10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 28, 2008

OR

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 333-122778

 

 

UNIVERSAL CITY FLORIDA HOLDING CO. I

UCFH I FINANCE, INC.

UNIVERSAL CITY FLORIDA HOLDING CO. II

UCFH II FINANCE, INC.

(Exact name of Registrants as specified in their charters)

 

 

 

FLORIDA   59-3354262
FLORIDA   20-1937766
FLORIDA   59-3354261
FLORIDA   20-1937798

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

1000 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS PLAZA

ORLANDO, FL

  32819-7610
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

(407) 363-8000

(Registrants’ telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrants (1) have 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) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   x  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date. As of November 7, 2008 there were 100 and 100 shares of common stock of UCFH I Finance, Inc. and UCFH II Finance, Inc., respectively, outstanding. Not applicable to Universal City Florida Holding Co. I and Universal City Florida Holding Co. II.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              PAGE
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
  ITEM 1.    Condensed Combined Financial Statements (unaudited)    3
  ITEM 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    11
  ITEM 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk    19
  ITEM 4T.    Controls and Procedures    19
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   
  ITEM 1.    Legal Proceedings    20
  ITEM 1A.    Risk Factors    20
  ITEM 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    20
  ITEM 3.    Defaults upon Senior Securities    20
  ITEM 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    20
  ITEM 5.    Other Information    20
  ITEM 6.    Exhibits    21
  SIGNATURES    22

UCFH I Finance, Inc. and UCFH II Finance, Inc. are wholly owned subsidiaries of Universal City Florida Holding Co. I and Universal City Florida Holding Co. II, and were formed for the sole purpose of acting as a co-issuer of the Registrants’ floating rate and 8 3/8% senior notes due 2010. UCFH I Finance, Inc. and UCFH II Finance, Inc. do not and will not conduct any operations or hold any assets of any kind and will not have any future revenues. UCFH I Finance, Inc. and UCFH II Finance, Inc. meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and are therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format.

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I. – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

Universal City Florida Holding Co. I and

Universal City Florida Holding Co. II and Subsidiaries

Condensed Combined Balance Sheets

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

 

     September 28,
2008

(unaudited)
    December 31,
2007
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 224,515     $ 138,139  

Accounts receivable, net

     32,582       34,025  

Receivables from related parties

     3,806       5,053  

Inventories, net

     44,422       42,240  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     11,938       5,731  

Assets held for sale

     19,722       18,205  
                

Total current assets

     336,985       243,393  

Property and equipment, at cost:

    

Land and land improvements

     473,458       473,656  

Buildings and building improvements

     1,379,631       1,380,898  

Equipment, fixtures and furniture

     1,108,660       1,074,322  

Construction in process

     121,137       72,568  
                

Total property and equipment, at cost

     3,082,886       3,001,444  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (1,408,780 )     (1,340,091 )
                

Property and equipment, net

     1,674,106       1,661,353  

Other assets:

    

Investments in unconsolidated entities

     13,140       12,828  

Intangible assets, net

     53,474       55,107  

Deferred finance costs, net

     18,232       20,323  

Other assets

     7,809       9,014  
                

Total other assets

     92,655       97,272  
                

Total assets

   $ 2,103,746     $ 2,002,018  
                

Continued on next page.

 

3


Table of Contents

Universal City Florida Holding Co. I and

Universal City Florida Holding Co. II and Subsidiaries

Condensed Combined Balance Sheets (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

 

     September 28,
2008

(unaudited)
    December 31,
2007
 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 164,830     $ 137,942  

Unearned revenue

     60,615       46,681  

Due to related parties

     12,943       22,583  

Current portion of capital lease and financing obligations

     5,750       375  
                

Total current liabilities

     244,138       207,581  

Long-term liabilities:

    

Long-term borrowings, net of current portion

     1,457,751       1,457,126  

Capital lease and financing obligations, net of current portion

     27,136       31,113  

Minority interest in equity of UCRP

     6,594       7,294  

Interest rate swap liability, at fair market value

     5,138       5,106  

Other

     8,537       10,978  
                

Total long-term liabilities

     1,505,156       1,511,617  

Partners’ equity:

    

Vivendi Universal Entertainment

     179,795       143,963  

Blackstone

     179,795       143,963  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (5,138 )     (5,106 )
                

Total partners’ equity

     354,452       282,820  
                

Total liabilities and partners’ equity

   $ 2,103,746     $ 2,002,018  
                

See accompanying notes.

 

4


Table of Contents

Universal City Florida Holding Co. I and

Universal City Florida Holding Co. II and Subsidiaries

Condensed Combined Statements of Operations

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
    September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Operating revenues:

        

Theme park passes

   $ 132,412     $ 130,659     $ 348,846     $ 343,873  

Theme park food and beverage

     32,672       33,467       88,145       89,482  

Theme park merchandise

     29,350       28,936       79,497       79,131  

Other theme park related

     26,026       29,107       78,910       78,203  

Other

     43,762       44,516       121,221       123,169  
                                

Total operating revenues

     264,222       266,685       716,619       713,858  

Costs and operating expenses:

        

Theme park operations

     46,562       44,818       133,368       128,014  

Theme park selling, general and administrative

     36,631       30,674       119,032       118,479  

Theme park cost of products sold

     31,951       31,332       87,955       85,734  

Special fee payable to Vivendi Universal Entertainment and consultant fee

     16,663       16,803       45,107       44,787  

Depreciation and amortization

     26,458       28,344       83,861       82,644  

Other

     34,365       34,056       106,728       104,116  
                                

Total costs and operating expenses

     192,630       186,027       576,051       563,774  
                                

Operating income

     71,592       80,658       140,568       150,084  

Other expense (income):

        

Interest expense

     34,177       36,867       101,273       110,315  

Interest income

     (986 )     (2,344 )     (2,759 )     (4,998 )

Income from investments in unconsolidated entities

     (745 )     (1,971 )     (2,816 )     (1,103 )

Gain on sale of property and equipment

     —         —         —         (2,776 )

Minority interest in net earnings of UCRP

     268       398       1,882       2,380  
                                

Total other expense

     32,714       32,950       97,580       103,818  
                                

Net income

   $ 38,878     $ 47,708     $ 42,988     $ 46,266  
                                

See accompanying notes.

