UNITED STATES

SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

OR

For the transition period from            to            

Commission File No. 001-10362

 

MGM Resorts International

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

(Address of principal executive offices)

(702) 693-7120

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

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

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   x    No  ¨

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:

 

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

FORM 10-Q

 

I N D E X

 

 

 

 

 

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Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

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MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)  

 

NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION

 

Organization. MGM Resorts International (the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation that acts largely as a holding company and, through wholly owned subsidiaries, owns and/or operates casino resorts. The Company owns and operates the following casino resorts in Las Vegas, Nevada: Bellagio, MGM Grand Las Vegas, The Mirage, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, New York-New York, Monte Carlo, Excalibur and Circus Circus Las Vegas. Operations at MGM Grand Las Vegas include management of The Signature at MGM Grand Las Vegas, a condominium-hotel consisting of three towers. In July 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to sell Circus Circus Reno in Reno, Nevada, as discussed in Note 3. Along with local investors, the Company owns and operates MGM Grand Detroit in Detroit, Michigan. The Company owns and operates two resorts in Mississippi: Beau Rivage in Biloxi and Gold Strike in Tunica. The Company also owns Shadow Creek, an exclusive world-class golf course located approximately ten miles north of its Las Vegas Strip resorts, Primm Valley Golf Club at the California/Nevada state line and Fallen Oak golf course in Saucier, Mississippi.

 

The Company owns 51% and has a controlling interest in MGM China Holdings Limited (“MGM China”), which owns MGM Grand Paradise, S.A. (“MGM Grand Paradise”), the Macau company that owns and operates the MGM Macau resort and casino and the related gaming subconcession and land concession. MGM Grand Paradise also has a land concession contract with the government of Macau to develop a second resort and casino on an approximately 18 acre site in Cotai, Macau (“MGM Cotai”). MGM Cotai will be an integrated casino, hotel and entertainment complex with capacity for up to 500 gaming tables and up to 1,500 slots, and featuring approximately 1,500 hotel rooms. The total estimated project budget is $3.0 billion, excluding development fees eliminated in consolidation, capitalized interest and land related costs.

 

The Company owns 50% of CityCenter, located between Bellagio and Monte Carlo. The other 50% of CityCenter is owned by Infinity World Development Corp, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai World, a Dubai, United Arab Emirates government decree entity. CityCenter consists of Aria, a casino resort; Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, a non-gaming boutique hotel; Crystals, a retail, dining and entertainment district; and Vdara, a luxury condominium-hotel. In addition, CityCenter features residential units in the Residences at Mandarin Oriental and Veer. The Company receives a management fee of 2% of revenues for the management of Aria and Vdara, and 5% of EBITDA (as defined in the agreements governing the Company’s management of Aria and Vdara). In addition, the Company receives an annual fee of $3 million for the management of Crystals. See Note 4 for additional information related to CityCenter.

 

The Company owns 50% of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (“Borgata”) located on Renaissance Pointe in the Marina area of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Boyd Gaming Corporation owns the other 50% of Borgata and also operates the resort. The Company also has a 50% interest in Grand Victoria. Grand Victoria is a riverboat casino in Elgin, Illinois; an affiliate of Hyatt Gaming owns the other 50% of Grand Victoria and also operates the resort. In July 2015, the Company entered an agreement to sell its 50% interest in Silver Legacy, located in Reno, Nevada. See Note 4 for additional information regarding the Company’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates.

 

The Company has entered into management agreements for future non-gaming hotels, resorts and residential products in the Middle East, North Africa, India and the United States. In 2014, the Company and the Hakkasan Group formed MGM Hakkasan Hospitality (“MGM Hakkasan”), owned 50% by each member, to design, develop and manage luxury non-gaming hotels, resorts and residences under certain brands licensed from the Company and the Hakkasan Group. Upon formation, the Company contributed its management agreements for non-gaming hotels, resorts and residential projects (outside of the greater China region) under development to MGM Hakkasan. In May 2015, the Company and the Hakkasan Group mutually agreed to terminate MGM Hakkasan and the brand license from Hakkasan Group. The Company will continue to develop these projects under its brands through MGM Hospitality (a wholly-owned subsidiary). Additionally, the Company will continue to develop and manage properties in the greater China region with Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, including MGM Grand Sanya.

 

The Maryland Video Lottery Facility Location Commission has awarded the Company’s subsidiary developing MGM National Harbor the license to build and operate a destination casino resort in Prince George’s County at National Harbor, which is a waterfront development located on the Potomac River just outside of Washington D.C. The expected cost to develop and construct MGM National Harbor is approximately $1.3 billion, excluding capitalized interest and land related costs. The Company expects the resort to include a casino with approximately 3,600 slots and 160 table games including poker; a 300-room hotel with luxury spa and rooftop pool; 93,100 square feet of high‑end branded retail and fine and casual dining; a 3,000-seat theater venue; 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space; and a 4,700-space parking garage.

 

A subsidiary of the Company was awarded the Category One casino license in Region B, Western Massachusetts, one of three licensing regions designated by legislation, to build and operate MGM Springfield. MGM Springfield will be developed on

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approximately 14 acres of land in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. The Company’s plans for the resort originally included a casino with approximately 3,000 slots and 100 table games including poker; a 250-room hotel tower; 90,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space; 45,000 square feet of meeting and event space; and a 3,500-space parking garage, with an expected development and construction cost of approximately $760 million, excluding capitalized interest and land related costs.  The Company has recently undertaken a design and cost review of MGM Springfield and has proposed design and scope changes for various elements of the project.  The proposed changes have been submitted to Springfield’s Mayor and City Council and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for approval.  The Company’s review of construction costs remains underway and will be impacted by the final determination of project design and scope, but the Company currently anticipates the cost may increase from the previous estimate of approximately $760 million.

 

In 2013, the Company formed Las Vegas Arena Company, LLC (the “Las Vegas Arena Company”) with a subsidiary of Anschutz Entertainment Group, Inc. (“AEG”) – a leader in sports, entertainment, and promotions – to design, construct, and operate the Las Vegas Arena, which will be located on a parcel of the Company’s land between Frank Sinatra Drive and New York-New York, adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip. The Company and AEG each owns 50% of Las Vegas Arena Company. The Las Vegas Arena is anticipated to seat between 18,000 and 20,000 people. Such development is estimated to cost approximately $350 million, excluding capitalized interest and land related costs.

 

The Company has two reportable segments: wholly owned domestic resorts and MGM China. See Note 11 for additional information about the Company’s segments.

 

NOTE 2 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of presentation. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2014 annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s interim financial statements. The results for such periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

Fair value measurements. Fair value measurements affect the Company’s accounting and impairment assessments of its long-lived assets, investments in unconsolidated affiliates, cost method investments, assets acquired and liabilities assumed in an acquisition, and goodwill and other intangible assets. Fair value measurements also affect the Company’s accounting for certain of its financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and is measured according to a hierarchy that includes: Level 1 inputs, such as quoted prices in an active market; Level 2 inputs, which are observable inputs for similar assets; or Level 3 inputs, which are unobservable inputs. The Company uses Level 1 inputs for its long-term debt fair value disclosures. See Note 5.

 

Property and equipment. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had accrued $11 million for property and equipment within “Accounts payable” and $38 million related to construction retention in “Other long-term obligations.” In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company entered into capital leases with obligations of $12 million.

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair market value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets must be reviewed for impairment at least annually and between annual test dates in certain circumstances. The Company performs its annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Due to a significant decrease in MGM China’s cash flows as well as a decline in the market capitalization of MGM China relative to its net book value, the Company performed an interim impairment test of goodwill related to the MGM China reporting unit in the second quarter of 2015.

 

Goodwill for relevant reporting units is tested for impairment using a discounted cash flow analysis based on the estimated future results of the Company’s reporting units discounted using market discount rates and market indicators of terminal year capitalization rates, and a market approach that utilizes business enterprise value multiples based on a range of multiples from the reporting unit’s peer group. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an indication of impairment exists and the Company must proceed to measure an impairment loss, if any. In measuring an impairment loss, the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to the carrying value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to its assets and liabilities and the amount remaining, if any, is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value then it must be written down to its implied fair value.

 

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The results of the Company’s interim impairment test indicated the fair value of the MGM China reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by 9%. Therefore, the Company concluded that the carrying value of goodwill of $2.8 billion related to MGM China was not impaired based on the interim test. The Company has continued monitoring the results of this reporting unit and determined that circumstances did not exist that would require the Company to perform an interim impairment test in the third quarter of 2015.

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interest. In April 2015, MGM National Harbor issued non-voting membership interests in MGM National Harbor (“Membership Interests”) to Radio One, Inc. (“Radio One”), a noncontrolling interest party, for a purchase price of $5 million. In addition, Radio One was given the right to make one additional capital contribution of up to $35 million prior to July 1, 2016 for the purchase of additional Membership Interests.

