8-K
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): December 2, 2005
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
Delaware   1-9516   13-3398766
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer
Identification No.)
100 South Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (914) 242-7700
N/A
 
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
o  Written communication pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
o  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
o  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
o  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item 8.01 Other Events.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
EXHIBIT INDEX
SIGNATURES
EX-99.1: ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
EX-99.2: ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
EX-99.3: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
EX-99.4: ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


Table of Contents

Section 8 — Other Events
Item 8.01 Other Events.
      As a result of (1) our acquisitions of NEG Holding LLC, Panaco, Inc., GB Holdings, Inc. and Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. in June 2005, (2) the elimination of investment and interest income as reportable segments, and (3) the reclassification of certain real estate and resorts to properties held for sale during the third quarter of 2005, we have restated our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 and reclassified the income and expenses of such properties to discontinued operations for the third quarter of 2005 and for all prior periods. Accordingly, we are providing updated information for the following: Selected Financial Data, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Financial Statements, and Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules, for the periods contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (“Form 10-K”). All other items of the Form 10-K remain unchanged.
Section 9 — Financial Statements and Exhibits
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
      (c) Exhibits.
         
Exhibit No.   Description
     
  99 .1   Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
 
  99 .2   Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
  99 .3   Item 8. Financial Statements.
 
  99 .4   Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
         
Exhibit No.   Description
     
  99 .1   Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
  99 .2   Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
  99 .3   Item 8. Financial Statements.
  99 .4   Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
        [remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]


Table of Contents

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 hereunto duly authorized.
  AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.
  By:  American Property Investors, Inc.
  General Partner
  By:  /s/ Jon F. Weber
 
 
  Jon F. Weber
  President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: December 2, 2005
EX-99.1:
 

EXHIBIT 99.1
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data.
      The following table summarizes certain selected historical consolidated financial data of AREP, which you should read in conjunction with its financial statements and the related notes contained in this and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, have each been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements at those dates and for those periods, contained elsewhere in this Form 8-K. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for the year ended December 31, 2001 have each been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements at that date and for that period, not contained in this Form 8-K. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2000 has been derived from our consolidated financial statements (unaudited) at that date and for that period.
                                             
    Year Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
                     
Total revenues
  $ 670,519     $ 577,089     $ 588,061     $ 589,293     $ 394,885  
                               
Operating income
  $ 92,852     $ 66,319     $ 50,299     $ 57,627     $ 40,722  
Other income (expense), net:
                                       
 
Interest expense
    (62,183 )     (38,865 )     (37,204 )     (44,336 )     (18,999 )
 
Interest income
    45,241       23,806       33,427       34,506       39,514  
 
Other income (expense) net
    15,016       (8,404 )     7,046       13,333       12,552  
                               
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    90,926       42,856       53,568       61,130       73,789  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (18,312 )     15,792       (10,880 )     25,609       (5,445 )
                               
Income from continuing operations
    72,614       58,648       42,688       86,739       68,344  
                               
Discontinued operations:
                                       
 
Income from discontinued operations
    5,943       6,419       6,038       7,477       5,750  
 
Gain on sale and disposition of real estate
    75,197       3,353                    
                               
Total income from discontinued operations
    81,140       9,772       6,038       7,477       5,750  
                               
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change
    153,754       68,420       48,726       94,216       74,094  
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
          1,912                    
                               
Net earnings
  $ 153,754     $ 70,332     $ 48,726     $ 94,216     $ 74,094  
                               
Net earnings (loss) attributable to:
                                       
 
Limited partners
  $ 130,850     $ 51,074     $ 63,168     $ 66,668     $ 71,977  
 
General partners
    22,904       19,258       (14,442 )     27,548       2,117  
                               
Net earnings
  $ 153,754     $ 70,332     $ 48,726     $ 94,216     $ 74,094  
                               
 
Basic earnings:
                                       
   
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.11     $ 0.85     $ 1.14     $ 1.19     $ 1.36  
   
Income from discontinued operations
    1.73       0.21       0.13       0.16       0.12  
                               
 
Basic earnings per LP Unit
  $ 2.84     $ 1.06     $ 1.27     $ 1.35     $ 1.48  
                               
Weighted average limited partnership units outstanding
    46,098,284       46,098,284       46,098,284       46,098,284       46,098,284  
                               

1


 

                                             
    Year Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
                     
 
Diluted earnings:
                                       
   
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.09     $ 0.81     $ 1.01     $ 1.07     $ 1.18  
   
Income from discontinued operations
    1.54       0.17       0.11       0.12       0.10  
                               
 
Diluted earnings per LP Unit
  $ 2.63     $ 0.98     $ 1.12     $ 1.19     $ 1.28  
                               
Weighted average limited partnership units and equivalent partnership units outstanding
    51,542,312       54,489,943       56,466,698       55,599,112       56,157,079  
                               
Other financial data:
                                       
EBITDA(2)
  $ 339,010     $ 171,806     $ 149,499     $ 155,518     $ 117,956  
Capital expenditures (excluding property acquisitions)
  $ 166,808     $ 82,966     $ 106,458     $ 68,199     $ 52,598  
                                           
    At December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002(1)   2001(1)   2000(1)
                     
Balance sheet data:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 806,309     $ 553,224     $ 145,195     $ 219,644     $ 250,524  
Property, plant and equipment:
                                       
 
Gaming
    445,400       468,116       460,397       466,223       466,892  
 
Oil and gas
    527,384       354,821       169,657       120,142        
 
Real Estate
    291,068       293,046       444,461       415,022       488,266  
Investments
    350,527       167,727       395,495       319,822       512,703  
Total assets
    2,861,153       2,156,892       2,002,493       2,032,297       1,774,900  
Long term debt (including current portion)
    759,807       374,421       435,675       530,745       360,945  
Liability for preferred limited partnership units(1)
    106,731       101,649                    
Partners’ equity
    1,641,755       1,527,396       1,387,253       1,301,810       1,127,469  
 
(1)  On July 1, 2003, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 (SFAS 150), Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS 150 requires that a financial instrument, which is an unconditional obligation, be classified as a liability. Previous guidance required an entity to include in equity financial instruments that the entity could redeem in either cash or stock. Pursuant to SFAS 150, our preferred units, which are an unconditional obligation, have been reclassified from “Partners equity” to a liability account in the consolidated balance sheets and the preferred pay-in-kind distribution for the period from July 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003 of $2.4 million and all future distributions have been and will be recorded as “Interest expense” in the consolidated statements of earnings.
 
(2)  EBIDTA represents net earnings before interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense and depreciation, depletion and amortization, including provision for obligatory investments. We present EBITDA because we consider it an important supplemental measure of our performance and believe it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies issuing debt, many of which present EBITDA when reporting their results. We present EBITDA on a consolidated basis. However, EBITDA does not reflect cash flows and we conduct substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries. The operating results of our subsidiaries may not be sufficient to make distributions to us. In addition, our subsidiaries are not obligated to make funds available to us for payment on the notes or otherwise, and distributions and intercompany transfers from our subsidiaries to us may be restricted by applicable law or covenants contained in debt agreements and other agreements to which these subsidiaries currently may be subject or enter into in the future. The terms of any borrowings of our subsidiaries or other entities in which we own equity may restrict dividends, distributions or loans to us.

2


 

      EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. For example, EBITDA:
  •  Does not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures, or contractual commitments;
 
  •  Does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; and
 
  •  Does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debts.
      Although depreciation, depletion and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated, depleted or amortized often will have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements. Other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. In addition, EBITDA does not reflect the impact of earnings or charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations.
      EBITDA is a measure of our performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. EBITDA is not a measurement of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings, operating income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using EBITDA only supplementally.
      The following table reconciles net earnings to EBITDA for the periods indicated:
                                           
    Year Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
                     
Net earnings
  $ 153,754     $ 70,332     $ 48,726     $ 94,216     $ 74,094  
Interest expense
    62,183       38,865       37,204       44,336       18,999  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    18,312       (15,792 )     10,880       (25,609 )     5,445  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization, including provision for obligatory investments
    104,761       78,401       52,689       42,575       19,418  
                               
 
EBITDA
  $ 339,010     $ 171,806     $ 149,499     $ 155,518     $ 117,956  
                               

3

EX-99.2:
 

EXHIBIT 99.2
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Item 7. Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations.
      Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) is comprised of the following sections:
        1. Overview
 
        2. Results of Operations
    •  Consolidated Financial Results
 
    •  Gaming
 
    •  Oil and Gas
 
    •  Real Estate
 
    •  Corporate and Investments
        3. Liquidity and Capital Resources
    •  Consolidated Financial Results
 
    •  Gaming
 
    •  Oil and Gas
 
    •  Real Estate
        4. Certain Trends and Uncertainties
Overview
      We are a diversified holding company engaged in a variety of businesses. Our primary business strategy is to continue to grow and enhance the value of our core businesses, including oil and gas, gaming and real estate. In addition, we seek to acquire undervalued assets and companies that are distressed or in out of favor industries.
      Our businesses currently include gaming; oil and gas; property development; rental real estate; and resort operating activities. We may also seek opportunities in other sectors, including energy, industrial manufacturing, insurance and asset management.
      In continuation of our strategy to grow our core businesses, we have recently acquired additional oil and gas and gaming assets from affiliates of Mr. Carl C. Icahn (“Mr. Icahn”). See Notes 1, 4 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements. To capitalize on favorable real estate market conditions and the mature nature of our commercial real estate portfolio, we have offered our rental real estate portfolio for sale and other real estate assets may be sold if the appropriate level of returns can be achieved.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Financial Results
      The Company’s historical financial statements herein have been restated to reflect the five entities acquired in the second quarter of 2005 in a manner similar to a pooling of interests as discussed in notes 1, 4 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

1


 

      The key factors affecting the financial results for the year ended December 31, 2004 were:
Year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003
  •  Increased operating income from gaming activities. On a reported basis, operating income from gaming activities for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $28.4 million higher than operating income from gaming activities for the same period in the prior year.
 
  •  Higher interest expense in the current year as a result of higher debt levels. On a reported basis, interest expense increased approximately $23.3 million.
 
  •  Higher interest income in the current year as a result of increased earnings from U.S. government and agency obligations and other investments. On a reported basis, interest income increased approximately $21.4 million.
 
  •  Gains on marketable securities. Net gains on securities were $40.2 million in the current year versus of $1.7 million in the prior year.
 
  •  Increased gains on sales of properties. On a reported basis, income from gains on discontinued operations was $71.8 million higher than the same period in the prior year.
 
  •  An impairment charge of $15.6 million in the current year related to the Company’s interest in GB Holdings, Inc.
Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002
  •  Increased operating income from oil and gas. On a reported basis, operating income in the year ended December 31, 2003 was $26.0 million higher than the same period in the prior year due primarily to the acquisition of TransTexas.
 
  •  A write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments of $19.8 million was recorded in 2003 as compared to a write-down of $8.5 million in 2002. These write downs relate to our investment in Philip Services Corp., which filed for bankruptcy protection in June 2003.
 
  •  Decreased operating income from real estate. On a reported basis, operating income from real estate activities for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $15.8 million lower than operating income from real estate activities for the same period in the prior year. The decrease was due to a decline in earnings from property development due to a decline in inventory of completed units available for sale.
 
  •  Lower interest income of $9.6 million primarily due to a prepayment of a mezzanine loan in May 2002 which included $7.9 million of interest.
Consolidated Financial Results
Year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003
      Revenues increased by $93.4 million, or 16.2%, during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. This increase reflects increases of $40.5 million in gaming revenues, $38.1 million in oil and gas revenues, and $14.9 million in revenues from real estate activities.
      Operating income increased by $26.5 million, or 40.0%, during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. This increase reflects increases of $28.4 million from gaming, $2.7 million in operating income from oil and gas, offset by a $1.1 million reduction in operating income from real estate activities and an increase in corporate costs of $3.1 million and acquisition costs of $0.4 million.
      Interest expense increased by $23.3 million, or 60.0%, during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. This increase reflects the increased amount of borrowings. Interest income increased by $21.4 million, or 90.0%, during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. The increase is due to the repayment of two mezzanine loans, on which interest was accruing, and increased interest income on other investments.

2


 

Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002
      Revenues decreased by $11.5 million, or 2.0%, during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. This decrease reflects decreases of $9.5 million in gaming revenues, $65.2 million in real estate revenues, and offset by an increase of $63.2 million in revenues from oil and gas activities.
      Operating income increased by $16.0 million, or 31.8%, during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. This increase reflects increases of $6.2 million in operating income from gaming, increases in operating income of $26.0 million from oil and gas, and offset by a decrease in operating income of $15.8 million from real estate activities and an increase in corporate costs of $0.3 million.
      Interest expense increased by $1.7 million, or 4.5%, during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. This increase reflects the increased amount of borrowings. Interest income decreased by $9.6 million, or 28.8%, during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. The decrease is attributable to the repayment of a loan to Mr. Icahn in 2003, a prepayment of a mezzanine loan in May 2002 which included $7.9 million of interest and a decline in interest rates on U.S. Government and Agency obligations as higher rate bonds were called in 2002.
Gaming
      Summarized income statement information for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:
                             
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s)
Revenues
                       
 
Casino
  $ 325,615     $ 302,701     $ 318,122  
 
Hotel
    65,561       58,253       55,406  
 
Food and beverage
    88,851       81,545       79,679  
 
Tower, retail and other income
    37,330       34,059       31,954  
                   
 
Gross revenues
    517,357       476,558       485,161  
 
Less promotional allowances
    46,521       46,189       45,249  
                   
   
Net revenues
    470,836       430,369       439,912  
                   
Expenses
                       
 
Casino
  $ 112,452     $ 113,941     $ 119,850  
 
Hotel
    27,669       24,751       23,781  
 
Food and beverage
    56,425       53,471       53,736  
 
Other operating expenses
    14,905       15,305       16,156  
 
Selling, general and administrative
    169,736       165,754       176,236  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    38,414       34,345       33,501  
                   
      419,601       407,567       423,260  
                   
   
Operating income
  $ 51,235     $ 22,802     $ 16,652  
                   
Year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003
      Gross revenues increased 8.6% to $517.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $476.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase was primarily due to an increase in casino revenues, as well as increases in hotel, food and beverage and tower, retail and other revenues, primarily attributable to an increase in business volume, as discussed below. Las Vegas gross revenues increased 13.4% while Atlantic City gross revenues increased 1.4%.

3


 

      Casino revenues increased 7.6% to $325.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $302.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Combined slot machine revenues increased to $253.9 million, or 78.0% of combined casino revenues, and combined table game revenues increased to $64.5 million, or 17.2% of combined casino revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $240.8 million and $56.0 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2003. Las Vegas casino revenues increased 13.6% while Atlantic City casino revenues increased 1.8%.
      Hotel revenues increased 12.5% to $65.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $58.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the average daily room rate from $52.04 to $56.28 or 8.1%. The increase in the average daily room rate was primarily attributable to an increase in tourism in the Las Vegas market. Las Vegas hotel revenues increased 15.6% and Atlantic City hotel revenues decreased 0.8%.
      Food and beverage revenues increased 9.0% to $88.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $81.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase was primarily due to an increase in food and beverage covers and an increase in the average revenue per guest check. Las Vegas food and beverage revenues increased 12.4% and Atlantic City food and beverage revenues decreased 0.3%.
      Promotional allowances are comprised of the estimated retail value of goods and services provided to casino customers under various marketing programs. As a percentage of casino revenues, promotional allowances decreased to 14.3% for the year ended December 31, 2004 from 15.3% for the year ended December 31, 2003. This decrease was primarily attributable to a reduction in benefits from promotional activities related to slots. Promotional allowances as a percentage of casino revenues for Las Vegas operations decreased by 1.1 percentage points and for Atlantic City operations decreased by 0.8 percentage points.
      Casino expenses decreased by 1.3% to $112.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $113.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The decrease in casino expenses was primarily due to reduced labor costs as a result of the increased utilization of ticket-in/ticket-out slot technology.
      Hotel operating expenses increased 11.8% to $27.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $24.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor costs and costs associated with an increase in business volume.
      Food and beverage operating expenses increased 5.5% to $56.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $53.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor costs and costs associated with an increase in business volume.
      Other operating expenses decreased 2.6% to $14.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $15.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in costs related to headline entertainment at the Sands.
      Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of marketing, advertising, repair and maintenance, utilities and other administrative expenses. These expenses increased 2.4% to $169.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $165.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase was primarily due to an increase in payroll expenses, legal fees, costs associated with Sarbanes-Oxley and insurance costs.
Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002
      Gross revenues decreased 1.8% to $476.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $485.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in casino revenues, partially offset by increases in hotel, food and beverage and tower, retail and other revenues, as discussed below. Las Vegas gross revenues increased 4.8% while Atlantic City gross revenues decreased 10.1%.
      Casino revenues decreased 4.8% to $302.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $318.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Combined slot machine revenues decreased to $240.8 million, or 79.5% of combined casino revenues, and combined table game revenues decreased to

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$56.1 million, or 16.3% of combined casino revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $253.0 million and $59.7 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2002. Las Vegas casino revenues increased 3.4% while Atlantic City casino revenues decreased 11.6%.
      Hotel revenues increased 5.1% to $58.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $55.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the average daily room rate from $50.01 to $52.04 or 4.1%. The increase in the average daily room rate was primarily attributable to an increase in tourism in the Las Vegas market. Las Vegas hotel revenues increased 6.8% and Atlantic City hotel revenues decreased 1.3%.
      Food and beverage revenues increased 2.3% to $81.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $79.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the average revenue per guest check. Las Vegas food and beverage revenues increased 5.7% and Atlantic City food and beverage revenues decreased 5.9%.
      Promotional allowances, as a percentage of casino revenues, increased to 15.3% for the year ended December 31, 2003 from 14.2% for the year ended December 31, 2002. This increase was primarily attributable to marketing, player development and customer service programs implemented at the Sands to increase market share. Promotional allowances as a percentage of casino revenues for Las Vegas operations decreased by 0.3 percentage points while Atlantic City operations increased by 2.1 percentage points.
      Casino expenses decreased by 4.9% to $113.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $119.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The decrease in casino expenses was primarily due to reduced labor costs as a result of lower employment levels.
      Hotel operating expenses increased 4.1% to $24.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor costs.
      Food and beverage operating expenses decreased 0.5% to $53.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $53.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002.
      Other operating expenses decreased 5.3% to $15.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $16.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002.
      Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of marketing, advertising, repair and maintenance, utilities and other administrative expenses. These expenses decreased 5.9% to $165.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $176.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in marketing and repair and maintenance costs associated with cost reductions.
Oil and Gas
      The Company conducts its oil and gas operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AREP Oil and Gas LLC (“AREP Oil and Gas”). AREP Oil and Gas includes its 50.01% ownership interest in National Energy Group, Inc. (“NEG”), its 50% ownership interest in NEG Holding LLC (“NEG Holdings”), its indirect 50% membership interest (through NEG) in NEG Holdings, and its 100% ownership interest in each of TransTexas Gas Corporation (“TransTexas”) and Panaco, Inc. (“Panaco”), which are now known as National Onshore, LP and National Offshore, LP. The Company’s oil and gas operations consist of exploration, development, and production operations principally in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.
      The subsidiaries of AREP Oil and Gas were initially acquired by entities owned or controlled by Mr. Icahn and subsequently acquired by AREP in various purchase transactions. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, assets transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at historical cost similar to the pooling of interest method and the financial statements are combined from the date of acquisition by an entity under common control. The financial statements include the consolidated

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results of operations, financial position and cash flows of NEG, NEG Holdings, TransTexas and Panaco from the date Mr. Icahn obtained control (the “Date of Common Control”).
      The following table summarizes key operating data for the oil and gas segment (in thousands):
                           
    Years Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
Revenues
  $ 137,988     $ 99,909     $ 36,733  
Cost and expenses:
                       
 
Oil and gas operating expenses
    31,075       22,345       10,943  
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    60,123       39,455       15,509  
 
General and administrative expenses
    13,737       7,769       5,912  
                   
      104,935       69,569       32,364  
                   
 
Operating income
  $ 33,053     $ 30,340     $ 4,369  
                   
 
Operating income %
    24.0 %     30.4 %     11.9 %
      For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 natural gas comprised approximately 70%, 74% and 62% of oil and gas sales, respectively.
      The oil and gas revenues include the effect of our derivative contracts, both realized and unrealized. The following table details the components of oil and gas revenue for the periods indicated (in thousands):
                             
    Years Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
Gross oil and gas revenues
  $ 161,055     $ 108,713     $ 41,004  
Realized derivatives losses
    (16,625 )     (8,309 )     (1,244 )
Unrealized derivatives losses
    (9,179 )     (2,614 )     (3,608 )
                   
 
Oil and gas revenues
    135,251       97,790       36,152  
 
Plant revenues
    2,737       2,119       581  
                   
   
Total revenues
  $ 137,988     $ 99,909     $ 36,733  
                   
      Other data related to oil and gas operations is as follows:
                         
    Years Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
Production data:
                       
Oil (Mbbls)
    935       811       629  
Natural gas (MMcf)
    18,895       15,913       7,827  
Natural gas liquids (Mbbls)
    549       166        
Natural gas equivalents (Mmcfe)
    27,799       21,772       11,602  
Average Sales Price:
                       
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 29.89     $ 27.32     $ 23.93  
Natural gas (per Mcf)
    5.39       4.70       3.16  
Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)
    26.72       23.24        
Natural gas Equivalents (per Mcfe)
    5.20       4.63       3.43  
Expense per Mcfe:
                       
Oil and gas operating expenses
  $ 1.12     $ 1.03     $ 0.94  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    2.14       1.80       1.34  
General and administrative expenses
    0.49       0.36       0.51  

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      For the year ended December 31, 2004, the oil and gas segment include operations of NEG, TransTexas and NEG Holdings. The Date of Common Control for Panaco was November 16, 2004. The six weeks of operations from that date to December 31, 2004 were not material and, accordingly, the acquisition of Panaco has been recorded effective December 31, 2004. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the operations of TransTexas are included from August 28, 2003, the Date of Common Control. A significant portion of the fluctuations between 2004 and 2003 and, to a lesser extent, between 2003 and 2002 are due to the addition of the TransTexas operations in 2003, as well as the impact of unrealized derivative losses.
      The oil and gas segment’s revenues, profitability, future growth and the carrying value of our properties are substantially dependent on prevailing prices of oil and gas, our ability to find, develop and acquire additional oil and gas reserves that are economically recoverable and our ability to develop existing proved undeveloped reserves. Prices for oil and gas are subject to large fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for oil and gas, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors beyond the our control. These factors include weather conditions in the United States, the condition of the United States economy, the actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, governmental regulations, political stability in the Middle East and elsewhere, the foreign supply of oil and gas, the price of foreign imports and the availability of alternate fuel sources. Currently the industry is experiencing a dramatic increase in the price of oil and gas. This is somewhat offset by higher service costs for drilling, completing and operating oil and gas properties. The net impact is that the oil and gas segment is experiencing increased profits due to higher prices.
Year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003
      Revenues for 2004 increased $38.1 million or 38.1% as compared to the comparable period in 2003. This increase is partly attributable to the acquisition of TransTexas effective August 28, 2003, with TransTexas accounting for approximately $37 million of additional revenues. Oil and gas revenues include unrealized losses from marking to market derivative positions. For 2004 we recorded an unrealized loss of $9.2 million and for 2003 we recorded an unrealized loss of $2.6 million on derivative positions. The effect of recording these unrealized losses on derivatives resulted in a decrease of $6.6 million for 2004 when compared to the prior year. The balance of the 2004 increase is primarily the result of higher gas and oil prices realized in 2004.
      Changes in the fair value of our derivatives contracts due to changes in commodity prices may have a significant impact on our oil and gas revenues in the future.
      Our average natural gas price increased by 14.7% and our average crude oil price increased by 9.4% in 2004 as compared to 2003.
      Our average natural gas production in 2004 increased to 18,895 Mmcf or 18.7% when compared to 2003. The increase in natural gas production was primarily attributable to the acquisition of TransTexas effective August 28, 2003. Absent the acquisition of TransTexas, gas production decreased approximately 2.5%.
      Our oil production in 2004 increased by 15.3% to 935 mbbls compared to 2003. The increase in oil production was primarily attributable to the acquisition of TransTexas. Absent the acquisition of TransTexas, oil production decreased 10.2% due to the sale of properties in June 2004.
      Oil and gas operating expenses increased $8.7 million, or 39.1% to $31.1 million during 2004 as compared to $22.3 million in 2003. Oil and gas operating expenses per mcfe increased $0.09, or 8.7%, compared to 2003. The increase was primarily attributable to the acquisition of TransTexas effective August 28, 2003. Absent the acquisition of TransTexas, oil and gas operating expenses increased $2.0 million or 10.5% due to rising operating expenses.
      Depletion, depreciation and amortization for the oil and gas segment (“DD&A”) increased $20.7 million (52.4%) to $60.1 million during 2004 as compared to $39.5 million during 2003. DD&A per mcfe increased $0.34 or 18.9% to $2.14 per mcfe as compared to $1.80 in 2003. The increase was attributable to the acquisition of TransTexas effective August 28, 2003. Absent the acquisition of TransTexas, DD&A expense decreased $2.1 million or 8.8% due to lower production in 2004 and a lower average depletion rate.

