-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Md/dpJl5iaL2KJaU9jpNoTkFJYk2fQKQe8va3sLz5opJfOUOF0E/lPenUJMtaaoJ xoKCaCAolaIMLl3f9uCAfg== 0001104659-08-017040.txt : 20080312 0001104659-08-017040.hdr.sgml : 20080312 20080312125224 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-08-017040 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20071227 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080312 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080312 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT INC /MD/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000889570 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-MOTION PICTURE THEATERS [7830] IRS NUMBER: 131424080 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 0101 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 033-49598 FILM NUMBER: 08682971 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9110 EAST NICHOLS AVENUE STREET 2: SUTIE 200 CITY: ENGLEWOOD STATE: CO ZIP: 80112 BUSINESS PHONE: 3037923600 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9110 E NICHOLS AVE STREET 2: STE 200 CITY: ENGLEWOOD STATE: CO ZIP: 80112 10-K 1 a08-2895_110k.htm 10-K

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2007

 

Commission file number: 033-49598

 


 

UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Maryland

13-1424080

(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

(Internal Revenue Service Employer
Identification Number)

 

 

7132 Regal Lane

Knoxville, TN

37918

(Address of Principal
Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: 865/922-1123

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o No x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  Yes x No o

 

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 o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer o

 

 

Non-accelerated filer x

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

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

 

The registrant is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal Entertainment Group. As of June 28, 2007, there were no shares of voting or non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant.

 

The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I(2).

 

The number of shares outstanding of $1.00 par value common stock at March 12, 2008 was 100 shares.

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

 

Item 1.

Business

3

 

 

The Company

3

 

 

Description of Business

3

 

 

Industry Overview and Trends

4

 

 

Theatre Operations

5

 

 

Film Distribution

6

 

 

Film Exhibition

7

 

 

Concessions

8

 

 

Competition

8

 

 

Marketing and Advertising

8

 

 

Management Information Systems

9

 

 

Seasonality

9

 

 

Employees

9

 

 

Regulation

9

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

10

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

12

 

Item 2.

Properties

12

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

12

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

13

 

 

 

PART II

 

Item 5.

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

13

 

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

13

 

Item 7.

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

13

 

 

Overview and Basis of Presentation

13

 

 

Results of Operations

14

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

21

 

 

Contractual Cash Obligations and Commitments

22

 

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

23

 

 

Quarterly Results

25

 

 

Inflation

25

 

 

Seasonality

25

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

25

 

 

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

26

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

26

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

26

 

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

45

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

45

 

Item 9B.

Other Information

45

 

 

 

PART III

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

45

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

46

 

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

46

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

46

 

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

46

 

 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

47

 

 

 

Signatures

50

 

2



 

UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

 

PART I

 

Some of the information in this Form 10-K includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Form 10-K, including, without limitation, certain statements under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business” may constitute forward- looking statements.  In some cases you can identify these “forward-looking statements” by words like “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of those words and other comparable words.  These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those indicated in these statements. The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations found within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” should be read in conjunction with the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.  The Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.  Factors that might cause such a difference include those discussed in Item 1 and Item 1A as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 


Item 1.  BUSINESS

 

THE COMPANY

 

United Artists Theatre Company (the “Parent” or “United Artists”), a Delaware corporation organized in February 2002, is the parent company of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “UATC”), a Maryland corporation organized in May 1926, and United Artists Realty Company (“UAR”), which is the parent company of United Artists Properties I Corp. (“Prop I”). UATC leases certain theatres from Prop I. The terms UATC and the Company shall be deemed to include the respective subsidiaries of such entity when used in discussions included herein regarding the current operations or assets of such entity.

 

United Artists became a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (“REH”) through a series of transactions in 2002.  REH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal Entertainment Group (“REG” or “Regal”) who acquired Regal Cinemas Corporation (“Regal Cinemas”), United Artists, Edwards Theatres, Inc. (“Edwards”) and Regal CineMedia Corporation (“Regal CineMedia”) through a series of transactions on April 12, 2002.  For a detailed discussion of the transactions resulting in Regal’s acquisition of its subsidiaries, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

On August 17, 2005, REH transferred the stock of United Artists to Regal Cinemas, Inc. (“RCI”). As a result, United Artists and its subsidiaries became subsidiaries of RCI.

 

Our Internet address is www.uatc.com.  Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports, are available free of charge on our Internet website under the heading “Investor Relations” as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The Company manages its business under one reportable segment - theatre exhibition operations.

 

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

As of December 27, 2007, UATC operates 604 screens in 69 theatres in 19 states with over 21 million annual  attendees.  The UATC theatres are managed by RCI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal, pursuant to a management  arrangement described below.  The Company operates multi-screen theatres and has an average of 8.8 screens  per location. Theatre operations in seven states (California, New York, Florida, Maryland, Texas, Mississippi and  Pennsylvania) accounted for approximately 69.6% and 66.9% of UATC’s total theatres and screens, respectively,  as of December 27, 2007 and 76.2% of UATC’s theatrical revenue for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2007.

 

3



 

The Company has historically upgraded its theatre circuit by retrofitting existing theatres and strategically closing and disposing of under-performing theatres. Approximately 65.2% of the Company’s screens are in theatres with 10 or more screens.  As of December 27, 2007, UATC operates 24 theatres (274 screens) which offer stadium seating, representing 45.4% of UATC’s screens.  Virtually all of the theatres UATC has built or renovated since 1997 have been state-of-the-art, 9 to 16 screen multiplex theatres with stadium seating, high-backed rocking seats, digital sound, expanded concession areas and other state-of-the-art design features and amenities.  These state-of-the-art amenities are included in UATC’s renovations to existing theatres.  As compared to the prior generation of non-stadium theatres, UATC believes that these theatres provide a higher quality entertainment experience for patrons and significant operating efficiencies and improved economics for UATC.

 

In connection with Regal’s acquisition of its subsidiaries, as more fully described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, a management agreement was executed between RCI and UATC under which RCI manages all aspects of the theatre operations of UATC and its subsidiaries and makes all business decisions on behalf of UATC. In certain markets where UATC operates theatres, RCI operates theatres.

 

Pursuant to the Company’s management agreement with RCI, RCI, through an agreement with National CineMedia, LLC (“National CineMedia”), provides all on-screen and lobby advertising and event services to UATC.  UATC receives a net fee for the use of its theatres for such advertising and event services that is recorded in other revenue.  On February 13, 2007, National CineMedia Inc. (“NCM Inc.”), a newly formed entity that serves as the sole manager of National CineMedia, completed an initial public offering, or IPO, of its common stock. In connection with the completion of the IPO, RCI amended and restated its existing exhibitor services agreement (“ESA”) with National CineMedia, whereby in exchange for its pro rata share of the IPO proceeds, RCI agreed to a modification of National CineMedia’s payment obligation under the ESA.  The modification extended the term of the ESA to 30 years, provided National CineMedia with a five year right of first refusal beginning one year prior to the end of the term and changed the basis upon which RCI is paid by National CineMedia from a percentage of revenues associated with advertising contracts entered into by National CineMedia to a monthly theatre access fee.  On-screen advertising time provided to our beverage concessionaire is provided by National CineMedia under the terms of their agreement with RCI.  See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW AND TRENDS

 

The domestic motion picture exhibition industry is a mature business which has historically maintained steady long-term growth in revenues and attendance. Since 1965, total box office revenues have grown at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6% with annual attendance of approximately 1.45 billion attendees in 2006.  Against this background of steady long-term growth in revenues and attendance, the exhibition industry has experienced periodic short-term increases and decreases in attendance and, consequently, box office revenues.  We expect the cyclical nature of the domestic motion picture exhibition industry to continue for the foreseeable future.

 

Over the past decade, the domestic motion picture exhibition industry experienced a period of extraordinary new theatre construction.  From 1996 to 1999, the number of screens increased at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 8%, which was more than double the industry’s screen growth rate of approximately 3.5% from 1965 to 1995. This industry expansion was primarily driven by major exhibitors upgrading their asset bases to an attractive megaplex format, which typically includes 10 or more screens per theatre and features such as stadium seating, improved projection quality and superior sound systems.  Generally, a modern megaplex is preferred by patrons over a sloped-floor multiplex theatre, the predominant theatre-type built prior to 1996.  We believe theatres larger than the current 10 to 18 screen megaplex are not able to generate attractive returns in most locations because of the substantial market suitability requirements to generate a level of profitability similar to the current megaplex format.  We also believe that another evolution of theatre formats beyond the current megaplex is unlikely to occur in the foreseeable future.

 

More recently, the domestic motion picture exhibition industry has experienced increased competition from other methods of delivering films to consumers, including cable television, in-home video and DVD, satellite and pay-per-view services and downloads via the Internet.  Traditionally, when motion picture distributors licensed their films to the domestic exhibition industry, they refrained from licensing their products to other

 

4



 

delivery channels for a period of time, commonly called the theatrical release window.  Over the past several years, the average period between a film’s theatrical release and its in-home video or DVD release has shortened.  We believe that the contraction in the average theatrical release window reflects the shorter period of time in which the average motion picture is able to generate meaningful revenue in its theatrical exhibition license period.  As a consequence, we believe that the shrinking of the theatrical release window over the past five to six years has not represented a material change in the studio/exhibition distribution model.  Fundamentally, we believe that movie-going is a convenient, affordable and attractively priced form of out-of-home entertainment, which, on an average price per patron basis, continues to compare favorably to other out-of-home entertainment alternatives, such as concerts and sporting events.

 

We believe that a contraction of the theatrical release window, if material, could significantly dilute the consumer appeal of the out-of-home motion picture offering.  As a result, we continue to monitor the status of the theatrical release window during our film licensing decisions.  Our discussions with several film studios lead us to believe that these studios continue to recognize the value of maintaining meaningful theatrical release windows for both distribution and exhibition companies. Consequently, we believe a further material contraction in the theatrical release window is unlikely, but should such a contraction occur we believe that it could significantly impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The domestic motion picture industry is in the process of converting from film-based media to electronic based media, including the distribution of feature films in a digital format rather than a 35 mm film format. There are a variety of constituencies associated with this change, which may significantly impact industry participants, including content providers, distributors, equipment providers and exhibitors. To that end, on February 12, 2007, Regal, along with AMC Entertainment, Inc. (“AMC”) and Cinemark, Inc. (“Cinemark”), formed a joint venture company known as Digital Cinema Implementation Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (‘‘DCIP’’), to explore the possibility of implementing digital cinema in our theatres and to create a financing model and establish agreements with major motion picture studios for the implementation of digital cinema. Travis Reid, the former president and chief executive officer of Loews Theatres, serves as the chief executive officer of DCIP and DCIP has engaged J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. to assist with the review of a business plan for digital cinema and with identifying and evaluating potential financing and capital structure alternatives. Future digital cinema developments will be managed by DCIP, subject to the approval of Regal, AMC and Cinemark. Each of Regal, AMC and Cinemark has an equal ownership interest in DCIP.

 

We expect to begin converting our existing theatres from 35 mm film projection to digital projection during the second half of 2008 and intend to complete the conversion of our entire circuit in approximately three to four years. DCIP is continuing to work with film studios and financial institutions to negotiate and finalize the related financing plans that would provide for a studio-financed conversion to digital projection. We remain optimistic regarding the benefits of digital cinema primarily as it relates to future growth potential associated with 3D film product and other 3D content and are pleased to see continued support of 3D and IMAX film product by the major studios.

 

THEATRE OPERATIONS

 

UATC operates 604 screens in 69 theatres in 19 states as of December 27, 2007.  We primarily operate multi-screen theatres. Our multi-screen theatre complexes typically feature auditoriums ranging from 100 to 500 seats each. As a result, our theatres appeal to a diverse group of patrons because we offer a wide selection of films and convenient show times. In addition, many of our theatres feature modern amenities such as wall-to-wall screens, digital stereo surround-sound, multi-station concessions stands, computerized ticketing systems, plush stadium seating with cup holders and retractable armrests, neon-enhanced interiors and exteriors, and video game areas adjacent to the theatre lobby.

 

Our multi-screen theatres are designed to increase profitability by optimizing revenues per square foot and reducing the cost per square foot of operation. We vary auditorium seating capacities within the same theatre, allowing us to exhibit films on a more cost effective basis for a longer period of time by shifting films to smaller auditoriums to meet changing attendance levels. In addition, we realize significant operating efficiencies by having common box office, concessions, projection, lobby and restroom facilities, which enables us to spread some of our

 

5



 

costs, such as payroll, advertising and rent, over a higher revenue base. We stagger movie show times to reduce staffing requirements and lobby congestion and to provide more desirable parking and traffic flow patterns. We also actively monitor ticket sales in order to quickly recognize demand surges, which enables us to add seating capacity quickly and efficiently. In addition, we believe that operating a theatre circuit consisting primarily of multi-screen theatres enhances our ability to attract patrons.

 

The following table details the number of locations and theatre screens in our theatre circuit ranked by the number of locations in each state as of December 27, 2007:

 

State

 

Locations

 

Number of Screens

 

New York

 

15

 

110

 

California

 

9

 

75

 

Mississippi

 

7

 

56

 

Florida

 

5

 

44

 

Maryland

 

4

 

46

 

Texas

 

4

 

45

 

Pennsylvania

 

4

 

28

 

New Jersey

 

3

 

31

 

Colorado

 

2

 

24

 

Arizona

 

2

 

21

 

Arkansas

 

2

 

20

 

Indiana

 

2

 

19

 

Nevada

 

2

 

18

 

North Carolina

 

2

 

17

 

Louisiana

 

2

 

16

 

Michigan

 

1

 

14

 

Virginia

 

1

 

10

 

Massachusetts

 

1

 

6

 

Georgia

 

1

 

4

 

Total

 

69

 

604

 

 

We have implemented best management practices across all of our theatres, including daily, weekly and monthly management reports generated for each individual theatre, as well as maintaining active communication between the theatres, divisional management and corporate management. We use these management reports and communications to closely monitor admissions and concessions revenues as well as accounting, payroll and workforce information necessary to manage our theatre operations effectively and efficiently.

 

We seek experienced theatre managers and require new theatre managers to complete a comprehensive training program within the theatres and at the “Regal Entertainment University,” which is held at our corporate office.  The program is designed to encompass all phases of theatre operations, including our operating philosophy, policies, procedures and standards. In addition, we have an incentive compensation program for theatre-level management that rewards theatre managers for controlling operating expenses while complying with our operating standards.

 

In addition, we have implemented quality assurance programs in all of our theatres to maintain clean, comfortable and modern facilities. To maintain quality and consistency within our theatre circuit, district and regional managers regularly inspect each theatre. We also operate a “mystery shopper” program, which involves unannounced visits by unidentified customers who report on the quality of service, film presentation and cleanliness at individual theatres.

 

FILM DISTRIBUTION

 

Domestic movie theatres are the primary initial distribution channel for domestic film releases. The theatrical success of a film is often the most important factor in establishing its value in other film distribution channels. Motion pictures are generally made available through several alternative distribution methods after the

 

6



 

theatrical release date, including home video and DVD, cable television, broadcast television and satellite and pay-per-view services. A strong opening run at the theatre can help establish a film’s success and substantiate the film’s revenue potential.  For example, the value of home video, DVD and pay cable distribution agreements frequently depends on the success of a film’s theatrical release. As the primary distribution mechanism for the public’s evaluation of films, we believe that domestic theatrical distribution remains the cornerstone of a film’s overall financial success.

