UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended MARCH 31, 2004
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 001-14525
VORNADO OPERATING COMPANY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 22-3569068
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S.Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
210 ROUTE 4 EAST, PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY 07652
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(201) 587-7721
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
N/A
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
[X] Yes [ ] No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
[ ] Yes [X] No
As of April 16, 2004, there were 4,068,924 shares of the registrant's common
stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.
Page 1
INDEX
Page Number
-----------
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
March 31, 2004 (unaudited) and December 31, 2003...................... 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2003 ................. 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2003.................. 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)................... 6
Independent Accountants' Report.......................................... 10
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations......................... 11
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk............... 16
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures.................................................. 16
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings........................................................ 17
ITEM 5. Other Information........................................................ 17
ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K......................................... 17
SIGNATURES................................................................................ 18
EXHIBIT INDEX............................................................................. 19
Page 2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
VORNADO OPERATING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
2004 2003
------------- ---------------
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents, including U.S. government obligations under repurchase
agreements of $830,000 and $650,000, respectively................................ $ 1,333,217 $ 1,118,189
Investments in and advances to AmeriCold Logistics...................................... -- --
Interest receivable from AmeriCold Logistics............................................ 32,309 33,655
Prepaid expenses and other assets....................................................... 139,783 204,784
------------- ---------------
Total assets............................................................................ $ 1,505,309 $ 1,356,628
============= ===============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Note, interest, and fees payable to Vornado Realty Trust................................ $ 25,784,182 $ 25,394,254
Due to Vornado Realty Trust............................................................. 79,008 77,440
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................................................... 74,961 102,484
------------- ---------------
Total liabilities....................................................................... 25,938,151 25,574,178
------------- ---------------
Minority interest....................................................................... -- --
------------- ---------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Common stock: par value $0.01 per share; authorized, 40,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding, 4,068,924 shares at each period end...................... 40,689 40,689
Additional paid-in capital.............................................................. 22,462,555 22,462,555
Accumulated deficit..................................................................... (44,599,939) (44,384,647)
------------- ---------------
(22,096,695) (21,881,403)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss.................................................... (2,336,147) (2,336,147)
------------- ---------------
Total stockholders' deficit............................................................. (24,432,842) (24,217,550)
------------- ---------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit............................................. $ 1,505,309 $ 1,356,628
============= ===============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Page 3
VORNADO OPERATING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
---------------------------------------------
2004 2003
--------------------- ---------------------
REVENUES
Interest income......................................................... $ 1,152 $ 862
EXPENSES
General and administrative (including fees to
Vornado Realty Trust of $82,500 in each period)...................... 301,474 277,515
--------------------- ---------------------
(300,322) (276,653)
Interest and debt expense to Vornado Realty Trust....................... (389,928) (388,294)
Income from AmeriCold Logistics......................................... 474,958 460,020
--------------------- ---------------------
Loss before minority interest........................................... (215,292) (204,927)
Minority interest....................................................... -- --
--------------------- ---------------------
NET LOSS................................................................ $ (215,292) $ (204,927)
===================== =====================
Net loss per share -- basic and diluted................................. $ (0.05) $ (0.05)
===================== =====================
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Page 4
VORNADO OPERATING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
----------------------------
2004 2003
------------ -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss.................................................................. $ (215,292) $ (204,927)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Recovery from repayments of loans to AmeriCold Logistics
previously reduced by equity in losses........................... (247,504) (205,188)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other assets................................... 65,001 59,541
Interest and fees payable on note from Vornado Realty Trust......... 389,928 388,294
Interest receivable from AmeriCold Logistics........................ 1,346 14,312
Accounts payable and accrued expenses............................... (27,523) (53,713)
Due to Vornado Realty Trust......................................... 1,568 1,356
------------ -------------
Net cash used in operating activities........................................... (32,476) (325)
------------ -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Repayments of loans to AmeriCold Logistics................................ 247,504 205,188
------------ -------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents....................................... 215,028 204,863
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period................................ 1,118,189 344,686
------------ -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period...................................... $ 1,333,217 $ 549,549
============ =============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Page 5
VORNADO OPERATING COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. ORGANIZATION
Vornado Operating Company, a Delaware corporation, holds its assets and
conducts its business through Vornado Operating L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership ("Company L.P."). The Company is the sole general partner of, and as
of March 31, 2004, owned a 90.1% partnership interest in, Company L.P. All
references to the "Company" refer to Vornado Operating Company and its
subsidiaries, including Company L.P.
2. ABILITY TO CONTINUE AS A GOING CONCERN
Substantial doubt exists as to the Company's ability to continue as a
going concern and its ability to discharge its liabilities in the normal course
of business. The Company has incurred losses since its inception and, in the
aggregate, its investments have not generated sufficient cash flow to pay all of
the Company's expenses. The Company estimates that it has adequate borrowing
capacity under its credit facility with Vornado Realty Trust ("Vornado") to meet
its cash needs until December 31, 2004. However, the principal, interest and
fees outstanding under the line of credit come due on such date. The Company
currently has no external sources of financing except this facility.