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      General and administrative expenses for the oil and gas segment (“G&A”) increased $5.9 million (75.6%) to $13.7 million in 2004 as compared to $7.8 million during 2003. G&A per mcfe increased $.13 or 36.1% compared to 2003. The increase was primarily attributable to the acquisition of TransTexas. Excluding the TransTexas acquisition, G&A expense would have been relatively unchanged.
Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002
      In November and December 2002, the Company acquired producing oil and natural gas properties in Texas known as the Longfellow Ranch Field for total cash consideration of $48.3 million. The acquisition added approximately 34,196 mmcf of gas reserves and an insignificant amount of oil reserves. Approximately one month of operations for the Longfellow Ranch is included in the results of operations 2002 versus a full year in 2003. A significant portion of the increase in revenues, operating expenses and production between 2003 and 2002 is attributable to the Longfellow Ranch Field acquisition, as well as the TransTexas acquisition effective August 28, 2003.
      Revenues for the 2003 increased $63.2 million or 172% as compared to 2002. Approximately $28.4 million of the increase is attributable to the Longfellow Ranch acquisition and $21.5 million of the increase was attributable to the TransTexas acquisition, with the remainder attributable to higher gas and oil price realizations. The increases were partially offset by realized losses of $8.3 million in 2003 as compared to realized losses of $1.2 million in 2002 relating to the Company’s derivatives positions.
      Our average natural gas price increased by $1.54 per mcfe or 48.7% and our average crude oil price increased by $3.39 per mcfe or 14.2% during 2003 as compared to 2002.
      Our natural gas production during 2003 increased 8,086 mmcf (103.3%) to 15,913 mmcf compared to 2002. Approximately 5,582 mmcf of the 2003 increase in natural gas production over 2002 was attributable to the Long Fellow Ranch acquisition and approximately 2,476 mmcf of the increase was attributable to the acquisition of TransTexas.
      Our oil production during 2003 increased by 182 mbbls (28.9%) to 811 mbbls compared to 2002. The increase in oil production was attributable to the acquisition of TransTexas. The addition of Long Fellow Ranch added approximately 7 mbbls of oil production which was offset by oil production declines in existing fields.
      For 2003, oil and gas operating expenses increased $11.4 million (104.2%) to $22.3 million as compared to $10.9 million in 2002. Oil and gas operating expenses per mcfe increased $0.09, or 9.6%, compared to 2002. Approximately $6.4 million of the increase was attributable to the Long Fellow Ranch acquisition and approximately $4.1 million of the was attributable to the acquisition of TransTexas. The remainder of the increase was due to rising operating expenses.
      For 2003, DD&A increased $23.9 million (154.4%) to $39.5 million as compared to $15.5 million during 2002. DD&A per mcfe increased $0.46 or 34.3% to 1.80 per mcfe as compared to $1.34 per mcfe in 2002. The increase in DD&A was attributable to the increase in production relating to the acquisitions Long Fellow Ranch and TransTexas and the increased DD&A rate. The DD&A rate increased because the acquisition costs of Long Fellow Ranch and TransTexas were significantly in excess of our historical acquisition cost per equivalent barrel.
      For 2003, G&A increased $1.9 million (31.4%) to $7.8 million as compared to $5.9 million during 2002. G&A per mcfe decreased $0.15 or 29.4% to $0.36 per mcfe as compared to $0.51 per mcfe in 2002. The increase was attributable to the acquisition of TransTexas. The decrease in G&A per mcfe was attributable to the acquisition of Long Fellow Ranch which added significant production and minimal additional G&A expenses.

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Real Estate
      The Company’s real estate activities comprise three operating areas: 1) rental real estate, 2) property development, and 3) resort operations. The operating performance of the three segments was as follows:
                             
    Year Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s)
Revenues:
                       
 
Rental real estate:
                       
   
Interest income on financing leases
  $ 9,880     $ 13,115     $ 14,722  
   
Rental income
    9,014       8,055       8,289  
 
Property development
    26,591       13,265       76,024  
 
Resort operations
    16,210       12,376       12,921  
                   
   
Total revenues
    61,695       46,811       111,956  
                   
Operating expenses:
                       
 
Rental real estate
    10,733       8,205       10,548  
 
Property development
    18,486       9,129       54,640  
 
Resort operations
    15,719       11,580       13,057  
                   
   
Total expenses
    44,938       28,914       78,245  
                   
 
Operating income
  $ 16,757     $ 17,897     $ 33,711  
                   
Rental Real Estate
Year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003
      Revenues decreased by $2.3 million, or 10.8% during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. The decrease was attributable to the sale of financing lease properties in 2004. Operating expenses increased by $2.5 million or 30.8% during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. The increase was attributable to property write-downs in 2004.
Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002
      Revenues decreased by $1.8 million, or 8.0%, during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. The decrease was attributable to lease expirations in 2003. Operating expenses decreased by $2.3 million, or 22.2%, during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. The decrease was attributable to property write-downs in 2002 due to tenant bankruptcies and defaults.
      The Company markets portions of its commercial real estate portfolio for sale. For the years ended, sale activity was as follows:
                         
    Year Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s, except unit data)
    (Unaudited)
Properties sold
    57       9       12  
Proceeds received
  $ 245,424     $ 21,164     $ 20,513  
Mortgage debt repaid
  $ 93,845     $ 538     $  
Total gain recorded
  $ 80,459     $ 10,474     $ 8,990  
Gain recorded in continuing operations
  $ 5,262     $ 7,121     $ 8,990  
Gain recorded in discontinued operations
  $ 75,197     $ 3,353     $  

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      At December 31, 2004, the Company had fifteen properties under contract or as to which letters of intent had been executed by potential purchasers, all of which contracts or letters of intent are subject to purchaser’s due diligence and other closing conditions. Selling prics for the properties covered by the contracts or letters of intent would total approximately $97.9 million. These properties are encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $36.0 million. At December 31, 2004, the carrying value of these properties is approximately $62.3 million. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, only the real estate operating properties under contract or letter of intent, but not the financing lease properties, were reclassified to “Properties Held for Sale” and the related income and expense reclassified to “Income from Discontinued Operations.”
Property Development
Year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003
      Revenues increased by $13.3 million, or 100.5% during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. Operating expenses increased by $9.4 million, or 102.5% during the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to the same period in 2003. The resulting increase in operating income is due to the sale of higher priced units.
Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002
      Revenues decreased by $62.8 million, or 82.6% during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. Operating expenses decreased by $45.5 million, or 83.3% during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. The resulting decrease in operating income is due a decrease in the number of units sold as previously active subdivisions were depleted by sales.
Resort Operations
Year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003
      Revenues increased by $3.8 million, or 31% during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. This increase is due to the acquisition of Grand Harbor.
      Operating expenses increased by $4.1 million, or 35.7% during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. The increase is due to the acquisition of Grand Harbor.
Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002
      Revenues decreased by $0.5 million, or 4.2% during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002.
      Operating expenses decreased by $1.5 million, or 11.3% during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. The decrease is due to a decrease in payroll and related expenses.
Corporate and Investments
      General and administrative expenses relate principally to payroll and expense of the holding company.
General and Administrative Expenses
Year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003
      General and administrative costs increased $3.1 million, or 64.8% as compared to the same period in 2003, due largely to higher compensation costs and professional fees.
Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002
      General and administrative costs increased $0.3 million, or 6.5% as compared to the same period in 2002, due largely to general cost increases.

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Interest Income and Expense
      Interest expense increased by $23.3 million, or 60.0%, during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. This increase reflects the increased amount of borrowings. Interest income increased by $21.4 million, or 90.0%, during the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. The increase is due to the repayment of two mezzanine loans, on which interest was not recognized until received, and increased interest income on other investments.
      Interest expense increased by $1.7 million, or 4.5%, during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. This increase reflects the increased amount of borrowings. Interest income decreased by $9.6 million, or 28.8%, during the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the same period in 2002. The decrease is primarily attributable to the prepayment of a loan to Mr. Icahn in 2003, a prepayment of a mezzanine loan in May 2002 which included a payment of $7.9 million of interest and a decline in interest rates on US. Government and Agency obligations as higher rate bonds were called in 2002.
Other Income (Expense)
      Other income (expense) for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:
                         
    Year Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s)
Net gains on sales of marketable securities
  $ 40,159     $ 1,653     $ 8,712  
Unrealized losses on securities sold short
    (23,619 )            
Impairment of investment in GB Holdings, Inc. 
    (15,600 )            
Writedown of marketable equity and debt securities
          (19,759 )     (8,476 )
Minority interest
    2,074       2,721       (295 )
Gain on sale or disposition of real estate
    5,262       7,121       8,990  
Other
    6,740       (140 )     (1,885 )
                   
    $ 15,016     $ (8,404 )   $ 7,046  
                   
      Minority interest expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2004 when compared to comparable period in the prior year as a result of a decrease in net losses at GB Holdings, Inc. (“GBH”) partially offset by an increase in net earnings of TransTexas and an increase in the minority ownership position of GBH. Minority interest expense increased for the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to a comparable period in the prior year as a result of an increase in net losses of GBH.
Effective Income Tax Rate
      The Company recorded an income tax provision of $18.3 million and an income tax benefit of $15.8 million on pre-tax income of $90.9 million and $42.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate was 20.1% and (36.8%) for the respective period. The difference between the effective tax rate and statutory federal rate of 35% is due principally due to a change in the valuation allowance and income not subject to taxation.
      The Company recorded income tax benefit of $15.8 million and an income tax provision of $10.9 million on pre-tax income of $42.9 million and $53.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate was (36.8%) and 20.3% for the respective period. The difference between the effective tax rate and statutory federal rate of 35% is due principally to a change in the valuation allowance.
Seasonality
      The results of operations for oil and gas, gaming and resort operations are seasonal in nature.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Consolidated Financial Results
      The Company is a holding company and derives substantially all of its operating cash flow from its subsidiaries. Additionally, the Company seeks and obtains debt financing from the capital markets. The Company relies upon its invested cash balances, distributions and other payments from its subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to meet its obligations. The ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to pay dividends or distributions is subject to, among other things, the availability of sufficient funds in such subsidiaries, and restrictions under existing debt and applicable state laws. Claims of creditors of the Company’s subsidiaries will generally have priority as to the assets of such subsidiaries over the claims of the Company and its creditors and unit holders.
      A summary of the Company’s overall borrowings as of December 31, 2004 is as follows:
         
    December 31,
    2004
     
    (In $000’s)
Senior unsecured 8.125% notes due 2012
  $ 350,598  
Senior secured 7.85% notes due 2012
    215,000  
Borrowings under credit facilities due 2006
    51,834  
Mortgages payable due 2007 to 2014
    91,896  
GBH 11% Notes due 2005
    43,741  
Other
    6,738  
       
Total long-term debt
    759,807  
Less: current portion
    76,679  
       
    $ 683,128  
       
      In January 2004, American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC (“ACEP”) issued senior secured notes due 2012. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $215.0 million, bear interest at the rate of 7.85% per annum. ACEP used the proceeds of the offering for the Arizona Charlie’s acquisitions, to repay intercompany indebtedness and for distributions to American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership (“AREH”). ACEP also has a $20.0 million credit facility. At December 31, 2004, there were no borrowings under the credit facility. The restrictions imposed by ACEP’s senior secured notes and the credit facility likely will preclude our receiving payments from the operations of our principal hotel and gaming properties. ACEP accounted for 44.8% of our revenues and 53.6% of our operating income in 2004.
      ACEP’s 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 restrict the payment of cash dividends or distributions by ACEP, the purchase of its equity interests, the purchase, redemption, defeasance or acquisition of debt subordinated to ACEP’s notes and investments as “restricted payments.” ACEP’s notes also prohibit the incurrence of debt, or the issuance of disqualified or preferred stock, as defined by ACEP, with certain exceptions, provided that ACEP may incur debt or issue disqualified stock if, immediately after such incurrence or issuance, the ratio of consolidated cash flow to fixed charges (each as defined) for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional indebtedness is incurred or disqualified stock or preferred stock is issued would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis giving effect to the debt incurrence or issuance. As of December 31, 2004, such ratio was 3.9 to 1.0. The ACEP notes also restrict the creation of liens, the sale of assets, mergers, consolidations or sales of substantially all of its assets, the lease or grant of a license, concession, other agreements to occupy, manage or use our assets, the issuance of capital stock of restricted subsidiaries and certain related party transactions. The ACEP notes allow it to incur indebtedness, among other things, of up to $50 million under credit facilities, non-recourse financing of up to $15 million to finance the construction, purchase or lease of personal or real property used in its business, permitted affiliate subordinated indebtedness (as defined), the issuance of additional 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 in an

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aggregate principal amount not to exceed 2.0 times net cash proceeds received from equity offerings and permitted affiliate subordinated debt, and additional indebtedness of up to $10.0 million.
      Additionally, ACEP’s senior secured revolving credit facility allows for borrowings of up to $20.0 million, including the issuance of letters of credit of up to $10.0 million. Loans made under the senior secured revolving facility will mature and the commitments under them will terminate in January 2008, At December 31, 2004, there were not any borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the facility. The facility contains restrictive covenants similar to those contained in the 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012. In addition, the facility requires that, as of the last date of each fiscal quarter, ACEP’s ratio of net property, plant and equipment for key properties, as defined, to consolidated first lien debt be not less than 5.0 to 1.0 and ACEP’s ratio of consolidated first lien debt to consolidated cash flow not be more than 1.0 to 1.0. At December 31, 2004, these ratios were 83.9 to 1.0 and 0. l to 1.0, respectively.
      On May 12, 2004, we and American Real Estate Finance Corp. (“AREF”) issued senior notes due 2012. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $353.0 million, and priced at 99.266% of principal amount, bear interest at a rate of 81/8% per annum. The notes are guaranteed by AREH. Net proceeds from the offering have been and will continue to be used for general business purposes, including to pursue our primary business strategy of acquiring undervalued assets in either our existing lines of business or other businesses and to provide additional capital to grow our existing businesses.
      On February 7, 2005, we and AREF issued senior notes due 2013. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $480 million, bear interest at a rate of 71/8% per annum. The notes are guaranteed by AREH. Net proceeds from the offering will be used to fund the acquisition of TransTexas, to pay related fees and expenses, and for general business purposes, including to pursue our primary business strategy of acquiring undervalued assets in either our existing lines of business or other businesses and to provide additional capital to grow our existing businesses.
      Our 81/8% senior notes due 2012 and 71/8% notes due 2013 restrict the payment of cash dividends or distributions, the purchase of equity interests or the purchase, redemption, defeasance or acquisition of debt subordinated to the 81/8% senior notes due 2012 and 71/8% notes due 2013. The notes also restrict the incurrence of debt, or the issuance of disqualified stock, as defined, with certain exceptions, provided that we may incur debt or issue disqualified stock if, immediately after such incurrence or issuance, the ratio of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding indebtedness of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. (“AREP”) and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis to the tangible net worth of AREP and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would have been less than 1.75 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2004, such ratio was 0.5 to 1.0, and 0.87 to 1.0 giving pro forma effect to the issuance of the 71/8% notes due 2013. In addition, both issues of notes require that on each quarterly determination date that the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of us and the guarantor of the notes (currently only AREH) for the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently completed prior to such quarterly determination date be at least 1.5 to 1.0. For the four quarters ended December 31, 2004, such ratio was 2.98 to 1.0. If the ratio is less than 1.5 to 1.0, we will be deemed to have satisfied this test if there is deposited cash, which together with cash previously deposited for such purpose and not released, equal to the amount of interest payable on the notes for one year. If at any subsequent quarterly determination date, the ratio is at least 1.5 to 1.0, such deposited funds will be released to us. The notes also require, on each quarterly determination date, that the ratio of total unencumbered assets, as defined, to the principal amount of unsecured indebtedness, as defined, be greater than 1.5 to 1.0 as of the last day of the most recently completed fiscal quarter. As of December 31, 2004, such ratio was 5.0 to 1.0, and 2.7 to 1.0, giving pro forma effect to the issuance of the 71/8% notes due 2013. The notes also restrict the creation of liens, mergers, consolidations and sales of substantially all of our assets, and transactions with affiliates. As of December 31, 2004, based upon these tests, on a pro forma basis, giving effect to the issuance of the 71/8% notes due 2013, we and AREH could have incurred up to approximately $1.1 billion of additional indebtedness.
      Notes issued by GBH and Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (“Atlantic Holdings”) also contain restrictions on dividends and distributions and loans to us, as well as other transactions with us. The operating subsidiary of NEG Holdings, of which we have agreed to acquire a membership interest, has a credit

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agreement which contains covenants that have the effect of restricting dividends or distributions. These, together with the ACEP indenture and the indenture governing the notes, likely will preclude our receiving payments from the operations of our principal hotel and casino and certain of our oil and gas properties.
Cash Flows
      Net cash provided by continuing operating activities was $156.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to $71.9 million in the comparable period of 2003. Our cash and cash equivalents and investments in U.S. government and agency obligations increased by $293.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2004 primarily due to proceeds from senior notes payable ($565.4 million), cash flow from operations ($164.0 million), property sales proceeds ($151.6 million), proceeds from the sale of marketable equity and debt securities ($90.6 million), repayment of mezzanine loans ($49.1 million), cash from pooling of entities ($23.8 million), members’ contributions ($22.8 million), proceeds from additional debt ($18.8 million) and other ($12.6 million), partially offset by the purchase of debt securities ($346.7 million), acquisitions ($125.9 million), capital expenditures ($241.8 million), repayment of debt ($39.6 million), debt issuance costs ($25.2 million), distribution to members ($17.9 million) and other ($7.8 million).
      The Company is continuing to pursue the purchase of assets, including assets that may not generate positive cash flow, are difficult to finance or may require additional capital, such as properties for development, non-performing loans, securities of companies that are undergoing or that may undergo restructuring, and companies that are in need of capital. All of these activities require us to maintain a strong capital base and liquidity.
      In connection with its acquisition of the assets of WestPoint Stevens Inc., the Company made a payment of approximately $312.0 million in August 2005. This amount was funded from the Company’s existing cash resources.
Contractual Commitments
      The following table reflects, at December 31, 2004, our contractual cash obligations, subject to certain conditions, due over the indicated periods and when they come due:
                                         
    Less Than   1-3   3-5   After    
    1 Year   Years   Years   5 Years   Total
                     
Mortgages payable
  $ 4.8     $ 40.9     $ 9.3     $ 36.9     $ 91.9  
Senior secured 7.85%
                      215.0       215.0  
Senior unsecured 8.125%
                      353.0       353.0  
Senior debt interest
    78.3       159.5       159.5       211.3       608.6  
Credit facility
          51.8                   51.8  
GBH 11% notes
    43.7                         43.7  
Other
    5.0       12.2       7.5             24.7  
Acquisition of TransTexas
    180.0                         180.0  
Construction and development obligations
    55.0                         55.0  
Lease obligations
    3.0       5.8       5.7       15.3       29.8  
                               
Total
  $ 369.8     $ 270.2     $ 182.0     $ 831.5     $ 1,653.5  
                               
      GBH may be unable to pay the interest or principal on the 11% Notes at maturity which may impact its ability to continue as a going concern. GBH’s ability to pay the interest and principal amount of the remaining 11% Notes at maturity on September 29, 2005 will depend upon its ability to refinance such Notes on favorable terms or at all or to derive sufficient funds from the sale of Atlantic Holdings common stock or from a borrowing. GBH did not pay the interest and principal amount due on the 11% Notes. On September 29, 2005, GBH filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

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Gaming
      Our primary source of cash for our gaming operations is from the operation of our properties. In addition to cash from operations, cash is available to us, if necessary, under our separate senior secured revolving credit facilities for our Atlantic City and Las Vegas subsidiaries. Our Las Vegas operations have a $20.0 million facility and our Atlantic City operation has a $10.0 million facility. Both facilities are subject to us complying with financial and other covenants. We had availability under our credit facilities of $20.0 million and $10.0 million for Las Vegas and Atlantic City, respectively, at December 31, 2004, subject to continuing compliance with existing covenant restrictions. Our Las Vegas facility expires January 29, 2008 and our Atlantic City facility expires on November 11, 2005. The Company has begun negotiations to extend the Atlantic City facility. The cash generated from operations and credit facilities of Las Vegas and Atlantic City are not available to fund the operations of the other.
      The gaming operations are operated separately from the rest of AREP and, under terms of its senior secured notes, the ability to pay dividends and engage in other transactions with AREP are limited.
      Capital spending for the Las Vegas Operations was approximately $14.0 million, $30.4 million and $22.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Capital spending for the Atlantic City operation was approximately $16.6 million, $12.8 million and $14.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. We have estimated our combined capital expenditures for 2005 to be $30.1 million, which we anticipate to include approximately $8.1 million to refurbish rooms, install the new Insanity ride and construct a nightclub at the Stratosphere and approximately $1.3 million of $8.0 million to expand the gaming floor, including purchasing slot machines at Arizona Charlie’s. The remainder of our capital spending estimate for 2005 will be for upgrades or maintenance to our existing assets.
Oil and Gas
      Our primary sources of cash for AREP Oil and Gas is from the sale of gas and oil from our gas and oil properties and borrowings. During the year ended December 31, 2004, cash flows from operations provided by our oil and gas segment was $91.6 million compared to $4.7 million in 2003. The increase was primarily attributable higher sales revenues due to the acquisition of TransTexas and higher price realizations.
      During the year ended December 31, 2004 our oil and gas capital expenditures aggregated $115 million. Our capital expenditures for 2005 are forecasted to be $161.8 million.
      A subsidiary of AREP Oil and Gas, NEG Holdings, has a credit facility with an unrelated entity that provides for a loan commitment of up to $120 million (increased to $150 million in 2005) and a letter of credit agreement of up to $15 million (provided, the outstanding aggregate amount of the unpaid borrowing, plus the aggregate undrawn face amount of all outstanding letters of credit shall not exceed the bowing base). All of AREP Oil and Gas’s interest in NEG Holdings is pledged as collateral under the credit facility. As of December 31, 2004, the subsidiary had outstanding borrowings of $51.9 million.
      The credit facility requires, among other things that NEG holdings provide semiannual reserve reports covering oil and natural gas properties, and maintenance of certain financial ratios, including the maintenance of a minimum interest coverage ratio, a current ratio, and a minimum tangible net worth. NEG Holdings was not in compliance with the minimum interest coverage ratio at December 31, 2004 and obtained a waiver for this covenant. NEG Holdings was in compliance with all other covenants at December 31, 2004.
      The planned capital expenditures do not include any major acquisitions that we may consider from time to time.
      Historically we have funded our oil and gas capital expenditures from oil and gas operating cash flows and bank borrowings. Our oil and gas operating cash flows may fluctuate significantly due to changes in oil and gas commodity prices, production interruptions and other factors. The timing of most of our oil and gas capital expenditures is discretionary because we have no long-term capital expenditure commitments. We may vary our capital expenditures as circumstances warrant in the future.