 

The Membership Interests provide for annual preferred distributions by MGM National Harbor to Radio One based on a percentage of its annual net gaming revenue (as defined in the MGM National Harbor operating agreement). Such distributions will begin within ninety days after the end of the fiscal year in which the opening date of MGM National Harbor occurs, and after the end of each subsequent fiscal year. Also, beginning on the third anniversary of the last day of the calendar quarter in which the opening date of MGM National Harbor occurs (and on each subsequent anniversary thereof) Radio One will have the ability to require MGM National Harbor to purchase all or a portion of its Membership Interests for a purchase price that is based on a contractually agreed upon formula. Radio One also has the right to sell back all or a portion of its Membership Interest prior to such date if MGM National Harbor were to guarantee or grant liens to secure any indebtedness of the Company other than the indebtedness of MGM National Harbor.

 

The Company has recorded the Membership Interests as “Redeemable noncontrolling interest” in the mezzanine section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and not stockholders’ equity because their redemption is not exclusively in the Company’s control. Membership Interests are initially accounted for at fair value. Subsequently, the Company will recognize changes in the redemption value as they occur and adjust the carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interests to equal the maximum redemption value, provided such amount does not fall below the initial carrying value, at the end of each reporting period. The Company will reflect any changes caused by such an adjustment in retained earnings.

 

Income tax provision. For interim income tax reporting the Company estimates its annual effective tax rate and applies it to its year-to-date ordinary income. The tax effects of unusual or infrequently occurring items, including changes in judgment about valuation allowances and effects of changes in tax laws or rates, are reported in the interim period in which they occur. The Company’s effective income tax rate was (21.1)% and (21.4)% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets, net of applicable reserves, related to tax loss and credit carryforwards and other temporary differences with a future tax benefit to the extent that realization of such benefit is more likely than not. Otherwise, a valuation allowance is applied. As of December 31, 2014, the scheduled future reversal of existing U.S. federal taxable temporary differences exceeded the scheduled future reversal of existing U.S. federal deductible temporary differences. Consequently, the Company no longer applies a valuation allowance against its domestic deferred tax assets other than its foreign tax credit deferred tax asset.

 

The Company generates significant excess foreign tax credits each year that are attributable to the Macau Special Gaming Tax which is 35% of gross gaming revenue in Macau. Because MGM China is presently exempt from the Macau 12% complementary tax on gaming profits, the Company believes that payment of the Macau Special Gaming Tax qualifies as a tax paid in lieu of an income tax that is creditable against U.S. taxes. As long as the exemption from Macau’s 12% complementary tax on gaming profits continues and the Company continues to receive distributions from MGM China, the Company expects that it will generate excess foreign tax credits on an annual basis and that none of the excess foreign credits will be utilized until the exemption expires. Although the Company’s current five-year exemption from the Macau 12% complementary tax on gaming profits ends on December 31, 2016, the Company believes it will be entitled to receive a third five-year exemption from Macau based upon exemptions granted to the Company’s competitors in order to ensure non-discriminatory treatment among gaming concessionaires and subconcessionaires. For all periods beyond December 31, 2021, the Company has assumed that it will be paying the Macau 12% complementary tax on gaming profits and will thus not be able to credit the Macau Special Gaming Tax in such years, and has factored that assumption into its assessment of the realization of the foreign tax credit deferred tax asset. Furthermore, the Company does not rely on future U.S. source operating income in assessing future foreign tax credit realization due to its history of recent losses in the U.S. and therefore only relies on U.S. federal taxable temporary differences that it expects will reverse during the 10-year foreign tax credit carryover period.

 

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The Company’s assessment of realization of its foreign tax credit deferred tax asset is based on available evidence, including assumptions about future profitability of and distributions from MGM China, as well as its assumption concerning renewals of the five-year exemption from Macau’s 12% complementary tax on gaming profits. As a result, significant judgment is required in assessing the possible need for a valuation allowance and changes to such assumptions may have a material impact on the amount of the valuation allowance. For example, should the Company in a future period actually receive or be able to assume an additional five-year exemption, an additional valuation allowance would likely need to be provided on some portion or all of the foreign tax credit deferred tax asset, resulting in an increase in the provision for income taxes in such period and such increase may be material. In addition, a change to forecasts of future profitability of, and distributions from, MGM China could also result in a material change in the valuation allowance with a corresponding impact on the provision for income taxes in such period.

 

The Company projects that it will be able to realize a benefit and, hence, projects that it will record a deferred tax asset for foreign tax credits, net of valuation allowance, of approximately $182 million as of December 31, 2015 and has reflected this assumption in its annual effective tax rate for 2015. During the first and second quarters of 2015, the Company reassessed the foreign tax credit valuation allowance as a result of the continued decline in market conditions in Macau. The valuation allowance was increased by $81 million, of which $40 million was recorded as a direct reduction in income tax benefit during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, with the remainder impacting the effective tax rate for 2015. No material change was made to the foreign tax credit valuation allowance in the three months ended September 30, 2015.

 

Recently issued accounting standards. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” (“ASU 2014-09”), which is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2017. ASU 2014-09 outlines a new, single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This new revenue recognition model provides a five-step analysis in determining when and how revenue is recognized. Additionally, the new model will require revenue recognition to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, “Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” (“ASU 2015-02”), which is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015.  ASU 2015-02 amends: the assessment of whether a limited partnership is a variable interest entity; the effect that fees paid to a decisionmaker have on the consolidation analysis; how variable interests held by a reporting entity’s related parties or de facto agents affect its consolidation conclusion; and for entities other than limited partnerships, clarifies how to determine whether the equity holders as a group have power over an entity. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adoption of ASU 2015-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” (“ASU 2015-03”), which is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. The amortization of such costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. The Company does not believe the adoption of ASU 2015-03 will have a material effect on its financial statements or footnote disclosures.

 

In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-15, “Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements,” (“ASU 2015-15”), which should be adopted concurrent with ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015-15 allows for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit agreements to be presented in the balance sheet as an asset, and for such costs to be amortized ratably over the term of the contract regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The amortization of such costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. The Company does not believe the adoption of ASU 2015-15 will have a material effect on its financial statements or footnote disclosures.

 

NOTE 3 — ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

 

On April 1, 2015, the Company closed the sale of Railroad Pass. At closing, the Company received $8 million in cash proceeds. The assets and liabilities of Railroad Pass were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, assets held for sale of $9 million, comprised predominantly of property and equipment, were classified within “Prepaid expenses and other” and liabilities related to assets held for sale of $2 million, comprised of accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, were classified within “Other accrued liabilities.”

 

On April 30, 2015, the Company closed the sale of Gold Strike and related assets in Jean, Nevada. At closing, the Company received $12 million in cash proceeds. The assets and liabilities of Gold Strike were classified as held for sale as of December 31,

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2014. At December 31, 2014, assets held for sale of $14 million, comprised predominantly of property and equipment, were classified within “Prepaid expenses and other” and liabilities related to assets held for sale of $2 million, comprised of accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, were classified within “Other accrued liabilities.”

 

Railroad Pass and Gold Strike were not classified as discontinued operations because the Company concluded that the sales did not have a major effect on the Company’s operations or its financial results and they do not represent a disposal of a major geographic segment or product line.

 

On July 7, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with Eldorado Resorts, Inc. to sell Circus Circus Reno, as well as the Company’s 50% interest in Silver Legacy and associated real property, for total consideration of $73 million plus Circus Circus Reno’s working capital. The Company allocated $20 million of the $73 million to Circus Circus Reno in accordance with the purchase and sale agreement. The sale is contingent upon regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Circus Circus Reno  assets held for sale of $30 million and comprised predominantly of cash and property and equipment, were classified within “Prepaid expenses and other” and Circus Circus Reno liabilities related to assets held for sale of $9 million, comprised of accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, were classified within “Other accrued liabilities.” Circus Circus Reno was not classified as discontinued operations because the Company has concluded that the sale will not have a major effect on the Company’s operations or its financial results and it does not represent a disposal of a major geographic segment or product line. See Note 4 for further discussion of the sale of the Company’s 50% investment in Silver Legacy.  

 

 

 

NOTE 4 — INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

 

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates consisted of the following:

 

 

The Company recorded its share of the results of operations of unconsolidated affiliates as follows:

  

 

CityCenter

 

Summarized balance sheet information for CityCenter is as follows:

 

 

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Summarized income statement information for CityCenter is as follows:

 

 

CityCenter litigation settlement. In December 2014, the Company and CityCenter entered into a settlement agreement with Perini Building Company, Inc. (“Perini”), general contractor for CityCenter, the remaining Perini subcontractors and relevant insurers to resolve all outstanding project lien claims and CityCenter’s counterclaims relating to the Harmon Hotel and Spa. The settlement was subject to execution of a global settlement agreement among the parties described above, which was subsequently executed, and CityCenter’s procurement of replacement general liability insurance covering construction of the CityCenter development, which was obtained in January 2015. The proceeds pursuant to such global settlement agreement, combined with certain prior Harmon-related insurance settlement proceeds, resulted in a gain of $160 million recorded by CityCenter during the first quarter of 2015, of which the Company recorded its 50% share of $80 million.

 

CityCenter distribution. In April 2015, CityCenter adopted an annual distribution policy and declared a special distribution of $400 million, of which the Company received its 50% share of $200 million. Under the annual distribution policy, CityCenter will distribute up to 35% of excess cash flow, subject to the approval of the CityCenter board of directors.