The Company's other potential source of cash is its investment in
AmeriCold Logistics. However, AmeriCold Logistics has also reported losses since
inception and, at March 31, 2004, the Company's 60% share of AmeriCold
Logistics' partners' deficit was $52,990,000, which includes $55,901,000 of
deferred rent (rent recognized as expense but not paid in cash) to its landlord,
the Vornado REIT/Crescent REIT Partnership (the "Landlord"). AmeriCold Logistics
anticipates that in 2004 additional cash flow will be provided from a lease
restructuring or some other option. There can be no assurance that AmeriCold
Logistics will be successful in obtaining additional cash flow. Further, the
Landlord is under no obligation to restructure the leases and there can be no
assurance that it will do so. In the absence of obtaining additional cash flow,
AmeriCold Logistics will not have the ability to distribute funds to the Company
and in turn, the Company will not have resources sufficient to repay its
$25,784,000 loan from Vornado or the ability to continue as a going concern.
3. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2004 and the consolidated
statements of operations and of cash flows for the three months ended March 31,
2004 and 2003 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments
(which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly
the financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been made.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted in accordance
with Article 10 of Regulation S-X and the instructions to Form 10-Q. These
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the three
months ended March 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the operating
results for the full year.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
the Company and Company L.P. All significant intercompany amounts have been
eliminated. The Company's 60% interest in AmeriCold Logistics is currently
accounted for under the equity method of accounting as Crescent Operating, Inc.,
the Company's partner in AmeriCold Logistics, has substantive participating
rights. The investments in and advances to AmeriCold Logistics are recorded
initially at cost and subsequently adjusted for the Company's share of
comprehensive income or loss and cash distributions or principal repayments from
AmeriCold Logistics. The interest earned on the advances to AmeriCold Logistics
is recorded as a component of income or loss from AmeriCold Logistics. The
Company does not record comprehensive losses in excess of the cost of its
investments in and advances to AmeriCold Logistics, as the Company is not liable
for the obligations of, or otherwise committed to provide additional financial
support to, AmeriCold Logistics. The Company did not record its 60% share of
AmeriCold Logistics' net losses for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the
three months ended March 31, 2004 as the Company's investments in and advances
to AmeriCold Logistics were fully absorbed by the Company's share of the
comprehensive losses of AmeriCold Logistics at December 31, 2002. In addition,
the Company's cumulative share of other comprehensive losses of AmeriCold
Logistics not recorded at March 31, 2004 was $6,882,000. The Company will record
its share of future comprehensive income from AmeriCold Logistics only for the
portion of such income that exceeds its share of comprehensive losses not
previously recorded. The Company's method of accounting for AmeriCold Logistics
will change in the fourth quarter of 2004 (see Note 7). The Company's exposure
to losses from AmeriCold Logistics is limited to its investments in and advances
to AmeriCold Logistics.
Page 6
VORNADO OPERATING COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
4. INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO AMERICOLD LOGISTICS
At March 31, 2004, $7,226,000 was outstanding under the Company's secured
loans to AmeriCold Logistics, which mature on December 31, 2004. These loans are
carried at zero in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as they have been
fully absorbed by the Company's share of comprehensive losses of AmeriCold
Logistics. AmeriCold Logistics is required to make loan payments approximating
$159,000 per month. The portions of the loan payments made during the three
months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 that represented the repayment of principal
were $248,000 and $205,000, respectively, and are reflected as income from
AmeriCold Logistics as this principal was previously reduced to zero by equity
in losses of AmeriCold Logistics.
The following condensed balance sheet data represents 100% of AmeriCold
Logistics, in which the Company holds a 60% interest:
(amounts in thousands) March 31, 2004 December 31, 2003
-------------- -----------------
Current assets.......................................... $ 121,912 $ 118,560
Non-current assets...................................... 45,920 47,478
-------------- -----------------
$ 167,832 $ 166,038
============== =================
Current liabilities..................................... $ 119,478 $ 115,556
Non-current liabilities................................. 136,670 126,554
-------------- -----------------
$ 256,148 $ 242,110
============== =================
Partners' deficit....................................... $ (88,316) $ (76,072)
============== =================
The following condensed operating and cash flow data represents 100% of
AmeriCold Logistics, in which the Company holds a 60% interest:
(amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,
----------------------------
2004 2003
------------- ------------
Revenues................................................ $ 170,237 $ 159,722
Costs applicable to revenues............................ (128,981) (115,837)
------------- ------------
Gross margin............................................ 41,256 43,885
Depreciation and amortization........................... (2,831) (2,402)
Rent.................................................... (40,560) (39,505)
Other expenses, net..................................... (10,109) (8,828)
------------- ------------
Net loss (1)............................................ $ (12,244) $ (6,850)
============= ============
Cash flows provided by operating activities............. $ 2,942 $ 2,539
============= ============
------------------------------
(1) The Company did not record $7,346 and $4,110 (the respective 60% shares
of AmeriCold Logistics' net losses of $12,244 and $6,850) for the three
months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, as the Company's
investments in and advances to AmeriCold Logistics were fully absorbed by
the Company's share of the comprehensive losses of AmeriCold Logistics at
December 31, 2002.
