Document
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 25, 2018
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             .
Commission File Number: 1-9444
CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
DELAWARE
 
34-1560655
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(419) 626-0830
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x    No  o 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
 
x
  
Accelerated filer
 
o
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
Smaller reporting company
 
o
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
 
o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  o    No  x


Table of Contents

 
 
 
Title of Class
 
Units Outstanding as of April 30, 2018
Units Representing
Limited Partner Interests
 
56,416,016

Page 1 of 41 pages




Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
FORM 10-Q CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  



Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
 
 
3/25/2018
 
12/31/2017
 
3/26/2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
42,888

 
$
166,245

 
$
34,242

Receivables
 
30,795

 
37,722

 
28,585

Inventories
 
40,303

 
29,719

 
37,938

Prepaid advertising
 
25,590

 
3,031

 
20,046

Other current assets
 
14,408

 
10,266

 
10,423

 
 
153,984

 
246,983

 
131,234

Property and Equipment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land
 
269,253

 
271,021

 
266,433

Land improvements
 
423,425

 
421,593

 
403,830

Buildings
 
694,029

 
693,899

 
664,936

Rides and equipment
 
1,751,051

 
1,740,653

 
1,649,934

Construction in progress
 
94,602

 
72,847

 
97,920

 
 
3,232,360

 
3,200,013

 
3,083,053

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(1,611,261
)
 
(1,614,241
)
 
(1,494,405
)
 
 
1,621,099

 
1,585,772

 
1,588,648

Goodwill
 
182,291

 
183,830

 
179,899

Other Intangibles, net
 
37,710

 
38,064

 
37,724

Other Assets
 
9,507

 
9,510

 
20,774

 
 
$
2,004,591

 
$
2,064,159

 
$
1,958,279

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$

 
$

 
$
4,350

Accounts payable
 
39,812

 
24,621

 
44,715

Deferred revenue
 
124,513

 
86,131

 
116,132

Accrued interest
 
21,119

 
8,124

 
11,013

Accrued taxes
 
10,176

 
43,975

 
8,536

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
 
14,513

 
18,740

 
14,427

Self-insurance reserves
 
24,811

 
25,107

 
25,833

Other accrued liabilities
 
18,236

 
18,796

 
11,619

 
 
253,180

 
225,494

 
236,625

Deferred Tax Liability
 
87,459

 
74,798

 
122,007

Derivative Liability
 
2,730

 
8,722

 
15,658

Other Liabilities
 
11,403

 
11,684

 
12,923

Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving credit loans
 
40,000

 

 
85,000

Term debt
 
723,525

 
723,788

 
593,197

Notes
 
937,257

 
936,727

 
940,421

 
 
1,700,782

 
1,660,515

 
1,618,618

Partners’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Special L.P. interests
 
5,290

 
5,290

 
5,290

General partner
 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Limited partners, 56,416, 56,359 and 56,236 units outstanding at March 25, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 26, 2017, respectively
 
(58,550
)
 
81,589

 
(57,116
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
2,298

 
(3,933
)
 
4,275

 
 
(50,963
)
 
82,946

 
(47,552
)
 
 
$
2,004,591

 
$
2,064,159

 
$
1,958,279

    
The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
Three months ended
 
3/25/2018
 
3/26/2017
Net revenues:
 
 
 
Admissions
$
26,721

 
$
22,563

Food, merchandise and games
21,055

 
18,208

Accommodations, extra-charge products and other
6,951

 
7,547


54,727

 
48,318

Costs and expenses:

 
 
Cost of food, merchandise, and games revenues
6,003

 
5,480

Operating expenses
88,828

 
84,289

Selling, general and administrative
28,682

 
27,619

Depreciation and amortization
5,521

 
5,365

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
1,340

 
1,526


130,374

 
124,279

Operating loss
(75,647
)
 
(75,961
)
Interest expense
19,762

 
18,914

Net effect of swaps
(3,628
)
 
301

Loss on early debt extinguishment
1,073

 

(Gain) loss on foreign currency
10,094

 
(2,671
)
Other income
(349
)
 
(32
)
Loss before taxes
(102,599
)
 
(92,473
)
Benefit for taxes
(19,199
)
 
(27,719
)
Net loss
(83,400
)
 
(64,754
)
Net loss allocated to general partner
(1
)
 
(1
)
Net loss allocated to limited partners
$
(83,399
)
 
$
(64,753
)
 
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(83,400
)
 
$
(64,754
)
Other comprehensive income, (net of tax):
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
4,604

 
(660
)
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedging derivatives
2,018

 
1,994

Other comprehensive income, (net of tax)
6,622

 
1,334

Total comprehensive loss
$
(76,778
)
 
$
(63,420
)
Basic loss per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding
56,150

 
56,008

Net loss per limited partner unit
$
(1.49
)
 
$
(1.16
)
Diluted loss per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding
56,150

 
56,008

Net loss per limited partner unit
$
(1.49
)
 
$
(1.16
)
The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
 
Three months ended
 
3/25/2018
 
3/26/2017
Limited Partnership Units Outstanding
 
 
 
Beginning balance
56,359

 
56,201

Limited partnership unit options exercised
6

 
10

Limited partnership unit forfeitures
(1
)
 
(2
)
Issuance of limited partnership units as compensation
52

 
27

 
56,416

 
56,236

Limited Partners’ Equity
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
81,589

 
$
52,288

Net loss
(83,399
)
 
(64,753
)
Partnership distribution declared ($0.890 and $0.855 per limited partnership unit)
(50,266
)
 
(48,135
)
Reclassification of stranded tax effect
391

 

Expense recognized for limited partnership unit options
125

 

Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions
(3,039
)
 
(1,369
)
Issuance of limited partnership units as compensation
(3,951
)
 
4,853

 
(58,550
)
 
(57,116
)
General Partner’s Equity
 
 
 
Beginning balance

 

Net loss
(1
)
 
(1
)
Partnership distribution declared

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Special L.P. Interests
5,290

 
5,290

 
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment:
 
 
 
Beginning balance
4,042

 
18,891

Period activity, net of tax $1,145 and $0
4,604

 
(660
)
 
8,646

 
18,231

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:
 
 
 
Beginning balance
(7,975
)
 
(15,950
)
Period activity, net of tax ($347) and ($371)
2,018

 
1,994

Reclassification of stranded tax effect
(391
)
 

 
(6,348
)
 
(13,956
)
 
2,298

 
4,275

Total Partners’ Equity
$
(50,963
)
 
$
(47,552
)
The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.


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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
 
Three months ended
 
3/25/2018
 
3/26/2017
CASH FLOWS FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(83,400
)
 
$
(64,754
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash for operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
5,521

 
5,365

Loss on early debt extinguishment
1,073

 

Non-cash foreign currency (gain) loss on debt
10,924

 
(2,010
)
Other non-cash expenses
13,112

 
21,379

Net change in working capital
(2,170
)
 
(33,738
)
Net change in other assets/liabilities
(278
)
 
(226
)
Net cash for operating activities
(55,218
)
 
(73,984
)
CASH FLOWS FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(44,792
)
 
(48,465
)
Net cash for investing activities
(44,792
)
 
(48,465
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net borrowings on revolving credit loans
40,000

 
85,000

Distributions paid to partners
(50,266
)
 
(48,135
)
Payment of debt issuance costs and original issue discount
(1,840
)
 

Exercise of limited partnership unit options
125

 

Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions
(3,039
)
 
(1,369
)
Payments related to tax withholding for equity compensation
(6,919
)
 
(1,904
)
Net cash from (for) financing activities
(21,939
)
 
33,592

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(1,408
)
 
383

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
Net decrease for the period
(123,357
)
 
(88,474
)
Balance, beginning of period
166,245

 
122,716

Balance, end of period
$
42,888

 
$
34,242

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
Cash payments for interest expense
$
6,779

 
$
17,978

Interest capitalized
939

 
1,047

Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds
4,715

 
8,084

Capital expenditures in accounts payable
6,182

 
11,898

The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 25, 2018 AND MARCH 26, 2017

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared from the financial records of Cedar Fair, L.P. (the Partnership) without audit and reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the results of the interim periods covered in this report. Due to the seasonal nature of the Partnership's amusement and water park operations, the results for any interim period may not be indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year.

(1) Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies:
Except for the changes described below, the Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods ended March 25, 2018 and March 26, 2017 included in this Form 10-Q report have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, which were included in the Form 10-K filed on February 23, 2018. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission). These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Form 10-K referred to above.

The Partnership adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09") effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. The Partnership's accounting policy as a result of adopting ASU 2014-09 is discussed below:
Revenue Recognition and related receivables and contract liabilities
As disclosed within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, revenues are generated from sales of (1) admission to the Partnership's amusement parks and water parks, (2) food, merchandise and games both inside and outside the parks, and (3) accommodations, extra-charge products, and other revenue sources. Admission revenues include amounts paid to gain admission into the Partnership's parks, including parking fees. Revenues related to extra-charge products, including premium benefit offerings such as front-of-line products, and online advanced purchase transaction fees charged to customers are included in "Accommodations, extra-charge products and other". Due to the Partnership's highly seasonal operations, a substantial portion of the Partnership's revenues are generated during an approximate 130- to 140-day operating season. Most revenues are recognized on a daily basis based on actual guest spend at the properties. Revenues from multi-use products, including season-long products for admission, dining, beverage and other products, are recognized over the estimated number of uses expected for each type of product. The estimated number of uses is reviewed and may be updated periodically during the operating season prior to the ticket or product expiration, which generally occurs no later than the close of the operating season. The number of uses is estimated based on historical usage adjusted for current period trends. For any bundled products that include multiple performance obligations, revenue is allocated using the retail price of each distinct performance obligation and any inherent discounts are allocated based on the gross margin and expected redemption of each performance obligation. The Partnership does not typically provide for refunds or returns.