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Real Estate
      The Company’s real estate operations generate cash through rentals and leases and asset sales (principally sales of rental properties) and the operation of resorts. All of these operations generate cash flows from operations.
      Real estate development activities are currently a significant use of funds. With our renewed development activity at New Seabury and Grand Harbor, it is expected that cash expenditures over the next year will approximate $100 million. Such amounts will be funded through advances from our existing cash reserves and then from unit sales.
Asset Sales and Purchases
      During the year ended December 31, 2004, we sold 57 rental real estate properties for approximately $245.4 million, which were encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $93.8 million which was repaid from the sales proceeds. As of December 31, 2004, we had entered into conditional sales contracts or letters of intent for 15 additional rental real estate properties, all of which contracts or letters of intent are subject to purchaser’s due diligence and other closing conditions. Selling prices for the properties covered by the contracts or letters of intent would total approximately $97.9 million. These properties are encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $36.0 million.
      Net proceeds from the sale or disposal of portfolio properties totaled approximately $151.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2004. During 2003, net sales proceeds totaled approximately $20.6 million.
      The types of assets we are pursuing, including assets that may not be readily financeable or generate positive cash flow, such as development properties, non-performing mortgage loans or securities of companies which may be undergoing restructuring, require significant capital investment or require us to maintain a strong capital base in order to own, develop and reposition these assets.
Leases
      In 2003, 17 leases covering 17 rental real estate properties and representing approximately $2.2 million in annual rentals expired. Twelve leases originally representing $1.6 million in annual rental income were renewed for $1.4 million in annual rentals. Such renewals are generally for a term of five years. Five properties with annual rental income of $0.6 million were not renewed.
      In 2004, 11 leases covering 11 rental real estate properties and representing approximately $1.8 million in annual rentals expired. Eight leases representing $1.5 million in annual rental income were renewed for $1.5 million in annual rentals. Such renewals are generally for a term of five years. Three properties with annual rentals of $0.3 million were not renewed.
      In 2005, 14 leases covering 24 rental real estate properties representing approximately $3.6 million in annual rentals are scheduled to expire. Six leases representing approximately $2.9 million in annual rentals were renewed for approximately $2.9 million. Such renewals are generally for a term of 10 years. Three properties with annual rentals of approximately $0.2 million have not been renewed. The status of five properties with annual rentals of approximately $0.5 million has not yet been determined.
      Real estate development activities are currently a significant use of funds. With the Company’s renewed development activity at New Seabury and Grand Harbor it is expected that cash expenditures over the next three years will be approximately $60.0 million, of which most of the expenditures will occur in 2006 and 2007. Such amounts will be funded through advances from the Company’s existing cash reserves.
Preferred Unit Distributions
      No cash distributions on our depositary units are expected to be made in 2005. We continue to believe that we should continue to hold and invest, rather than distribute, cash. We intend to continue to apply available cash flow toward operations, repayment of maturing indebtedness, tenant requirements, investments, acquisitions and other capital expenditures.

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      On March 31, 2004, we distributed to holders of record of our preferred units as of March 12, 2004, 489,657 additional preferred units. Pursuant to the terms of the preferred units, on March 4, 2005, we declared our scheduled annual preferred unit distribution payable in additional preferred units at the rate of 5% of the liquidation preference of $10.00. The distribution is payable on March 31, 2005 to holders of record as of March 15, 2005. In March 2005, the number of authorized preferred units was increased to 10,900,000.
      Our preferred units are subject to redemption at our option on any payment date, and the preferred units must be redeemed by us on or before March 31, 2010. The redemption price is payable, at our option, subject to the indenture, either all in cash or by the issuance of depositary units, in either case, in an amount equal to the liquidation preference of the preferred units plus any accrued but unpaid distributions thereon.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
      Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Among others, estimates are used when accounting for valuation of investments, recognition of casino revenues and promotional allowances and estimated costs to complete its land, house and condominium developments. Estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical and other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates may form the basis of the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities and may not be readily apparent from other sources. Actual results, under conditions and circumstances different from those assumed, may differ from estimates.
      We accounted for our acquisitions of NEG, NEG Holdings, TransTexas, Panaco, GBH and the Arizona Charlie’s hotels and casinos as assets transferred between entities under common control which required that they be accounted for at historical costs similar to a pooling of interests.
      We believe the following accounting policies are critical to our business operations and the understanding of results of operations and affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of
      Long-lived assets held and used by us and long-lived assets to be disposed of, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as vacancies and rejected leases, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
      In performing the review for recoverability, we estimate the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest charges, is less than the carrying amount of the asset an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that we expect to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Commitments and Contingencies — Litigation
      On an ongoing basis, we assess the potential liabilities related to any lawsuits or claims brought against us. While it is typically very difficult to determine the timing and ultimate outcome of such actions, we use our best judgment to determine if it is probable that we will incur an expense related to the settlement or final adjudication of such matters and whether a reasonable estimation of such probable loss, if any, can’ be made. In assessing probable losses, we make estimates of the amount of insurance recoveries, if any. We accrue a liability when we believe a loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Due to the inherent uncertainties related to the eventual outcome of litigation and potential insurance recovery, it is possible that certain matters may be resolved for amounts materially different from any provisions or disclosures that we have previously made.

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Marketable Equity and Debt Securities and Investment in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations
      Investments in equity and debt securities are classified as either held-to-maturity or available for sale for accounting purposes. Investment in U.S. government and agency obligations are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value on our balance sheet. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of partners’ equity. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost.
      A decline in the market value of any held-to-maturity security below cost that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. Dividend income is recorded when declared and interest income is recognized when earned.
Mortgages and Notes Receivable
      We have generally not recognized any profit in connection with the property sales in which certain purchase money mortgages receivable were taken back. Such profits are being deferred and will be recognized when the principal balances on the purchase money mortgages are received.
      We engage in real estate lending, including making second mortgage or secured mezzanine loans to developers for the purpose of developing single-family homes, luxury garden apartments or commercial properties. These loans are subordinate to construction financing and we target an interest rate in excess of 20% per annum. However interest is not paid periodically and is due at maturity or earlier from unit sales or refinancing proceeds. We defer recognition of interest income on mezzanine loans pending receipt of principal and interest payments.
Revenue Recognition
Real Estate
      Revenue from real estate sales and related costs are recognized at the time of closing primarily by specific identification. We follow the guidelines for profit recognition set forth by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate.
Casino Revenues and Promotional Allowances
      We recognize revenues in accordance with industry practice. Casino revenue is recorded as the net win from gaming activities, the difference between gaming wins and losses. Casino revenues are net of accruals for anticipated payouts of progressive and certain other slot machine jackpots. Revenues include the retail value of rooms, food and beverage and other items that are provided to customers on a complimentary basis. A corresponding amount is deducted as promotional allowances. The cost of such complimentaries is included in Hotel and casino operating expenses.” We also reward customers, through the use of loyalty programs, with points based on amounts wagered, that can be redeemed for a specified period of time for cash. We deduct the cash incentive amounts from casino revenue.
Natural Gas Production Imbalances
      We account for natural gas production imbalances using the sales method, whereby we recognize revenue on all natural gas sold to our customers notwithstanding the fact its ownership may be less than 100% of the natural gas sold. We record liabilities for imbalances greater than our proportionate share of remaining natural gas reserves.
Hedging Agreements
      From time to time, we enter into commodity price swap agreements (the Hedge Agreements) to reduce our exposure to price risk in the spot market for natural gas. We follow Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS 133), Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which was

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amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities. These pronouncements established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities, which generally require recognition of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative and its resulting designation. We elected not to designate these instruments as hedges for accounting purposes, accordingly both realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in oil and natural gas revenues.
Oil and Natural Gas Properties
      We utilize the full cost method of accounting for our crude oil and natural gas properties. Under the full cost method, all productive and nonproductive costs incurred in connection with the acquisition. exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas reserves are capitalized. and amortized on the units-of-production method based upon total proved reserves. The costs of unproven properties are excluded from the amortization calculation until the individual properties are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether reserves exist. Conveyances of properties, including gains or losses on abandonments of properties, are treated as adjustments to the cost of crude oil and natural gas properties, with no gain or loss recognized.
      Under the full cost method, the net book value of oil and natural gas properties, less related deferred income taxes, may not exceed the estimated after-tax future net revenues from proved oil and natural gas properties, discounted at 10% per year (the ceiling limitation). In arriving at estimated future net revenues, estimated lease operating expenses, development costs, abandonment costs, and certain production related and ad-valorem taxes are deducted. In calculating future net revenues, prices and costs in effect at the time of the calculation are held constant indefinitely, except for changes, which are fixed and determinable by existing contracts. The net book value is compared to the ceiling limitation on a quarterly basis.
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations
      We account for our asset retirement obligation under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143 (SFAS 143), Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS 143 provides accounting requirements for costs associated with legal obligations to retire tangible, long-lived assets. Under SFAS 143, an asset retirement obligation is needed at fair value in the period in which it is incurred by increasing the carrying amount for the related long-lived asset. In each subsequent period, the liability is accreted to its present value and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.
Income Taxes
      No provision has been made for federal, state or local income taxes on the results of operations generated by partnership activities as such taxes are the responsibility of the partners. The Company’s corporate subsidiaries, account for their income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards.
      Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
      Management periodically evaluates all evidence, both positive and negative, in determining whether a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets is still needed. In 2004 and 2003, we concluded, based on the projected allocations of taxable income, that our corporate subsidiaries more likely than not will realize a partial benefit from their deferred tax assets and loss carryforwards. Ultimate realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent upon, among other factors, our corporate subsidiaries’ ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward periods and is subject to change depending on the tax laws in effect in the years in which the carryforwards are used.

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Properties
      Properties held for investment, other than those accounted for under the financing method, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation unless declines in the value of the properties are considered other than temporary at which time the property is written down to net realizable value. Properties held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Such properties are no longer depreciated and their operations are included in discontinued operations. A property is classified as held for sale at the time we determine that the criteria in SFAS 144 have been met.
Forward Looking Statements
      Statements included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, “forward looking statements” for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by Public Law 104-67.
      Forward-looking statements regarding management’s present plans or expectations involve risks and uncertainties and changing economic or competitive conditions, as well as the negotiation of agreements with third parties, which could cause actual results to differ from present plans or expectations, and such differences could be material. Readers should consider that such statements speak only as of the date hereof.
Certain Trends and Uncertainties
      In addition to certain trends and uncertainties described elsewhere in this report, we are subject to the trends and uncertainties set forth below.
General
  •  Competition for acquisitions could adversely affect us and new acquisitions may fail to perform as expected.
 
  •  We may not be able to identify suitable investments.
 
  •  Our investments may be subject to significant uncertainties.
 
  •  We and AREH are holding companies and will depend on the businesses of our subsidiaries to satisfy our obligations under the notes.
 
  •  Certain of our management are committed to the management of other businesses.
 
  •  We may be subject to the pension liabilities of our affiliates.
 
  •  We are subject to the risk of possibly becoming an investment company.
 
  •  We may become taxable as a corporation.
Oil and Gas
  •  The oil and gas industry is highly regulated and federal, state and municipal licensing authorities have significant control over our operations.
 
  •  We face substantial risks in the oil and gas industry.
 
  •  We may be subject to environmental liability.
 
  •  We may experience difficulty finding and acquiring additional reserves and may be unable to compensate for the depletion of proved reserves.
 
  •  Difficulties in exploration and development could adversely affect our financial condition.
 
  •  Oil and gas prices are likely to be volatile.

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  •  Operating hazards and uninsured risks are inherent to the oil and gas industry.
 
  •  Our use of hedging arrangements could adversely affect our results of operations.
 
  •  Government regulations impose costs on abandoning oil and gas facilities.
 
  •  The oil and gas industry is highly competitive.
Gaming
  •  Rising operating costs for our gaming and entertainment properties could have a negative impact on our profitability.
 
  •  We face substantial competition in the hotel and casino industry.
 
  •  Economic downturns, terrorism and the uncertainty of war, as well as other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending, could reduce the number of our visitors or the amount of money visitors spend at our casinos.
 
  •  The gaming industry is highly regulated. The gaming authorities and state and municipal licensing authorities have significant control over our operations.
 
  •  Our hotels and casinos may need to increase capital expenditures to compete effectively.
 
  •  Increased state taxation of gaming and hospitality revenues could adversely affect our gaming results of operations.
Real Estate
  •  Our investment in property development may be more costly than anticipated.
 
  •  We may not be able to sell our rental properties, which would reduce cash available for other purposes.
 
  •  We face potential adverse effects from tenant bankruptcies or insolvencies.
 
  •  We may be subject to environmental liability.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
      The United States Securities and Exchange Commission requires that registrants include information about primary market risk exposures relating to financial instruments. Through our operating and investment activities, we are exposed to market, credit and related risks, including those described elsewhere herein. As we may invest in debt or equity securities of companies undergoing restructuring or undervalued by the market, these securities are subject to inherent risks due to price fluctuations, and risks relating to the issuer and its industry, and the market for these securities may be less liquid and more volatile than that of higher rated or more widely followed securities.
      Other related risks include liquidity risks, which arise in the course of our general funding activities and the management of our balance sheet. This includes both risks relating to the raising of funding with appropriate maturity and interest rate characteristics and the risk of being unable to liquidate an asset in a timely manner at an acceptable price. Real estate investments by their nature are often difficult or time-consuming to liquidate. Also, buyers of minority interests may be difficult to secure, while transfers of large block positions may be subject to legal, contractual or market restrictions. Our other operating risks include lease terminations, whether scheduled terminations or due to tenant defaults or bankruptcies, development risks, and environmental and capital expenditure matters, as described elsewhere herein.
      We invest in U.S. government and agency obligations which are subject to interest rate risk. As interest rates fluctuate, we will experience changes in the fair value of these investments with maturities greater than one year. If interest rates increased 100 basis points, the fair value of these investments at December 31, 2004, would decline by approximately $200,000.

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      The approximate estimated fair values of the mortgages payable as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows (in $000’s):
                                 
    At December 31, 2004   At December 31, 2003
         
    Carrying   Estimated   Carrying   Estimated
    Value   Fair Value   Value   Fair Value
                 
Total
  $ 91,896     $ 93,900     $ 180,989     $ 185,000  
                         
      The approximate estimated fair values of the GBH notes as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows (in $000’s):
                                 
    At December 31, 2004   At December 31, 2003
         
    Carrying   Estimated   Carrying   Estimated
    Value   Fair Value   Value   Fair Value
                 
Total
  $ 43,741     $ 35,430     $ 83,100     $ 69,000  
                         
Atlantic Holding Notes
  $ 2,335     $ 2,271     $     $  
                         
      The oil and gas segments’ revenues are derived from the sale of its crude oil and natural gas production. The prices for oil and gas remain extremely volatile and sometimes experience large fluctuations as a result of relatively small changes in supply, weather conditions, economic conditions and government actions. From time to time, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage oil and gas price risk.
      The Company utilizes price “collars” to reduce the risk of changes in oil and gas prices. Under these arrangements, no payments are due by either party so long as the market price is above the floor price set in the collar below the ceiling. If the price falls below the floor, the counter-party to the collar pays the difference to the Company and if the price is above the ceiling, the counter-party receives the difference from the Company.
      The following is a summary of the Company’s commodity price collar agreements as of December 31, 2004:
                                 
Type of Contract   Production Month   Volume per Month   Floor   Ceiling
                 
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       40,000 Bbls     $ 42.50     $ 46.00  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       25,000 Bbls     $ 43.60     $ 45.80  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       150,000 MMBTU     $ 6.00     $ 8.35  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       400,000 MMBTU     $ 6.00     $ 8.35  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       300,000 MMBTU     $ 3.25     $ 4.60  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       300,000 MMBTU     $ 4.75     $ 5.45  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       250,000 MMBTU     $ 6.00     $ 8.70  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2006       16,000 Bbls     $ 41.75     $ 45.40  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2006       120,000 MMBTU     $ 6.00     $ 7.28  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2006       500,000 MMBTU     $ 4.50     $ 5.00  
      Subsequent to December 31, 2004, the Company entered into the following commodity price collar agreements:
                                 
Type of Contract   Production Month   Volume per Month   Floor   Ceiling
                 
No cost collars
    March - Dec 2005       14,000 Bbls     $ 44.50     $ 48.00  
No cost collars
    March - Dec 2005       250,000 MMBTU     $ 6.05     $ 7.30  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2006       31,000 Bbls     $ 41.65     $ 45.25  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2006       540,000 MMBTU     $ 6.00     $ 7.25  
      The Company records derivatives contracts as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at fair value. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, these derivatives were recorded as a liability of $16.7 million (including a current liability of $8.9 million) and $6.6 million, respectively. The long-term portion is included in other non-

22


 

current liabilities. The Company has elected not to designate any of these instruments as hedges for accounting purposes and, accordingly, both realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in oil and gas revenues. The Company’s realized and unrealized losses on its derivatives contracts for the periods indicated were as follows:
                           
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s)
Realized loss (net cash payments)
  $ (16,625 )   $ (8,309 )   $ (1,244 )
 
Unrealized loss
    (9,179 )     (2,614 )     (3,608 )
                   
    $ (25,804 )   $ (10,923 )   $ (4,852 )
                   
      For derivatives contracts in loss positions, the Company is required to provide collateral to Shell Trading (US) in the form of margin deposits or a letter of credit from a financial institution. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had $1.7 million on deposit with Shell Trading (US), which is included in Other current assets on the balance sheet. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had issued a letter of credit in the amount of approximately $11.0 million securing the Company’s derivatives positions.

23

EX-99.3:
 

EXHIBIT 99.3
Item 8. Financial Statements.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Partners of
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
      We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, changes in partners’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We did not audit the financial statements of GB Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries and Panaco, Inc., which statements reflect total assets of 12.4% and total revenue of 25.5% as of December 31, 2004. Those statements were audited by other auditors, whose reports thereon have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for GB Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries and Panaco, Inc., is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.
      We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit and the reports of the other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
      In our opinion, based on our audit and the reports of other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
      As further described in Note 1, these consolidated financial statements have been restated to reflect the acquisitions of entities under common control, which have been accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling-of-interests. In addition, these consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to reflect properties held for sale or sold through the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as further described in Note 2.
  /s/ Grant Thornton LLP
New York, New York
November 29, 2005

F-1


 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
To the Board of Directors
Panaco, Inc.
      We have audited the balance sheet (not presented herein) of Panaco, Inc. (the “Company” or “Panaco”) as of December 31, 2004. This balance sheet is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this balance sheet based on our audit.
      We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
      In our opinion, the December 31, 2004 balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Panaco, Inc., as of December 31, 2004 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
  /s/ Pannell Kerr Foster of Texas P.C.
March 18, 2005
Houston, Texas

F-2


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders of GB Holdings, Inc.
      We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of GB Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows (not presented herein) for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004. In connection with our audits of the 2004, 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the related consolidated financial statement schedule. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedule based on our audits.
      We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
      In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of GB Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
      The consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that GB Holdings, Inc. will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring net losses, has a net working capital deficiency and has significant debt obligations which are due within one year that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Notes 1 and 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
  /s/ KPMG LLP
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 11, 2005

F-3


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Partners
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.:
      We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, changes in partners’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
      We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
      In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
      As discussed in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2003, the Partnership changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations.
  /s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
November 29, 2005

F-4


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2004 and 2003
                       
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
    (Restated)   (Restated)
    (In $000’s except per
    unit amounts)
ASSETS
Current assets
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 806,309     $ 553,224  
 
Investments
    99,088       108,409  
 
Trade, notes and other receivables, net
    105,486       80,818  
 
Other current assets
    209,418       152,591  
             
   
Total current assets
    1,220,301       895,042  
Property, plant and equipment, net:
               
 
Gaming
    445,400       468,116  
 
Oil and gas
    527,384       354,821  
 
Real estate
    291,068       293,046  
             
   
Total property, plant and equipment, net
    1,263,852       1,115,983  
Investments
    251,439       59,318  
Other assets
    125,561       86,549  
             
   
Total assets
  $ 2,861,153     $ 2,156,892  
             
 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
               
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 151,657     $ 89,437  
 
Current portion of long-term debt
    76,679       120,264  
 
Securities sold not yet purchased
    90,674        
             
   
Total current liabilities
    319,010       209,701  
             
Long-term debt
    683,128       254,157  
Other non-current liabilities and minority interest
    110,529       63,989  
Preferred limited partnership units:
               
 
$10 liquidation preference, 5% cumulative pay-in-kind; 10,400,000 authorized; 10,286,264 and 9,796,607 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2004 and 2003
    106,731       101,649  
             
     
Total long-term liabilities
    900,388       419,795  
             
     
Total liabilities
    1,219,398       629,496  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Partners’ equity
               
Limited partners:
               
 
Depositary units; 47,850,000 authorized; 47,235,484 outstanding
    1,301,625       1,181,078  
General partner
    352,051       358,239  
Treasury units at cost:
               
 
1,137,200 depositary units
    (11,921 )     (11,921 )
             
Partners’ equity
    1,641,755       1,527,396  
             
   
Total liabilities and partners’ equity
  $ 2,861,153     $ 2,156,892  
             
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
                             
    Years Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (Restated)   (Restated)   (Restated)
    (In $000s, except per unit data)
Revenues:
                       
 
Gaming, net
  $ 470,836     $ 430,369     $ 439,912  
 
Oil and gas
    137,988       99,909       36,733  
 
Real estate
    61,695       46,811       111,956  
                   
      670,519       577,089       588,601  
                   
Expenses:
                       
 
Gaming
    419,601       407,567       423,260  
 
Oil and gas
    104,935       69,569       32,364  
 
Real estate
    44,938       28,914       78,245  
 
General and administrative expenses
    7,779       4,720       4,433  
 
Acquisition costs
    414              
                   
      577,667       510,770       538,302  
                   
Operating income
    92,852       66,319       50,299  
Other income (expense), net:
                       
 
Interest expense
    (62,183 )     (38,865 )     (37,204 )
 
Interest income
    45,241       23,806       33,427  
 
Other income (expense), net
    15,016       (8,404 )     7,046  
                   
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    90,926       42,856       53,568  
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (18,312 )     15,792       (10,880 )
                   
Income from continuing operations
    72,614       58,648       42,688  
Discontinued operations:
                       
 
Income from discontinued operations
    5,943       6,419       6,038  
 
Gain on sales and disposition of real estate
    75,197       3,353        
                   
Income from discontinued operations
    81,140       9,772       6,038  
                   
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change
    153,754       68,420       48,726  
Cumulative effect of accounting change
          1,912        
                   
Net Earnings
  $ 153,754     $ 70,332     $ 48,726  
                   
Net earnings (loss) attributable to:
                       
   
Limited partners
  $ 130,850     $ 51,074     $ 63,168  
   
General partner
    22,904       19,258       (14,442 )
                   
    $ 153,754     $ 70,332     $ 48,726  
                   
Net earnings per limited partnership unit:
                       
   
Basic earnings:
                       
   
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.11     $ 0.85     $ 1.14  
   
Income from discontinued operations
    1.73       0.21       0.13  
                   
   
Basic earnings per LP unit
  $ 2.84     $ 1.06     $ 1.27  
                   
Weighted average limited partnership units outstanding
    46,098,284       46,098,284       46,098,284  
                   
   
Diluted earnings:
                       
   
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.09     $ 0.81     $ 1.01  
   
Income from discontinued operations
    1.54       0.17       0.11  
                   
   
Diluted earnings per LP unit
  $ 2.63     $ 0.98     $ 1.12  
                   
Weighted average limited partnership units and equivalent partnership units outstanding
    51,542,312       54,489,943       56,466,698  
                   
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS’
EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
                                                   
        Limited Partners’            
        Equity        
    General       Held in    
    Partner’s       Treasury   Total
    Equity   Depositary   Preferred       Partners’
    (Deficit)   Units   Units   Amounts   Units   Equity
                         
    (In $000’s)
Balance, December 31, 2001 (as previously reported)
  $ 58,846     $ 996,701     $ 92,198     $ (11,921 )     1,137     $ 1,135,824  
Adjustments relating to acquisitions accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests (Note 3)
    158,164       7,822                         165,986  
                                     
Balance, December 31, 2001 (Restated)
    217,010       1,004,523       92,198       (11,921 )     1,137       1,301,810  
Comprehensive income:
                                               
 
Net earnings
    (14,442 )     63,168                         48,726  
 
Reclassification of unrealized loss on sale of debt securities
    211       10,384                         10,595  
 
Adjustment to reverse unrealized loss on investment securities reclassified to notes receivable
    131       6,451                         6,582  
 
Net unrealized losses on securities available for sale
    (5 )     (237 )                       (242 )
                                     
 
Comprehensive income
    (14,105 )     79,766                         65,661  
 
Net adjustment for acquisition of minority interest
    21,151                               21,151  
 
Pay-in-kind distribution
          (4,610 )     4,610                    
 
Capital contribution to American Casino
    831                               831  
 
Other
    (44 )     (2,156 )                       (2,200 )
                                     
Balance, December 31, 2002 (Restated)
    224,843       1,077,523       96,808       (11,921 )     1,137       1,387,253  
Comprehensive income:
                                               
 
Net earnings
    19,258       51,074                         70,332  
 
Reclassification of unrealized loss on sale of debt securities
    15       746                         761  
 
Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale
    183       8,991                         9,174  
 
Sale of marketable equity securities available for sale
    (6 )     (274 )                       (280 )
                                     
