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Litigation, Contractual Commitments, and Contingent Liabilities
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Litigation, Contractual Commitments, and Contingent Liabilities Litigation, Contractual Commitments, and Contingent Liabilities
Litigation
Caesars is party to ordinary and routine litigation incidental to our business. We do not expect the outcome of any such litigation to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Litigation Relating to the Merger
On September 5, 2019, a complaint was filed against Caesars and each member of the Caesars’ board of directors (the “Caesars Board”) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The lawsuit, captioned Stein v. Caesars Entertainment Corp., et al., Civil Action No. 1:19-cv-01656, alleges violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, and 17 C.F.R. § 244.100, against the defendants for allegedly disseminating a false and misleading proxy statement in connection with the Merger. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Caesars violated the securities laws by failing to disclose (i) certain information about the process leading up to the approval of the Merger by the Caesars Board; and (ii) certain financial information relating to the financial advisors’ analyses of the transaction. The plaintiff seeks (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Merger, unless and until Caesars discloses to its stockholders the allegedly material information discussed in the complaint, (ii) if the Merger is consummated, rescission of the Merger or rescissory damages and (iii) an accounting to plaintiff for all damages suffered as a result of defendants’ alleged wrongdoing. The plaintiff also seeks an award of costs and disbursements incurred in the action, including a reasonable allowance for expert fees and attorneys’ fees.
On September 9, 2019, a class action complaint was filed against Caesars, each member of the Caesars Board, Eldorado and Merger Sub in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The lawsuit, captioned Palkon v. Caesars Entertainment Corp., et al., Civil Action No. 1:19-cv-01679, alleges violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, against the defendants for allegedly disseminating a false and misleading proxy statement in connection with the Merger. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Caesars and/or Eldorado violated the securities laws by failing to disclose (i) certain information about the process leading up to the approval of the Merger by the Caesars Board; (ii) certain financial information relating to the financial advisors’ analyses of the transaction; and (iii) certain information regarding potential conflicts of interest of the financial advisor. The plaintiff seeks, among other things, (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Merger, unless and until Caesars discloses to its stockholders the allegedly material information discussed in the complaint and (ii) if the Merger is consummated, rescission of the Merger or rescissory damages suffered as a result of defendants’ alleged wrongdoing. The plaintiff also seeks an award of costs incurred in the action, including a reasonable allowance for expert fees and attorneys’ fees.
On September 11, 2019, a complaint was filed against Caesars and each member of the Caesars Board in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. The lawsuit, captioned Romaniuk v. Caesars Entertainment Corp., et al., Civil Action No. 1:19-cv-17871, alleges violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, against the defendants for allegedly disseminating a false and misleading proxy statement in connection with the Merger. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Caesars violated the securities laws by failing to disclose (i) certain information about the process
leading up to the approval of the Merger by the Caesars Board; (ii) certain financial information relating to the financial advisors’ analyses of the transaction; and (iii) certain information regarding potential conflicts of interest of the financial advisor. The plaintiff seeks (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Merger, unless and until Caesars discloses to its stockholders the allegedly material information discussed in the complaint and (ii) if the Merger is consummated, rescission of the Merger or rescissory damages. The plaintiff also seeks an award of costs and expenses incurred in the action, including a reasonable allowance for expert fees and attorneys’ fees.
On September 12, 2019, a class action complaint was filed against Caesars, each member of the Caesars Board and Eldorado in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The lawsuit, captioned Gershman v. Caesars Entertainment Corp., et al., Civil Action No. 1:19-cv-01720, alleges violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, against the defendants for allegedly disseminating a false and misleading proxy statement in connection with the Merger. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Caesars violated the securities laws by failing to (i) disclose certain information about the process leading up to the approval of the Merger by the Caesars Board; (ii) disclose certain financial information relating to the financial advisors’ analyses of the transaction; and (iii) obtain a proper valuation for Caesars. The plaintiff seeks (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with filing an amendment to the Eldorado S-4 (as defined below) and consummating the Merger, unless and until Caesars discloses to its stockholders the allegedly material information discussed in the complaint and (ii) if the Merger is consummated, rescission of the Merger or rescissory damages. The plaintiff also seeks an award of costs and disbursements incurred in the action, including a reasonable allowance for expert fees and attorneys’ fees.