Page 7
VORNADO OPERATING COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
The following represents the components of the Company's income from
AmeriCold Logistics:
(amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,
----------------------------
2004 2003
------------ -------------
Interest on loans.......................................... $ 227 $ 255
Recovery from repayments of loans previously
reduced by equity in losses............................. 248 205
------------ -------------
$ 475 $ 460
============ ==============
During the three months ended March 31, 2004, AmeriCold Logistics
exercised its right, pursuant to the terms of its leases with the Landlord, to
defer the payment of rent. AmeriCold Logistics' deferred rent liability at March
31, 2004 is as follows:
(amounts in thousands)
Total
---------
Deferred during the three months ended March 31, 2004......... $ 10,775
Aggregate deferral at December 31, 2003....................... 82,394
---------
$ 93,169
=========
On January 20, 2004, AmeriCold Logistics sold, without recourse, accounts
receivable of $6,120,000 to a joint venture (the "Quarry Company") owned by
Vornado (44%) and Crescent Real Estate Equities Company (56%), the owners of the
Landlord, for $6,000,000 in cash. AmeriCold Logistics recognized a loss of
$120,000 on the sale. The accounts receivable have been collected in full.
On March 29, 2004, AmeriCold Logistics sold, without recourse, accounts
receivable of $4,080,000 to the Quarry Company for $4,000,000 in cash. AmeriCold
Logistics recognized a loss of $80,000 on the sale. AmeriCold Logistics also
agreed to act as agent to collect the accounts receivable. The Company does not
believe that any significant servicing asset or liability exists.
At December 31, 2002, the Company's investments in and advances to AmeriCold
Logistics were fully absorbed by the Company's share of comprehensive losses of
AmeriCold Logistics. AmeriCold Logistics has reported losses since its inception
and, at March 31, 2004, the Company's share of AmeriCold Logistics' partners'
deficit was $52,990,000, which includes $55,901,000 of deferred rent (rent
recognized as expense but not paid in cash) to the Landlord. On March 2, 2004,
AmeriCold Logistics and the Landlord extended the deferred rent period to
December 31, 2005 from December 31, 2004. Based on the right to defer rent, the
management of AmeriCold Logistics anticipates it will have sufficient cash flows
to operate at least through March 31, 2005. AmeriCold Logistics anticipates that
in 2004 additional cash flow will be provided from a lease restructuring or some
other option. There can be no assurance that AmeriCold Logistics will be
successful in obtaining additional cash flow. Further, the Landlord is under no
obligation to restructure the leases and there can be no assurance that it will
do so. In the absence of obtaining additional cash flow, AmeriCold Logistics
will not have the ability to distribute funds to the Company and in turn, the
Company will not have resources sufficient to repay its $25,784,000 loan from
Vornado or the ability to continue as a going concern.
5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is from time to time involved in legal actions arising in the
ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation
with legal counsel, the outcome of such matters will not have a material effect
on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Page 8
VORNADO OPERATING COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
6. LOSS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss
per share.
(amounts in thousands, except
share and per share amounts) Three Months Ended March 31,
----------------------------
2004 2003
------------ -------------
Numerator:
Net loss.................................................. $ (215) $ (205)
============ =============
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding....................... 4,068,924 4,068,924
============ =============
Net loss per share - basic and diluted.......................... $ (0.05) $ (0.05)
============ =============
The Company's stock options (355,554 outstanding and exercisable at March
31, 2004) were not dilutive in the reporting periods as the average market
prices of the Company's common stock did not exceed the exercise prices. The
rights issued pursuant to the Company's Stockholder Protection Rights Plan were
not dilutive in the reporting periods as the rights were not exercisable. The
limited partnership units of Company L.P. not owned by the Company (447,017 at
March 31, 2004) were not dilutive in the reporting periods as the Company
reported net losses.
7. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,
an interpretation of ARB No. 51. FIN No. 46 required the consolidation of an
entity by an enterprise if (i) that enterprise, known as a "primary
beneficiary," has an interest that will absorb a majority of the entity's
expected losses if they occur, receive a majority of the entity's expected
residual returns if they occur, or both and (ii) the entity is a variable
interest entity. An entity is a variable interest entity if (a) the total equity
investment at risk in the entity is not sufficient to permit the entity to
finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from
other parties or (b) the equity investors do not have the characteristics of a
controlling financial interest in the entity. The initial determination of
whether an entity is a variable interest entity shall be made as of the date at
which an enterprise became involved with the entity and reconsidered as of the
date that certain triggering events described in FIN No. 46 occur.