 

5


Table of Contents

Universal City Florida Holding Co. I and

Universal City Florida Holding Co. II and Subsidiaries

Condensed Combined Statements of Cash Flows

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

 

     Nine Months ended  
     September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Operating activities:

    

Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities

   $ 172,463     $ 205,119  

Investing activities:

    

Property and equipment acquisitions

     (98,037 )     (35,855 )

Proceeds relating to capital reimbursements

     2,136       6,898  

Proceeds relating to notes receivable from sale of property and equipment

     —         4,890  

Proceeds relating to sale of property and equipment

     —         3,058  
                

Net cash and cash equivalents used in investing activities

     (95,901 )     (21,009 )

Financing activities:

    

Distributions of minority interest in equity of UCRP

     (2,582 )     (2,769 )

Tax distribution paid to partners

     (11,610 )     —    

Partner contributions

     28,676       —    

Contributions to investments in unconsolidated entities

     —         (3,656 )

Payments for financing costs

     (4,295 )     —    

Payments on long-term borrowings, capital lease and financing obligations, net

     (375 )     (13,771 )
                

Net cash and cash equivalents provided by/(used in) financing activities

     9,814       (20,196 )

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     86,376       163,914  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     138,139       76,428  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 224,515     $ 240,342  
                

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash information:

    

Increase of property and equipment in accrued liabilities

   $ 597     $ 8,366  
                

Disposal of fully depreciated assets

   $ 13,539     $ 2,515  
                

Increase in interest rate swap liability

   $ 32     $ 375  
                

Financing obligations

   $ —       $ 43,291  
                

Decrease in interest rate swap asset

   $ —       $ (4,050 )
                

See accompanying notes.

 

6


Table of Contents

Universal City Florida Holding Co. I And

Universal City Florida Holding Co. II and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Combined Financial Statements

(SEPTEMBER 28, 2008 UNAUDITED)

1. General

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed combined financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures which are normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. The unaudited condensed combined financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of the management, necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations for the interim periods. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that can be expected for a full year. The accompanying unaudited condensed combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited combined financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the notes, thereto, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under cover of Form 10-K.

The accompanying unaudited condensed combined financial statements include the consolidated amounts of Universal City Florida Holding Co. I and Universal City Florida Holding Co. II (collectively “UCHC”); UCFH I Finance, Inc. and UCFH II Finance, Inc. (collectively “Finance”); Universal City Development Partners, Ltd. (“UCDP”); Universal City Travel Partners d/b/a Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations (“UPRV”); UCDP Finance, Inc.; and Universal City Restaurant Partners, Ltd. (“UCRP”) (collectively, the “Company”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The Company’s ultimate owners, each having a 50% interest, are Universal City Property Management II LLC (“Universal CPM”) and Blackstone Capital Partners (“Blackstone”). Universal CPM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vivendi Universal Entertainment LLLP (“VUE”), an affiliate of Universal Studios, Inc. (“USI”), which is an indirect subsidiary of NBC Universal, Inc. (“NBCU”).

Period End

The three months ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 each contained 91 days. The nine months ended September 28, 2008 contained 272 days, while the nine months ended September 30, 2007 contained 273 days.

Seasonality

Based on the seasonality of attendance, the results for the three months and nine months ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. Additionally, the Company’s attendance was adversely impacted by Tropical Storm Fay which brought inclement weather to Central Florida during a four-day period in August 2008.

Reclassification

Certain items in the prior years’ condensed combined financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2008 presentation. The December 31, 2007 assets held for sale on the condensed combined balance sheet have been reclassified to current assets. This reclassification had no impact on net income, total assets or partners’ equity.

Inventories

The major components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):

 

     September 28,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 

Merchandise

   $ 13,363     $ 12,648  

Food and beverage

     4,316       3,944  

Operating supplies and maintenance parts

     28,211       27,028  

Less: reserves

     (1,468 )     (1,380 )
                

Total

   $ 44,422     $ 42,240  
                

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets primarily consist of the rights to use certain characters and trademarks. Intangible assets are recorded at cost, and cost is determined by the net present value of payments in financing situations. Additionally, intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period ranging from 10 to 20 years, which has a weighted average of 11 years. Intangible assets totaled $53,474,000

 

7


Table of Contents

and $55,107,000, respectively, as of September 28, 2008 and December 31, 2007. This included $14,177,000 and $12,570,000 in accumulated amortization, respectively, as of September 28, 2008 and December 31, 2007. Amortization expense amounted to $1,633,000 and $1,041,000, respectively, during the nine months ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, and $519,000 and $254,000, respectively, during the three months ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007. Amortization of existing intangible assets will be approximately $1,981,000 and $2,151,000, respectively, for 2008 and 2009 and $5,441,000 in each of the following three years.

Change in Estimate

Due to the construction and renovation of new rides and attractions, portions of existing rides and attractions will be disposed of prior to their original estimated useful life. As a result, depreciation of the existing rides and attractions will be accelerated to reflect their remaining useful life. For the three and nine months ended September 28, 2008, the Company incurred additional depreciation expense of approximately $334,000 and $2,537,000, respectively, relating to accelerating the life of various ride and show assets.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP 142-3”). FSP 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and requires enhanced related disclosures. FSP 142-3 must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets acquired as of and subsequent to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of FSP 142-3 but does not believe that the adoption of the standard will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 expands the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. This Statement specifically requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures addressing the following: how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. SFAS No. 161 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 161, but does not believe that the adoption of the standard will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—An Amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. SFAS 160 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 160, but does not believe that the adoption of the standard will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”). This statement modifies certain aspects of how the acquiring entity recognizes and measures the identifiable assets, the liabilities assumed and the goodwill acquired in a business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. SFAS 141 (R) will impact the Company’s accounting for business combinations completed on or after January 1, 2009.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. Unrealized gains and losses on any item for which we elect the fair value measurement option would be reported in earnings. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS 159 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements as the Company did not elect the fair value option.