In some instances, the Partnership arranges with outside parties ("concessionaires") to provide goods to guests, typically food and merchandise, and the Partnership acts as an agent, resulting in net revenue recorded within the income statement. Concessionaire arrangement revenues are recognized over the operating season and are variable. Sponsorship revenues and marina revenues, which are classified as "Accommodations, extra-charge products and other" within the income statement, are recognized over the park operating season which represents the period in which the performance obligations are satisfied. Sponsorship revenues are typically fixed. However, some sponsorship revenues are variable based on achievement of specified operating metrics. The Partnership estimates variable revenues and performs a constraint analysis using both historical information and current trends to determine the amount of revenue that is not probable of a significant reversal.

Many products, including season-long products, are sold to customers in advance, resulting in a contract liability ("deferred revenue"). Deferred revenue is at its highest immediately prior to the peak summer season, and at its lowest in the fall after the peak summer season and at the beginning of the selling season for the next year's products. Season-long products represent the majority of the deferred revenue balance in any given period.

Of the $86.1 million of deferred revenue recorded as of January 1, 2018, 88% was related to season-long products. The remainder was related to deferred online advanced purchase transaction fees charged to customers, advanced ticket sales, marina deposits, advanced resort reservations, and other deferred revenue. Most deferred revenue outstanding as of January 1, 2018 will be recognized by December 31, 2018 with the exception of an immaterial amount of deferred revenue for prepaid products such as

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gift cards and prepaid games cards. During the quarter ended March 25, 2018, approximately $4.2 million of the deferred revenue balance as of January 1, 2018 was recognized. The difference in the opening and closing balances of the Partnership's deferred revenue balance in the current period is attributable to additional sales for the current year's operating season offset by revenue recognized during the quarter.

Payment is due immediately on the transaction date for most products. The Partnership's receivable balance includes outstanding amounts on installment purchase plans which are offered for season-long products (and other select products for specific time periods), and includes sales to retailers, group sales and catering activities which are billed. Installment purchase plans include three month, four month, six month and nine month plans. Payment terms for billings are typically net 30 days. Receivables are highest in the peak summer months and the lowest in the winter months. The Partnership is not exposed to a significant concentration of customer credit risk.

Most deferred revenue from contracts with customers is classified as current within the balance sheet. However, a portion of deferred revenue from contracts with customers is classified as long-term during the third quarter related to season-long products sold in the current season for use in the subsequent season. Season-long products are sold beginning in August of the year preceding the operating season. Season-long products may be recognized 12 to 16 months after purchase depending on the date of sale. The Partnership estimates the number of uses expected outside of the next twelve months for each type of product and classifies the related deferred revenue as long-term.

With the exception of the long-term deferred revenue described above, the Partnership's contracts with customers have an original duration of one year or less. For these short-term contracts, the Partnership uses the practical expedient, a relief provided in the standard to simplify compliance, applicable to such contracts and has not disclosed the transaction price for the remaining performance obligations as of the end of each reporting period or when the Company expects to recognize this revenue. Further, the Partnership has elected to recognize incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred as the amortization period of the asset would be less than one year. Lastly, the Partnership has elected not to adjust consideration for the effects of significant financing components in the form of installment purchase plans as the period between when the entity transfers the promised service to the customer and when the customer pays for that service does not exceed one year.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year supplies inventory amounts of $1.4 million have been reclassified to other current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet for the period ended March 26, 2017 to conform with fiscal 2018 presentation. The change in deferred tax liabilities of $16.8 million has been reclassified from the net change in other assets/liabilities to other non-cash expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the period ended March 26, 2017.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"). The ASU requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities within the balance sheet by lessees for operating leases, as well as requires additional disclosures in the consolidated financial statements regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The ASU does not significantly change the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee, nor does the ASU change the accounting applied by a lessor. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The ASU can be adopted using either the modified retrospective approach, which requires application of the new standard at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented, or the alternative approach, which requires application of the new standard at the beginning of the standard's effective date. The Partnership expects to adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2019. While the Partnership is still in the process of evaluating the effect this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, the Partnership anticipates recognizing a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet for the Santa Clara land lease, as well as other operating leases, upon adoption.
In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2018-02"). The ASU allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings of stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, and the amendments can be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. The Partnership elected to adopt ASU 2018-02 in the first quarter of 2018. The amendment was applied in the period of adoption and resulted in a $0.4 million reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to limited partners' equity for the quarter ended March 25, 2018.


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(2) Interim Reporting:
The Partnership owns and operates eleven amusement parks, two separately gated outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and four hotels. The Partnership's seasonal amusement parks are generally open during weekends beginning in April or May, and then daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day, after which they are open during weekends in September and, in most cases, October for Halloween events. The two separately gated outdoor water parks also operate seasonally, generally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, plus some additional weekends before and after this period. As a result, a substantial portion of the Partnership’s revenues from these parks are generated during an approximate 130- to 140-day operating season with the major portion concentrated in the third quarter during the peak vacation months of July and August. Five of the seasonal properties are open approximately 20 to 25 days to include WinterFest, a holiday event operating during November and December showcasing holiday shows and festivities. Knott's Berry Farm continues to be open daily on a year-round basis. Castaway Bay is generally open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day with an additional limited daily schedule for the balance of the year.

To assure that these highly seasonal operations will not result in misleading comparisons of current and subsequent interim periods, the Partnership has adopted the following accounting and reporting procedures for its seasonal parks: (a) revenues from multi-use products are recognized over the estimated number of uses expected for each type of product; and the estimated number of uses is reviewed and may be updated periodically during the operating season prior to the ticket or product expiration, which generally occurs no later than the close of the operating season; (b) depreciation, certain advertising and certain seasonal operating costs are expensed over each park’s operating season, including some costs incurred prior to the season, which are deferred and amortized over the season; and (c) all other costs are expensed as incurred or ratably over the entire year.

(3) Long-Lived Assets:
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. In order to determine if an asset has been impaired, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable, independent cash flows are available. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in equity price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition; and slower growth rates. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on the Partnership's consolidated financial statements.

Non-operating assets are evaluated for impairment based on changes in market conditions. When changes in market conditions are observed, impairment is estimated using a market-based approach. If the estimated fair value of the non-operating assets is less than their carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

During the third quarter of 2016, the Partnership ceased operations of one of its separately gated outdoor water parks, Wildwater Kingdom, located near Cleveland in Aurora, Ohio. At the date that Wildwater Kingdom ceased operations, the only remaining long-lived asset was the approximate 670 acres of land owned by the Partnership. This land had an associated carrying value of $17.1 million. The Partnership assessed the remaining asset and concluded there was no impairment during the third quarter of 2016. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Partnership recorded a $7.6 million impairment charge based on information from ongoing marketing activities. The amount was recorded in "Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net" in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income. The remaining Wildwater Kingdom acreage, reduced by acreage sold, is classified as assets held-for-sale within "Other Assets" in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet ($9.0 million as of March 25, 2018, $9.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and $17.0 million as of March 26, 2017).

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(4) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:
Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, including trade-names, are reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. As of March 25, 2018, there were no indicators of impairment. The Partnership's annual testing date is the first day of the fourth quarter. There were no impairments for any period presented.

A summary of changes in the Partnership’s carrying value of goodwill for the three months ended March 25, 2018 and March 26, 2017 is as follows:
(In thousands)
 
Goodwill
(gross)
 
Accumulated
Impairment
Losses
 
Goodwill
(net)
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$
263,698

 
$
(79,868
)
 
$
183,830

Foreign currency translation
 
(1,539
)
 

 
(1,539
)
Balance at March 25, 2018
 
$
262,159

 
$
(79,868
)
 
$
182,291

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
259,528

 
$
(79,868
)
 
$
179,660

Foreign currency translation
 
239

 

 
239

Balance at March 26, 2017
 
$
259,767

 
$
(79,868
)
 
$
179,899


As of March 25, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 26, 2017, the Partnership’s other intangible assets consisted of the following:
(In thousands)
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
March 25, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade names
 
$
36,188

 
$

 
$
36,188

License / franchise agreements
 
3,364

 
(1,842
)
 
1,522

Total other intangible assets
 
$
39,552

 
$
(1,842
)
 
$
37,710

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade names
 
$
36,531

 
$

 
$
36,531

License / franchise agreements
 
3,360

 
(1,827
)
 
1,533

Total other intangible assets
 
$
39,891

 
$
(1,827
)
 
$
38,064

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 26, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade names
 
$
35,656

 
$

 
$
35,656

License / franchise agreements
 
3,301

 
(1,233
)
 
2,068

Total other intangible assets
 
$
38,957

 
$
(1,233
)
 
$
37,724


Amortization expense of other intangible assets is expected to continue to be immaterial going forward.

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Table of Contents

(5) Long-Term Debt:
Long-term debt as of March 25, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 26, 2017 consisted of the following:
(In thousands)
March 25, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
March 26, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving credit facility (due 2022)
$
40,000

 
$

 
$

Revolving credit facility (due 2018)

 

 
85,000

Term debt (1)
 
 
 
 
 
April 2017 U.S. term loan averaging 3.51% (due 2017-2024)
735,000

 
735,000

 

March 2013 U.S. term loan averaging 3.25% (due 2013-2020)

 

 
602,850

Notes
 
 
 
 
 
April 2017 U.S. fixed rate notes at 5.375% (due 2027)
500,000

 
500,000

 

June 2014 U.S. fixed rate notes at 5.375% (due 2024)
450,000

 
450,000

 
450,000

March 2013 U.S. fixed rate notes at 5.25% (due 2021)

 

 
500,000

 
1,725,000

 
1,685,000

 
1,637,850

Less current portion

 

 
(4,350
)
 
1,725,000

 
1,685,000

 
1,633,500

Less debt issuance costs and original issue discount
(24,218
)
 
(24,485
)
 
(14,882
)
 
$
1,700,782

 
$
1,660,515

 
$
1,618,618

(1)
The average interest rate is calculated over the life of the instrument and does not reflect the effect of interest rate swap agreements (see Note 6).
In April 2017, the Partnership issued $500 million of 5.375% senior unsecured notes ("April 2017 notes"), maturing in 2027. The net proceeds from the offering of the April 2017 notes, together with borrowings under the 2017 Credit Agreement (defined below), were used to redeem all of the Partnership's 5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2021 ("March 2013 notes"), and pay accrued interest and transaction fees and expenses, to repay in full all amounts outstanding under its existing credit facilities and for general corporate purposes. The redemption of the March 2013 notes and repayments of the amounts outstanding under the existing credit facilities resulted in the write-off of debt issuance costs of $7.7 million and debt premium payments of $15.5 million. Accordingly, the Partnership recorded a loss on early debt extinguishment of $23.1 million during 2017.