The Company previously disclosed that its investment in AmeriCold
Logistics met the criteria for consolidation under FIN No. 46 and it would
consolidate AmeriCold Logistics beginning July 1, 2003 by restating its prior
period consolidated financial statements. However, in October 2003, FASB issued
FASB Staff Position No. FIN 46-6, Effective Date of FASB Interpretation No. 46,
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. This position allowed public
entities to defer the date for implementing FIN No. 46, except certain required
disclosures, until the end of the first interim or annual period ending after
December 15, 2003 if certain conditions apply. The Company concluded that it
qualified for deferral and elected to implement FIN No. 46 on December 31, 2003.
However, on December 24, 2003, FASB issued a revision to FIN No. 46 to, among
other things, clarify some of the provisions of FIN No. 46. The revision allows
a public entity which is a small business issuer, as defined in Regulation S-B,
that has not previously applied FIN No. 46 to implement the revision no later
than the end of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15,
2004. The Company meets the criteria of the small business issuer definition and
has elected to implement the revision on December 31, 2004. The Company is
evaluating its implementation alternatives (i.e., restatement of its previously
issued consolidated financial statements or a cumulative effect adjustment). Had
AmeriCold Logistics been consolidated as of March 31, 2004, the Company's
accumulated deficit and accumulated other comprehensive loss would have
increased to $112,663,000 and $15,363,000, respectively.
Page 9
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT
Stockholders and Board of Directors
Vornado Operating Company
Paramus, New Jersey
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of
Vornado Operating Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of March 31, 2004,
and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and of cash
flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. These interim
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim
financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and
making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It
is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with
auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the
objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial
statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that
should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for
them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
The accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements have
been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As
discussed in Note 2 to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements,
certain conditions raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a
going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described
in such note.
We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards
generally accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated balance
sheet of Vornado Operating Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' deficit, and
cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report
dated March 2, 2004, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated
financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph concerning matters
that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going
concern. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed
consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003 is fairly stated, in all
material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it
has been derived.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Parsippany, New Jersey
May 5, 2004
Page 10
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Certain statements contained herein constitute forward-looking statements
as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. The Company's
future results, financial condition and business may differ materially from
those expressed in these forward-looking statements. You can find many of these
statements by looking for words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates,"
"intends," "plans" or similar expressions in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and
uncertainties. Many of the factors that will determine these items are beyond
the Company's ability to control or predict. Factors that might cause such a
material difference include, but are not limited to: (a) the substantial doubt
about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and its limited
financial resources; (b) restrictions on the Company's business and future
opportunities; (c) dependence upon Vornado Realty Trust ("Vornado"); (d) the
substantial influence of the Company's controlling stockholders and conflicts of
interest; (e) the bankruptcy of the Company's joint venture partner in AmeriCold
Logistics, Crescent Operating, Inc. ("COPI"); (f) risks associated with
potential investments and the ability to manage those investments; (g)
competition; (h) dependence on key personnel; (i) potential anti-takeover
effects of the Company's charter documents and Stockholder Protection Rights
Plan and applicable law; (j) dependence on distributions from subsidiaries; (k)
potential costs of compliance with environmental laws; (l) changes in the
general economic climate; and (m) government regulations. See "Item 1. Business
- Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2003.
For these forward-looking statements, the Company claims the protection of
the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of
this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or the date of any document incorporated by
reference. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements
attributable to the Company or any person acting on the Company's behalf are
expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or
referred to in this paragraph. The Company does not undertake any obligation to
release publicly any revisions to the forward-looking statements to reflect
events or circumstances after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
OVERVIEW
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations considers the Company's consolidated financial statements for the
three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 and should be read in conjunction
with our Annual Report on Form 10-K (as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-K)
for the year ended December 31, 2003.
ABILITY TO CONTINUE AS A GOING CONCERN
Substantial doubt exists as to the Company's ability to continue as a
going concern and its ability to discharge its liabilities in the normal course
of business. The Company has incurred losses since its inception and, in the
aggregate, its investments have not generated sufficient cash flow to pay all of
the Company's expenses. The Company estimates that it has adequate borrowing
capacity under its credit facility with Vornado Realty Trust ("Vornado") to meet
its cash needs until December 31, 2004. However, the principal, interest and
fees outstanding under the line of credit come due on such date. The Company
currently has no external sources of financing except this facility.
The Company's other potential source of cash is its investment in
AmeriCold Logistics. However, AmeriCold Logistics has also reported losses
since inception and, at March 31, 2004, the Company's 60% share of AmeriCold
Logistics' partners' deficit was $52,990,000, which includes $55,901,000 of
deferred rent (rent recognized as expense but not paid in cash) to its
landlord, the Vornado REIT/Crescent REIT Partnership (the "Landlord").