 

8


Table of Contents

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement does not require any new fair value measurements; rather, it applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The provisions of this statement are to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which this statement is initially applied, with any transition adjustment recognized as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for the fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

2. Long-Term Borrowings

On July 28, 2008, UCDP amended the early maturity date feature in the senior secured credit facility to April 1, 2010 unless both the April 2010 notes and the UCHC May 2010 notes, are refinanced or repaid prior to that time. Additionally, the interest rate on the senior secured credit facility will increase from 3-month LIBOR plus 175 basis points to 3-month LIBOR plus 300 basis points, with a 3% floor on the LIBOR rate. Prior to the amendment, the maturity date was accelerated to December 1, 2009 if the April 2010 notes were not refinanced or repaid at that time, or to January 1, 2010 if UCHC’s May 2010 notes were not refinanced or repaid at that time. The maturity date of the term loan remains at June 9, 2011 if the early maturity date feature is not triggered. In conjunction with this amendment, UCDP paid a fee of $4,295,000 which will be amortized through April 1, 2010.

Indebtedness consisted of the following (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     Interest Rate     Maturity Date   As of
September 28,
2008
    As of
December 31,
2007
 

Senior secured credit facility

   LIBOR + 300 bps     (1)   $ 509,000     $ 509,000  

UCHC floating rate senior notes (“May 2010 notes”)

   LIBOR + 475 bps     May 1, 2010     300,000       300,000  

UCHC fixed rate senior notes (“May 2010 notes”)

   8.38 %   May 1, 2010     150,000       150,000  

UCDP fixed rate senior notes (“April 2010 notes”)

   11.75 %   April 1, 2010     500,000       500,000  
                    

Gross principal payable

         1,459,000       1,459,000  

Unamortized discounts

         (1,249 )     (1,874 )
                    

Total debt

       $ 1,457,751     $ 1,457,126  
                    

 

(1) The maturity date of the senior secured credit facility is June 9, 2011, however, it is repayable in full at April 1, 2010, if the April 2010 notes and the May 2010 notes are not refinanced or repaid in full prior to such date.

As of September 28, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had $100,000,000 available under its revolving credit facilities.

3. Interest Rate Swaps

The following table summarizes the notional values and fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as of September 28, 2008 (in thousands, except percentages):

 

Notional value

  

Expiration date

   Fair value     Interest rate    

Accounting treatment

  

Terms

$ 200,000    November 20, 2009    $ (3,677 )   4.77 %   Other comprehensive income    Fixed
  125,000    October 15, 2009      (1,461 )   4.41 %   Other comprehensive income    Fixed
                      
$ 325,000       $ (5,138 )       
                      

The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to its derivative financial instruments. The Company limits this exposure by entering into agreements directly with major financial institutions that meet its credit standards and that are expected to satisfy their obligations under these contracts. The Company views derivative financial instruments as a risk management tool in the prudent operation of its business.

As described in Note 1, the Company adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008. SFAS 157, among other things, defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. SFAS 157 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, SFAS 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

9


Table of Contents

Level 2. Inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company’s derivative financial instruments as of September 28, 2008 are valued using inputs that fall within Level 2 of the three-tier hierarchy established by SFAS 157.

4. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

The following presents major components of accounts payable and accrued liabilities (in thousands) as of:

 

     September 28,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Accounts payable

   $ 20,452    $ 11,602

Capital expenditures

     25,414      24,817

Marketing and advertising

     9,013      10,322

Interest

     43,005      26,916

Compensation and benefits

     26,272      32,826

Operating accruals

     14,037      17,716

Consulting fees

     5,613      4,464

Property and sales tax

     15,573      2,301

Other

     5,451      6,978
             

Total

   $ 164,830    $ 137,942
             

5. Capital Leases and Financing Obligations

Intangible assets and equipment, fixtures and furniture included approximately $42,395,000 and $42,590,000, related to financing obligations and capital leases as of September 28, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. This included $195,000 and $0 in accumulated amortization as of September 28, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. At September 28, 2008, future minimum payments due under financing obligations and capital leases totaled approximately $32,885,000 (net of $13,865,000 in interest). The net present value of future minimum payments include $5,443,000, $3,958,000, $3,679,000, $3,419,000, $3,354,000 and $13,032,000, due in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and years subsequent to 2013, respectively.

6. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 28,
2008
   September 30,
2007
    September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Net income

   $ 38,878    $ 47,708     $ 42,988     $ 46,266  

Change in fair value of interest rate swaps designated as hedges

     1,116      (5,227 )     (32 )     (4,425 )
                               

Comprehensive income

   $ 39,994    $ 42,481     $ 42,956     $ 41,841  
                               

7. Related Party Transactions

Under the terms of UCDP’s partnership agreement, a special fee is payable to Vivendi Universal Entertainment through Universal CPM equal to 5% of certain revenue, as defined, generated by Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. During the three and nine months ended September 28, 2008 the Company paid fees of $10,325,000, and $28,063,000, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company paid fees of $11,059,000, and $27,075,000, respectively, to Vivendi Universal Entertainment. In addition, at September 28, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, the amount due to related parties included $11,241,000 and $9,015,000 related to the current portion of special fees payable to Vivendi Universal Entertainment.

The most restrictive quarterly covenant within the Company’s debt agreements for payment of the special fee is a debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined in the senior secured credit facility) of 5.0 to 1.0 or less related to the current special fees below $20,000,000 and 4.0 to 1.0 or less related to the current and deferred special fees in excess of $20,000,000 annually. As these ratios were met as of September 28, 2008, payments of $11,241,000 in special fees will be made during the fourth quarter of 2008.

 

10


Table of Contents

8. Litigation

2007 Assessments

On September 18, 2007, UCDP filed petitions to the Orange County Value Adjustment Board (“VAB”) seeking review and adjustment of the 2007 assessments by the Orange County Property Appraiser (the “Property Appraiser”) of certain real and tangible personal property owned by UCDP. The Special Magistrates recommended that UCDP’s petitions be denied as to the Universal Studios Florida (“USF”) and Universal’s Islands of Adventure (“IOA”) tangible personal property and real property and recommended that the assessment as to UCDP’s parking garages be reduced. The VAB approved and adopted the Special Magistrates’ recommendations on February 26, 2008. On April 24, 2008, UCDP filed complaints challenging these assessments in circuit court. On June 4, 2008, Orange County Tax Collector (the “Tax Collector”) filed answers to the petitions. On June 16, 2008, the Property Appraiser and Florida Department of Revenue (“FDOR”), filed answers to the petitions. UCDP paid the full assessment with respect to the 2007 real and personal property on November 30, 2007. Accordingly, an adverse resolution of these assessments would not create any exposure beyond the amount already paid by UCDP.