Concurrently with the April 2017 notes issuance, the Partnership amended and restated its existing $885 million credit agreement (the "2013 Credit Agreement"), which included a $630 million senior secured term loan facility and a $255 million senior secured revolving credit facility. The $1,025 million amended and restated credit agreement (the "2017 Credit Agreement") includes a $750 million senior secured term loan facility and a $275 million senior secured revolving credit facility. The 2017 Credit Agreement was amended on March 14, 2018 (subsequently referred to as the "Amended 2017 Credit Agreement"). Specifically, the interest rate was amended to London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 175 basis points (bps). The pricing terms for the amendment reflected $0.9 million of Original Issue Discount ("OID") and resulted in the write-off of debt issuance costs of $1.1 million which was recorded as a loss on early debt extinguishment during the first quarter of 2018. The senior secured term loan facility matures April 15, 2024 and amortizes at $7.5 million annually. The facilities provided under the Amended 2017 Credit Agreement are collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Partnership.

The senior secured revolving credit facility under the Amended 2017 Credit Agreement has a combined limit of $275 million with a Canadian sub-limit of $15 million. Borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR or Canadian Dollar Offered Rate ("CDOR") plus 200 bps. The revolving credit facility is scheduled to mature in April 2022 and also provides for the issuance of documentary and standby letters of credit. The Amended 2017 Credit Agreement requires the payment of a 37.5 bps commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the credit facilities.

The April 2017 notes pay interest semi-annually in April and October, with the principal due in full on April 15, 2027. Prior to April 15, 2020, up to 35% of the notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 105.375% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any. The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to April 15, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a "make-whole" premium together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed.


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Table of Contents

In June 2014, the Partnership issued $450 million of 5.375% senior unsecured notes ("June 2014 notes"). The June 2014 notes pay interest semi-annually in June and December, with the principal due in full on June 1, 2024. The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to June 1, 2019 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed together plus a "make-whole" premium together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed.

The Amended 2017 Credit Agreement includes a Consolidated Leverage Ratio, which if breached for any reason and not cured could result in an event of default. The ratio is set at a maximum of 5.50x Consolidated Total Debt-to-Consolidated EBITDA. As of March 25, 2018, the Partnership was in compliance with this financial condition covenant and all other financial covenants under the Amended 2017 Credit Agreement.

The Partnership's long-term debt agreements include Restricted Payment provisions. Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Partnership's June 2014 notes, which includes the most restrictive of these Restricted Payments provisions, the Partnership can make Restricted Payments of $60 million annually so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing; and the Partnership can make additional Restricted Payments if the Partnership's pro forma Total-Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow Ratio is less than or equal to 5.00x.

As market conditions warrant, the Partnership may from time to time repurchase debt securities issued by the Partnership, in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer, exchange offer or otherwise.

(6) Derivative Financial Instruments:
Derivative financial instruments are used within the Partnership’s overall risk management program to manage certain interest rate and foreign currency risks. By utilizing a derivative instrument to hedge exposure to LIBOR rate changes, the Partnership is exposed to counterparty credit risk, in particular the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. To mitigate this risk, hedging instruments are placed with a counterparty that the Partnership believes poses minimal credit risk. The Partnership does not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

In the first quarter of 2016, the Partnership amended each of its four interest rate swap agreements to extend each of the maturities to December 31, 2020 and effectively convert $500 million of variable-rate debt to a rate of 2.64%. The amended interest rate swap agreements are not designated as hedging instruments. The fair market value of the Partnership's swap portfolio was recorded within "Derivative Liability" on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 25, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 26, 2017 as follows:
(In thousands)
 
March 25, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
March 26, 2017
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
(2,730
)
 
$
(8,722
)
 
$
(15,658
)
Instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting or were de-designated are prospectively adjusted to fair value each reporting period through "Net effect of swaps" in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. The amounts that were previously recorded as a component of AOCI prior to the de-designation are reclassified to earnings, and a corresponding realized gain or loss will be recognized when the forecasted cash flow occurs. As a result of the first quarter 2016 amendments, the previously existing interest rate swap agreements were de-designated, and the amounts previously recorded in AOCI are being amortized into earnings through the original December 31, 2018 maturity. As of March 25, 2018, approximately $7.1 million of losses remain in AOCI related to the effective cash flow hedge contracts prior to de-designation, all of which will be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months.

During the quarter ended March 25, 2018, the Partnership recognized $6.0 million of gains on the derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges and $2.4 million of expense representing the regular amortization of amounts in AOCI. The effect of these amounts resulted in a benefit to earnings of $3.6 million recorded in "Net effect of swaps".

During the quarter ended March 26, 2017, the Partnership recognized $2.1 million of gains on the derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges and $2.4 million of expense representing the amortization of amounts in AOCI. The effect of these amounts resulted in a charge to earnings of $0.3 million recorded in "Net effect of swaps".

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Table of Contents

(7) Fair Value Measurements:
The FASB's Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820 - Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions (inputs) that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable, and valuation techniques used to measure fair value should maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accordingly, FASB ASC 820 establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework that ranks the quality and reliability of information used to determine fair values. The hierarchy is associated with the level of pricing observability utilized in measuring fair value and defines three levels of inputs to the fair value measurement process. Quoted prices are the most reliable valuation inputs, whereas model values that include inputs based on unobservable data are the least reliable. Each fair value measurement must be assigned to a level corresponding to the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The three broad levels of inputs defined by the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The table below presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of March 25, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 26, 2017 on a recurring basis as well as the fair values of other financial instruments:
(In thousands)
Unaudited Condensed 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
 
March 25, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
March 26, 2017
 
Carrying Value
Fair 
Value
 
Carrying Value
Fair 
Value
 
Carrying Value
Fair 
Value
Financial assets (liabilities) measured on a recurring basis:
Short-term investments
Other current assets
Level 1
 
$
901

$
901

 
$
736

$
736

 


Interest rate swap agreements not designated as cash flow hedges
Derivative Liability
Level 2
 
$
(2,730
)
$
(2,730
)
 
$
(8,722
)
$
(8,722
)
 
$
(15,658
)
$
(15,658
)
Other financial assets (liabilities):
March 2013 term debt
Long-Term Debt (1)
Level 2
 


 


 
$
(598,500
)
$
(601,493
)
April 2017 term debt
Long-Term Debt (1)
Level 2
 
$
(735,000
)
$
(740,513
)
 
$
(735,000
)
$
(742,350
)
 


March 2013 notes
Long-Term Debt (1)
Level 1
 


 


 
$
(500,000
)
$
(513,125
)
June 2014 notes
Long-Term Debt (1)
Level 1
 
$
(450,000
)
$
(455,625
)
 
$
(450,000
)
$
(469,125
)
 
$
(450,000
)
$
(462,375
)
April 2017 notes
Long-Term Debt (1)
Level 2
 
$
(500,000
)
$
(494,375
)
 
$
(500,000
)
$
(525,000
)
 



(1)
Carrying values of long-term debt balances are before reductions for debt issuance costs and original issue discount of $24.2 million, $24.5 million, and $14.9 million as of March 25, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 26, 2017, respectively.

Fair values of the interest rate swap agreements are determined using significant inputs, including the LIBOR forward curves, which are considered Level 2 observable market inputs.

As of December 31, 2017, the Partnership measured the remaining land at Wildwater Kingdom, one of the Partnership's separately gated outdoor water parks which ceased operations in 2016, at fair value less cost to sell based on Level 3 unobservable market input. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Partnership recorded a $7.6 million impairment charge based on information from ongoing marketing activities. This amount was recorded in "Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net" in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, revolving credit loans, accounts receivable, current portion of term debt, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. There were no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 25, 2018 or March 26, 2017.

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Table of Contents

(8) Earnings per Unit:
Net loss per limited partner unit is calculated based on the following unit amounts:
 
Three months ended
 
3/25/2018
 
3/26/2017
 
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)
Basic weighted average units outstanding
56,150

 
56,008

Diluted weighted average units outstanding
56,150

 
56,008

Net loss per unit - basic
$
(1.49
)
 
$
(1.16
)
Net loss per unit - diluted
$
(1.49
)
 
$
(1.16
)

(9) Income and Partnership Taxes:
Under the applicable accounting rules, income taxes are recognized for the amount of taxes payable by the Partnership’s corporate subsidiaries for the current year and for the impact of deferred tax assets and liabilities, which represent future tax consequences of events that have been recognized differently in the financial statements than for tax purposes. The income tax provision (benefit) for interim periods is determined by applying an estimated annual effective tax rate to the quarterly income (loss) of the Partnership’s corporate subsidiaries. In addition to income taxes on its corporate subsidiaries, the Partnership is subject to a publicly traded partnership tax (PTP tax) on partnership-level gross income (net revenues less cost of food, merchandise and games). As such, the Partnership’s total provision (benefit) for taxes includes amounts for both the PTP tax and for income taxes on its subsidiaries.

As of the end of the first quarter of 2018, the Partnership has recorded $0.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits including interest and/or penalties related to state and local tax filing positions. The Partnership recognizes interest and/or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax provision. The Partnership does not anticipate that the balance of the unrecognized tax benefit will change significantly over the next 12 months.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”), was signed into law.  The Act includes numerous tax law changes, including a reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.  The change in tax rates necessitated the remeasurement of deferred tax balances that are expected to reverse following enactment using the applicable tax rates.  As a result of the remeasurement of the net deferred tax liability, the Partnership realized a $49.2 million deferred tax benefit during the fourth quarter of 2017.  The amounts recorded to reflect the effects of the Act were and remain provisional and are subject to change in accordance with SAB 118.  The Partnership expects to complete these calculations and record the final effects of the Act before the end of the fourth quarter of 2018.

