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Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2010

 

Commission file number: 033-49598

 

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

 

Maryland

 

13-1424080

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(Internal Revenue Service Employer
Identification Number)

 

7132 Regal Lane
Knoxville, TN

 

37918

(Address of principal
executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 865/922-1123

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer x

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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

 

The registrant is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal Entertainment Group. As of July 1, 2010, there were no shares of voting or non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant.

 

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

 

The number of shares outstanding of $1.00 par value common stock at March 18, 2011 was 100 shares.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

 

Item 1.

Business

3

 

 

The Company

3

 

 

Description of Business

3

 

 

Industry Overview and Trends

4

 

 

Theatre Operations

6

 

 

Film Distribution

7

 

 

Film Exhibition

7

 

 

Concessions

8

 

 

Competition

8

 

 

Marketing and Advertising

9

 

 

Management Information Systems

9

 

 

Seasonality

9

 

 

Employees

10

 

 

Regulation

10

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

10

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

12

 

Item 2.

Properties

12

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

12

 

Item 4.

Removed and Reserved

12

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

Item 5.

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

13

 

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

13

 

Item 7.

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

13

 

 

Overview and Basis of Presentation

13

 

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

14

 

 

Significant Events and Fiscal 2011 Outlook

16

 

 

Results of Operations

17

 

 

Quarterly Results

22

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

22

 

 

Contractual Cash Obligations and Commitments

24

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

25

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

25

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

25

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

26

 

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

45

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

46

 

Item 9B.

Other Information

46

 

 

 

 

PART III

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

47

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

47

 

Item 12.

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

47

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

47

 

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

47

 

 

 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

49

Signatures

 

52

 

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UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

 

PART I

 

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

 

Item 1.  BUSINESS

 

THE COMPANY

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

As of December 30, 2010, we operate 543 screens in 62 theatres in 18 states with over 17 million annual attendees for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2010 (“fiscal 2010”). Our theatres are managed by RCI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal, pursuant to a management arrangement described below.  We operate multi-screen theatres and have an average of 8.8 screens per location. Theatre operations in six states (New York, California, Mississippi, Maryland, Texas and Florida) accounted for approximately 69.4% and 67.8% of our total theatres and

 

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screens, respectively, as of December 30, 2010 and approximately 77.3% of UATC’s theatrical revenue for fiscal 2010.

 

We have historically upgraded our theatre circuit by retrofitting existing theatres and strategically closing and disposing of under-performing theatres.  Approximately 65% of our screens are in theatres with 10 or more screens.  As of December 30, 2010, we operate 24 theatres (274 screens) which offer stadium seating, representing approximately 50% of our screens.

 

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the first Thursday after December 25, which in certain years (such as fiscal 2008) results in a 53-week fiscal year. For fiscal 2010, we reported total revenues, income from operations and net income attributable to controlling interest of $210.7 million, $7.1 million and $4.0 million, respectively. In addition, we generated $5.3 million of cash flows from operating activities during fiscal 2010.

 

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

 

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

 

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW AND TRENDS

 

The domestic motion picture exhibition industry is a mature business that has historically maintained steady long-term growth in revenues and attendance. Since 1965, total box office revenues have grown at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 5% with annual attendance of approximately 1.3 billion attendees in 2010.  Against this background of steady long-term growth in revenues and attendance, the exhibition industry has experienced periodic short-term increases and decreases in attendance and, consequently, box office revenues.  We expect the cyclical nature of the domestic motion picture exhibition industry to continue for the foreseeable future.

 

More recently, the domestic motion picture exhibition industry has experienced increased competition from other methods of delivering films to consumers, including cable television, in-home video and DVD, satellite and pay-per-view services and downloads via the Internet. Traditionally, when motion picture distributors license their films to the domestic exhibition industry, they refrain from licensing their products to other delivery channels for a period of time, commonly called the theatrical release window. Over the past several years, the average period between a film’s theatrical release and its in-home video or DVD release has remained relatively stable. However, we believe that a material contraction of the theatrical release window could significantly dilute the consumer appeal of the out-of-home motion picture offering. As a result, we continue to monitor the status of the theatrical release window during our film licensing decisions. Fundamentally, we believe that movie-going is a convenient, affordable and attractively priced form of out-of-home entertainment, which, on an average price per patron basis, continues to compare favorably to other out-of-home entertainment alternatives, such as concerts and sporting events.

 

We believe a modern megaplex featuring stadium seating is preferred by patrons over a sloped-floor multiplex theatre, the predominant theatre-type built prior to 1996. We believe theatres larger than the current 10 to 18 screen megaplex are not able to generate attractive returns in most locations because of the substantial market

 

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suitability requirements to generate a level of profitability similar to the current megaplex format. We also believe that another evolution of theatre formats beyond the current megaplex is unlikely to occur in the foreseeable future.

 

The domestic motion picture industry is in the process of converting from film-based media to electronic-based media, including the distribution of feature films in a digital format rather than a 35 mm film format. Virtually all entertainment content today can be exhibited digitally. Digital projection produces a consistent state-of-the-art presentation for patrons as there is no degradation of image over the exhibition period of the motion picture. We believe that operating a digital theatre circuit has enabled us to generate incremental revenue from differentiated motion picture formats such as digital 3D, generate additional revenue from exhibition of specialty content offerings and provide greater flexibility in scheduling our programming content, which we expect will enhance our capacity utilization. We remain optimistic regarding the benefits of digital cinema primarily as it relates to future growth potential associated with 3D film product and other 3D content and are pleased to see growing support of 3D film product by the major motion picture studios. We have also experienced an increase in alternative content available to us. As directors and producers continue to embrace new technology in their productions, we expect new and innovative content generation to continue.

 

On February 12, 2007, Regal, along with AMC Entertainment, Inc. (“AMC”) and Cinemark, Inc. (“Cinemark”), formed a joint venture company known as Digital Cinema Implementation Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (‘‘DCIP’’), to create a financing model and execute agreements with major motion picture studios for the implementation of digital cinema in our theatres. Each of Regal, AMC and Cinemark has an equal voting interest in DCIP. On March 10, 2010, DCIP executed definitive agreements and related financing transactions in connection with the conversion to digital projection. DCIP’s completed financing raised an aggregate of approximately $660.0 million, consisting of approximately $445.0 million in senior bank debt, approximately $135.0 million in additional junior capital and approximately $80.0 million in equity contributions (consisting of cash and existing digital projection systems) from Regal, AMC and Cinemark.  Concurrent with the closing of the financing, RCI entered into a master equipment lease agreement (the “Master Lease”) and other related agreements (collectively, the “Digital Cinema Agreements”) with Kasima, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DCIP. Subsequent to the execution of the Digital Cinema Agreements, UATC distributed its existing digital projection systems with a net book value of approximately $2.7 million to RCI.

 

The costs of implementing digital projection in our theatres will be substantially funded by DCIP. We expect DCIP to fund the cost of conversion to digital projection principally through the collection of virtual print fees from motion picture studios and equipment lease payments from participating exhibitors, including Regal. We will bear operating and maintenance costs with respect to digital projection systems in our theatres, which we expect to be relatively comparable to what we currently spend on our conventional film projectors.  In accordance with the Master Lease, RCI will sublease (the “Sublease”) the digital projection systems to UATC under a twelve-year term with ten one-year fair value renewal options. The Master Lease also contains a fair value purchase option.  Under the Master Lease and the Sublease, UATC pays RCI annual minimum rent of $1,000 per digital projection system for the first six and a half years from the effective date of the agreement and is, upon certain conditions, subject to minimum annual rent of $3,000 per digital projection system beginning at six and a half years from the effective date of the agreement through the end of the lease term. UATC is also subject to various types of other rent if such digital projection systems do not meet minimum performance requirements as outlined in the Master Lease and the Sublease. Certain of the other rent payments are subject to either a monthly or an annual maximum. UATC accounts for the Sublease as an operating lease for accounting purposes.

 

During fiscal 2010, the Company focused on an accelerated deployment of 3D compatible digital projection systems to a majority of its first run U.S. theatres and expects to continue the accelerated 3D deployment into the first half of 2011.

 

The initial financing is expected to cover the cost of conversion to digital projection for substantially all of our circuit’s screens.  We ultimately expect to outfit all of our screens with digital projection systems by late 2012 or early 2013, with approximately 40% of our total screens being digital 3D capable by mid-2011. As of December 30, 2010, we operated 206 screens outfitted with digital projection systems, 158 of which are digital 3D capable.

 

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THEATRE OPERATIONS

 

UATC operates 543 screens in 62 theatres in 18 states as of December 30, 2010.  We primarily operate multi-screen theatres. Our multi-screen theatre complexes typically feature auditoriums ranging from 100 to 500 seats each. As a result, our theatres appeal to a diverse group of patrons because we offer a wide selection of films and convenient show times. In addition, many of our theatres feature state-of-the-art amenities such as immersive wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling screens, Sony Digital Cinema™ 4K projection systems, digital stereo surround-sound,  closed-captioning, multi-station concessions stands, computerized ticketing systems, plush stadium seating with cup holders and retractable armrests, enhanced interiors and exteriors, and video game areas adjacent to the theatre lobby.

 

We believe that our theatre circuit will be further enhanced with the installation of digital projection systems. We believe that operating a digital theatre circuit will enable us to generate incremental revenue from differentiated motion picture formats such as digital 3D, generate additional revenue from exhibition of specialty content offerings and provide greater flexibility in scheduling our programming content, which we expect will enhance our capacity utilization.

 

Our multi-screen theatres are designed to increase profitability by optimizing revenues per square foot and reducing the cost per square foot of operation. We vary auditorium seating capacities within the same theatre, allowing us to exhibit films on a more cost effective basis for a longer period of time by shifting films to smaller auditoriums to meet changing attendance levels. In addition, we realize significant operating efficiencies by having common box office, concessions, projection, lobby and restroom facilities, which enables us to spread some of our costs, such as payroll, advertising and rent, over a higher revenue base. We stagger movie show times to reduce staffing requirements and lobby congestion and to provide more desirable parking and traffic flow patterns. We also actively monitor ticket sales in order to quickly recognize demand surges, which enables us to add seating capacity quickly and efficiently. In addition, we offer various forms of convenient ticketing methods, including print-at-home technology, self-service kiosks and themed gift cards and e-gift cards. We believe that operating a theatre circuit consisting primarily of multi-screen theatres enhances our ability to attract patrons.

 

The following table details the number of locations and theatre screens in our theatre circuit ranked by the number of screens in each state as of December 30, 2010:

 

State

 

Locations

 

Number of Screens

 

New York

 

15

 

110

 

California

 

9

 

75

 

Mississippi

 

7

 

56

 

Maryland

 

4

 

46

 

Texas

 

4

 

45

 

Florida

 

4

 

36

 

New Jersey

 

3

 

31

 

Pennsylvania

 

3

 

24

 

Colorado

 

2

 

24

 

Indiana

 

2

 

19

 

Louisiana

 

2

 

16

 

Michigan

 

1

 

14

 

Arkansas

 

1

 

12

 

Virginia

 

1

 

10

 

Nevada

 

1

 

8

 

North Carolina

 

1

 

7

 

Massachusetts

 

1

 

6

 

Georgia

 

1

 

4

 

Total

 

62

 

543

 

 

We have implemented a best management practices program across all of our theatres, including daily, weekly and monthly management reports generated for each individual theatre and we maintain active communication

 

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between the theatres, divisional management and corporate management. We use these management reports and communications to closely monitor admissions and concessions revenues as well as accounting, payroll and workforce information necessary to manage our theatre operations effectively and efficiently.

