)

(7,508)
  54,180 

$ 46,672 
======== 










The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



6







AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)(continued)
For the periods ended September 27, 2001 and September 28, 2000
(in thousands)




 

     Nine Months     



Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Summary of non-cash investing and financing activities:
  Exchange of common stock in lieu of cash payments in
    connection with the exercise of stock options
  Other long-term liabilities reduced for deferred charges
    and other assets

Cash flow during the period for the following:
  Interest paid, net of amount capitalized
  Income taxes paid

  2001   





$     13 

50 


$ 22,130 
12,426 

  2000   





$    737 

-- 


$ 25,425 
10,691 








































The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



7







AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)
For the periods ended September 27, 2001 and September 28, 2000
(in thousands, except number of shares)


 

    Nine Months      



Common stock:
  Beginning balance
  Stock options exercised for 178,334 and 723,523 shares

    Ending balance

Paid-in capital:
  Beginning balance
  Stock options exercised
  Tax benefit from stock options exercised

    Ending balance

Retained earnings:
  Beginning balance
  Preferred stock dividend and losses on redemption
  Net income

    Ending balance

Treasury stock:
  Beginning balance
  Repurchase of 2,031,000 and 3,753,800 shares of common
    stock at cost
  Repurchase of 1,081 and 95,543 shares of common stock,
    at cost, in connection with stock options exercised

    Ending balance


  2001   


$    515 
       1 

     516 


428,537 
1,362 
     369 

 430,268 


116,194 
(588)
  45,228 

 160,834 


(122,540)

(24,708)

     (13)

(147,261)

$444,357 
======== 

  2000   


$    506 
       8 

     514 


420,786 
5,357 
   1,371 

 427,514 


63,963 
(602)
  47,929 

 111,290 


(57,345)

(46,657)

    (946)

(104,948)

$434,370 
======== 























The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



8







AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)


Note 1: General

The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, such adjustments being normal recurring accruals, which are necessary, in the opinion of management, for the fair presentation of the results of the interim periods; interim results, however, may not be indicative of the results for the full year.

The notes to the interim consolidated financial statements are presented to enhance the understanding of the financial statements and do not necessarily represent complete disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. Other revenue consists of revenue from many various sources such as entertainment, retail outlets including gift shops, telephone, commissions and surcharges, hotel services and admissions to our riverboats. These revenues are recognized as earned which generally coincides with payment in cash or by credit card. The interest that was capitalized during the third quarter and nine months ended 2001 was $357,000 and $835,000, respectively. There was no interest capitalized during the third quarter or nine months ended 2000. Capitalized costs related to various development projects, included in deferred charges and other assets, were $5,691,000 and $7,358,000 at September 27, 2001 and December 28, 2000, respectively. For additional information regarding significant accounting policies, Las Vegas Tropicana redevelopment, long-term debt, lease obligations, and other matters applicable to the Company, reference should be made to the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 28, 2000.


Note 2: Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Partnership

Following are summarized operating results for the Company¢ s unconsolidated partnership, accounted for using the equity method for the periods ended September 27, 2001 and September 28, 2000 (in thousands):

 

    Third Quarter     

     Nine Months     



Revenues
Operating expenses

Operating income
Interest expense

    Net income

  2001   

$  4,111 
    (684)

3,427 
    (737)

$  2,690 
======== 

  2000   

$  4,514 
    (684)

3,830 
  (1,199)

$  2,631 
======== 

  2001   

$ 12,855 
  (2,059)

10,796 
  (2,784)

$  8,012 
======== 

  2000   

$ 13,323 
  (2,059)

11,264 
  (3,445)

$  7,819 
======== 


The Company's share of the above operating results, after intercompany eliminations, is as follows (in thousands):

 

    Third Quarter     

     Nine Months     



Equity in unconsolidated
  partnership's loss

  2001   


$   (845)

  2000   


$ (1,081)

  2001   


$ (2,825)

  2000   


$ (3,166)













9







AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)



Note 3:  Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):




8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2007
9% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2011
Revolving credit facility ("Revolver");
    floating rate; matures June 30, 2005
Term loan ("Term Loan"); floating rate,
    6.2% at September 27, 2001; matures
    June 30, 2005
Other notes payable; 14.6%; maturities
    to 2002
Obligations under capital leases

Less current portion

September 27,
    2001     

$235,000   
175,000   

--   


49,000   

217   
    1,178   
460,395   
   (1,353)  
$ 459,042   
=========   

December 28,
    2000    

$235,000  
--  

178,000  


49,375  

422  
   1,822  
464,619  
  (1,608
$463,011  
========  

On June 29, 2001, the Company amended its Revolver to, among other things, extend the maturity to June 30, 2005 from June 30, 2003. In addition, the amendment revised the reduction rate so that the maximum amount available under the Revolver decreases by $12 million on March 31, 2004, and quarterly thereafter. The amount available under this facility at September 27, 2001 was $264 million.