 
Comprehensive income
    19,450       60,537                         79,987  
 
Pay-in-kind distribution
          (2,391 )     2,391                    
 
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance related to book-tax differences existing at time of bankruptcy
    524       46,581                         47,105  
 
Capital distribution
    (2,808 )                             (2,808 )
 
Reclassification of Preferred LP units to liabilities
                (99,199 )                 (99,199 )
 
Other
    (24 )     (1,172 )                       (1,196 )
 
Net adjustment for TransTexas acquisition
    116,254                               116,254  
                                     
Balance, December 31, 2003 (Restated)
    358,239       1,181,078             (11,921 )     1,137       1,527,396  
Comprehensive income:
                                               
 
Net earnings
    22,904       130,850                         153,754  
 
Reclassification of unrealized gains on marketable securities sold
    (190 )     (9,378 )                       (9,568 )
 
Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale
    1       32                         33  
                                     
 
Comprehensive income
    22,715       121,504                         144,219  
 
Capital distribution from American Casino
    (17,916 )                             (17,916 )
 
Capital contribution to American Casino
    22,800                               22,800  
 
Arizona Charlie’s acquisition
    (125,900 )                             (125,900 )
 
Change in deferred tax asset related to acquisition of Arizona Charlie’s
    2,490                               2,490  
 
Net adjustment for Panaco acquisition
    91,561                               91,561  
 
Distribution to General Partner relating to TransTexas’ purchase of minority interest and treasury shares
    (1,919 )                             (1,919 )
 
Other
    (19 )     (957 )                       (976 )
                                     
Balance, December 31, 2004 (Restated)
  $ 352,051     $ 1,301,625     $     $ (11,921 )     1,137     $ 1,641,755  
                                     
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-7


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(In $000’s)
                                 
    Years Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (Restated)   (Restated)   (Restated)
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 72,614     $ 58,648     $ 42,688  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
   
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    104,761       78,401       52,689  
   
Change in fair market value of derivative contract
    9,179       2,614       3,608  
   
Note discount amortization
    774       793        
   
Provision for doubtful accounts
    1,206       1,040       1,586  
   
Provision for obligatory investments
    1,165       1,434       1,521  
   
Impairment loss on investment in GB Holdings, Inc. 
    15,600              
   
Other losses
                5,379  
   
Preferred LP unit interest expense
    5,082       2,450        
   
Gain on sales of marketable equity securities
    (40,159 )     (2,607 )      
   
Unrealized losses on securities sold short
    23,619              
   
Gain on sales and disposition of real estate
    (5,262 )     (7,121 )     (8,990 )
   
(Gain) loss on sale of other assets
    (1,438 )     1,539       545  
   
Provision for loss on real estate
    3,150       750       3,212  
   
Writedown of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments
          19,759       8,476  
   
Minority interest
    (2,074 )     (2,721 )     295  
   
Equity in losses of equity method investees
    519       102        
   
Deferred gain amortization
    (2,038 )     (2,038 )     (2,038 )
   
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
    14,072       (21,052 )     9,785  
   
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
     
Increase in receivables and other assets
    (16,442 )     (870 )     (1,922 )
     
Increase in due from brokers
    (123,001 )            
     
(Increase) decrease in land and construction-in-progress
    (1,626 )     (4,106 )     24,215  
     
Increase in restricted cash
    (4,798 )     (13,095 )      
     
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    101,848       (42,001 )     (5,451 )
                   
       
Net cash provided by continuing operations
    156,751       71,919       135,598  
                   
 
Income from discontinued operations
    81,140       9,772       6,038  
   
Depreciation and amortization
    1,319       5,108       4,222  
   
Net gain from property transactions
    (75,197 )     (3,353 )      
                   
       
Net cash provided by discontinued operations
    7,262       11,527       10,260  
                   
       
Net cash provided by operating activities
    164,013       83,446       145,858  
                   

F-8


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)
                               
    Years Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (Restated)   (Restated)   (Restated)
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
 
Cash related to combination of entities accounted for as a pooling of interest
  $ 23,753     $ 15,312     $  
 
Increase (decrease) in investments
    2,942       (28,491 )     (23,200 )
 
Repayment of mezzanine loans included in investments
    49,130       12,200       23,000  
 
Net proceeds from the sales and disposition of real estate
    16,790       15,290       20,513  
 
Proceeds from sale of other assets
    5,491       1,676       1,962  
 
Principal payments received on leases accounted for under the financing method
    4,219       5,310       5,941  
 
Purchase of debt securities included in investments
    (245,166 )            
 
Purchase of debt securities of affiliates
    (101,500 )            
 
Acquisitions of Arizona Charlies
    (125,900 )            
 
Capital expenditures
    (241,752 )     (82,966 )     (123,546 )
 
(Increase) decrease in investment in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations included in investments
    (40,757 )     274,478       (22,410 )
 
Increase in marketable securities and debt securities included in investments
          (45,140 )     (4,415 )
 
Proceeds from sale of marketable equity and debt securities included in investments
    90,614       3,843        
 
Purchase of obligatory investments
    (2,308 )     (2,336 )     (2,496 )
 
Investment in NEG, Inc. 
          (148,101 )      
 
Decrease in note receivable from affiliate
          250,000        
 
Acquisition of minority interest in TransTexas
    (4,136 )            
 
Decrease in minority interest in Stratosphere Corp. 
                (44,744 )
 
Decrease in investment in Stratosphere Corp. 
          788        
 
Decrease in due to affiliate
                (68,491 )
 
Other
    (1,394 )     (1,240 )     (150 )
                   
     
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (569,974 )     270,623       (238,036 )
                   
 
Cash flows from discontinued operations:
                       
   
Net proceeds from the sales and disposition of real estate
    134,789       5,336        
                   
     
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (435,185 )     275,959       (238,036 )
                   

F-9


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)
                               
    Years Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (Restated)   (Restated)   (Restated)
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
 
Partners’ equity:
                       
   
Distribution to partners
  $ (17,916 )   $     $  
   
Partners’ contribution
    22,800              
   
Contributions to American Casino
                598  
 
Debt:
                       
   
Repayment of credit facilities
          (3,994 )     (5,000 )
   
Proceeds from credit facilities
    8,000       99,405       17,220  
   
Proceeds from Senior Notes Payable
    565,409              
   
Proceeds from long-term debt
    758              
   
Decrease in due to affiliates
    (24,925 )            
   
Proceeds from mortgages payable
    10,000       20,000       12,700  
   
Payments on mortgage payable
          (3,837 )     (462 )
   
Periodic principal payments
    (14,692 )     (61,998 )     (7,569 )
   
Debt issuance costs
    (25,177 )     (952 )      
   
Other
                242  
                   
     
Net cash provided by financing activities
    524,257       48,624       17,729  
                   
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 253,085     $ 408,029     $ (74,449 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    553,224       145,195       219,644  
                   
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 806,309     $ 553,224     $ 145,195  
                   
Supplemental information:
                       
 
Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized
  $ 60,472     $ 78,890     $ 49,400  
                   
 
Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds
  $ 2,912     $ 609     $ 2,839  
                   

F-10


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)
                         
    Years Ended December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (Restated)   (Restated)   (Restated)
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:
                       
Reclassification of real estate to operating lease
  $     $ 5,065     $ 13,403  
Reclassification from hotel and resort operating properties
    (6,428 )            
Reclassification of real estate from financing lease
    (1,920 )     (5,065 )     (13,503 )
Reclassification of real estate from operating lease
    (38,452 )     (126,263 )      
Reclassification of real estate to property held for sale
    46,800       126,263       100  
Decrease in other investments
          (3,453 )      
Decrease in deferred income
          2,565        
Increase in real estate accounted for under the operating method
          888        
Reclassification from marketable equity and debt securities
                (20,494 )
Reclassification from receivable and other assets
          (1,631 )      
Reclassification to other investments
          1,631       20,494  
                   
    $     $     $  
                   
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale
  $ 33     $ 9,174     $ (242 )
                   
Increase in equity and debt securities
  $ 1,740     $ 1,200     $ 2,890  
                   
Contribution of note from NEG Holding LLC
  $     $ 10,940     $  
                   
Change in tax asset related to acquisition
  $ 2,490     $     $  
                   
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-11


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
      American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “AREP”) are engaged in the following operating businesses: (1) gaming; (2) oil and gas; (3) property development; (4) rental real estate; and (5) resort operating activities.
      As a result of the Company’s expansion into non-real estate businesses, the Company has changed the presentation of its 2004 Consolidated Balance Sheet to a classified basis. The 2003 Consolidated Balance Sheet has been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation. As discussed in Note 18, the Company now presents its results in five operating segments.
      On July 1, 1987, American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership (the “Subsidiary” or “AREH”), in connection with an exchange offer (the “Exchange”), entered into merger agreements with American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and each of thirteen separate limited partnerships (collectively, the “Predecessor Partnerships”), pursuant to which the Subsidiary acquired all the assets, subject to the liabilities of the Predecessor Partnerships.
      By virtue of the Exchange, the Subsidiary owns the assets, subject to the liabilities, of the Predecessor Partnerships. The Company owns a 99% limited partner interest in AREH. AREH, the operating partnership, was formed to hold the investments of and conduct the business operations of the Company. Substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Company are owned by AREH and substantially all operations are conducted through AREH. American Property Investors, Inc. (the “General Partner”) owns a 1% general partner interest in both the Subsidiary and the Company, representing an aggregate 1.99% general partner interest in the Company and the Subsidiary. The General Partner is owned and controlled by Mr. Carl C. Icahn (“Icahn” or “Mr. Icahn”).
      On August 16, 1996, the Company amended its Partnership Agreement to permit non-real estate related acquisitions and investments to enhance unitholder value and further diversify its assets. Under the Amendment, investments may include equity and debt securities of domestic and foreign issuers. The portion of the Company’s assets invested in any one type of security or any single issuer are not limited.
      The Company will conduct its activities in such a manner so as not to be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). Generally, this means that no more than 40% of the Company’s total assets will be invested in investment securities, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act. In addition, the Company does not intend to invest in securities as its primary business and will structure its investments to continue to be taxed as a partnership rather than as a corporation under the applicable publicly traded partnership rules of the Internal Revenue Code.
      As of December 31, 2004, affiliates of Mr. Icahn owned 8,900,995 preferred units and 39,896,836 depositary units which represented 86.5% of the outstanding preferred units and depositary units.
      As of October 31, 2005, affiliates of Mr. Icahn owned 9,346,044 preferred units and 55,655,382 depositary units which represent 86.5% and 90.0% of the outstanding preferred units and depositary units, respectively.
      During the second quarter of 2005, the Company acquired the membership interest in NEG Holding LLC (“NEG Holdings”) other than that already owned by National Energy Group, Inc. (“NEG”), (which is itself 50.01% owned by the Company); 100% of the equity of each of TransTexas Gas Corporation (“TransTexas”) and Panaco, Inc. (“Panaco”), all of which will be consolidated under AREP Oil & Gas LLC, which is wholly owned by AREH; 4,121,033 shares of common stock of GB Holdings, Inc. (“GBH”) and 1,133,284 shares of common stock of Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (“Atlantic Holdings”) which owns 100% of ACE Gaming LLC (“ACE”), the owner and operator of the Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey (the “Sands”), from entities affiliated with Mr. Icahn for aggregate consideration

F-12


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
of $637.0 million, of which $180.0 million was paid in cash and the balance was paid by the issuance of the Company’s limited partnership depositary units valued at $29 per unit. All of these entities are considered companies under common control. After the acquisition, affiliates of Mr. Icahn owned 90.0% of the outstanding depositary units.
      The Company’s historical financial statements herein have been restated to reflect the acquisitions. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, assets and liabilities transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at historical cost similar to a pooling of interests, and the financial statements of previously separate companies for periods prior to the acquisition are restated on a combined basis.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
      Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AREP and its majority-owned subsidiaries in which control can be exercised. The Company is considered to have control if it has a direct or indirect ability to make decisions about an entity’s activities through voting or similar rights. The Company uses the guidance set forth in AICPA Statement of Position No. 78-9, Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures, and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-05, Investor’s Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership when the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners have Certain Rights, with respect to its investments in partnerships and limited liability companies. All material intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.
      Investments in affiliated companies determined to be voting interest entities in which AREP owns between 20% and 50%, and therefore exercises significant influence, but which it does not control, are accounted for using the equity method.
      In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, assets and liabilities transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at historical costs similar to a pooling of interests, and the financial statements of previously separate companies for periods prior to the acquisition are restated on a combined basis.
      Net Earnings Per Limited Partnership Unit — Basic earnings per LP Unit are based on net earnings as adjusted prior to the July 1, 2003 preferred pay-in-kind distribution to Preferred Unitholders. The resulting net earnings available for limited partners are divided by the weighted average number of depositary limited partnership units outstanding.
      Diluted earnings per LP Unit uses net earnings attributable to limited partner interests, as adjusted after July 1, 2003 for the preferred pay-in-kind distributions as the numerator with the denominator based on the weighted average number of units and equivalent units outstanding. The Preferred Units are considered to be equivalent units. The number of limited partnership units used in the calculation of diluted income per limited partnership unit increased as follows: 5,444,028, 8,391,659, and 10,368,414 limited partnership units for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, to reflect the effects of the dilutive preferred units.
      For accounting purposes, NEG’s earnings prior to the NEG acquisition in October 2003, earnings from Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder prior to their acquisition in May 2004, TransTexas’ earnings prior to its acquisition in April 2005, and earnings from NEG Holdings, Panaco, GBH, and Atlantic Holdings prior to their acquisition in June 2005 have been allocated to the General Partner and therefore are excluded from the computation of basic and diluted earnings per limited partnership unit.
      Cash and Cash Equivalents — The Company considers short-term investments, which are highly liquid with original maturities of three months or less at date of purchase, to be cash equivalents. Included in cash

F-13


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
and cash equivalents at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are investments in government-backed securities of approximately $658,534,000 and $378,000,000, respectively.
      Restricted Cash — Restricted cash consists of funds held by third parties in connection with tax free property exchanges pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 and is included in other current assets.
      In addition, restricted cash includes escrows established to provide satisfaction of the Company’s eventual responsibility to plug abandoned wells and remove structures when certain fields are no longer in use.
Investments.
      a. Investments in equity and debt securities are classified as either trading, held-to-maturity or available for sale for accounting purposes. Trading securities are valued at quoted market value at each balance sheet date with the unrealized gains or losses reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Investments in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value on the balance sheet of the Company. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of Partners’ Equity and when sold are reclassified out of Partners’ Equity based on specific identification. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost.
      A decline in the market value of any held-to-maturity or available for sale security below cost that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. Dividend income is recorded when declared and interest income is recognized when earned.
      b. The Company accounts for secured bank debt acquired at a discount for which the Company believes it is not probable that the undiscounted future cash collection will be sufficient to recover the face amount of the loan and constructive interest utilizing the cost recovery method in accordance with Practice Bulletin 6, “Amortization of Discounts on Certain Acquired Loans.” For secured bank debt acquired at a discount where recovery is probable, the Company amortizes the discount on the loan over the period in which the payments are probable of collection, only if the amounts are reasonably estimable and the ultimate collectibles of the acquisition amount of the loan and the discount is probable. The Company evaluates collectibility for every loan at each balance sheet date.
      SOP 03-03, “Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer,” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2004, limits the yield that may be accreted to the excess of the Company’s estimate of undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected over the Company’s initial investment in a loan. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this SOP will have a significant impact on its financial statements.
      c. The Company has provided development financing for certain real estate projects. The security for these loans is either a second mortgage or a pledge of the developers’ ownership interest in the properties. Such loans are subordinate to construction financing and are generally referred to as mezzanine loans. Generally, interest is not paid periodically but is due at maturity or earlier from unit sales or refinancing proceeds. The Company defers recognition of interest income on mezzanine loans pending receipt of all principal payments.
      Oil and Natural Gas Properties — The Company utilizes the full cost method of accounting for its crude oil and natural gas properties. Under the full cost method, all productive and nonproductive costs incurred in connection with the acquisition, exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas reserves are capitalized and amortized on the units-of-production method based upon total proved reserves. The costs of unproven properties are excluded from the amortization calculation until the individual properties are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether reserves exist. Conveyances of properties, including gains

F-14


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
or losses on abandonments of properties, are treated as adjustments to the cost of crude oil and natural gas properties, with no gain or loss recognized.
      Under the full cost method, the net book value of oil and natural gas properties, less related deferred income taxes, may not exceed the estimated after-tax future net revenues from proved oil and natural gas properties, discounted at 10% per year (the ceiling limitation). In arriving at estimated future net revenues, estimated lease operating expenses, development costs, abandonment costs, and certain production related and ad-valorem taxes are deducted. In calculating future net revenues, prices and costs in effect at the time of the calculation are held constant indefinitely, except for changes, which are fixed and determinable by existing contracts. The net book value of oil and gas properties is compared to the ceiling limitation on a quarterly basis.
      The Company has capitalized internal costs of $1.0 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, with respect to its oil and gas activities. The Company has not capitalized interest expense.
      The Company is subject to extensive Federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws, which are constantly changing, regulate the discharge of materials into the environment and may require the Company to remove or mitigate the environment effects of the disposal or release of petroleum or chemical substances at various sites. Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that have no future economic benefits are expensed. Liabilities for expenditures of a non-capital nature are recorded when environmental assessment and/or remediation is probable, and the costs can be reasonably estimated.
      The Company’s oil and gas operations are subject to all of the risks inherent in oil and natural gas exploration, drilling, and production. These hazards can result in substantial losses to the Company due to personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, pollution or environmental damage, or suspension or operations. The Company maintains insurance of various types customary in the industry to cover its operations and believes it is insured prudently against certain of these risks. In addition, the Company maintains operator’s extra expense coverage that provides coverage for the care, custody and controls of wells drilled by the Company. The Company’s insurance does not cover every potential risk associated with the drilling and production of oil and natural gas. As a prudent operator, the Company does maintain levels of insurance customary in the industry to limit its financial exposure in the event of a substantial environmental claim resulting from sudden and accidental discharges. However, 100% coverage is not maintained. The occurrence of a significant adverse event, the risks of which are not fully covered by insurance, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates it considers reasonable. The Company believes that, in all material respects, it operates in compliance with government regulations and in accordance with safety standards, which meet or exceed industry standards.
      Income Taxes — No provision has been made for Federal, state or local income taxes on the results of operations generated by partnership activities, as such taxes are the responsibility of the partners. Provision has been made for Federal, state or local income taxes on the results of operations generated by the Company’s corporate subsidiaries. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

F-15


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      Leases — The Company leases to others substantially all its real property under long-term net leases and accounts for these leases in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” as amended. This Statement sets forth specific criteria for determining whether a lease is to be accounted for as a financing lease or an operating lease.
        Financing Method — Under this method, minimum lease payments to be received plus the estimated value of the property at the end of the lease are considered the gross investment in the lease. Unearned income, representing the difference between gross investment and actual cost of the leased property, is amortized to income over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the lease.
 
        Operating Method — Under this method, revenue is recognized as rentals become due and expenses (including depreciation) are charged to operations as incurred.
      Properties — Properties held for use or investment, other than those accounted for under the financing method, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation unless declines in the values of the properties are considered other than temporary, at which time the property is written down to net realizable value. A property is classified as held for sale at the time management determines that the criteria in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 144 have been met. Properties held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Such properties are no longer depreciated and their operations are included in discontinued operations. As a result of the reclassification of certain real estate to properties held for sale during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 income and expenses of such properties are reclassified to discontinued operations for all prior periods. If management determines that a property classified as held for sale no longer meets the criteria in SFAS 144, the property is reclassified as held for use.
      Depreciation — Depreciation is principally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the particular property or equipment, which range from 3 to 45 years.
      Use of Estimates — Management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The more significant estimates include the valuation of (1) long-lived assets; (2) mortgages and notes receivable; (3) marketable equity and debt securities and other investments; (4) costs to complete for land, house and condominium developments; (5) gaming-related liability and loyalty programs; (6) deferred tax assets; (7) oil and gas reserve estimates; (8) asset retirement obligations; and (9) fair value of derivatives.
Revenue and Expense Recognition
      1. Revenue from real estate sales and related costs are recognized at the time of closing primarily by specific identification. The Company follows the guidelines for profit recognition set forth by FASB Statement No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate.
      2. Gaming revenues, and promotional allowances — Gaming revenue consists of casino, hotel and restaurant revenues. The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with industry practice. Casino revenue is the net win from gaming activities (the difference between gaming wins and losses). Casino revenues are net of accruals for anticipated payouts of progressive and certain other slot machine jackpots. Revenues include the retail value of rooms, food and beverage and other items that are provided to customers on a complimentary basis. A corresponding amount is deducted as promotional allowances. The cost of such complimentary is included in “Gaming” expenses. Hotel and restaurant revenue is recognized when services are performed.

F-16


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      The Company also rewards customers, through the use of loyalty programs with points based on amounts wagered, that can be redeemed for a specified period of time for cash. The Company deducts the cash incentive amounts from casino revenue.
      3. Sales, advertising and promotion — These costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $43.3 million, $36.5 million and $29.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
      4. Natural Gas Production Imbalances — The Company accounts for natural gas production imbalances using the sales method, whereby the Company recognizes revenue on all natural gas sold to its customers notwithstanding the fact its ownership may be less than 100% of the natural gas sold. Liabilities are recorded by the Company for imbalances greater than the Company’s proportionate share of remaining natural gas reserves. The Company had $0.9 million and $0.8 million in gas balancing liabilities as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
      Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — The Company monitors its accounts receivable balances on a monthly basis to ensure they are collectible. On a quarterly basis, the Company uses its historical experience to determine its accounts receivable reserve. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is an estimate based on specifically identified accounts as well as general reserves. The Company evaluates specific accounts where it has information that the customer may have an inability to meet its financial obligations. In these cases, management uses its judgment, based upon the best available facts and circumstances, and records a specific reserve for that customer against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount that is expected to be collected. These specific reserves are reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is received that impacts the amount reserved. The company also establishes a general reserve based upon a range of percentages applied to aging categories. These percentages are based on historical collection and write-off experience. If circumstances change, the Company’s estimate of the recoverability of amounts due the company could be reduced or increased by a material amount. Such a change in estimated recoverability would be accounted for in the period in which the facts that give rise to the change become known.
      Oil and Gas Derivatives — From time to time, the Company enters into derivative contracts, principally commodity price collar agreements (the Hedge Agreements) to reduce its exposure to price risk in the spot market for natural gas and oil. The Company follows SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which was amended by SFAS No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities. These pronouncements established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities, which generally require recognition of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative and its resulting designation. (See note 18).
      Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations — Effective January 1, 2003 the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS No. 143 provides accounting requirements for costs associated with legal obligations to retire tangible, long-lived assets. Under SFAS No. 143, an asset retirement obligation is recorded at fair value in the period in which it is incurred by increasing the carrying amount for the related long-lived asset which is depreciated over its useful life. In each subsequent period, the liability is adjusted to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. Upon adoption, the Company recorded an obligation of $3.0 million. The cumulative effect of this change in accounting was allocated to the General Partners. (See Note 17).
      Land and Construction-in-Progress — These costs are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Interest is capitalized on expenditures for long-term projects until a salable condition is reached. The capitalization rate is based on the interest rate on specific borrowings to fund the projects.
      Accounting for Impairment of a Loan — If it is probable that, based upon current information, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of a loan agreement, the

F-17


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Company considers the asset to be “impaired.” Reserves are established against impaired loans in amounts equal to the difference between the recorded investment in the asset and either the present value of the cash flows expected to be received, or the fair value of the underlying collateral if foreclosure is deemed probable or if the loan is considered collateral dependent.
      Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of — Long-lived assets held and used by the Company and long-lived assets to be disposed of, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as vacancies and rejected leases, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
      In performing the review for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the asset an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that the Company expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
      Accrued Insurance — The Company’s Atlantic City casino is self insured for a portion of its general liability, workers’ compensation, certain health care and other liability exposures. A third party insures losses over prescribed levels. Accrued insurance includes estimates of such accrued liabilities based on an evaluation of the merits of individual claims and historical claims experience. Accordingly, the Company’s ultimate liability may differ from the amounts accrued.
      Property Sales — The Company has generally not recognized any profit in connection with the property sales in which certain purchase money mortgages receivable were taken back. Such profits are being deferred and will be recognized when the principal balances on the purchase money mortgages are received.
Recently Issued Pronouncements
      On September 28, 2004, the SEC released Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 106 regarding the application of SFAS 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (“AROs”), “by oil and gas producing companies following the full cost accounting method. Pursuant to SAB 106, oil and gas producing companies that have adopted SFAS 143 should exclude the future cash outflows associated with settling AROs (ARO liabilities) from the computation of the present value of estimated future net revenues for the purposes of the full cost ceiling calculation. In addition, estimated dismantlement and abandonment costs, net of estimated salvage values, that have been capitalized (ARO assets) should be included in the amortization base for computing depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. Disclosures are required to include discussion of how a company’s ceiling test and depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations are impacted by the adoption of SFAS 143. SAB 106 is effective prospectively as of the beginning of the first fiscal quarter beginning after October 4, 2004. The adoption of SAB 106 is not expected to have a material impact on either the ceiling test calculation or depreciation, depletion and amortization.
      In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”). This revised accounting standard eliminates the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25 and requires instead that such transactions be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. SFAS No. 123R requires public entities to record noncash compensation expense related to payment for employee services by an equity award, such as stock options, in their financial statements over the requisite service period. The Company has adopted SFAS No. 123R as of June 30, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 123R did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

F-18


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
3. Related Party Transactions
      a. On June 30, 2005, the Company acquired a 50% membership interest in NEG Holdings, 100% of the equity of Panaco, 4,121,033 shares of common stock of GBH and 1,133,284 shares of common stock of Atlantic Holdings from entities affiliated with Mr. Icahn for 15,758,546 depositary units valued at approximately $457.0 million. Mr. Icahn is Chairman of the Board of American Property Investors, Inc. The terms of the transaction were approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the General Partner (“Audit Committee”), which was advised by its independent financial advisor and by its counsel. (See Notes 4 and 5).
      b. On April 6, 2005, AREP Oil and Gas LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired TransTexas from an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn, for $180.0 million in cash. The terms of the transaction were approved by the Audit Committee, which was advised by its independent financial advisor and by its counsel. (See Note 5).
      On May 26, 2004, our wholly-owned subsidiary, American Casino and Entertainment Properties LLC (“American Casino”) acquired two Las Vegas casino/hotels, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder from Mr. Icahn and an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn, for aggregate consideration of $125.9 million. The terms of the transactions were approved by the Audit Committee, which was advised by its independent financial advisor and by counsel. (See Note 4).
      d. At December 31, 2002, the Company held a $250 million note receivable from Mr. Icahn, which was repaid in October 2003. Interest income of approximately $7.9 million and $9.9 million was earned on this loan in the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and is included in “Interest income” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
      e. Administrative Services
      In 1997, the Company entered into a license agreement for a portion of office space from an affiliate. The license agreement dated as of February 1, 1997 expired May 22, 2004 and has been extended on a month-to-month basis. Pursuant to the license agreement, the Company has the non-exclusive use of approximately 2,275 square feet of office space and common space for which it paid $11,185 plus 10.77% of “additional rent”. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company paid such affiliate approximately $162,000, $159,000 and $153,000, respectively, in connection with this licensing agreement. The terms of such sublease were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee. If the Company must vacate the space, it believes there will be adequate alternative space available.
      For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company paid approximately $325,000, $273,000 and $160,900, respectively, to XO Communications, Inc., an affiliate of the General Partner, for telecommunication services.
      An affiliate of the General Partner provided certain administrative services to the Company which paid to such affiliate approximately $81,600, $78,300, and $78,250, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
      The Company provided certain administrative services to an affiliate of the General Partner and was paid approximately $80,000, $68,000 and $47,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
      f. See Note 5 regarding the purchase of TransTexas and Panaco debt from Icahn affiliates.
      g. See Note 4 regarding the purchase of Atlantic Holdings Notes from Icahn affiliates.
      h. See Note 13 regarding additional related party obligations.