 

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

 

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

 

FILM DISTRIBUTION

 

Domestic movie theatres are the primary initial distribution channel for domestic film releases. The theatrical success of a film is often the most important factor in establishing its value in other film distribution channels. Motion pictures are generally made available through several alternative distribution methods after the theatrical release date, including in-home video and DVD, cable television, broadcast television and satellite, pay-per-view services and downloads via the Internet. A strong opening run at the theatre can help establish a film’s success and substantiate the film’s revenue potential.  For example, the value of home video, DVD and pay cable distribution agreements frequently depends on the success of a film’s theatrical release. As the primary distribution mechanism for the public’s evaluation of films, we believe that domestic theatrical distribution remains the cornerstone of a film’s overall financial success.

 

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

 

FILM EXHIBITION

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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office receipts to be remitted to the distributor.  Lastly, under the review or settlement method, the exhibitor and distributor negotiate a percentage of the box office receipts to be remitted to the distributor upon completion of the theatrical engagement.  These negotiations typically involve the use of historical settlements or past precedent.

 

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

 

Relationship with Distributors.    Many distributors provide quality first-run movies to the motion picture exhibition industry.  For Fiscal 2010, ten major film distributors accounted for approximately 96% of our admissions revenues.  Five of the ten major film distributors each accounted for more than 10% of fiscal 2010 admissions revenues. No single film distributor accounted for more than 20% of fiscal 2010 admissions revenues.  We license films from each of the major distributors and believe that our relationships with these distributors are good. From year to year, the revenues attributable to individual distributors will vary widely depending upon the number and popularity of films that each one distributes.

 

CONCESSIONS

 

In addition to box office admissions revenues, we generated approximately 26.1% of our total revenues from concessions sales during fiscal 2010. We emphasize prominent and appealing concession stations designed for rapid and efficient service. We continually seek to increase concessions sales by optimizing product mix and through expansion of our concession offerings, introducing special promotions from time to time and offering employee training and incentive programs to up-sell and cross-sell products. We have favorable concession supply contracts and have developed an efficient concession purchasing and distribution supply chain. RCI, pursuant to its management agreement, negotiates directly with manufacturers for many of our concession items to obtain competitive prices and to ensure adequate supplies.

 

COMPETITION

 

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

 

·                  ability to secure films with favorable licensing terms;

 

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

 

·                  quality of projection and sound systems; and

 

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

 

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

 

We also compete with other motion picture distribution channels, including home video and DVD, cable television, broadcast television and satellite, pay-per-view services and downloads via the Internet. Other technologies such as video on demand could also have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. When motion picture distributors licensed their products to the domestic exhibition industry, they refrain from licensing their motion pictures to these other distribution channels for a period of time, commonly called the theatrical release window. The theatrical release window has been stable over the past five to six years.  However, we believe that a material contraction of the theatrical release window could significantly dilute the consumer appeal of the out-of-home motion

 

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picture offering. As a result, we continue to monitor the status of the theatrical release window during our film licensing decisions.

 

In addition, we compete for the public’s leisure time and disposable income with other forms of entertainment, including sporting events, concerts, live theatre and restaurants.

 

MARKETING AND ADVERTISING

 

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

 

We participate in a frequent moviegoer loyalty program sponsored by REG, named the Regal Crown Club®, in all of our markets and it is the largest loyalty program in our industry. Regal Crown Club® members are eligible for specified awards, such as concession items, based on purchases made at our participating theatres. As of December 30, 2010, REG had over six million active members in the Regal Crown Club®. In addition, we seek to develop patron loyalty through a number of other marketing programs such as summer children’s film series, cross-promotional ticket redemptions and promotions within local communities. We offer these programs only in selected markets. We plan to use these programs in markets where we believe patron loyalty can be further enhanced, and we will continue to evaluate our markets on a case-by-case basis to determine the suitability of these programs in individual regions.

 

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

 

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

 

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

 

SEASONALITY

 

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

 

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EMPLOYEES

 

As of February 25, 2011, we employed approximately 1,763 persons.  Film projectionists at certain of the Company’s theatres in the New York market are covered by two collective bargaining agreements. The Company considers its employee relations to be good.

 

REGULATION

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Our substantial lease obligations could impair our financial condition.

 

We have substantial lease obligations. For fiscal 2010, our total rent expense was approximately $36.3 million. As of December 30, 2010, we had total contractual cash obligations of approximately $180.1 million. For a detailed discussion of our contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments over the next several years, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contractual Cash Obligations and Commitments” provided in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K.

 

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

 

Our theatres operate in a competitive environment.

 

The motion picture exhibition industry is fragmented and highly competitive with no significant barriers to

 

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entry. Theatres operated by national and regional circuits and by small independent exhibitors compete with our theatres, particularly with respect to film licensing, attracting patrons and developing new theatre sites. Moviegoers are generally not brand conscious and usually choose a theatre based on its location, the films showing there and its amenities.

 

Generally, stadium seating found in modern megaplex theatres is preferred by patrons over slope-floored multiplex theatres, which were the predominant theatre-type built prior to 1996. As of December 30, 2010, approximately 50% of our screens were located in theatres that are sloped-floored multiplex theatres. These theatres may be more vulnerable to competition than our modern megaplex theatres, and should other theatre operators choose to build and operate modern megaplex theatres in these markets, the performance of our theatres in these markets may be significantly and negatively impacted. In addition, should other theatre operators return to the aggressive building strategies undertaken in the late 1990’s, our attendance, revenue and income from operations per screen could decline substantially.

 

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

 

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

 

We depend on motion picture production and performance.

 

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

 

We depend on our relationships with film distributors.

 

The film distribution business is highly concentrated, with ten major film distributors accounting for approximately 96% of our admissions revenues during fiscal 2010. Our business depends on maintaining good relations with these distributors. In addition, we are dependent on our ability to negotiate commercially favorable licensing terms for first-run films. A deterioration in our relationship with any of the ten major film distributors could affect our ability to negotiate film licenses on favorable terms or our ability to obtain commercially successful films and, therefore, could hurt our business and results of operations.

 

No assurance of a supply of motion pictures.

 

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

 

We depend on our senior management.

 

Our success depends upon the retention of our senior management, including Amy Miles, our President. We cannot assure you that we would be able to find qualified replacements for the individuals who make up our senior

 

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management if their services were no longer available. The loss of services of one or more members of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The loss of any member of senior management could adversely affect our ability to effectively pursue our business strategy.

 

A prolonged economic downturn could materially affect our business by reducing consumer spending on movie attendance or could have an impact on our business and financial condition in ways that we currently cannot predict.

 

We depend on consumers voluntarily spending discretionary funds on leisure activities. Motion picture theatre attendance may be affected by prolonged negative trends in the general economy that adversely affect consumer spending, including those resulting from terrorist attacks on, or wars or threatened wars involving, the United States.  A prolonged reduction in consumer confidence or disposable income in general may affect the demand for motion pictures or severely impact the motion picture production industry, which, in turn, could adversely affect our operations. If economic conditions become weak or deteriorate, or if financial markets experience significant disruption, it could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity. For example, deteriorating conditions in the global credit markets could negatively impact our business partners which may impact film production, the development of new theatres or the enhancement of existing theatres, including delaying the deployment of new projection and other technologies to our theatres.

 

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

As of December 30, 2010, there are no unresolved comments from the Commission regarding any of our periodic or current reports filed under the Exchange Act.

 

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

 

As of December 30, 2010, we operated 60 of our theatres pursuant to lease agreements and owned the land and buildings for 2 theatres. For a list of the states in which we operated theatres and the number of theatres and screens operated in each such state as of December 30, 2010, please see the chart under Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K under the caption “Business—Theatre Operations.”

 

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

 

Of the 62 owned and leased theatres, one theatre with nine screens is held by a corporation, owned 51% by UATC.  The remaining owned and leased theatres are held directly by UATC or its wholly owned subsidiaries.  Certain of our leased theatres are subject to sale and leaseback transactions, as further described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

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

 

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

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

 

Item 4.  [REMOVED AND RESERVED]

 

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PART II

 

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

 

As of March 18, 2011, UATC’s common stock is held entirely by the Parent.  There is no established public trading market for the Company’s common stock.  During 2005, UATC effected two cash dividends totaling approximately $32.3 million to the Parent. UATC’s ability to pay dividends is restricted by the terms of the Participation Agreement entered into in connection with the 1995 sale and leaseback transaction described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

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

 

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

 

This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows of UATC for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of UATC and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

Overview and Basis of Presentation

 

As of December 30, 2010, we operate 543 screens in 62 theatres in 18 states with over 17 million annual attendees during fiscal 2010.  The theatres we operate are managed by RCI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal, pursuant to a management arrangement described below.  We primarily operate multi-screen theatres and have an average of 8.8 screens per location. Theatre operations in six states (New York, California, Mississippi, Maryland, Texas and Florida) accounted for approximately 69.4% and 67.8% of our total theatres and screens, respectively, as of December 30, 2010 and approximately 77.3% of our theatrical revenue for fiscal 2010.  The Company manages its business under one reportable segment: theatre exhibition operations.

 

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

 

We generate revenues primarily from admissions and concession sales. Additional revenues are generated by electronic video games located adjacent to the lobbies of certain of our theatres and vendor marketing programs.  In addition, National CineMedia provides us with a theatre access fee associated with revenues generated from its sale of on-screen advertising, rental of theatres for meetings and concerts and other events pursuant to its arrangements with RCI (described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K). Film rental costs depend on a variety of factors including the prospects of a film, the popularity and box office revenues of a film and such film rental costs generally increase as the admissions revenues generated by a film increase. Because we purchase certain concession items, such as fountain drinks and popcorn, in bulk and not pre-packaged for individual servings, we are able to improve our margins by negotiating volume discounts. Other operating expenses consist primarily of theatre labor and occupancy costs.

 

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

 

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

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

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

 

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

 

·                  FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 350-20, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Goodwill specifies that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets will be subject to an annual impairment assessment. Based on our annual impairment assessment conducted during fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, we were not required to record a charge for goodwill impairment. In assessing the recoverability of the goodwill, we must make various assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors in determining the fair values of the respective assets. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets in future periods.

 

·                  We estimate our film cost expense and related film cost payable based on management’s best estimate of the expected box office revenue of each film over the length of its run in our theatres and the ultimate settlement of such film costs with the distributors. Generally, less than one-third of our quarterly film expense is estimated at period-end. The length of time until these costs are known with certainty depends on the ultimate duration of the film play, but is typically “settled” within two to three months of a particular film’s opening release. Upon settlement with our film distributors, film cost expense and the related film cost payable are adjusted to the final film settlement. The ultimate revenues of a film can be estimated reasonably accurately within a few weeks after the film is released based on the film’s initial box office performance, which is determined by a film’s initial box office receipts. As a result, there are typically insignificant variances between our estimates of film cost expense and the final film cost payable, because we make such estimates based on each film’s box office receipts through the end of the

 

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reporting period. For the fiscal years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009, there were no significant changes in our film cost estimation and settlement procedures.

 

·                  We depreciate and amortize the components of our property and equipment relating to both owned and leased theatres on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the assets. Each owned theatre consists of a building structure, structural improvements, seating and concession and film display equipment. While we have assigned an estimated useful life of less than 30 years to certain acquired facilities, we estimate that our newly constructed buildings generally have an average economic useful life of 30 years. Certain of our buildings have been in existence for more than 40 years. With respect to equipment (e.g., concession stand, point-of-sale equipment, etc.), a substantial portion is depreciated over seven years or less, which has been our historical replacement period. Seats and digital projection equipment generally have a longer useful economic life, and their depreciable lives (12-17.5 years) are based on our experience and replacement practices. The estimates of the assets’ useful lives require our judgment and our knowledge of the assets being depreciated and amortized. Further, we review the economic useful lives of such assets annually and make adjustments thereto as necessary. To the extent we determine that certain of our assets have become obsolescent, we accelerate depreciation over the remaining useful lives of the assets. For example, currently the Company is focusing on an accelerated deployment of 3D compatible digital projection systems to a majority of its first run U.S. theatres.  With respect to the Company’s existing 35mm film projection equipment that is scheduled to be replaced with digital projection systems, the Company has begun to accelerate depreciation on such 35 mm film projection equipment over the expected deployment schedule since the Company plans to dispose of such equipment prior to the end of their useful lives. To that end, during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2010, the Company recorded approximately $0.7 million of accelerated depreciation related to such 35mm film projection equipment, as described further in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Actual economic lives may differ materially from these estimates.