 

The development of additional distribution channels has given motion picture producers the ability to generate a greater portion of a film’s revenues through channels other than its theatrical release. Historically, this potential for increased revenue after a film’s initial theatrical release has enabled major studios and some independent producers to increase the budgets for film production and advertising.

 

FILM EXHIBITION

 

Evaluation of Film.    We license films on a film-by-film and theatre-by-theatre basis by negotiating directly with film distributors. Prior to negotiating for a film license, we evaluate the prospects for upcoming films. Criteria we consider for each film may include cast, producer, director, genre, budget, comparative film performances and various other market conditions. Successful licensing depends greatly upon the exhibitor’s knowledge of trends and historical film preferences of the residents in markets served by each theatre, as well as the availability of commercially successful motion pictures.

 

Access to Film Product.    Films are licensed from film distributors owned by major production companies and from independent film distributors that distribute films for smaller production companies. Film distributors typically establish geographic licensing zones and allocate each available film to one theatre within that zone.

 

In licensing zones where we are the sole exhibitor, we obtain film licenses by selecting a film from among those films being offered and negotiating directly with the distributor. In zones where there is competition, a distributor will allocate films among the exhibitors in the zone. When films are licensed under the allocation process, a distributor will select an exhibitor for each film who then negotiates film rental terms directly with the distributor.

 

Film Rental Fees.    Film licenses typically specify rental fees or formulas by which rental fees may be calculated. The primary formulas used are the “sliding scale” formula, a “firm term” formula and a “review or settlement”. Under a sliding scale formula, the distributor receives a percentage of the box office receipts using a pre-determined and mutually agreed upon film rental template. This formula establishes film rental predicated on box office performance and is the predominant formula used by us to calculate film rental fees. Under the firm term formula, the exhibitor and distributor agree prior to the exhibition of the film on a specified percentage of the box office receipts to be remitted to the distributor. Lastly, under the review or settlement formula, the exhibitor and distributor negotiate a percentage of the box office receipts to be remitted to the distributor upon completion of the theatrical engagement. These negotiations typically involve the use of historical settlements or past precedent.

 

Duration of Film Licenses.    The duration of our film licenses are negotiated with our distributors on a case-by-case basis. The terms of our license agreements depend on performance of each film. Marketable movies that are expected to have high box office admission revenues will generally have longer license terms than movies with more uncertain performance and popularity.

 

Relationship with Distributors.    Many distributors provide quality first-run movies to the motion picture exhibition industry.  During fiscal 2007, ten major film distributors accounted for 95% of the Company’s admissions revenues.  Six of the ten major film distributors each accounted for more than 10% of fiscal 2007 admission revenues. No single film distributor accounted for more than 20% of fiscal 2007 admissions revenues.  We license films from each of the major distributors and believe that our relationships with these distributors are good. From year to year, the revenues attributable to individual distributors will vary widely depending upon the number and popularity of films that each one distributes.

 

7



 

CONCESSIONS

 

                In addition to box office admissions revenues, we generated approximately 28.1% of our total revenues from concessions sales during fiscal 2007. We emphasize prominent and appealing concession stations designed for rapid and efficient service. We continually seek to increase concessions sales by optimizing product mix, introducing special promotions from time to time and offering employee training and incentive programs to up-sell and cross-sell products. We have favorable concession supply contracts and have developed an efficient concession purchasing and distribution supply chain. RCI, pursuant to its management agreement, negotiates directly with manufacturers for many of our concession items to obtain competitive prices and to ensure adequate supplies.

 

COMPETITION

 

The motion picture industry is highly competitive. Motion picture exhibitors generally compete on the basis of the following competitive factors:

·                  ability to secure films with favorable licensing terms;

 

·                  availability of stadium seating, location, reputation of their theatres and seating capacity;

 

·                  quality of projection and sound systems at their theatres; and

 

·                  ability and willingness to promote the films they are showing.

 

 

                We have several hundred competitors nationwide, which vary substantially in size, from small independent exhibitors to large national chains such as AMC and Cinemark. As a result, our theatres are subject to varying degrees of competition in the regions in which they operate. Our competitors, including newly established motion picture exhibitors, may build new theatres or screens in areas in which we operate, which may result in increased competition and excess capacity in those areas. If this occurs, it may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.  In addition, there are markets that contain both RCI and UATC theatres.  The existence of RCI theatres in these markets could have an impact on UATC film allocation and attendance.

 

                We also compete with other motion picture distribution channels, including home video and DVD, cable television, broadcast television and satellite and pay-per-view services. Other technologies such as video on demand could also have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.  Traditionally, when motion picture distributors licensed their products to the domestic exhibition industry, they refrained from licensing their motion pictures to these other distribution channels for a period of time, commonly called the theatrical release window.  We believe that the shortening of the theatrical release window over the past five to six years does not represent a material change in the studio/exhibition distribution model.   However, we believe that a material contraction of the theatrical release window could significantly dilute the consumer appeal of the out-of-home motion picture offering.  As a result, we continue to monitor the status of the theatrical release window during our film licensing decisions.   In addition, we compete for the public’s leisure time and disposable income with other forms of entertainment, including sporting events, concerts, live theatre and restaurants.

 

MARKETING AND ADVERTISING

 

                Currently, film distributors organize and finance multimedia advertising campaigns for major film releases. To market our theatres, we utilize advertisements, including radio advertising, and movie schedules published in newspapers and over the Internet informing our patrons of film selections and show times. Newspaper advertisements are typically displayed in a single grouping for all of our theatres located in a newspaper’s circulation area. In some of our markets we employ special marketing programs for specific films and concessions items.

 

                We participate in a frequent moviegoer loyalty program sponsored by REG, named the Regal Crown Club®, in all of our markets. Regal Crown Club® members are eligible for specified awards, such as concession items, based on purchases made at our participating theatres. In addition, we seek to develop patron loyalty through a number of other marketing programs such as free summer children’s film series and cross-promotional ticket redemptions and promotions within local communities. We currently offer these programs only in selected markets. We plan to use these programs in markets where we believe patron loyalty can be further enhanced, and we will

 

8



 

continue to evaluate our markets on a case-by-case basis to determine the suitability of these programs in individual regions.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

 

                We make extensive use of information technology (IT) for the management of our business, our theatres, and other revenue generating operations. The revenue streams generated by attendance and concession sales are fully supported by information systems to monitor cash flow and to detect fraud and inventory shrinkage. We have implemented software and hardware solutions, which provide for enhanced capabilities and efficiency within our theatre operations.  These solutions have enabled us to sell gift cards at most major retailers, grocery stores and mass discounters and to redeem those gift cards at our theatre box offices and concession stands.  We continue to expand our ability to sell tickets remotely by using our Internet ticketing partner, Fandango.com, and by deploying self-service customer activated terminals (CATs) in appropriate theatres. The CATs can sell tickets for current and future shows and provide the capability to retrieve tickets purchased through Fandango.com.  We continue to investigate and invest in IT technologies to improve services to our patrons and provide information to our management, allowing them to operate the theatres efficiently.

 

                Our scheduling systems support the coordination needed to properly allocate our auditoriums between film showings and meetings and events of National CineMedia, while also ensuring that movie audiences view the intended advertising and that revenue is allocated to the appropriate business function. The scheduling systems also provide information electronically and automatically to the newspapers, which allows them to publish correct show starting times with approved advertising graphics. The sales and attendance information developed by the theatre systems is used directly for film booking and settlement as well as being the primary source of data for our financial systems.

 

SEASONALITY

 

                Our revenues are usually seasonal, coinciding with the timing of releases of motion pictures by the major distributors. Generally, studios release the most marketable motion pictures during the summer and the holiday season.  The unexpected emergence of a hit film during other periods can alter the traditional trend. The timing of movie releases can have a significant effect on our results of operations, and the results of one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for the next quarter or any other quarter. The seasonality of motion picture exhibition, however, has become less pronounced as studios are releasing motion pictures somewhat more evenly throughout the year.

 

EMPLOYEES

 

                As of February 12, 2008, we employed approximately 2,176 persons.  Film projectionists at certain of the Company’s theatres in the New York market are covered by two collective bargaining agreements. The Company considers its employee relations to be good.

 

REGULATION

 

                The distribution of motion pictures is in large part regulated by federal and state antitrust laws and has been the subject of numerous antitrust cases. Consent decrees effectively require major film distributors to offer and license films to exhibitors, including us, on a film-by-film and theatre-by-theatre basis. Consequently, exhibitors cannot assure themselves of a supply of films by entering into long-term arrangements with major distributors, but must negotiate for licenses on a film-by-film basis.

 

                Our theatres must comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the “ADA”) to the extent that such properties are “public accommodations” and/or “commercial facilities” as defined by the ADA. Compliance with the ADA requires that public accommodations “reasonably accommodate” individuals with disabilities and that new construction or alterations made to “commercial facilities” conform to accessibility guidelines unless “structurally impracticable” for new construction or technically infeasible for alterations. Non-

 

9



 

compliance with the ADA could result in the imposition of injunctive relief, fines, an award of damages to private litigants and additional capital expenditures to remedy such non-compliance.

 

                We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all current applicable regulations relating to accommodations for the disabled. We intend to comply with future regulations in this regard and except as set forth in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, we do not currently anticipate that compliance will require us to expend substantial funds.

 

                Our theatre operations are also subject to federal, state and local laws governing such matters as wages, working conditions, citizenship, consumer protection and health and sanitation requirements.  We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all of such laws.

 

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

                Our substantial lease obligations could impair our financial condition.

 

                We have substantial lease obligations. For fiscal 2007, our total rent expense was approximately $39.4 million. As of December 27, 2007, we had total contractual cash obligations of approximately $304.4 million. For a detailed discussion of our contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments over the next several years, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contractual Cash Obligations and Commitments” provided in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K below.

 

                If we are unable to meet our lease obligations, we could be forced to restructure our obligations and seek additional funding from our Parent, a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal, or sell assets. We may be unable to restructure our obligations and obtain additional funding from our Parent or sell assets on satisfactory terms or at all. As a result, inability to meet our lease obligations could cause us to default on those obligations. Many of our lease agreements contain restrictive covenants that limit our ability to take specific actions or require us not to allow specific events to occur and prescribe minimum financial maintenance requirements that we must meet. If we violate those restrictive covenants or fail to meet the minimum financial requirements contained in a lease, we would be in default under that instrument, which could, in turn, result in defaults under other leases. Any such defaults could materially impair our financial condition and liquidity.  In addition, UATC’s ability to sell assets is restricted by the terms of the Participation Agreement entered into in connection with the 1995 sale and leaseback transaction described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

                Our theatres operate in a competitive environment.

 

                The motion picture exhibition industry is fragmented and highly competitive with no significant barriers to entry. Theatres operated by national and regional circuits and by small independent exhibitors compete with our theatres, particularly with respect to film licensing, attracting patrons and developing new theatre sites. Moviegoers are generally not brand conscious and usually choose a theatre based on its location, the films showing there and its amenities.

 

                Over the past decade, motion picture exhibitors have been upgrading their asset bases to an attractive megaplex format which features stadium seating, improved projection quality and superior sound systems. Generally, stadium seating found in modern megaplex theatres is preferred by patrons over slope-floored multiplex theatres, which were the predominant theatre-type built prior to 1996. As of December 27, 2007, approximately 55% of our screens were located in theatres that are sloped-floored multiplex theatres. These theatres may be more vulnerable to competition than our modern megaplex theatres, and should other theatre operators choose to build and operate modern megaplex theatres in these markets, the performance of our theatres in these markets may be significantly and negatively impacted. In addition, should other theatre operators return to the aggressive building strategies undertaken in the late 1990’s, our attendance, revenue and income from operations per screen could decline substantially.

 

10



 

                We depend on motion picture production and performance.

 

                Our ability to operate successfully depends upon the availability, diversity and appeal of motion pictures, our ability to license motion pictures and the performance of such motion pictures in our markets. We license first-run motion pictures, the success of which have increasingly depended on the marketing efforts of the major studios. Poor performance of, or any disruption in the production of (including by reason of a strike) these motion pictures, or a reduction in the marketing efforts of the major studios, could hurt our business and results of operations. In addition, a change in the type and breadth of movies offered by studios may adversely affect the demographic base of moviegoers.

 

                Development of digital technology may increase our capital expenses.

 

                The industry is in the process of converting film-based media to electronic based media. There are a variety of constituencies associated with this anticipated change, which may significantly impact industry participants, including content providers, distributors, equipment providers and exhibitors. Should the conversion process rapidly accelerate and the major studios not cover the cost of the conversion as expected, we may have to use cash flow from operations, cash on hand or raise additional capital to finance the conversion costs associated with this potential change. The additional capital necessary may not, however, be available to us on attractive terms, if at all. Furthermore, it is impossible to accurately predict how the roles and allocation of costs (including operating costs) between various industry participants will change if the industry changes from physical media to electronic media.

 

                An increase in the use of alternative film delivery methods may drive down movie theatre attendance  and reduce ticket prices.

 

                We also compete with other movie delivery vehicles, including cable television, downloads via the Internet, in-home video and DVD, satellite and pay-per-view services. Traditionally, when motion picture distributors licensed their products to the domestic exhibition industry, they refrained from licensing their motion pictures to these other delivery vehicles during the theatrical release window.  We believe that a material contraction of the current theatrical release window could significantly dilute the consumer appeal of the in-theatre motion picture offering, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. We also compete for the public’s leisure time and disposable income with other forms of entertainment, including sporting events, concerts, live theatre and restaurants.

 

                We depend on our relationships with film distributors.

 

                The film distribution business is highly concentrated, with ten major film distributors accounting for 95% of our admissions revenues during fiscal 2007. Our business depends on maintaining good relations with these distributors. In addition, we are dependent on our ability to negotiate commercially favorable licensing terms for first-run films. A deterioration in our relationship with any of the ten major film distributors could affect our ability to negotiate film licenses on favorable terms or our ability to obtain commercially successful films and, therefore, could hurt our business and results of operations.

 

                No assurance of a supply of motion pictures.

 

                The distribution of motion pictures is in large part regulated by federal and state antitrust laws and has been the subject of numerous antitrust cases. Consent decrees resulting from those cases effectively require major motion picture distributors to offer and license films to exhibitors, including us, on a film-by-film and theatre-by-theatre basis. Consequently, we cannot assure ourselves of a supply of motion pictures by entering into long-term arrangements with major distributors, but must compete for our licenses on a film-by-film and theatre-by-theatre basis.

 

                We depend on our senior management.

 

                Our success depends upon the retention of our senior management, including Michael Campbell, our President and Chairman of the Board. We cannot assure you that we would be able to find qualified replacements for the individuals who make up our senior management if their services were no longer available. The loss of services of one or more members of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our

 

11



 

business, financial condition and results of operations. We do not currently maintain key-man life insurance for any of our employees. The loss of any member of senior management could adversely affect our ability to effectively pursue our business strategy.

 

A prolonged economic downturn could materially affect our business by reducing consumer spending on movie attendance.