F-19


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
4. Gaming
      The Company owns and operates gaming properties in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. The Company operates three gaming and entertainment properties in the Las Vegas metropolitan area through American Casino. The three properties are the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower, which is located on the Las Vegas Strip and caters to visitors to Las Vegas, and two off-Strip casinos, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, which cater primarily to residents of Las Vegas and the surrounding communities. The Company also owns and operates the Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey through its majority ownership of Atlantic Holdings.
      Summary balance sheets for gaming as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, included in the consolidated balance sheet, are as follows:
                     
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
    (In $000’s)
Current assets
  $ 122,554     $ 146,421  
Property and equipment:
               
   
Land and improvements, including land held for development
    101,554       101,385  
   
Building and improvements
    293,861       308,529  
   
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    182,270       163,308  
   
Construction in progress
    9,388       9,335  
             
      587,073       582,557  
   
Less accumulated depreciation And amortization
    141,673       114,441  
             
Property, plant and equipment, net
    445,400       468,116  
Other assets
    69,714       67,799  
             
Total assets
  $ 637,668     $ 682,336  
             
Current liabilities
  $ 105,385     $ 73,360  
Long term debt
    220,633       173,111  
Other liabilities
    53,733       12,090  
             
 
Total liabilities
  $ 379,751     $ 258,561  
             
      Included in property and equipment at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are assets recorded under capital leases of $4.0 million.

F-20


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      Summarized income statement information for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:
                             
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s)
Revenues
                       
 
Casino
  $ 325,615     $ 302,701     $ 318,122  
 
Hotel
    65,561       58,253       55,406  
 
Food and beverage
    88,851       81,545       79,679  
 
Tower, retail and other income
    37,330       34,059       31,954  
                   
   
Gross revenues
    517,357       476,558       485,161  
   
Less promotional allowances
    46,521       46,189       45,249  
                   
   
Net revenues
    470,836       430,369       439,912  
                   
 
Expenses
                       
 
Casino
  $ 112,452     $ 113,941     $ 119,850  
 
Hotel
    27,669       24,751       23,781  
 
Food and beverage
    56,425       53,471       53,736  
 
Tower, retail and other
    14,905       15,305       16,156  
 
Selling, general and administrative
    169,736       165,754       176,236  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    38,414       34,345       33,501  
                   
      419,601       407,567       423,260  
                   
Operating income
  $ 51,235     $ 22,802     $ 16,652  
                   
      In September 2000, Stratosphere’s Board of Directors approved a going private transaction proposed by the Company and an affiliate of Icahn. On February 1, 2001 the Company entered into a merger agreement with Stratosphere under which the Company would acquire the remaining shares of Stratosphere that it did not currently own. The Company owned approximately 51% of Stratosphere and Mr. Icahn owned approximately 38.6%. The Company, subject to certain conditions, agreed to pay approximately $44.3 million for the outstanding shares of Stratosphere not currently owned by it. Stratosphere stockholders not affiliated with Icahn would receive a cash price of $45.32 per share and Icahn related stockholders would receive a cash price of $44.33 per share. This transaction was completed in December 2002 after shareholders’ approval.
      The acquisition by the Company of the minority shares not owned by an Icahn affiliate has been accounted for as a purchase in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. The acquisition by the Company of the common stock held by an Icahn affiliate has been recorded at historical cost. The excess of the affiliate’s historical cost over the amount of the cash disbursed, which amounted to $21,151,000, has been accounted for as an addition to the General Partner’s equity.
      On January 5, 2004, American Casino, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement to acquire Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, from Mr. Icahn and an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn, for an aggregate consideration of $125.9 million. Upon obtaining all approvals necessary under gaming laws, the acquisition was completed on May 26, 2004. The terms of the transactions were approved by the Audit Committee, which was advised by its independent financial advisor and by counsel. As previously contemplated, upon closing, the Company transferred 100% of the common stock of Stratosphere to American Casino. As a result, following the acquisition and contributions, American Casino owns and operates three gaming and entertainment properties in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The Company consolidates American Casino and its subsidiaries in the Company’s financial statements. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, assets transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at historical costs similar to a pooling of interests, and the financial statements of

F-21


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
previously separate companies for periods prior to the acquisition are restated on a combined basis. The Company’s December 31, 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements have been restated to reflect the acquisition of Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder.
      Earnings, capital contributions and distributions of the two Arizona Charlie’s entities prior to the acquisition have been allocated to the General Partner. In accordance with the purchase agreement, prior to the acquisition, capital contributions of $22.8 million were received from and capital distributions of $17.9 million were paid to affiliates of Mr. lcahn. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in this acquisition have been accounted for at historical cost. A reduction of $125.9 million, reflecting the purchase price, has been made to the General Partner’s equity in May 2004.
      In 1998 and 1999, the Company acquired an interest in the Sands, by purchasing the principal amount of approximately $31.4 million of First Mortgage Notes (“Notes”) issued by GB Property Funding Corp. (“GB Property”). The purchase price for said notes was $25.3 million. GB Property was organized as a special purpose entity for borrowing funds by Greate Bay Hotel and Casino, Inc. (“Greate Bay”). Greate Bay is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GBH. An affiliate of the General Partner also made an investment. A total of $185.0 million in Notes were issued.
      On January 5, 1998, GB Property and Great Bay filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code to restructure its long-term debt.
      In July 2000, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court ruled in favor of the reorganization plan proposed by affiliates of the General Partner which provided for an additional investment of $65.0 million by the Icahn affiliates in exchange for a 46% equity interest in GBH, with bondholders (which also include the Icahn affiliates) to receive $110.0 million at 11% interest payable due September 29, 2005, in new notes of GB Property First Mortgage (“GB Notes”) and a 54% equity interest in GBH. Interest on the GB Notes is payable on March 29 and September 29, beginning March 29, 2001. The outstanding principal is due September 29, 2005. The principal and interest that was due on September 29, 2005 was not paid. On September 29, 2005, GBH declared bankruptcy.
      Until July 22, 2004, Greate Bay was the owner and operator of Sands. Atlantic Holdings was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greate Bay which was a wholly-owned subsidiary of GBH. ACE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlantic Holdings. Atlantic Holdings and ACE were formed in connection with a transaction (the “Transaction”), which included a Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange in which holders of the GB Notes were given the opportunity to exchange such notes, on a dollar for dollar basis, for $110 million of 3% Notes due 2008 (the “Atlantic Holdings Notes”), issued by Atlantic Holdings. The Transaction and the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange were consummated on July 22, 2004, and holders of approximately $66.3 million of GB Notes exchanged such notes for approximately $66.3 million Atlantic Holdings Notes. Also on July 22, 2004, in connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, the indenture governing the GB Notes was amended to eliminate certain covenants and to release the liens on the collateral securing such notes. The Transaction included, among other things, the transfer of substantially all of the assets of GBH to Atlantic Holdings.
      The Atlantic Holdings Notes are guaranteed by ACE. Also on July 22, 2004, in connection with the consummation of the Transaction and the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, GB Property and Greate Bay merged into GBH, with GBH as the surviving entity. In connection with the transfer of the assets and certain liabilities of GBH, including the assets and certain liabilities of Greate Bay, Atlantic Holdings issued 2,882,937 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Atlantic Holdings Common Stock”) of Atlantic Holdings to Greate Bay which, following the merger of Greate Bay became the sole asset of GBH. Substantially all of the assets and liabilities of GBH and Greate Bay (with the exception of the remaining GB Notes and accrued interest thereon, the Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, and the related pro rata share of deferred financing costs) were transferred to Atlantic Holdings or ACE. As part of the Transaction an

F-22


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
aggregate of 10,000,000 warrants were distributed on a pro rata basis to the stockholders of GBH upon the consummation of the Transaction. Such warrants allow the holders to purchase from Atlantic Holdings at an exercise price of $.01 per share, an aggregate of 2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and are only exercisable following the earlier of (a) either the Atlantic Holdings Notes being paid in cash or upon conversion, in whole or in part, into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, (b) payment in full of the outstanding principal of the GB Notes exchanged, or (c) a determination by a majority of the board of directors of Atlantic Holdings (including at least one independent director of Atlantic Holdings) that the Warrants may be exercised. The Sands’ New Jersey gaming license was transferred to ACE in accordance with the approval of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.
      On December 27, 2004, the Company purchased approximately $37.0 million principal amount of Atlantic Holdings Notes from two Icahn affiliates for cash consideration of $36.0 million. The Company already owned approximately $26.9 million principal amount of Atlantic Holdings Notes. The Atlantic Holdings Notes owned by the Company eliminate in consolidation.
      On January 21, 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with affiliates of Mr. Icahn to acquire 41.2% of the common stock of GBH and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 11.3% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings. The Company already owned 36.3% of the common stock of GBH and warrants to purchase approximately 10% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings. The Company agreed to pay approximately $12.0 million in depositary units, plus an additional $6.0 million in depositary units if certain earnings targets are met during 2005 and 2006.
      On May 17, 2005, the Company (1) converted $28.8 million in principal amount of Atlantic Holdings Notes into 1,891,181 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock and (2) exercised warrants to acquire 997,620 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock. Also on May 17, 2005, affiliates of Mr. Icahn exercised warrants to acquire 1,133,284 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock. Prior to May 17, 2005 GBH owned 100% of the outstanding common stock of Atlantic Holdings.
      On June 30, 2005, the Company completed the purchase of 4,121,033 shares of common stock of GBH and 1,133,284 shares of Atlantic Holdings from affiliates of Mr. Icahn in consideration of 413,793 of our depositary units. Up to an additional 206,897 depositary units may be issued if Atlantic Holdings meets certain earnings targets during 2005 and 2006. The depositary units issued in consideration for the acquisitions were valued at approximately $12.0 million.
      After the acquisition, the Company owns 77.5% of the common stock of GBH and 58.3% of the common stock of Atlantic Holdings. As a result of the acquisition, the Company obtained control of GBH and Atlantic Holdings. The period of common control for GBH and Atlantic Holdings began prior to January 1, 2002. The financial statements give retroactive effect to the consolidation of GBH and Atlantic Holdings. The Company had previously accounted for GBH on the equity method.
      In the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $15.6 million on its equity investment in GBH. The purchase price pursuant to our agreement to purchase additional shares in 2005 indicated that the fair value of our investment was less than our carrying value. An impairment charge was recorded to reduce the carrying value to the value implicit in the purchase agreement.

F-23


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      In connection with the purchase of the master lease from Strato-Retail, American Casino assumed lessor responsibilities for various non-cancelable operating leases for certain retail space. The future minimum lease payments to be received under these leases for years subsequent to December 31, 2004 are as follows:
         
Years Ending December 31,   (In $000’s)
     
2005
  $ 5,877  
2006
    4,778  
2007
    3,615  
2008
    2,177  
2009
    1,224  
Thereafter
    959  
       
Total Payments
  $ 18,630  
       
      The above minimum rental income does not include contingent retail income contained within certain retail operating leases. In addition, American Casino is reimbursed by lessees for certain operating expenses.
5. Oil and Gas
      Since their acquisitions during the second quarter of 2005, the Company conducts oil and gas operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AREP Oil and Gas LLC (“AREP Oil and Gas”). AREP Oil and Gas includes its 50.01% ownership interest in NEG, its 50% membership interest in NEG Holdings, its indirect 50% membership interest (through NEG) in NEG Holdings, and its 100% ownership interest in TransTexas and Panaco, which are now known as National Onshore, LP and National Offshore, LP, respectively. The Company’s oil and gas operations consist of exploration, development, and production operations principally in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.
      Summary balance sheets for AREP Oil and Gas as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, included in the consolidated balance sheet, are as follows:
                 
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
    (In $000’s)
Current assets
  $ 81,748     $ 62,622  
Oil and gas properties, full cost method
    527,384       354,821  
Other noncurrent assets
    40,492       21,254  
             
Total assets
  $ 649,624     $ 438,697  
             
Current liabilities
  $ 48,832     $ 28,975  
Noncurrent liabilities
    123,651       101,016  
             
Total liabilities
  $ 172,483     $ 129,991  
             

F-24


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      Summarized income statement information for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:
                           
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s)
Revenues
  $ 137,988     $ 99,909     $ 36,733  
                   
Cost and expenses:
                       
 
Oil and gas operating expenses
    31,075       22,345       10,943  
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    60,123       39,455       15,509  
 
General and administrative expenses
    13,737       7,769       5,912  
                   
Total expenses
    104,935       69,569       32,364  
                   
 
Operating income
  $ 33,053     $ 30,340     $ 4,369  
                   
      Oil and gas operating expenses comprise expenses that are directly attributable to exploration, development and production operations including lease operating expenses, transportation expenses, gas plant operating expenses, ad valorem and production taxes.
      Included in revenue is the impact of unrealized gains and losses on derivatives. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, there were unrealized losses of $9.2 million, $2.6 million and $3.6 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, there were realized losses of $16.6 million, $8.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
      In October 2003, pursuant to a Purchase Agreement dated as of May 16, 2003, the Company acquired certain debt and equity securities of NEG from entities affiliated with Mr. Icahn for an aggregate cash consideration of approximately $148.1 million plus approximately $6.7 million in cash of accrued interest on the debt securities. The agreement was reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee, which was advised by its independent financial advisor and legal counsel. The securities acquired were $148,637,000 in principal amount of outstanding 103/4% Senior Notes due 2006 of NEG and 5,584,044 shares of common stock of NEG. As a result of the foregoing transaction and the acquisition by the Company of additional securities of NEG prior to the closing, the Company beneficially owns in excess of 50% of the outstanding common stock of NEG. In connection with the acquisition of stock in NEG, the excess of cash disbursed over the historical cost which amounted to $2.8 million was charged to the General Partner’s equity. There is no minority interest allocated to the other NEG stockholders because of NEG’s negative equity.
      NEG owns a 50% interest in NEG Holdings; the other 50% interest in NEG Holdings was held by an affiliate of Mr. Icahn prior to the Company’s acquisition of the interest during the second quarter of 2005. NEG Holdings owns NEG Operating LLC (“Operating LLC”) which owns operating oil and gas properties managed by NEG.
      On December 6, 2004, the Company purchased from affiliates of Mr. Icahn $27,500,000 aggregate principal amount, or 100%, of the outstanding term notes issued by TransTexas (the “TransTexas Notes”). The purchase price was $28,245,890, which equals the principal amount of the TransTexas Notes plus accrued but unpaid interest. The notes eliminate in consolidation due to the acquisition of TransTexas in April 2005.
      On December 6, 2004, the Company purchased all of the membership interests of Mid River LLC (“Mid River”) from Icahn affiliates for an aggregate purchase price of $38,125,999. The assets of Mid River consist of $38,000,000 principal amount of term loans of Panaco (the “Panaco Debt”). The purchase price included accrued but unpaid interest. The Panaco Debt eliminates in consolidation due to the acquisition of Panaco in June 2005.

F-25


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      On January 21, 2005, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire TransTexas, Panaco and the membership interest in NEG Holdings other than that already owned by NEG for cash consideration of $180.0 million and depository units valued at $454.0 million, from affiliates of Mr. Icahn. The acquisition of TransTexas was completed on April 6, 2005 for $180.0 million in cash. The acquisition of Panaco and the membership interest in NEG Holdings was completed on June 30, 2005 for 15,344,753 depository units, valued at $445.0 million. The terms of the transaction were approved by the Audit Committee, which was advised by its independent financial advisor and by counsel.
      The acquisition of entities under common control is required to be accounted for under the “as if pooling” method during the period of common control. As a result of this method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of TransTexas, Panaco and NEG Holdings are included in the consolidated financial statements at historical cost. All prior period financial statements of the Company have been restated to include the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of the acquired entities.
      The period of common control for TransTexas began September 1, 2003, when it emerged from bankruptcy. The period of common control for Panaco began November 16, 2004, when it emerged from bankruptcy.
      The membership interest acquired in NEG Holdings constitutes all of the membership interests other than the membership interest already owned by NEG, which is itself 50.01% owned by the Company. As a result of the acquisition of the additional direct interest in Holding LLC, the Company is now the primary beneficiary of NEG Holdings in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities and now consolidates the financial results of NEG Holdings. The consolidated financial statements give retroactive effect to the consolidation of the acquired 50% interest in NEG Holdings, together with our 50% interest owned through NEG. The period of common control for NEG Holdings began on September 1, 2001.
      For financial reporting purposes, earnings, capital contributions and capital distributions prior to the acquisitions have been allocated to the General Partner.
Capitalized Costs
      Capitalized costs as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 relating to oil and gas producing activities are as follows:
                   
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
    (In $000’s)
Proved properties
  $ 923,094     $ 689,444  
Other property and equipment
    5,595       7,207  
             
 
Total
    928,689       696,651  
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
    401,305       341,830  
             
    $ 527,384     $ 354,821  
             

F-26


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      Cost incurred in connection with property acquisition, exploration and development activities for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:
                           
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s, except depletion rate)
Acquisitions
  $ 128,673     $ 184,667     $ 49,049  
Exploration costs
    62,209       6,950       1,073  
Development costs
    52,765       29,640       16,125  
                   
 
Total
  $ 243,647     $ 221,257     $ 66,247  
                   
Depletion rate per MCFe
  $ 2.11     $ 1.85     $ 1.30  
                   
      As of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 all capitalized costs relating to oil and gas activities have been included in the full cost pool.
Supplemental Reserve Information (Unaudited)
      The accompanying tables present information concerning the Company’s oil and natural gas producing activities during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 and are prepared in accordance with SFAS No. 69, “Disclosures about Oil and Gas Producing Activities.”
      Estimates of the Company’s proved reserves and proved developed reserves were prepared by independent firms of petroleum engineers, based on data supplied by them to the Company. Estimates relating to oil and gas reserves are inherently imprecise and may be subject to substantial revisions due to changing prices and new information, such as reservoir performance, production data, additional drilling and other factors becomes available.
      Proved reserves are estimated quantities of oil, natural gas, condensate and natural gas liquids which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. Natural gas liquids and condensate are included in oil reserves. Proved developed reserves are those proved reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Proved undeveloped reserves include those reserves expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or existing wells on which a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion. Natural gas quantities represent gas volumes which include amounts that will be extracted as natural gas liquids. The Company’s estimated net proved reserves and proved developed reserves of oil and condensate and natural gas for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:
                   
    Crude Oil   Natural Gas
         
    (Barrels)   (Thousand
        cubic feet)
December 31, 2001
    5,158,883       82,431,275  
 
Purchases of reserves in place
    30,436       34,196,450  
 
Sales of reserves in place
    (223,214 )      
 
Extensions and discoveries
    28,892       14,403,643  
 
Revisions of previous estimates
    842,776       (636,931 )
 
Production
    (629,100 )     (7,827,100 )
             

F-27


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
                   
    Crude Oil   Natural Gas
         
    (Barrels)   (Thousand
        cubic feet)
December 31, 2002
    5,208,673       122,567,337  
 
Purchase of reserves in place
           
 
Reserves of TransTexas purchased from affiliate of General Partner
    1,120,400       41,440,700  
 
Sales of reserves in place
    (25,399 )     (744,036 )
 
Extensions and discoveries
    494,191       61,637,828  
 
Revisions of previous estimates
    2,344,071       (2,728,657 )
 
Production
    (976,374 )     (15,913,351 )
             
December 31, 2003
    8,165,562       206,259,821  
 
Purchase of reserves in place
           
 
Reserves of Panaco purchased from affiliate of General Partner
    5,203,599       25,981,749  
 
Sales of reserves in place
    (15,643 )     (344,271 )
 
Extensions and discoveries
    524,089       50,226,279  
 
Revisions of previous estimates
    204,272       9,810,665  
 
Production
    (1,484,005 )     (18,895,077 )
             
December 31, 2004
    12,597,874       273,039,166  
             
Proved developed reserves:
               
 
December 31, 2002
    3,539,450       92,382,411  
             
 
December 31, 2003
    6,852,118       125,765,372  
             
 
December 31, 2004
    8,955,300       151,451,558  
             
Standardized Measure Information (Unaudited)
      The calculation of estimated future net cash flows in the following table assumed the continuation of existing economic conditions and applied year-end prices (except for future price changes as allowed by contract) of oil and gas to the expected future production of such reserves, less estimated future expenditures (based on current costs) to be incurred in developing and producing those reserves.