(10) Contingencies:
The Partnership is a party to a number of lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, none of these matters are expected to have a material effect in the aggregate on the Partnership's financial statements.

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Table of Contents

(11) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component:
The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income related to limited partners' equity for the three months ended March 25, 2018 and March 26, 2017:

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component
(In thousands)
 
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$
(7,975
)
 
$
4,042

 
$
(3,933
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax $1,145
 

 
4,604

 
4,604

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax ($347)
 
2,018

 

 
2,018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net other comprehensive income
 
2,018

 
4,604

 
6,622

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification of stranded tax effect
 
(391
)
 

 
(391
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 25, 2018
 
$
(6,348
)
 
$
8,646

 
$
2,298


Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component
(In thousands)
 
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
(15,950
)
 
$
18,891

 
$
2,941

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 

 
(660
)
 
(660
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax ($371)
 
1,994

 

 
1,994

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net other comprehensive income
 
1,994

 
(660
)
 
1,334

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 26, 2017
 
$
(13,956
)
 
$
18,231

 
$
4,275


Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
(In thousands)
 
Three months ended
3/25/2018
 
Three months ended
3/26/2017
 
 
Interest rate contracts
 
$
2,365

 
$
2,365

 
Net effect of swaps
Provision for taxes
 
(347
)
 
(371
)
 
Benefit for taxes
Losses on cash flow hedges
 
$
2,018

 
$
1,994

 
Net of tax


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Table of Contents

(12) Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantors and Issuers of June 2014 Notes:
Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company ("Cedar Canada"), and Magnum Management Corporation ("Magnum") are the co-issuers of the Partnership's June 2014 Notes (see Note 5). The notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by each 100% owned subsidiary of Cedar Fair (other than Cedar Canada and Magnum) that guarantees the Partnership's senior secured credit facilities. There are no non-guarantor subsidiaries.

The following consolidating schedules present condensed financial information for Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Canada, and Magnum, the co-issuers, and each 100% owned subsidiary of Cedar Fair (other than Cedar Canada and Magnum), the guarantors (on a combined basis), as of March 25, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 26, 2017 and for the three-month periods ended March 25, 2018 and March 26, 2017. In lieu of providing separate unaudited financial statements for the guarantor subsidiaries, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidating financial statements have been included.


16

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
March 25, 2018
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P.
(Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$

 
$
25,073

 
$
22,114

 
$
(4,299
)
 
$
42,888

Receivables
 

 
1,232

 
74,787

 
785,879

 
(831,103
)
 
30,795

Inventories
 

 

 
2,493

 
37,810

 

 
40,303

Other current assets
 
69

 
1,922

 
2,459

 
35,895

 
(347
)
 
39,998

 
 
69

 
3,154

 
104,812

 
881,698

 
(835,749
)
 
153,984

Property and Equipment, net
 

 
827

 
180,303

 
1,439,969

 

 
1,621,099

Investment in Park
 
485,489

 
967,791

 
234,220

 
203,857

 
(1,891,357
)
 

Goodwill
 
674

 

 
62,012

 
119,605

 

 
182,291

Other Intangibles, net
 

 

 
13,834

 
23,876

 

 
37,710

Deferred Tax Asset
 

 
7,150

 

 

 
(7,150
)
 

Other Assets
 

 

 
39

 
9,468

 

 
9,507

 
 
$
486,232

 
$
978,922

 
$
595,220

 
$
2,678,473

 
$
(2,734,256
)
 
$
2,004,591

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
531,176

 
$
302,858

 
$
1,806

 
$
39,374

 
$
(835,402
)
 
$
39,812

Deferred revenue
 

 

 
8,033

 
116,480

 

 
124,513

Accrued interest
 
215

 
143

 
7,634

 
13,127

 

 
21,119

Accrued taxes
 
883

 

 
463

 
9,177

 
(347
)
 
10,176

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
 

 
13,777

 
736

 

 

 
14,513

Self-insurance reserves
 

 
10,438

 
1,543

 
12,830

 

 
24,811

Other accrued liabilities
 
3,283

 
5,249

 
268

 
9,436

 

 
18,236

 
 
535,557

 
332,465

 
20,483

 
200,424

 
(835,749
)
 
253,180

Deferred Tax Liability
 

 

 
12,664

 
81,945

 
(7,150
)
 
87,459

Derivative Liability
 
1,638

 
1,092

 

 

 

 
2,730

Other Liabilities
 

 
705

 

 
10,698

 

 
11,403

Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving credit loans
 

 

 

 
40,000

 

 
40,000

Term debt
 

 
127,350

 

 
596,175

 

 
723,525

Notes
 

 

 
445,458

 
491,799

 

 
937,257

 
 

 
127,350

 
445,458

 
1,127,974

 

 
1,700,782

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
 
(50,963
)
 
517,310

 
116,615

 
1,257,432

 
(1,891,357
)
 
(50,963
)
 
 
$
486,232

 
$
978,922

 
$
595,220

 
$
2,678,473

 
$
(2,734,256
)
 
$
2,004,591


17

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P.
(Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$

 
$
85,758

 
$
81,582

 
$
(1,095
)
 
$
166,245

Receivables
 

 
1,184

 
15,574

 
857,205

 
(836,241
)
 
37,722

Inventories
 

 

 
1,891

 
27,828

 

 
29,719

Other current assets
 
164

 
28,297

 
3,454

 
10,983

 
(29,601
)
 
13,297

 
 
164

 
29,481

 
106,677

 
977,598

 
(866,937
)
 
246,983

Property and Equipment, net
 

 
835

 
181,673

 
1,403,264

 

 
1,585,772

Investment in Park
 
588,684

 
1,045,640

 
238,132

 
234,238

 
(2,106,694
)
 

Goodwill
 
674

 

 
63,551

 
119,605

 

 
183,830

Other Intangibles, net
 

 

 
14,177

 
23,887

 

 
38,064

Deferred Tax Asset
 

 
20,956

 

 

 
(20,956
)
 

Other Assets
 

 

 
40

 
9,470

 

 
9,510

 
 
$
589,522

 
$
1,096,912

 
$
604,250

 
$
2,768,062

 
$
(2,994,587
)
 
$
2,064,159

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
497,558

 
$
344,410

 
$
1,379

 
$
18,610

 
$
(837,336
)
 
$
24,621

Deferred revenue
 

 

 
6,237

 
79,894

 

 
86,131

Accrued interest
 
27

 
18

 
2,055

 
6,024

 

 
8,124

Accrued taxes
 
352

 

 

 
73,224

 
(29,601
)
 
43,975

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
 

 
17,498

 
1,242

 

 

 
18,740

Self-insurance reserves
 

 
10,947

 
1,618

 
12,542

 


 
25,107

Other accrued liabilities
 
3,406

 
5,094

 
157

 
10,139

 

 
18,796

 
 
501,343

 
377,967

 
12,688

 
200,433

 
(866,937
)
 
225,494

Deferred Tax Liability
 

 

 
13,809

 
81,945

 
(20,956
)
 
74,798

Derivative Liability
 
5,233

 
3,489

 

 

 

 
8,722

Other Liabilities
 

 
873

 

 
10,811

 

 
11,684

Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term debt
 

 
127,437

 

 
596,351

 

 
723,788

Notes
 

 

 
445,156

 
491,571

 

 
936,727

 
 

 
127,437

 
445,156

 
1,087,922

 

 
1,660,515

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
 
82,946

 
587,146

 
132,597

 
1,386,951

 
(2,106,694
)
 
82,946

 
 
$
589,522

 
$
1,096,912

 
$
604,250

 
$
2,768,062

 
$
(2,994,587
)
 
$
2,064,159


18

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
March 26, 2017
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P.
(Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$

 
$
29,590

 
$
4,652

 
$

 
$
34,242

Receivables
 

 
1,552

 
61,894

 
541,622

 
(576,483
)
 
28,585

Inventories
 

 

 
1,965

 
35,973

 

 
37,938

Other current assets
 
74

 
907

 
3,462

 
27,687

 
(1,661
)
 
30,469

 
 
74

 
2,459

 
96,911

 
609,934

 
(578,144
)
 
131,234

Property and Equipment, net
 

 
835

 
176,952

 
1,410,861

 

 
1,588,648

Investment in Park
 
711,257

 
852,264

 
195,731

 
294,228

 
(2,053,480
)
 

Goodwill
 
674

 

 
59,620

 
119,605

 

 
179,899

Other Intangibles, net
 

 

 
13,306

 
24,418

 

 
37,724

Deferred Tax Asset
 

 
16,616

 

 

 
(16,616
)
 

Other Assets
 

 
2,000

 
109

 
18,665

 

 
20,774

 
 
$
712,005

 
$
874,174

 
$
542,629

 
$
2,477,711

 
$
(2,648,240
)
 
$
1,958,279

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$

 
$
897

 
$
100

 
$
3,353

 
$

 
$
4,350

Accounts payable
 
453,329

 
125,934

 
2,081

 
39,854

 
(576,483
)
 
44,715

Deferred revenue
 

 

 
7,373

 
108,759

 

 
116,132

Accrued interest
 
864

 
589

 
7,729

 
1,831

 

 
11,013

Accrued taxes
 
1,084

 

 

 
9,113

 
(1,661
)
 
8,536

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
 

 
13,792

 
635

 

 

 
14,427

Self-insurance reserves
 

 
11,397

 
1,484

 
12,952

 

 
25,833

Other accrued liabilities
 
2,644

 
3,907

 
164

 
4,904

 

 
11,619

 
 
457,921

 
156,516

 
19,566

 
180,766

 
(578,144
)
 
236,625

Deferred Tax Liability
 

 

 
13,273

 
125,350

 
(16,616
)
 
122,007

Derivative Liability
 
9,395

 
6,263

 

 

 

 
15,658

Other Liabilities
 

 
1,125

 

 
11,798

 

 
12,923

Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving credit loans
 

 

 

 
85,000

 

 
85,000

Term debt
 

 
123,347

 
13,576

 
456,274

 

 
593,197

Notes
 
292,241

 
203,256

 
444,924

 