On September 13, 2019, a class action complaint was filed against Caesars, each member of the Caesars Board and Eldorado in the Eighth Judicial District Court for Clark County, Nevada. The lawsuit, captioned Cazer v. Caesars Entertainment Corp., et al., Civil Action No. A-19-801900-C, asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duties against the Caesars Board and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duties against Caesars in connection with the Merger. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the members of the Caesars Board breached their fiduciary duties, and Caesars aided and abetted such breaches of fiduciary duties, by failing to disclose (i) certain information about the process leading up to the approval of the Merger by the Caesars Board; and (ii) certain financial information relating to the financial advisors’ analyses of the transaction. The plaintiff seeks (i) to compel the defendants to exercise their fiduciary duties to Caesars stockholders in connection with the Merger in accordance with the information discussed in the complaint and (ii) an accounting to plaintiff for all damages suffered as a result of defendants’ alleged wrongdoing. The plaintiff also seeks an award of costs and disbursements incurred in the action, including a reasonable allowance for expert fees and attorneys’ fees.
Also on September 13, 2019, a complaint was filed against Caesars and each member of the Caesars Board in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit, captioned Biasi v. Caesars Entertainment Corp., et al., Civil Action No. 1:19-cv-08547, alleges violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, and 17 C.F.R. § 229.1015, against the defendants for allegedly disseminating a false and misleading proxy statement in connection with the Merger. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Caesars violated the securities laws by failing to disclose (i) certain information about the process leading up to the approval of the Merger by the Caesars Board; (ii) certain financial information relating to the financial advisors’ analyses of the transaction; and (iii) certain information regarding potential conflicts of interest of the financial advisor. The plaintiff seeks (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with the special meeting of Caesars’ stockholders to, among other things, adopt the Merger Agreement and consummating the Merger, unless and until Caesars discloses to its stockholders the allegedly material information discussed in the complaint and (ii) an accounting to plaintiff for all damages suffered as a result of defendants’ alleged wrongdoing. The plaintiff also seeks an award of costs and expenses incurred in the action, including reasonable expert fees and attorneys’ fees.
On September 26, 2019, a complaint was filed against Caesars and each member of the Caesars Board in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit, captioned Marathon Capital LLC v. Caesars Entertainment Corp., et al., Civil Action No. 1:19-cv-08971, alleges violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, against the defendants for allegedly disseminating a false and misleading proxy statement in connection with the Merger. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Caesars violated the securities laws by failing to disclose (i) certain information about the process leading up to the approval of the Merger by the Caesars Board; and (ii) certain financial information relating to the financial advisors’ analyses of the transaction. The plaintiff seeks (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Merger, unless and until Caesars discloses to its stockholders the allegedly material information discussed in the complaint and (ii) if the Merger is consummated, rescission of the Merger or rescissory damages. The plaintiff also seeks an award of costs and expenses incurred in the action, including a reasonable allowance for expert fees and attorneys’ fees.
On October 18, 2019, a complaint was filed against Caesars and each member of the Caesars Board in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit, captioned Yarbrough v. Caesars Entertainment Corp., et al., Case No. 1:19-cv-09650 (S.D.N.Y.), alleges violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, against the defendants for allegedly disseminating a false and misleading definitive registration statement in connection with the Merger. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Caesars violated the securities laws by failing to disclose material information regarding: (i) certain information about the process leading up to the approval of the Merger by the Caesars Board; and (ii) certain financial information relating to the financial advisors’ analyses of the transaction. The plaintiff seeks: (i) to enjoin the shareholder vote on the Merger or consummation of the Merger; and (ii) rescission of the Merger, to the extent it closes. The plaintiff also seeks an award of costs and disbursements incurred in the action, including a reasonable allowance for expert fees and attorneys’ fees.
We believe the claims asserted in each of the above described complaints are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against them.
Contractual Commitments
During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we have not entered into any material contractual commitments outside of the ordinary course of business that have materially changed our contractual commitments as compared to December 31, 2018.
Exit Cost Accruals
As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, exit costs were included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Deferred credits and other liabilities on the accompanying Balance Sheets for accruals related to the following:
(In millions)
Accrual Obligation End Date
 