F-28


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows does not purport, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair market value of the Company’s oil and gas reserves. These estimates reflect proved reserves only and ignore, among other things, changes in prices and costs, revenues that could result from probable reserves which could become proved reserves in later years and the risks inherent in reserve estimates. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:
                 
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
    (In $000’s)
Future cash inflows
  $ 2,203,900     $ 1,497,902  
Future production and development costs
    (836,092 )     (469,633 )
             
Future net cash flows
    1,367,808       1,028,269  
Future income taxes
    (32,979 )      
Annual discount (10%) for estimating timing of cash flows
    (563,549 )     (407,771 )
             
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows
  $ 771,280     $ 620,498  
             
      Principal sources of change in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was:
                         
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s)
Beginning of year
  $ 620,498     $ 310,632     $ 113,122  
Sales of reserves in place
    (1,376 )     (2,476 )     (2,510 )
Sales and transfers of crude oil and natural gas produced net of production costs
    (130,640 )     (74,186 )     (31,115 )
Net change in prices and production costs
    16,686       77,205       112,381  
Development costs incurred during the period and changes in estimated future development costs
    (96,236 )     (70,350 )     (45,231 )
Acquisitions of reserves
    75,239       101,804       102,916  
Extensions and discoveries
    193,022       211,325       43,641  
Revisions of previous quantity estimates
    31,730       37,718       8,511  
Accretion of discount
    62,050       34,457       11,312  
Changes in production rates and other
    307       (5,631 )     (2,395 )
                   
End of year
  $ 771,280     $ 620,498     $ 310,632  
                   
      During recent years, there have been significant fluctuations in the prices paid for crude oil in the world markets. This situation has had a destabilizing effect on crude oil posted prices in the United States, including the posted prices paid by purchasers of the Company’s crude oil. The net weighted average prices of crude oil and natural gas as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $41.80, $29.14 and $29.86 per barrel of crude oil and $5.93, $5.89 and $4.92 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas.
6. Real Estate
      The Company’s real estate operations consist of (1) rental real estate and (2) residential developments and (3) associated resort activities.

F-29


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      Rental Real Estate. As of December 31, 2004, the Company owned 71 rental real estate properties. These primarily consist of fee and leasehold interests and, to a limited extent, interests in real estate mortgages in 23 states. Most of these properties are net-leased to single corporate tenants. Approximately 84% of these properties are currently net-leased, 6% are operating properties and 10% are vacant.
      Property Development and Associated Resort Activities. The Company owns, primarily through its Bayswater subsidiary, residential development properties. Bayswater, a real estate investment, management and development company, focuses primarily on the construction and sale of single-family houses, multi-family homes and lots in subdivisions and planned communities and raw land for residential development. The Company’s New Seabury development property in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and our Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor development property in Vero Beach, Florida each include land for future residential development of more than 450 and 980 units of residential housing, respectively. Both developments operate golf and resort activities.
      A summary of real estate assets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, included in the consolidated balance sheet, is as follows:
                   
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
    (In $000’s)
Rental properties
               
 
Finance leases, net
  $ 85,281     $ 131,618  
 
Operating leases
    49,118       76,443  
Property development
    106,537       43,459  
Resort properties
    50,132       41,526  
             
 
Total real estate
  $ 291,068     $ 293,046  
             
      In addition to the above are properties held for sale. The amount included in other current assets related to such properties was $58.0 million and $128.8 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The operating results of certain of these properties are classified as discontinued operations.

F-30


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      Summarized income statement information attributable to real estate operations is summarized as follows:
                             
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s)
Revenues
                       
 
Rental real estate:
                       
   
Interest income on financing leases
  $ 9,880     $ 13,115     $ 14,722  
   
Rental income
    9,014       8,055       8,289  
 
Property development
    26,591       13,265       76,024  
 
Resort activities
    16,210       12,376       12,921  
                   
   
Total revenues
    61,695       46,811       111,956  
                   
Operating expenses:
                       
 
Rental real estate
    10,733       8,205       10,548  
 
Property development
    18,486       9,129       54,640  
 
Resort activities
    15,719       11,580       13,057  
                   
   
Total expenses
    44,938       28,914       78,245  
                   
   
Operating income
  $ 16,757     $ 17,897     $ 33,711  
                   
a. Real Estate Leased to Others Accounted for Under the Financing Method
      Real estate leased to others accounted for under the financing method is summarized as follows (in $000’s):
                 
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
Minimum lease payments receivable
  $ 97,725     $ 161,785  
Unguaranteed residual value
    48,980       74,651  
             
      146,705       236,436  
Less unearned income
    57,512       99,080  
             
      89,193       137,356  
Less current portion of lease amortization
    3,912       5,738  
             
    $ 85,281     $ 131,618  
             
      The following is a summary of the anticipated future receipts of the minimum lease payments receivable at December 31, 2004 (in $000’s):
         
Year Ending December 31,   Amount
     
2005
  $ 11,941  
2006
    11,746  
2007
    10,832  
2008
    9,476  
2009
    9,255  
Thereafter
    44,475  
       
    $ 97,725  
       

F-31


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      At December 31, 2004 and 2003, approximately $73,144,000 and $107,543,000, respectively, of the net investment in financing leases was pledged to collateralize the payment of nonrecourse mortgages payable.
b. Real Estate Leased to Others Accounted for Under the Operating Method
      Real estate leased to others accounted for under the operating method is summarized as follows (in $000’s):
                 
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
Land
  $ 13,666     $ 24,040  
Commercial Buildings
    45,972       83,252  
             
      59,638       107,292  
Less accumulated depreciation
    10,520       30,849  
             
    $ 49,118     $ 76,443  
             
      The following is a summary of the anticipated future receipts of minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2004 (in $000’s):
         
Year Ending December 31,   Amount
     
2005
  $ 7,186  
2006
    6,232  
2007
    5,649  
2008
    5,383  
2009
    5,001  
Thereafter
    19,753  
       
    $ 49,204  
       
      At December 31, 2004 and 2003, approximately $14,166,000 and $15,630,000, respectively, of net real estate leased to others was pledged to collateralize the payment of non-recourse mortgages payable.
c. Significant Property Transactions
      Information on significant property transactions during the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 is as follows:
        1. In September 2002, the Company purchased an industrial building located in Nashville, Tennessee for approximately $18.2 million. The building was constructed in 2001 and is fully leased to two tenants, Alliance Healthcare and Jet Equipment & Tools Inc., with leases expiring in 2011. In October 2002, the Company closed a $12.7 million non-recourse mortgage loan on the Nashville, Tennessee property. The loan bore interest at 6.4% per annum and was due to mature in ten years. In June 2004, the Company sold the property for a selling price of $19.2 million. A gain of approximately $1.4 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2004 and is included in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
 
        At December 31, 2003, the property had a carrying value of approximately $18,066,000 and was encumbered by a non-recourse mortgage in the amount of $12,700,000.

F-32


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
        2. In October 2002, the Company sold a property located in North Palm Beach, Florida for a selling price of $3.5 million. A gain of approximately $2.4 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2002.
 
        3. In October 2003, the Company sold a property located in Columbia, Maryland to its tenant for a selling price of $11 million. A gain of approximately $5.8 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2003.
 
        4. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company sold 57 rental real estate properties for approximately $245 million which were encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $94 million which was repaid from the sale proceeds.
 
        During the year ended December 31, 2004, of the 57 properties, the Company sold nine financing lease properties for approximately $43.6 million. The properties were encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $26.8 million, which was repaid from the sales proceeds. The carrying value of these properties was approximately $38.3 million; therefore, the Company recognized a gain on sale of approximately $5.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2004, which is included in income from continuing operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
 
        During the year ended December 31, 2004, of the 57 properties, the Company sold 48 operating and held for sale properties for approximately $201.8 million. The properties were encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $67 million, which was repaid from the sales proceeds. The carrying value of these properties was approximately $126.6 million. The Company recognized a gain on sale of approximately $75.2 million in year ended December 31, 2004, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
 
        At December 31, 2004, the Company had fifteen properties under contract or as to which letters of intent had been executed by potential purchasers, all of which contracts or letters of intent are subject to purchaser’s due diligence and other closing conditions. Selling prices for the properties covered by the contracts or letters of intent would total approximately $97.9 million. These properties are encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $36.0 million. At December 31, 2004, the carrying value of these properties is approximately $62.3 million. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, only the real estate operating properties under contract or letter of intent, but not the financing lease properties, were reclassified to “Properties Held for Sale” and the related income and expense reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations.”
 
        5. In January 2004, in conjunction with its reinvestment program, the Company purchased a 34,422 square foot commercial condominium unit (“North Moore Condos”) located in New York City for approximately $14.5 million. The unit contains a Citibank branch, a furniture store and a restaurant. Current annual rent income from the three tenants is approximately $1,289,000. The Company obtained mortgage financing of $10 million for this property in April 2004. The mortgage bears interest at the rate of 5.73% per annum, and matures in March 2014. Annual debt service is $698,760.
 
        6. In July 2004, the Company purchased two Vero Beach, Florida waterfront communities, Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor (“Grand Harbor”), including their respective golf courses, tennis complex, fitness center, beach club and clubhouses. The acquisition also included properties in various stages of development, including land for future residential development, improved lots and finished residential units ready for sale. The purchase price was approximately $75 million, which included approximately $62 million of land and construction in progress. The Company plans to invest in the further development of these properties and the enhancement of the existing infrastructure.

F-33


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
d. Property held for sale (in $000’s):
                 
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
Leased to others
  $ 74,444     $ 146,416  
Vacant
    450       2,550  
             
      74,894       148,966  
Less accumulated depreciation
    16,873       20,153  
             
    $ 58,021     $ 128,813  
             
      At December 31, 2004 and 2003, approximately $34,881,000 and $105,984,000, respectively, of real estate held for sale was pledged to collateralize the payment of non-recourse mortgages payable.
      The following is a summary of income from discontinued operations (in $000’s):
                         
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
Rental income
  $ 14,560     $ 22,130     $ 19,636  
Hotel and resort operating income
    3,869       6,128       5,676  
                   
      18,429       28,258       25,312  
                   
Mortgage interest expense
    3,440       6,781       6,302  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,319       5,109       4,222  
Property expenses
    3,926       4,268       3,549  
Hotel and resort operating expenses
    3,801       5,681       5,201  
                   
      12,486       21,839       19,274  
                   
Income from discontinued operations
  $ 5,943     $ 6,419     $ 6,038  
                   
7. Investments
                                   
    December 31, 2004   December 31, 2003
         
    Amortized   Carrying   Amortized   Carrying
    Cost   Value   Cost   Value
                 
    (In $000’s)
Current Investments:
                               
Available for Sale
                               
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations
  $ 96,840     $ 96,840     $ 52,800     $ 52,583  
 
Philip Services Corporation(a): Equity
                       
 
Corporate bonds(b)
                45,100       51,626  
 
Marketable equity and debt securities
    2,248       2,248       1,300       4,200  
                         
    $ 99,088     $ 99,088     $ 99,200     $ 108,409  
                         

F-34


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
                                   
    December 31, 2004   December 31, 2003
         
    Amortized   Carrying   Amortized   Carrying
    Cost   Value   Cost   Value
                 
    (In $000’s)
Non-Current Investments:
                               
Available for Sale
                               
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations
  $ 5,491     $ 5,491     $ 8,990     $ 8,990  
 
WestPoint Stevens(e)
    205,850       205,850              
 
Union Power Partners, L.P. and Panda Gila River L.P.(f)
    39,316       39,316              
 
Other
    782       782       8,298       8,298  
                         
      251,439       251,439       17,288       17,288  
Other Non-Current Investments:
                               
 
Peninsula/ Hampton and Alex Hotel(c) and(d)
                42,030       42,030  
                         
Total Non-Current Investments
  $ 251,439     $ 251,439     $ 59,318     $ 59,318  
                         
      a. At December 31, 2002, the Company owned the following approximate interests in Philip Service Corporation (“Philip”): (1) 1.8 million common shares, (2) $14.2 million in secured term debt, and (3) $10.9 million in accreted secured convertible payment-in-kind debt. The Company had an approximate 7% equity interest in Philip and an Icahn affiliate had an approximate 38% equity interest. Icahn affiliates also owned term and payment-in-kind debt.
      The market value of Philip’s common stock declined steadily since it was acquired by the Company. In 2002, based on a review of Philip’s financial statements, management of the Company deemed the decrease in value to be other than temporary. As a result, the Company wrote down its investment in Philip’s common stock by charges to earnings of $8,476,000 and charges to other comprehensive income (“OCI”) of $761,000 in the year ended December 31, 2002. This investment had been previously written down by approximately $6.8 million in charges to earnings. The Company’s adjusted carrying value of Philip’s common stock was approximately $200,000 at December 31, 2002.
      In June 2003, Philip announced that it and most of its wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code.
      In the year ended December 31, 2003, management of the Company determined that it was appropriate to write-off the balance of its investment in the Philip’s common stock by a charge to earnings of approximately $961,000; of this amount $761,000 was previously charged to OCI in 2002, which was reversed in 2003, and included in the $961,000 charge to earnings.
      Approximately $6.6 million of charges to OCI were reversed and the investments were reclassified at their original cost to “Other investments” at December 31, 2002. These adjustments had no effect on the Company’s reported earnings for the year ended December 31, 2002.
      In 2003, the cost basis of the debt was approximately $22.1 million. As previously mentioned, Philip filed for bankruptcy protection in June 2003. Management of the Company reviewed Philip’s financial statements, bankruptcy documents and the prices of recent purchases and sales of the debt and determined this investment to be impaired. Based upon this review, management concluded the fair value of the debt to be approximately $3.3 million; therefore, the Company recorded a write-down of approximately $18.8 million by a charge to earnings, which was included in “Other income (expense)” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the year ended December 31, 2003. In December 2003, the Company sold two-thirds of its term and paid-in-kind (“PIK”) debt with a basis of $2.2 million for $2.6 million, generating a gain of $0.4 million.

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AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      Philip emerged from bankruptcy on December 31, 2003 as a private company controlled by an lcahn affiliate. The Company’s remaining interest in the debt, which is included in non-current investments, was delivered and exchanged for approximately 443,000 common shares representing a 4.4% equity interest in the new Philip, valued at the carrying value of the debt at December 31, 2004 of $0.7 million.
      b. In December 2003, the Company acquired approximately $86.9 million principal amount of corporate bonds for approximately $45.1 million. These bonds were classified as available for sale securities. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value on the balance sheet. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of Partners’ Equity. At December 31, 2003, the carrying value of the bonds was approximately $51.6 million and accumulated OCI was approximately $6.5 million. This OCI was reversed in the year ended December 31, 2004 upon the sale of corporate bonds. In the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company sold the debt securities for approximately $82.3 million, recognizing a gain of $37.2 million.
      c. On November 30, 2000, the Company entered into a mezzanine loan agreement to fund $23 million in two tranches to an unaffiliated borrower. The funds were to be used for certain initial development costs associated with a 65 unit condominium property located at 931 1st Avenue in New York City. The first tranche of $10 million was funded on November 30, 2000 and provided for interest accruing at a rate of 25% per annum, with principal and interest due at maturity, May 29, 2003. Also, in November 2000, approximately $3.7 million of the second tranche of the loan was funded. The balance of approximately $9.3 million was funded in installments during 2001. The second tranche provided for interest accruing at a rate of 21.5% per annum, with principal and interest due at maturity, November 29, 2002. The loans were payable at any time from the proceeds of unit sales, after satisfaction of senior debt of approximately $45 million. The loans were secured by the pledge of membership interests in the entity that owns the real estate. In May 2002, the Company received approximately $31.3 million for prepayment of the mezzanine loans. The balance of the prepayment of $8.3 million represented accrued interest ($7.9 million) and exit fees ($0.4 million), which amounts were recognized as “Interest income” and “Other income (expense),” respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2002.
      d. At December 31, 2002, the Company had funded two mezzanine loans for approximately $23.2 million and had commitments to fund, under certain conditions, additional advances of approximately $5 million. Both loans had an interest rate of 22% per annum compounded monthly. The Peninsula loan, for a Florida condominium development, which had a term of 24 months from the date of funding, February 2002, was repaid in full in 2003. Approximately $6.8 million of interest income was recorded and is included in “Interest income” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2003. The Alex Hotel loan, for a New York City hotel with approximately 200 rooms, had a term of 36 months from the closing date, April 2002. At December 31, 2003, accrued interest of approximately $4.4 million had been deferred for financial statement purposes pending receipt of principal and interest payments in connection with this loan. Origination fees of $3.0 million have been received in connection with one of the mezzanine loans and approximately $1.5 million and $1.1 million has been recognized in “Other income (expense)” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. In February 2003, the Company funded the Hampton mezzanine loan for approximately $30 million on a Florida condominium development. The loan was due in 18 months with one six-month extension and had an interest rate of 22% per annum compounded monthly. At December 31, 2003, accrued interest of approximately $6.7 million had been deferred for financial statement purposes pending receipt of principal and interest payments in connection with this loan. On April 30, 2004, the Company received approximately $16.7 million for the prepayment of the Alex Hotel loan. The principal amount of the loan was $11 million. The prepayment included approximately $5.7 million of accrued interest, which was recognized as interest income in the year ended December 31, 2004.

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AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      e. In 2004, the Company purchased approximately $278.1 million principal amount of secure bank debt of WestPoint Stevens, a company currently operating as a debtor in possession under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, for a purchase price of approximately $205.8 million. Approximately $193.6 million principal amount is secured by a first priority lien of certain assets of WestPoint and approximately $84.5 million principal amount is secured by a second priority lien. Interest income totaled approximately $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 and is included in “Interest income” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year then ended. Based on the latest available information, the Company has not accreted this debt and does not believe that an other than temporary impairment has been identified. See footnote 24 for details of the Company’s acquisition of Westpoint Stevens.
      f. In 2004, the Company purchased approximately $71.8 million of secured bank debt of Union Power Partners L.P. and Panda Gila River L.P. for a purchase price of approximately $39.3 million. No interest is currently being received on this debt. As of December 31, 2004, the Company has not accreted this debt and does not believe that an other than temporary impairment has been identified.
8. Other Current Assets
                 
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
Properties held for sale
  $ 58,021     $ 128,813  
Restricted cash — non securities
    19,856       15,058  
Restricted cash — securities(1)
    123,001        
Other
    8,540       8,720  
             
    $ 209,418     $ 152,591  
             
 
(1)  In November and December 2004, the Company sold short certain equity securities which resulted in the following (in $000’s):
        a. $123,001 — Restricted Cash — Securities — Net proceeds from short sales of equity securities and cash collateral held by brokerage institutions against the Company’s short sales.
 
        b. $90,674 — Securities Sold Not Yet Purchased — The Company’s obligation to cover the short sales of equity securities described above. The Company recorded unrealized losses on securities sold short of $23.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2004 reflecting an increase in price in the securities sold short. This amount has been recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings for the year then ended in the respective caption.
9. Trade, Notes and Other Receivables
      Trade, notes and other receivables as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $105.5 million and $80.8 million, respectively. The largest component of trades, notes and other receivables are trade receivables from the Company’s oil and gas properties.

F-37


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
10. Property, Plant and Equipment
      Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
                                                 
    December 31, 2004   December 31, 2003
         
        Accumulated           Accumulated    
        Depletion/           Depletion/    
    Cost   Depreciation   Net   Cost   Depreciation   Net
                         
    (In $000’s)
Oil and Gas
  $ 928,689     $ (401,305 )   $ 527,384     $ 696,651     $ (341,830 )   $ 354,821  
Gaming
    587,073       (141,673 )     445,400       582,557       (114,441 )     468,116  
Real Estate
    311,230       (20,162 )     291,068       329,263       (36,217 )     293,046  
                                     
Total PP&E
  $ 1,826,992     $ (563,140 )   $ 1,263,852     $ 1,608,471     $ (492,488 )   $ 1,115,983  
                                     
      Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $103.7 million, $77.9 million and $52.3 million, respectively.
      During 2005, the Company has begun to incur operating losses relating to the operation of The Sands. However, The Sands continues to generate positive cash flow. The Company believes that its efforts to improve profitability will lead to a reversal of these operating losses. However, as there is no guarantee that the Company’s efforts will be successful, the Company continues to evaluate whether there is an impairment under SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets.” In the event that a change in operations results in a future reduction of cash flows, the Company may determine that an impairment under SFAS 144 has occurred at The Sands, and an impairment charge may be required. The carrying value of P,P&E of The Sands at September 30, 2005 was approximately $165.5 million.
11. Other Non-Current Assets
      Other non-current assets consist of the following:
                 
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
    (In $000’s)
Deferred taxes
  $ 56,416     $ 65,445  
Deferred finance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $3,179 and $1,349 as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively
    17,178       1,316  
Restricted deposits
    23,519        
Other
    28,448       19,788  
             
    $ 125,561     $ 86,549  
             
      Restricted deposits represent amounts escrowed with respect to asset retirement obligations at the Company’s oil and gas operations.
12. Other Non-Current Liabilities
      Other non-current liabilities consist of the following:
                 
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
    (In $000’s)
Asset retirement obligation
  $ 56,524     $ 6,745  
Long-term liabilities
    36,265       27,013  
Minority interest
    17,740       30,231  
             
    $ 110,529     $ 63,989  
             

F-38


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
13. Long-Term Debt
      Long-term debt comprised the following:
                 
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
    (In $000’s)
Senior unsecured 8.125% notes due 2012(a)
  $ 350,598     $  
Senior secured 7.85% notes due 2012(b)
    215,000        
Borrowings under credit facilities(c)
    51,834       43,834  
Mortgages payable(d)
    91,896       180,989  
GB Notes(e)
    43,741       83,100  
Due to affiliate(f)
          27,500  
Credit facility due to affiliate(g)
          25,000  
Other
    6,738       13,998  
             
Total long-term debt
    759,807       374,421  
Less: current portion, including debt related to real estate held for sale
    76,679       120,264  
             
    $ 683,128     $ 254,157  
             
      a. On May 12, 2004, the Company closed on its offering of senior notes due 2012. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $353 million, were priced at 99.266%. The notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 81/8%, which will be paid every six months on June 1 and December 1, commencing December 1, 2004. The notes will mature on June 1, 2012. AREH is a guarantor of the debt; however, no other subsidiaries guarantee payment on the notes. American Real Estate Finance Corp. (“AREF”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed solely for the purpose of serving as a co-issuer of debt securities. AREF does not have any operations or assets and does not have any revenues. The Company intends to use the proceeds of this offering for general business purposes, including its primary business strategy of acquiring undervalued assets in its existing lines of business or other businesses and to provide additional capital to grow its existing businesses. The notes restrict the ability of the Company, subject to certain exceptions, to, among other things; incur additional debt: pay dividends or make distributions; repurchase stock; create liens; and enter into transactions with affiliates. As of December 31, 2004, the Company is in compliance with all terms and conditions of the notes. The notes were issued in an offering not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. At the time the Company issued the notes, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement in which the Company agreed to exchange the notes for new notes which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. On November 8, 2004, the SEC declared effective the Company’s registration statement. The exchange offer was consummated on December 15, 2004.
      The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities. As such, the estimated fair value of long-term debt outstanding is approximately $375 million as of December 31, 2004.
      The Company recorded approximately $18.5 million of interest expense on the notes payable for the year ended December 31, 2004 which is included in “Interest expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year then ended.
      b. In January 2004, American Casino closed on its offering of senior secured notes due 2012. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $215 million, bear interest at the rate of 7.85% per annum. The notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 7.85% per annum, which will be paid every six months on February 1 and August 1, commencing August 1, 2004. The notes will mature on February 1, 2012. The proceeds were held in escrow pending receipt of all approvals necessary under gaming laws and certain other conditions in

F-39


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
connection with the acquisition of Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder. Upon satisfaction of all closing conditions on May 26, 2004, the proceeds of the offering were released from escrow. American Casino used the proceeds of the offering for the acquisition of Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Boulder, to repay intercompany indebtedness and for distributions to the Company. The notes are recourse only to, and are secured by a lien on the assets of, American Casino and certain of its subsidiaries. The notes restrict the ability of American Casino and its restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, to: incur additional debt; pay dividends and make distributions; make certain investments; repurchase stock; create liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; merge or consolidate; and transfer, lease or sell assets. As of December 31, 2004, American Casino is in compliance with all terms and conditions of the notes. The notes were issued in an offering not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. At the time American Casino issued the notes, it entered into a registration rights agreement in which it agreed to exchange the notes for new notes which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. On October 26, 2004, the SEC declared effective American Casino’s registration statement. The exchange offer was consummated on December 1, 2004.
      The Company recorded approximately $15.6 million of interest expense on the notes payable in the year ended December 31, 2004 which is included in “Interest expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
      A syndicate of lenders has provided to American Casino a non-amortizing $20.0 million revolving credit facility. The commitments are available to the Company in the form of revolving loans, and include a letter of credit facility (subject to $10.0 million sublimit). Loans made under the senior secured revolving facility will mature and the commitments under them will terminate on January 29, 2008. There were no borrowings outstanding under the facility at December 31, 2004.
      Of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2004, approximately $75.2 million in cash is at American Casino which is subject to the restrictions of its notes and the revolving credit facility.
      The fair value of American Casino’s long-term debt is based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities. As such, the estimated fair value of long-term debt outstanding is approximately $229.0 million as of December 31, 2004.
      c. On December 29, 2003, Operating LLC entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with certain commercial lending institutions, including Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. as Administrative Agent and Bank of Texas, N.A. and Bank of Nova Scotia as Co-Agents.
      The Credit Agreement provides for a loan commitment amount of up to $145 million and a letter of credit commitment of up to $15 million (provided, the outstanding aggregate amount of the unpaid borrowings, plus the aggregate undrawn face amount of all outstanding letters of credit shall not exceed the borrowing base under the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement provides further that the amount available to NEG Holdings at any time is subject to certain restrictions, covenants, conditions and changes in the borrowing base calculation. In partial consideration of the loan commitment amount, Operating LLC has pledged a continuing security interest in all of its oil and natural gas properties and its equipment, inventory, contracts, fixtures and proceeds related to its oil and natural gas business.
      At Operating LLC’s option, interest on borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate based upon either the prime rate or the LIBOR rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin that, in the case of prime rate loans, can fluctuate from 0.75% to 1.50% per annum, and, in the case of LIBOR rate loans, can fluctuate from 1.75% to 2.50% per annum. Fluctuations in the applicable interest rate margins are based upon Operating LLC’s total usage of the amount of credit available under the Credit Agreement, with the applicable margins increasing as NEG Holdings’ total usage of the amount of the credit available under the Credit Agreement increases. The Credit Agreement expires on September 1, 2006. The interest rate was 4.0625% and 5.0% for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