 

We depend on consumers voluntarily spending discretionary funds on leisure activities. Motion picture theatre attendance may be affected by prolonged negative trends in the general economy that adversely affect consumer spending, including such trends resulting from terrorist attacks on, or wars or threatened wars involving, the United States. Any reduction in consumer confidence or disposable income in general may affect the demand for motion pictures or severely impact the motion picture production industry, which, in turn, could adversely affect our operations.

 

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

As of December 27, 2007, there are no unresolved comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission staff regarding any of our periodic or current reports filed under the Exchange Act.

 

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

 

As of December 27, 2007, we operated 67 of our theatres pursuant to lease agreements and owned the land and buildings for 2 theatres. For a December 27, 2007 list of the states in which we operated theatres and the number of theatres and screens operated in each such state, please see the chart under Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K under the caption “Business—Theatre Operations”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The majority of our leased theatres are subject to lease agreements with original terms of 15 to 20 years or more and, in most cases, renewal options for up to an additional 10 years. These leases provide for minimum annual rentals and the renewal options generally provide for rent increases. Some leases require, under specified conditions, further rental payments based on a percentage of revenues above specified amounts. A significant majority of the leases are net leases, which require us to pay the cost of insurance, taxes and a portion of the lessor’s operating costs.

 

Of the 69 owned and leased theatres, 1 theatre and nine screens is held by a corporation, owned 51% by UATC.  The remaining owned and leased theatres are held directly by UATC or its wholly owned subsidiaries.  Certain of our leased theatres are subject to sale and leaseback transactions, as further described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

UATC leases the land, building and equipment in the theatres owned by Prop I in accordance with a master affiliate lease.  The Prop I master lease expired in 2003 and UATC exercised its option to extend the lease for an additional ten years.

 

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Pursuant to General Instruction G(2) to Form 10-K and Rule 12b-23 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the information required to be furnished by us under this Part I, Item 3 (Legal Proceedings) is incorporated by reference to the information contained in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

12



 

Item 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

Under the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K for wholly owned subsidiaries, the information otherwise required by this item has been omitted.

 

PART II

 

Item 5.  MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

As of March 12, 2008, UATC’s common stock is held entirely by the Parent.  There is no established public trading market for the Company’s common stock.  During 2005, UATC effected two cash dividends totaling approximately $32.3 million to the Parent. UATC’s ability to pay dividends is restricted by the terms of the Participation Agreement entered into in connection with the 1995 sale and leaseback transaction described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

Under the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K for wholly owned  subsidiaries, the information otherwise required by this item has been omitted.

 

Item 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows of UATC for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of UATC and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

Overview and Basis of Presentation

 

As of December 27, 2007, UATC operates 604 screens in 69 theatres in 19 states with over 21 million annual attendees.  The UATC operated theatres are managed by RCI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal, pursuant to a management arrangement described below.  The Company primarily operates multi-screen theatres and has an average of 8.8 screens per location. Theatre operations in seven states (California, New York, Florida, Maryland, Texas, Mississippi and Pennsylvania) accounted for approximately 69.6% and 66.9% of UATC’s total theatres and screens, respectively, as of December 27, 2007 and 76.2% of UATC’s theatrical revenue for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2007.  The Company manages its business under one reportable segment: theatre exhibition operations.

 

United Artists became a wholly owned subsidiary of REH through a series of transactions in 2002.  REH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal who acquired Regal Cinemas, United Artists, Edwards and Regal CineMedia through a series of transactions on April 12, 2002.  For a detailed discussion of the transactions resulting in Regal’s acquisition of its subsidiaries, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. On August 17, 2005, REH transferred the stock of United Artists to RCI. As a result, United Artists and its subsidiaries became subsidiaries of RCI.

 

We generate revenues primarily from admissions and concession sales. Additional revenues are generated by electronic video games located adjacent to the lobbies of certain of our theatres and vendor marketing programs.  In addition, National CineMedia provides us with a theatre access fee associated with revenues generated from its sale of on-screen advertising, rental of theatres for business meetings and concerts and other events pursuant to its arrangements with RCI (described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K). Film rental costs depend on a variety of factors including the

 

13



 

prospects of a film and the popularity of a film and such film rental costs generally increase as the admissions revenues generated by a film increase. Because we purchase certain concession items, such as fountain drinks and popcorn, in bulk and not pre-packaged for individual servings, we are able to improve our margins by negotiating volume discounts. Other operating expenses consist primarily of theatre labor and occupancy costs.

 

As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, during the year ended December 27, 2007, the Company sold its equity interest in an internet ticketing company, Fandango, Inc. (“Fandango”), for proceeds of $7.0 million.  As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $7.0 million ($4.2 million after tax).

 

On June 30, 2007, UATC acquired the remaining partnership interest in two of its subsidiaries for an aggregate purchase price of $1.1 million, which resulted in a loss of $0.2 million.  The loss was recorded in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Other, net.”

 

In order to provide a meaningful basis of comparing the fiscal years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005 for purposes of the following tables and discussion, the operating results for the fifty-two weeks ended December 27, 2007 (“Fiscal 2007 Period”) are compared to the fifty-two weeks ended December 28, 2006 (“Fiscal 2006 Period”) and the fifty-two weeks ended December 29, 2005 (“Fiscal 2005 Period”).

 

For a summary of other industry trends as well as other risks and uncertainties relevant to the Company, see “Business-Industry Overview and Trends” and “Risk Factors.”

 

Results of Operations

 

Based on our review of industry sources, national box office revenues for the time period that corresponds to UATC’s 2007 fiscal year were estimated to have increased by approximately 4-5% in comparison to the 2006 fiscal year. The industry’s success in 2007 was driven primarily by ticket price increases and also benefited from the success of top-tier films including Spider-Man 3, Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Shrek the Third and Harry Potter & The Order of The Phoenix.

 

Our total revenues for the Fiscal 2007 Period was $229.1 million, consisting of $157.3 million of admissions revenues, $64.5 million from concessions revenues and $7.3 million of other operating revenues, and represented a 3.9% decrease over total revenues of $238.3 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period.

 

The decline in the Company’s operating results was attributable to a 9.1% decrease in attendance resulting primarily from the closure of 49 underperforming screens during the Fiscal 2007 Period.  The decline in box office revenues was partially offset by a 5.5% increase in the Fiscal 2007 Period average ticket prices per patron resulting from ongoing periodic pricing reviews (which include analysis of various factors including general inflationary trends and local market conditions) and a favorable mix of film product exhibited during the Fiscal 2007 Period.

 

In addition, during the Fiscal 2007 Period, we experienced growth in average concessions revenues per patron and a decline in other operating revenues. The growth in average concessions revenues per patron was primarily attributable to price increases, concession-friendly films exhibited during the Fiscal 2007 Period, such as Spider-Man 3, Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Shrek the Third, Harry Potter & the Order of The Phoenix and Ratatouille and a favorable mix of concession products sold during the Fiscal 2007 Period.  The decrease in other operating revenues in the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily attributable to a modification of the payment arrangement between RCI and National CineMedia, described in further detail under Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Income from operations decreased 4.8% to $10.0 million for the Fiscal 2007 Period compared to $10.5 million in the Fiscal 2006 Period. The net decrease in income from operations during the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily attributable to the decrease in total revenues described above, coupled with an increase in the net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets, partially offset by decreases in various operating expense items described in further detail below.  Net income increased to $11.5 million in the Fiscal 2007

 

14



 

Period compared to net income of $6.2 million in the Fiscal 2006 Period.  The increase in net income was primarily due to a $7.0 million gain ($4.2 million after related tax effects) resulting from transactions completed in connection with the sale of our equity interest in Fandango (see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion) and a net increase in interest income.

 

                With respect to capital expenditures, due in part to the timing of certain construction projects, we expect capital expenditures to be in the range of $5.0 million to $10.0 million for fiscal 2008, consisting of expansion of existing theatre facilities, upgrades and replacements.

 

                Overall for the fiscal 2008 year, we expect to benefit from the impact of a 53-week fiscal year along with modest increases in ticket prices and average concessions per patron. In addition, we expect fiscal 2008 admissions and concessions revenues to be supported by our continued focus on efficient theatre operations, however, further closures of underperforming screens could offset increases in industry box office and concessions per patron. For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during the past three fiscal years, the preceding and following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto presented in this Form 10-K.

 

                The following table sets forth the percentage of total revenues represented by certain items reflected in UATC’s consolidated statements of operations for the Fiscal 2007 Period, the Fiscal 2006 Period and the Fiscal 2005 Period:

 

 

 

Fiscal 2007 Period

 

Fiscal 2006 Period

 

Fiscal 2005 Period

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Admissions

 

68.7

%

68.8

%

69.2

%

Concessions

 

28.1

 

27.4

 

27.2

 

Other operating revenues

 

3.2

 

3.8

 

3.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Film rental and advertising costs

 

35.7

 

35.2

 

35.8

 

Cost of concessions

 

3.9

 

4.1

 

3.9

 

Other operating expenses

 

40.9

 

41.5

 

43.5

 

Sale and leaseback rentals

 

6.5

 

6.3

 

6.0

 

General and administrative expenses (including share-based compensation expense of $0.2 million and $2.3 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period and the Fiscal 2005 Period, respectively)

 

3.0

 

3.1

 

4.0

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4.6

 

4.9

 

5.3

 

Net loss (gain) on disposal and impairments of operating assets

 

1.0

 

0.5

 

(0.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

95.6

 

95.6

 

97.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

4.4

%

4.4

%

2.2

%

 

15



 

Total Revenues

 

                The following table summarizes revenues and revenue-related data for the Fiscal 2007 Period, Fiscal 2006 Period and the Fiscal 2005 Period (in millions, except averages):

 

 

 

Fiscal 2007 Period

 

Fiscal 2006 Period

 

Fiscal 2005 Period

 

Admissions

 

$

157.3

 

$

163.9

 

$

174.7

 

Concessions

 

64.5

 

65.3

 

68.7

 

Other operating revenues

 

7.3

 

9.1

 

9.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

229.1

 

$

238.3

 

$

252.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attendance

 

21.0

 

23.1

 

25.4

 

Average ticket price (1)

 

$

7.49

 

$

7.10

 

$

6.88

 

Average concessions per patron (2)

 

$

3.07

 

$

2.83

 

$

2.70

 


(1)  Calculated as admissions revenue/attendance.

 

(2)  Calculated as concessions revenue/attendance.

 

Revenues

 

Admissions

 

Total admissions revenues decreased $6.6 million, or 4.0%, to $157.3 million, for the Fiscal 2007 Period from $163.9 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period.  Our Fiscal 2007 Period box office results were unfavorably impacted by a 9.1% decrease in attendance resulting primarily from the closure of 49 underperforming screens during the Fiscal 2007 Period.  The decline in box office revenues was partially offset by a 5.5% increase in the Fiscal 2007 Period average ticket prices per patron resulting from ongoing periodic pricing reviews (which include analysis of various factors including general inflationary trends and local market conditions) and a favorable mix of film product exhibited during the Fiscal 2007 Period.

 

Total admissions revenues decreased $10.8 million, or 6.2%, to $163.9 million, for the Fiscal 2006 Period from $174.7 million for the Fiscal 2005 Period.  Our Fiscal 2006 Period box office results were unfavorably impacted by a 9.1% decrease in attendance. The decrease in attendance during the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period was primarily attributable to the closure of 62 underperforming screens during the Fiscal 2006 Period and the sale of 37 screens to another theatre operator in November 2005. The decline in admissions revenue was partially offset by the growth in the overall industry box office and a 3.2% increase in the Fiscal 2006 Period average ticket prices per patron resulting from periodic pricing reviews.  Such reviews include an analysis of various factors, including general inflationary trends and local market conditions.

 

Concessions

 

Total concessions revenues decreased $0.8 million, or 1.2%, to $64.5 million for the Fiscal 2007 Period from $65.3 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period.  The decrease in concessions revenues in the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily due to the aforementioned Fiscal 2007 Period decrease in attendance, partially offset by a 8.5% increase in the Fiscal 2007 Period average concessions per patron  The growth in average concessions revenues per patron for the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily attributable to price increases, concession-friendly films exhibited during the Fiscal 2007 Period, such as Spider-Man 3, Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Shrek the Third, Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix and Ratatouille and a favorable mix of concession products sold during the Fiscal 2007 Period.

 

Total concessions revenues decreased $3.4 million, or 4.9%, to $65.3 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period from $68.7 million for the Fiscal 2005 Period.  The decrease in concessions revenues in the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period was primarily due to the aforementioned Fiscal 2006 Period decrease in attendance.   The decline in concessions revenues was partially offset by a 4.8% increase in the Fiscal 2006 Period average concessions per patron, primarily attributable to changes in our concessions product mix (including certain size changes) and increases in concession prices.  In addition, the success of certain family-oriented and concession-friendly films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, X-Men 3 and Cars benefited concessions revenues for the Fiscal 2006 Period.

 

16



 

Other Operating Revenues

                Total other operating revenues decreased $1.8 million, or 19.8%, to $7.3 million for the Fiscal 2007 Period, from $9.1 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period.  Included in other operating revenues are the theatre access fees paid by National CineMedia, net of payments for on-screen advertising time provided to our beverage concessionaire, marketing revenues from certain of the Company’s vendor marketing programs and game revenues.  The decrease in other operating revenues in the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily due to a modification of the payment arrangement between RCI and National CineMedia, for all on-screen and lobby advertising and event services to UATC described in further detail under Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K and to a lesser extent due to the closure of 49 underperforming screens during the Fiscal 2007 Period.

 

                Total other operating revenues were $9.1 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period and for the Fiscal 2005 Period. Included in other operating revenues are on-screen and lobby advertising revenues, business meetings and concert event revenues, marketing revenues from certain of the Company’s vendor marketing programs and game revenues. 

Operating Expenses

 

The following table summarizes certain operating expenses for the Fiscal 2007 Period, Fiscal 2006 Period and the Fiscal 2005 Period (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Fiscal 2007 Period

 

Fiscal 2006 Period

 

Fiscal 2005 Period

 

 

 

$

 

% of Revenues

 

$

 

% of Revenues

 

$

 

% of Revenues

 

Film rental and advertising costs (1)

 

81.9

 

52.1

 

83.9

 

51.2

 

90.4

 

51.7

 

Cost of concessions (2)

 

9.0

 

14.0

 

9.8

 

15.0

 

10.0

 

14.6

 

Other theatre operating expenses (3)

 

93.7

 

40.9

 

98.9

 

41.5

 

109.8

 

43.5

 

Sale and leaseback rentals (3)

 

14.9

 

6.5

 

15.0

 

6.3

 

15.1

 

6.0

 

General and Administrative expenses (3)

 

6.9

 

3.0

 

7.5

 

3.1

 

10.1

 

4.0

 


(1)  Percentage of revenues calculated as a percentage of admissions revenues.

 

(2)  Percentage of revenues calculated as a percentage of concessions revenues.

 

(3)  Percentage of revenues calculated as a percentage of total revenues.

 

Film Rental and Advertising Costs

 

                Film rental and advertising costs as a percentage of admissions revenues increased to 52.1% during the Fiscal 2007 Period as compared to 51.2% in the Fiscal 2006 Period.  The increases in film rental and advertising costs as a percentage of box office revenues during the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily the result of a higher percentage of box office revenues generated by the top 10 films exhibited during the Fiscal 2007 Period.