 

 
940,421

 
 
292,241

 
326,603

 
458,500

 
541,274

 

 
1,618,618

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
 
(47,552
)
 
383,667

 
51,290

 
1,618,523

 
(2,053,480
)
 
(47,552
)
 
 
$
712,005

 
$
874,174

 
$
542,629

 
$
2,477,711

 
$
(2,648,240
)
 
$
1,958,279



19

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Three Months Ended March 25, 2018
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P.
(Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
 
$
(10,767
)
 
$
854

 
$
271

 
$
49,787

 
$
14,582

 
$
54,727

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of food, merchandise, and games revenues
 

 

 

 
6,003

 

 
6,003

Operating expenses
 

 
42,671

 
5,716

 
25,859

 
14,582

 
88,828

Selling, general and administrative
 
759

 
14,450

 
680

 
12,793

 

 
28,682

Depreciation and amortization
 

 
8

 

 
5,513

 

 
5,521

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
 

 

 
40

 
1,300

 

 
1,340

 
 
759

 
57,129

 
6,436

 
51,468

 
14,582

 
130,374

Operating loss
 
(11,526
)
 
(56,275
)
 
(6,165
)
 
(1,681
)
 

 
(75,647
)
Interest expense, net
 
4,904

 
4,367

 
5,583

 
4,682

 

 
19,536

Net effect of swaps
 
(2,207
)
 
(1,421
)
 

 

 

 
(3,628
)
Loss on early debt extinguishment
 

 
187

 

 
886

 

 
1,073

(Gain) loss on foreign currency
 

 
(41
)
 
10,135

 

 

 
10,094

Other (income) expense
 
59

 
(9,804
)
 
854

 
8,768

 

 
(123
)
Loss from investment in affiliates
 
68,528

 
28,815

 
3,913

 
20,585

 
(121,841
)
 

Loss before taxes
 
(82,810
)
 
(78,378
)
 
(26,650
)
 
(36,602
)
 
121,841

 
(102,599
)
Provision (benefit) for taxes
 
590

 
(9,851
)
 
(6,062
)
 
(3,876
)
 

 
(19,199
)
Net loss
 
$
(83,400
)
 
$
(68,527
)
 
$
(20,588
)
 
$
(32,726
)
 
$
121,841

 
$
(83,400
)
Other comprehensive income, (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
4,604

 

 
4,604

 

 
(4,604
)
 
4,604

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedging derivatives
 
2,018

 
630

 

 

 
(630
)
 
2,018

Other comprehensive income, (net of tax)
 
6,622

 
630

 
4,604

 

 
(5,234
)
 
6,622

Total comprehensive loss
 
$
(76,778
)
 
$
(67,897
)
 
$
(15,984
)
 
$
(32,726
)
 
$
116,607

 
$
(76,778
)

20

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Three Months Ended March 26, 2017
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P.
(Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
 
$
(6,138
)
 
$
(291
)
 
$
353

 
$
45,296

 
$
9,098

 
$
48,318

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of food, merchandise, and games revenues
 

 

 

 
5,480

 

 
5,480

Operating expenses
 

 
40,592

 
5,304

 
29,295

 
9,098

 
84,289

Selling, general and administrative
 
894

 
14,495

 
746

 
11,484

 

 
27,619

Depreciation and amortization
 

 
8

 
2

 
5,355

 

 
5,365

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
 

 

 
445

 
1,081

 

 
1,526

 
 
894

 
55,095

 
6,497

 
52,695

 
9,098

 
124,279

Operating loss
 
(7,032
)
 
(55,386
)
 
(6,144
)
 
(7,399
)
 

 
(75,961
)
Interest (income) expense, net
 
8,169

 
5,308

 
5,905

 
(500
)
 

 
18,882

Net effect of swaps
 
150

 
151

 

 

 

 
301

Gain on foreign currency
 

 

 
(2,671
)
 

 

 
(2,671
)
Other (income) expense
 
62

 
(15,264
)
 
657

 
14,545

 

 

Loss from investment in affiliates
 
48,666

 
20,604

 
4,344

 
11,097

 
(84,711
)
 

Loss before taxes
 
(64,079
)
 
(66,185
)
 
(14,379
)
 
(32,541
)
 
84,711

 
(92,473
)
Provision (benefit) for taxes
 
675

 
(17,519
)
 
(3,276
)
 
(7,599
)
 

 
(27,719
)
Net loss
 
$
(64,754
)
 
$
(48,666
)
 
$
(11,103
)
 
$
(24,942
)
 
$
84,711

 
$
(64,754
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
(660
)
 

 
(660
)
 

 
660

 
(660
)
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedging derivatives
 
1,994

 
605

 

 

 
(605
)
 
1,994

Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax)
 
1,334

 
605

 
(660
)
 

 
55

 
1,334

Total comprehensive loss
 
$
(63,420
)
 
$
(48,061
)
 
$
(11,763
)
 
$
(24,942
)
 
$
84,766

 
$
(63,420
)


21

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Three Months Ended March 25, 2018
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P.
(Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET CASH FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
16,999

 
$
58,464

 
$
(6,538
)
 
$
(120,584
)
 
$
(3,559
)
 
$
(55,218
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany receivables (payments) receipts
 

 

 
(50,000
)
 
64,688

 
(14,688
)
 

Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(2,739
)
 
(42,053
)
 

 
(44,792
)
Net cash from (for) investing activities
 

 

 
(52,739
)
 
22,635

 
(14,688
)
 
(44,792
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany payables (payments) receipts
 
33,622

 
(48,310
)
 

 

 
14,688

 

Net borrowings on revolving credit loans
 

 

 

 
40,000

 

 
40,000

Distributions paid to partners
 
(50,621
)
 

 

 

 
355

 
(50,266
)
Payment of debt issuance costs and original issue discount
 

 
(321
)
 

 
(1,519
)
 

 
(1,840
)
Exercise of limited partnership unit options
 

 
125

 

 

 

 
125

Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions
 

 
(3,039
)
 

 

 

 
(3,039
)
Payments related to tax withholding for equity compensation
 

 
(6,919
)
 

 

 

 
(6,919
)
Net cash from (for) financing activities
 
(16,999
)
 
(58,464
)
 

 
38,481

 
15,043

 
(21,939
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
(1,408
)
 

 

 
(1,408
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net decrease for the period
 

 

 
(60,685
)
 
(59,468
)
 
(3,204
)
 
(123,357
)
Balance, beginning of period
 

 

 
85,758

 
81,582

 
(1,095
)
 
166,245

Balance, end of period
 
$

 
$

 
$
25,073

 
$
22,114

 
$
(4,299
)
 
$
42,888


22

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Three Months Ended March 26, 2017
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P.
(Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET CASH FROM (FOR) OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
 
$
23,702

 
$
56,496

 
$
(35,208
)
 
$
(119,483
)
 
$
509

 
$
(73,984
)
CASH FLOWS FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany receivables (payments) receipts
 

 

 

 
28,274

 
(28,274
)
 

Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(1,148
)
 
(47,317
)
 

 
(48,465
)
Net cash for investing activities
 

 

 
(1,148
)
 
(19,043
)
 
(28,274
)
 
(48,465
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany payables (payments) receipts
 
24,949

 
(53,223
)
 

 

 
28,274

 

Net borrowings on revolving credit loans
 

 

 

 
85,000

 

 
85,000

Distributions paid to partners
 
(48,651
)
 

 

 

 
516

 
(48,135
)
Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions
 

 
(1,369
)
 

 

 

 
(1,369
)
Payments related to tax withholding for equity compensation
 

 
(1,904
)
 

 

 

 
(1,904
)
Net cash from (for) financing activities
 
(23,702
)
 
(56,496
)
 

 
85,000

 
28,790

 
33,592

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
383

 

 

 
383

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net decrease for the period
 

 

 
(35,973
)
 
(53,526
)
 
1,025

 
(88,474
)
Balance, beginning of period
 

 

 
65,563

 
58,178

 
(1,025
)
 
122,716

Balance, end of period
 
$

 
$

 
$
29,590

 
$
4,652

 
$

 
$
34,242



23

Table of Contents

(13) Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantors and Issuers of April 2017 Notes:
Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company ("Cedar Canada"), Magnum Management Corporation ("Magnum"), and Millennium Operations LLC ("Millennium") are the co-issuers of the Partnership's April 2017 Notes (see Note 5). The notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by each 100% owned subsidiary of Cedar Fair (other than Cedar Canada, Magnum and Millennium) that guarantees the Partnership's senior secured credit facilities. There are no non-guarantor subsidiaries.

The following consolidating schedules present condensed financial information for Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Canada, Magnum, and Millennium, the co-issuers, and each 100% owned subsidiary of Cedar Fair (other than Cedar Canada, Magnum and Millennium), the guarantors (on a combined basis), as of March 25, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 26, 2017 and for the three-month periods ended March 25, 2018 and March 26, 2017. In lieu of providing separate unaudited financial statements for the guarantor subsidiaries, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidating financial statements have been included.