 

Grand Victoria

 

At June 30, 2014, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $29 million on its investment in Grand Victoria based on the then estimated fair value of $140 million for its 50% interest.

 

Silver Legacy

 

As discussed in Note 3, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 50% interest in Silver Legacy and associated real property for approximately $53 million. The carrying value of the Company’s 50% interest in Silver Legacy and the associated real property was $37 million as of September 30, 2015. The Company’s investment in Silver Legacy has not been classified as discontinued operations because the Company has concluded that the sale will not have a major effect on the Company’s operations or its financial results and it does not represent a disposal of a major geographic segment or product line.

 

Las Vegas Arena

 

See Note 6 for discussion of the Company’s joint and several completion and repayment guarantees and equity contribution commitments related to the Las Vegas Arena.

 

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NOTE 5 — LONG-TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

 

Debt due within one year of the September 30, 2015 balance sheet was classified as long-term as the Company has both the intent and ability to refinance current maturities on a long-term basis under its revolving senior credit facility. At December 31, 2014, the amount available under the Company’s revolving senior credit facility was less than current maturities related to the Company’s term loan credit facilities, convertible senior notes and senior notes. The Company excluded from the December 31, 2014 current portion of long-term debt the amount available for refinancing under its revolving credit facility.

 

Senior credit facility. At September 30, 2015, the Company’s senior credit facility consisted of a $1.2 billion revolving credit facility, a $1.02 billion term loan A facility and a $1.70 billion term loan B facility. The revolving and term loan A facilities bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable rate determined by the Company’s credit rating (2.75% as of September 30, 2015). The term loan B facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50%, with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%. The revolving and term loan A facilities mature in December 2017 and the term loan B facility matures in December 2019. The term loan A and term loan B facilities are subject to scheduled amortization payments on the last day of each calendar quarter in an amount equal to 0.25% of the original principal balance. The Company permanently repaid $7 million and $21 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, in accordance with the scheduled amortization. The Company had $1.2 billion of available borrowing capacity under its senior credit facility at September 30, 2015. At September 30, 2015, the interest rate on the term loan A was 2.9% and the interest rate on the term loan B was 3.5%.  

 

The land and substantially all of the assets of MGM Grand Las Vegas, Bellagio and The Mirage secure up to $3.35 billion of obligations outstanding under the senior credit facility. In addition, the land and substantially all of the assets of New York-New York and Gold Strike Tunica secure the entire amount of the senior credit facility, and the land and substantially all of the assets of MGM Grand Detroit secure its $450 million of obligations as a co-borrower under the senior credit facility. In addition, the senior credit facility is secured by a pledge of the equity or limited liability company interests of the subsidiaries that own the pledged properties.

 

The senior credit facility contains customary representations and warranties and customary affirmative and negative covenants. In addition, the senior credit facility requires the Company and its restricted subsidiaries (the “Restricted Group”) to maintain a minimum trailing four-quarter EBITDA (as defined in the senior credit facility) and limits the ability of the Restricted Group to make capital expenditures and investments. As of September 30, 2015 and through December 31, 2015, the Restricted Group is required to maintain a minimum EBITDA of $1.30 billion. The minimum EBITDA requirement increases to $1.35 billion for March 31, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and to $1.40 billion for March 31, 2017 and thereafter. EBITDA for the trailing four quarters ended

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September 30, 2015, calculated in accordance with the terms of the senior credit facility (which includes cash distributions from unconsolidated affiliates, such as the CityCenter distribution), was $1.65 billion. The senior credit facility limits the Restricted Group to capital expenditures of $500 million per fiscal year, with unused amounts in any fiscal year rolling over to the next fiscal year, but not any fiscal year thereafter. The Restricted Group’s total capital expenditures allowable under the senior credit facility for fiscal year 2015, after giving effect to unused amounts from 2014, was $794 million. In addition, the senior credit facility limits the Restricted Group’s ability to make investments subject to certain thresholds and other important exceptions. As of September 30, 2015, the Restricted Group was within the limit of capital expenditures and other investments for the 2015 calendar year.

 

The senior credit facility provides for customary events of default, including, without limitation, (i) payment defaults, (ii) covenant defaults, (iii) cross-defaults to certain other indebtedness in excess of specified amounts, (iv) certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency, (v) judgment defaults in excess of specified amounts, (vi) the failure of any loan document by a significant party to be in full force and effect and such circumstance, in the reasonable judgment of the required lenders, is materially adverse to the lenders, or (vii) the security documents cease to create a valid and perfected first priority lien on any material portion of the collateral. In addition, the senior credit facility provides that a cessation of business due to revocation, suspension or loss of any gaming license affecting a specified amount of its revenues or assets, will constitute an event of default.

 

MGM Grand Paradise credit facility. In June 2015, MGM China and MGM Grand Paradise, as co-borrowers, entered into a second amended and restated credit facility which consists of $1.55 billion of term loans and a $1.45 billion revolving credit facility. The term was extended for an eighteen month period to April 2019, with scheduled amortization payments of the term loans beginning in October 2017. The MGM Grand Paradise credit facility bears interest at a fluctuating rate per annum based on HIBOR plus a margin, initially set for a six month period at 1.75% per annum, but thereafter will range between 1.375% and 2.50% based on MGM China’s leverage ratio. The MGM Grand Paradise credit facility is secured by MGM Grand Paradise’s interest in the Cotai land use right, and MGM China, MGM Grand Paradise and their guarantor subsidiaries have granted a security interest in substantially all of their assets to secure the facility. The outstanding balance at September 30, 2015 was comprised solely of term loans. At September 30, 2015, the weighted average interest rate on the term loans was 1.99%.

 

The MGM Grand Paradise credit facility contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, affirmative covenants and negative covenants, which impose restrictions on, among other things, the ability of MGM China and its subsidiaries to make investments, pay dividends and sell assets, and to incur additional liens. MGM China is also required to maintain compliance with a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio of 4.50 to 1.00 prior to the first anniversary of the MGM Cotai opening date and 4.00 to 1.00 thereafter, in addition to a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.50 to 1.00. MGM China was in compliance with its credit facility covenants at September 30, 2015.

 

Senior notes. The Company repaid its $875 million 6.625% senior notes in July 2015 at maturity.

 

Convertible senior notes. In April 2015, holders of substantially all of the $1.45 billion in aggregate principle amount of 4.25% convertible senior notes elected to convert the notes into approximately 78 million shares of the Company’s common stock. The notes were converted at 53.83 shares of common stock per $1,000 principle amount, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $18.58 per share. In addition, the Company settled the capped call transactions entered into in connection with the initial issuance of $1.15 billion aggregate principle amount of notes and received approximately 6 million shares from such financial institutions. Such shares received in connection with the capped call transactions were subsequently retired.  

 

Fair value of long-term debt. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt at September 30, 2015 was $13.1 billion. At December 31, 2014, the estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $15.1 billion. Fair value was estimated using quoted market prices for the Company’s senior notes and senior credit facility. Carrying value of the MGM Grand Paradise credit facility approximates fair value.

 

NOTE 6 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

CityCenter completion guarantee. In October 2013, the Company entered into a third amended and restated completion and cost overrun guarantee, which was collateralized by substantially all of the assets of Circus Circus Las Vegas, as well as certain land adjacent to that property. During the first quarter of 2015, the Company fulfilled its remaining significant obligations under the completion guarantee in conjunction with the resolution of the Perini litigation and related settlement agreements. In total, the Company funded $888 million under the completion guarantee. In June 2015, the completion guarantee was terminated and the collateral assets securing such completion guarantee were released.

 

Cotai land concession contract. MGM Grand Paradise’s land concession contract for an approximate 18 acre site on the Cotai Strip in Macau became effective on January 9, 2013 and has an initial term of 25 years. The total land premium payable to the Macau government for the land concession contract is $161 million and is composed of a down payment and eight additional semi-annual installments. As of September 30, 2015, MGM China had paid $130 million of the contract premium, including interest due on the

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semi-annual installments, and the amount paid is recorded within “Other long-term assets, net.” Including interest on the three remaining semi-annual installments, MGM China has approximately $44 million remaining payable for the land concession contract. Under the terms of the land concession contract, MGM Grand Paradise is required to complete the development of the land by January 2018.

 

Las Vegas Arena. In conjunction with Las Vegas Arena Company entering a senior secured credit facility in 2014, the Company and AEG each entered joint and several completion guarantees for the project, as well as a payment guarantee for the $75 million term loan B (subject to increases and decreases in the event of a rebalancing of the principal amount of indebtedness between the term loan A and term loan B facilities). Additionally, in conjunction with the Las Vegas Arena Company’s senior secured credit facility, the Company and AEG contributed equal amounts totaling $175 million for construction as of September 30, 2015.

 

Other guarantees. The Company is party to various guarantee contracts in the normal course of business, which are generally supported by letters of credit issued by financial institutions. The Company’s senior credit facility limits the amount of letters of credit that can be issued to $500 million, and the amount of available borrowings under the senior credit facility is reduced by any outstanding letters of credit.  At September 30, 2015, the Company had $10 million in letters of credit outstanding. MGM Grand Paradise’s senior credit facility limits the amount of letters of credit that can be issued to $100 million, and the amount of available borrowings under the senior credit facility is reduced by any outstanding letters of credit.  At September 30, 2015, MGM China had provided approximately $39 million of guarantees outstanding under its credit facility.