F-40


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      At the closing of the Credit Agreement, Operating LLC borrowed $43.8 million to repay $42.9 million owed by NEG Holdings to Arnos under the secured loan arrangement, which was then terminated and to pay administrative fees in connection with this borrowing. NEG Holdings intends to use any future borrowings under the Credit Agreement to finance potential acquisitions. NEG Holdings has capitalized $1.4 million of loan issuance costs in connection with the closing of this transaction. These costs are amortized over the life of the loan using the interest method.
      Pursuant to the terms of the Pledge Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy in favor of Bank of Texas, N.A. (the “Pledge Agreement”), in order to secure the performance of the obligations of NEG Holdings (1) each of NEG and AREP have pledged their 50% membership interest in NEG Holdings (such interests constituting 100% of the outstanding equity membership interest of NEG Holdings); (2) NEG Holdings has pledged its 100% equity membership interest in Operating LLC; and (3) Operating LLC has pledged its 100% equity membership interest in its subsidiary, Shana National LLC (the membership interests referred to in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above are collectively referred to as the “Collateral”). The Pledge Agreement also provides for a continuing security interest in the Collateral and that Bank of Texas, N.A. as the Collateral Agent is the duly appointed attorney-in-fact of NEG Holdings. The Collateral Agent may take all action deemed reasonably necessary for the maintenance, preservation and protection of the Collateral and the security interest therein until such time that all of NEG Holdings’ obligations under the Credit Agreement are fulfilled, terminated or otherwise expired. If under the Credit Agreement an event of default shall have occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Agent may enforce certain rights and remedies, including, but not limited to the sale of the Collateral, the transfer of all or part of the Collateral to the Collateral Agent or its nominee and/or the execution of all endorsements.
      As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the outstanding balance under the credit facility was $51.8 million and $43.8 million, respectively.
      d. Mortgages payable, all of which are nonrecourse to the Company, are summarized as follows (in $000’s):
                                 
            Balance at December 31,
        Annual Principal and    
Range of Interest Rates   Range of Maturities   Interest Payments   2004   2003
                 
5.630% - 8.25%
    10/15/07 - 10/01/14     $ 9,373     $ 91,896     $ 180,989  
                         
Less current portion and mortgages on properties held for sale
                    (31,177 )     (87,753 )
                         
                    $ 60,719     $ 93,236  
                         
      The following is a summary of the contractual future payments of the mortgages in ($000’s):
         
Year Ending December 31,   Amount
     
2005
  $ 4,759  
2006
    5,116  
2007
    11,428  
2008
    24,385  
2009
    7,211  
2010 - 2014
    38,997  
       
    $ 91,896  
       

F-41


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      1. See Note 6 for Mid-South Logistics financing in October 2002.
      2. On May 16, 2003, the Company executed a mortgage note secured by a distribution facility located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut and obtained funding in the principal amount of $20 million. The loan bears interest at 5.63% per annum and matures on June 1, 2013. Annual debt service is approximately $1,382,000 based on a 30-year amortization schedule.
      3. See Note 6 for North Moore Condo financing in April 2004.
      e. See Note 4.
      f. In connection with TransTexas’ plan of reorganization on September 1, 2003, (the “Effective Date”), TransTexas as borrower, entered into the Restructured Oil and Gas (O&G) Note with Thornwood, an affiliate of Mr. Icahn, as lender. The Restructured O&G Note is a term loan in the amount of $32.5 million and bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum. Interest is payable semi-annually commencing six months after the Effective Date. Annual principal payments in the amount of $5.0 million are due on the first through fourth anniversary dates of the Effective Date with the final principal payment of $12.5 million due on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date. The Restructured O&G Note was purchased by the Company in December 2004 and is eliminated in consolidation.
      g. During fiscal year 2002, Fresca, LLC, which was acquired by American Casino in May 2004, entered into an unsecured line of credit in the amount of $25.0 million with Starfire Holding Corporation (“Starfire”), an affiliate of Mr. Icahn. The outstanding balance, including accrued interest, was due and payable on January 2, 2007. As of December 31, 2003, Fresca, LLC had $25.0 million outstanding. The note bore interest on the unpaid principal balance from January 2, 2002 until maturity at the rate per annum equal to the prime rate, as established by Fleet Bank, from time to time, plus 2.75%. Interest was payable semi-annually in arrears on the first day of January and July, and at maturity. The note was guaranteed by Mr. Icahn. The note was repaid during May 2004. The interest rate at December 31, 2003 was 6.75%. During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, Fresca, LLC paid $0.7 million, $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
      h. At December 31, 2002, NEG had $10.9 million outstanding under its existing $l00 million credit facility with Arnos, an Icahn affiliate. Arnos continued to be the holder of the credit facility; however, the $10.9 million note outstanding under the credit facility was contributed to Holding LLC as part of Gascon’s contribution to Holding LLC on September 12, 2001. In December 2001, the maturity date of the credit facility was extended to December 31, 2003 and NEG was given a waiver of compliance with respect to any and all covenant violations.
      On March 26, 2003, NEG Holdings distributed the $10.9 million note outstanding under NEG’s revolving credit facility as a priority distribution to NEG, thereby canceling the note. Also, on March 26, 2003, NEG, Arnos and Operating LLC entered into an agreement to assign the credit facility to Operating LLC. Effective with this assignment, Arnos amended the credit facility to increase the revolving commitment to $150 million, increase the borrowing base to $75.0 million and extend the revolving due date until June 30, 2004. Concurrently, Arnos extended a $42.8 million loan to Operating LLC under the amended credit facility. Operating LLC then distributed $42.8 million to NEG Holdings which, thereafter, made a $40.5 million priority distribution and a $2.3 million guaranteed payment to NEG. NEG utilized these funds to pay the entire amount of the long-term interest payable on the Notes and interest accrued thereon outstanding on March 27, 2003. The Arnos facility was canceled on December 29, 2003 in conjunction with a third party bank financing.
      i. On September 24, 2001, Arizona Charlie’s, Inc., the predecessor entity to Arizona Charlie’s, LLC, which was acquired by American Casino in May 2004, refinanced the remaining principal balance of $7.9 million on a prior note payable to Arnos Corp., an affiliate of Mr. Icahn. The note bore interest at the prime rate plus 1.50% (5.75% per annum at December 31, 2002), with a maturity of June 2004, and was

F-42


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
collateralized by all the assets of Arizona Charlie’s, Inc. The note was repaid during November 2003. During the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, Arizona Charlie’s, Inc. paid interest expense of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
      j. On February 7, 2005, AREP and AREF closed on their offering of senior notes due 2013. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $480 million, were priced at 100% of principal amount. The notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 71/8%, which will be paid every six months on February 15 and August 15, commencing August 15, 2005. The notes will mature on February 15, 2013. AREH is a guarantor of the debt; however, no other subsidiaries guarantee payment on the notes. Simultaneously, AREP loaned AREH $474 million from the proceeds of the note offering. The loan is under the same terms and conditions as AREP’s 7.125% senior notes due in 2013.
      The notes restrict the ability of AREP and AREH, subject to certain exceptions, to, among other things: incur additional debt; pay dividends or make distributions; repurchase stock; create liens; and enter into transactions with affiliates. The notes were issued in an offering not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. At the time AREP issued the notes, AREP entered into a registration rights agreement in which it agreed to exchange the notes for new notes which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. If the registration statement is not filed with the SEC by August 8, 2005 or if the registration statement is not declared effective by the SEC on or prior to December 5, 2005 or if AREP fails to consummate an exchange offer in which we issue notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933 in exchange for the privately issued notes within 30 business days after December 5, 2005, then AREP will pay, as liquidated damages, $.05 per week per $1,000 principal amount for the first 90 day period following such failure, increasing by an additional $.05 per week of $1,000 principal amount for each subsequent 90 day period, until all failures are cured. The registration statement was filed with the SEC on June 21, 2005.
14. Other Income (Expense)
      Other Income (Expense) comprises the following:
                         
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s)
Net gains on sales of marketable securities
  $ 40,159     $ 1,653     $ 8,712  
Unrealized losses on securities sold short
    (23,619 )            
Impairment of investment in GB Holdings, Inc. 
    (15,600 )            
Writedown of marketable equity and debt securities
          (19,759 )     (8,476 )
Minority interest
    2,074       2,721       (295 )
Gain on sale or disposition of real estate
    5,262       7,121       8,990  
Other
    6,740       (140 )     (1,885 )
                   
    $ 15,016     $ (8,404 )   $ 7,046  
                   
15. Preferred Units
      Pursuant to rights offerings consummated in 1995 and 1997, Preferred Units were issued. The Preferred Units have certain rights and designations, generally as follows. Each Preferred Unit has a liquidation preference of $10.00 and entitles the holder thereof to receive distributions thereon, payable solely in additional Preferred Units, at the rate of $.50 per Preferred Unit per annum (which is equal to a rate of 5% of the liquidation preference thereof), payable annually on March 31 of each year (each, a “Payment Date”). On any Payment Date commencing with the Payment Date on March 31, 2000, the Company, with the approval of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the General Partner, may opt to redeem all, but

F-43


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
not less than all, of the Preferred Units for a price, payable either in all cash or by issuance of additional Depositary Units, equal to the liquidation preference of the Preferred Units, plus any accrued by unpaid distributions thereon. On March 31, 2010, the Company must redeem all, but not less than all, of the Preferred Units on the same terms as any optional redemption.
      Pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Units, on February 25, 2004, the Company declared its scheduled annual preferred unit distribution payable in additional Preferred Units at the rate of 5% of the liquidation preference of $10 per unit. The distribution was payable March 31, 2004 to holders of record as of March 12, 2004. A total of 489,657 additional Preferred Units were issued. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, 10,286,264 and 9,796,607 Preferred Units are issued and outstanding, respectively. In February 2004, the number of authorized Preferred LP units was increased to 10,400,000.
      Pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Units, on March 4, 2005, the Company declared its scheduled annual preferred unit distribution payable in additional Preferred Units at the rate of 5% of the liquidation preference of $10. The distribution is payable on March 31, 2005 to holders of record as of March 15, 2005. In addition, the Company increased the number of authorized Preferred Units to 10,900,000.
      On July 1, 2003, the Company adopted SFAS 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS No. 150 requires that a financial instrument, which is an unconditional obligation, be classified as a liability. Previous guidance required an entity to include in equity financial instruments that the entity could redeem in either cash or stock. Pursuant to SFAS No. 150 the Company’s Preferred Units, which are an unconditional obligation, have been reclassified from “Partners’ equity” to a liability account in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the preferred pay-in-kind distribution from July 1, 2003 forward have been and will be recorded as “Interest expense” in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.
      The Company recorded $5.1 million and $2.4 million of interest expense in the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, in connection with the Preferred LP units distribution.
16. Earnings per Limited Partnership Unit
      Basic earnings per LP unit are based on earnings which are attributable to limited partners. Net earnings available for limited partners are divided by the weighted average number of limited partnership units outstanding. Diluted earnings per LP unit are based on earnings before the preferred pay-in-kind distribution as the numerator with the denominator based on the weighted average number of units and equivalent units outstanding. The Preferred Units are considered to be equivalent units.
                         
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s except unit and per unit data)
Attributable to Limited Partners:
                       
Basic income from continuing operations
  $ 51,325     $ 39,105     $ 52,640  
Add Preferred LP Unit distribution
    4,981       4,792       4,610  
                   
Income before discontinued operations
    56,306       43,897       57,250  
Income from discontinued operations
    79,525       9,578       5,918  
                   
Diluted earnings
  $ 135,831     $ 53,475     $ 63,168  
                   

F-44


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
                           
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s except unit and per unit data)
Weighted average limited partnership units outstanding
    46,098,284       46,098,284       46,098,284  
Dilutive effect of redemption of Preferred LP Units
    5,444,028       8,391,659       10,368,414  
                   
Weighted average limited partnership units and equivalent partnership units outstanding
    51,542,312       54,489,943       56,466,698  
Basic earnings:
                       
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.11     $ 0.85     $ 1.14  
 
Income from discontinued operations
    1.73       0.21       0.13  
                   
 
Basic earnings per LP unit
  $ 2.84     $ 1.06     $ 1.27  
                   
Diluted earnings:
                       
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.09     $ 0.81     $ 1.01  
 
Income from discontinued operations
    1.54       0.17       0.11  
                   
 
Diluted earnings per LP unit
  $ 2.63     $ 0.98     $ 1.12  
                   
 
(i)  Includes adjustment for interest expense associated with Preferred LP units distribution (See Note 15).
17. Asset Retirement Obligations
      The Company’s asset retirement obligation represents expected future costs to plug and abandon its wells, dismantle facilities, and reclamate sites at the end of the related assets’ useful lives.
      As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had $23.5 million and zero, respectively, held in various escrow accounts relating to the asset retirement obligations for certain offshore properties, which is included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The following table summarizes changes in the Company’s asset retirement obligations during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 (In $000’s):
                   
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003
         
Beginning of year
  $ 6,745     $ 3,034  
Add: Accretion
    593       339  
 
Drilling additions
    216       90  
 
TransTexas
          3,375  
 
Panaco
    49,538        
 
Revisions
    (251 )     15  
Less: Settlements
    (24 )     (57 )
 
Dispositions
    (293 )     (51 )
             
End of year
  $ 56,524     $ 6,745  
             

F-45


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
18. Oil and Gas Derivatives
      The following is a summary of the Company’s commodity price collar agreements as of December 31, 2004:
                                 
Type of Contract   Production Month   Volume per Month   Floor   Ceiling
                 
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       40,000 Bbls     $ 42.50     $ 46.00  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       25,000 Bbls     $ 43.60     $ 45.80  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       150,000 MMBTU     $ 6.00     $ 8.35  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       400,000 MMBTU     $ 6.00     $ 8.35  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       300,000 MMBTU     $ 3.25     $ 4.60  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       300,000 MMBTU     $ 4.75     $ 5.45  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2005       250,000 MMBTU     $ 6.00     $ 8.70  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2006       16,000 Bbls     $ 41.75     $ 45.40  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2006       120,000 MMBTU     $ 6.00     $ 7.28  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2006       500,000 MMBTU     $ 4.50     $ 5.00  
      Subsequent to December 31, 2004, the Company entered into the following commodity price collar agreements:
                                 
Type of Contract   Production Month   Volume per Month   Floor   Ceiling
                 
No cost collars
    March - Dec 2005       14,000 Bbls     $ 44.50     $ 48.00  
No cost collars
    March - Dec 2005       250,000 MMBTU     $ 6.05     $ 7.30  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2006       31,000 Bbls     $ 41.65     $ 45.25  
No cost collars
    Jan - Dec 2006       540,000 MMBTU     $ 6.00     $ 7.25  
      The Company records derivatives contracts as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at fair value. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, these derivatives were recorded as a liability of $16.7 million (including a current liability of $8.9 million) and $6.6 million, respectively. The long-term portion is included in other non-current liabilities. The Company has elected not to designate any of these instruments as hedges for accounting purposes and, accordingly, both realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in oil and gas revenues. The Company’s realized and unrealized losses on its derivatives contracts for the periods indicated were as follows:
                           
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s)
Realized loss (net cash payments)
  $ (16,625 )   $ (8,309 )   $ (1,244 )
 
Unrealized loss
    (9,179 )     (2,614 )     (3,608 )
                   
    $ (25,804 )   $ (10,923 )   $ (4,852 )
                   
      For derivatives contracts in loss positions, the Company is required to provide collateral to Shell Trading (US) in the form of margin deposits or a letter of credit from a financial institution. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had $1.7 million on deposit with Shell Trading (US), which is included in Other current assets on the balance sheet. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had issued a letter of credit in the amount of approximately $11.0 million securing the Company’s derivatives positions.

F-46


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
19. Segment Reporting
      Prior to the second quarter of 2005, the Company had reported six operating segments. The six operating segments consisted of: (1) hotel and casino operating properties, (2) property development, (3) rental real estate, (4) hotel and resort operating properties, (5) investment in oil and gas operating properties and (6) investments in securities, including investments in other limited partnerships and marketable equity and debt securities.
      In connection with recent acquisition activity and the Company’s increasing focus on its operating activities, the Company has eliminated “investments in securities” as an operating and reportable segment. Accordingly, the Company has reclassified investment income from revenue to other income.
      As a result of the above change, the Company operates in the following segments: (1) gaming (formerly called “hotel and casino operating properties”); (2) oil and gas; (3) property development; (4) rental real estate and (5) resort operating activities (formerly “hotel and resort operating properties”). The Company’s three real estate related operating segments are all individually immaterial and have been combined for purposes of the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and statement of earnings.
      The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2.
      The Company assesses and measures segment operating results based on segment earnings from operations as disclosed below. Segment earnings from operations are not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash requirements nor synonymous with cash flow from operations.

F-47


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      The revenues, net earnings, assets and capital expenditures for each of the reportable segments are summarized as follows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002:
                               
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s)
Revenues:
                       
   
Gaming
  $ 470,836     $ 430,369     $ 439,912  
   
Oil and gas
    137,988       99,909       36,733  
   
Real estate
                       
     
Property development
    26,591       13,265       76,024  
     
Rental real estate
    18,894       21,170       23,011  
     
Resort operations
    16,210       12,376       12,921  
                   
   
Total revenues
  $ 670,519     $ 577,089     $ 588,601  
                   
Net segment operating income earnings:
                       
   
Gaming
  $ 51,235     $ 22,802     $ 16,652  
   
Oil and gas
    33,053       30,340       4,369  
   
Real estate
                       
     
Property development
    8,105       4,136       21,384  
     
Rental real estate
    8,161       12,965       12,463  
     
Resort operations
    491       796       (136 )
                   
   
Total segment earnings
    101,045       71,039       54,732  
Holding company costs(i)
    (8,193 )     (4,720 )     (4,433 )
                   
Total operating income
    92,852       66,319       50,299  
Interest expense
    (62,183 )     (38,865 )     (37,204 )
Interest income
    45,241       23,806       33,427  
Other income (expense)
    15,016       (8,404 )     7,046  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (18,312 )     15,792       (10,880 )
                   
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 72,614     $ 58,648     $ 42,688  
                   
 
(i)  Holding company costs include general and administrative expenses and acquisition costs at the holding company. Selling, general and administrative expenses of the segments are included in their respective operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.

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AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(ii)
                             
    December 31,
     
    2004   2003   2002
             
    (In $000’s)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization (D, D&A) by segment:
                       
 
Oil and gas
  $ 60,123     $ 39,455     $ 15,509  
 
Gaming
    38,414       34,345       33,501  
 
Real estate:
                       
   
Rental real estate
    2,432       1,572       1,018  
   
Resort operating properties
    2,989       2,807       2,520  
                   
D, D&A in operating expenses
    103,958       78,179       52,548  
   
Amortization in interest expense
    803       222       141  
                   
Total D, D&A
  $ 104,761     $ 78,401     $ 52,689  
                   
Assets
                       
 
Oil and gas
  $ 527,384     $ 354,821     $ 169,657  
 
Gaming
    445,400       468,116       460,397  
 
Real estate
    291,068       293,046       444,161  
                   
 
Subtotal
    1,263,852       1,115,983       1,074,215  
   
Reconciling items
    1,597,301       1,040,909       927,978  
                   
   
Total assets
  $ 2,861,153     $ 2,156,892     $ 2,002,193  
                   
Capital expenditures:
                       
Acquisitions:
                       
 
Rental real estate
  $ 14,583     $     $ 18,226  
 
Oil and gas operating properties
                48,300  
 
Land and construction-in-progress
    61,845              
 
Hotel and casino operating properties
    125,900              
 
Hotel and resort operating properties
    16,463              
                   
    $ 218,791     $     $ 66,526  
                   
Developments:
                       
 
Rental real estate
  $ 18     $ 413     $ 181  
 
Oil and gas operating properties
    115,262       36,817       21,066  
 
Land and construction-in-progress
    17,947             1,138  
 
Hotel and casino operating properties
    30,967       44,669       33,191  
 
Hotel and resort operating properties
    2,614       1,067       2,582  
                   
    $ 166,808     $ 82,966     $ 58,158  
                   

F-49


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
20. Income Taxes (In $000’s)
      (i) The Company’s corporate subsidiaries recorded the following income tax (expense) benefit attributable to continuing operations for its taxable subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, (in $000’s):
                         
    2004   2003   2002
             
Current
  $ (4,015 )   $ (6,464 )   $ (1,095 )
Deferred
    (14,297 )     22,256       (9,785 )
                   
    $ (18,312 )   $ 15,792     $ (10,880 )
                   
      (ii) The tax effect of significant differences representing net deferred tax assets (the difference between financial statement carrying values and the tax basis of assets and liabilities) for the Company is as follows at December 31, (in $000’s):
                     
    2004   2003
         
Deferred tax assets:
               
 
Property, plant and equipment
  $ 16,871     $ 36,627  
 
Net operating loss carryforwards
    90,490       69,001  
 
Investment in NEG Holdings
    5,333       18,845  
 
Other
    36,940       27,334  
             
   
Subtotal
    149,634       151,807  
 
Valuation allowance
    (88,590 )     (83,380 )
             
   
Net deferred tax assets
  $ 61,044     $ 68,427  
   
Less: Current portion
    (4,628 )     (2,982 )
             
   
Deferred tax asset — Non-current portion
  $ 56,416     $ 65,445  
             
      A reconciliation of the effective tax rate on continuing operations as shown in the consolidated statement of earnings to the federal statutory rate is as follows:
Continuing Operations:
                         
    2004   2003   2002
             
Federal statutory rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
Tax deduction not given book benefit
    (1.3 )     8.0        
Valuation allowance
    2.0       (56.2 )     6.6  
Income not subject to taxation
    (18.2 )     (21.0 )     (20.1 )
Other
    (1.0 )     (2.6 )     (1.2 )
                   
      20.1 %     (36.8 )%     20.3 %
                   
      There is no tax provision on the income from discontinued operations as such amounts are earned by a partnership.