2006 Assessments

In the second quarter of 2007, UCDP received and recorded a refund of approximately $1.0 million (the “2006 Refund”) with respect to an adjustment of the 2006 assessments by the Property Appraiser reducing the assessed property values of certain real and tangible personal property owned by UCDP.

Meanwhile, on April 17, 2007, the Property Appraiser filed a Complaint in state circuit court challenging the reduced 2006 tangible personal property assessments. On May 16, 2007, UCDP filed two lawsuits against the Property Appraiser, Tax Collector and the FDOR, challenging the Property Appraiser’s 2006 assessments for (i) real property at USF and IOA and for (ii) UCDP’s parking garages. The parties are currently engaged in motion practice and discovery and the Company cannot predict the outcome of these cases. In the event of an adverse determination, UCDP may be required to repay the amount of the 2006 Refund, plus interest and penalties if awarded by the court. It is premature to assess the likelihood of any material impact to UCDP’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Back Assessments

On December 21, 2006, the Property Appraiser concluded an audit of UCDP’s 2003, 2004 and 2005 tangible personal property returns, asserting that UCDP underreported its tangible personal property in each of those years. The Property Appraiser issued back assessments resulting in back taxes, interest and penalties being charged by the Tax Collector. On February 19, 2007, UCDP filed a complaint in state circuit court challenging the legality of the back assessments and seeking other relief. On April 25, 2007, the Court dismissed the portions of UCDP’s complaint pertaining to the back assessments on IOA, and it also dismissed UCDP’s due process claim. On May 14, 2007, UCDP re-filed the complaint (“UCDP’s Re-filed Back Assessment Complaint”) as to IOA. On September 12, 2007, the FDOR filed an Answer. On February 15, 2008, the court denied the Property Appraiser’s motion to dismiss UCDP’s Re-filed Back Assessment Complaint. The Property Appraiser and Tax Collector appealed the denial of the dismissal of UCDP’s Re-filed Back Assessment Complaint. UCDP opposed the appeal, and on July 3, 2008, the Court denied the appeal. Therefore, UCDP’s actions challenging the back assessments remain pending and are currently being litigated.

Other

The Company is threatened with or involved in various other legal actions and claims incidental to the conduct of its business. Management does not expect these legal actions and claims to have a material impact to the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

9. Subsequent event

In October 2008, upon completing its quarterly assessment of the Company’s performance during the first nine months of 2008 and its covenant compliance under its debt instruments, the Company paid distributions to Blackstone and Vivendi Universal Entertainment of approximately $29,000,000 with respect to such period.

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview Related to Financial Results

Driven by a weakening economy, our attendance for the first nine months of 2008 was down approximately 1% compared to the same period in 2007. However, guest spending for the year increased by approximately 1%, which propelled year-over-year revenue growth of $2.8 million. Due to increased operating expenses driven by an investment in our parks’ content, increased commodity and fuel

 

11


Table of Contents

costs and a $2.8 million gain on the sale of land in 2007, our net income decreased by $3.3 million in the first nine months of the year compared to 2007. We finished the third quarter in a strong financial position with $324.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, including $100.0 million in unused revolving credit. We also owed $1,457.8 million on our long-term debt at September 28, 2008.

Seasonality

Theme park attendance follows a seasonal pattern which coincides closely with holiday and school schedules. The year begins with the end of the peak Christmas and New Year’s holiday period. When children return to school, attendance levels subside. During the March to April timeframe, spring break and Easter vacation periods drive seasonally high attendance. Since the peak spring break period fluctuates from year to year between the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second quarter, historical quarterly financial information might not be comparable. May is a traditionally slow attendance period. June marks the beginning of the summer attendance peak when local schools are out for the summer. This peak attendance period continues throughout the month of June, as schools outside of Florida finish their terms. The peak summer period includes the entire month of July and the first few weeks in August, when the local schools begin to go back into session. Attendance levels continue to decline through Labor Day, when schools outside of Florida begin. Excluding special events such as “Rock the Universe” in September and “Halloween Horror Nights” in October, the period from September through November is seasonally slow, with an attendance spike around Thanksgiving week. Attendance falls again after Thanksgiving weekend, and does not pick up until the third week of December, when the peak Christmas and New Year’s holiday period begins. The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season begins in June and ends in November of each year. Historically, hurricanes have had little impact on Orlando theme parks. Since opening in 1991, our parks have been closed only five days due to the inclement weather caused by hurricanes, four of which occurred during the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons. Additionally, our attendance was adversely impacted by Tropical Storm Fay which brought inclement weather to Central Florida during a four-day period in August.

Based on the seasonality of our attendance, the results for the three and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In the ordinary course of business, we make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial condition in the preparation of our condensed combined financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. We believe that the application of these accounting policies, which are important to our financial position and results of operations, requires significant judgments and estimates on the part of management. For a summary of all of our accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies, see Note 2 in our audited combined financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under cover of Form 10-K. Besides what is disclosed within this document, there have been no material developments with respect to the critical accounting policies discussed in detail in our Form 10-K within Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Litigation

We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, have accrued the low end of the estimated range of probable costs for the resolution of these claims. This estimate has been developed in consultation with outside counsel and is based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings. See Note 8 in Part 1, Item 1. Condensed Combined Financial Statements (unaudited) in this document for more detailed information on litigation exposure.

Period end

The three months ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 each contained 91 days. The nine months ended September 28, 2008 contained 272 days, while the nine months ended September 30, 2007 contained 273 days.

Recent accounting pronouncements

See Note 1 General in Part I — Item 1 Condensed Combined Financial Statements in this document for a detailed description of recent accounting pronouncements.