 

                During the Fiscal 2006 Period, film rental and advertising costs as a percentage of admissions revenues decreased to 51.2% as compared to 51.7% in the Fiscal 2005 Period.  The decrease in film rental and advertising costs as a percentage of box office revenues during the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period was primarily the result of a higher percentage of box office revenues generated from lower grossing films, coupled with higher film rental costs associated with certain Fiscal 2005 Period films such as Star Wars: Episode III— Revenge of the Sith.

 

Cost of Concessions

                During the Fiscal 2007 Period, cost of concessions as a percentage of concessions revenues decreased to 14.0% as compared to 15.0% in the Fiscal 2006 Period. The decrease in the cost of concessions as a percentage of concessions revenues during the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily related to increases in concession prices, coupled with the mix of concession products sold during such periods.

 

17



 

                Cost of concessions as a percentage of concessions revenues increased to 15.0% in the Fiscal 2006 Period as compared to 14.6% in the Fiscal 2005 Period.  The increase in the cost of concessions as a percentage of concessions revenues during the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period was primarily related to a greater percentage of lower margin concession items in the overall mix of concession product sold during the Fiscal 2006 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period.

 

Other Theatre Operating Expenses

 

                Other theatre operating expenses decreased $5.2 million, or 5.3%, to $93.7 million for the Fiscal 2007 Period, from $98.9 million in the Fiscal 2006 Period.  Other theatre operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 40.9% in the Fiscal 2007 Period as compared to 41.5% in the Fiscal 2006 Period.  The decrease in other theatre operating expenses in the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily attributable to the closure of 49 underperforming screens during the Fiscal 2007 Period.  The decrease in other theatre operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues in the Fiscal 2007 Period was due to a reduction of certain non-rent occupancy costs and labor costs.

 

                Other theatre operating expenses decreased $10.9 million, or 9.9%, to $98.9 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period, from $109.8 million in the Fiscal 2005 Period.  Other theatre operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 41.5% in the Fiscal 2006 Period as compared to 43.5% in the Fiscal 2005 Period. The decrease in other theatre operating expenses in the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period was primarily attributable to the closure of 62 underperforming screens during the Fiscal 2006 Period and from the sale of 37 screens to another theatre operator in November 2005.  The decrease in other theatre operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues in the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period was due to a reduction of certain non-rent occupancy costs and certain other variable operating costs.

 

Sale and Leaseback Rentals

                Sale and leaseback expenses decreased $0.1 million, or 0.7%, to $14.9 million for the Fiscal 2007 Period, from $15.0 million in the Fiscal 2006 Period.  See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of sale and leaseback transactions.

 

                Sale and leaseback expenses decreased $0.1 million, or 0.7%, to $15.0 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period, from $15.1 million for the Fiscal 2005 Period.  See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of sale and leaseback transactions.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

During the Fiscal 2007 Period, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.6 million, or 8.0%, to $6.9 million, from $7.5 million in the Fiscal 2006 Period.  As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 3.0% in the Fiscal 2007 Period from 3.1% in the Fiscal 2006 Period.   Included in general and administrative expenses are management fees associated with the management agreement between RCI and UATC under which RCI manages the theatre operations of UATC.  The decrease in general and administrative expense during the Fiscal 2007 Period compared to the Fiscal 2006 Period was primarily attributable to the reduction in management fee costs incurred during the Fiscal 2007 Period resulting from the decrease in total revenues during the Fiscal 2007 Period, and to a lesser extent, the reduction in share-based compensation expense during the Fiscal 2007 Period as further described in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

General and administrative expenses decreased $2.6 million, or 25.7%, to $7.5 million during the Fiscal 2006 Period, from $10.1 million in the Fiscal 2005 Period.  As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 3.1% in the Fiscal 2006 Period, from 4.0% in the Fiscal 2005 Period.   Included in general and administrative expenses are management fees associated with the management agreement between RCI and UATC under which RCI manages the theatre operations of UATC.  The decrease in general and administrative expenses during the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period was primarily attributable to the reduction in share-based compensation expense during the Fiscal 2006 Period, as further described in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, and to a lesser extent, the

 

18



 

reduction in management fee costs incurred during the Fiscal 2006 Period resulting from the decrease in total revenues during the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

                Depreciation and amortization decreased $1.1 million, or 9.5%, to $10.5 million during the Fiscal 2007 Period, from $11.6 million in the Fiscal 2006 Period.  The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense during the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily due to the closure of 49 underperforming screens during the Fiscal 2007 Period.

 

                Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $1.7 million, or 12.8%, to $11.6 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period, from $13.3 million for the Fiscal 2005 Period.  The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense during the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period was primarily due to the closure of 62 underperforming screens during the Fiscal 2006 Period and the sale of 37 screens to another theatre operator in November 2005.

 

Income from Operations

 

                For the Fiscal 2007 Period, income from operations totaled approximately $10.0 million, which represents a decrease of $0.5 million, or 4.8%, from $10.5 million in the Fiscal 2006 Period.  The net decrease in income from operations during the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily attributable to a 3.9% decrease in total revenues for the Fiscal 2007 Period described above, coupled with an increase in the net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets resulting from an increase in the recording of impairment charges during the Fiscal 2007 Period, partially offset by the decrease in other operating expenses during the Fiscal 2007 Period.

 

                Income from operations totaled approximately $10.5 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period, which represents an increase of $5.0 million, or 90.9%, from $5.5 million in the Fiscal 2005 Period.  The net increase in income from operations during the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period was primarily attributable to the decrease in total operating expenses, partially offset by a 5.6% decrease in total revenues for the Fiscal 2006 Period, described above and the increase in the net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets during the Fiscal 2006 Period resulting from a net gain of $2.5 million on disposal of assets during the Fiscal 2005 Period.

 

Interest Income, Net

 

                During the Fiscal 2007 Period, net interest income increased $1.0 million to $1.6 million, from $0.6 million in the Fiscal 2006 Period.  The increase in net interest income during the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily due to interest earned on the higher outstanding cash balance during the Fiscal 2007 Period.

 

                Net interest income increased $0.5 million to $0.6 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period, from $0.1 million for the Fiscal 2005 Period.  The increase in net interest income during the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period was primarily due to the repayment of the mortgage associated with the sale of the land and building related to one theatre location in September 2005 and the interest earned on the higher cash balance during the Fiscal 2006 Period.

 

Income Taxes

 

                The provision for income taxes increased $2.0 million, or 41.7%, to $6.8 million for the Fiscal 2007 Period, from $4.8 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period.  Accordingly, the effective tax rate was 37.2% and 43.6% for the Fiscal 2007 and Fiscal 2006 Periods, respectively.  The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the recognition of a tax benefit relative to net operating losses that had not been previously recognized.  The effective tax rate for each period reflects the impact of certain non-deductible expenses.

 

                The provision for income taxes increased $2.3 million, or 92.0%, to $4.8 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period, from $2.5 million for the Fiscal 2005 Period.  Accordingly, the effective tax rate was 43.6% and 43.1% for the Fiscal 2006 and Fiscal 2005 Periods, respectively.  The effective tax rate for each period reflects the impact of certain non-deductible expenses.

 

                As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, during 2005, REG, the parent company of the consolidated tax group which includes activity of the Company,

 

19



 

was notified that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) would examine its 2002 and 2003 federal income tax returns.  In October 2005, the examination of REG’s federal tax returns for such years was completed, and REG and the IRS agreed to certain adjustments to the years under audit.  Such adjustments did not have a material impact on the Company’s provision for income taxes.

 

Net Income

 

                Net income totaled $11.5 million during the Fiscal 2007 Period, which represents an increase of $5.3 million, from $6.2 million in the Fiscal 2006 Period.  The increase in net income for the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily attributable to a $7.0 million gain ($4.2 million after related tax effects) resulting from transactions completed in connection with the sale of our equity interest in Fandango (see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion), coupled with an increase in interest income and a decrease in income taxes, partially offset by a decrease in operating income described above and a $0.2 million loss resulting from the purchase of the partnership interest in two of our subsidiaries during the Fiscal 2007 Period (see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion).

 

                Net income totaled $6.2 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period, which represents an increase of $2.9 million, from $3.3 million in the Fiscal 2005 Period.  The increase in net income for the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period was primarily attributable to the increase in operating income described above and the increase in interest income, partially offset by an increase in income taxes during the Fiscal 2006 Period.

 

Cash Flows

 

                The following table summarizes certain cash flow data for the Fiscal 2007 Period, Fiscal 2006 Period and Fiscal 2005 Period (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

 

Fiscal 2007 Period

 

Fiscal 2006 Period

 

Fiscal 2005 Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

12.2

 

$

16.1

 

$

19.4

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

2.5

 

(4.1

)

9.5

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(4.3

)

(3.8

)

(32.9

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

10.4

 

$

8.2

 

$

(4.0

)

 

                Fiscal 2007 Period Compared to Fiscal 2006 Period

 

                Net cash flows provided by operating activities decreased by approximately $3.9 million for the Fiscal 2007 Period from approximately $16.1 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period.  The net decrease in net cash flows provided by operating activities for the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily attributable to the decrease in operating income and the increase in deferred income tax benefit of approximately $7.3 million resulting from the transactions completed between REG and National CineMedia, in connection with the IPO of NCM Inc. (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion), partially offset by a $5.4 million increase in changes in operating assets and liabilities  The net increase in the changes in operating assets and liabilities and other working capital items was primarily related to the timing of certain Fiscal 2007 vendor payments, income tax payments, accounts receivable and prepaid expenses.

 

                Net cash flows provided by investing activities were approximately $2.5 million for the Fiscal 2007 Period compared to cash flows used in investing activities of approximately $4.1 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period.  The

 

20



 

net increase in cash flows provided by investing activities during the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily attributable to the $7.0 million of proceeds received in connection with the sale of the Company’s equity interest in Fandango during the Fiscal 2007 Period, coupled with a decrease in capital expenditures of $1.9 million and the $0.3 million in dividends received from a partnership during the Fiscal 2007 Period, partially offset by a $1.5 million decrease in proceeds from the disposition of assets during the Fiscal 2007 Period and the $1.1 million purchase of partnership interests during the Fiscal 2007 Period.

 

                Net cash flows used in financing activities were approximately $4.3 million for the Fiscal 2007 Period compared to cash flows used in financing activities of approximately $3.8 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period. The net increase in cash flows used in financing activities during the Fiscal 2007 Period was primarily attributable to the decrease of $1.0 million in excess tax benefits from share based payment arrangements during the Fiscal 2007 Period, partially offset by the net decrease in the change in the related party receivable of $0.4 million during the Fiscal 2007 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2006 Period and a reduction in debt payments of $0.1 million during the Fiscal 2007 Period.

 

                Fiscal 2006 Period Compared to Fiscal 2005 Period

 

                Net cash flows provided by operating activities were approximately $16.1 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period, which represents a decrease of $3.3 million compared to $19.4 million in the Fiscal 2005 Period. Fiscal 2006 Period net cash flows generated from operating activities were impacted by several factors including an approximate $2.7 million decrease in adjustments (primarily a decrease in depreciation expense, a reduction in share-based compensation expense, a decrease in escalating rent and in deferred income tax expense, partially offset by an increase in minority interest expense and a greater loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets) to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities and a $3.5 million reduction of changes in operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by a $2.9 million increase in net income contributed to the net decrease in net cash provided by operating activities. The net decrease in the changes in operating assets and liabilities and other working capital items was primarily related to the timing of certain vendor payments and income tax payments (including a reclassification of excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements to cash flows used in financing activities discussed further in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K) and decreases in prepaid expenses and other current assets, partially offset by an increase in certain accrued expenses and other liabilities.

 

                Net cash flows used in investing activities totaled approximately $4.1 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to cash flows provided by investing activities of approximately $9.5 million for the Fiscal 2005 Period.  The net decrease in cash flows provided by investing activities during the Fiscal 2006 Period was primarily attributable to a decrease in proceeds from the disposition of assets of $13.5 million and an increase in capital expenditures of $0.1 million during the Fiscal 2006 Period as compared the Fiscal 2005 Period.

 

                Net cash flows used in financing activities were approximately $3.8 million for the Fiscal 2006 Period compared to cash flows used in financing activities of approximately $32.9 million for the Fiscal 2005 Period. The net decrease in cash flows used in financing activities during the Fiscal 2006 Period was primarily attributable to a decrease in cash dividends to the Parent of $32.3 million, a $2.7 million mortgage repayment during the Fiscal 2005 Period, fewer debt payments and the reclassification of excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements from cash flows from operating activities discussed further in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, partially offset by the net increase in the change in the related party receivable of $7.5 million during the Fiscal 2006 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2005 Period, described further in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

                The Company’s revenues are generally collected in cash through admissions and concessions revenues. The Company’s operating expenses are primarily related to film and advertising costs, rent and occupancy, and payroll. Film costs are ordinarily paid to distributors within 30 days following receipt of admissions revenues and the cost of the Company’s concessions are generally paid to vendors approximately 30 days from purchase.  The Company’s current liabilities, however, generally include items that will become due within twelve months.  In addition, from time to time, we may use cash from operations to fund dividends to our Parent in excess of net income and cash flows from operating activities less cash flows from investing and financing activities.  As a result, at any given time, the Company’s balance sheet is likely to reflect a working capital deficit.

 

21



 

                The Company funds the cost of its capital expenditures through internally generated cash flows and cash on hand. The Company’s capital requirements have historically arisen principally in connection with retrofitting existing theatres, upgrading the Company’s theatre facilities and replacing equipment.  Should the conversion process to digital cinema rapidly accelerate and the major studios not cover the cost of the conversion as expected, we may have to incur additional capital expenditures associated with this potential change.  The Company has a formal and intensive review procedure for the authorization of capital projects, with the most important financial measure of acceptability for a discretionary non-maintenance capital project being whether its projected discounted cash flow return on investment meets or exceeds the Company’s internal rate of return targets.  The Company currently expects capital expenditures for theatre expansion, upgrading and replacements to be in the range of $5.0 million to $10.0 million in fiscal 2008. During the Fiscal 2007 Period, the Company invested an aggregate of approximately $3.7 million in capital expenditures.

 

                On October 11, 2005, UATC entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Boardwalk Ventures, LLC (“Boardwalk”) to sell a total of 5 theatres and 37 screens in Mississippi and Louisiana for cash in the amount of approximately $5.5 million. The disposition was completed on November 4, 2005.

 

                As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, during the fiscal year ended December 27, 2007, the Company sold its equity interest in Fandango for proceeds of $7.0 million.  As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $7.0 million ($4.2 million after tax).

 

                On June 30, 2007, UATC acquired the remaining partnership interest in two of its subsidiaries for an aggregate purchase price of $1.1 million, which resulted in a loss of $0.2 million.  The loss was recorded in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Other, net.”