 

In connection with the development of MGM Springfield as discussed in Note 1, the Company obtained a surety bond of $52 million naming the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as beneficiary, and payable thereto, in the event that the Company’s subsidiary is unable to complete the gaming establishment.

 

Other litigation. The Company is a party to various legal proceedings, most of which relate to routine matters incidental to its business. Management does not believe that the outcome of such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

NOTE 7 — INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

 

The weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted income per share consisted of the following:

 

 

Potential dilution from the assumed conversion of convertible debt for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 included the weighted average impact of the $300 million 4.25% convertible senior notes issued in June 2011 for the period from January 1, 2015 to the date of conversion on April 15, 2015. The weighted average impact of the $1.15 billion 4.25% convertible senior notes issued in April 2010 were excluded from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 calculation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would be antidilutive. The $300 million 4.25% convertible senior notes and the $1.15 billion 4.25% convertible senior notes were excluded from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 calculation of diluted earnings per share as their effect was antidilutive.

 

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NOTE 8 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

MGM China dividends. MGM China paid a $400 million special dividend in March 2015, of which $204 million remained within the consolidated entity and $196 million was distributed to noncontrolling interests, a $120 million final dividend in June 2015, of which $61 million remained within the consolidated entity and $59 million was distributed to noncontrolling interests, and a $76 million interim dividend in August 2015, of which $39 million remained within the consolidated entity and $37 million was distributed to noncontrolling interests.

 

MGM China paid a $499 million special dividend in March 2014, of which $254 million remained within the consolidated entity and $245 million was distributed to noncontrolling interests, a $127 million final dividend in June 2014, of which $65 million remained within the consolidated entity and $62 million was distributed to noncontrolling interests, and a $137 million interim dividend in September 2014, of which $70 million remained within the consolidated entity and $67 million was distributed to noncontrolling interests.

 

Supplemental equity information. The following table presents the Company’s changes in stockholders’ equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015:

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MGM Resorts International by component are as follows:

 

 

 

NOTE 9 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had an aggregate of 24 million shares of common stock available for grant as share-based awards under the Company’s omnibus incentive plan (“Omnibus Plan”). A summary of activity under the Company’s share-based payment plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is presented below:

 

 

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Stock options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”)

 

 

Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance share units (“PSUs”)

 

 

Bonus PSUs

 

 

The Company grants PSUs for the portion of any calculated bonus for a Section 16 officer of the Company that is in excess of such officer’s base salary (the “Bonus PSU Policy”). Awards granted under the Bonus PSU Policy have the same terms as PSUs granted under the Omnibus Plan with the exception that as of the grant date the awards will not be subject to forfeiture in the event of the officer’s termination.

 

MGM China Share Option Plan. As of September 30, 2015, MGM China had an aggregate of 328 million shares of common stock available for grant as share-based awards under the MGM China share option plan (“MGM China Plan”). A summary of activity under the MGM China Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is presented below:

 

 

Stock options

 

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Recognition of compensation cost. Compensation cost for both the Omnibus Plan and MGM China Plan was recognized as follows:

 

 

 

NOTE 10 — PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS, NET

 

Property transactions, net includes:

 

 

See Note 4 for discussion of the Grand Victoria investment impairment charge in 2014. Other property transactions, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 includes miscellaneous asset disposals and demolition costs.

 

NOTE 11 — SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company’s management views each of its casino resorts as an operating segment. Operating segments are aggregated based on their similar economic characteristics, types of customers, types of services and products provided, the regulatory environments in which they operate, and their management and reporting structure. The Company’s principal operating activities occur in two geographic regions: the United States and Macau S.A.R. The Company has aggregated its operations into two reportable segments based on the similar characteristics of the operating segments within the regions in which they operate: wholly owned domestic resorts and MGM China. The Company’s operations related to investments in unconsolidated affiliates and certain other corporate operations and management services have not been identified as separate reportable segments; therefore, these operations are included in “Corporate and other, net” in the following segment disclosures to reconcile to consolidated results.

 

The Company’s management utilizes Adjusted Property EBITDA as the primary profit measure for its reportable segments. Adjusted Property EBITDA is a measure defined as Adjusted EBITDA before corporate expense and stock compensation expense related to the Omnibus Plan, which are not allocated to the reportable segments or each operating segment, as applicable. MGM China recognizes stock compensation expense related to the MGM China Plan which is included in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA for MGM China. Adjusted EBITDA is a measure defined as earnings before interest and other non-operating income (expense), taxes, depreciation and amortization, preopening and start-up expenses and property transactions, net.

 

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The following tables present the Company’s segment information:

 

 

NOTE 12 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

MGM China. MGM Branding and Development Holdings, Ltd. (together with its subsidiary MGM Development Services, Ltd., “MGM Branding and Development”), an entity included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in which Ms. Ho, Pansy Catilina Chiu King indirectly holds a noncontrolling interest, entered into a brand license agreement with MGM China. MGM China pays a license fee to MGM Branding and Development equal to 1.75% of MGM China’s consolidated net revenue, subject to an annual cap of $52 million in 2015 with a 20% increase per annum during the agreement term. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, MGM China incurred total license fees of $9 million and $30 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, MGM China incurred total license fees of $12 million and $43 million, respectively. Such amounts have been eliminated in consolidation. 

 

MGM China entered into a development services agreement with MGM Branding and Development to provide certain development services to MGM China in connection with future expansion of existing projects and development of future resort gaming projects. Such services are subject to a development fee which is calculated separately for each casino resort property upon commencement of development. For each such property, the fee is 2.625% of project costs, to be paid in installments as certain benchmarks are achieved. Project costs are the total costs incurred for the design, development and construction of the casino, casino hotel, integrated resort and other related sites associated with each project, including costs of construction, fixtures and fittings, signage, gaming and other supplies and equipment and all costs associated with the opening of the business to be conducted at each project but excluding the cost of land and gaming concessions and financing costs. The development fee for MGM Cotai is subject to a cap of $27 million in 2015, which will increase by 10% per annum for each year during the term of the agreement. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, MGM China paid $10 million of fees to MGM Branding and Development related to development services. Such amounts have been eliminated in consolidation. No fee was paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

 

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NOTE 13 — CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The Company’s domestic subsidiaries, excluding certain minor subsidiaries, its domestic insurance subsidiary, MGM Grand Detroit, LLC, MGM National Harbor, LLC and Blue Tarp reDevelopment, LLC (the company that will own and operate the Company’s casino resort in Springfield, Massachusetts), and each of their respective subsidiaries, have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, payment of the outstanding debt securities. The Company’s international subsidiaries, including MGM China, are not guarantors of such indebtedness. Separate condensed financial statement information for the subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantors as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, are presented below.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

 

 

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME INFORMATION

 

 

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION

 

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME INFORMATION

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION

 

 

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This management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our historical financial statements and related notes thereto and the other disclosures contained elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which were included in our Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 2, 2015. The results of operations for the periods reflected herein are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for future periods. MGM Resorts International together with its subsidiaries may be referred to as “we,” “us” or “our.” MGM China Holdings Limited together with its subsidiaries is referred to as “MGM China.”

 

Executive Overview

 

Our primary business is the ownership and operation of casino resorts, which includes offering gaming, hotel, convention, dining, entertainment, retail and other resort amenities. We believe that we own and invest in several of the premier casino resorts in the world and have continually reinvested in our resorts to maintain our competitive advantage. Most of our revenue is cash-based, through customers wagering with cash or paying for non-gaming services with cash or credit cards. We rely heavily on the ability of our resorts to generate operating cash flow to repay debt financings, fund capital expenditures and provide excess cash flow for future development. We make significant investments in our resorts through newly remodeled hotel rooms, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife offerings, as well as other new features and amenities.

 

According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Las Vegas visitor volume increased 2%, Las Vegas Strip REVPAR increased 1% and Las Vegas Strip gaming revenue decreased 1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Results of operations for our wholly owned domestic resorts in the third quarter of 2015 benefited from an increase in operating margins resulting from increases in gaming revenue and REVPAR that outperformed the Las Vegas market. Our rooms revenue benefited from increased visitation to the Las Vegas market and robust convention business at our Las Vegas Strip resorts, which resulted in increases in occupancy and allowed us to yield higher room rates across our portfolio of resorts.

 

Gross gaming revenues in the Macau market decreased 36% in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to 2014.  We believe operating results have been negatively affected by economic conditions and certain policy initiatives in China and the implementation of a full main floor casino smoking ban in October 2014. Additionally, we believe stricter enforcement of entrance into Macau via the use of transit visas, as well as a decrease in duration of stay permitted for transit visa holders, has negatively affected operating results; however, restrictions surrounding the use of transit visas were recently eased in July 2015. The decrease in gross gaming revenues accelerated during the second half of 2014 and has continued throughout 2015 as Macau has become an increasingly challenging and competitive market, impacting primarily VIP casino gaming operations and, to a lesser extent, main floor operations. According to statistics published by the Statistics and Census Service of the Macau Government, visitor arrivals decreased 3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. However, despite concerns over the recent events and the sustainability of economic growth in China, we expect the Macau market to grow on a long-term basis due to further development and penetration of the mainland China market and infrastructure improvements expected to facilitate more convenient travel to and within Macau.  