24

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
March 25, 2018
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P.
(Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Millennium)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$

 
$
25,073

 
$
22,114

 
$

 
$
(4,299
)
 
$
42,888

Receivables
 

 
1,232

 
74,787

 
23,005

 
762,874

 
(831,103
)
 
30,795

Inventories
 

 

 
2,493

 
30,661

 
7,149

 

 
40,303

Other current assets
 
69

 
1,922

 
2,459

 
28,669

 
7,226

 
(347
)
 
39,998

 
 
69

 
3,154

 
104,812

 
104,449

 
777,249

 
(835,749
)
 
153,984

Property and Equipment, net
 

 
827

 
180,303

 

 
1,439,969

 

 
1,621,099

Investment in Park
 
485,489

 
967,791

 
234,220

 
1,426,366

 
203,858

 
(3,317,724
)
 

Goodwill
 
674

 

 
62,012

 
8,388

 
111,217

 

 
182,291

Other Intangibles, net
 

 

 
13,834

 

 
23,876

 

 
37,710

Deferred Tax Asset
 

 
7,150

 

 

 

 
(7,150
)
 

Other Assets
 

 

 
39

 
399

 
9,069

 

 
9,507

 
 
$
486,232

 
$
978,922

 
$
595,220

 
$
1,539,602

 
$
2,565,238

 
$
(4,160,623
)
 
$
2,004,591

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
531,176

 
$
302,858

 
$
1,806

 
$
30,271

 
$
9,103

 
$
(835,402
)
 
$
39,812

Deferred revenue
 

 

 
8,033

 
89,492

 
26,988

 

 
124,513

Accrued interest
 
215

 
143

 
7,634

 
13,127

 

 

 
21,119

Accrued taxes
 
883

 

 
463

 
7,782

 
1,395

 
(347
)
 
10,176

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
 

 
13,777

 
736

 

 

 

 
14,513

Self-insurance reserves
 

 
10,438

 
1,543

 
10,475

 
2,355

 

 
24,811

Other accrued liabilities
 
3,283

 
5,249

 
268

 
5,054

 
4,382

 

 
18,236

 
 
535,557

 
332,465

 
20,483

 
156,201

 
44,223

 
(835,749
)
 
253,180

Deferred Tax Liability
 

 

 
12,664

 

 
81,945

 
(7,150
)
 
87,459

Derivative Liability
 
1,638

 
1,092

 

 

 

 

 
2,730

Other Liabilities
 

 
705

 

 
120

 
10,578

 

 
11,403

Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving credit loans
 

 

 

 
40,000

 

 

 
40,000

Term debt
 

 
127,350

 

 
596,175

 

 

 
723,525

Notes
 

 

 
445,458

 
491,799

 

 

 
937,257

 
 

 
127,350

 
445,458

 
1,127,974

 

 

 
1,700,782

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
 
(50,963
)
 
517,310

 
116,615

 
255,307

 
2,428,492

 
(3,317,724
)
 
(50,963
)
 
 
$
486,232

 
$
978,922

 
$
595,220

 
$
1,539,602

 
$
2,565,238

 
$
(4,160,623
)
 
$
2,004,591



25

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P.
(Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Millennium)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$

 
$
85,758

 
$
80,430

 
$
1,152

 
$
(1,095
)
 
$
166,245

Receivables
 

 
1,184

 
15,574

 
26,130

 
831,075

 
(836,241
)
 
37,722

Inventories
 

 

 
1,891

 
22,528

 
5,300

 

 
29,719

Other current assets
 
164

 
28,297

 
3,454

 
9,341

 
1,642

 
(29,601
)
 
13,297

 
 
164

 
29,481

 
106,677

 
138,429

 
839,169

 
(866,937
)
 
246,983

Property and Equipment, net
 

 
835

 
181,673

 

 
1,403,264

 

 
1,585,772

Investment in Park
 
588,684

 
1,045,640

 
238,132

 
1,392,761

 
234,237

 
(3,499,454
)
 

Goodwill
 
674

 

 
63,551

 
8,387

 
111,218

 

 
183,830

Other Intangibles, net
 

 

 
14,177

 

 
23,887

 

 
38,064

Deferred Tax Asset
 

 
20,956

 

 

 

 
(20,956
)
 

Other Assets
 

 

 
40

 
402

 
9,068

 

 
9,510

 
 
$
589,522

 
$
1,096,912

 
$
604,250

 
$
1,539,979

 
$
2,620,843

 
$
(4,387,347
)
 
$
2,064,159

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
497,558

 
$
344,410

 
$
1,379

 
$
13,572

 
$
5,038

 
$
(837,336
)
 
$
24,621

Deferred revenue
 

 

 
6,237

 
59,307

 
20,587

 

 
86,131

Accrued interest
 
27

 
18

 
2,055

 
6,024

 

 

 
8,124

Accrued taxes
 
352

 

 

 
6,176

 
67,048

 
(29,601
)
 
43,975

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
 

 
17,498

 
1,242

 

 

 

 
18,740

Self-insurance reserves
 

 
10,947

 
1,618

 
10,156

 
2,386

 

 
25,107

Other accrued liabilities
 
3,406

 
5,094

 
157

 
5,649

 
4,490

 

 
18,796

 
 
501,343

 
377,967

 
12,688

 
100,884

 
99,549

 
(866,937
)
 
225,494

Deferred Tax Liability
 

 

 
13,809

 

 
81,945

 
(20,956
)
 
74,798

Derivative Liability
 
5,233

 
3,489

 

 

 

 

 
8,722

Other Liabilities
 

 
873

 

 
120

 
10,691

 

 
11,684

Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term debt
 

 
127,437

 

 
596,351

 

 

 
723,788

Notes
 

 

 
445,156

 
491,571

 

 

 
936,727

 
 

 
127,437

 
445,156

 
1,087,922

 

 

 
1,660,515

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
 
82,946

 
587,146

 
132,597

 
351,053

 
2,428,658

 
(3,499,454
)
 
82,946

 
 
$
589,522

 
$
1,096,912

 
$
604,250

 
$
1,539,979

 
$
2,620,843

 
$
(4,387,347
)
 
$
2,064,159



26

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
March 26, 2017
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P.
(Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Millennium)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$

 
$
29,590

 
$
3,979

 
$
673

 
$

 
$
34,242

Receivables
 

 
1,552

 
61,894

 
20,455

 
521,167

 
(576,483
)
 
28,585

Inventories
 

 

 
1,965

 
29,247

 
6,726

 

 
37,938

Other current assets
 
74

 
907

 
3,462

 
21,705

 
5,982

 
(1,661
)
 
30,469

 
 
74

 
2,459

 
96,911

 
75,386

 
534,548

 
(578,144
)
 
131,234

Property and Equipment, net
 

 
835

 
176,952

 

 
1,410,861

 

 
1,588,648

Investment in Park
 
711,257

 
852,264

 
195,731

 
1,291,335

 
294,228

 
(3,344,815
)
 

Goodwill
 
674

 

 
59,620

 
8,388

 
111,217

 

 
179,899

Other Intangibles, net
 

 

 
13,306

 

 
24,418

 

 
37,724

Deferred Tax Asset
 

 
16,616

 

 

 

 
(16,616
)
 

Other Assets
 

 
2,000

 
109

 
1,240

 
17,425

 

 
20,774

 
 
$
712,005

 
$
874,174

 
$
542,629

 
$
1,376,349

 
$
2,392,697

 
$
(3,939,575
)
 
$
1,958,279

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$

 
$
897

 
$
100

 
$
3,353

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,350

Accounts payable
 
453,329

 
125,934

 
2,081

 
30,886

 
8,968

 
(576,483
)
 
44,715

Deferred revenue
 

 

 
7,373

 
80,666

 
28,093

 

 
116,132

Accrued interest
 
864

 
589

 
7,729

 
1,831

 

 

 
11,013

Accrued taxes
 
1,084

 

 

 
7,563

 
1,550

 
(1,661
)
 
8,536

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
 

 
13,792

 
635

 

 

 

 
14,427

Self-insurance reserves
 

 
11,397

 
1,484

 
10,883

 
2,069

 

 
25,833

Other accrued liabilities
 
2,644

 
3,907

 
164

 
2,717

 
2,187

 

 
11,619

 
 
457,921

 
156,516

 
19,566

 
137,899

 
42,867

 
(578,144
)
 
236,625

Deferred Tax Liability
 

 

 
13,273

 

 
125,350

 
(16,616
)
 
122,007

Derivative Liability
 
9,395

 
6,263

 

 

 

 

 
15,658

Other Liabilities
 

 
1,125

 

 
331

 
11,467

 

 
12,923

Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving credit loans
 

 

 

 
85,000

 

 

 
85,000

Term debt
 

 
123,347

 
13,576

 
456,274

 

 

 
593,197

Notes
 
292,241

 
203,256

 
444,924

 

 

 

 
940,421

 
 
292,241

 
326,603

 
458,500

 
541,274

 

 

 
1,618,618

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
 
(47,552
)
 
383,667

 
51,290

 
696,845

 
2,213,013

 
(3,344,815
)
 
(47,552
)
 
 
$
712,005

 
$
874,174

 
$
542,629

 
$
1,376,349

 
$
2,392,697

 
$
(3,939,575
)
 
$
1,958,279



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Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Three Months Ended March 25, 2018
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P.
(Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Millennium)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
 
$
(10,767
)
 
$
854

 
$
271

 
$
53,731

 
$
1,706

 
$
8,932

 
$
54,727

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of food, merchandise and games revenues
 

 

 

 
5,899

 
104

 

 
6,003

Operating expenses
 

 
42,671

 
5,716

 
22,620

 
8,889

 
8,932

 
88,828

Selling, general and administrative
 
759

 
14,450

 
680

 
11,643

 
1,150

 

 
28,682

Depreciation and amortization
 

 
8

 

 

 
5,513

 

 
5,521

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
 

 

 
40

 
651

 
649

 

 
1,340

 
 
759

 
57,129

 
6,436

 
40,813

 
16,305

 
8,932

 
130,374

Operating income (loss)
 
(11,526
)
 
(56,275
)
 
(6,165
)
 
12,918

 
(14,599
)
 

 
(75,647
)
Interest (income) expense, net
 
4,904

 
4,367

 
5,583

 
11,553

 
(6,871
)
 

 
19,536

Net effect of swaps
 
(2,207
)
 
(1,421
)
 

 

 

 

 
(3,628
)
Loss on early debt extinguishment
 

 
187

 

 
886

 

 

 
1,073

(Gain) loss on foreign currency
 

 
(41
)
 
10,135

 

 

 

 
10,094

Other (income) expense
 
59

 
(9,804
)
 
854

 

 
8,768

 

 
(123
)
Loss from investment in affiliates
 
68,528

 
28,815

 
3,913

 

 
20,585

 
(121,841
)
 

Income (loss) before taxes
 
(82,810
)
 
(78,378
)
 
(26,650
)
 
479

 
(37,081
)
 
121,841

 
(102,599
)
Provision (benefit) for taxes
 
590

 
(9,851
)
 
(6,062
)
 
479

 
(4,355
)
 

 
(19,199
)
Net loss
 
$
(83,400
)
 