AmeriCold Logistics anticipates that in 2004 additional cash flow will be
provided from a lease restructuring or some other option. There can be no
assurance that AmeriCold Logistics will be successful in obtaining additional
cash flow. Further, the Landlord is under no obligation to restructure the
leases and there can be no assurance that it will do so. In the absence of
obtaining additional cash flow, AmeriCold Logistics will not have the ability
to distribute funds to the Company and in turn, the Company will not have
resources sufficient to repay its $25,784,000 loan from Vornado or the ability
to continue as a going concern.
Page 11
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those
estimates. Set forth below is a summary of the accounting policies that
management believes are critical to the preparation of the consolidated
financial statements. The summary should be read in conjunction with the more
complete discussion of the Company's significant accounting policies included in
Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2003. The Company's critical accounting
policies have not changed during the three months ended March 31, 2004.
Investments in and Advances to AmeriCold Logistics
The Company's 60% interest in AmeriCold Logistics is currently accounted
for under the equity method of accounting as COPI, the Company's partner in
AmeriCold Logistics, has substantive participating rights. The investments in
and advances to AmeriCold Logistics are recorded initially at cost and
subsequently adjusted for the Company's share of comprehensive income or loss
and cash distributions or principal repayments from AmeriCold Logistics. The
interest earned on the advances to AmeriCold Logistics is recorded as a
component of income or loss from AmeriCold Logistics. The Company does not
record comprehensive losses in excess of the cost of its investments in and
advances to AmeriCold Logistics, as the Company is not liable for the
obligations of, or otherwise committed to provide additional financial support
to, AmeriCold Logistics. The Company did not record its 60% share of AmeriCold
Logistics' net losses for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the three months
ended March 31, 2004 as the Company's investments in and advances to AmeriCold
Logistics were fully absorbed by the Company's share of the comprehensive losses
of AmeriCold Logistics at December 31, 2002. In addition, the Company's
cumulative share of other comprehensive losses of AmeriCold Logistics not
recorded at March 31, 2004 was $6,882,000. The Company will record its share of
future comprehensive income from AmeriCold Logistics only for the portion of
such income that exceeds its share of comprehensive losses not previously
recorded. The Company's method of accounting for AmeriCold Logistics will change
in the fourth quarter of 2004 (see "Recently Issued Accounting Standards"
below). The Company's exposure to losses from AmeriCold Logistics is limited to
its investments in and advances to AmeriCold Logistics.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,
an interpretation of ARB No. 51. FIN No. 46 required the consolidation of an
entity by an enterprise if (i) that enterprise, known as a "primary
beneficiary," has an interest that will absorb a majority of the entity's
expected losses if they occur, receive a majority of the entity's expected
residual returns if they occur, or both and (ii) the entity is a variable
interest entity. An entity is a variable interest entity if (a) the total equity
investment at risk in the entity is not sufficient to permit the entity to
finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from
other parties or (b) the equity investors do not have the characteristics of a
controlling financial interest in the entity. The initial determination of
whether an entity is a variable interest entity shall be made as of the date at
which an enterprise became involved with the entity and reconsidered as of the
date that certain triggering events described in FIN No. 46 occur.
The Company previously disclosed that its investment in AmeriCold
Logistics met the criteria for consolidation under FIN No. 46 and it would
consolidate AmeriCold Logistics beginning July 1, 2003 by restating its prior
period consolidated financial statements. However, in October 2003, FASB issued
FASB Staff Position No. FIN 46-6, Effective Date of FASB Interpretation No. 46,
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. This position allowed public
entities to defer the date for implementing FIN No. 46, except certain required
disclosures, until the end of the first interim or annual period ending after
December 15, 2003 if certain conditions apply. The Company concluded that it
qualified for deferral and elected to implement FIN No. 46 on December 31, 2003.
However, on December 24, 2003, FASB issued a revision to FIN No. 46 to, among
other things, clarify some of the provisions of FIN No. 46. The revision allows
a public entity which is a small business issuer, as defined in Regulation S-B,
that has not previously applied FIN No. 46 to implement the revision no later
than the end of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15,
2004. The Company meets the criteria of the small business issuer definition and
has elected to implement the revision on December 31, 2004. The Company is
evaluating its implementation alternatives (i.e., restatement of its previously
issued consolidated financial statements or a cumulative effect adjustment). Had
Page 12
AmeriCold Logistics been consolidated as of March 31, 2004, the Company's
accumulated deficit and accumulated other comprehensive loss would have
increased to $112,663,000 and $15,363,000, respectively.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company had a net loss of $215,000 for the three months ended March
31, 2004, compared to a net loss of $205,000 for the prior period, an increase
of $10,000.