 

Our results of operations are affected by decisions we make related to our capital allocation, our access to capital and our cost of capital. While we continue to be focused on improving our financial position, we are also dedicated to capitalizing on development opportunities. In Macau, we plan to spend approximately $3.0 billion, excluding development fees eliminated in consolidation, capitalized interest and land related costs, to develop a resort and casino with capacity for up to 500 gaming tables and up to 1,500 slots, and featuring approximately 1,500 hotel rooms, built on an approximately 18 acre site in Cotai, Macau (“MGM Cotai”). MGM Cotai is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2016.

 

We were awarded the sixth and final casino license under current statutes in the State of Maryland by the Maryland Video Lottery Facility Location Commission to build and operate MGM National Harbor, a destination casino resort in Prince George’s County at National Harbor, which is a waterfront development located on the Potomac River just outside of Washington, D.C. We currently expect the cost to develop and construct MGM National Harbor to be approximately $1.3 billion, excluding capitalized interest and land related costs. We expect that the resort will include a casino with approximately 3,600 slots and 160 table games including poker; a 300-room hotel with luxury spa and rooftop pool; 93,100 square feet of high-end branded retail and fine and casual dining; a 3,000-seat theater venue; 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space; and a 4,700-space parking garage. Construction of MGM National Harbor has commenced with estimated completion in the fourth quarter of 2016.

 

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We were awarded the Category One casino license in Region B, Western Massachusetts, one of three licensing regions designated by legislation, to build and operate MGM Springfield. MGM Springfield will be developed on approximately 14 acres of land in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. Our plans for the resort originally included a casino with approximately 3,000 slots and 100 table games including poker; a 250-room hotel tower; 90,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space; 45,000 square feet of meeting and event space; and a 3,500-space parking garage, with an expected development and construction cost of approximately $760 million, excluding capitalized interest and land related costs. We have recently undertaken a design and cost review of MGM Springfield and have proposed design and scope changes for various elements of the project. The proposed changes have been submitted to Springfield’s Mayor and City Council and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for approval. Our review of construction costs remains underway and will be impacted by the final determination of project design and scope, but we currently anticipate the cost may increase from the previous estimate of approximately $760 million. Construction of MGM Springfield is expected to be completed in late 2018.

 

We entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Anschutz Entertainment Group, Inc. (“AEG”) – leader in sports, entertainment, and promotions – to design, construct, and operate the Las Vegas Arena, which will be located on a parcel of our land between Frank Sinatra Drive and New York-New York, adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip. We and AEG each owns 50% of Las Vegas Arena Company, the developer of the arena. The Las Vegas Arena is anticipated to seat between 18,000 and 20,000 people and is currently scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2016. Such development is estimated to cost approximately $350 million, excluding capitalized interest and land related costs. In September 2014, a wholly owned subsidiary of Las Vegas Arena Company entered into a $200 million senior secured credit facility to finance construction of the Las Vegas Arena.

 

We have two reportable segments: wholly owned domestic resorts and MGM China. See Note 11 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our segments.

 

Wholly Owned Domestic Resorts

 

Over half of the net revenue from our wholly owned domestic resorts is derived from non-gaming operations including hotel, food and beverage, entertainment and other non-gaming amenities. We market to different customer groups and utilize our extensive convention and meeting facilities to maximize hotel occupancy and customer volumes during off-peak times such as mid-week or during traditionally slower leisure travel periods, which also leads to improved labor utilization. Our operating results are highly dependent on the volume of customers at our resorts, which in turn affects the price we can charge for our hotel rooms and other amenities. Also, we generate a significant portion of our revenue from our wholly owned domestic resorts in Las Vegas, Nevada, which exposes us to certain risks, such as increased competition from new or expanded Las Vegas resorts, and from the expansion of gaming in the United States generally.

 

In August 2015, we announced the implementation of a Profit Growth Plan for sustained growth and margin enhancement. The Profit Growth Plan’s initiatives are focused on improving business processes to optimize our scale for greater efficiency and lower cost throughout our business, and to identify areas of opportunity to organically drive incremental revenue growth. The Profit Growth Plan includes a large number of opportunities to enhance our business operations. The plan is expected to result in approximately $300 million of annualized Adjusted EBITDA benefit. The Profit Growth Plan has begun to show results and is expected to be fully realized by the end of 2017.

 

Key performance indicators related to gaming and hotel revenue at our wholly owned domestic resorts are:

 

 

 

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MGM China

 

We own 51% and have a controlling interest in MGM China Holdings Limited (“MGM China”), which owns MGM Grand Paradise, S.A. (“MGM Grand Paradise”), the Macau company that owns and operates the MGM Macau resort and casino and the related gaming subconcession and land concession and is in the process of developing an integrated casino, hotel and entertainment resort in Cotai. We believe our investment in MGM China plays an important role in extending our reach internationally and will foster future growth and profitability.

 

Revenues at MGM Macau are generated from three primary customer segments in the Macau gaming market: VIP casino gaming operations, main floor gaming operations, and slot machine operations. VIP players play mostly in dedicated VIP rooms or designated gaming areas. VIP customers can be further divided into customers sourced by in-house VIP programs and those sourced through gaming promoters. A significant portion of our VIP volume is generated through the use of gaming promoters. Gaming promoters introduce VIP gaming players to MGM Macau, assist these customers with travel arrangements, and extend gaming credit to these players. In exchange for their services, gaming promoters are compensated through payment of revenue-sharing arrangements or rolling chip turnover based commissions. In-house VIP players also typically receive a commission based on the program in which they participate. MGM Macau main floor operations primarily consist of walk-in and day trip visitors. Unlike gaming promoters and in-house VIP players, main floor players do not receive commissions. The profit contribution from the main floor segment exceeds the VIP segment due to commission costs paid to gaming promoters. Gaming revenues from the main floor segment have become an increasingly significant portion of total gaming revenues in recent years and we believe this segment represents the most potential for sustainable growth in the future.

 

VIP gaming at MGM Macau is conducted by the use of special purpose nonnegotiable gaming chips. Gaming promoters purchase these nonnegotiable chips from MGM Macau and in turn they sell these chips to their players. The nonnegotiable chips allow MGM Macau to track the amount of wagering conducted by each gaming promoters’ clients in order to determine VIP gaming play. Gaming promoter commissions are based on either a percentage of actual win plus a monthly complimentary allowance based on a percentage of the rolling chip turnover its customers generate, or a percentage of the rolling chip turnover plus discounted offerings on nongaming amenities. The estimated portion of the gaming promoter payments that represent amounts passed through to VIP customers is recorded as a reduction of casino revenue, and the estimated portion retained by the gaming promoter for its compensation is recorded as casino expense. In-house VIP commissions are based on a percentage of rolling chip turnover and are recorded as a reduction of casino revenue.

 

In addition to the key performance indicators used by our wholly owned domestic resorts, MGM Macau utilizes “turnover,” which is the sum of nonnegotiable chip wagers won by MGM Macau calculated as nonnegotiable chips purchased plus nonnegotiable chips exchanged less nonnegotiable chips returned. Turnover provides a basis for measuring VIP casino win percentage. Win for VIP gaming operations at MGM Macau is normally in the range of 2.7% to 3.0% of turnover.

 

Corporate and Other

 

Corporate and other includes our investments in unconsolidated affiliates and certain management and other operations.

 

Formation and Proposed Initial Public Offering of MGM Growth Properties, LLC (“ MGP” )

 

On October 29, 2015, we announced the formation of MGP as a newly formed subsidiary that we expect to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We intend to contribute to a newly formed operating partnership that MGP will control through a general partner subsidiary the real estate associated with Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, New York-New York, Luxor, Monte Carlo, Excalibur, The Park, MGM Grand Detroit, Beau Rivage and Gold Strike Tunica (collectively, the “Properties”). We also intend to incur approximately $4 billion of debt to refinance a portion of the debt outstanding under our existing senior credit facility and senior notes, which refinancing debt would be assumed by the operating partnership. One of our subsidiaries will then lease the Properties from MGP for use under a long-term, “triple net” master lease agreement with a 10-year term that includes four five-year extensions at our option. We will guarantee our subsidiary’s obligations under the master lease. We expect to retain through subsidiaries an approximate 70% economic interest in the new operating partnership, as well as voting control of MGP through our ownership of a controlling share in MGP.

 

We also announced that MGP had submitted a draft confidential registration statement with the SEC relating to its proposed initial public offering (“IPO”) of shares, the proceeds of which would be used to purchase an approximate 30% economic interest in the operating partnership. The transactions are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016, subject to regulatory approvals, including receipt of approvals from gaming regulators, MGP’s registration statement on Form S-11 being declared effective by the SEC, completion of the related financings needed to fund MGP, and other customary conditions. MGP is expected to file the REIT election with its tax return for the calendar year ending December 31, 2016. We may, at any time and for any reason until the proposed transactions are complete, abandon the transactions or modify or change the terms of the transactions.