$
(68,527
)
 
$
(20,588
)
 
$

 
$
(32,726
)
 
$
121,841

 
$
(83,400
)
Other comprehensive income, (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment
 
4,604

 

 
4,604

 

 

 
(4,604
)
 
4,604

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedging derivatives
 
2,018

 
630

 

 

 

 
(630
)
 
2,018

Other comprehensive income, (net of tax)
 
6,622

 
630

 
4,604

 

 

 
(5,234
)
 
6,622

Total comprehensive loss
 
$
(76,778
)
 
$
(67,897
)
 
$
(15,984
)
 
$

 
$
(32,726
)
 
$
116,607

 
$
(76,778
)

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Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Three Months Ended March 26, 2017
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P.
(Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Millennium)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
 
$
(6,138
)
 
$
(291
)
 
$
353

 
$
46,978

 
$
3,782

 
$
3,634

 
$
48,318

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of food, merchandise and games revenues
 

 

 

 
5,313

 
167

 

 
5,480

Operating expenses
 

 
40,592

 
5,304

 
26,318

 
8,441

 
3,634

 
84,289

Selling, general and administrative
 
894

 
14,495

 
746

 
10,893

 
591

 

 
27,619

Depreciation and amortization
 

 
8

 
2

 

 
5,355

 

 
5,365

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
 

 

 
445

 
496

 
585

 

 
1,526

 
 
894

 
55,095

 
6,497

 
43,020

 
15,139

 
3,634

 
124,279

Operating income (loss)
 
(7,032
)
 
(55,386
)
 
(6,144
)
 
3,958

 
(11,357
)
 

 
(75,961
)
Interest (income) expense, net
 
8,169

 
5,308

 
5,905

 
3,422

 
(3,922
)
 

 
18,882

Net effect of swaps
 
150

 
151

 

 

 

 

 
301

Gain on foreign currency
 

 

 
(2,671
)
 

 

 

 
(2,671
)
Other (income) expense
 
62

 
(15,264
)
 
657

 

 
14,545

 

 

Loss from investment in affiliates
 
48,666

 
20,604

 
4,344

 

 
11,097

 
(84,711
)
 

Income (loss) before taxes
 
(64,079
)
 
(66,185
)
 
(14,379
)
 
536

 
(33,077
)
 
84,711

 
(92,473
)
Provision (benefit) for taxes
 
675

 
(17,519
)
 
(3,276
)
 
536

 
(8,135
)
 

 
(27,719
)
Net loss
 
$
(64,754
)
 
$
(48,666
)
 
$
(11,103
)
 
$

 
$
(24,942
)
 
$
84,711

 
$
(64,754
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment
 
(660
)
 

 
(660
)
 

 

 
660

 
(660
)
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedging derivatives
 
1,994

 
605

 

 

 

 
(605
)
 
1,994

Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax)
 
1,334

 
605

 
(660
)
 

 

 
55

 
1,334

Total comprehensive loss
 
$
(63,420
)
 
$
(48,061
)
 
$
(11,763
)
 
$

 
$
(24,942
)
 
$
84,766

 
$
(63,420
)


29

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Three Months Ended March 25, 2018
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Millennium)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET CASH FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
16,999

 
$
58,464

 
$
(6,538
)
 
$
(64,317
)
 
$
(56,267
)
 
$
(3,559
)
 
$
(55,218
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany receivables (payments) receipts
 

 

 
(50,000
)
 

 
64,688

 
(14,688
)
 

Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(2,739
)
 
(32,480
)
 
(9,573
)
 

 
(44,792
)
Net cash from (for) investing activities
 

 

 
(52,739
)
 
(32,480
)
 
55,115

 
(14,688
)
 
(44,792
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany payables (payments) receipts
 
33,622

 
(48,310
)
 

 

 

 
14,688

 

Net borrowings on revolving credit loans
 

 

 

 
40,000

 

 

 
40,000

Distributions paid to partners
 
(50,621
)
 

 

 

 

 
355

 
(50,266
)
Payment of debt issuance costs and original issue discount
 

 
(321
)
 

 
(1,519
)
 

 

 
(1,840
)
Exercise of limited partnership unit options
 

 
125

 

 

 

 

 
125

Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions
 

 
(3,039
)
 

 

 

 

 
(3,039
)
Payments related to tax withholding for equity compensation
 

 
(6,919
)
 

 

 

 

 
(6,919
)
Net cash from (for) financing activities
 
(16,999
)
 
(58,464
)
 

 
38,481

 

 
15,043

 
(21,939
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
(1,408
)
 

 

 

 
(1,408
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net decrease for the year
 

 

 
(60,685
)
 
(58,316
)
 
(1,152
)
 
(3,204
)
 
(123,357
)
Balance, beginning of year
 

 

 
85,758

 
80,430

 
1,152

 
(1,095
)
 
166,245

Balance, end of year
 
$

 
$

 
$
25,073

 
$
22,114

 
$

 
$
(4,299
)
 
$
42,888


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Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Three Months Ended March 26, 2017
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Millennium)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET CASH FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
23,702

 
$
56,496

 
$
(35,208
)
 
$
(97,827
)
 
$
(21,656
)
 
$
509

 
$
(73,984
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany receivables (payments) receipts
 

 

 

 

 
28,274

 
(28,274
)
 

Capital expenditures
 

 

 
(1,148
)
 
(41,019
)
 
(6,298
)
 

 
(48,465
)
Net cash from (for) investing activities
 

 

 
(1,148
)
 
(41,019
)
 
21,976

 
(28,274
)
 
(48,465
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany payables (payments) receipts
 
24,949

 
(53,223
)
 

 

 

 
28,274

 

Net borrowings on revolving credit loans
 

 

 

 
85,000

 

 

 
85,000

Distributions paid to partners
 
(48,651
)
 

 

 

 

 
516

 
(48,135
)
Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions
 

 
(1,369
)
 

 

 

 

 
(1,369
)
Payments related to tax withholding for equity compensation
 

 
(1,904
)
 

 

 

 

 
(1,904
)
Net cash from (for) financing activities
 
(23,702
)
 
(56,496
)
 

 
85,000

 

 
28,790

 
33,592

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
383

 

 

 

 
383

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) for the year
 

 

 
(35,973
)
 
(53,846
)
 
320

 
1,025

 
(88,474
)
Balance, beginning of year
 

 

 
65,563

 
57,825

 
353

 
(1,025
)
 
122,716

Balance, end of year
 
$

 
$

 
$
29,590

 
$
3,979

 
$
673

 
$

 
$
34,242



31

Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Business Overview:
We generate our revenues from sales of (1) admission to our amusement parks and water parks, (2) food, merchandise and games both inside and outside our parks, and (3) accommodations, extra-charge products, and other revenue sources. Our principal costs and expenses, which include salaries and wages, operating supplies, maintenance, advertising, utilities and insurance, are relatively fixed and do not vary significantly with attendance.

Each of our properties is overseen by a park general manager and operates autonomously. Management reviews operating results, evaluates performance and makes operating decisions, including allocating resources, on a property-by-property basis.

Along with attendance and per capita statistics, discrete financial information and operating results are prepared at the individual park level for use by the CEO, who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), as well as by the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Vice President of Operations, Regional Vice Presidents and the park general managers.

Critical Accounting Policies:
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions during the normal course of business that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

Management believes that judgment and estimates related to the following critical accounting policies could materially affect our consolidated financial statements:
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Self-Insurance Reserves
Revenue Recognition
Income Taxes
We adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09") effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Our accounting policy as a result of adopting ASU 2014-09 is discussed below. There were no other changes in the above critical accounting policies from those previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 during the first quarter of 2018.
Revenue Recognition and related receivables and contract liabilities
As disclosed within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, revenues are generated from sales of (1) admission to our amusement parks and water parks, (2) food, merchandise and games both inside and outside the parks, and (3) accommodations, extra-charge products, and other revenue sources. Admission revenues include amounts paid to gain admission into our parks, including parking fees. Revenues related to extra-charge products, including premium benefit offerings such as front-of-line products, and online advanced purchase transaction fees charged to customers are included in "Accommodations, extra-charge products and other". Due to our highly seasonal operations, a substantial portion of our revenues are generated during an approximate 130- to 140-day operating season. Most revenues are recognized on a daily basis based on actual guest spend at the properties. Revenues from multi-use products, including season-long products for admission, dining, beverage and other products, are recognized over the estimated number of uses expected for each type of product. The estimated number of uses is reviewed and may be updated periodically during the operating season prior to the ticket or product expiration, which generally occurs no later than the close of the operating season. The number of uses is estimated based on historical usage adjusted for current period trends. For any bundled products that include multiple performance obligations, revenue is allocated using the retail price of each distinct performance obligation and any inherent discounts are allocated based on the gross margin and expected redemption of each performance obligation. We do not typically provide for refunds or returns.

In some instances, we arrange with outside parties ("concessionaires") to provide goods to our guests, typically food and merchandise, and we act as an agent, resulting in net revenue recorded within the income statement. Concessionaire arrangement revenues are recognized over the operating season and are variable. Sponsorship revenues and marina revenues, which are classified as "Accommodations, extra-charge products and other" within the income statement, are recognized over the park operating season which represents the period in which the performance obligations are satisfied. Sponsorship revenues are typically fixed. However,

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Table of Contents

some sponsorship revenues are variable based on achievement of specified operating metrics. We estimate variable revenues and perform a constraint analysis using both historical information and current trends to determine the amount of revenue that is not probable of a significant reversal.
Income Taxes
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The Act makes significant changes to U.S. tax law and, among other things, reduces federal corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%. The accounting treatment of these tax law changes is complex, and the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain tax effects of the Act. We recognized the provisional tax impacts related to the reduction in tax rates including the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions we have made, additional regulatory or accounting guidance that may be issued, and actions the Partnership may take as a result of the Act. We expect to complete our analysis of the effects of the Act within the measurement period in accordance with SAB 118.