Long term growth plan

During the second quarter of 2008, UCDP’s Park Advisory Board approved the Long-Term Growth Plan effective as of January 1, 2008. The Long-Term Growth Plan provides key employees the opportunity to benefit from UCDP’s growth in value. Employees who are eligible to participate in the plan are limited to UCDP’s Executive Committee members, UCDP’s business unit heads, and a select

 

12


Table of Contents

group of Universal Parks & Resorts and other UCDP executives. Under the plan, which is administered by the Park Advisory Board, each participant is granted one or more Value Appreciation Rights (VARs). The value of a VAR is generally based on the growth in market value of the equity interests of the ownership partners (Blackstone Capital Partners and NBC Universal, Inc.) in UCDP. A pool is established for valuing the VARs and such pool is equal to 2% of the growth in UCDP’s equity value. The value of a VAR is calculated by dividing the total pool value by the total number of outstanding VARs. Each VAR will be triggered and automatically exercisable upon the earlier of a change in UCDP’s ownership structure which results in NBC Universal, Inc. owning less than 50%, or January 1, 2011. If a change of ownership occurs, the payout value is calculated based on the sales price of this ownership change. If January 1, 2011 is reached, the payout value is calculated based on an earnings multiple from financial results generated during 2010, subject to specific caps so that the payout value for each participant is no more than 150% of their total compensation as of January 1, 2011. Under the plan, all awards are paid in cash. If a participant ceases to be employed by reason of retirement, disability, death or termination (other than for cause), any VARs earned continue under the plan and are pro-rated. Where there is a termination (other than for cause), the participant is not allowed to receive payout under the plan if that party had not been an active participant in the plan for at least nine months. If a person ceases to be employed for reasons other than retirement, disability, death or termination (other than for cause), any rights under the plan and all VARs granted are canceled.

 

13


Table of Contents

Results of Operations

 

     Three months ended    % Change  
(In thousands, except percentages and per cap data)    September 28,
2008
   September 30,
2007
   Favorable/
(unfavorable)
 

Operational data:

        

Paid theme park admissions

     3,048      3,114    (2.1 )%

Turnstile theme park admissions

     3,262      3,319    (1.7 )%

Theme park pass revenue per paid admission

   $ 43.44    $ 41.96    3.5 %

Theme park food, beverage and merchandise revenue per turnstile admission

     19.01      18.80    1.1 %

Other theme park related revenue per turnstile admission

     7.98      8.77    (9.0 )%

Statement of operations data:

        

Operating revenues:

        

Theme park passes

   $ 132,412    $ 130,659    1.3 %

Theme park food and beverage

     32,672      33,467    (2.4 )%

Theme park merchandise

     29,350      28,936    1.4 %

Other theme park related

     26,026      29,107    (10.6 )%

Other

     43,762      44,516    (1.7 )%
                    

Total operating revenues

     264,222      266,685    (0.9 )%

Costs and operating expenses:

        

Theme park operations

     46,562      44,818    (3.9 )%

Theme park selling, general and administrative

     36,631      30,674    (19.4 )%

Theme park cost of products sold

     31,951      31,332    (2.0 )%

Special fee to Vivendi Universal Entertainment and consultant fee

     16,663      16,803    0.8 %

Depreciation and amortization

     26,458      28,344    6.7 %

Other

     34,365      34,056    (0.9 )%
                    

Total costs and operating expenses

     192,630      186,027    (3.5 )%
                    

Operating income

     71,592      80,658    (11.2 )%

Non-operating expenses

     32,714      32,950    0.7 %
                    

Net income

   $ 38,878    $ 47,708    (18.5 )%
                    

Three Months Ended September 28, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

Paid Theme Park Admissions decreased 2% during the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007. International attendance had low double-digit percentage growth while our domestic markets saw low double-digit percentage declines. We believe our domestic attendance declines are affected by the continued downturn in the United States economy and high fuel prices that persisted throughout the third quarter in 2008. Additionally, our attendance was adversely impacted by Tropical Storm Fay which brought inclement weather to Central Florida during a four-day period in August. Our total Operating Revenues decreased $2.5 million, or 1%, driven by the attendance shortfall, which was offset partially by a 1% increase in per capita spending. We also experienced a $2.3 million decrease in our corporate special event business.

Theme Park Operations were unfavorable by $1.7 million due to increased maintenance and operational costs, as a result of the opening of the SimpsonsTM and DisasterSM attractions, which opened in the second quarter of 2008 and fourth quarter of 2007, respectively. Theme park selling, general and administrative costs were unfavorable $6.0 million, due to an increase in marketing expenses of $4.3 million resulting from a shift in the timing of spend. Our gross margin percentage on the sale of food, beverage and merchandise product decreased from 49.8% during the three months ended September 30, 2007 to 48.5% during the three months ended September 28, 2008. This decrease is largely due to increased commodity and fuel costs during the three months ended September 28, 2008. Depreciation and amortization expenses were favorable by $1.9 million in 2008 primarily due to accelerated depreciation in 2007. Non-operating expenses were favorable by $0.2 million. This resulted primarily from decreased interest expense of $2.7 million due to declining interest rates on our floating rate debt. This was partially offset by lower interest income of $1.4 million and reduced operating results from our unconsolidated entities of $1.2 million.

 

14


Table of Contents
     Nine Months ended    % Change  
(In thousands, except percentages and per cap data)    September 28,
2008
   September 30,
2007
   Favorable/
(unfavorable)
 

Operational data:

        

Paid theme park admissions

     8,228      8,318    (1.1 )%

Turnstile theme park admissions

     8,838      8,901    (0.7 )%

Theme park pass revenue per paid admission

   $ 42.40    $ 41.34    2.6 %

Theme park food, beverage and merchandise revenue per turnstile admission

     18.97      18.94    0.2 %

Other theme park related revenue per turnstile admission

     8.93      8.79    1.6 %

Statement of operations data:

        

Operating revenues:

        

Theme park admissions

   $ 348,846    $ 343,873    1.4 %

Theme park food and beverage

     88,145      89,482    (1.5 )%

Theme park merchandise

     79,497      79,131    0.5 %

Other theme park related

     78,910      78,203    0.9 %

Other

     121,221      123,169    (1.6 )%
                    

Total operating revenues

     716,619      713,858    0.4 %

Costs and operating expenses:

        

Theme park operations

     133,368      128,014    (4.2 )%

Theme park selling, general and administrative

     119,032      118,479    (0.5 )%

Theme park cost of products sold

     87,955      85,734    (2.6 )%

Special fee to Vivendi Universal Entertainment and consultant fee

     45,107      44,787    (0.7 )%

Depreciation and amortization

     83,861      82,644    (1.5 )%

Other

     106,728      104,116    (2.5 )%
                    

Total costs and operating expenses

     576,051      563,774    (2.2 )%
                    

Operating income

     140,568      150,084    (6.3 )%

Non-operating expenses

     97,580      103,818    6.0 %
                    

Net income

   $ 42,988    $ 46,266    (7.1 )%
                    

Nine Months Ended September 28, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

Paid Theme Park Admissions were down 1% during the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007 due to the weakening economy. International attendance had low double-digit percentage growth while our domestic markets saw mid-single-digit percentage declines. Despite this shortfall, our total Operating Revenues increased $2.8 million, or 0.4%, driven by 2% growth in per capita spending. We also experienced a $1.9 million increase in our corporate special event business and $3.8 million in growth from our travel company driven by new initiatives. This was partially offset by $3.9 million in lower revenues from CityWalk.