General and administrative expenses were $301,000 for the three months
ended March 31, 2004, compared to $278,000 for the three months ended March 31,
2003, an increase of $23,000. This increase resulted primarily from higher
professional fees, franchise taxes and insurance costs, partially offset by the
elimination of listing fees for the American Stock Exchange, as the Company
began trading on the OTC Bulletin Board in the third quarter of 2003.
Interest and debt expense to Vornado was $390,000 for the three months
ended March 31, 2004, compared to $388,000 for the three months ended March 31,
2003, an increase of $2,000. This increase resulted from a higher average
balance outstanding offset by lower LIBOR rates under the Revolving Credit
Agreement with Vornado during the current period.
The following represents the components of the Company's income from
AmeriCold Logistics:
(amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,
----------------------------
2004 2003
------------ -------------
Interest on loans................................................... $ 227 $ 255
Recovery from repayments of loans previously reduced by equity in
losses......................................................... 248 205
------------ -------------
$ 475 $ 460
============ =============
The Company did not record $7,346,000 and $4,110,000, its 60% shares of
AmeriCold Logistics' net losses of $12,244,000 and $6,850,000 for the three
months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, as the Company's investments
in and advances to AmeriCold Logistics were fully absorbed by the Company's
share of the comprehensive losses of AmeriCold Logistics at December 31, 2002
and as the Company is not liable for the obligations of, or otherwise committed
to provide additional financial support to, AmeriCold Logistics. The decrease in
interest earned on the Company's loans to AmeriCold Logistics is attributable to
lower average loans outstanding in the current period. The $248,000 and $205,000
recognized as income in the respective periods represent repayments from
AmeriCold Logistics of its loans from the Company that were previously reduced
by equity in losses of AmeriCold Logistics.
To keep the Company's stockholders knowledgeable about the Company's sole
investment, a discussion of AmeriCold Logistics' results of operations is
included below. The amounts discussed below in "AmeriCold Logistics' Results of
Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003" exclude the
interest income of $227,000 and $255,000 and gains of $248,000 and $205,000
recorded by the Company in the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003,
respectively.
AmeriCold Logistics' Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31,
2004 and 2003
The following is a discussion of the results of operations of AmeriCold
Logistics, the Company's investee in the temperature controlled logistics
business (see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2003 for a discussion of this business and see Note 4 to the
unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for condensed balance sheet data and operating data of AmeriCold
Logistics). The data below represents 100% of this business, in which the
Company holds a 60% interest. For the purpose of the discussion below, "Leased
Operations" refer to operations at warehouses leased by AmeriCold Logistics and
"Other Operations" refer to (i) warehouses managed by AmeriCold Logistics for
the accounts of customers ("Managed Warehouses") and (ii) Transportation
Management Services, which includes freight routing, dispatching, freight rate
negotiation, backhaul coordination, and distribution channel assessments.
Page 13
Certain prior period amounts in this discussion were reclassified to
conform to the current period presentation.
Revenues were $170,237,000 for the three months ended March 31,
2004, compared to $159,722,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003,
an increase of $10,515,000. Revenues from Leased Operations were
$104,649,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004, compared to
$105,080,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003, a decrease of
$431,000. Revenues from Other Operations were $65,588,000 for the three
months ended March 31, 2004, compared to $54,642,000 for the three months
ended March 31, 2003, an increase of $10,946,000.
The increase in revenue from Other Operations is due to new Managed
Warehouse contracts that commenced after the first quarter of 2003 and
additional Transportation Management Services business in 2004 from both
new and existing customers.
The gross margin for Leased Operations was $37,283,000, or 35.6%,
for the three months ended March 31, 2004, compared to $39,723,000, or
37.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2003. The $2,440,000 decrease
in gross margin was attributable to (i) start up costs for existing
customers at new locations and (ii) a change in revenue mix as higher
margin storage revenues declined and lower margin handling revenues
increased.
Operating income from Other Operations was $3,592,000 for the three
months ended March 31, 2004, compared to $3,794,000 for the three months
ended March 31, 2003. This $202,000 decrease is largely due to (i) unused
capacity under commitments with carriers for a minimum number of
truckloads and (ii) lower "gainshare." AmeriCold Logistics receives
gainshare payments from certain Managed Warehouse customers by reducing
their operating costs.
Rent expense was $40,560,000 for the three months ended March 31,
2004, compared to $39,505,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003,
an increase of $1,055,000. This increase is due to a contractual increase
in base rent and an increase in percentage rent due to an adjustment in
the prior year's quarter.
General and administrative expenses were $8,835,000 for the three
months ended March 31, 2004, compared to $8,060,000 for the three months
ended March 31, 2003, an increase of $775,000. This increase is primarily
due to higher payroll related expenses and higher administrative expenses.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $2,831,000 for the three
months ended March 31, 2004, compared to $2,402,000 for the three months
ended March 31, 2003. The increase of $429,000 is primarily attributable
to depreciation on additional machinery and equipment.