 

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

 

For the fiscal years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009, no significant changes have been made to the depreciation and amortization rates applied to operating assets, the underlying assumptions related to estimates of depreciation and amortization, or the methodology applied. For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2010, consolidated depreciation and amortization expense was $9.8 million, representing 4.7% of consolidated total revenues. If the estimated lives of all assets being depreciated were increased by one year, the consolidated depreciation and amortization expense would have decreased by approximately $0.7 million or 7.1%. If the estimated lives of all assets being depreciated were decreased by one year, the consolidated depreciation and amortization expense would have increased by approximately $0.8 million or 8.2%.

 

·                  Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized

 

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in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We record a valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that our deferred income tax assets will not be realized. We reassess the need for such valuation allowance on an ongoing basis. An increase in the valuation allowance generally results in an increase in the provision for income taxes recorded in such period. A decrease in the valuation allowance generally results in a decrease to the provision for income taxes recorded in such period.

 

Additionally, income tax rules and regulations are subject to interpretation, require judgment by us and may be challenged by the taxing authorities. As described further in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, effective December 29, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC Subtopic 740-10, Income Taxes—Overview. Although we believe that our tax return positions are fully supportable, in accordance with ASC Subtopic 740-10, we recognize a tax benefit only for tax positions that we determine will more likely than not be sustained based on the technical merits of the tax position. With respect to such tax positions for which recognition of a benefit is appropriate, the benefit is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions are evaluated on an ongoing basis as part of our process for determining our provision for income taxes. Among other items deemed relevant by us, the evaluations are based on new legislation, other new technical guidance, judicial proceedings, and our specific circumstances, including the progress of tax audits. Any change in the determination of the amount of tax benefit recognized relative to an uncertain tax position impacts the provision for income taxes in the period that such determination is made.

 

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2010, our provision for income taxes was $3.1 million. Changes in management’s estimates and assumptions regarding the probability that certain tax return positions will be sustained, the enacted tax rate applied to deferred tax assets and liabilities, the ability to realize the value of deferred tax assets, or the timing of the reversal of tax basis differences could impact the provision for income taxes and change the effective tax rate. A one percentage point change in the effective tax rate from 43.7% to 44.7% would have increased the current year income tax provision by approximately $0.1 million.

 

Significant Events and Fiscal 2011 Outlook

 

On March 10, 2010, DCIP executed definitive agreements and related financing transactions in connection with the conversion to digital projection.  DCIP’s financing raised $660.0 million, consisting of $445.0 million in senior bank debt, $135.0 million in additional junior capital and approximately $80.0 million in equity contributions (consisting of cash and existing digital projection systems) from Regal, AMC and Cinemark.  As discussed further under “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Investing Activities” below and in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, concurrent with the closing of the financing, RCI entered into the Digital Cinema Agreements with Kasima, LLC, and UATC distributed its existing digital projection systems to RCI.

 

In conjunction with Regal’s acquisition of Consolidated Theatres Holdings, G.P. (“Consolidated Theatres”) on April 30, 2008, Regal entered into a final judgment with the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to hold separate and divest of four theatres comprising 52 screens in North Carolina.  One of the four theatres subject to the judgment was an existing ten screen theatre leased by UATC with declining cash flows.  The assets of this theatre had been previously impaired due to its declining cash flows.  On April 30, 2009, pursuant to the final judgment between Regal and the DOJ, UATC transferred the theatre to another theatre operator, Carolina Cinemas LLC (“Carolina Cinemas”).  In order to implement the assignment of this theatre, UATC entered into an operating agreement with Carolina Cinemas to address various matters including, without limitation, the use of equipment owned by UATC, as well as payment of annual rent during the agreement.  Pursuant to this operating agreement, until the lease for this theatre expires on December 31, 2017, UATC shall be solely responsible for paying the landlord the rent due under the lease.  As a result of this agreement, UATC recorded a liability of approximately $4.2 million for the present value of the total remaining lease obligation for this theatre assigned to Carolina Cinemas.  Furthermore, as a result of this obligation, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $3.8 million in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 as a component of “Net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets.” On September 20, 2010, Carolina Cinemas informed UATC that it would no longer operate this theatre. Subsequently the Company negotiated an early lease termination

 

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with the landlord resulting in a gain of approximately $1.2 million in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 30, 2010.

 

We are optimistic regarding the breadth of the 2011 film slate, including the timing of the release schedule and the number of films scheduled for release in premium-priced formats. Evidenced by the motion picture studios’ continued efforts to promote and market upcoming film releases, 2011 appears to be another year of high-profile releases such as Rango, Thor, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, The Hangover Part II, Kung Fu Panda 2, Cars 2, X-Men: First Class, Super 8, Green Lantern, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Captain America: The First Avenger, Cowboys & Aliens, Happy Feet 2, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part One, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked and Sherlock Holmes 2.

 

With respect to capital expenditures, subject to the timing of certain construction projects, we expect capital expenditures to be in the range of $4.0 million to $8.0 million for fiscal 2011, consisting of expansion of existing theatre facilities, equipment upgrades and replacements.

 

Overall for the fiscal 2011 year, we expect to benefit from modest increases in ticket prices and average concessions per patron and a continued increase in 3D screens and the number of films scheduled for release in premium-priced formats. In addition, we expect fiscal 2011 admissions and concessions revenues to be supported by our continued focus on efficient theatre operations and through opportunities to expand our concession offerings,  however, the continued aging of our theatres and closures of underperforming screens could offset increases in industry box office and concessions per patron. For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during the past three fiscal years, the preceding and following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto presented in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

In order to provide a meaningful basis of comparing the fiscal years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009 for purposes of the following tables and discussion, the operating results for the fifty-two weeks ended December 30, 2010 (“Fiscal 2010 Period”) are compared to the fifty-two weeks ended December 31, 2009 (“Fiscal 2009 Period”) and the fifty-three weeks ended January 1, 2009 (“Fiscal 2008 Period”).

 

Results of Operations

 

Based on our review of industry sources, national box office revenues for the time period that corresponds to UATC’s fiscal year of 2010 were estimated to have decreased by less than one percent in comparison to the fiscal year of 2009. The industry’s box office results were negatively impacted by difficult comparisons generated by the breadth of films released during the fiscal year of 2009, partially offset by ticket price increases and an increase in the percentage of attendance generated by premium-priced 3D and IMAX® films, including the strong performance of Avatar, Toy Story 3, Alice in WonderlandIron Man 2, and Inception.

 

The following table sets forth the percentage of total revenues represented by certain items reflected in UATC’s consolidated statements of operations for the Fiscal 2010 Period, the Fiscal 2009 Period and the Fiscal 2008 Period:

 

 

 

Fiscal 2010 Period

 

Fiscal 2009 Period

 

Fiscal 2008 Period

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Admissions

 

70.7

%

69.5

%

69.0

%

Concessions

 

26.1

 

27.2

 

27.6

 

Other operating revenues

 

3.2

 

3.3

 

3.4

 

Total revenues

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Film rental and advertising costs

 

35.9

 

35.5

 

35.4

 

Cost of concessions

 

3.6

 

3.8

 

3.8

 

Other operating expenses

 

41.6

 

40.5

 

41.1

 

Sale and leaseback rentals

 

7.1

 

6.6

 

6.6

 

General and administrative expenses

 

3.0

 

3.0

 

3.0

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4.7

 

4.1

 

4.4

 

Net loss on disposal and impairments of operating assets

 

0.7

 

3.0

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

96.6

 

96.5

 

94.3

 

Income from operations

 

3.4

%

3.5

%

5.7

%

 

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Revenues

 

The following table summarizes revenues and revenue-related data for the Fiscal 2010 Period, the Fiscal 2009 Period and the Fiscal 2008 Period (in millions, except averages):

 

 

 

Fiscal 2010 Period

 

Fiscal 2009 Period

 

Fiscal 2008 Period

 

Admissions

 

$

149.0

 

$

155.4

 

$

155.3

 

Concessions

 

55.0

 

60.7

 

62.2

 

Other operating revenues

 

6.7

 

7.3

 

7.6

 

Total revenues

 

$

210.7

 

$

223.4

 

$

225.1

 

Attendance

 

17.2

 

19.2

 

20.0

 

Average ticket price (1)

 

$

8.66

 

$

8.09

 

$

7.77

 

Average concessions per patron (2)

 

$

3.20

 

$

3.16

 

$

3.11

 

 


(1)                Calculated as admissions revenue/attendance.
(2)                Calculated as concessions revenue/attendance.

 

Admissions

 

During the Fiscal 2010 Period, total admissions revenues decreased $6.4 million, or 4.1%, to $149.0 million, from $155.4 million in the Fiscal 2009 Period. A 10.4% decline in attendance, partially offset by a 7.0% increase in average ticket prices, led to the decrease in the Fiscal 2010 Period admissions revenues.  We believe that our attendance is primarily dependent upon the commercial appeal of content released by the major motion picture studios.  The Fiscal 2010 Period decline in attendance was primarily attributable to the overall lack of appeal to our patrons of the films exhibited in our theatres during the Fiscal 2010 Period as compared to the films exhibited during the Fiscal 2009 Period, the continued aging of our theatres (approximately 50% of our screens are located in older, sloped floor multiplexes) and the closure of 24 underperforming screens during the Fiscal 2010 Period.  An increase in the percentage of our admissions revenues generated by premium-priced 3D films exhibited during the Fiscal 2010 Period along with price increases identified during our ongoing periodic pricing reviews (which include analysis of various factors such as general inflationary trends and local market conditions) were the primary drivers of the increase in our Fiscal 2010 Period average ticket prices.

 

During the Fiscal 2009 Period, total admissions revenues increased $0.1 million or 0.1%, to $155.4 million, from $155.3 million in the Fiscal 2008 Period, primarily due to a 4.1% increase in average ticket prices, partially offset by a 4.0% decrease in attendance.  We believe the overall decrease in attendance during the Fiscal 2009 Period was primarily a result of the timing of the Fiscal 2008 Period calendar, which consisted of fifty-three weeks compared to fifty-two weeks during the Fiscal 2009 Period, the continued aging of our theatres (approximately 52% of our screens were located in older, sloped floor multiplexes) and the closure of 29 underperforming screens during the Fiscal 2009 Period.  Price increases identified during our ongoing periodic pricing reviews (which include analysis of various factors such as general inflationary trends and local market conditions) along with an increase in the percentage of our admissions revenues generated by premium priced 3D films exhibited during the Fiscal 2009 Period were the primary drivers of the increase in our Fiscal 2009 Period average ticket prices.

 

Concessions

 

Total concessions revenues decreased $5.7 million, or 9.4%, to $55.0 million in the Fiscal 2010 Period, from $60.7 million in the Fiscal 2009 Period.  Average concessions revenues per patron during the Fiscal 2010 Period increased 1.3%, to $3.20, from $3.16 for the Fiscal 2009 Period.  The increase in average concessions revenues per patron for the Fiscal 2010 Period was primarily a result of selective price increases.

 

During the Fiscal 2009 Period, total concessions revenues decreased $1.5 million, or 2.4%, to $60.7 million, from $62.2 million for the Fiscal 2008 Period.  Average concessions revenues per patron during the Fiscal 2009 Period

 

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increased 1.6%, to $3.16, from $3.11 in the Fiscal 2008 Period.  The decrease in total concessions revenues during the Fiscal 2009 Period were attributable to the aforementioned decrease in attendance during the period, partially offset by the increase in average concessions revenues per patron.  The increase in average concessions revenues per patron for the Fiscal 2009 Period was primarily a result of price increases and also benefitted from the concession friendly mix of film product exhibited during the Fiscal 2009 Period.