Theme Park Operations were unfavorable by $5.4 million due to increased maintenance, entertainment and operational costs, as a result of a shift in the timing of maintenance spending and the opening of the SimpsonsTM and DisasterSM attractions, which opened in the second quarter of 2008 and fourth quarter of 2007, respectively. Our gross margin percentage on the sale of food, beverage and merchandise product decreased from 49.2% during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to 47.5% during the nine months ended September 28, 2008. This decrease is largely due to increased commodity and fuel costs during the nine months ended September 28, 2008. Other operating costs increased by $2.6 million predominately due to $3.2 million in incremental expenses from our travel company resulting from its higher revenues. Non-operating Expenses were favorable by $6.2 million from the prior year period. This resulted primarily from higher gains from unconsolidated entities of $1.7 million and decreased interest expense of $9.0 million due to the declining interest rates on our floating rate debt. These were partially offset by a $2.8 million gain from the sale of land in 2007 as well as the reduction of interest income of $2.2 million, due to lower interest rates earned.

 

15


Table of Contents

EBITDA

Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization or, EBITDA, is defined as net income excluding: (i) interest expense, net of interest income; and (ii) depreciation and amortization. We have included EBITDA (as defined) because it is used by some investors as a measure of our ability to service debt, to generate cash flow, and to measure Company operating performance under our Annual Incentive Plan. In addition, it is the primary basis in UCDP’s senior secured credit agreement to determine our quarterly compliance with our funded debt ratio and the interest coverage ratio, which is computed based on the prior twelve months. We believe UCDP’s senior secured credit agreement is a material agreement as it represents a critical component of our capital structure and an important source of our liquidity. Our failure to comply with the financial maintenance covenants in UCDP’s senior secured credit agreement would result in an event of default occurring under the agreement which would give our lenders the right to accelerate all of the indebtedness then outstanding under that agreement. The calculation of EBITDA under our indentures is different, although it generally results in a similar figure. We have defined EBITDA in accordance with UCDP’s credit agreement because it is an important liquidity measure. EBITDA is not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered as an alternative for net income, net cash and equivalents provided by operating activities and other combined income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. EBITDA, because it is before debt service, capital expenditures, and working capital needs, does not represent cash that is available for other purposes at our discretion. Our presentation of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The following is a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to EBITDA (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
    September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities

   $ 91,544     $ 90,910     $ 172,463     $ 205,119  

Adjustments:

        

Interest expense

     34,177       36,867       101,273       110,315  

Interest income

     (986 )     (2,344 )     (2,759 )     (4,998 )

Amortization of deferred finance costs

     (2,580 )     (1,903 )     (6,386 )     (5,710 )

Gain on sale of property and equipment

     —         —         —         2,776  

Distributions from investments in unconsolidated entities

     (772 )     (304 )     (2,504 )     (1,161 )

Income from investments in unconsolidated entities

     745       1,971       2,816       1,103  

Accretion of bond discount

     (209 )     (208 )     (625 )     (629 )

Interest on financing obligations

     (596 )     (561 )     (1,773 )     (788 )

Minority interest in net earnings of UCRP

     (268 )     (398 )     (1,882 )     (2,380 )

Change in working capital

     (22,528 )     (13,455 )     (35,260 )     (69,420 )
                                

EBITDA

   $ 98,527     $ 110,575     $ 225,363     $ 234,227  
                                

The following is a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
    September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Net income

   $ 38,878     $ 47,708     $ 42,988     $ 46,266  

Adjustments:

        

Interest expense

     34,177       36,867       101,273       110,315  

Depreciation and amortization

     26,458       28,344       83,861       82,644  

Interest income

     (986 )     (2,344 )     (2,759 )     (4,998 )
                                

EBITDA

   $ 98,527     $ 110,575     $ 225,363     $ 234,227  
                                

 

16


Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash flows

The following table summarizes key aspects of our cash flows (in thousands):

 

     Nine Months ended  
     September 28,
2008
   September 30,
2007
 

Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities

   $ 172,463    $ 205,119  

Net cash and cash equivalents used in investing activities

     95,901      21,009  

Capital expenditures

     98,037      35,855  

Net cash and cash equivalents provided by/(used in) financing activities

     9,814      (20,196 )

During the nine months ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively, net cash provided by operating activities was $172.5 million and $205.1 million. The decrease is largely due to changes in working capital accounts of $34.2 million, which were driven mainly by the timing of payments on marketing invoices in addition to changes in our deferred revenue balance.

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, totaled $95.9 million and $21.0 million, respectively. The cash flows were primarily comprised of capital expenditures in each year with slight offsets resulting from capital reimbursements, and in the case of 2007, proceeds from land sales. We make annual investments both to provide ongoing capital support for our existing park attractions and infrastructure, and also to fund the development of new park attractions and infrastructure. We believe these investments are critical in maintaining our position of having technologically advanced theme parks and to effectively compete with our competitors. These costs can vary from one year to the next, depending on the timing of the construction cycles.

We estimate our capital expenditures, including intellectual property rights, to be approximately $150.0 million during 2008. Our capital expenditures in excess of the amount permitted by the capital covenant in our senior secured credit agreement will be funded through partner equity contributions. A large portion of this cost relates to the design and construction of our Simpsons™ attraction, which opened to the public on April 28, 2008 and the upcoming Harry Potter™ island which we anticipate opening by the summer of 2010. Additionally, we are constructing a new roller coaster ride that will open in 2009. We estimate our total anticipated capital investment in these attractions will range from $275.0 million to $310.0 million. This includes all capital expenditures to build these attractions. This also takes into account the net present value of all license fee payments, including license fee payments to Warner Bros. Consumer Products Inc. that would become payable during the renewal option periods, but does not include merchandise royalties.