Interest expense was $1,056,000 for the three months ended March 31,
2004, compared to $831,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003. This
$225,000 increase resulted from interest on higher average deferred rent
balances, partially offset by interest on lower average borrowings
outstanding.
Other income, net, was $163,000 for the three months ended March 31,
2004, compared to $431,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003, a
decrease of $268,000. This decrease resulted primarily from a foreign
currency translation loss in 2004, compared to a gain in 2003, from
AmeriCold Logistics' warehouse in Alberta, Canada and a loss of $200,000
on accounts receivable sales in 2004, compared to $140,000 in 2003.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Substantial doubt exists as to the Company's ability to continue as a
going concern and its ability to discharge its liabilities in the normal course
of business. The Company has incurred losses since its inception and, in the
aggregate, its investments have not generated sufficient cash flow to pay all of
the Company's expenses. The Company estimates that it has adequate borrowing
capacity under its credit facility with Vornado to meet its cash needs until
December 31, 2004. However, the principal, interest and fees outstanding under
the line of credit come due on such date. The Company currently has no external
sources of financing except this facility.
The Company's other potential source of cash is its investment in
AmeriCold Logistics. However, AmeriCold Logistics has also reported losses since
inception and, at March 31, 2004, the Company's 60% share of AmeriCold
Logistics' partners' deficit was $52,990,000, which includes $55,901,000 of
deferred rent (rent recognized as expense but not paid in cash) to its Landlord,
the Vornado REIT/Crescent REIT Partnership. AmeriCold Logistics anticipates
Page 14
that in 2004 additional cash flow will be provided from a lease restructuring
or some other option. There can be no assurance that AmeriCold Logistics will
be successful in obtaining additional cash flow. Further, the Landlord is
under no obligation to restructure the leases and there can be no assurance
that it will do so. In the absence of obtaining additional cash flow, AmeriCold
Logistics will not have the ability to distribute funds to the Company and in
turn, the Company will not have resources sufficient to repay its $25,784,000
loan from Vornado or the ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company has a $75,000,000 unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement with
Vornado which expires on December 31, 2004. Borrowings under this facility bear
interest at LIBOR plus 3% (4.09% at March 31, 2004). The Company pays Vornado a
commitment fee equal to 1% per annum on the average daily unused portion of the
facility pursuant thereto; for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003,
the Company recorded commitment fees under the facility of $125,000 and
$128,000, respectively. Amounts may be borrowed under the Revolving Credit
Agreement, repaid and reborrowed from time to time on a revolving basis (so long
as the principal amount outstanding at any time does not exceed $75,000,000).
Principal payments are not required under the Revolving Credit Agreement during
its term. The Revolving Credit Agreement prohibits the Company from incurring
indebtedness to third parties (other than certain purchase money debt and
certain other exceptions) and prohibits the Company from paying any dividends.
The Company currently has no external sources of financing except this facility.
At March 31, 2004, $1,981,000 of interest and commitment fees were unpaid, which
reduces the availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement to $49,216,000.
After December 31, 2004, balances outstanding under this facility will bear
interest at LIBOR plus 6%. See the preceding two paragraphs regarding the
substantial doubt as to the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and
discharge this liability in the normal course of business.
At March 31, 2004, $7,226,000 was outstanding under the Company's secured
loans to AmeriCold Logistics, which mature on December 31, 2004. These loans are
carried at zero in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as they have been
fully absorbed by the Company's share of comprehensive losses of AmeriCold
Logistics. AmeriCold Logistics is required to make loan payments approximating
$159,000 per month. The portions of the loan payments made during the three
months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 that represented the repayment of principal
were $248,000 and $205,000, respectively, and are reflected as income from
AmeriCold Logistics as this principal was previously reduced to zero by equity
in losses of AmeriCold Logistics.
During the three months ended March 31, 2004, AmeriCold Logistics
exercised its right, pursuant to the terms of its leases with the Landlord, to
defer the payment of rent. AmeriCold Logistics' deferred rent liability at March
31, 2004 is as follows:
(amounts in thousands)
Total
---------
Deferred during the three months ended March 31, 2004................ $ 10,775
Aggregate deferral at December 31, 2003.............................. 82,394
---------
$ 93,169
=========
On January 20, 2004, AmeriCold Logistics sold, without recourse, accounts
receivable of $6,120,000 to a joint venture (the "Quarry Company") owned by
Vornado (44%) and Crescent Real Estate Equities Company (56%), the owners of the
Landlord, for $6,000,000 in cash. AmeriCold Logistics recognized a loss of
$120,000 on the sale. The accounts receivable have been collected in full.
On March 29, 2004, AmeriCold Logistics sold, without recourse, accounts
receivable of $4,080,000 to the Quarry Company for $4,000,000 in cash. AmeriCold
Logistics recognized a loss of $80,000 on the sale. AmeriCold Logistics also
agreed to act as agent to collect the accounts receivable. The Company does not
believe that any significant servicing asset or liability exists.