 

Other Operating Revenues

 

Other operating revenues decreased $0.6 million, or 8.2%, to $6.7 million for the Fiscal 2010 Period, from $7.3 million for the Fiscal 2009 Period.  Included in other operating revenues are the theatre access fees paid by National CineMedia (net of payments for on-screen advertising time provided to our beverage concessionaire), marketing revenues from our vendor marketing programs and other theatre revenues.  The decrease in other operating revenues during the Fiscal 2010 Period was primarily attributable to a decrease in revenues from our vendor marketing programs and a slight decline in revenue generated by National CineMedia.

 

Other operating revenues decreased $0.3 million, or 3.9%, to $7.3 million for the Fiscal 2009 Period, from $7.6 million for the Fiscal 2008 Period.  Included in other operating revenues are the theatre access fees paid by National CineMedia (net of payments for on-screen advertising time provided to our beverage concessionaire), marketing revenues from our vendor marketing programs and other theatre revenues.  The decrease in other operating revenues during the Fiscal 2009 Period was primarily attributable to a decrease in other theatre revenues and a slight decline in revenue generated by National CineMedia.

 

Operating Expenses

 

The following table summarizes certain operating expenses for the Fiscal 2010 Period, the Fiscal 2009 Period and the Fiscal 2008 Period (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

Fiscal 2010 Period

 

Fiscal 2009 Period

 

Fiscal 2008 Period

 

 

 

$

 

% of
Revenues

 

$

 

% of
Revenues

 

$

 

% of
Revenues

 

Film rental and advertising costs (1)

 

75.7

 

50.8

 

79.3

 

51.0

 

79.6

 

51.3

 

Cost of concessions (2)

 

7.6

 

13.8

 

8.6

 

14.2

 

8.6

 

13.8

 

Other theatre operating expenses (3)

 

87.7

 

41.6

 

90.4

 

40.5

 

92.5

 

41.1

 

Sale and leaseback rentals (3)

 

14.9

 

7.1

 

14.8

 

6.6

 

14.8

 

6.6

 

General and Administrative expenses (3)

 

6.4

 

3.0

 

6.8

 

3.0

 

6.8

 

3.0

 

 


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

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

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

 

Film Rental and Advertising Costs

 

Film rental and advertising costs as a percentage of admissions revenues declined slightly to 50.8% during the Fiscal 2010 Period from 51.0% in the Fiscal 2009 Period. The decrease in film rental and advertising costs as a percentage of box office revenues during the Fiscal 2010 Period was primarily the result of a reduction in newspaper advertising costs during such period, partially offset by higher film costs associated with the success of Avatar.

 

Film rental and advertising costs as a percentage of admissions revenues declined slightly to 51.0% during the Fiscal 2009 Period from 51.3% in the Fiscal 2008 Period. The decrease in film rental and advertising costs as a percentage of box office revenues during the Fiscal 2009 Period was primarily the result of a reduction in newspaper advertising costs during such period.

 

Cost of Concessions

 

For the Fiscal 2010 Period, cost of concessions as a percentage of concession revenues was approximately 13.8%, compared to 14.2% for the Fiscal 2009 Period. The decrease in cost of concessions as a percentage of

 

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concessions revenues during the Fiscal 2010 Period was primarily related to selective price increases effected subsequent to the end of the Fiscal 2009 period, slightly lower raw material costs for certain items and a shift in the mix and sizes of products sold at the concession stand.  In addition, we also experienced an increase in the amount of vendor marketing revenue recorded as a reduction of cost of concessions during the Fiscal 2010 Period.

 

During the Fiscal 2009 Period, cost of concessions was consistent with that of the Fiscal 2008 Period. Cost of concessions as a percentage of concessions revenues for the Fiscal 2009 Period was approximately 14.2% compared to 13.8% for the Fiscal 2008 Period.  The increase in cost of concessions as a percentage of concessions revenues during the Fiscal 2009 Period was primarily related to a greater percentage of our concession sales being generated from higher cost items and a decrease in the amount of vendor marketing revenue recorded as a reduction of cost of concessions.

 

Other Theatre Operating Expenses

 

Other theatre operating expenses decreased $2.7 million, or 3.0%, to $87.7 million in the Fiscal 2010 Period, from $90.4 million in the Fiscal 2009 Period.  The decrease in other theatre operating expenses during the Fiscal 2010 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2009 Period was primarily driven by decreased variable payroll costs related to the decrease in attendance, a decrease in rent expense and non-rent occupancy costs resulting from the closure of 24 underperforming screens during the Fiscal 2010 Period, partially offset by increased costs associated with higher 3D film revenues and incremental DCIP related expenses.

 

Other theatre operating expenses decreased $2.1 million, or 2.3%, to $90.4 million in the Fiscal 2009 Period, from $92.5 million in the Fiscal 2008 Period.  Other theatre operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 40.5% in the Fiscal 2009 Period as compared to 41.1% in the Fiscal 2008 Period.   The decrease in other theatre operating expenses during the Fiscal 2009 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2008 Period was primarily driven by decreased variable payroll costs related to the decrease in attendance, a decrease in rent expense and other fixed costs resulting from the closure of 29 underperforming screens during the Fiscal 2009 Period, partially offset by increased costs associated with higher 3D film revenues and general inflationary increases.

 

Sale and Leaseback Rentals

 

Sale and leaseback expenses of $14.9 million for the Fiscal 2010 Period were consistent with that of the Fiscal 2009 Period and the Fiscal 2008 Period.  See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of sale and leaseback transactions.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

During the Fiscal 2010 Period, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.4 million, or 5.9%, to $6.4 million, from $6.8 million in the Fiscal 2009 Period. Included in general and administrative expenses are management fees associated with the management agreement between RCI and UATC under which RCI manages the theatre operations of UATC.  The decrease in general and administrative expenses during the Fiscal 2010 Period was due to the decrease in management fee costs incurred resulting from the decrease in total revenues during the Fiscal 2010 Period.  As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses remained consistent, at 3.0%, during the Fiscal 2010 Period and the Fiscal 2009 Period.

 

For the Fiscal 2009 Period, general and administrative expenses of $6.8 million were consistent with that of the Fiscal 2008 Period. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses remained consistent, at 3.0%, during the Fiscal 2009 Period and the Fiscal 2008 Period. Included in general and administrative expenses are management fees associated with the management agreement between RCI and UATC under which RCI manages the theatre operations of UATC.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

During the Fiscal 2010 Period, depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.7 million, or 7.7%, to $9.8 million, from $9.1 million in the Fiscal 2009 Period.  The increase in depreciation and amortization expense

 

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during the Fiscal 2010 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2009 Period was primarily due to accelerated depreciation of $0.7 million related to the replacement of 35mm film projectors in connection with our conversion to digital projection systems.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $0.9 million, or 9.0%, to $9.1 million for the Fiscal 2009 Period, from $10.0 million in the Fiscal 2008 Period. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense during the Fiscal 2009 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2008 Period was primarily due to a greater number of fully depreciated fixed assets during the Fiscal 2009 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2008 Period.

 

Net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets

 

Net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets decreased $5.1 million, or 77.3%, to $1.5 million during the Fiscal 2010 Period, from $6.6 million in the Fiscal 2009 Period.  The decrease in net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets during the Fiscal 2010 Period was primarily attributable to a $3.8 million charge for the remaining lease obligation related to the theatre transferred to Carolina Cinemas during the Fiscal 2009 Period and a gain of $1.2 million recorded in the Fiscal 2010 Period related to the final lease termination settlement for this theatre (See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion).  In addition, the decrease was due to the satisfaction of remaining lease obligations related to the closure of an underperforming theatre and the impairment of three theatres during the Fiscal 2009 Period, partially offset by the satisfaction of remaining lease obligations related to the closure of an underperforming theatre during the Fiscal 2010 Period.

 

For the Fiscal 2009 Period, net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets was $6.6 million compared to no net loss  on disposal and impairment of operating assets for the Fiscal 2008 Period.  The increase in net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets during the Fiscal 2009 Period was primarily attributable to a $3.8 million charge for the remaining lease obligation related to the theatre transferred to Carolina Cinemas on April 30, 2009 (See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion).  In addition, during the Fiscal 2009 Period, net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets was impacted by the satisfaction of remaining lease obligations related to the closure of an underperforming theatre and the impairment of three theatres during the period.

 

Income from Operations

 

Income from operations decreased $0.7 million, or 9.0%, to $7.1 million during the Fiscal 2010 Period, from $7.8 million in the Fiscal 2009 Period. The net decrease in income from operations during the Fiscal 2010 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2009 Period was primarily attributable to the overall decrease in total revenues and the increase in depreciation and amortization expense, partially offset by decreases in various operating expense line items including film rental and advertising costs, cost of concessions, other theatre operating expenses and administrative costs during the Fiscal 2010 Period along with a lower loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets.

 

During the Fiscal 2009 Period, income from operations decreased $5.0 million, or 39.1%, to $7.8 million, from $12.8 million in the Fiscal 2008 Period.  The overall decrease in income from operations during the Fiscal 2009 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2008 Period was driven by the decrease in concessions and other operating revenues and the increase in the net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets discussed above, partially offset by the increase in admissions revenues and decreases in various operating expense line items including film rental and advertising costs, other theatre operating expenses and depreciation during the Fiscal 2009 Period.

 

Interest Income, Net

 

Net interest income of less than $0.1 million for the Fiscal 2010 Period was consistent with that of the Fiscal 2009 Period.

 

Net interest income totaled $0.1 million for the Fiscal 2009 Period, which represents a decrease of $0.3 million, or 75.0%, from that of the Fiscal 2008 Period.  The decrease in net interest income during the Fiscal 2009 Period was principally due to a decline in our average interest rate during this time period.

 

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Income Taxes

 

The provision for income taxes increased $0.1 million, or 3.3%, to $3.1 million for the Fiscal 2010 Period, from $3.0 million for the Fiscal 2009 Period.  Accordingly, the effective tax rate was 43.7% and 38.0% for the Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 Periods, respectively.  The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to an increase in the valuation allowance during the Fiscal 2010 Period relative to state net operating loss carryforwards.  The effective tax rate for each period also reflects the impact of certain non-deductible expenses.

 

The provision for income taxes decreased $2.6 million, or 46.4%, to $3.0 million for the Fiscal 2009 Period, from $5.6 million for the Fiscal 2008 Period.  Accordingly, the effective tax rate was 38.0% and 39.7% for the Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008 Periods, respectively.  The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the recognition of a tax benefit in the Fiscal 2009 Period relative to net operating losses that had not been previously recognized.  The effective tax rate for each period also reflects the impact of certain non-deductible expenses.

 

Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interest

 

During the Fiscal 2010 Period, net income attributable to controlling interest totaled $4.0 million, which represents a decrease of $0.8 million, from net income attributable to controlling interest of $4.8 million in the Fiscal 2009 Period.  The decrease in net income attributable to controlling interest for the Fiscal 2010 Period was primarily attributable to the decrease in operating income coupled with an increase in income taxes described above.

 

During the Fiscal 2009 Period, net income attributable to controlling interest totaled $4.8 million, which represents a decrease of $3.6 million, from net income attributable to controlling interest of $8.4 million in the Fiscal 2008 Period.  The decrease in net income attributable to controlling interest for the Fiscal 2009 Period was primarily attributable to the decrease in operating income coupled with a decrease in interest income and the gain recorded on the sale of the Company’s equity interest in Fandango, Inc. (“Fandango”) during the Fiscal 2008 Period, partially offset by a decrease in income taxes described above.