On July 27, 2001, the Company issued $175 million principal amount of 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due August 15, 2011 ("9% Notes"). Interest is payable on February 15 and August 15, beginning on February 15, 2002. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 9% Notes, after payment of the fees and expenses of the issuance, were approximately $171.2 million. The balance of the net proceeds of the 9% Notes was used to repay the outstanding borrowings under the Revolver and for general corporate purposes.

At any time prior to August 15, 2006, the 9% Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at a price of 100% of the principal amount plus a redemption premium plus accrued and unpaid interest. The redemption premium will be equal to the greater of (1) 1% of the principal amount or (2) the excess of (A) the sum of the present values of (i) 104.5% of the principal amount and (ii) all required interest payments through August 15, 2006, excluding accrued but unpaid interest, computed in each case using a discount rate equal to the treasury rate at the time of redemption plus 50 basis points over (B) the principal amount. On or after August 15, 2006, the 9% Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at prices from 104.5% of the principal amount plus interest declining to 100% of the principal amount plus interest beginning August 15, 2009.

The 9% Notes, ranked pari passu with the 8 7/8% Notes, are general unsecured obligations of the Company and are subordinated in right of payment to all present and future senior indebtedness (as defined) of the Company. Upon change of control of the Company, the holders of the 9% Notes would have the right to require repurchase of the notes at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. Certain covenants in the 9% Notes limit the ability of the Company to incur indebtedness or engage in mergers, consolidations or sales of assets.








10







AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)



Note 4:  Other Long-term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):




Deferred compensation and retirement plans
Accrued rent expense
Obligation to City of Evansville and other
    civic and community organizations
Las Vegas Boulevard beautification
    assessment

Less current portion

September 27,
    2001     

$ 13,239   
7,915   

--   

     375   
21,529   
  (1,498)  
$ 20,031   
========   

December 28,
    2000    

$ 12,732  
8,668  

50  

     401  
21,851  
  (1,544
$ 20,307  
========  

Note 5: Income Taxes

The Company is responsible, with certain exceptions, for the taxes of Ramada Inc. ("Ramada") through December 20, 1989. In connection with Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") examinations of the income tax returns for the years 1989 through 1996, an issue was resolved, which was the last remaining issue for the years 1989 through 1991, that resulted in an income tax benefit of approximately $7,500,000 in the 2000 second quarter. The issue related to the deductibility of the cost of meals served to certain employees on the Company's premises. The IRS maintained that the Tax Reform Act of 1986 reduced this deduction. We recorded provisions in prior years based on the IRS position; however, we believed that these employee meals were fully deductible. The United States Tax Court decided in favor of the IRS in a case involving Boyd Gaming Corporation ("Boyd Gaming Case"). In 1999, the Boyd Gaming Case was overturned in the United States Court of Appeals. This issue, as it pertained to us, was resolved with the IRS during the 2000 second quarter.

The Internal Revenue Service is currently examining the income tax returns for the years 1992 through 1999. The New Jersey Division of Taxation is examining the New Jersey income tax returns for the years 1995 through 1998. Management believes that adequate provision for income taxes and interest has been made in the financial statements.

The Indiana Department of Revenue ("IDR") is currently examining the income tax returns for the years 1998 through 2000. The Company has received proposed assessments from the IDR in connection with the examination of the Company's Indiana income tax returns for the years 1996 and 1997. Those assessments are based on the IDR's position that the Company's gaming taxes that are based on gaming revenue are not deductible for Indiana income tax purposes. The Company believes that it has meritorious legal defense to those assessments and has not recorded an accrual for payment. The amount involved, including the Company's estimate of interest, net of a federal income tax benefit assuming continuation through September 27, 2001, was approximately $7,400,000 at September 27, 2001.