 

Contractual Cash Obligations and Commitments

 

The Company primarily leases its theatres pursuant to long-term non-cancelable operating leases, including leases that are subject to sale and leaseback transactions, as further described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.  Other than operating leases which are detailed below, the Company does not utilize variable interest entities or any other form of off-balance sheet financing.  As of December 27, 2007, the Company’s estimated contractual cash obligations over the next several periods are as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

 

Payments Due By Period

 

Contractual cash obligations

 

Total

 

Current

 

13-36 Months

 

37-60 Months

 

After 60 Months

 

Capital lease obligations, including interest (1)

 

$

3.0

 

$

0.3

 

$

0.7

 

$

0.7

 

$

1.3

 

Operating leases (2)

 

301.4

 

38.9

 

76.3

 

64.6

 

121.6

 

Total contractual cash obligations

 

$

304.4

 

$

39.2

 

$

77.0

 

$

65.3

 

$

122.9

 


(1)                                  The present value of these obligations, excluding interest, is included on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 27, 2007.  Future interest payments are calculated based on interest rates implicit in the underlying leases, which have an interest rate of 10.0%, maturing in 2016. Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information about our capital lease obligations.

 

(2)                                  We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business.  Such lease agreements provide us with the option to renew the leases at defined or then fair value rental rates for various periods.  Our future operating lease obligations would change if we exercised these renewal options or if we enter into additional operating lease agreements.  Our operating lease obligations are further described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

We believe that the amount of cash and cash equivalents on hand and cash flow expected from operations will be adequate for the Company to execute its business strategy and meet anticipated requirements for lease obligations, capital expenditures, working capital and debt service for the next 12 months.

 

22



 

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

 

For information regarding our various sale and leaseback transactions, refer to Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We routinely make estimates and judgments about the carrying value of our assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate and modify on an ongoing basis such estimates and assumptions, which include those related to film costs, property and equipment, goodwill and income taxes as well as others discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Estimates and assumptions are based on historical and other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates may form the basis of the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. Actual results, under conditions and circumstances different from those assumed, may differ materially from estimates. The impact and any associated risks related to estimates, assumptions, and accounting policies are discussed within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, as well as in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, if applicable, where such estimates, assumptions, and accounting policies affect our reported and expected results. Management has discussed the development and selection of its critical accounting estimates with the audit committee of our Board of Directors and the audit committee has reviewed our related disclosures herein.

 

We believe the following accounting policies are critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations and affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

 

·                  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” specifies that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets will be subject to an annual impairment assessment. Based on our annual impairment assessment conducted during fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, we were not required to record a charge for goodwill impairment. In assessing the recoverability of the goodwill, we must make various assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors in determining the fair values of the respective assets. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets in future periods.

 

·                  We estimate our film cost expense and related film cost payable based on management’s best estimate of the expected box office revenue of each film over the length of its run in our theatres and the ultimate settlement of such film costs with the distributors. Generally, less than one-third of our quarterly film expense is estimated at period-end. The length of time until these costs are known with certainty depends on the ultimate duration of the film play, but is typically “settled” within two to three months of a particular film’s opening release. Upon settlement with our film distributors, film cost expense and the related film cost payable are adjusted to the final film settlement. The ultimate revenues of a film can be estimated reasonably accurately within a few weeks after the film is released based on the film’s initial box office performance, which is determined by a film’s initial box office receipts. As a result, there are typically insignificant variances between our estimates of film cost expense and the final film cost payable, because we make such estimates based on each film’s box office receipts through the end of the reporting period. For the fiscal years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, there were no significant changes in our film cost estimation and settlement procedures.

 

·                  We depreciate and amortize the components of our property and equipment relating to both owned and leased theatres on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the assets. Each owned theatre consists of a building structure, structural improvements,

 

23



 

seating and concession and film display equipment. While we have assigned an estimated useful life of less than 30 years to certain acquired facilities, we estimate that our newly constructed buildings generally have an average economic useful life to us of 30 years. Certain of our buildings have been in existence for more than 40 years. With respect to equipment (e.g., concession stand, point-of-sale equipment, etc.), a substantial portion is depreciated over seven years or less, which has been our historical replacement period. Seats and projection equipment generally have a longer useful economic life, and their depreciable lives (12-15 years) are based on our experience and replacement practices. The estimates of the assets’ useful lives require our judgment and our knowledge of the assets being depreciated and amortized. Further, we review the economic useful lives of such assets annually and make adjustments thereto as necessary. Actual economic lives may differ materially from these estimates.

 

The majority of our properties were appraised as part of the bankruptcy process. Such appraisals supported the estimated lives being used for depreciation and amortization purposes. Furthermore, our analysis of our historical capital replacement program is consistent with our depreciation policies. Finally, we review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Such analysis generally evaluates assets for impairment on an individual theatre basis. When the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the operations to which the assets relate do not exceed the carrying value of the assets, such assets are written down to fair value. Our experience indicates that theatre properties become impaired primarily due to market or competitive factors rather than physical (wear and tear) or functional (inadequacy or obsolescence) factors. In this regard, we do not believe the frequency or volume of facilities impaired due to these market factors are significant enough to impact the useful lives used for depreciation periods.

 

For the fiscal years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, no significant changes have been made to the depreciation and amortization rates applied to operating assets, the underlying assumptions related to estimates of depreciation and amortization, or the methodology applied. For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2007, consolidated depreciation and amortization expense was $10.5 million, representing 4.6% of consolidated total revenues. If the estimated lives of all assets being depreciated were increased by one year, the consolidated depreciation and amortization expense would have decreased by approximately $0.8 million or 7.6%. If the estimated lives of all assets being depreciated were decreased by one year, the consolidated depreciation and amortization expense would have increased by approximately $0.9 million or 8.6%.

 

·                  Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We record a valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that our deferred income tax assets will not be realized. We reassess the need for such valuation allowance on an ongoing basis. An increase in the valuation allowance generally results in an increase in the provision for income taxes recorded in such period. With the exception of valuation allowances recorded relative to pre-acquisition periods, decreases in the valuation allowance generally result in a decrease in the provision for income taxes. Should we ultimately realize a benefit from tax assets in excess of the amount recorded that relates to pre-acquisition periods, goodwill would be reduced to the extent of such excess or recorded goodwill, as appropriate.

 

Additionally, income tax rules and regulations are subject to interpretation, require judgment by us and may be challenged by the tax authorities. As described further in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, effective December 29, 2006,

 

24



 

the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). Although we believe that our tax return positions are fully supportable, in accordance with FIN 48, we recognize a tax benefit only for tax positions that we determine will more likely than not be sustained based on the technical merits of the tax position.  With respect to such tax positions for which recognition of a benefit is appropriate, the benefit is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  Tax positions are evaluated on an ongoing basis as part of our process for determining our provision for income taxes. Among other items deemed relevant by us, the evaluations are based on new legislation, other new technical guidance, judicial proceedings, and our specific circumstances, including the progress of tax audits. With the exception of tax benefits realized relative to changes in pre-acquisition uncertain tax positions, any change in the determination of the amount of tax benefit recognized relative to an uncertain tax position impacts the provision for income taxes in the period that such determination is made.

 

For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2007, our provision for income taxes was $6.8 million. Changes in management’s estimates and assumptions regarding the probability that certain tax return positions will be sustained, the enacted tax rate applied to deferred tax assets and liabilities, the ability to realize the value of deferred tax assets, or the timing of the reversal of tax basis differences could impact the provision for income taxes and change the effective tax rate.  A one percentage point change in the effective tax rate from 37.2% to 38.2% would have increased the current year income tax provision by approximately $0.2 million.

 

Quarterly Results

 

                The following tables set forth selected unaudited quarterly results for the eight quarters ended December 27, 2007. The quarterly financial data as of each period presented below have been derived from UATC’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for those periods. Results for these periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The quarterly financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of UATC and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

(In millions)

 

Dec. 27, 2007

 

Sept. 27, 2007

 

June 28, 2007

 

March 29, 2007

 

Dec. 28, 2006

 

Sept. 28, 2006

 

June 29, 2006

 

March 30, 2006

 

Total revenues

 

$

50.4

 

$

65.9

 

$

58.6

 

$

54.2

 

$

57.7

 

$

61.6

 

$

63.2

 

$

55.8

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

(0.5

)

6.8

 

2.4

 

1.3

 

2.9

 

2.3

 

3.8

 

1.5

 

Net income

 

0.4

 

4.4

 

5.8

 

0.9

 

1.4

 

1.5

 

2.4

 

0.9

 

 

Inflation

 

                The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

Seasonality

 

                The Company’s revenues are usually seasonal, coinciding with the timing of releases of motion pictures by the major distributors. Generally, studios release the most marketable motion pictures during the summer and the holiday seasons. The unexpected emergence of a “hit” film during other periods can alter the traditional pattern. The timing of movie releases can have a significant effect on the Company’s results of operations, and the results of one quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for the next or any other quarter. The seasonality of motion picture exhibition, however, has become less pronounced as studios are releasing motion pictures somewhat more evenly throughout the year.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

                For a discussion of the recent accounting pronouncements relevant to our operations, please refer to the information provided under Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

25



 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

                Other than the operating leases detailed above under “Contractual Cash Obligations and Commitments,”
the Company has no other off-balance sheet arrangements.


Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

                UATC’s market risk is confined to interest rate exposure of its debt obligations that bear interest based on floating rates.  As of December 27, 2007, the Company maintained no debt obligations bearing floating interest rates.

Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

The Board of Directors
United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.:

 

                Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

                Management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of such controls as of December 27, 2007. This assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management believes that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 27, 2007.

 

                This annual report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

/s/  MICHAEL L. CAMPBELL

 

/s/  AMY E. MILES

Michael L. Campbell

 

Amy E. Miles

President (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Vice President and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

26



 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors

United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.:

 

                We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 27, 2007.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

                We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

                In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of  United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 27, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

                As discussed in Notes 2 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements, effective December 30, 2005, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(revised), Share-Based Payment. As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, effective December 29, 2006, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Nashville, Tennessee

March 12, 2008

 

27



 

UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Amounts in millions, except share data)

 

 

 

December 27, 2007

 

December 28, 2006

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

50.1

 

$

39.7

 

Receivables, net

 

1.6

 

3.3

 

Prepaid expenses, concession inventory and other current assets

 

0.8

 

0.9

 

Deferred income tax asset

 

0.4

 

 

Total current assets

 

52.9

 

43.9

 

Property and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

3.3

 

3.3

 

Buildings, leasehold improvements and equipment

 

130.8

 

134.2

 

Total property and equipment

 

134.1

 

137.5

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(69.3

)

(63.9

)

Total property and equipment, net

 

64.8

 

73.6

 

Goodwill

 

7.1

 

36.4

 

Other non-current assets

 

0.2

 

0.4

 

Total assets

 

$

125.0

 

$

154.3

 

Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

13.0

 

$

11.4

 

Accrued expenses

 

6.2

 

8.0

 

Deferred income tax liability

 

 

0.5

 

Current portion of debt obligations

 

0.2

 

0.1

 

Total current liabilities

 

19.4

 

20.0

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

2.6

 

3.2

 

Non-current deferred revenue

 

25.8

 

 

Long-term debt

 

1.8

 

2.0

 

Deferred income tax liability

 

18.6

 

52.3

 

Total liabilities

 

68.2

 

77.5

 

Minority interest

 

0.7

 

1.9

 

Stockholder’s equity

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 500,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006, respectively

 

 

 

Common stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, 100 shares issued and outstanding at December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006, respectively

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

93.2

 

92.8

 

Retained earnings

 

18.4

 

6.9

 

Related party receivables

 

(55.5

)

(24.8

)

Total stockholder’s equity

 

56.1

 

74.9

 

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

 

$

125.0

 

$

154.3

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

28



 

UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Amounts in Millions)

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 27, 2007

 

Year Ended
December 28, 2006

 

Year Ended
December 29, 2005

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Admissions

 

$

157.3

 

$

163.9

 

$

174.7

 

Concessions

 

64.5

 

65.3

 

68.7

 

Other operating revenue

 

7.3

 

9.1

 

9.1

 

Total revenues

 

229.1

 

238.3

 

252.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Film rental and advertising costs

 

81.9

 

83.9

 

90.4

 

Cost of concessions

 

9.0

 

9.8

 

10.0

 

Other operating expenses

 

93.7

 

98.9

 

109.8

 

Sale and leaseback rentals

 

14.9

 

15.0

 

15.1

 

General and administrative expenses (including share-based compensation expense of $0.2 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, respectively)

 

6.9

 

7.5

 

10.1

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

10.5

 

11.6

 

13.3

 

Net loss (gain) on disposal and impairment of operating assets

 

2.2

 

1.1

 

(1.7

)

Total operating expenses

 

219.1

 

227.8

 

247.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

10.0

 

10.5

 

5.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense (income):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income, net

 

(1.6

)

(0.6

)

(0.1

)

Gain on sale of Fandango interest

 

(7.0

)

 

 

Minority interest in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

(0.2

)

Other, net

 

0.2

 

 

 

Total other expense (income), net

 

(8.3

)

(0.5

)

(0.3

)

Income before income taxes

 

18.3

 

11.0

 

5.8

 

Provision for income taxes

 

6.8

 

4.8

 

2.5

 

Net income

 

$

11.5

 

$

6.2

 

$

3.3

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

29



 

UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity and Comprehensive Income

(Amounts in Millions)

 

 

 

Preferred
stock

 

Common
stock

 

Additional
paid-in
capital

 

Deferred
stock
compensation

 

Retained
earnings/
(accumulated
deficit)

 

Intercompany
and
Related
party
receivable

 

Total
stockholder’s
equity

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

Balances at December 30, 2004

 

 

 

120.8

 

(3.1

)

(2.6

)

(22.3

)

92.8

 

Net income and comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

3.3

 

 

3.3

 

Dividends to Parent

 

 

 

(32.3

)

 

 

 

(32.3

)

Amortization of deferred stock compensation

 

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

 

2.3

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

 

3.5

 

Change in related party receivable

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.5

 

2.5

 

Balances at December 29, 2005

 

 

 

92.0

 

(0.8

)

0.7

 

(19.8

)

72.1

 

Net income and comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

6.2

 

 

6.2

 

Adoption of SFAS No. 123R

 

 

 

(0.8

)

0.8

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

Change in related party receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5.0

)

(5.0

)

Balances at December 28, 2006

 

 

 

92.8

 

 

6.9

 

(24.8

)

74.9

 

Net income and comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

11.5

 

 

11.5

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

Change in related party receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

(30.7

)

(30.7

)

Balances at December 27, 2007

 

$

 

$

 

$

93.2

 

$

 

$

18.4

 

$

(55.5

)

$

56.1

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

30



 

 

UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Amounts in Millions)

 

 

 

Year ended
December 27, 2007

 

Year ended
December 28, 2006

 

Year ended
December 29, 2005

 

Cash flow from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

11.5

 

$

6.2

 

$

3.3

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of leases with escalating minimum annual rentals

 

(0.4

)

(0.1

)

0.2

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

10.5

 

11.6

 

13.3

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

0.2

 

2.3

 

Net loss (gain) on disposal and impairment of operating assets

 

2.2

 

1.1

 

(1.7

)

Gain on sale of Fandango interest

 

(7.0

)

 

 

Net loss on purchase of partnership interests

 

0.2

 

 

 

Minority interest in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

(0.2

)

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

 

(4.2

)

3.1

 

4.8

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities (excluding effects of acquisition and dispositions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

1.7

 

(1.7

)

0.3

 

Prepaid expenses and concession inventory

 

0.1

 

 

1.7

 

Other assets

 

 

0.3

 

0.4

 

Accounts payable

 

1.6

 

(4.2

)

(1.9

)

Deferred revenue

 

(0.2

)

 

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

(3.9

)

(0.5

)

(3.1

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

12.2

 

16.1

 

19.4

 

Cash flow from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(3.7

)

(5.6

)

(5.5

)

Proceeds from disposition of fixed assets, net

 

 

1.5

 

15.0

 

Purchase of partnership interests, net of cash acquired

 

(1.1

)

 

 

Proceeds from the sale of Fandango interest

 

7.0

 

 

 

Dividends received from partnership

 

0.3

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

2.5

 

(4.1

)

9.5

 

Cash flow from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt payments

 

(0.1

)

(0.2

)

(0.4

)

Decrease (increase) in related party receivables

 

(4.6

)

(5.0

)

2.5

 

Payment of mortgage

 

 

 

(2.7

)

Dividend to Parent

 

 

 

(32.3

)

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements

 

0.4

 

1.4

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(4.3

)

(3.8

)

(32.9

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

10.4

 

8.2

 

(4.0

)

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

39.7

 

31.5

 

35.5

 

End of period

 

$

50.1

 

$

39.7

 

$

31.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

0.2

 

$

0.1

 

$

0.2

 

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received

 

$

0.6

 

$

0.5

 

$

0.3

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

31


 


UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 27, 2007

 

(1)      The Company and Basis of Presentation

 

                United Artists Theatre Company (the “Parent” or “United Artists”), a Delaware corporation, is the parent company of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “UATC”) and United Artists Realty Company (“UAR”), which is the parent company of United Artists Properties I Corp. (“Prop I”).  UATC leases certain theatres from Prop I.  The terms UATC and the Company shall be deemed to include the respective subsidiaries of such entity when used in discussions included herein regarding the current operations or assets of such entity.