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Although the number of shares that will be sold to the public in connection with the proposed IPO has not been determined, we expect that we will continue to consolidate MGP’s results of operations with our business for accounting purposes upon the completion of the proposed IPO and for so as long as we retain the controlling share in MGP. The minority interest that we do not own following the completion of the proposed IPO will be reflected in our consolidated balance sheets as “non-controlling interests” and such interest’s proportionate share of MGP’s net income or losses will be reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as “net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests.” We have no current intention to dispose of our controlling share of MGP or our economic interests in the operating partnership.

 

 

Results of Operations

 

The following discussion is based on our consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

Summary Operating Results

 

The following table summarizes our operating results:

 

Consolidated net revenue decreased 8% and 9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the prior year periods due to a decrease in casino revenue at MGM Macau, partially offset by increases in casino and non-casino revenue at our wholly owned domestic resorts. See below for additional information related to segment revenues.

 

Consolidated operating income was $297 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $286 million for the same period in the prior year due to an increase in operating income at our wholly owned domestic resorts and an increase in income from unconsolidated affiliates, partially offset by a decrease in operating income at MGM Macau. Continued development of our MGM Cotai, National Harbor and Springfield projects led to an increase in preopening expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015. Corporate expense increased 20%, or $12 million, compared to the prior year quarter, and reflected costs incurred to implement initiatives in relation to the Profit Growth Plan and costs associated with our strategic review totaling $18 million.

 

Consolidated operating income was $1.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $1.1 billion for the same period in the prior year. The current year period was negatively affected by the decrease in operating income at MGM Macau, partially offset by an increase in operating income at our wholly owned domestic resorts. Operating income during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 benefitted from an increase in income from unconsolidated affiliates, primarily from CityCenter, which included $80 million related to our share of a gain recognized by CityCenter as a result of the final resolution of its construction litigation and related settlements. Preopening expense increased in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 due to the MGM Cotai, National Harbor and Springfield projects. Corporate expense increased 9%, or $15 million, compared to the prior year period, and reflected costs incurred to implement initiatives in relation to the Profit Growth Plan and costs associated with our strategic review totaling $19 million. In the prior year period, property transactions, net was negatively affected by an impairment charge of $29 million related to our investment in Grand Victoria.

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Operating Results – Detailed Segment Information

 

The following table presents a detail by segment of consolidated net revenues and Adjusted EBITDA. Management uses Adjusted Property EBITDA as the primary profit measure for its reportable segments. See “Non-GAAP Measures” for additional information:

 

Wholly owned domestic resorts. The following table presents detailed net revenues at our wholly owned domestic resorts:

 

 

Casino revenue increased 4% in the current year quarter compared to the same period in the prior year, due primarily to a 2% increase in slots volume. Table games volume decreased 1% and table games hold percentage in the third quarter of 2015 was 20.3% compared to 19.8% in the prior year quarter.

 

Casino revenue increased 3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year, due to a 4% increase in slots volume. Table games volume for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 remained unchanged compared to the prior year period while table games hold percentage was 20.6% compared to 20.7% in the prior year period.

 

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Rooms revenue increased 8% in the third quarter of 2015 as a result of an 8% increase in REVPAR at our Las Vegas Strip resorts when compared to the same period in the prior year. Rooms revenue increased 5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as a result of a 5% increase in REVPAR at our Las Vegas Strip resorts. The following table provides key hotel statistics for our Las Vegas Strip resorts:

 

 

Food and beverage revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2015 increased 1% compared to the prior year as a result of an increase in convention and banquet business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, food and beverage revenue increased 2% compared to the prior year period due to an increase in convention and banquet business and the opening of several new outlets. Entertainment revenue decreased 4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the prior year periods, due primarily to a decline in the revenue generated from in-house shows.

 

Adjusted Property EBITDA at our wholly owned domestic resorts increased 25% during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the prior year quarter. Adjusted Property EBITDA margin for the third quarter of 2015 increased by 435 basis points to 25.1% compared to the prior year quarter due primarily to an increase in casino and rooms revenues as discussed above. Adjusted Property EBITDA at our wholly owned domestic resorts increased 10% during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the prior year period. Adjusted Property EBITDA margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 168 basis points to 25.6% compared to the prior year period due primarily to an increase in casino and hotel revenues. Additionally, Adjusted Property EBITDA in both the prior year three and nine month periods was negatively affected by an increase in payroll and related expenses, including paid time off accruals.

 

MGM China. The following table presents detailed net revenues for MGM China:

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, net revenue for MGM China decreased 33% compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of a decrease in VIP table games revenue of 39%, as well as a decrease in main floor table games revenue of 30%. VIP table games turnover decreased 55% compared to the prior year quarter, while VIP table games hold percentage increased to 3.7% in the current year quarter from 2.7% in the prior year quarter.

 

MGM China’s Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $128 million and $214 million, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased 268 basis points to 24.2% in the current year quarter, and was negatively affected by the decrease in both VIP and main floor table games revenues. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 39% excluding license fees of $9 million and $12 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 decreased 33% compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of a decrease in VIP table games revenue of 43%, as well as a decrease in main floor table games revenue of 22%. VIP table games turnover decreased 53%, while VIP table games hold percentage increased to 3.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from 2.8% in the prior year period.

 

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MGM China’s Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $409 million and $665 million, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased 211 basis points to 23.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, and was negatively affected by the decrease in both VIP and main floor table games revenues. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 38% excluding license fees of $30 million and $43 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Corporate and other. Corporate and other revenue includes revenue from corporate operations, management services and reimbursed costs revenue primarily related to our CityCenter management agreement. Corporate and other Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 improved due primarily to an increase in our share of operating income from CityCenter, including certain basis difference adjustments, as well as an increase in our share of operating income from Borgata. See below for additional discussion of our share of operating results from unconsolidated affiliates.

 

Operating Results – Details of Certain Charges

 

Property transactions, net consisted of the following:

 

 

Other property transactions, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 includes miscellaneous asset disposals and demolition costs. See Note 4 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for discussion of the Grand Victoria investment impairment charges in 2014.

 

 

Operating Results – Income from Unconsolidated Affiliates

 

The following table summarizes information related to our income from unconsolidated affiliates:

 

 

Our share of Borgata’s operating income increased $9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015 due primarily to an increase in casino revenues.Our share of CityCenter’s operating income, including certain basis difference adjustments, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $16 million. Casino revenues at Aria increased 11%, due to a 3% increase in table games volume and an increase in hold percentage to 22.6% in the current year quarter compared to 21.7% in the prior year quarter. Slots revenue increased 5% primarily as a result of a 3% increase in slots volume. REVPAR increased by 7% at both Aria and Vdara which led to a 4% increase in CityCenter’s rooms revenue in the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter. CityCenter’s operating income in the current year quarter also benefited from an $8 million decrease in general and administrative expense related to legal and professional fees and a decrease in depreciation expense of $27 million as a result of certain furniture and equipment becoming fully depreciated in December 2014. In addition, property transactions, net declined $4 million compared to the prior year quarter.

 

Our share of Borgata’s operating income increased $19 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 due to an increase in casino and non-casino revenues. Our share of CityCenter’s operating income, including certain basis difference adjustments, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $140 million and included $80 million related to our share of a gain recognized by CityCenter as a result of the final resolution of its construction litigation and related settlements. Casino revenues at Aria were flat compared to the prior year period.  Slots volume increased 4%, offset by a 1% decrease in table games volume and a decrease in table games hold percentage to 22.7% in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to 24.1% for the same period in 2014. Rooms revenue at CityCenter increased 4% due to an increase in REVPAR of 6% and 7% at Aria

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and Vdara, respectively. CityCenter’s operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 benefited from a decrease of $16 million in general and administrative expense related to legal and professional fees and a decrease in depreciation expense of $75 million as a result of certain furniture and equipment becoming fully depreciated in December 2014.

 

Non-operating Results

 

Interest expense

 

Gross interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 increased $2 million compared to the prior year period due to an increase in the average outstanding amounts borrowed under the MGM Grand Paradise credit facility and an increase in the amortization of debt issuance costs resulting from costs incurred associated with the refinancing of the MGM China credit facility in June 2015, partially offset by a decrease in the average outstanding debt balance related to our senior notes.

 

Gross interest expense increased $24 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the prior year period due to an increase in the weighted average interest rate of our senior notes, an increase in average outstanding amounts borrowed under the MGM Grand Paradise credit facility and an increase in the amortization of debt issuance costs related to the MGM Grand Paradise credit facility.

 

Capitalized interest was $19 million and $42 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $6 million and $14 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The increase in both the three and nine month periods was due primarily to the MGM Cotai, National Harbor and Springfield projects.

 

Non-operating items from unconsolidated affiliates

 

Non-operating expense from unconsolidated affiliates decreased by $9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, due to a decrease in interest expense at CityCenter, as well as a loss recorded in the prior year period related to the refinancing of CityCenter’s credit facility.

 

Income taxes

 

We recorded income tax benefit of $16 million and $77 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to an income tax provision of $10 million and an income tax benefit of $44 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Because we no longer have federal income tax net operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 2014, the amount of foreign tax credit utilization increases in 2015 compared to 2014, resulting in greater overall income tax benefit in 2015 than in 2014. The income tax benefit was reduced in part by additional valuation allowance recorded against the foreign tax credit deferred tax asset in the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The annual effective tax rate calculation for all periods is impacted by assumptions made regarding projected foreign tax credit usage and valuation allowance. See Note 2 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion of these assumptions.