 

Quarterly Results

 

The following tables set forth selected unaudited quarterly results for the eight quarters ended December 30, 2010. The quarterly financial data as of each period presented below have been derived from UATC’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for those periods. Results for these periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The quarterly financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of UATC and notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 

Dec. 30,
2010

 

Sept. 30,
2010

 

July 1,
2010

 

April  1,
2010

 

Dec. 31,
2009

 

Oct. 1,
2009

 

July 2,
2009

 

April  2,
2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

47.1

 

$

55.3

 

$

56.3

 

$

52.0

 

$

56.7

 

$

53.5

 

$

61.5

 

$

51.7

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

2.2

 

3.5

 

3.4

 

(2.0

)

2.8

 

1.9

 

2.0

 

1.1

 

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

 

1.0

 

2.2

 

2.0

 

(1.2

)

1.8

 

1.2

 

1.1

 

0.7

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

On a consolidated basis, we expect our primary uses of cash to be for operating expenses, capital expenditures, investments, general corporate purposes related to corporate operations and debt service.  The principal sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and cash on hand.

 

Operating Activities

 

Our revenues are generated principally through admissions and concessions sales with proceeds received in cash or via credit cards at the point of sale. Our operating expenses are primarily related to film and advertising costs, rent and occupancy, and payroll. Film costs are ordinarily paid to distributors within 30 days following receipt of admissions revenues and the cost of the Company’s concessions are generally paid to vendors approximately 30 to 35 days from purchase.  Our current liabilities generally include items that will become due within 12 months. In addition,

 

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from time to time, we may use cash from operations to fund dividends to our Parent in excess of net income attributable to controlling interest and cash flows from operating activities less cash flows from investing and other financing activities. As a result, at any given time, our balance sheet may reflect a working capital deficit.

 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled approximately $5.3 million, $18.7 million and $14.9 million for the Fiscal 2010 Period, the Fiscal 2009 Period and the Fiscal 2008 Period, respectively. The decrease in net cash flows generated from operating activities for the Fiscal 2010 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2009 Period was primarily attributable to a reduction in operating income, coupled with the timing of certain Fiscal 2010 Period vendor and income tax payments.  The increase in net cash flows generated from operating activities for the Fiscal 2009 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2008 Period was primarily attributable to an increase in working capital, primarily due to the timing of certain Fiscal 2009 Period vendor payments.

 

Investing Activities

 

Our capital requirements have historically arisen principally in connection with retrofitting existing theatres, upgrading the Company’s theatre facilities (including digital 3D screens) and replacing equipment. We fund the cost of capital expenditures through internally generated cash flows and cash on hand.

 

The Company has a formal and intensive review procedure for the authorization of capital projects, with the most important financial measure of acceptability for a discretionary non-maintenance capital project being whether its projected discounted cash flow return on investment meets or exceeds the Company’s internal rate of return targets.  We currently expect capital expenditures for theatre expansion, upgrading and equipment replacements to be in the range of approximately $4.0 million to $8.0 million in fiscal year 2011.

 

On March 10, 2010, DCIP executed definitive agreements and related financing transactions in connection with the conversion to digital projection. DCIP’s financing raised $660.0 million, consisting of $445.0 million in senior bank debt, $135.0 million in additional junior capital and approximately $80.0 million in equity contributions (consisting of cash and existing digital projection systems) from Regal, AMC and Cinemark.  Concurrent with the closing of the financing, RCI entered into the Master Lease and other Digital Cinema Agreements with Kasima, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DCIP. Subsequent to the execution of the Digital Cinema Agreements, UATC distributed its existing digital projection systems with a net book value of approximately $2.7 million to RCI. Each of Regal, AMC and Cinemark has an equal voting interest in DCIP.

 

The costs of implementing digital projection in our theatres will be substantially funded by DCIP. We expect DCIP to fund the cost of conversion to digital projection principally through the collection of virtual print fees from motion picture studios and equipment lease payments from participating exhibitors, including Regal.  We will bear operating and maintenance costs with respect to digital projection systems in our theatres, which we expect to be relatively comparable to what we currently spend on our conventional film projectors. In accordance with the Master Lease, RCI entered into a Sublease to provide the digital projection systems to UATC under a twelve-year term with ten one-year fair value renewal options. The Master Lease also contains a fair value purchase option.  Under the Master Lease and the Sublease, UATC pays RCI annual minimum rent of $1,000 per digital projection system for the first six and a half years from the effective date of the agreement and is, upon certain conditions, subject to minimum annual rent of $3,000 per digital projection system beginning at six and a half years from the effective date of the agreement through the end of the lease term. UATC is also subject to various types of other rent if such digital projection systems do not meet minimum performance requirements as outlined in the Master Lease and the Sublease. Certain of the other rent payments are subject to either a monthly or an annual maximum. UATC accounts for the Sublease as an operating lease for accounting purposes. The initial financing is expected to cover the cost of conversion to digital projection for substantially all of our circuit’s screens. We ultimately expect to outfit all of our screens with digital projection systems, with approximately 40% of our total screens being digital 3D capable and intend to complete the conversion of our entire circuit in approximately three to four years.  As of December 30, 2010, we operated 206 screens outfitted with digital projection systems, 158 of which are digital 3D capable.

 

During the early stage of deployment, the Company is focusing on an accelerated deployment of 3D compatible digital projection systems to a majority of its first run U.S. theatres. We believe the installation of digital 3D projection systems will allow us to offer our patrons premium 3D format movie experiences, which we believe will generate incremental revenue and cash flows for the Company. We remain optimistic about the benefits of digital

 

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cinema primarily as it relates to future growth potential associated with 3D film product and other 3D content and are pleased to see continued support of 3D film product by the major motion picture studios.

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities totaled approximately $4.8 million, $4.7 million and $4.0 million for the Fiscal 2010 Period, the Fiscal 2009 Period and the Fiscal 2008 Period, respectively.  Contributing to the $0.1 million increase in cash flows used in investing activities during the Fiscal 2010 Period, as compared to the Fiscal 2009 Period, was fewer proceeds from the disposition of assets of approximately $0.1 million during the Fiscal 2010 Period and $0.1 million in partnership distributions during the Fiscal 2010 Period, partially offset by capital expenditures that were approximately $0.1 million lower during the Fiscal 2010 Period.  The $0.7 million increase in cash flows used in investing activities during the Fiscal 2009 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2008 Period was primarily due to the incremental capital expenditures of approximately $0.2 million during the Fiscal 2009 Period coupled with the impact of the $0.9 million of proceeds received in the Fiscal 2008 Period in connection with the sale of the Company’s equity interest in Fandango and fewer proceeds from the disposition of assets of approximately $0.1 million during the Fiscal 2009 Period, partially offset by the $0.5 million in partnership distributions during the Fiscal 2008 Period.

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash flows used in financing activities were approximately $7.9 million, $7.0 million and $8.2 million for the Fiscal 2010 Period, the Fiscal 2009 Period and the Fiscal 2008 Period, respectively. The net increase in cash flows used in financing activities during the Fiscal 2010 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2009 Period of $0.9 million was primarily attributable to the change in the related party receivable of $0.9 million during the Fiscal 2010 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2009 Period.  The net decrease in cash flows used in financing activities during the Fiscal 2009 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2008 Period of $1.2 million was primarily attributable to the change in the related party receivable of $1.3 million during the Fiscal 2009 Period as compared to the Fiscal 2008 Period, partially offset by an increase of $0.1 million in debt payments incurred during the Fiscal 2009 Period.

 

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

 

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

 

Contractual Cash Obligations and Commitments

 

The Company primarily leases its theatres pursuant to long-term non-cancelable operating leases, including leases that are subject to sale and leaseback transactions, as further described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.  Other than operating leases that are detailed below, the Company does not utilize variable interest entities or any other form of off-balance sheet financing.  As of December 30, 2010, the Company’s estimated contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments over the next several periods are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Payments Due By Period

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Total

 

Current

 

13-36 Months

 

37-60 Months

 

After 60 Months

 

Capital lease obligations, including interest(1)

 

$

1.9

 

$

0.3

 

$

0.7

 

$

0.7

 

$

0.2

 

Purchase commitments(2)

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

Operating leases(3)

 

178.1

 

33.5

 

56.4

 

52.7

 

35.5

 

Total contractual cash obligations

 

$

180.1

 

$

33.9

 

$

57.1

 

$

53.4

 

$

35.7

 

 


(1)               The present value of these obligations, excluding interest, is included on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2010. Future interest payments are calculated based on interest rates implicit in the underlying leases, which have an interest rate of 10.0%, maturing in 2016. Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information about our capital lease obligations.

 

(2)               Includes estimated capital expenditures to which we were committed as of December 30, 2010, including improvements associated with existing theatres and the estimated cost of ADA related betterments.

 

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

 

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

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

Other than the operating leases detailed above in this Form 10-K, under the heading “Contractual Cash Obligations and Commitments,” the Company has no other off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

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

 

Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

UATC’s market risk is confined to interest rate exposure of its debt obligations that bear interest based on floating rates.  As of December 30, 2010, the Company maintained no debt obligations bearing floating interest rates.

 

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Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

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

 

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

 

Management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of such controls as of December 30, 2010. This assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management believes that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 30, 2010.

 

This annual report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report is not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

 

/s/  AMY E. MILES 

 

/s/  DAVID H. OWNBY 

Amy E. Miles

David H. Ownby

President (Principal Executive Officer)

Vice President and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors

United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 30, 2010.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

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

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 30, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

 

 

 

 

Nashville, Tennessee

 

March 18, 2011

 

 

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UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except share data)

 

 

 

December 30, 2010

 

December 31, 2009

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

52.4

 

$

59.8

 

Receivables

 

1.3

 

2.0

 

Prepaid expenses, concession inventory and other current assets

 

1.2

 

1.1

 

Deferred income tax asset

 

2.1

 

2.0

 

Total current assets

 

57.0

 

64.9

 

Property and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

3.3

 

3.3

 

Buildings, leasehold improvements and equipment

 

130.8

 

128.6

 

Total property and equipment

 

134.1

 

131.9

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(88.9

)

(78.8

)

Total property and equipment, net

 

45.2

 

53.1

 

Goodwill

 

7.1

 

7.1

 

Other non-current assets

 

2.9

 

0.2

 

Total assets

 

$

112.2

 

$

125.3

 

Liabilities and Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

8.3

 

$

12.6

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

6.7

 

5.5

 

Current portion of debt obligations

 

0.2

 

0.2

 

Total current liabilities

 

15.2

 

18.3

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

0.9

 

3.7

 

Non-current deferred revenue

 

24.8

 

25.2

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

1.3

 

1.5

 

Deferred income tax liability

 

21.7

 

21.8

 

Total liabilities

 

63.9

 

70.5

 

Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 500,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009

 

 

 

Common stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, 100 shares issued and outstanding at December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

93.2

 

93.2

 

Retained earnings

 

35.6

 

31.6

 

Related party receivables

 

(80.7

)

(70.3

)

Total stockholder’s equity of United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.