F-50


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      At December 31, 2004 and 2003, American Casino had net operating loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes of approximately $16.0 million and $28.5 million, respectively, which begin expiring in 2020.
      SFAS 109 requires a “more likely than not” criterion be applied when evaluating the realizability of a deferred tax asset. As of December 31, 2002, given Stratosphere’s history of losses for income tax purposes, the volatility of the industry within which Stratosphere operates, and certain other factors, Stratosphere had established a valuation allowance for the deductible temporary differences, including the excess of the tax basis of Stratosphere’s assets over the basis of such assets for financial purposes. However, at December 31, 2003, based on various factors including the current earnings trend and future taxable income projections, Stratosphere determined that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized and removed the valuation allowance. In accordance with SFAS 109, the tax benefit of any deferred tax asset that existed on the effective date of a reorganization should be reported as a direct addition to contributed capital. Stratosphere has deferred tax assets relating to both before and after Stratosphere emerged from bankruptcy in September of 1998. The net decrease in the valuation allowance was $79.3 million, of which a net amount of $47.5 million was credited to equity in the year ended December 31, 2003.
      Additionally, American Casino’s acquisition of Charlie’s Holding LLC in May 2004 resulted in a net increase in the tax basis of assets in excess of book basis. As a result, the Company recognized an additional deferred tax asset of approximately $2.5 million from the transaction. Pursuant to SFAS 109, the benefit of the deferred tax asset from this transaction is credited directly to equity.
      At December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, NEG had net operating loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes of approximately $75.9 million and $58.0 million, respectively, which begin expiring in 2009. Net operating loss limitations may be imposed as a result of subsequent changes in stock ownership of NEG. Prior to the formation of NEG Holdings, the income tax benefit associated with the loss carryforwards had not been recognized since, in the opinion of management, there was not sufficient positive evidence of future taxable income to justify recognition of a benefit. Upon the formation of NEG Holdings, management again evaluated all evidence, both positive and negative, in determining whether a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets was still needed and concluded, based on the projected allocations of taxable income by NEG Holdings, NEG more likely than not will realize a partial benefit from the loss carryforwards. In accordance with SFAS 109, NEG recorded a deferred tax asset of $25.5 million as of December 31, 2002, $25.9 million as of December 31, 2003, and $19.3 million as of December 31, 2004. Ultimate realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent upon, among other factors, NEG’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward periods and is subject to change depending on the tax laws in effect in the years in which the carryforwards are used. As a result of the

F-51


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
recognition of expected future income tax benefits, subsequent periods will reflect a full effective tax rate provision.
      At December 31, 2004, TransTexas had net operating loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes of approximately $61.2 million, which begin expiring in 2020. Utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards is subject to an annual limitation of approximately $2.2 million due to a change in control of ownership (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code). Any unused limitation amount in a given year may be carried forward and utilized in subsequent years. On April 6, 2005, pursuant to the TransTexas purchase agreement, TransTexas merged into a limited partnership. The transaction resulted in the net operating loss carryforwards remaining with the former parent company, and, in accordance with SFAS 109, the net deferred tax liabilities of approximately $6.7 million were credited to equity.
      In 2003, TransTexas reported a gain in the amount of approximately $213 million resulting from the cancellation of indebtedness that occurred from the bankruptcy discharge on the Effective Date. Pursuant to Section 108 of the Internal Revenue Code, this gain is excluded from income taxation and certain tax attributes of TransTexas are eliminated or reduced, up to the amount of such income excluded from taxation. As a result, the TransTexas net operating loss carryforward was reduced by $213 million.
      At December 31, 2004, Panaco had net operating loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes of approximately $42.6 million, which begin expiring in 2019. On June 30, 2005, pursuant to the Panaco purchase agreement, Panaco merged into a limited partnership owned by AREP in exchange for AREP partnership units. The purchase was a nontaxable transaction resulting in the net operating loss carryforwards remaining with the Panaco shareholders. Additionally, in accordance with SFAS 109, the net deferred tax assets of approximately $2.6 million were debited to equity.
      At December 31, 2004, GBH had net operating loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes of approximately $59.0 million, which begin expiring in 2022. The Company also had New Jersey net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $20.2 million as of December 31, 2004. Additionally, GBH had general business credit carryforwards of approximately $1.1 million which expire in 2005 through 2024, and New Jersey alternative minimum assessment (AMA) credit carryforwards of approximately $2.2 million, which can be carried forward indefinitely.
21. Commitments and Contingencies
      a. In January 2002, the Cape Cod Commission, (the “Commission”), a Massachusetts regional planning body created in 1989, concluded that AREP’s New Seabury development is within its jurisdiction for review and approval (the “Administrative Decision”). It is the Company’s position that the proposed residential, commercial and recreational development is in substantial compliance with a special permit issued for the property in 1964 and is therefore exempt from the Commission’s jurisdiction and that the Commission is barred from exercising jurisdiction pursuant to a 1993 settlement agreement between the Commission and a prior owner of the New Seabury property (the “Settlement Agreement”).
      In February 2002, New Seabury Properties L.L.C. (“New Seabury”), an AREP subsidiary and owner of the property, filed in Barnstable County Massachusetts Superior Court, a civil complaint appealing the Administrative Decision by the Commission, and a separate civil complaint to find the Commission in contempt of the Settlement Agreement. The Court subsequently consolidated the two complaints into one proceeding. In July 2003, New Seabury and the Commission filed cross motions for summary judgment.
      Also, in July 2003, in accordance with a Court ruling, the Commission reconsidered the question of its jurisdiction over the initial development proposal and over a modified development proposal that New Seabury filed in March 2003. The Commission concluded that both proposals are within its jurisdiction (the Second Administrative Decision). In August 2003, New Seabury filed in Barnstable County Massachusetts

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AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Superior Court another civil complaint appealing the Commission’s second decision and petitioning the court to find the Commission in contempt of the settlement agreement.
      In November 2003, the Court ruled in New Seabury’s favor on its July 2003 motion for partial summary judgment, finding that the special permit remains valid and that the modified development proposal is in substantial compliance with the Special Permit and therefore exempt from the Commission’s jurisdiction; the Court did not yet rule on the initial proposal to build 675 residential/hotel units and 80,000 square feet of commercial space. Under the modified development proposal New Seabury could potentially develop up to 278 residential units and 145,000 square feet of commercial space. In February 2004, the court consolidated the three complaints into one proceeding. In March 2004, New Seabury and the Commission each moved for Summary Judgment to dispose of remaining claims under all three complaints and to obtain a final judgment from the Court. The Court heard arguments in June 2004 and took matters under advisement. The Commission and New Seabury filed a joint motion to delay, until May 6, 2005, any ruling by the court on New Seabury’s pending motion for summary judgment and the Commission’s pending cross-motion for summary judgment.
      On May 12, 2005 the Cape Cod Commission voted in favor of the settlement agreement resolving the litigation that has been pending since January 2002 between the Commission and New Seabury. The May 12th agreement between New Seabury and the Commission resolves all outstanding litigation issues, defines the limits of New Seabury’s exempt development projects and establishes development “performance standards” to preserve the quality of environmental resource areas. Under these guidelines, the agreement will allow New Seabury to develop an additional 450 residences, recreational amenities and commercial space within New Seabury. New Seabury began the first phase of its development plans during the summer of 2005.
      b. Environmental Matters
      Oil and gas operations and properties are subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation, and discharge of materials into the environment. Permits are required for various operations, and these permits are subject to revocation, modification, and renewal by issuing authorities. The Company is also subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations that impose liability for the cleanup or remediation of property which has been contaminated by the discharge or release of hazardous materials or wastes into the environment. Governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with their regulations, and violations are subject to fines or injunctions, or both. The Company believes that it is in material compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Noncompliance with such laws and regulations could give rise to compliance costs and administrative penalties. It is not anticipated that the Company will be required in the near future to expend amounts that are material to the financial condition or operations of the Company by reason of environmental laws and regulations, but because such laws and regulations are frequently changed and, as a result, may impose increasingly strict requirements, the Company is unable to predict the ultimate cost of complying with such laws and regulations.
      c. The General Partner monitors all tenant bankruptcies and defaults and may, when it deems it necessary or appropriate, establish additional reserves for such contingencies.
      d. In addition, in the ordinary course of business, the Company, its subsidiaries and other companies in which the Company has invested are parties to various legal actions. In management’s opinion, the ultimate outcome of such legal actions will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

F-53


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      f. Future minimum lease payments under operating leases and capital leases with initial or remaining terms of one or more years consist of the following at December 31, 2004 (in $000’s):
                 
    Operating Leases   Capital Leases
         
2005
  $ 1,967     $ 946  
2006
    1,998       946  
2007
    1,998       848  
2008
    1,998       660  
2009
    1,998       963  
Thereafter
    6,434       7,403  
             
Total Minimum Lease Payments
  $ 16,393     $ 11,766  
             
Less imputed interest costs
            7,338  
             
Present value of Net Minimum Capital Lease Payments
          $ 4,428  
             
22. Employee Benefit Plans
      a. Employees of the Company who are members of various unions are covered by union-sponsored, collectively bargained, multi-employer health and welfare and defined benefit pension plans. The Company recorded expenses for such plans of approximately $13,700,000, $13,000,000 and $12,300,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company does not have information from the plans’ sponsors with respect to the adequacy of the plans’ funding status.
      b. The Company has retirement savings plans under Section 401 (k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering its non-union employees. The plans allow employees to defer, within prescribed limits, a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the plans. The Company currently matches based upon certain criteria, including levels of participation by their employees. The Company recorded charges for matching contributions of approximately $1,235,000, $1,120,000 and $1,556,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
23. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
      The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, investment in debt securities of affiliates and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and the Preferred Limited Partnership Units Liability are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value.
      The Company sells crude oil and natural gas to various customers. In addition, the Company participates with other parties in the operation of crude oil and natural gas wells. Substantially all of the Company’s accounts receivable are due from either purchasers of crude oil and natural gas or participants in crude oil and natural gas wells for which the Company serves as the operator. Generally, operators of crude oil and natural gas properties have the right to offset future revenues against unpaid charges related to operated wells. Crude oil and natural gas sales are generally unsecured.
Investments
      The fair values of the mortgages and notes receivable past due, in process of foreclosure, or for which foreclosure proceedings are pending, are based on the discounted cash flows of the underlying lease. The fair values of the mortgages and notes receivable satisfied after year end are based on the amount of the net proceeds received.

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AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      The fair values of the mortgages and notes receivable which are current are based on the discounted cash flows of their respective payment streams.
      The approximate estimate fair values of investments held as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and summarized as follows (in $000’s):
                                 
    At December 31, 2004   At December 31, 2003
         
    Net   Estimated   Net   Estimated
    Investment   Fair Value   Investment   Fair Value
                 
Total
  $ 245,948     $ 248,900     $ 50,328     $ 55,000  
                         
      The net investment as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 is equal to the carrying amount of the mortgage receivable less any deferred income recorded.
Mortgages Payable
      The approximate estimated fair values of the mortgages payable as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows (in $000’s):
                                 
    At December 31, 2004   At December 31, 2003
         
    Carrying   Estimated   Carrying   Estimated
    Value   Fair Value   Value   Fair Value
                 
Total
  $ 91,896     $ 93,900     $ 180,989     $ 185,000  
                         
GBH Notes
      The approximate estimated fair values of the GBH notes as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows (in $000’s):
                                 
    At December 31, 2004   At December 31, 2003
         
    Carrying   Estimated   Carrying   Estimated
    Value   Fair Value   Value   Fair Value
                 
Total
  $ 43,741     $ 35,430     $ 83,100     $ 69,000  
                         
Atlantic Holding Notes
  $ 2,335     $ 2,271     $     $  
                         
24. Repurchase of Depositary Units
      The Company has previously been authorized to repurchase up to 1,250,000 Depositary Units. As of December 31, 2004, the Company has purchased 1,137,200 Depositary Units at an aggregate cost of approximately $11,921,000.
25. Subsequent Events
      a. Options
      On June 29, 2005, the Company granted 700,000 nonqualified unit options (the “Options”) to its Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”). The option agreement permits the CEO to purchase up to 700,000 Depositary Units of AREP at an exercise price of $35 per unit. The Options vest at a rate of 100,000 units on each of the first seven anniversaries of the date of grant. The Options expire as to 600,000 of the vested units on the seventh anniversary of the date of grant. The Options for the remaining 100,000 vested units expire on the eighth anniversary of the date of the grant. The fair value of the Options on the grant date was $6.8 million and was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
      b. Offer to Acquire Remaining Shares in NEG

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AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      On July 8, 2005, the Company made a proposal to NEG regarding a transaction pursuant to which the existing shareholders, other than AREP Oil & Gas, would receive $3.00 in case for each share of NEG common stock held by them. In the event of such transaction, AREP and its subsidiaries would own 100% of the NEG stock. In connection with the proposal, NEG’s Board of Directors formed a special board committee chaired by one of its independent directors with full authorization to review and enter into discussions with AREP regarding the proposal. The special board committee retained an independent financial advisor and legal counsel to assist in the review process. By letter dated October 10, 2005, the special board committee notified AREP and NEG’s board of directors that, based on a thorough review of the proposal by the special board committee and its financial and legal advisors, the proposal was inadequate from a financial point of view to NEG’s minority shareholders.
      During the special board committee’s evaluation of the cash proposal and related discussions with AREP, the special board committee also explored an alternative proposal whereby NEG’s minority shareholders might receive an aggregate 2% equity interest in a new equity to be formed for the purpose of owning all or a portion of the assets of NEG Holdings and certain other oil and gas companies. The special board committee’s letter indicated that the committee had determined that such alternative proposal was also inadequate from a financial point of view to NEG’s minority shareholders. The special board committee’s letter also indicated that the committee was willing to consider any amended proposal that AREP might submit. To date, the Company has not submitted any amended or new proposal and there can be no assurance that any amended or new proposal may be submitted by the Company.
      c. WestPoint Stevens Acquisition
      On August 8, 2005, WestPoint International, Inc. (“WestPoint International”), an indirect subsidiary of AREP, completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of WestPoint Stevens, Inc. (“WestPoint”). The acquisition was completed pursuant to an agreement dated June 23, 2005, which was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on June 30, 2005. WestPoint is engaged in the business of manufacturing, marketing and distributing bed and bath home fashion products.
      The terms of the agreement provide for the issuance of stock in WestPoint International, that will own, indirectly, all of the assets of WestPoint. The holders of the first lien debt of WestPoint will receive 35% of the common stock of WestPoint International. As the holder of 40% of the first lien debt, the Company will acquire approximately 14% of the common stock of WestPoint International. The Company paid approximately $206 million for the first and second lien debt of WestPoint that it previously owned. The holders of first and second lien debt will receive rights to subscribe to approximately 47% of the common stock of WestPoint International.
      The Company has committed to invest $187 million and up to an additional $125 million, depending on whether holders of subscription rights exercise their rights. Depending on the exercise of rights, the Company’s ownership of WestPoint International common stock could range from approximately 50.4% to 79.0% of the common stock.
      On November 16, 2005, the United States District Court remanded the acquisition agreement to U.S. Bankruptcy Court for further proceedings. Depending upon the outcome of the proceedings the Company’s share of WPI’s common stock could drop below 50%.
      Based on the unaudited financial information, the revenues and operating loss for WestPoint for the year ended December 31, 2004 were $1,618.7 million and $46.4 million, respectively.
      d. GBH Bankruptcy
      On September 29, 2005, GBH filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. GBH does not have the necessary capital to pay its 11% Notes that came due. As a result of the bankruptcy, the Company has determined that it no longer controls GBH and has deconsolidated

F-56


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
its investment during the third quarter of 2005. As a result of GBH’s bankruptcy, the Company recorded an impairment of $52.4 million related to the write-off of the remaining carrying amount of its investment ($6.7 million) and also to reflect a dilution of its effective ownership percentage of Atlantic Holdings, 32.3% of which had been owned through the Company’s ownership of GBH ($45.7 million).
      e. Oil and Gas Acquisition
      In October 2005, the Company executed a purchase and sale agreement to acquire additional acreage near its existing production properties in East Texas. This acquisition consists of 3,500 acres with 17 producing wells and numerous drilling opportunities. The purchase price was approximately $85 million and the transaction closed on November 8, 2005.

F-57


 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
26. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (In $000’s, Except per Unit Data)
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended(1)
     
    March 31,   June 30,   September 30,   December 31,
                 
    2004   2003   2004   2003   2004   2003   2004   2003
                                 
Revenues
  $ 167,727     $ 136,504     $ 160,602     $ 135,191     $ 159,499     $ 158,158     $ 182,691     $ 147,236  
                                                 
Operating Income
  $ 32,713     $ 12,918     $ 15,671     $ 11,817     $ 14,334     $ 26,823     $ 30,134     $ 14,761  
Interest expense
    (11,165 )     (5,849 )     (14,829 )     (6,450 )     (18,659 )     (14,430 )     (17,530 )     (12,136 )
Interest and other income
    6,640       4,909       9,894       4,126       18,464       4,606       10,243       10,165  
Other income (expense), net
    34,746       1,153       14,614       (18,101 )     842       4,026       (35,186 )     4,518  
                                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax
    62,934       13,131       25,350       (8,608 )     14,981       21,025       (12,339 )     17,308  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (6,231 )     (4,051 )     (3,944 )     (3,351 )     (4,057 )     (3,849 )     (4,080 )     27,043  
                                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    56,703       9,080       21,406       (11,959 )     10,924       17,176       (16,419 )     44,351  
Income from discontinued operations
    9,790       1,689       49,766       3,507       10,322       2,902       11,262       1,674  
                                                 
Net earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change
    66,493       10,769       71,172       (8,452 )     21,246       20,078       (5,157 )     46,025  
Cumulative effect of accounting change
          1,912                                      
                                                 
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 66,493     $ 12,681     $ 71,172     $ (8,452 )   $ 21,246     $ 20,078     $ (5,157 )   $ 46,025  
                                                 
Net earnings (loss) per limited Partnership unit(2):
                                                               
Basic earnings:
                                                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 1.01     $ 0.15     $ 0.43     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.24     $ 0.26     $ (0.57 )   $ 0.63  
Income from discontinued operations
    0.21       0.05       1.06       0.08       0.22       0.06       0.24       0.04  
                                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per LP unit
  $ 1.22     $ 0.20     $ 1.49     $ (0.13 )   $ 0.46     $ 0.32     $ (0.33 )   $ 0.67  
                                                 
Diluted earnings:
                                                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 0.92     $ 0.15     $ 0.40     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.24     $ 0.24     $ (0.57 )   $ 0.56  
Income from discontinued operations
    0.18       0.03       0.94       0.08       0.20       0.05       0.24       0.03  
                                                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per LP unit
  $ 1.10     $ 0.18     $ 1.34     $ (0.13 )   $ 0.44     $ 0.29     $ (0.33 )   $ 0.59  
                                                 
 
(1)  All quarterly amounts have been reclassified for the effects of reporting discontinued operations.
 
(2)  Net earnings (loss) per unit is computed separately for each period and, therefore, the sum of such quarterly per unit amounts may differ from the total for the year.

F-58

EX-99.4:
 

EXHIBIT 99.4
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
      (a)(1) Financial Statements:
      The following financial statements of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. are included in Part II, Item 8:
         
    Page
    Number
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
    58  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
    59  
Consolidated Balance Sheets — December 31, 2004 and 2003
    60  
Consolidated Statements of Earnings — Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
    61  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Equity and Comprehensive Income — Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
    62  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
    63  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    65  
      All other Financial Statement schedules have been omitted because the required financial information is not applicable or the information is shown in the Financial Statements or Notes thereto.
         
Exhibit    
Index    
     
  3 .1   Certificate of Limited Partnership of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. (“AREP”) dated February 17, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on May 10, 2004).
  3 .2   Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREP, dated as of May 12, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.2 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on May 10, 2004).
  3 .3   Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREP, dated February 22, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to AREP’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March 31, 1995).
  3 .4   Certificate of Limited Partnership of American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership (“AREH”), dated February 17, 1987, as amended pursuant to First Amendment thereto, dated March 10, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on May 10, 2004).
  3 .5   Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREH, dated as of July 1, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on May 10, 2004).
  3 .6   Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREP, dated as of August 16, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on August 16, 1996).
  3 .7   Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREH, dated August 16, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on August 16, 1996).
  3 .8   Amendment No. 3 to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREP, dated May 9, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 to AREP’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March 31, 2003).

1


 

         
Exhibit    
Index    
     
  3 .9   Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREH, dated June 14, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to AREP’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March 31, 2003).
  4 .1   Depositary Agreement among AREP, American Property Investors, Inc. and Registrar and Transfer Company, dated as of July 1, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on May 10, 2004).
  4 .2   Amendment No. 1 to the Depositary Agreement dated as of February 22, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to AREP’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March 31, 1995).
  4 .3   Specimen Certificate representing Depositary Units.
  4 .4   Form of Application for Transfer of Depositary Units.
  4 .5   Specimen Certificate representing Preferred Units (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.9 to AREP’s Form S-3 (SEC File No. 33-54767), filed on February 22, 1995).
  4 .6   Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2004, among American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC (“ACEP”), American Casino & Entertainment Properties Finance Corp., (“ACEP Finance”), the guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee (the “Trustee”), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to ACEP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-118149), filed on August 12, 2004).
  4 .7   Form of ACEP and ACEP Finance 7.85% Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on August 9, 2004).
  4 .8   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2004, among ACEP, ACEP Finance, the guarantors party thereto and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to ACEP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-118149), filed on August 12, 2004).
  4 .9   Indenture, dated as of May 12, 2004, among AREP, American Real Estate Finance Corp. (“AREP Finance”), AREH and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to AREP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-118021), filed on August 6, 2004).
  4 .10   Form of AREP and AREP Finance 81/8% Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to AREP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-118021), filed on August 6, 2004).
  4 .11   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 12, 2004, among AREP, AREP Finance, AREH and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to AREP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-118021), filed on August 6, 2004).
  4 .12   Indenture, dated as of February 7, 2005, among AREP, AREP Finance and AREH, as Guarantors, and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on February 10, 2005).
  4 .13   Form of AREP and AREP Finance 71/8% Senior Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-09516), filed on February 10, 2005).
  4 .14   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 7, 2005, among AREP, AREP Finance and AREH, and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Jefferies & Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on February 10, 2005).
  10 .1   Distribution Reinvestment Plan
  10 .2   Registration Rights Agreement between AREP and X LP (now known as High Coast Limited Partnership)
  10 .3   Amended and Restated Agency Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March 31, 1995).

2


 

         
Exhibit    
Index    
     
  10 .4   Service Mark License Agreement, by and between Becker Gaming, Inc. and Arizona Charlie’s, Inc., dated as of August 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to ACEP’s Form 10-K (SEC File No. 333-118149), filed on March 16, 2005.
  10 .5   Management Agreement, dated September 12, 2001, by and between National Energy Group, Inc. (“NEG”) and NEG Operating LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to NEG’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-19136), filed on September 27, 2001).
  10 .6   Pledge Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy, dated December 29, 2003, made by NEG in favor of Bank of Texas, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of NEG’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-19036), filed on January 14, 2004).
  10 .7   Credit Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2004, by and among ACEP, certain subsidiaries of ACEP, the several lenders from time to time parties thereto and Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., as Syndication Agent and Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to ACEP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-118149), filed on August 12, 2004).
  10 .8   Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of May 26, 2004, by and among ACEP, ACEP Finance, certain subsidiaries of ACEP and Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to ACEP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-118149), filed on August 12, 2004).
  10 .9   Employment Agreement, effective as of April 1, 2004, by and between ACEP and Richard P. Brown (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to ACEP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-118149), filed on August 12, 2004).
  10 .10   First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2004 by and among ACEP, as the Borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Borrower, as Guarantors, The Several Lenders, Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc. as Syndication Agent, and Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., as Administrative Agent, dated as of May 26, 2004, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to ACEP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-118149), filed on October 12, 2004).
  10 .11   Management Agreement, dated November 16, 2004, by and between NEG and Panaco, Inc. (“Panaco”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to NEG’s Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-19136), filed on November 15, 2004).
  10 .12   Management Agreement, dated August 28, 2003, by and between NEG and TransTexas Gas Corporation (“TransTexas”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NEG’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-19136), filed on September 10, 2003).
  10 .13   Purchase Agreement for Notes Issued by TransTexas, dated December 6, 2004, by and between Thornwood Associates LP (“Thornwood”) and AREP Oil & Gas LLC (“AREP Oil & Gas”)(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on December 10, 2004).
  10 .14   Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated December 6, 2004, by and between Thornwood and AREP Oil & Gas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on December 10, 2004).
  10 .15   Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 6, 2004, by and among AREP Oil & Gas, Arnos Corp., High River and Hopper Investments LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on December 10, 2004).
  10 .16   Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated December 6, 2004, by and among AREP Oil & Gas, Arnos Corp., High River and Hopper Investments LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on December 10, 2004).

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Exhibit    
Index    
     
  10 .17   Amended and Restated Oil & Gas Term Loan Agreement by and among TransTexas, Galveston Bay Pipeline Company, Galveston Bay Processing Corporation and Thornwood, dated August 28, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on December 10, 2004).
  10 .18   Amended and Restated Security and Pledge Agreement, dated August 2003, by and among TransTexas, Galveston Bay Pipeline Company, Galveston Bay Processing Corporation and Thornwood (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.6 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on December 10, 2004).
  10 .19   Term Loan and Security Agreement among Panaco, Mid River LLC and Lenders Named Therein, dated as of November 16, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.7 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on December 10, 2004).
  10 .20   Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2004, by and among AREP Sands Holding LLC, Barberry Corp., and Cyprus, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on December 30, 2004).
  12     Statements re computation of ratios.
  14 .1   Code of Business Conduct and Ethics incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on November 9, 2004).
  21     List of Subsidiaries.
  31 .1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31 .2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  99 .1   Corporate Governance Guidelines (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on November 9, 2004).

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