 

                The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those of all majority owned subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

                UATC operates 604 screens in 69 theatres in 19 states as of December 27, 2007. As of December 28, 2006, UATC operated 653 screens in 75 theatres in 19 states. The Company formally operates on a 52-week fiscal year with each quarter generally consisting of 13 weeks, unless otherwise noted. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the first Thursday after December 25, which in certain years results in a 53-week fiscal year.

 

                The Company became a subsidiary of Regal Entertainment Group (“REG” or “Regal”) on April 12, 2002, in conjunction with an exchange transaction in which REG, through its wholly owned subsidiary Regal Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (“REH”), also acquired Edwards Theatres, Inc. (“Edwards”), Regal Cinemas Corporation (“Regal Cinemas”) and Regal CineMedia Corporation (“Regal CineMedia”). REG is controlled by the  Anschutz Company (“Anschutz”), which indirectly controlled each of us, Edwards, Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Regal CineMedia prior to REG’s acquisition of us and them in the exchange transaction. For a detailed discussion of the transactions resulting in Regal’s acquisition of its subsidiaries, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.  On August 17, 2005, REH transferred the stock of United Artists to Regal Cinemas, Inc. (“RCI”).  As a result, United Artists and its subsidiaries became subsidiaries of RCI.

 

                In connection with Regal’s acquisition of its subsidiaries, RCI, an indirect subsidiary of Regal, agreed to manage all aspects of the theatre operations of UATC and its subsidiaries and make all business decisions on behalf of UATC pursuant to a management agreement.  In certain markets where UATC operates theatres, RCI also operates theatres.

 

                On October 11, 2005, UATC entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Boardwalk Ventures, LLC (“Boardwalk”) to sell a total of 5 theatres and 37 screens in Mississippi and Louisiana for cash in the amount of approximately $5.5 million. The disposition was completed on November 4, 2005.

 

                During the year ended December 27, 2007, the Company sold its equity interest in Fandango, Inc. (“Fandango”) for proceeds of $7.0 million.  As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $7.0 million ($4.2 million after tax).

 

                On June 30, 2007, UATC acquired the remaining partnership interest in two of its subsidiaries for an aggregate purchase price of $1.1 million, which resulted in a loss of $0.2 million.  The loss was recorded in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Other, net.”

 

(2)      Formation of Regal Entertainment Group

 

Exchange Transaction

 

On March 8, 2002, Anschutz entered into an agreement to exchange its controlling interest in United

 

 

32



 

Artists for common stock of Regal, resulting in Regal being the majority shareholder of United Artists. Anschutz also exchanged its ownership interests in two other theatre companies for common stock of Regal.  The management of these three theatre companies was combined, with management of the theatre operations based in Knoxville, Tennessee, while management of certain ancillary businesses was based in Centennial, Colorado.  As described below, the exchange transaction was consummated on April 12, 2002.

 

On April 12, 2002, through a series of transactions, Regal issued (1) 70,538,017 shares of Class B common stock to Anschutz in exchange for its controlling equity interests in Regal Cinemas, United Artists, Edwards and Regal CineMedia, (2) 14,052,320 shares of Class B common stock to OCM Principal Opportunities Fund II, L.P. and its subsidiaries (“Oaktree’s Principal Activities Group”) in exchange for its contribution of capital stock of Regal Cinemas and Edwards and (3) 27,493,575 shares of Class A common stock to the other stockholders of Regal Cinemas, United Artists, Edwards and Regal CineMedia party to an exchange agreement in exchange for their capital stock of Regal Cinemas, United Artists, Edwards and Regal CineMedia.

 

Upon the closing of the exchange transaction, the holders of outstanding options of United Artists received replacement options to purchase 2,287,552 shares of Regal Class A common stock at prices ranging from $4.44 to $12.87 per share. Regal also granted to certain holders of United Artists warrants in exchange for their contribution to Regal of outstanding warrants to purchase 3,750,000 shares of United Artists’ common stock, warrants to purchase 3,928,185 shares of Regal Class B common stock at $8.88 per share and warrants to purchase 296,129 shares of Regal Class A common stock at $8.88 per share.  Following the exchange transaction, Anschutz transferred beneficial ownership of 1,455,183 shares of Class B common stock to Oaktree’s Principal Activities Group. In addition, Anschutz acquired an additional 697,620 shares of Class B common stock in May 2002.

 

Anschutz controls approximately 78.0% of the combined voting power of Regal’s outstanding common stock and, therefore, has the ability to direct the election of members of Regal’s board of directors and to determine the outcome of other matters submitted to the vote of Regal’s stockholders. Because Anschutz controls Regal, the Company’s Parent and sole stockholder, it has the ability to control the Company.

 

Initial Public Offering of Regal Entertainment Group

 

In May 2002, REG issued 18.0 million shares of its Class A common stock in an initial public offering at a price of $19.00 per share, receiving aggregate net offering proceeds, net of underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses, of $314.8 million.  A portion of the proceeds from this offering were used to repay UATC’s term bank credit facility, which was replaced by a note payable to the Parent, which was obligated under a substantially similar note payable to Regal.

 

On August 16, 2002, REH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal, acquired the remaining outstanding shares of common stock of United Artists held by the United Artists’ minority stockholders and warrants to acquire shares of common stock of United Artists held by various institutional holders for approximately $34.0 million.  Immediately prior to the acquisition, the common stock of United Artists was the only outstanding class of voting stock, of which the minority stockholders owned approximately 9.9%, and REH owned the remaining 90.1%.  As a result of this transaction, United Artists became a wholly owned subsidiary of REH.

 

(3)      Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UATC.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The portion of UATC equity relating to shares not owned by the Company and the related earnings or losses were included in minority interest.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

                Revenues are generated principally through admissions and concessions sales with proceeds received in cash or via credit card at the point of sale. Other operating revenues consist primarily of product advertising (including vendor marketing programs) and other ancillary revenues which are recognized as income in the period earned. The Company recognizes payments received attributable to the marketing and advertising services provided by the Company under certain vendor programs as revenue in the period in which the related impressions are

 

 

33



 

delivered. Such impressions are measured by the concession product sales volume, which is a mutually agreed upon proxy of attendance and reflects the Company’s marketing and advertising services delivered to its vendors. The Company recognizes revenue associated with gift certificates and advanced ticket sales at such time as the items are redeemed.

 

Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments and investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  At December 27, 2007, the Company held substantially all of its cash in temporary cash investments in the form of certificates of deposit and variable rate investment accounts with major financial institutions.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories consist of concession products and theatre supplies. The Company states inventories on the basis of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost, which is not in excess of net realizable value.

 

Property and Equipment

 

The Company states property and equipment at cost. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets, are expensed currently.  Gains and losses from disposition of property and equipment are included in income and expense when realized.

 

The Company capitalizes the cost of computer equipment, system hardware and purchased software ready for service. During the years ended December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006, the Company capitalized approximately $0.3 million and $0.7 million of such costs, which were associated primarily with (i) new point-of-sale devices at the Company’s box offices and concession stands, (ii) new ticketing kiosks, and (iii) computer hardware and software purchased for the Company’s theater locations. The Company also capitalizes certain direct external costs associated with software we develop for internal use after the preliminary software project stage is completed and Company management has authorized further funding for a software project and it is deemed probable of completion. We capitalize these external software development costs only until the point at which the project is substantially complete and the software is ready for its intended purpose.

 

The Company records depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Buildings

 

20-30 years

Equipment

 

3-20 years

Leasehold improvements

 

Lesser of term of lease or asset life

Computer equipment and software

 

3-5 years

 

Included in property and equipment is $2.0 million and $2.1 million of assets accounted for under capital leases as of December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006, respectively. The Company records amortization using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease terms or the estimated useful lives noted above.

 

Goodwill

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006 are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 27, 2007

 

Year Ended
December 28, 2006

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

36.4

 

$

36.4

 

Adjustments related to recognition of deferred tax assets of UATC

 

(29.3

)

 

Balance at end of year

 

$

7.1

 

$

36.4

 

 

 

34



 

Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the Company has identified its reporting units to be the designated market areas in which the Company conducts its theatre operations.  The fair value of the Company’s identified reporting units were estimated using the expected present value of associated future cash flows and market values of the underlying theatres within each reporting unit.  The Company’s annual goodwill impairment assessments for the years ended December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006 indicated that the fair value of its reporting units exceeded their carrying value and therefore, goodwill was not deemed to be impaired.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be fully recoverable.  The Company generally evaluates assets for impairment on an individual theatre basis, which management believes is the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows.  If the sum of the expected future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest charges, is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the Company recognizes an impairment charge in the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair market value. The fair value of assets is determined using the present value of the estimated future cash flows or the expected selling price less selling costs for assets of which the Company expects to dispose.  This analysis resulted in the recording of impairment charges of $1.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, respectively.

 

Leases

 

The majority of the Company’s operations are conducted in premises occupied under non-cancelable lease agreements with initial base terms ranging generally from 15 to 20 years. The Company, at its option, can renew a substantial portion of the leases at defined or then fair rental rates for various periods. Certain leases for Company theatres provide for contingent rentals based on the revenue results of the underlying theatre and require the payment of taxes, insurance, and other costs applicable to the property. Also, certain leases contain escalating minimum rental provisions.  There are no conditions imposed upon us by our lease agreements or by parties other than the lessor that legally obligate the Company to incur costs to retire assets as a result of a decision to vacate our leased properties. None of our lease agreements require us to return the leased property to the lessor in its original condition (allowing for normal wear and tear) or to remove leasehold improvements at our cost.

 

                The Company accounts for leased properties under the provisions of SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases” (“SFAS 13”) and other authoritative accounting literature. SFAS 13 requires that the Company evaluate each lease for classification as either a capital lease or an operating lease. The Company performs this evaluation at the inception of the lease and when a modification is made to a lease. As to those arrangements that are classified as capital leases, the Company records property under capital leases and a capital lease obligation in an amount equal to the lesser of the present value of the minimum lease payments to be made over the life of the lease at the beginning of the lease term, or the fair value of the leased property. The property under capital lease is amortized on a straight-line basis as a charge to expense over the lease term, as defined, or the economic life of the leased property, whichever is less. During the lease term, as defined, each minimum lease payment is allocated between a reduction of the lease obligation and interest expense so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the lease obligation. The Company does not believe that exercise of the renewal options in its leases are reasonably assured at the inception of the lease agreements because our leases: (i) provide for either (a) renewal rents based on market rates or (b) renewal rents that equal or exceed the initial rents, and (ii) do not impose economic penalties upon our determination whether or not to exercise the renewal option. As a result, there are not sufficient economic incentives at the inception of our leases, in our view, to consider that our lease renewal options are reasonably assured of being exercised and therefore, we generally consider the initial base term as the lease term under SFAS No. 13.

 

The Company records rent expense for its operating leases with contractual rent increases in accordance

 

 

35



 

with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Technical Bulletin 85-3, “Accounting for Operating Leases with Scheduled Rent Increases,” on a straight-line basis from the “lease commencement date” as specified in the lease agreement until the end of the base lease term.

 

For leases in which the Company is involved with construction of the theatre, the Company accounts for the lease during the construction period under the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 97-10, “The Effect of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction.” The landlord is typically responsible for constructing a theatre using guidelines and specifications agreed to by the Company and assumes substantially all of the risk of construction. In accordance with EITF 97-10, if the Company concludes that it has substantially all of the construction period risks, it records a construction asset and related liability for the amount of total project costs incurred during the construction period. Once construction is completed, the Company considers the requirements under SFAS No. 98, “Accounting for Leases: Sale-Leaseback Transactions Involving Real Estate: Sales-Type Leases of Real Estate; Definition of the Lease Term; and Initial Direct Costs of Direct Financing Leases” (“SFAS No. 98”), for sale-leaseback treatment, and if the arrangement does not meet such requirements, it records the project’s construction costs funded by the landlord as a financing obligation. The obligation is amortized over the financing term based on the payments designated in the contract.

 

In accordance with FASB Staff Position 13-1, Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred during a Construction Period (“FSP13-1”), we expense rental costs incurred during construction periods for operating leases as such costs are incurred. For rental costs incurred during construction periods for both operating and capital leases, the “lease commencement date” is the date at which we gain access to the leased asset. Historically, and for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, these rental costs have not been significant to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that its deferred income tax assets will not be realized.  The Company expects that certain deferred income tax assets are not more likely than not to be recovered and therefore, has established a valuation allowance. The Company reassesses its need for the valuation allowance for its deferred income taxes on an ongoing basis. Should the Company realize certain tax assets with a valuation allowance that relate to pre-acquisition periods, goodwill would be reduced.

 

Additionally, income tax rules and regulations are subject to interpretation, require judgment by the Company and may be challenged by the taxation authorities. As described further in Note 7—“Income Taxes,” effective December 29, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). In accordance with FIN 48, the Company recognizes a tax benefit only for tax positions that are determined to be more likely than not sustainable based on the technical merits of the tax position.  With respect to such tax positions for which recognition of a benefit is appropriate, the benefit is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  Tax positions are evaluated on an ongoing basis as part of the Company’s process for determining the provision for income taxes.