 

48.1

 

54.5

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

Total equity

 

48.3

 

54.8

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

112.2

 

$

125.3

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in millions)

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 30, 2010

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
January  1, 2009

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Admissions

 

$

149.0

 

$

155.4

 

$

155.3

 

Concessions

 

55.0

 

60.7

 

62.2

 

Other operating revenues

 

6.7

 

7.3

 

7.6

 

Total revenues

 

210.7

 

223.4

 

225.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Film rental and advertising costs

 

75.7

 

79.3

 

79.6

 

Cost of concessions

 

7.6

 

8.6

 

8.6

 

Other theatre operating expenses

 

87.7

 

90.4

 

92.5

 

Sale and leaseback rentals

 

14.9

 

14.8

 

14.8

 

General and administrative expenses

 

6.4

 

6.8

 

6.8

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

9.8

 

9.1

 

10.0

 

Net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets

 

1.5

 

6.6

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

203.6

 

215.6

 

212.3

 

Income from operations

 

7.1

 

7.8

 

12.8

 

Other income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income, net

 

 

(0.1

)

(0.4

)

Gain on sale of Fandango interest

 

 

 

(0.9

)

Total other income, net

 

 

(0.1

)

(1.3

)

Income before income taxes

 

7.1

 

7.9

 

14.1

 

Provision for income taxes

 

3.1

 

3.0

 

5.6

 

Net income

 

4.0

 

4.9

 

8.5

 

Noncontrolling interest, net of tax

 

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

Net income attributable to controlling interest

 

$

4.0

 

$

4.8

 

$

8.4

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in millions)

 

 

 

Preferred
Stock

 

Common
Stock

 

Additional
Paid-In Capital

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Intercompany
and
Related Party
Receivables

 

Total
Stockholders’
Equity of UATC

 

Noncontrolling
Interest

 

Total
Equity

 

Balances at December 27, 2007

 

$

 

$

 

$

93.2

 

$

18.4

 

$

(55.5

)

$

56.1

 

$

0.7

 

$

56.8

 

Net income and comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

8.4

 

 

8.4

 

 

8.4

 

Change in related party receivables

 

 

 

 

 

(8.2

)

(8.2

)

 

(8.2

)

Noncontrolling interest adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.5

)

(0.5

)

Balances at January 1, 2009

 

 

 

93.2

 

26.8

 

(63.7

)

56.3

 

0.2

 

56.5

 

Net income and comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

4.8

 

 

4.8

 

 

4.8

 

Change in related party receivables

 

 

 

 

 

(6.6

)

(6.6

)

 

(6.6

)

Noncontrolling interest adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Balances at December 31, 2009

 

 

 

93.2

 

31.6

 

(70.3

)

54.5

 

0.3

 

54.8

 

Net income and comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

4.0

 

 

4.0

 

 

4.0

 

Change in related party receivables

 

 

 

 

 

(10.4

)

(10.4

)

 

(10.4

)

Noncontrolling interest adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

Balances at December 30, 2010

 

$

 

$

 

$

93.2

 

$

35.6

 

$

(80.7

)

$

48.1

 

$

0.2

 

$

48.3

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

 

 

 

Year ended
December 30, 2010

 

Year ended
December 31, 2009

 

Year ended
January 1, 2009

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

4.0

 

$

4.9

 

$

8.5

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of leases with escalating minimum annual rentals

 

(1.2

)

(1.2

)

(0.9

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

9.8

 

9.1

 

10.0

 

Net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets

 

1.5

 

6.6

 

 

Gain on sale of Fandango interest

 

 

 

(0.9

)

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

 

(0.2

)

(0.4

)

2.6

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

0.7

 

(0.2

)

(0.2

)

Prepaid expenses, concession inventory and other assets

 

(2.8

)

(0.3

)

 

Accounts payable

 

(4.3

)

2.2

 

(2.6

)

Deferred revenue

 

(0.4

)

(0.3

)

(0.3

)

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

(1.8

)

(1.7

)

(1.3

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

5.3

 

18.7

 

14.9

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(4.8

)

(4.9

)

(4.7

)

Proceeds from disposition of assets, net

 

0.1

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

Proceeds from the sale of Fandango interest

 

 

 

0.9

 

Distributions to partnership

 

(0.1

)

 

(0.5

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(4.8

)

(4.7

)

(4.0

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt payments

 

(0.2

)

(0.2

)

(0.1

)

Increase in related party receivables

 

(7.7

)

(6.8

)

(8.1

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(7.9

)

(7.0

)

(8.2

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(7.4

)

7.0

 

2.7

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

59.8

 

52.8

 

50.1

 

End of year

 

$

52.4

 

$

59.8

 

$

52.8

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

0.2

 

$

0.0

 

$

0.1

 

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received

 

$

0.6

 

$

0.2

 

$

0.4

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009

 

(1)      The Company and Basis of Presentation

 

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

 

UATC operates 543 screens in 62 theatres in 18 states as of December 30, 2010. As of December 31, 2009, UATC operated 567 screens in 65 theatres in 19 states. The Company formally operates on a 52-week fiscal year with each quarter generally consisting of 13 weeks, unless otherwise noted.  The Company’s fiscal year ends on the first Thursday after December 25, which in certain years (such as fiscal 2008) results in a 53-week fiscal year.

 

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

 

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

 

On February 12, 2007, Regal, along with AMC Entertainment, Inc. (“AMC”) and Cinemark, Inc. (“Cinemark”), formed a joint venture company known as Digital Cinema Implementation Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (‘‘DCIP’’), to create a financing model and establish agreements with major motion picture studios for the implementation of digital cinema in our theatres. Each of Regal, AMC and Cinemark has an equal voting interest in DCIP. On March 10, 2010, DCIP executed definitive agreements and related financing transactions in connection with the conversion to digital projection. DCIP’s financing raised approximately $660.0 million, consisting of approximately $445.0 million in senior bank debt, approximately $135.0 million in additional junior capital and approximately $80.0 million in equity contributions (consisting of cash and existing digital projection systems) from Regal, AMC and Cinemark.  Concurrent with the closing of the financing, RCI entered into a master equipment lease agreement (the “Master Lease”) and other related agreements (collectively, the “Digital Cinema Agreements”) with Kasima, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DCIP. Subsequent to the execution of the Digital Cinema Agreements, UATC distributed its existing digital projection systems with a net book value of approximately $2.7 million to RCI.

 

We expect DCIP to fund the cost of conversion to digital projection principally through the collection of virtual print fees from motion picture studios and equipment lease payments from participating exhibitors, including Regal. In accordance with the Master Lease, RCI will sublease (the “Sublease”) the digital projection systems to UATC under a twelve-year term with ten one-year fair value renewal options. The Master Lease also contains a fair

 

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value purchase option.  Under the Master Lease and the Sublease, UATC pays RCI annual minimum rent of $1,000 per digital projection system for the first six and a half years from the effective date of the agreement and is, upon certain conditions, subject to minimum annual rent of $3,000 per digital projection system beginning at six and a half years from the effective date of the agreement through the end of the lease term. UATC is also subject to various types of other rent if such digital projection systems do not meet minimum performance requirements as outlined in the Master Lease and the Sublease. Certain of the other rent payments are subject to either a monthly or an annual maximum. UATC accounts for the Sublease as an operating lease for accounting purposes.

 

During 2010, the Company focused on an accelerated deployment of 3D compatible digital projection systems to a majority of its first run U.S. theatres and expects to continue the accelerated 3D deployment into the first half of 2011.  With respect to the Company’s existing 35mm film projection equipment that is scheduled to be replaced with digital projection systems, the Company has begun to accelerate depreciation on such 35 mm film projection equipment over the expected deployment schedule since the Company plans to dispose of such equipment prior to the end of their useful lives. To that end, during the year ended December 30, 2010, the Company recorded approximately $0.7 million of accelerated depreciation related to such 35mm film projection equipment.  As of December 30, 2010, we operated 206 screens outfitted with digital projection systems, 158 of which are digital 3D capable.

 

In conjunction with Regal’s acquisition of Consolidated Theatres Holdings, G.P. (“Consolidated Theatres”) on April 30, 2008, Regal entered into a final judgment with the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to hold separate and divest of four theatres comprising 52 screens in North Carolina.  One of the four theatres subject to the judgment was an existing ten screen theatre leased by UATC with declining cash flows.  The assets of this theatre had been previously impaired due to its declining cash flows.  On April 30, 2009, pursuant to the final judgment between Regal and the DOJ, UATC transferred the theatre to another theatre operator, Carolina Cinemas LLC (“Carolina Cinemas”).  In order to implement the assignment of this theatre, UATC entered into an operating agreement with Carolina Cinemas to address various matters including, without limitation, the use of equipment owned by UATC, as well as payment of annual rent during the agreement.  Pursuant to this operating agreement, until the lease for this theatre expires on December 31, 2017, UATC shall be solely responsible for paying the landlord the rent due under the lease.  As a result of this agreement, UATC recorded a liability of approximately $4.2 million for the present value of the total remaining lease obligation for this theatre assigned to Carolina Cinemas.  Furthermore, as a result of this obligation, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $3.8 million in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 as a component of “Net loss on disposal and impairment of operating assets.” Accretion expense will be recorded monthly based on the incremental borrowing rate over the term of the lease. On September 20, 2010, Carolina Cinemas informed UATC that it would no longer operate this theatre.  Subsequently the Company negotiated an early lease termination with the landlord resulting in a gain of approximately $1.2 million in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 30, 2010.

 

(2)      Formation of Regal Entertainment Group

 

Exchange Transaction

 

On March 8, 2002, Anschutz entered into an agreement to exchange its controlling interest in United Artists for common stock of Regal, resulting in Regal being the majority shareholder of United Artists. Anschutz also exchanged its ownership interests in two other theatre companies for common stock of Regal.  The management of these three theatre companies was combined, with management of the theatre operations based in Knoxville, Tennessee, while management of certain ancillary businesses was based in Centennial, Colorado.  As described below, the exchange transaction was consummated on April 12, 2002.

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

 

Regal Cinemas, United Artists, Edwards and Regal CineMedia.

 

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

 

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

 

Initial Public Offering of Regal Entertainment Group

 

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

 

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

 

(3)      Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UATC and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues are generated principally through admissions and concessions sales with proceeds received in cash or via credit card at the point of sale. Other operating revenues consist primarily of product advertising (including vendor marketing programs) and other ancillary revenues that are recognized as income in the period earned. The Company generally recognizes payments received attributable to the marketing and advertising services provided by the Company under certain vendor programs as revenue in the period in which the related impressions are delivered. Such impressions are measured by the concession product sales volume, which is a mutually agreed upon proxy of attendance and reflects the Company’s marketing and advertising services delivered to its vendors. In instances where the consideration received is in excess of fair value of the advertising services provided, the excess is recorded as a reduction of concession costs. The Company recognizes revenue associated with gift cards and advanced ticket sales at such time as the items are redeemed.

 

Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments and investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  At December 30, 2010, the Company held substantially all of its cash in temporary cash investments in the form of certificates of deposit and variable rate investment accounts with major financial institutions.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Inventories

 

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

 

Property and Equipment

 

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

 

The Company capitalizes the cost of computer equipment, system hardware and purchased software ready for service. During the years ended December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company capitalized approximately less than $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of such costs, which were associated primarily with (i) new point-of-sale devices at the Company’s box offices and concession stands, (ii) new ticketing kiosks, and (iii) computer hardware and software purchased for the Company’s theatre locations. The Company also capitalizes certain direct external costs associated with software developed for internal use after the preliminary software project stage is completed and Company management has authorized further funding for a software project and it is deemed probable of completion. We capitalize these external software development costs only until the point at which the project is substantially complete and the software is ready for its intended purpose.

 

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

 

Buildings

 

20-30 years

 

Equipment

 

3-20 years

 

Leasehold improvements

 

Lesser of term of lease or asset life

 

Computer equipment and software

 

3-5 years

 

 

As of December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, included in property and equipment is $2.7 million of assets accounted for under capital leases, before accumulated depreciation of $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The Company records amortization using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease terms or the estimated useful lives noted above.

 

Goodwill

 

The carrying amount of goodwill was $7.1 million for the years ended December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently as specific events or circumstances dictate.

 

Under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 350-20, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Goodwill, the Company has identified its reporting units to be the designated market areas in which the Company conducts its theatre operations. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value the Company is required to reallocate the fair value of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The Company determines fair value by using an enterprise valuation methodology determined by applying multiples to cash flow estimates less net indebtedness, which the Company believes is an appropriate method to determine fair value. There is considerable management judgment with respect to cash flow estimates and appropriate multiples and discount rates to be used in determining fair value and such management estimates fall under Level 3 within the fair value measurement hierarchy. The Company’s annual goodwill impairment assessments for the years ended December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 indicated that the fair value of its reporting units exceeded their carrying value and therefore, goodwill was not deemed to be impaired.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances

 

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indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be fully recoverable.  The Company generally evaluates assets for impairment on an individual theatre basis, which management believes is the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows.  If the sum of the expected future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest charges, is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the Company recognizes an impairment charge in the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair market value.