September 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Future obligations under land lease agreements (1)(2)
December 2092
 
$

 
$
43

Iowa greyhound pari-mutuel racing fund
January 2022
 
25

 
33

Permanent closure of Alea Leeds (2)
January 2032
 

 
10

Unbundling of electric service provided by NV Energy
February 2024
 
52

 
58

Total
 
 
$
77

 
$
144

____________________
(1) 
Associated with the abandonment of a construction project near the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
(2) 
As a result of the adoption of ASC 842, as of January 1, 2019, accruals associated with future obligations for leases not in use have been applied against the carrying amount of the ROU assets. See Note 7.
NV Energy
In September 2017, we filed our final notice to proceed with our plan to exit the fully bundled sales system of NV Energy for our Nevada properties and purchase energy, capacity, and/or ancillary services from a provider other than NV Energy. The transition to unbundle electric service was completed in the first quarter of 2018 (the “Cease-Use Date”). As a result of our decision to exit, an order from the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada required that we pay an aggregate exit fee of $48 million, payable over three to six years. $31 million remained as an obligation at September 30, 2019 recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Deferred credits and other liabilities on the Balance Sheets.
For six years following the Cease-Use Date, we will also be required to make ongoing payments to NV Energy for non-bypassable rate charges, which primarily relate to each entity’s share of NV Energy’s portfolio of above-market renewable energy contracts and the costs of decommissioning and remediation of coal-fired power plants. As of the effective date of the transition, total fees to be incurred were $31 million, which were accrued at its present value in the first quarter of 2018. As of September 30, 2019, $21 million remained as an obligation in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Deferred credits and other liabilities on the Balance Sheets. The amount will be adjusted in the future if actual fees incurred differ from our estimates.
Sports Sponsorship/Partnership Obligations
We have agreements with certain professional sports leagues and teams, sporting event facilities and sports television networks for tickets, suites, and advertising, marketing, promotional and sponsorship opportunities. As of September 30, 2019, obligations related to these agreements were $260 million with commitments extending through 2034.
Golf Course Use Agreement
On October 6, 2017, certain golf course properties were sold to VICI and CEOC LLC entered into a golf course use agreement (the “Golf Course Use Agreement”) with VICI. We recorded an obligation which represents the $10 million annual payment obligation under the Golf Course Use Agreement which exceeds the fair value of services being received. As of September 30, 2019, $144 million is recorded in Deferred credits and other liabilities.
The obligation is being amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the Golf Course Use Agreement which continues through October 2052 (assuming all extension options are exercised). Payments towards the obligation have been $3 million and $8 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and were $3 million and $8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and are reflected in Interest expense in our Statements of Operations.
Separation Agreement
On November 1, 2018, the Company announced that Mark P. Frissora, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, was leaving the Company. Subject to the terms of the separation agreement entered into between the Company and Mr. Frissora (as amended, the “Separation Agreement”), Mr. Frissora continued as President and Chief Executive Officer until his termination date of April 30, 2019. In connection with his Separation Agreement, upon his termination date, Mr. Frissora vested in all unvested equity and cash awards (with vesting of performance stock units and options remaining subject to achievement of applicable targets and options generally exercisable for two years after vesting). As a result of the separation, a total of $32 million of accelerated compensation expense was recognized through his exit date of April 30, 2019, of which an amount less than a million and $13 million was recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.
Voluntary Severance Program

On October 10, 2019, in an effort towards achieving greater operational efficiency, the Company initiated a Voluntary Severance Program (“VSP”).  The VSP was offered to non-property, US-based corporate employees in management roles, as defined by the program, excluding certain revenue focused departments. The process for eligible employees to volunteer and be accepted was completed on October 28, 2019. We expect to record severance and stock compensation charges of up to $20 million during the fourth quarter related to this program.
Contingent Liabilities
Resolution of Disputed Claims
As previously disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report, CEOC and certain of its U.S. subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) emerged from bankruptcy and consummated their reorganization pursuant to their third amended joint plan of reorganization (the “Reorganization Plan”) on October 6, 2017. Any unresolved claims filed in the bankruptcy cases will continue to be subject to the claims reconciliation process under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court. The amounts submitted by claimants that remain unresolved total approximately $417 million. We estimate the fair value of these claims to be approximately $50 million as of September 30, 2019, which is based on management’s estimate of the claim amounts that the Bankruptcy Court will ultimately allow and the fair value of the underlying CEC common stock and CEC Convertible Notes held in escrow for the purpose of resolving those claims.
As of September 30, 2019, approximately $48 million in cash, 8 million shares of CEC common stock, and $32 million in principal value of CEC Convertible Notes remain in the escrow trust for distribution to holders of disputed claims whose claims may ultimately become allowed. The CEC common stock and CEC Convertible Notes held in the escrow trust are treated as not outstanding in CEC’s Financial Statements. We estimate that the number of shares, cash, and CEC Convertible Notes reserved is sufficient to satisfy the Debtors’ obligations under the Reorganization Plan.
Caesars United Kingdom UKGC Investigation
In June 2019, the British Gambling Commission (the “Commission” or “UKGC”) informed CEUK that it was initiating a license review of its British properties. The review relates to certain potential inadequacies in implementation of the CEUK Anti-Money Laundering policies and in CEUK’s social responsibility policy and customer monitoring. CEC is taking all necessary steps to remedy issues identified in its own review and disclosed to the Commission. At the present time, we believe a regulatory settlement is probable and have recorded a liability of $7 million. Given the uncertainty of the review, we do not have a better estimate of
the outcome of the review or the potential settlement at this time; however, it is possible we will incur a loss that is higher than what we have recorded and the Commission may limit, condition, restrict, revoke, or suspend CEUK’s licenses.
Self-Insurance
We are self-insured for workers compensation and other risk insurance, as well as health insurance. Our total estimated self-insurance liability was $175 million and $173 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.