During the nine months ended September 28, 2008, net cash provided by financing activities totaled $9.8 million, while net cash flows used in financing activities totaled $20.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. For 2008, the amount consisted primarily of contributions made by our Partners of $28.7 million partially offset by tax distributions made to the Partners of $11.6 million and payments for financing costs of $4.3 million. These financing costs resulted from the amendment to the early maturity date feature in UCDP’s senior secured credit facility as discussed below. For 2007, the amount mainly consisted of payments on financing obligations and contributions to investments in unconsolidated entities.

Financial position

The following table summarizes key aspects in our financial position and liquidity (in thousands):

 

     As of
     September 28,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 224,515    $ 138,139

Unused portion of revolving credit facility

     100,000      100,000

Current portion of long-term borrowings, capital lease and financing obligations

     5,750      375

Current portion of special fees

     11,241      9,015

Total long-term obligations (1)

     1,484,887      1,488,239

 

(1) Long-term obligations include long-term borrowings (excluding current portions), and long-term capital lease and financing obligations.

At September 28, 2008, our total debt was $1,457.8 million, which included $450.0 million outstanding under the bonds due in May 2010, $498.8 million outstanding under the bonds due in April 2010 ($500.0 million, net of a remaining discount of $1.2 million) and $509.0 million outstanding under UCDP’s senior secured credit facility. At September 28, 2008, we also had $324.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and unused revolving credit, consisting of $224.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and $100.0 million

 

17


Table of Contents

available under our revolving credit facilities. UCDP’s senior secured credit agreement and bonds contain certain customary limitations. We believe we were in compliance with all financial covenants as of September 28, 2008. On July 28, 2008, UCDP amended the early maturity date feature in the senior secured credit facility to April 1, 2010 unless both the April 2010 notes and the UCHC May 2010 notes, are refinanced or repaid prior to that time. Additionally, the interest rate on the senior secured credit facility will increase from 3-month LIBOR plus 175 basis points to 3-month LIBOR plus 300 basis points, with a 3% floor on the LIBOR rate. Prior to the amendment, the maturity date was accelerated to December 1, 2009 if the April 2010 notes were not refinanced or repaid at that time, or to January 1, 2010 if UCHC’s May 2010 notes were not refinanced or repaid at that time. The maturity date of the term loan remains at June 9, 2011 if the early maturity date feature is not triggered. In conjunction with this amendment, UCDP paid a fee of $4.3 million which will be amortized through April 1, 2010. Furthermore, our access to capital markets and our ability to issue various securities to raise capital could be affected by changes in our bond ratings. Although our bond rating has remained essentially consistent during 2008, we cannot be assured that future changes in our ratings will not occur.

As a result of the debt amendment, we believe that funds generated from UCDP’s operations and our available borrowing capacity will be adequate to fund our debt service requirements, capital expenditures and working capital requirements for the next 12 months. Although we believe that our current financial position and financing options will provide flexibility in financing activities and permit us to respond to changing conditions, we cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under UCDP’s revolving credit facility in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. Our ability to continue to fund these items and continue to reduce debt could be adversely affected by the occurrence of unfavorable events.

We are subject to certain refinancing risks, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in Part II – Other Information in this document as well as Part I — Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 for further discussion.

Special fees

Under UCDP’s partnership agreement, a “special fee” is payable to Vivendi Universal Entertainment through Universal CPM. The special fee is calculated at 5% of certain gross operating revenues, as defined in the UCDP partnership agreement, generated from each of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Subsequent to the refinancing of UCDP’s senior secured credit facility in December 2004, the most restrictive quarterly covenant for payment of the special fee is a debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined in the April 2010 notes) of 5.0 to 1.0 or less related to the current special fees and 3.75 to 1.0 or less related to the deferred special fees (as defined in the senior secured credit facility). These ratios were met as of December 31, 2007 and June 29, 2008. Accordingly, during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2008, we paid fees of $10.3 million and $28.1 million, respectively to Vivendi Universal Entertainment. As these ratios were also met as of September 28, 2008, a payment of $11.2 million in special fees will be made during the fourth quarter of 2008. At September 28, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, our combined balance sheet included $11.2 million and $9.0 million classified as current liabilities related to the current portion of the special fees payable to Vivendi Universal Entertainment.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements appearing in this report are “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenue or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions, business trends and other information that is not historical information. When used in this report, the words “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “forecasts” or future conditional verbs, such as “will,” “should,” “could,” or “may” and variations of such words or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward looking statements, including, without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends and data, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved. Because these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, our actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of the risks and uncertainties that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to general economic downturn; the dependence of our business on air travel; the risks inherent in deriving substantially all of our revenues from one location; our dependence on Vivendi Universal Entertainment and its affiliates; risks related to unfavorable outcomes of our legal proceedings; the loss of key distribution channels for pass sales; competition within the Orlando theme park market; publicity associated with accidents occurring at theme parks; the loss of material intellectual property rights used in our business; the seasonality of our business; costs of commodities and fuel; and the substantial indebtedness of us and our subsidiaries, including the refinancing risk related thereto. There may also be other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this report. All forward looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf apply only as of the date of this report and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this report. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

 

18


Table of Contents
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The following is a schedule of our fixed and variable rate debt maturities and principal payments for each of the next five years, and thereafter (in thousands, except for percentages):

 

     2008    2009    2010     2011     2012    Total

Debt:

               

Fixed rate debt

   $ —      $ —      $ 650,000     $ —       $ —      $ 650,000

Average interest rate

     n/a      n/a      10.97 %     n/a       n/a   

Variable rate debt

   $ —      $ —      $ 300,000     $ 509,000     $ —      $ 809,000

Average interest rate

     n/a      n/a      7.63 %     6.00 %     n/a   
                                           

Total gross debt

   $ —      $ —      $ 950,000     $ 509,000     $ —      $ 1,459,000
                                           

We are exposed to market risks relating to fluctuations in interest rates. We may mitigate this risk by paying down additional outstanding balances on our variable rate loans, refinancing with fixed rate permanent debt or obtaining cash flow hedge instruments. As a result, we have $484.0 million of unhedged variable rate debt. Based on these variable-rate obligations, each 1% increase or decrease in the level of interest rates would, respectively, increase or decrease our annual interest expense and related cash payments by approximately $4.8 million.