 

Deferred Revenue

 

Deferred revenue relates primarily to the amount we received for agreeing to the existing exhibitor service agreement (“ESA”) modification described in Note 5—“Related Party Transactions.” The amount we received for agreeing to the ESA modification will be amortized to advertising revenue over the 30 year term of the agreement following the units of revenue method as described in Note 5—“Related Party Transactions.” 

 

36



 

Deferred Rent

 

The Company recognizes rent on a straight-line basis after considering the effect of rent escalation provisions resulting in a level monthly rent expense for each lease over its term. The deferred rent liability is included in other non-current liabilities.

 

Film Costs

 

The Company estimates its film cost expense and related film cost payable based on management’s best estimate of the ultimate settlement of the film costs with the distributors. Generally, less than one-third of our quarterly film expense is estimated at period-end. The length of time until these costs are known with certainty depends on the ultimate duration of the film play, but is typically “settled” within two to three months of a particular film’s opening release. Upon settlement with our film distributors, film cost expense and the related film cost payable are adjusted to the final film settlement.

 

Loyalty Program

 

Members of the Regal Crown Club earn credits for each dollar spent at one of our theatres and earn concession or ticket awards based on the number of credits accumulated. The Company’s accounting policy for the loyalty program is based on the guidance provided for Issue 1 in EITF Issue No. 00-22. Because we believe that the value of the awards granted to our Regal Crown Club members is insignificant in relation to the value of the transactions necessary to earn the award, the Company records the estimated incremental cost of providing awards under our Regal Crown Club loyalty program at the time the awards are earned. Historically, and for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, the costs of these awards have not been significant to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Advertising and Start-Up Costs

 

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.  Start-up costs associated with a new theatre are also expensed as incurred.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

As described in Note 9—“Capital Stock and Share-Based Compensation,” effective December 30, 2005, we adopted SFAS No. 123 (revised), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”) utilizing the modified prospective approach. Under SFAS 123R, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the  estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, we accounted for stock option grants in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) (the intrinsic value method), and accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for stock option grants when the exercise price equaled the fair value of common stock on the date of grant.

 

In connection with the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company also elected to adopt the alternative transition method provided in FASB Staff Position No. 123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards” for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation pursuant to SFAS 123R. The alternative transition method includes a simplified method to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (“APIC pool”) related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation, which is available to absorb tax deficiencies which could be recognized subsequent to the adoption of SFAS 123R.

 

Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts

 

 

37



 

of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, those related to film costs, property and equipment, goodwill and income taxes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Segments

 

As of December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, UATC managed its business under one reportable segment —theatre exhibition operations.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

Net income and comprehensive income were the same for all years presented.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2005 and 2006 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2007 presentation.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). Among other requirements, SFAS 157 defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value and also expands disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 is effective beginning the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS 157 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure certain financial instruments and other eligible items at fair value when the items are not otherwise currently required to be measured at fair value. Under SFAS 159, the decision to measure items at fair value is made at specified election dates on an irrevocable instrument-by-instrument basis. Entities electing the fair value option would be required to recognize changes in fair value in earnings and to expense upfront cost and fees associated with the item for which the fair value option is elected. Entities electing the fair value option are required to distinguish, on the face of the statement of financial position, the fair value of assets and liabilities for which the fair value option has been elected and similar assets and liabilities measured using another measurement attribute. If elected, SFAS 159 will be effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007, with earlier adoption permitted if all of the requirements of SFAS 157 are adopted. The adoption of SFAS 159 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”).  SFAS 141(R) requires all business combinations completed after the effective date to be accounted for by applying the acquisition method (previously referred to as the purchase method).  SFAS 141(R) expands the definition of transactions and events that qualify as business combinations; requires that the acquired assets and liabilities, including contingencies, be recorded at the fair value determined on the acquisition date and changes thereafter reflected in revenue, not goodwill; changes the recognition timing for restructuring costs; and requires acquisition costs to be expensed as incurred. Adoption of SFAS 141(R) is required for combinations after December 15, 2008. Early adoption and retroactive application of SFAS 141(R) to fiscal years preceding the effective date are not permitted. The Company is evaluating the adoption of SFAS 141(R) and its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS 160”).  SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this statement requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be

 

 

38



 

included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains it controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the noncontrolling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest.  SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited.  The Company is evaluating the adoption of SFAS 160 and its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

 

(4)      Debt Obligations

 

Debt obligations are summarized as follows (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

December 27, 2007

 

December 28, 2006

 

Debt obligations (a)

 

$

2.0

 

$

2.1

 

Less current portion

 

(0.2

)

(0.1

)

Long-term debt

 

$

1.8

 

$

2.0

 


(a)

Debt obligations include $2.0 million and $2.1 million of capital lease obligations as of December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006, which have an interest rate of 10.0%, maturing in 2016.

 

In September 2005, UATC repaid the $2.7 million mortgage collateralized by land and building resulting from the sale of a theatre property located in Staten Island, NY.

 

The aggregate annual maturities of debt obligations are as follows (amounts in millions):

 

 

2008

 

$

0.3

 

2009

 

0.3

 

2010

 

0.4

 

2011

 

0.3

 

2012

 

0.4

 

Thereafter

 

1.3

 

 

 

3.0

 

Less interest on capital leases

 

(1.0

)

Totals

 

$

2.0

 

 


(5)      Related Party Transactions

 

UATC leases certain of its theatres from Prop I in accordance with a master lease (the “Master Lease”).  The Master Lease provides for basic monthly or quarterly rentals and may require additional rentals, based on the revenue of the underlying theatre.  In order to fund the cost of additions and/or renovations to the theatres leased by UATC from Prop I, UATC has periodically made advances to Prop I.  As part of the application of fresh-start reporting the receivable was reclassified from other assets to stockholder’s equity and interest no longer accrues on this account. The receivable will be reduced upon any sale of properties by Prop I, with UATC receiving the net proceeds of the sale.

 

RCI manages all aspects of the theatre operations of UATC and its subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of a management agreement, which includes all of its cash collections, cash disbursements and other cash management functions. During the years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, UATC recorded management fee expenses of approximately $6.9 million, $7.1 million and $7.6 million, respectively, related to this arrangement.  Such fees have been recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as a component of “General and Administrative” expenses.

 

 

39



 

Pursuant to the Company’s management agreement with RCI, RCI, through an agreement with National CineMedia, LLC (“National CineMedia”), provides all on-screen and lobby advertising and event services to UATC.  UATC receives a net fee for the use of its theatres for such advertising and event services that is recorded in other revenue and totaled $0.7 million, $2.0 million and $1.5 million in the years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, respectively.

 

As of December 27, 2007, the Company’s related party receivables totaled approximately $55.5 million, which represents an increase of $30.7 million from $24.8 million as of December 28, 2006. The increase in these receivables was due primarily to the transactions completed between REG and National CineMedia in connection with the initial public offering, or IPO, of National CineMedia Inc.’s (“NCM Inc.”) common stock (which resulted in a $26.1 million increase in related party receivables and a corresponding increase in non-current deferred revenue) and to a lesser extent, the timing of the intercompany cash collections and disbursements, as described above.

 

In connection with the completion of the IPO, RCI amended and restated its existing exhibitor services agreement (“ESA”) with National CineMedia, whereby in exchange for its pro rata share of the IPO proceeds, RCI agreed to a modification of National CineMedia’s payment obligation under the ESA.  The modification extended the term of the ESA to 30 years, provided National CineMedia with a five year right of first refusal beginning one year prior to the end of the term and changed the basis upon which RCI is paid by National CineMedia from a percentage of revenues associated with advertising contracts entered into by National CineMedia to a monthly theatre access fee.  Also, with respect to any on-screen advertising time provided by us to our beverage concessionaire, RCI is required to purchase such time from National CineMedia at a negotiated rate.

 

In March 2005 and October 2005, UATC effected cash dividends of approximately $21.8 million and $10.5 million, respectively to the Parent.  The dividends were recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital upon declaration.

 

On August 17, 2005 REH, transferred the stock of United Artists to RCI. As a result, United Artists and its subsidiaries became subsidiaries of RCI.

 

(6)      Leases

 

The Company accounts for a majority of its leases as operating leases. The Company, at its option, can renew a substantial portion of the leases at defined or then fair rental rates for various periods. Certain leases for Company theatres provide for contingent rentals based on the revenue results of the underlying theatre and require the payment of taxes, insurance, and other costs applicable to the property. Also, certain leases contain escalating minimum rental provisions that have been accounted for on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the leases.  Minimum rentals payable under all non-cancelable operating leases with terms in excess of one year as of December 27, 2007, are summarized for the following fiscal years:

 

 

 

 

(In Millions)

 

2008

 

$

38.9

 

2009

 

38.9

 

2010

 

37.4

 

2011

 

33.8

 

2012

 

30.8

 

Thereafter

 

121.6

 

 

   
                Rent expense, including sale and leaseback rentals of $14.9 million, $15.0 million and $15.1 million, for the years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, under such operating leases amounted to $39.4 million, $40.6 million and $44.5 million for the years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, respectively. Contingent rent expense was $1.3 million, $1.1 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, respectively.

 

 

40


 


 

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

 

The Company has historically entered into sale and leaseback transactions whereby owned properties were sold and leased back under operating leases. The minimum rentals for these operating leases are included in the table above.

 

In December 1995, UATC entered into a sale and leaseback transaction whereby 31 owned properties were sold to and leased back from an unaffiliated third party. In conjunction with the transaction, the buyer of the properties issued publicly traded pass-through certificates. In connection with this sale and leaseback transaction, UATC entered into a Participation Agreement that requires UATC to comply with various covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, restricted payments, transactions with affiliates, guarantees, issuance of preferred stock of subsidiaries and subsidiary distributions, transfer of assets and payment of dividends. As of December 27, 2007, 12 theaters were subject to the sale leaseback transaction and approximately $46.9 million in principal amount of pass-through certificates were outstanding.

(7)      Income Taxes

 

The components of the provision for income taxes for income from operations for each of the fiscal years were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 27, 2007

 

Year Ended
December 28, 2006

 

Year Ended
December 29, 2005

 

Federal:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

$

10.6

 

$

1.4

 

$

(1.9

)

Deferred

 

(4.5

)

2.6

 

4.0

 

Total Federal

 

6.1

 

4.0

 

2.1

 

State:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

0.4

 

0.3

 

(0.4

)

Deferred

 

0.3

 

0.5

 

0.8

 

Total State

 

0.7

 

0.8

 

0.4

 

Total income tax provision

 

$

6.8

 

$

4.8

 

$

2.5

 

 

During the years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005 a current tax benefit of $0.4 million, $1.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively, was allocated directly to stockholder’s equity for the exercise of stock options.

 

The reconciliation of the provision for income taxes as reported and the amount computed by multiplying the income before taxes and extraordinary item by the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% was as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 27, 2007

 

Year Ended
December 28, 2006

 

Year Ended
December 29, 2005

 

Provision calculated at federal statutory income tax rate

 

$

6.4

 

$

3.8

 

$

2.0

 

State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

0.8

 

0.5

 

0.3

 

Disallowed loss

 

 

 

0.3

 

True-up provision to return

 

 

0.4

 

 

Minority interest

 

(0.1

)

 

(0.1

)

Other

 

(0.3

)

0.1

 

 

Total income tax provision

 

$

6.8

 

$

4.8

 

$

2.5

 

 

 

41



 

Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax liability consisted of the following at (in millions):

 

 

 

December 27, 2007

 

December 28, 2006

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating loss carryforward

 

$

27.2

 

$

28.1

 

Excess of tax basis over book basis of fixed assets

 

15.8

 

14.3

 

Accrued expenses

 

0.9

 

1.2

 

Deferred revenue

 

10.5

 

 

Other

 

0.1

 

 

Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance

 

54.5

 

43.6

 

Valuation allowance

 

(2.8

)

(28.1

)

Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance

 

51.7

 

15.5

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred gain on sale of theatres

 

(42.1

)

(45.1

)

Excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets

 

(27.8

)

(22.6

)

Other

 

 

(0.6

)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

(69.9

)

(68.3

)

Net deferred tax liability

 

$

(18.2

)

$

(52.8

)

 

As of December 27, 2007, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $63.2 million with expiration commencing during 2012. The Company’s net operating loss carryforwards were generated by the predecessor entities of UATC. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 imposed substantial restrictions on the utilization of net operating losses in the event of an “ownership change” of a corporation. Accordingly, the Company’s ability to utilize the net operating losses may be impaired as a result of the “ownership change” limitations.

 

In assessing the realizable value of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which these temporary differences become deductible. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets totaling $2.8 million and $28.1 million at December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006 respectively, as management believes it is more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets will not be realized in future tax periods. The valuation allowance primarily relates to pre-acquisition deferred tax assets of UATC. Accordingly, future reductions in the valuation allowance associated with a change in management’s determination of the Company’s ability to realize pre-acquisition deferred tax assets will reduce goodwill related to the acquisition of UATC.  During the fiscal year ended December 27, 2007, based on the historical earnings of the Company and updated projections for future income, management determined that the Company would more likely than not realize certain pre-acquisition deferred tax assets of the Company.  Accordingly, the valuation allowance associated with such pre-acquisition deferred tax assets and goodwill were reduced by $25.3 million during the year ended December 27, 2007.

 

Effective December 29, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48.  Relative to the implementation of FIN 48, the Company did not adjust any income tax accounts.

 

As of December 27, 2007, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not believe that its gross unrecognized tax benefits will change within the next 12 months.

 

The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of December 27, 2007, the Company had not accrued any interest or penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and certain state jurisdictions as part of the REG income tax filings and files separate income tax returns in various other state jurisdictions as well.  In June 2005, REG was notified that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) would examine its 2002 and 2003 federal income tax returns. During October 2005, the IRS completed its examination of REG’s federal tax returns for such years and REG and the IRS agreed to certain adjustments to REG’s 2002 and 2003 federal tax returns. Such adjustments did not have a material impact on REG’s or the Company’s provision for income taxes.  REG and the

 

 

42



 

Company are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2004, and with limited exceptions, are no longer subject to state income tax examinations before 2003.  However, the taxing authorities still have the ability to review the propriety of tax attributes created in closed tax years if such tax attributes are utilized in an open tax year.

 

 (8)      Litigation and contingencies

 

Our theatres must comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the “ADA”) to the extent that such properties are “public accommodations” and/or “commercial facilities” as defined by the ADA. Compliance with the ADA requires that public accommodations “reasonably accommodate” individuals with disabilities and that new construction or alterations made to “commercial facilities” conform to accessibility guidelines unless “structurally impracticable” for new construction or technically infeasible for alterations. Non-compliance with the ADA could result in the imposition of injunctive relief, fines, awards of damages to private litigants and additional capital expenditures to remedy such non-compliance.

 

From time to time, we have received letters from the attorneys general of states in which we operate theatres regarding investigation into the accessibility of our theatres to persons with visual or hearing impairments.  We believe we provide the members of the visually and hearing impaired communities with reasonable access to the movie-going experience.

 

We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all current applicable regulations relating to accommodations for the disabled. We intend to comply with future regulations in this regard, and except as set forth above, we do not currently anticipate that compliance will require us to expend substantial funds.  Our theatre operations are also subject to federal, state and local laws governing such matters as wages, working conditions, citizenship and health and sanitation requirements.  We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all of such laws.