11







AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)



Note 6: Earnings Per Share

Net income per common share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Net income per common share, assuming dilution, is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding after consideration of the dilutive effect of stock options and the assumed conversion of the preferred stock at the stated rate.

The computations of net income per common share and net income per common share, assuming dilution, for the periods ended September 27, 2001 and September 28, 2000, are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

   Third Quarter     

    Nine Months      



Net income

Less: preferred stock dividends
  and losses on redemption

Income available to common
  shareholders

Plus: income impact of assumed
  conversion of dilutive preferred
  stock

Income available to common
  shareholders plus dilutive
  potential common shares

Weighted-average common shares
  applicable to net income per
  common share

Effect of dilutive securities:
  Stock option incremental shares
  Assumed conversion of preferred
  stock
Dilutive potential common shares

Weighted-average common shares
  applicable to net income per
  common share assuming dilution


Net income per common share

Net income per common share
  assuming dilution

  2001   

$ 17,825 


    (191)


 17,634 



     121 



$ 17,755 
======== 


37,223 


1,014 

     642 
   1,656 



38,879 
======== 

$    .47 
======== 

$    .46 
======== 

  2000   

$ 14,552 


    (200)


 14,352 



      -- 



$ 14,352 
======== 


40,428 


1,266 

     703 
   1,969 



42,397 
======== 

$    .35 
======== 

$    .34 
======== 

  2001   

$ 45,228 


    (588)


 44,640 



     364 



$ 45,004 
======== 


37,670 


866 

     642 
   1,508 



39,178 
======== 

$   1.19 
======== 

$   1.15 
======== 

  2000   

$ 47,929 


    (602)


 47,327 



      -- 



$ 47,327 
======== 


41,383 


972 

     723 
   1,695 



43,078 
======== 

$   1.14 
======== 

$   1.10 
======== 










12







AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (continued)



Note 7: Contingencies and Commitments

The Company agreed to indemnify Ramada against all monetary judgments in lawsuits pending against Ramada and its subsidiaries as of the conclusion of the restructuring of Ramada (the "Restructuring") on December 20, 1989, as well as all related attorneys' fees and expenses not paid at that time, except for any judgments, fees or expenses accrued on the hotel business balance sheet and except for any unaccrued and unreserved aggregate amount up to $5,000,000 of judgments, fees or expenses related exclusively to the hotel business. Aztar is entitled to the benefit of any crossclaims or counterclaims related to such lawsuits and of any insurance proceeds received. In addition, the Company agreed to indemnify Ramada for various lease guarantees made by Ramada relating to the restaurant business. In connection with these matters, the Company's accrued liability was $3,833,000 at both September 27, 2001 and December 28, 2000.

The Company is a party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business or asserted by way of defense or counterclaim in actions filed by the Company. Management believes that its defenses are substantial in each of these matters and that the Company's legal posture can be successfully defended without material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Tropicana Las Vegas lease agreement contains a provision that requires the Company to maintain an additional security deposit with the lessor of $21,996,000 in cash or a letter of credit if the Tropicana Las Vegas operation fails to meet certain financial tests. The Company has a 50% partnership interest in the lessor.

The Company has severance agreements with certain of its senior executives. Severance benefits range from a lump-sum cash payment equal to three times the sum of the executive's annual base salary and the average of the executive's annual bonuses awarded in the preceding three years plus payment of the value in the executive's outstanding stock options and vesting and distribution of any restricted stock to a lump-sum cash payment equal to the executive's annual base salary. In certain agreements, the termination must be as a result of a change in control of the Company. Based upon salary levels and stock options at September 27, 2001, the aggregate commitment under the severance agreements should all these executives be terminated was approximately $24,000,000 at September 27, 2001.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis

Financial Condition

On June 29, 2001, we amended our Revolver to extend the maturity to June 30, 2005 from June 30, 2003. In addition, the amendment revised the reduction rate so that the maximum amount available under the Revolver decreases by $12 million on March 31, 2004, and quarterly thereafter. The amount available under this facility at September 27, 2001 was $264 million.

On June 29, 2001, the maturity date of a $52 million term loan among Tropicana Enterprises and a group of banks was extended to June 30, 2005 from June 30, 2003. At September 27, 2001, the balance of this term loan was $51 million. We have a noncontrolling partnership interest of 50% in Tropicana Enterprises, a Nevada general partnership that owns the real property and certain personal property that we lease in the operation of the Tropicana Las Vegas.