 

Non-GAAP Measures

 

“Adjusted EBITDA” is earnings before interest and other non-operating income (expense), taxes, depreciation and amortization, preopening and start-up expenses and property transactions, net. “Adjusted Property EBITDA” is Adjusted EBITDA before corporate expense and stock compensation expense related to the MGM Resorts stock option plan, which is not allocated to each reportable segment or operating segment, as applicable. MGM China recognizes stock compensation expense related to its stock compensation plan which is included in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA for MGM China. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Property EBITDA information is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure to reported GAAP measures because management believes these measures are 1) widely used measures of operating performance in the gaming and hospitality industry, and 2) a principal basis for valuation of gaming and hospitality companies.

 

We believe that while items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Property EBITDA may be recurring in nature and should not be disregarded in evaluating our earnings performance, it is useful to exclude such items when analyzing current results and trends compared to other periods because these items can vary significantly depending on specific underlying transactions or events that may not be comparable between the periods being presented. Also, we believe excluded items may not relate specifically to current operating trends or be indicative of future results. For example, preopening and start-up expenses will be significantly different in periods when we are developing and constructing a major expansion project and will depend on where the current period lies within the development cycle, as well as the size and scope of the project(s). Property transactions, net includes normal recurring disposals, gains and losses on sales of assets related to specific assets within our resorts, but also includes gains or losses on sales of an entire operating resort or a group of resorts and impairment charges on entire asset groups or investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which may not be comparable period over period. In addition, capital allocation, tax planning, financing and stock compensation

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awards are all managed at the corporate level. Therefore, we use Adjusted Property EBITDA as the primary measure of wholly owned domestic resorts operating performance.

 

Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted Property EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating income or net income, as an indicator of our performance; or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities, as a measure of liquidity; or as any other measure determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We have significant uses of cash flows, including capital expenditures, interest payments, taxes and debt principal repayments, which are not reflected in Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted Property EBITDA. Also, other companies in the gaming and hospitality industries that report Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted Property EBITDA information may calculate Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted Property EBITDA in a different manner.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income attributable to MGM Resorts International:

 

 

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The following tables present reconciliations of operating income (loss) to Adjusted Property EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash Flows

 

Our cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2015 were $1.8 billion, which included $808 million at MGM China.

 

Operating activities. Trends in our operating cash flows tend to follow trends in operating income, excluding non-cash charges, but can be affected by changes in working capital, the timing of significant tax payments or refunds, and by earnings and distributions from unconsolidated affiliates. Cash provided by operating activities was $738 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $1.0 billion in the prior year period. Operating cash flows decreased due to a decrease in operating income at MGM China in the current year period, partially offset by an increase in operating income at our wholly owned domestic resorts. Operating cash flows related to MGM China were $316 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $572 million in the prior year period.

 

Investing activities. We made capital expenditures of $1.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, of which $405 million related to MGM China, excluding development fees and capitalized interest on development fees eliminated in consolidation. Capital expenditures at MGM China included $372 million related to the construction of MGM Cotai and $33 million related to projects at MGM Macau. Capital expenditures at our wholly owned domestic resorts and corporate entities of $595 million included $247 million and $33 million related to the construction of MGM National Harbor and MGM Springfield, respectively, various room remodels including the tower rooms at Mandalay Bay and the suites at Bellagio, construction of additional exhibit space at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, construction of The Park entertainment district, and restaurant and entertainment venue remodels. Most of the costs capitalized at our wholly owned domestic resorts related to furniture and fixtures, materials and external labor costs.

 

We made capital expenditures of $617 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, of which $282 million related to MGM China, excluding capitalized interest on development fees, and $54 million related to the construction of MGM National Harbor. Capital expenditures at MGM China included $251 million related to the construction of MGM Cotai and $31 million related to improvements at MGM Macau. Capital expenditures at our wholly owned domestic resorts and corporate entities included various room remodels including the Delano rooms at Mandalay Bay and suites at Bellagio, a remodel of the facades of New York-New York and Monte Carlo, restaurant and entertainment venue remodels and costs incurred to relocate and renovate certain corporate offices. Most of the costs capitalized at our wholly owned domestic resorts related to furniture and fixtures, materials and external labor costs.

 

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates primarily represented investments in CityCenter pursuant to the completion guarantee and investments in the Las Vegas Arena Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, investing activities also included proceeds of $20 million related to the sale of Railroad Pass and Gold Strike Jean, $203 million of distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates, which includes a $200 million distribution paid by CityCenter in April 2015, $200 million invested in certificates of deposit with original maturities longer than 90 days and proceeds of $770 million related to the maturity of certificates of deposit with original maturities longer than 90 days. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, investing activities included activity related to the investment of funds held by the trust that held our 50% ownership in Borgata prior to its dissolution in September 2014.

 

Financing activities. In the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we borrowed net debt of $109 million, which included $1.0 billion of borrowings under the MGM Grand Paradise credit facility and the repayment of the $875 million 6.625% senior notes at maturity in July 2015 using cash on hand. Additionally, we paid $46 million of debt issuance costs related to the refinancing of the MGM Grand Paradise credit facility. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we repaid net debt of $530 million, which included the repayment of the $509 million 5.875% senior notes at maturity in February 2014.

 

MGM China paid a $400 million special dividend in March 2015, a $120 million final dividend in June 2015 and a $76 million interim dividend in August 2015, of which $196 million, $59 million and $37 million was distributed to noncontrolling interests, respectively. MGM China paid a $499 million special dividend in March 2014, a $127 million final dividend in June 2014 and a $137 million interim dividend in September 2014, of which $245 million, $62 million and $67 million was distributed to noncontrolling interests, respectively.

 

Additionally, we received $5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 related to proceeds from the issuance of non-voting membership interests in MGM National Harbor.

 

Other Factors Affecting Liquidity

 

Anticipated uses of cash. We have significant outstanding debt and contractual obligations in addition to planned capital expenditures. At September 30, 2015, we had $12.8 billion of indebtedness, including $2.7 billion of borrowings outstanding under

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our $3.9 billion senior credit facility, and $1.6 billion of borrowings outstanding under the $3.0 billion MGM Grand Paradise credit facility. We have an estimated $777 million of cash interest payments based on current outstanding debt and applicable interest rates within the next twelve months. We expect to meet our current debt maturities and planned capital expenditure requirements with future anticipated operating cash flows, cash and cash equivalents, and available borrowings under our senior credit facility.

 

In addition, we have made significant investments through September 30, 2015 and we expect to make capital investments as described below during the full year 2015. See “Executive Overview” for further information regarding the scope and timing of our significant development projects.

 

 

 

 

 

During the full year 2015, MGM China expects to spend approximately $60 million in capital improvements at MGM Macau and $600 million on the MGM Cotai project, excluding capitalized interest and land related costs.

 

Our capital expenditures fluctuate depending on our decisions with respect to strategic capital investments in new or existing resorts and the timing of capital investments to maintain the quality of our resorts, the amounts of which can vary depending on timing of larger remodel projects related to our public spaces and hotel rooms. Future capital expenditures could vary from our current expectations depending on the progress of our development efforts and the structure of our ownership interests in future developments.

 

Cotai land concession. MGM Grand Paradise’s land concession contract for an approximate 18 acre site on the Cotai Strip in Macau became effective on January 9, 2013 and has an initial term of 25 years. The total land premium payable to the Macau government for the land concession contract is $161 million and is composed of a down payment and eight additional semi-annual installments. As of September 30, 2015, MGM China had paid $130 million of the contract premium, including interest due on the semi-annual installments. Including interest on the three remaining semi-annual installments, MGM China has approximately $44 million remaining payable for the land concession contract.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

A complete discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates is included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates since year end, except as discussed below.

 

In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"), we test goodwill at least annually or more frequently should an event occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair market value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill for relevant reporting units is tested for impairment using a discounted cash flow analysis based on our budgeted future results discounted using a weighted average cost of capital, developed using a standard capital asset pricing model based on guideline companies in our industry, and market indicators of terminal year capitalization rates, as well as a market approach that utilizes business enterprise value multiples based on a range of multiples in our peer group.

 

Due to a significant decrease in MGM China’s cash flows as well as a decline in the market capitalization of MGM China relative to its net book value, we performed an interim impairment test of goodwill related to the MGM China reporting unit in the second quarter of 2015. As of the date we completed our 2015 interim goodwill impairment analysis, the estimated fair value of our MGM China reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by 9%. Therefore, we concluded that goodwill related to the MGM China reporting unit was not impaired. There are several estimates inherent in evaluating these assets for impairment. In particular, future cash flow estimates are, by their nature, subjective and actual results may differ materially from our estimates. In addition, the determination of multiples, capitalization rates and the discount rates used in the impairment tests are highly judgmental and dependent in large part on expectations of future market conditions. Management makes significant judgments and estimates as part of these analyses. If future operating results of MGM China do not meet current expectations it could cause its carrying value to exceed its fair value in future periods, potentially resulting in a goodwill impairment charge.