 

On or about January 3, 2007, suit was initiated against the Company in Federal Court, Central District of California, styled, Bateman, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. Regal Cinemas, Inc. and United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., et al., alleging violations of the Fair and Accurate Transaction Act, for allegedly printing expiration dates and credit card numbers on customer receipts. The plaintiff seeks to represent a class of individuals allegedly harmed by this alleged practice. The complaint seeks actual damages and/or statutory damages of at least one hundred dollars or up to one thousand dollars per violation, and attorney fees and costs. We believe we are in substantial compliance with all applicable federal and state laws governing these trade practices.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are also presently involved in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business operations, including personal injury claims, employment and contractual matters and other disputes. The Company believes it has adequately provided for the settlement of such matters. Management believes any additional liability with respect to these claims and disputes will not be material in the aggregate to the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 (9)      Capital Stock and Share Based Compensation

 

Common and Preferred Stock

 

UATC is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of its $1.00 par value common stock, of which 100 shares are issued and outstanding at December 27, 2007, and are all held by the Parent.  At December 27, 2007, the Company has 500,000 shares of preferred stock authorized with none issued.

 

Share Based Compensation

 

Effective December 30, 2005, Regal and the Company adopted SFAS 123R utilizing the modified prospective approach. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, we accounted for stock option grants in accordance with APB 25 (the intrinsic value method), and accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for those stock options having an exercise price equal to the market value of Regal’s Class A common stock on the date of the grant.

 

 Under the modified prospective approach, SFAS 123R applies to awards that were outstanding on December 30, 2005 and to new awards and the modification, repurchase or cancellation of awards after December 

 

 

43



 

30, 2005. Under the modified prospective approach, compensation cost recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 includes share-based compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 30, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”) and recognized as expense over the remaining requisite service period. Share-based compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to December 30, 2005 are based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R and recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period. Prior periods were not restated to reflect the impact of adopting the new standard.

 

On November 10, 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards.” The Company has elected to adopt the alternative transition method provided in this FASB Staff Position for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation pursuant to SFAS 123R. The alternative transition method includes a simplified method to establish the beginning balance of the APIC pool related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation, which is available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized subsequent to the adoption of SFAS 123R.

 

During the year ended December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005, the Company recognized approximately $0.2 million and $2.3 million of share-based compensation expense related to stock options.  Such expense is presented as a component of general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005.

 

We receive a tax deduction for certain stock option exercises during the period the options are exercised, generally for the excess of the price at which the stock is sold over the exercise price of the options.  Prior to adoption of SFAS 123R, we reported all tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options as operating cash flows in our consolidated statements of cash flows. In accordance with SFAS 123R, we are required to report excess tax benefits from the award of equity instruments as financing cash flows.  Excess tax benefits are recorded when a deduction reported for tax return purposes for an award of equity instruments exceeds the cumulative compensation cost for the instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes.  For the year ended December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006, our consolidated statement of cash flows reflects $0.4 million and $1.4 million of excess tax benefits as financing cash flows, respectively.

 

(10)      Employee Benefits Plan

 

REG sponsors an employee benefit plan, the Regal Entertainment Group 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the “Plan”), under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for the benefit of substantially all full-time employees of UATC.  The Plan provides that participants may contribute up to 50% of their compensation, subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations.  The Plan currently matches an amount equal to 100% of the first 3% of the participant’s contributions and 50% of the next 2% of the participant’s contributions.  Employee contributions are invested in various investment funds based upon elections made by the employee.

 

(11)      Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument are as follows:

 

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable and accrued liabilities:

 

The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 

Long term obligations, excluding capital lease obligations:

 

The fair value of the Company’s debt obligations were based on recent financing transactions for similar debt issuances and the carrying amounts approximate the fair value.

 

44



 

Item 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

                None.

 

 

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

                We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Commission’s rules and forms, and that information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers (whom we refer to in this periodic report as our Certifying Officers), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Certifying Officers, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 27, 2007, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Certifying Officers concluded that, as of December 27, 2007, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Our management’s report on internal control over financial reporting is included in Part II, Item 8, on page 26 of this Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended December 27, 2007  that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and reflect management’s judgments and estimates concerning effects of events and transactions that are accounted for or disclosed. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that pertain to the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report reliable financial data. Management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of internal control. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time.

 

Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

 

45



 

PART III

 

Item 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Under the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K for wholly owned subsidiaries, the information otherwise required by this item has been omitted.

 

Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Under the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K for wholly owned subsidiaries, the information otherwise required by this item has been omitted.

 

Item 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED    STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

Under the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K for wholly owned subsidiaries, the information otherwise required by this item has been omitted.

 

Item 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDECE

 

Under the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K for wholly owned subsidiaries, the information otherwise required by this item has been omitted.

 

Item 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Independent Auditors

 

KPMG, LLP served as our independent auditors for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006.  For such fiscal years we paid fees for services from KPMG as discussed below.

 

·                                          Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by KPMG for the audit of our annual financial statements included in our Form 10-K and the review of the financial statements included in our Forms 10-Q were approximately $94,050 for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2007 and $117,300 for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2006.

 

·                                          Audit-Related Fees. The Company did not incur any aggregate fees for professional services rendered by KPMG for assurances and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2007 and for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2006.

 

·                                          Tax Fees. The Company did not incur any aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by KPMG related to federal and state tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2007 and for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2006. All of these services are permitted non-audit services.

 

·                                          All Other Fees. The Company did not incur any aggregate fees for all other services rendered by KPMG for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2007 and for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2006.

 

Board of Directors Pre-Approval Policy

 

Our Board of Directors pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors on a case-by-case basis.  These services may include audit services, audit related services, tax services and other services.  Our Vice President and Treasurer is responsible for presenting the board with an overview of all proposed audit, audit related, tax or other non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditors.  The presentation must be in sufficient detail to define clearly the services to be performed.  The board does not delegate the responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by the independent auditors to management or to an individual member of the board.

 

 

46



 

PART IV

 

 

Item 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

 

(a)          The following documents are filed as a part of this report on Form 10-K:

 

(1)                  Consolidated financial statements of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.:

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Consolidated Financial Statements

 

UATC’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 2007 and December 28, 2006

 

UATC’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005

 

UATC’s Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity and Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2007, December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005

UATC’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2007,
December 28, 2006 and December 29, 2005

 

Notes to UATC’s Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(2)                  Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required, or because the information is shown elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

(3)                  Exhibits: The following exhibits are filed as part of the annual report on Form 10-K.

 

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

2.1

 

United Artists Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization (filed as exhibit 2 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2001 (Commission File No. 033-49598), and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

3.1

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. (filed as exhibit 3.1 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-1 (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on October 5, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

3.2

 

Bylaws of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. (filed as exhibit 3.2 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-1 (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on October 5, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.1

 

Amendment to Leveraged Lease Facility and Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 7, 2001, among United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., Wilmington Trust Company, William J. Wade, Theatre Investors, Northway Associates Limited Partnership, State Street Bank and Trust Company, Susan Keller and MacKay Shields LLC (filed as exhibit 10.2 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2001 (Commission File No. 033-49598), and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.2

 

Trust Indenture and Security Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1995, between Wilmington Trust Company, William J. Wade and Fleet National Bank of

 

 

47



 

 

 

Connecticut and Alan B. Coffey (filed as exhibit 4.2 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-2 (Commission File No. 333-1024) filed on February 5, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.3

 

Pass Through Certificates, Series 1995-A Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1995, among United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (filed as exhibit 4.3 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-2 (Commission File No. 333-1024) filed on February 5, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.4

 

Participation Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1995, among United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., Wilmington Trust Company, William J. Wade, Theatre Investors, Inc., Northway Mall Associates, LLC, Wilmington Trust Company, William J. Wade, Fleet National Bank of Connecticut, Alan B. Coffey and Fleet National Bank of Connecticut (filed as exhibit 4.4 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-2 (Commission File No. 333-1024) filed on February 5, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.5

 

Pass Through Trust Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1995, between United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. and Fleet National Bank of Connecticut (filed as exhibit 4.5 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-2 (Commission File No. 333-1024) filed on February 5, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.6

 

Lease Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1995, between Wilmington Trust Company and William J. Wade and United Artists (filed as exhibit 4.6 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-2 (Commission File No. 333-1024) filed on February 5, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.7

 

Lease Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1988, between United Artists Properties I Corporation and United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. (filed as exhibit 10.1 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-1 (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on October 5, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.1

 

Trademark Agreement as of May 12, 1992 by United Artists Entertainment Company, United Artists Holdings, Inc., United Artists Cable Holdings, Inc., United Artists Theatre Holding Company, on the one hand and United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., United Artists Realty Company, UAB, Inc., and UAB II, Inc., on the other hand (filed as exhibit 10.9 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-1 (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on October 5, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.2

 

Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of May 12, 1992, between United Artists Theatre Company and United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. (filed as exhibit 10.11 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-1 (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on October 5, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.3

 

Management Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2003, between Regal Cinemas, Inc. and United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. (filed as exhibit 10.3 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form 10-K (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on March 31, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

 10.4*

 

Employment Agreement, dated May 3, 2002, between Regal Entertainment Group and Michael L. Campbell (filed as exhibit 10.4 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement of Regal Entertainment Group on Form S-1 (Commission File No. 333-84096) on May 6, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

48



 

 10.5*

 

Employment Agreement, dated May 3, 2002, between Regal Entertainment Group and Gregory W. Dunn (filed as exhibit 10.7 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement of Regal Entertainment Group on Form S-1 (Commission File No. 333-84096) on May 6, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

 10.6*

 

Employment Agreement, dated May 3, 2002, between Regal Entertainment Group and Amy E. Miles (filed as exhibit 10.6 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement of Regal Entertainment Group on Form S-1 (Commission File No. 333-84096) on May 6, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

 10.7

 

Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., as seller, and Boardwalk Ventures, LLC, as purchaser, dated as of October 11, 2005 (filed as exhibit 10.7 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form 10-K (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on March 29, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

 31.1

 

Rule 13(a)-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer

 

 

 

 31.2

 

Rule 13(a)-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer


*              Identifies each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

(b)           The exhibits required to be filed herewith are listed above.

 

(c)           Not applicable.

 

 

49



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

 

UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

 

 

 March 12, 2008

By:

/s/  MICHAEL L. CAMPBELL

 

 

Michael L. Campbell

 

 

President

 

                Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  MICHAEL L. CAMPBELL

 

President and Chairman of the Board

 

March 12, 2008

Michael L. Campbell

 

 (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  AMY E. MILES

 

Director, Vice President and Treasurer  

 

March 12, 2008

Amy E. Miles

 

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  GREGORY W. DUNN

 

Director

 

March 12, 2008

Gregory W. Dunn

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Information to be Furnished with Reports Filed Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act by Registrants Which Have Not Registered Securities Pursuant to Section 12 of the Act

 

                The registrant has not sent to its sole stockholder an annual report to security holders covering the registrant’s last fiscal year or any proxy statement, form of proxy or other proxy soliciting material with respect to any annual or other meeting of security holders.

 

 

50



 

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit 
Number

 

Description

2.1

 

United Artists Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization (filed as exhibit 2 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2001 (Commission File No. 033-49598), and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

3.1

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. (filed as exhibit 3.1 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-1 (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on October 5, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

3.2

 

Bylaws of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. (filed as exhibit 3.2 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-1 (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on October 5, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.1

 

Amendment to Leveraged Lease Facility and Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 7, 2001, among United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., Wilmington Trust Company, William J. Wade, Theatre Investors, Northway Associates Limited Partnership, State Street Bank and Trust Company, Susan Keller and MacKay Shields LLC (filed as exhibit 10.2 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2001 (Commission File No. 033-49598), and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.2

 

Trust Indenture and Security Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1995, between Wilmington Trust Company, William J. Wade and Fleet National Bank of Connecticut and Alan B. Coffey (filed as exhibit 4.2 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-2 (Commission File No. 333-1024) filed on February 5, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.3

 

Pass Through Certificates, Series 1995-A Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1995, among United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (filed as exhibit 4.3 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-2 (Commission File No. 333-1024) filed on February 5, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.4

 

Participation Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1995, among United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., Wilmington Trust Company, William J. Wade, Theatre Investors, Inc., Northway Mall Associates, LLC, Wilmington Trust Company, William J. Wade, Fleet National Bank of Connecticut, Alan B. Coffey and Fleet National Bank of Connecticut (filed as exhibit 4.4 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-2 (Commission File No. 333-1024) filed on February 5, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.5

 

Pass Through Trust Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1995, between United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. and Fleet National Bank of Connecticut (filed as exhibit 4.5 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-2 (Commission File No. 333-1024) filed on February 5, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

4.6

 

Lease Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1995, between Wilmington Trust Company and William J. Wade and United Artists (filed as exhibit 4.6 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-2 (Commission File No. 333-1024) filed on February 5, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

51



 

4.7

 

Lease Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1988, between United Artists Properties I Corporation and United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. (filed as exhibit 10.1 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-1 (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on October 5, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.1

 

Trademark Agreement as of May 12, 1992 by United Artists Entertainment Company, United Artists Holdings, Inc., United Artists Cable Holdings, Inc., United Artists Theatre Holding Company, on the one hand and United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., United Artists Realty Company, UAB, Inc., and UAB II, Inc., on the other hand (filed as exhibit 10.9 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-1 (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on October 5, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.2

 

Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of May 12, 1992, between United Artists Theatre Company and United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. (filed as exhibit 10.11 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-1 (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on October 5, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.3

 

Management Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2003, between Regal Cinemas, Inc. and United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. (filed as exhibit 10.3 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form 10-K (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on March 31, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.4*

 

Employment Agreement, dated May 3, 2002, between Regal Entertainment Group and Michael L. Campbell (filed as exhibit 10.4 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement of Regal Entertainment Group on Form S-1 (Commission File No. 333-84096) on May 6, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.5*

 

Employment Agreement, dated May 3, 2002, between Regal Entertainment Group and Gregory W. Dunn (filed as exhibit 10.7 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement of Regal Entertainment Group on Form S-1 (Commission File No. 333-84096) on May 6, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.6*

 

Employment Agreement, dated May 3, 2002, between Regal Entertainment Group and Amy E. Miles (filed as exhibit 10.6 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement of Regal Entertainment Group on Form S-1 (Commission File No. 333-84096) on May 6, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.7

 

Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., as seller, and Boardwalk Ventures, LLC, as purchaser, dated as of October 11, 2005 (filed as exhibit 10.7 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form 10-K (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on March 29, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

31.1

 

Rule 13(a)-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer

 

 

 

31.2

 

Rule 13(a)-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer


*              Identifies each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

(b)           The exhibits required to be filed herewith are listed above.

 

(c)           Not applicable.

 

 

52


 

EX-31.1 2 a08-2895_1ex31d1.htm EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Michael L. Campbell, certify that:

 

1.               I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date:  March 12, 2008

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael L. Campbell

 

Michael L. Campbell

President (Principal Executive Officer)

 


 

EX-31.2 3 a08-2895_1ex31d2.htm EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Amy E. Miles, certify that:

 

1.               I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 


Date:  March 12, 2008

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Amy E. Miles

 

 

 

Amy E. Miles

 

 

 

Vice President and Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 


 

-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----