 

The Company considers actual theatre level cash flows, future years budgeted theatre level cash flows, theatre property and equipment carrying values, amortizing intangible asset carrying values, the age of a recently built theatre, competitive theatres in the marketplace, the impact of recent ticket price changes, available lease renewal options and other factors considered relevant in its assessment of impairment of individual theatre assets. The impairment evaluation is based on the estimated cash flows from continuing use until the expected disposal date or the fair value of furniture, fixtures and equipment. The expected disposal date does not exceed the remaining lease period unless it is probable the lease period will be extended and may be less than the remaining lease period when the Company does not expect to operate the theatre to the end of its lease term. The fair value of assets is determined using the present value of the estimated future cash flows or the expected selling price less selling costs for assets of which the Company expects to dispose. Significant judgment is involved in estimating cash flows and fair value.  Management’s estimates (Level 3 inputs as described in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures) are based on historical and projected operating performance, recent market transactions and current industry trading multiples.

 

This analysis resulted in the recording of impairment charges of $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. There was no impairment of long-lived assets during the years ended December 30, 2010 and January 1, 2009.  The long-lived asset impairment charges recorded during each of the periods presented are specific to theatres that were directly and individually impacted by increased competition, adverse changes in market demographics or adverse changes in the development or the conditions of the areas surrounding the theatre.

 

Leases

 

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

 

The Company accounts for leased properties under the provisions of ASC Topic 840, Leases and other authoritative accounting literature. ASC Subtopic 840-10, Leases—Overview requires that the Company evaluate each lease for classification as either a capital lease or an operating lease. The Company performs this evaluation at the inception of the lease and when a modification is made to a lease. As to those arrangements that are classified as capital leases, the Company records property under capital leases and a capital lease obligation in an amount equal to the lesser of the present value of the minimum lease payments to be made over the life of the lease at the beginning of the lease term, or the fair value of the leased property. The property under capital lease is amortized on a straight-line basis as a charge to expense over the lease term, as defined, or the economic life of the leased property, whichever is less.  During the lease term, as defined, each minimum lease payment is allocated between a reduction of the lease obligation and interest expense so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the lease obligation. The Company does not believe that exercise of the renewal options in its leases are reasonably assured at the inception of the lease agreements because our leases: (i) provide for either (a) renewal rents based on market rates or (b) renewal rents that equal or exceed the initial rents, and (ii) do not impose economic penalties upon our determination whether or not to exercise the renewal option. As a result, there are not sufficient economic incentives at the inception of our leases, in our view, to consider that our lease renewal options are reasonably assured of being exercised and therefore, we generally consider the initial base term as the lease term under ASC Subtopic 840-10.

 

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The Company records rent expense for its operating leases with contractual rent increases in accordance with ASC Subtopic 840-20, Leases—Operating Leases on a straight-line basis from the “lease commencement date” as specified in the lease agreement until the end of the base lease term.

 

For leases in which the Company is involved with construction of the theatre, the Company accounts for the lease during the construction period under the provisions of ASC Subtopic 840-40, Leases—Sale Leaseback Transactions. The landlord is typically responsible for constructing a theatre using guidelines and specifications agreed to by the Company and assumes substantially all of the risk of construction. In accordance with ASC Subtopic 840-40, if the Company concludes that it has substantially all of the construction period risks, it records a construction asset and related liability for the amount of total project costs incurred during the construction period. Once construction is completed, the Company considers the requirements under ASC Subtopic 840-40, for sale-leaseback treatment, and if the arrangement does not meet such requirements, it records the project’s construction costs funded by the landlord as a financing obligation. The obligation is amortized over the financing term based on the payments designated in the contract.

 

In accordance with ASC Subtopic 840-20, we expense rental costs incurred during construction periods for operating leases as such costs are incurred. For rental costs incurred during construction periods for both operating and capital leases, the “lease commencement date” is the date at which we gain access to the leased asset. Historically, and for the years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009, these rental costs have not been significant to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Sale and Leaseback Transactions

 

The Company accounts for the sale and leaseback of real estate assets in accordance with ASC Subtopic 840-40. Losses on sale leaseback transactions are recognized at the time of sale if the fair value of the property sold is less than the undepreciated cost of the property. Gains on sale and leaseback transactions are deferred and amortized over the remaining lease term.

 

Income Taxes

 

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

 

Additionally, income tax rules and regulations are subject to interpretation, require judgment by the Company and may be challenged by the taxation authorities. As described further in Note 7—“Income Taxes,” effective December 29, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC Subtopic 740-10, Income Taxes—Overview. In accordance with ASC Subtopic 740-10, the Company recognizes a tax benefit only for tax positions that are determined to be more likely than not sustainable based on the technical merits of the tax position. With respect to such tax positions for which recognition of a benefit is appropriate, the benefit is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions are evaluated on an ongoing basis as part of the Company’s process for determining the provision for income taxes.

 

Investments

 

During the year ended January 1, 2009, the Company received an additional $0.9 million of sale proceeds related to the sale of its equity interest in Fandango, Inc. (“Fandango”). Accordingly, the Company recognized an

 

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additional gain of $0.9 million ($0.6 million after tax) during the year ended January 1, 2009.

 

Deferred Revenue

 

Deferred revenue relates primarily to the amount we received for agreeing to the existing exhibitor service agreement (“ESA”) modification described in Note 5—“Related Party Transactions.” The amount we received for agreeing to the ESA modification will be amortized to advertising revenue over the 30 year term of the agreement following the units of revenue method as described in Note 5—“Related Party Transactions.”  As of December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, approximately $24.8 million and $25.2 million of deferred revenue related to the ESA was recorded as a component of non-current deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Deferred Rent

 

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

 

Film Costs

 

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

 

Loyalty Program

 

Members of the Regal Crown Club® earn credits for each dollar spent at one of our theatres and earn concession or ticket awards based on the number of credits accumulated. Because we believe that the value of the awards granted to our Regal Crown Club® members is insignificant in relation to the value of the transactions necessary to earn the award, the Company records the estimated incremental cost of providing awards under our Regal Crown Club® loyalty program at the time the awards are earned. Historically, and for the years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009, the costs of these awards have not been significant to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Advertising and Start-Up Costs

 

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

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

As described in Note 9—“Capital Stock and Share-Based Compensation,” effective December 30, 2005, we adopted ASC Subtopic 718-10, Compensation—Stock Compensation—Overall utilizing the modified prospective approach. Under ASC Subtopic 718-10, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period. Prior to the adoption of ASC Subtopic 718-10, we accounted for stock option grants using the intrinsic value method, and accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for stock option grants when the exercise price equaled the fair value of common stock on the date of grant.

 

In connection with the adoption of ASC Subtopic 718-10, the Company also elected to adopt the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation. The alternative transition method includes a simplified method to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (“APIC pool”) related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation, which is available to absorb tax deficiencies which

 

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could be recognized subsequent to the adoption of ASC Subtopic 718-10.

 

Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, those related to film costs, property and equipment, goodwill and income taxes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Segments

 

As of December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009, UATC managed its business under one reportable segment: theatre exhibition operations.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

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

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements. SFAS No. 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this statement requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS No. 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the noncontrolling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS No. 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest.  SFAS No. 160 was adopted by the Company on January 2, 2009. The adoption had the effect of reclassifying amounts previously classified under “minority interest” (approximately $0.1 million as of January 1, 2009 and December 27, 2007) to a component of equity under “noncontrolling interest” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of equity and comprehensive income (loss).  Amounts previously classified under “minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries” are now classified as “noncontrolling interest” and presented net of tax below “net income” to arrive at “net income attributable to controlling interest” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

During June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) which is to be adopted as of the beginning of its first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, and interim and annual reporting periods thereafter.  SFAS No. 167 amends FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities an interpretation of ARB No. 51 (“FIN 46(R)”) to require an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as the enterprise that has both of the following characteristics:

 

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a.                                       The power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and

 

b.                                      The obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity.

 

Additionally, an enterprise is required to assess whether it has an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that a variable interest entity operates as designed when determining whether it has the power to direct the activities of the variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. SFAS No. 167 amends FIN 46(R) to require ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. SFAS No. 167 amends FIN 46(R) to add an additional reconsideration event for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity when any changes in facts and circumstances occur such that the holders of the equity investment at risk, as a group, lose the power from voting rights or similar rights of those investments to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance.  SFAS No. 167 amends FIN 46(R) to require enhanced disclosures that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. The enhanced disclosures are required for any enterprise that holds a variable interest in a variable interest entity.  The adoption of SFAS No. 167 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  SFAS No. 168 became the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Emerging Issues Task Force, and related accounting literature. SFAS No. 168 reorganizes the thousands of GAAP pronouncements into roughly 90 accounting topics and displays them using a consistent structure. Also included is relevant guidance of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) organized using the same topical structure in separate sections. SFAS No. 168 was effective for financial statements issued for reporting periods that end after September 15, 2009. The Company adopted the provisions of this guidance as of October 1, 2009.  The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820)—Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, (“ASU 2010-06”). This Update provides a greater level of disaggregated information and enhanced disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs to fair value measurements. ASU 2010-06 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009 and became effective for the Company as of April 1, 2010 except for certain disclosure requirements.  Disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years and is effective for the Company as of the beginning of fiscal 2011.

 

(4)      Debt Obligations

 

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

 

 

 

December 30, 2010

 

December 31, 2009

 

Debt obligations (a)

 

$

1.5

 

$

1.7

 

Less current portion

 

(0.2

)

(0.2

)

Long-term debt

 

$

1.3

 

$

1.5

 

 


(a)                                  Debt obligations include $1.5 million and $1.7 million of capital lease obligations as of December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, which have an interest rate of 10.0%, maturing in 2016.

 

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

 

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2011

 

$

0.3

 

2012

 

0.3

 

2013

 

0.4

 

2014

 

0.3

 

2015

 

0.4

 

Thereafter

 

0.2

 

 

 

1.9

 

Less interest on capital leases

 

(0.4

)

Totals

 

$

1.5

 

 

(5)      Related Party Transactions

 

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

 

RCI manages all aspects of the theatre operations of UATC and its subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of a management agreement, which includes all of its cash collections, cash disbursements and other cash management functions. During the years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009, UATC recorded management fee expenses of approximately $6.4 million, $6.8 million and $6.8 million, respectively, related to this arrangement.  Such fees have been recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as a component of “General and Administrative” expenses.

 

As of December 30, 2010, the Company’s related party receivables totaled approximately $80.7 million, which represents an increase of $10.4 million from $70.3 million as of December 31, 2009. The increase in these receivables was due primarily to timing of the intercompany cash collections and disbursements, as described above and the distribution of existing digital projection systems with a net book value of approximately $2.7 million to RCI.

 

Pursuant to the Company’s management agreement with RCI, RCI, through an agreement with National CineMedia, LLC (“National CineMedia”), provides all on-screen and lobby advertising and event services to UATC.

 

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

 

As a result of the amendment to the ESA and related modification payment, RCI recognizes various types of other revenue from National CineMedia, including per patron and per digital screen theatre access fees, net of payments for on-screen advertising time provided to our beverage concessionaire, other NCM revenue (such as meeting and event services, live and pre-recorded concerts, sporting events and other entertainment programming content) and amortization of upfront ESA modification fees utilizing the units of revenue amortization method.

 

These revenues are presented as a component of other operating revenues in the Company’s financial statements and consist of the following (amounts in millions):

 

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Year Ended
December 30, 2010

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
January 1, 2009

 

Theatre access fees per patron

 

$

1.2

 

$

1.3

 

$

1.4

 

Theatre access fees per digital screen

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

Other NCM revenue

 

0.1

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

Amortization of ESA modification fees

 

0.4

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

Payments for beverage concessionaire advertising

 

(1.1

)

(1.1

)

(1.1

)

Total

 

$

1.0

 

$

1.1

 

$

1.3

 

 

(6)      Leases

 

The Company accounts for a majority of its leases as operating leases. The Company, at its option, can renew a substantial portion of the leases at defined or then fair rental rates for various periods. Certain leases for Company theatres provide for contingent rentals based on the revenue results of the underlying theatre and require the payment of taxes, insurance, and other costs applicable to the property. Also, certain leases contain escalating minimum rental provisions that have been accounted for on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the leases.