At December 31, 2002, the Company's investments in and advances to
AmeriCold Logistics were fully absorbed by the Company's share of comprehensive
losses of AmeriCold Logistics. AmeriCold Logistics has reported losses since its
inception and, at March 31, 2004, the Company's share of AmeriCold Logistics'
partners' deficit was $52,990,000, which includes $55,901,000 of deferred rent
(rent recognized as expense but not paid in cash) to the Landlord. On March 2,
2004, AmeriCold Logistics and the Landlord extended the deferred rent period to
December 31, 2005 from December 31, 2004. Based on the right to defer rent, the
management of AmeriCold Logistics anticipates it will have sufficient cash flows
to operate at least through March 31, 2005. AmeriCold Logistics anticipates that
Page 15
in 2004 additional cash flow will be provided from a lease restructuring or
some other option. There can be no assurance that AmeriCold Logistics will be
successful in obtaining additional cash flow. Further, the Landlord is under no
obligation to restructure the leases and there can be no assurance that it will
do so. In the absence of obtaining additional cash flow, AmeriCold Logistics
will not have the ability to distribute funds to the Company and in turn, the
Company will not have resources sufficient to repay its $25,784,000 loan from
Vornado or the ability to continue as a going concern.
Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
Net cash used in operating activities of $32,000 was comprised of (i) a
net loss of $215,000 and (ii) the recovery from repayments on loans to AmeriCold
Logistics previously reduced by equity in losses of $248,000, partially offset
by (iii) the net change in operating assets and liabilities of $431,000.
Cash provided by investing activities of $248,000 resulted from repayments
of loans to AmeriCold Logistics.
There were no cash flows from financing activities.
Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003
There were no net cash flows from operating activities as (i) a net loss
of $205,000 and (ii) the recovery from repayments on loans to AmeriCold
Logistics previously reduced by equity in losses of $205,000 were fully offset
by (iii) the net change in operating assets and liabilities of $410,000.
Cash provided by investing activities of $205,000 resulted from repayments
of loans to AmeriCold Logistics.
There were no cash flows from financing activities.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk"
in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2003. There has been no material change to this information.
The fair value of the note payable to Vornado at March 31, 2004 was
approximately $20,152,000. This fair value was estimated by discounting the
future cash flows using current market rates available to the Company. Such fair
value estimate is not necessarily indicative of the amount that would be paid
upon liquidation of the Company's note payable.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company's management, with the
participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls
and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period
covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such
period, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have not been any
changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the
fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or
are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over
financial reporting.
Page 16
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is from time to time involved in legal actions arising in the
ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation
with legal counsel, the outcome of such matters will not have a material effect
on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
On February 23, 2004, AmeriCold Logistics announced that Alec Covington
resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 31, 2004, to
take an opportunity in an unrelated industry. A search to identify a successor
is under way. In the interim, Mike O'Connell, who has been with AmeriCold for
over ten years, has been promoted to be in charge of all operations and, until a
successor is in place, will report to Anthony Cossentino, Chief Financial
Officer.
Subject to confirmation of a plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of
the United States Bankruptcy Code, Crescent Operating, Inc., the Company's joint
venture partner in AmeriCold Logistics, is expected to transfer its interest in
AmeriCold Logistics to an entity to be owned by the shareholders of Crescent
Real Estate Equities Company. The shareholders of Crescent Operating, Inc.
approved the plan of reorganization on March 6, 2003. It is uncertain whether
this plan will be confirmed and what effect, if any, this plan and the proposed
change in ownership will have on the operations and management of AmeriCold
Logistics.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are filed herewith and are
listed in the attached Exhibit Index.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
During the three months ended March 31, 2004, Vornado Operating Company
filed the following report on Form 8-K:
Period Covered
(Date of Event Reported) Items Reported Date Filed
------------------------ --------------------------------------- -----------------
February 23, 2004 Press release regarding the resignation February 23, 2004
of Alec Covington as President and
Chief Executive Officer of
AmeriCold Logistics
Page 17
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
VORNADO OPERATING COMPANY
------------------------------------
(Registrant)
Date: May 5, 2004 By: /s/ Joseph Macnow
------------------------------------
Joseph Macnow, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial
Officer (duly authorized officer
and principal financial and
accounting officer)
Page 18
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NO.
The following is a list of all exhibits filed as part of this report
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vornado Operating Company *
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-40701), as filed
with the Commission on September 28, 1998)
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Vornado Operating Company *
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2000
(File No. 001-14525), as filed with the Commission on May 9, 2000)
15.1 Letter of Deloitte & Touche LLP regarding unaudited interim
financial information
31.1 Rule 15d-14(a) certification of the Chief Executive Officer
31.2 Rule 15d-14(a) certification of the Chief Financial Officer
32.1 Section 1350 certification of the Chief Executive Officer
32.2 Section 1350 certification of the Chief Financial Officer
------------------------------
* Incorporated by reference.