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AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


On July 27, 2001, we issued $175 million principal amount of 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due August 15, 2011 ("9% Notes"). Interest is payable on February 15 and August 15, beginning on February 15, 2002. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 9% Notes, after payment of the fees and expenses of the issuance, were approximately $171.2 million. The balance of the net proceeds of the 9% Notes was used to repay the outstanding borrowings under the Revolver and for general corporate purposes.

During the 2001 nine-month period, we repurchased 2,031,000 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $9.00 per share to $16.10 per share and at an average price of $12.13 per share. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, we also repurchased 303,700 shares, which was the balance remaining to be repurchased under a program authorized by our Board of Directors. From the beginning of the share repurchase program in May 1999 through its completion, we repurchased 11.0 million shares at prices ranging from $6.69 per share to $16.10 per share and at an average price of $11.64 per share. Purchases under our stock repurchase program were made from time to time in the open market or privately negotiated transactions, depending on market prices and other business factors.

We are working on a plan to expand our Atlantic City Tropicana. We expect to commence construction in May 2002, with opening contemplated for March 2004. We are targeting a project cost for the expansion of $225 million, against which we hope to realize third-party contributions, public sector subsidies, tax rebates and other credits, the present value of which could reduce the cost by up to $50 million.

Results of Operations

Nine Months Ended September 27, 2001 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 27, 2000

Our consolidated revenues in the 2001 nine-month period were $637.3 million, a 3% decrease over $654.7 million in the 2000 nine-month period. The decrease in revenues was primarily related to a $16.8 million or 3% decrease in casino revenue, with a substantial portion of the decrease coming from Tropicana Atlantic City and Casino Aztar Evansville. Consolidated rooms revenue was $2.5 million or 4% higher in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period, reflecting increases at all hotel properties except for Casino Aztar Evansville, which had a slight decrease. Consolidated other revenue consists of entertainment, retail and other revenue and was $29.4 million in the 2001 nine-month period compared with $31.2 million in the 2000 nine-month period. The related direct costs were $24.5 million in the 2001 nine-month period versus $25.6 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Consolidated operating income was $101.1 million in the 2001 nine-month period, a 5% improvement over $96.6 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Consistent with the decrease in consolidated casino revenue, consolidated casino costs were $12.5 million or 6% lower in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period, largely due to a decrease in casino costs at Tropicana Atlantic City and Casino Aztar Evansville. Consolidated marketing costs were $7.4 million or 11% lower in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period primarily due to reduced spending on promotional programs, advertising and contract entertainment at Tropicana Atlantic City, combined with decreased spending on promotional programs and advertising at Casino Aztar Evansville. Consolidated utilities expense was $1.8 million or 16% higher in the 2001 nine-month period compared to the 2000 nine-month period primarily due to rising energy prices affecting all properties. Consolidated rent expense was $1.2 million or 9% higher in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period primarily due to increased rent to the City of Evansville relating to our riverboat landing lease. A scheduled change in the formula used in calculating the rent came into effect in December 2000.

Consolidated interest expense was 9% or $3.0 million lower in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period primarily as a result of lower levels of debt outstanding combined with lower interest rates. In addition, capitalized interest relating to the Tropicana Atlantic City expansion for the 2001 nine-month period reduced consolidated interest expense by $0.8 million. There was no capitalized interest for the 2000 nine-month period.


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AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


The Company is responsible, with certain exceptions, for the taxes of Ramada through December 20, 1989. In connection with IRS examinations of the income tax returns for the years 1989 through 1996, an issue was resolved, which was the last remaining issue for the years 1989 through 1991, that resulted in an income tax benefit of approximately $7.5 million in the 2000 second quarter. The issue related to the deductibility of the cost of meals served to certain employees on the Company's premises. The IRS maintained that the Tax Reform Act of 1986 reduced this deduction. We recorded provisions in prior years based on the IRS position; however, we believed that these employee meals were fully deductible. The United States Tax Court decided in favor of the IRS in a case involving Boyd Gaming Corporation. In 1999, the Boyd Gaming case was overturned in the United States Court of Appeals. This issue, as it pertained to us, was resolved with the IRS during the 2000 second quarter.