 

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Market Risk

 

In addition to the inherent risks associated with our normal operations, we are also exposed to additional market risks. Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk associated with our variable rate long-term debt. We attempt to limit our exposure to interest rate risk by managing the mix of our long-term fixed-rate borrowings and short-term borrowings under our bank credit facilities. A change in interest rates generally does not have an impact upon our future earnings and cash flow for fixed-rate debt instruments. As fixed-rate debt matures, however, and if additional debt is acquired to fund the debt repayment, future earnings and cash flow may be affected by changes in interest rates. This effect would be realized in the periods subsequent to the periods when the debt matures. We do not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes and do not enter into derivative transactions that would be considered speculative positions.

 

As of September 30, 2015, variable rate borrowings represented 33% of our total borrowings. Assuming a 100 basis-point increase in LIBOR (in the case of the term loan B facility, over the 1% floor specified in our senior credit facility), our annual interest cost would increase by $27 million based on gross amounts outstanding at September 30, 2015. Assuming a 100 basis-point increase in HIBOR for the MGM Grand Paradise credit facility, our annual interest cost would increase by $16 million based on amounts outstanding at September 30, 2015. The following table provides additional information about our gross long-term debt subject to changes in interest rates:  

 

In addition to the risk associated with our variable interest rate debt, we are also exposed to risks related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, mainly related to MGM China and to our operations at MGM Macau and the development of MGM Cotai. While recent fluctuations in exchange rates have not been significant, potential changes in policy by governments or fluctuations in the economies of the United States, Macau or Hong Kong could cause variability in these exchange rates. As of September 30, 2015, a 1% increase in the Hong Kong dollar (the functional currency of MGM China) to the U.S. dollar exchange rate would impact the carrying value of our cash balance by $8 million and a 1% decrease in the exchange rate would impact the carrying value of our debt balance by $16 million.

 

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “will,” “may” and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding, our ability and ultimate decision to complete the REIT transaction and related financing transactions in the first quarter of 2016 or at all, the anticipated terms of any such REIT transaction, including the terms of the master lease, and the realization of any potential advantages, benefits and the impact of, and opportunities created by, the REIT transaction, expected market growth in Macau, our ability to generate significant cash flow and execute on ongoing and future projects, such as the Profit Growth Plan, the expected results of the Profit Growth Plan, amounts we will spend in capital expenditures and investments, the opening of strategic resort developments, the estimated costs and components associated with those developments, dividends we will receive from MGM China or distributions we will receive from CityCenter and amounts projected to be realized as deferred tax assets. The foregoing is not a complete list of all forward-looking statements we make.

 

Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Therefore, we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market, and regulatory conditions and the following:

 

 

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Any forward-looking statement made by us in this Form 10-Q speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be made that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

 

You should also be aware that while we from time to time communicate with securities analysts, we do not disclose to them any material non-public information, internal forecasts or other confidential business information. Therefore, you should not assume that we agree with any statement or report issued by any analyst, irrespective of the content of the statement or report. To the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain projections, forecasts or opinions, those reports are not our responsibility and are not endorsed by us.

 

 

We incorporate by reference the information appearing under “Market Risk” in Part I, Item 2 of this Form 10-Q.

 

 

Our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were effective as of September 30, 2015 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations and to provide that such information is accumulated and communicated to management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. This conclusion is based on an evaluation as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act conducted under the supervision and participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer along with company management.

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

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Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Shareholder litigation. In 2009 various shareholders filed six lawsuits in Nevada federal and state court against the Company and various of its former and current directors and officers alleging federal securities laws violations and/or related breaches of fiduciary duties in connection with statements allegedly made by the defendants during the period August 2007 through the date of such lawsuit filings in 2009 (the “class period”). In general, the lawsuits assert the same or similar allegations, including that during the relevant period defendants artificially inflated the Company’s common stock price by knowingly making materially false and misleading statements and omissions to the investing public about the Company’s financial statements and condition, operations, CityCenter, and the intrinsic value of the Company’s common stock; that these alleged misstatements and omissions thereby enabled certain Company insiders to derive personal profit from the sale of Company common stock to the public; that defendants caused plaintiffs and other shareholders to purchase Company common stock at artificially inflated prices; and that defendants imprudently implemented a share repurchase program to the detriment of the Company. The lawsuits seek unspecified compensatory damages, restitution and disgorgement of alleged profits and/or attorneys’ fees and costs in amounts to be proven at trial, as well as injunctive relief related to corporate governance.

 

The state and federal court derivative actions were dismissed pursuant to defendants’ motions. Only two of these lawsuits remain pending. The lawsuits are:

 

In re MGM MIRAGE Securities Litigation, Case No. 2:09-cv-01558-GMN-LRL. In November 2009, the U.S. District Court for Nevada consolidated the Robert Lowinger v. MGM MIRAGE, et al. (Case No. 2:09-cv-01558-RCL-LRL, filed August 19, 2009) and Khachatur Hovhannisyan v. MGM MIRAGE, et al. (Case No. 2:09-cv-02011-LRH-RJJ, filed October 19, 2009) putative class actions under the caption "In re MGM MIRAGE Securities Litigation." The cases name the Company and certain former and current directors and officers as defendants and allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. After transfer of the cases in 2010 to the Honorable Gloria M. Navarro, the court appointed several employee retirement benefits funds as co-lead plaintiffs and their counsel as co-lead and co-liaison counsel. In January 2011, lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint, alleging that between August 2, 2007 and March 5, 2009, the Company, its directors and certain of its officers violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder.

 

In September 2013, the court denied defendants’ motion to dismiss plaintiffs’ amended complaint. Defendants answered the amended complaint, the court entered a scheduling order and discovery is proceeding. Plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification in November 2014. Defendants filed their opposition to class certification in February 2015. The court heard oral argument on the class certification motion on April 21, 2015 and took the matter under advisement. No trial date has been set in this case.

 

In July 2015, the lead plaintiffs and defendants agreed in principle to settle the securities class actions. In August 2015, the lead plaintiffs and defendants entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement (the “Settlement Agreement”). Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, the claims against the Company and the named former and current directors and officers will be dismissed with prejudice and released in exchange for a $75 million cash payment by the Company’s directors and officers liability insurers. In August 2015, the lead plaintiffs filed with the court an Unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval of the Settlement Agreement. In September 2015, the court entered an Order Preliminarily Approving Settlement, and scheduled a hearing for December 15, 2015 to determine whether to grant final approval to the settlement. If the court grants final approval of the Settlement Agreement and enters the proposed judgment, all claims in these cases against the Company and the individual defendants will be resolved. In the event that defendants are unable to obtain final court approval of the Settlement Agreement, the Company and all other defendants will continue to vigorously defend against the claims asserted in these securities cases.

 

Other. We and our subsidiaries are also defendants in various other lawsuits, most of which relate to routine matters incidental to our business. We do not believe that the outcome of such pending litigation, considered in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

 

A description of certain factors that may affect our future results and risk factors is set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. There have been no material changes to those factors for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, except as discussed below.

 

There are risks associated with our proposed REIT transactions. On October 29, 2015, we announced the formation of MGP and our intention that it elect to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. Federal income tax purposes following the proposed contribution of Properties and related debt and equity financing transactions, including the IPO of MGP shares as reflected in a draft confidential registration statement filed with the SEC. Following the completion of the IPO and the filing of its election to be taxed as a REIT,

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MGP would be a publicly traded, controlled REIT primarily engaged in owning, acquiring and leasing large-scale casino resort properties, which include casino gaming, hotel, convention, dining, entertainment, retail and mixed-use facilities, and other resort amenities.

 

The completion of the proposed REIT transactions and IPO is subject to numerous conditions and the finalization of terms relating to the transactions, which are subject to a number of variables, including changes in market conditions, and may not occur on favorable terms or at all. We have not yet determined the number of shares that will be sold in the proposed IPO or the valuation of such shares. Therefore, the amount of cash we expect to raise in connection with the proposed IPO and related transactions, and the degree to which we are able to reduce our indebtedness, is uncertain.

 

In connection with the proposed REIT transactions and IPO:

 

 

We may not complete the proposed REIT transactions and IPO, in which event we will have incurred significant expenses that we will be unable to recover, and for which we will not receive any benefit. If the proposed IPO is completed, MGP would be a new publicly traded company. We cannot make any assurances that the proposed IPO, if completed, will increase our market value.

 

We may not achieve some or all of the expected benefits of the proposed REIT transactions and IPO. We may not be able to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits expected to result from the proposed REIT transactions and IPO, or such benefits may be delayed. If we are unable to achieve the strategic and financial benefits expected to result from the proposed REIT transactions and IPO, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

Tracinda owns a significant amount of our common stock and may be able to exert significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval. As of September 30, 2015, Tracinda Corporation beneficially owned approximately 16% of our outstanding common stock and as a result, Tracinda may be able to exercise significant influence over any matter requiring stockholder approval, including the approval of significant corporate transactions. Upon Mr. Kerkorian’s passing, Tracinda’s position in our common stock became subject to the terms of Mr. Kerkorian’s last will and testament, which provides for an orderly disposition of Tracinda’s position in our common stock. As a result, we expect that Tracinda’s ownership of our common stock will decline in the future.

 

 

None.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

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