 

Minimum rentals payable under all non-cancelable operating leases with terms in excess of one year as of December 30, 2010, are summarized for the following fiscal years (in millions):

 

2011

 

$

33.5

 

2012

 

29.2

 

2013

 

27.2

 

2014

 

26.4

 

2015

 

26.3

 

Thereafter

 

35.5

 

 

 

$

178.1

 

 

Rent expense, including sale and leaseback rentals of $14.9 million, $14.8 million and $14.8 million, for the years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009, under such operating leases amounted to $36.3 million, $37.4 million and $38.7 million for the years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009, respectively. Contingent rent expense was $1.5 million, $1.4 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009, respectively.

 

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

 

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

 

In December 1995, UATC entered into a sale and leaseback transaction whereby 31 owned properties were sold to and leased back from an unaffiliated third party. In conjunction with the transaction, the buyer of the properties issued publicly traded pass-through certificates. In connection with this sale and leaseback transaction, UATC entered into a Participation Agreement that requires UATC to comply with various covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, restricted payments, transactions with affiliates, guarantees, issuance of preferred stock of subsidiaries and subsidiary distributions, transfer of assets and payment of dividends. As of December 30, 2010, 12 theatres were subject to the sale leaseback transaction and approximately $33.5 million in principal amount of pass-through certificates were outstanding.

 

(7)      Income Taxes

 

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

 

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Year Ended
December 30, 2010

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
January 1, 2009

 

Federal:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

$

3.0

 

$

2.9

 

$

2.8

 

Deferred

 

(0.8

)

(0.3

)

1.8

 

Total Federal

 

2.2

 

2.6

 

4.6

 

State:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

0.3

 

0.5

 

0.2

 

Deferred

 

0.6

 

(0.1

)

0.8

 

Total State

 

0.9

 

0.4

 

1.0

 

Total income tax provision

 

$

3.1

 

$

3.0

 

$

5.6

 

 

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

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 30, 2010

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
January 1, 2009

 

Provision calculated at federal statutory income tax rate

 

$

2.5

 

$

2.8

 

$

4.9

 

State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

0.4

 

0.3

 

0.6

 

Increase to valuation allowance

 

0.1

 

 

 

Other

 

0.1

 

(0.1

)

0.1

 

Total income tax provision

 

$

3.1

 

$

3.0

 

$

5.6

 

 

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

 

 

 

December 30, 2010

 

December 31, 2009

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating loss carryforward

 

$

16.2

 

$

18.0

 

Excess of tax basis over book basis of fixed assets

 

16.2

 

16.0

 

Accrued expenses

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

Deferred revenue

 

10.0

 

10.2

 

Other

 

0.9

 

1.5

 

Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance

 

43.6

 

46.0

 

Valuation allowance

 

(3.2

)

(3.1

)

Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance

 

40.4

 

42.9

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred gain on sale of theatres

 

(31.1

)

(34.7

)

Excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets

 

(27.9

)

(27.8

)

Other

 

(1.0

)

(0.2

)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

(60.0

)

(62.7

)

Net deferred tax liability

 

$

(19.6

)

$

(19.8

)

 

As of December 30, 2010, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $32.0 million with expiration commencing during 2019. The Company’s net operating loss carryforwards were generated by the predecessor entities of UATC. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 imposed substantial restrictions on the utilization of net operating losses in the event of an “ownership change” of a corporation. Accordingly, the Company’s ability to utilize the net operating losses may be impaired as a result of the “ownership change” limitations.

 

In assessing the realizable value of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which these temporary differences become deductible. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets at December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 totaling $3.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively, as management believes it is more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets will not be realized in future tax periods. Future reductions in the valuation allowance associated with a change in management’s determination of the Company’s ability to realize these deferred tax assets will result in a decrease in the provision for income taxes.

 

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As of December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not believe that its gross unrecognized tax benefits will change within the next 12 months.

 

The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had not accrued any interest or penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits.  No interest and penalties were recognized in the statement of income for the periods ended December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and certain state jurisdictions as part of the REG income tax filings and files separate income tax returns in various other state jurisdictions as well.  REG and the Company are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2007, and with limited exceptions, are no longer subject to state income tax examinations before 2006.  However, the taxing authorities still have the ability to review the propriety of tax attributes created in closed tax years if such tax attributes are utilized in an open tax year.

 

(8)      Litigation and contingencies

 

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

 

In addition, we, from time to time, receive letters from the state officials in states where we operate theatres regarding investigation into the accessibility of our theatres to persons with visual impairments or the deaf and hard of hearing.  In addition, on July 20, 2010, the DOJ issued Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning the provision of closed captioning and descriptive audio within the theatre environment.  Significantly, this is the first time the DOJ has stated that while open captioning may not be required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, closed captioning is so required. We believe we provide the members of the visually and hearing impaired communities with reasonable access to the movie-going experience but are further evaluating our options in the digital format and potential compliance issues related to same.

 

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

 

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

 

(9)      Capital Stock and Share Based Compensation

 

Common and Preferred Stock

 

UATC is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of its $1.00 par value common stock, of which 100 shares are issued and outstanding at December 30, 2010, and are all held by the Parent.  At December 30, 2010, the Company has 500,000 shares of preferred stock authorized with none issued.

 

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Share Based Compensation

 

Effective December 30, 2005, Regal and the Company adopted ASC Subtopic 718-10 utilizing the modified prospective approach. Prior to the adoption of ASC Subtopic 718-10, we accounted for stock option grants in accordance with the intrinsic value method, and accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for those stock options having an exercise price equal to the market value of Regal’s Class A common stock on the date of the grant.

 

Under the modified prospective approach, ASC Subtopic 718-10 applies to awards that were outstanding on December 30, 2005 and to new awards and the modification, repurchase or cancellation of awards after December 30, 2005. Under the modified prospective approach, compensation cost recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 includes share-based compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 30, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and recognized as expense over the remaining requisite service period. Share-based compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to December 30, 2005 are based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC Subtopic 718-10 and recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period. Prior periods were not restated to reflect the impact of adopting the new standard. In addition, the Company has elected to adopt the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation. The alternative transition method includes a simplified method to establish the beginning balance of the APIC pool related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation, which is available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized subsequent to the adoption of ASC Subtopic 718-10.

 

We receive a tax deduction for certain stock option exercises during the period the options are exercised, generally for the excess of the price at which the stock is sold over the exercise price of the options.  We are required to report excess tax benefits from the award of equity instruments as financing cash flows.  Excess tax benefits are recorded when a deduction reported for tax return purposes for an award of equity instruments exceeds the cumulative compensation cost for the instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes.

 

(10)      Employee Benefits Plan

 

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

 

(11)      Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Long term obligations, excluding capital lease obligations:

 

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

 

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

 

None.

 

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Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit to the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Commission’s rules and forms, and that information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers (whom we refer to in this periodic report as our Certifying Officers), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Certifying Officers, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 30, 2010, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Certifying Officers concluded that, as of December 30, 2010, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

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

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

 

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

 

Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

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

 

Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

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

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

 

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

 

Item 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDECE

 

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

 

Item 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.  For such fiscal years, we paid fees for services from KPMG as discussed below.

 

·                  Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by KPMG for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K and the reviews of the consolidated financial statements included in our Forms 10-Q were approximately $80,595 for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2010 and $83,160 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

 

·                  Audit-Related Fees. The Company did not incur any aggregate fees for professional services rendered by KPMG for assurances and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2010 and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

 

·                  Tax Fees. The Company did not incur any aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by KPMG related to federal and state tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2010 and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. All of these services are permitted non-audit services.

 

·                  All Other Fees. The Company did not incur any aggregate fees for all other services rendered by KPMG for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2010 and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

 

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Board of Directors Pre-Approval Policy

 

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

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

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

 

(1)

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

 

 

 

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

UATC’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

UATC’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

UATC’s Consolidated Statements of Equity and Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

UATC’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to UATC’s Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

(2)

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

 

 

(3)

Exhibits: The following exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-K.

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

 

 

 

2.1

 

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

 

 

 

3.1

 

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

 

 

 

3.2

 

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

 

 

 

4.1

 

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

 

 

 

4.2

 

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

 

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4.3

 

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

 

 

 

4.4

 

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

 

 

 

4.5

 

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

 

 

 

4.6

 

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

 

 

 

4.7

 

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

 

 

 

10.1

 

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

 

 

 

10.2

 

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

 

 

 

10.3

 

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

 

 

 

10.4*

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated May 5, 2009, by and between Regal Entertainment Group and Michael L. Campbell (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Regal Entertainment Group’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-31315) on May 6, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.5*

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated May 5, 2009, by and between Regal Entertainment Group and Amy E. Miles (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Regal Entertainment Group’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-31315) on May 6, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.6*

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated May 5, 2009, by and between Regal Entertainment Group and Gregory W. Dunn (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Regal Entertainment Group’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-31315) on May 6, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.7*

 

Executive Employment Agreement, dated May 5, 2009, by and between Regal Entertainment Group and

 

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David H. Ownby (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Regal Entertainment Group’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-31315) on May 6, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.8*

 

Executive Employment Agreement, dated January 13, 2010, by and between Regal Entertainment Group and Peter B. Brandow (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Regal Entertainment Group’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-31315) on January 19, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

31.1

 

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

 

 

 

31.2

 

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

 


*                  Identifies each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

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

 

(c)                Not applicable.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE CIRCUIT, INC.

 

 

 

 

March 18, 2011

By:

/s/ AMY E. MILES

 

 

Amy E. Miles

 

 

President

 

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

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ AMY E. MILES

 

Director and President (Principal Executive Officer)

 

March 18, 2011

Amy E. Miles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ DAVID H. OWNBY

 

Director, Vice President and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer

 

March 18, 2011

David H. Ownby

 

and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ GREGORY W. DUNN

 

Director

 

March 18, 2011

Gregory W. Dunn

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

 

 

 

2.1

 

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

 

 

 

3.1

 

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

 

 

 

3.2

 

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

 

 

 

4.1

 

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

 

 

 

4.2

 

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

 

 

 

4.3

 

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

 

 

 

4.4

 

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

 

 

 

4.5

 

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

 

 

 

4.6

 

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

 

 

 

4.7

 

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

 

 

 

10.1

 

Trademark Agreement as of May 12, 1992 by United Artists Entertainment Company, United Artists Holdings, Inc., United Artists Cable Holdings, Inc., United Artists Theatre Holding Company, on the one hand and United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc., United Artists Realty Company, UAB, Inc., and UAB II, Inc.,

 

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on the other hand (filed as exhibit 10.9 to United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.’s Form S-1 (Commission File No. 033-49598) filed on October 5, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.2

 

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

 

 

 

10.3

 

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

 

 

 

10.4*

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated May 5, 2009, by and between Regal Entertainment Group and Michael L. Campbell (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Regal Entertainment Group’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-31315) on May 6, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.5*

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated May 5, 2009, by and between Regal Entertainment Group and Amy E. Miles (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Regal Entertainment Group’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-31315) on May 6, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.6*

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated May 5, 2009, by and between Regal Entertainment Group and Gregory W. Dunn (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Regal Entertainment Group’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-31315) on May 6, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.7*

 

Executive Employment Agreement, dated May 5, 2009, by and between Regal Entertainment Group and David H. Ownby (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Regal Entertainment Group’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-31315) on May 6, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

10.8*

 

Executive Employment Agreement, dated January 13, 2010, by and between Regal Entertainment Group and Peter B. Brandow (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Regal Entertainment Group’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-31315) on January 19, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

 

 

31.1

 

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

 

 

 

31.2

 

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

 


*                  Identifies each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

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

 

(c)                Not applicable.

 

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