The Indiana Department of Revenue is currently examining the income tax returns for the years 1998 through 2000. The Company has received proposed assessments from the IDR in connection with the examination of the Company's Indiana income tax returns for the years 1996 and 1997. Those assessments are based on the IDR's position that the Company's gaming taxes that are based on gaming revenue are not deductible for Indiana income tax purposes. The Company believes that it has meritorious legal defense to those assessments and has not recorded an accrual for payment. The amount involved, including the Company's estimate of interest, net of a federal income tax benefit assuming continuation through September 27, 2001, was approximately $7,400,000 at September 27, 2001.

TROPICANA ATLANTIC CITY Total revenues at Tropicana Atlantic City were $348.8 million in the 2001 nine-month period, down 3% from $358.6 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Decreased spending on promotional giveaways as well as harsh winter weather during our 2001 first quarter, particularly a major storm over the New Year's Eve weekend which fell in our fiscal first quarter, contributed to the decline in Tropicana Atlantic City's revenues for the nine months ended 2001. Casino revenue was 3% lower in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period, primarily reflecting a 3% decrease in games revenue combined with a 3% decrease in slots revenue. The decline in games revenue was a result of a decrease in the volume of play. Rooms revenue was $1.3 million or 8% higher in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period, primarily as a result of an increase in the average daily rates and an increase in the rooms occupied on a noncomplimentary basis.

Tropicana Atlantic City had operating income of $73.2 million in the 2001 nine-month period, a 7% improvement over $68.3 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Consistent with the decrease in casino revenue, casino costs were 7% lower in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period. Contributing to the decline in casino costs was a 22% reduction in coin offers to slot players in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period. Marketing costs were 9% lower in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period primarily due to reduced spending on promotional programs, advertising and contract entertainment. Operating income is after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses. Rent expense was $1.9 million in the 2001 nine-month period compared to $1.8 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Depreciation and amortization was $19.7 million in the nine months ended 2001 compared to $19.5 million in the nine months ended 2000.

TROPICANA LAS VEGAS At Tropicana Las Vegas, total revenues were $118.5 million in the 2001 nine-month period, a slight increase from $117.3 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Tropicana Las Vegas had operating income of $8.3 million in the 2001 nine-month period, a 20% improvement over $6.9 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Utilities expense was 43% higher in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period primarily due to rising energy prices. Operating income is after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses. Rent expense was $7.1 million in the 2001 nine-month period compared to $7.6 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Depreciation and amortization was $5.8 million in the 2001 nine-month period compared to $7.2 million in the 2000 nine-month period.



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AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


RAMADA EXPRESS At Ramada Express, total revenues were $72.2 million in the 2001 nine-month period, down 4% from $75.3 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Utilities expense was 36% higher in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period primarily due to rising energy prices. Operating income was $13.4 million in the 2001 nine-month period compared to $13.6 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Operating income is after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses. Rent expense was $0.3 million in the nine months ended 2001 compared to $0.5 million in the nine months ended 2000. Depreciation and amortization was $4.3 million in the 2001 nine-month period compared to $4.0 million in the 2000 nine-month period.

CASINO AZTAR EVANSVILLE Total revenues at Casino Aztar Evansville were $78.8 million in the 2001 nine-month period, down 7% from $84.5 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Casino revenue was 6% lower in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period, primarily reflecting a 12% decrease in games revenue combined with a 5% decrease in slot revenue. The decrease in games revenue was a result of a decrease in the volume of play. Consistent with the decrease in casino revenue, casino costs were 8% lower in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period. Casino costs were lower due to a lower wagering tax that is based on revenue and reduced costs of complimentaries. Marketing costs were 21% lower in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period due to decreased spending on promotional programs and advertising. Operating income was $14.8 million in the 2001 nine-month period, an 11% decrease from $16.7 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Operating income is after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses. Rent expense was $4.4 million in the 2001 nine-month period compared to $2.6 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Rent expense increased in the 2001 versus 2000 nine-month period primarily due to increased rent to the City of Evansville relating to our riverboat landing lease. A scheduled change in the formula used in calculating the rent came into effect in December 2000. Depreciation and amortization was $6.8 million in the 2001 nine-month period compared to $7.6 million in the 2000 nine-month period.

CASINO AZTAR CARUTHERSVILLE Total revenues at Casino Aztar Caruthersville were $19.0 million in both periods. Casino Aztar Caruthersville had operating income of $1.1 million in the 2001 nine-month period, an improvement over $0.3 million in the 2000 nine-month period. Operating income is after depreciation and amortization of $2.2 million in the nine months ended 2001 compared to $2.3 million in the nine months ended 2000.