The sensitivity analysis described above, contains certain simplifying assumptions, (for example, it assumes a constant level of variable-rate debt for all maturities and an immediate, across-the-board increase or decrease in the level of interest rates with no other subsequent changes for the remainder of the period). Therefore, although it gives an indication of our exposure to changes in interest rates, it is not intended to predict future results, and our actual results will likely vary.

We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the derivative financial instruments. We limit this exposure by entering into agreements directly with a number of major financial institutions that meet our credit standards and that are expected to satisfy their obligations under the contracts.

 

Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

Universal City Florida Holding Co. I and Universal City Florida Holding Co. II

The management of Universal City Florida Holding Co. I and Universal City Florida Holding Co. II (collectively “UCHC”) carried out an evaluation, with the participation of UCHC’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of UCHC’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, UCHC’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that UCHC’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by UCHC in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules, regulations and forms promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

There was no change in UCHC’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 28, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, UCHC’s internal control over financial reporting.

UCFH I Finance, Inc. and UCFH II Finance, Inc.

The management of UCFH I Finance, Inc. and UCFH II Finance, Inc. (collectively “Finance”) carried out an evaluation, with the participation of Finance’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of Finance’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, Finance’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that Finance’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Finance in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules, regulations and forms promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

There was no change in Finance’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 28, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Finance’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

19


Table of Contents

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 8 Litigation in Part I — Item 1 Condensed Combined Financial Statements in this document for a detailed description of current legal proceedings.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

See Part I — Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, for a discussion regarding some of the reasons that our actual operating results may differ materially from those that we anticipate. Due to the amended term in the senior secured credit facility discussed in Note 2 Long-Term Borrowings in Part I — Item 1 Condensed Combined Financial Statements (unaudited), one of the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 has been updated as follows:

We may not be able to refinance or repay in full the May 2010 notes and UCDP may not be able to refinance or repay in full the April 2010 notes by 2010 when they all mature and if we are or UCDP is, as the case may be, unable to refinance or repay in full the May 2010 notes and the April 2010 notes prior to April 1, 2010, then UCDP’s amended and restated senior secured credit agreement will also become due and payable and our subsidiaries may be forced to take other actions to satisfy their obligations under such indebtedness, which may not be successful.

The May 2010 notes will mature on May 1, 2010. The April 2010 notes mature on April 1, 2010. In addition, if we are unable to refinance or repay in full the May 2010 notes prior to April 1, 2010, or UCDP is unable to refinance or repay in full the April 2010 notes prior to April 1, 2010, then UCDP’s amended and restated senior secured credit agreement will also become due and payable in full at that time.

We cannot assure you that UCDP will be able to refinance the UCDP amended and restated senior secured credit agreement in the timeframe anticipated, on commercially agreeable terms or at all. In addition, we cannot make assurances that they will be able to repay in full or refinance the May 2010 notes on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or that UCDP will be able to repay in full or refinance the April 2010 notes on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. See “Item 7. Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Liquidity, capital resources and financial position.” disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. If any of our subsidiaries cannot service its indebtedness, it may have to take actions such as selling assets, seeking additional equity contributions or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions, investments and alliances. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit that subsidiary to meet scheduled debt service obligations. Our subsidiaries could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to sell material assets or operations in an attempt to meet their debt service and other obligations. Any of the foregoing could prevent us from paying principal, premium, if any, and interest on the notes and substantially decrease the market value of the notes.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

Tracey L. Stockwell, our Principal Financial Officer and the Principal Financial Officer of Universal City Development Partners, Ltd. (UCDP), has an employment contract with UCDP. This contract was due to expire on January 22, 2009. On September 26, 2008, Ms. Stockwell’s contract was extended until January 22, 2011. No other key terms were modified. This employment contract is listed as exhibit number 10.3 within Item 6. Exhibits of this filing.

 

20


Table of Contents
Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Exhibit Description

   10.1   Long-term Growth Plan. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 on our report on Form 8-K filed May 29, 2008.
   10.2   First Amendment dated July 25, 2008 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 9, 2004 among Universal City Development Partners, Ltd., a Florida limited partnership, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly known as JPMorgan Chase Bank), as administrative agent (and as collateral agent) and Bank Of America, N.A., as syndication agent, previously filed as Exhibit 99.1 to our report on Form 8-K on July 28, 2008.
   10.3   Amendment to Employment Agreement of Tracey L. Stockwell, previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our report on Form 8-K on October 2, 2008.
31(i).1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Universal City Florida Holding Co. I Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31(i).2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Universal City Florida Holding Co. I Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31(i).3   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of UCFH I Finance, Inc. Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31(i).4   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of UCFH I Finance, Inc. Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31(i).5   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Universal City Florida Holding Co. II Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31(i).6   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Universal City Florida Holding Co. II Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31(i).7   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of UCFH II Finance, Inc. Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31(i).8   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of UCFH II Finance, Inc. Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
    32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Universal City Florida Holding Co. I Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
    32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Universal City Florida Holding Co. I Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
    32.3   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of UCFH I Finance, Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
    32.4   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of UCFH I Finance, Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
    32.5   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Universal City Florida Holding Co. II Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
    32.6   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Universal City Florida Holding Co. II Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
    32.7   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of UCFH II Finance, Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
    32.8   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of UCFH II Finance, Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 

21


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

  UNIVERSAL CITY FLORIDA HOLDING CO. I
Date: November 7, 2008   By:  

/s/ Tracey L. Stockwell

  Name:   Tracey L. Stockwell
  Title:   Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer
  UCFH I FINANCE, INC.
Date: November 7, 2008   By:  

/s/ Tracey L. Stockwell

  Name:   Tracey L. Stockwell
  Title:   Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer
  UNIVERSAL CITY FLORIDA HOLDING CO. II
Date: November 7, 2008   By:  

/s/ Tracey L. Stockwell

  Name:   Tracey L. Stockwell
  Title:   Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer
  UCFH II FINANCE, INC.
Date: November 7, 2008   By:  

/s/ Tracey L. Stockwell

  Name:   Tracey L. Stockwell
  Title:   Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer

 

22