Quarter Ended September 27, 2001 Compared to Quarter Ended September 28, 2000

Our consolidated revenues in the 2001 third quarter were $218.1 million, a 2% decrease over $222.2 million in the 2000 third quarter. The decrease in revenues was primarily related to a decrease in casino revenue, with a substantial portion of the decrease coming from Casino Aztar Evansville. Consolidated operating income was $37.3 million in the third quarter of 2001, a 10% improvement over $33.8 million in the third quarter of 2000. Consolidated casino costs decreased by $5.3 million or 7% in the 2001 versus 2000 third quarter. Contributing to the decrease in casino costs was a reduction in coin offers to slot players at Tropicana Atlantic City. In addition, casino costs were lower at Casino Aztar Evansville consistent with the decrease in casino revenue.

TROPICANA ATLANTIC CITY Total revenues at Tropicana Atlantic City were $125.9 million in the 2001 third quarter, down slightly from $126.6 million in the 2000 third quarter. Casino revenue was $112.4 million for both periods. In the 2001 versus 2000 third quarter, slot revenue decreased by 4% while games revenue increased by 11%. Games revenue increased as a result of a higher hold percentage. The table games hold percentage was 17.6% in the 2001 third quarter compared with 14.7% in the 2000 third quarter.







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AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Tropicana Atlantic City had operating income of $31.3 million in the 2001 third quarter, a 15% improvement over $27.2 million in the 2000 third quarter. Casino costs were 10% lower in the 2001 versus 2000 third quarter. Contributing to the decrease in casino costs was a 33% reduction in coin offers to slot players in the 2001 versus 2000 third quarter. Operating income is after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses. Rent expense was $0.6 million in the 2001 third quarter compared to $0.7 million in the 2000 third quarter. Depreciation and amortization was $6.6 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared to $6.4 million in the third quarter of last year.

TROPICANA LAS VEGAS At Tropicana Las Vegas, total revenues were $37.8 million in the 2001 third quarter, down slightly from $38.3 million in the 2000 third quarter. Utilities expense was 22% higher in the 2001 versus 2000 third quarter, primarily due to rising energy prices. Operating income was $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared to $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2000. Operating income is after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses. Rent expense was $2.3 million in the 2001 third quarter compared to $2.5 million in the 2000 third quarter. Depreciation and amortization was $1.9 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared to $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2000.

RAMADA EXPRESS At Ramada Express, total revenues were $21.7 million in the 2001 third quarter, down 3% from $22.4 million in the 2000 third quarter. Utilities expense was 24% higher in the 2001 versus 2000 third quarter primarily due to rising energy prices. Operating income was $2.3 million in both periods. Operating income is after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses. Rent expense was $0.1 million in both periods. Depreciation and amortization was $1.4 million in both periods.

CASINO AZTAR EVANSVILLE Total revenues at Casino Aztar Evansville were $26.5 million in the 2001 third quarter, down 8% from $28.8 million in the 2000 third quarter. Casino revenue was 7% lower in the 2001 versus 2000 third quarter, primarily reflecting a 12% decrease in games revenue combined with a 6% decrease in slot revenue. The decrease in games revenue was primarily a result of a decrease in the volume of play. Operating income was $4.9 million in the 2001 third quarter, an 8% decrease from $5.3 million in the 2000 third quarter. Consistent with the decrease in casino revenue, casino costs were 7% lower in the 2001 versus 2000 third quarter. Operating income is after rent and depreciation and amortization expenses. Rent expense was $1.2 million in the 2001 third quarter compared to $1.1 million in the 2000 third quarter. Rent expense increased in the 2001 versus 2000 third quarter primarily due to increased rent to the City of Evansville relating to our riverboat landing lease. A scheduled change in the formula used in calculating the rent came into effect in December 2000. Casino revenue is a component used in the calculation of rent expense. During the 2001 third quarter, as a result of lower than anticipated casino revenue since December 2000, we revised our estimate of rent expense and recorded a $0.3 million reduction in rent. Depreciation and amortization was $2.3 million in the 2001 third quarter compared to $2.6 million in last year's third quarter.

CASINO AZTAR CARUTHERSVILLE Total revenues at Casino Aztar Caruthersville were $6.2 million in the 2001 third quarter, a 2% increase from $6.1 million in the 2000 third quarter. Casino Aztar Caruthersville had operating income of $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared to an operating income that was at break-even for the third quarter of 2000. Operating income is after depreciation and amortization of $0.7 million in both periods.









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AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Impact of Recent Events

The September terrorist attacks as well as the ensuing economic conditions have resulted in an increased level of uncertainty with regard to our near term operating results. Since the end of our third quarter through the end of our fiscal month of October, these developments have had a modest impact on our consolidated operating and financial results. We are unable to predict any future effects.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 141, "Business Combinations" and Statement No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS 141 is effective as follows: (a) use of the pooling-of-interests method is prohibited for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001; and (b) the provisions of SFAS 141 also apply to all business combinations accounted for by the purchase method that are completed after June 30, 2001. There are also transition provisions that apply to business combinations completed before July 1, 2001 that were accounted for by the purchase method. SFAS 142 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 and applies to all goodwill and other intangible assets recognized in an entity's statement of financial position at that date, regardless of when those assets were initially recognized.

In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 143, "Accounting for Obligations Associated with the Retirement of Long-Lived Assets." The objectives of SFAS 143 are to establish accounting standards for the recognition and measurement of an asset retirement obligation and its associated asset retirement cost. SFAS 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002.

In October 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued statement No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." SFAS 144 addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. SFAS 144 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 and, generally, is to be applied prospectively.

The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of SFAS 141, SFAS 142, SFAS 143 and SFAS 144 and has not yet determined the effects of these changes on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

Certain information included in Aztar's Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2000, this Form 10-Q and other materials filed or to be filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by us including those made in Aztar's 2000 annual report) contains statements that are forward-looking. These include forward-looking statements relating to the following activities, among others: operation and expansion of existing properties, including future performance; redevelopment of the Las Vegas Tropicana and financing and/or concluding an arrangement with a partner for such redevelopment; other business development activities; uses of free cash flow; stock repurchases; debt repayments; and use of derivatives. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as we "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "foresee," "forecast," "estimate," "target," or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following factors as well as other factors described from time to time in Aztar's reports filed with


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AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


the SEC: those factors relating to terrorist activities, construction and development factors, including zoning issues, environmental restrictions, soil conditions, weather and other hazards, site access matters and building permit issues; factors affecting leverage and debt service, including sensitivity to fluctuation in interest rates; access to available and feasible financing; regulatory and licensing matters; third-party consents, approvals and representations, and relations with partners, owners, suppliers and other third parties; reliance on key personnel; business and economic conditions; the cyclical nature of the hotel business and the gaming business; the effects of weather; market prices of our common stock; litigation, judicial actions and political uncertainties, including gaming legislation and taxation; and the effects of competition, including locations of competitors and operating and marketing competition. Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date made.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

For a discussion of information that affects information incorporated by reference in Item 7A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2000, see "Note 3: Long-term Debt" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q under Item 1.


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION



Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 (a)

In connection with Case No. CV-S-94-1126-DAE(RJJ)-BASE FILE (the "Poulos/Ahearn Case"), Case No. CV-S-95-00923-DWH(RJJ) (the "Schreier Case") and Case No. CV-S-95-936-LDG(RLH) (the "Cruise Ship Case"), (collectively, the "Consolidated Cases"), as reported under Part I, Item 3 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2000, the defendants have filed a supplement to their memorandum in opposition to class certification and the plaintiffs have filed their reply. The hearing on the motion for class certification has been scheduled for November 15, 2001.


Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 (a)

Exhibits

 
   

None.


 (b)


Reports on Form 8-K

 


 


On July 11, 2001, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K under Item 5. Other Events to file, as Exhibit 10.1, Amendment No. 6, dated June 29, 2001 to Amended and Restated Reducing Revolving Loan Agreement, dated as of May 28, 1998, among Aztar Corporation and the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent.

On July 17, 2001, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K under Item 5. Other Events to file, as Exhibit 99.1, a press release issued by the Registrant on July 10, 2001, announcing the Company's financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2001.

On August 3, 2001, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K under Item 5. Other Events to file, as Exhibit 99.1, a press release issued by the Registrant on July 30, 2001, announcing the completion of its private placement of $175 million of 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011.



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AZTAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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.












Date  November 8, 2001          

        AZTAR CORPORATION        
          (Registrant)          






By  ROBERT M. HADDOCK         
    Robert M. Haddock
    Executive Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer




































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