Adjusted EBITDA:
We believe that Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, other non-cash items, and adjustments as defined in the Amended 2017 Credit Agreement and the 2013 Credit Agreement) is a meaningful measure as it is widely used by analysts, investors and comparable companies in our industry to evaluate our operating performance on a consistent basis, as well as more easily compare our results with those of other companies in our industry. Further, management believes Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of park-level operating profitability and we use it for measuring returns on capital investments, evaluating potential acquisitions, determining awards under incentive compensation plans, and calculating compliance with certain loan covenants. Adjusted EBITDA is provided in the discussion of results of operations that follows as a supplemental measure of our operating results and is not intended to be a substitute for operating income, net income or cash flows from operating activities as defined under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

The table below sets forth a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss for the three-month periods ended March 25, 2018 and March 26, 2017.
 
Three months ended
(In thousands)
3/25/2018
 
3/26/2017
Net loss
$
(83,400
)
 
$
(64,754
)
Interest expense
19,762

 
18,914

Interest income
(226
)
 
(32
)
Benefit for taxes
(19,199
)
 
(27,719
)
Depreciation and amortization
5,521

 
5,365

EBITDA
(77,542
)
 
(68,226
)
Loss on early debt extinguishment
1,073

 

Net effect of swaps
(3,628
)
 
301

Non-cash foreign currency (gain) loss
10,098

 
(2,679
)
Non-cash equity compensation expense
2,968

 
3,417

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
1,340

 
1,526

Other (1)
169

 
192

Adjusted EBITDA
$
(65,522
)
 
$
(65,469
)

(1)
Consists of certain costs as defined in the Partnership's Amended 2017 Credit Agreement and prior credit agreements. These items are excluded in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and have included certain legal expenses, costs associated with certain ride abandonment or relocation expenses, and severance expenses. This balance also includes unrealized gains and losses on short-term investments.

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Results of Operations:
We believe the following are significant measures in the structure of our management and operational reporting, and they are used as major factors in key operational decisions:
Attendance is defined as the number of guest visits to our amusement parks and separately gated outdoor water parks.
In-park per capita spending is calculated as revenues generated within our amusement parks and separately gated outdoor water parks along with related tolls and parking revenues, divided by total attendance.
Out-of-park revenues are defined as revenues from resort, marina, sponsorship, online advanced purchase transaction fees charged to customers and all other out-of-park operations.
Both in-park per capita spending and out-of-park revenues exclude amounts remitted for concessionaire arrangements.
Three months ended March 25, 2018

Operating results for the first quarter are historically less than 5% of our full-year revenues and attendance. The results include normal off-season operating, maintenance, and administrative expenses at our ten seasonal amusement parks and two separately gated outdoor water parks, as well as daily operations at Knott's Berry Farm, which is open year-round, and Castaway Bay, which is generally open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day plus a limited daily schedule for the balance of the year. The fiscal three-month period ended March 25, 2018 consisted of a 13-week period and included a total of 92 operating days compared with 13 weeks and 88 operating days for the fiscal three-month period ended March 26, 2017. As of March 25, 2018 and March 26, 2017, four of our amusement parks were operating.

The following table presents key financial information for the three months ended March 25, 2018 and March 26, 2017:
 
 
Three months ended
 
Three months ended
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
 
3/25/2018
 
3/26/2017
 
$
 
%
 
 
(Amounts in thousands, except for per capita spending)
Net revenues
 
$
54,727

 
$
48,318

 
$
6,409

 
13.3
 %
Operating costs and expenses
 
123,513

 
117,388

 
6,125

 
5.2
 %
Depreciation and amortization
 
5,521

 
5,365

 
156

 
2.9
 %
Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
 
1,340

 
1,526

 
(186
)
 
N/M

Operating loss
 
$
(75,647
)
 
$
(75,961
)
 
$
314

 
0.4
 %
N/M - Not meaningful
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
 
$
(65,522
)
 
$
(65,469
)
 
$
(53
)
 
(0.1
)%

(1)
For additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, including how we define and use Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a reconciliation to net loss, see page 33.
For the quarter ended March 25, 2018, net revenues increased by $6.4 million, to $54.7 million, from $48.3 million in the first quarter of 2017. This reflects an increase in attendance and a slight increase in in-park per capita spending. Out-of-park revenues decreased $0.5 million compared with the same period in the prior year. The increase in attendance was driven by higher season pass attendance at Knott's Berry Farm. The slight increase in in-park per capita spending was attributable to an increase in revenues from our food and beverage programs, as well as our premium product offerings, offset by decreases in other guest spending categories. The decrease in out-of-park revenues was attributable to prior period proceeds received during the first quarter of 2017 from a business interruption claim at Cedar Point. Currency exchange rates had an immaterial impact on net revenues for the quarter as our Canadian park was not operating during the period.

Operating costs and expenses for the quarter increased 5.2%, or $6.1 million, to $123.5 million from $117.4 million in the first quarter of 2017. The increase is the result of a $4.5 million increase in operating expense, a $1.1 million increase in SG&A expense, and a $0.5 million increase in cost of goods sold. Operating expenses grew by $4.5 million primarily due to increased seasonal wages which were driven by both labor hour increases and hourly rate increases, increased operating expense attributable to disassembling attractions and decorations following the inaugural WinterFest holiday events at three parks, and to a lesser extent, increased maintenance expense and full-time wages attributable to both headcount and merit increases. We expect to continue to see higher labor costs during the current year due to both mandated and market wage rate adjustments. The $1.1 million increase in SG&A expense was primarily attributable to higher merchant fees and increased technology related costs. The

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increase in cost of goods sold was primarily related to the growth in our food and beverage programs. The increase in operating costs and expenses was not materially impacted by foreign currency exchange rates during the first quarter.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the quarter increased $0.2 million, or 2.9%, compared with the same period in the prior year due to growth in capital improvements over the past several years. For the first quarter of 2018, the loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets was $1.3 million, reflecting the retirements of assets in the normal course of business at several of our properties.

After the items above, operating loss for the first quarter of 2018 decreased $0.3 million to $75.7 million compared with an operating loss of $76.0 million for the first quarter of 2017.

Interest expense for the first quarter of 2018 increased $0.8 million compared to the same period in the prior year due to an increase in outstanding term debt. We recognized a $1.1 million loss on early debt extinguishment during the current period attributable to the amendment of our 2017 Credit Agreement described in Note 5. The net effect of our swaps resulted in a benefit to earnings of $3.6 million for the first quarter of 2018 compared with a $0.3 million charge to earnings in the first quarter of 2017. The difference reflects the change in fair market value movements in our de-designated swap portfolio offset by the amortization of amounts in OCI for these swaps. During the current quarter, we also recognized a $10.1 million net charge to earnings for foreign currency gains and losses compared with a $2.7 million net benefit to earnings for the first quarter in 2017. Both amounts primarily represent remeasurement of the U.S.-dollar denominated debt held at our Canadian property from the applicable currency to the legal entity's functional currency.

During the first quarter of 2018, a benefit for taxes of $19.2 million was recorded to account for PTP taxes and income taxes on our corporate subsidiaries. This compares with a benefit for taxes recorded in the first quarter of 2017 of $27.7 million. This decrease in benefit for taxes relates largely to the decrease in the federal statutory income tax rate implemented by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which was signed into law during the fourth quarter of 2017.

After the items above, net loss for the current quarter totaled $83.4 million, or $1.49 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with a net loss of $64.8 million, or $1.16 per diluted limited partner unit, for the first quarter a year ago.

For the current quarter, our Adjusted EBITDA loss was comparable to the prior period. The comparability in Adjusted EBITDA loss is attributable to increased net revenues due to increased attendance offset by increased operating costs and expenses associated with labor, operating supplies and other planned spending.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:
With respect to both liquidity and cash flow, we ended the first quarter of 2018 in sound condition. The working capital ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of 0.6 as of March 25, 2018 is the result of normal seasonal activity. Receivables, inventories and payables are at normal seasonal levels.
Operating Activities
During the three-month period ended March 25, 2018, net cash for operating activities was $55.2 million, a decrease of $18.8 million from the same period a year ago, primarily due to lower payments for interest and income taxes, as well as other changes in working capital.
Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities for the first three months of 2018 was $44.8 million, a decrease of $3.7 million compared with the same period in the prior year. This decrease reflects less planned capital expenditures in the current period.
Financing Activities
Net cash for financing activities for the first three months of 2018 was $21.9 million, a decrease of $55.5 million compared with the same period in the prior year. This decrease primarily reflects less borrowings on our revolving credit facility in the current period.


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As of March 25, 2018, our outstanding debt, before reduction for debt issuance costs and original issue discount, consisted of the following:

$500 million of 5.375% senior unsecured notes, maturing in April 2027, issued at par. Prior to April 15, 2020, up to 35% of the notes may be redeemed with net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 105.375% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any. The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to April 15, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a "make-whole" premium, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed. The notes pay interest semi-annually in April and October.

$450 million of 5.375% senior unsecured notes, maturing in June 2024, issued at par. The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to June 1, 2019 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a "make-whole" premium, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed. The notes pay interest semi-annually in June and December.

$735 million of senior secured term debt, maturing in April 2024 under our Amended 2017 Credit Agreement. The term debt bears interest at the London InterBank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") plus 175 basis points (bps), under amendments we entered into on March 14, 2018. The pricing terms for the amendment reflected $0.9 million of Original Issue Discount ("OID"). The term loan amortizes $7.5 million annually. We paid $15.0 million of amortization during the third quarter of 2017. Therefore, we have no current maturities as of March 25, 2018.

$40 million of borrowings under the $275 million senior secured revolving credit facility under our Amended 2017 Credit Agreement with a Canadian sub-limit of $15 million. Borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR or Canadian Dollar Offered Rate ("CDOR") plus 200 bps. The revolving credit facility is scheduled to mature in April 2022 and also provides for the issuance of documentary and standby letters of credit. The Amended 2017 Credit Agreement requires the payment of a 37.5 bps commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the credit facilities. After letters of credit, which totaled $15.9 million at March 25, 2018, we had $219.1 million of available borrowings under the revolving credit facility and cash on hand of $42.9 million.

As of March 25, 2018, we have four interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert $500 million of variable-rate debt to a fixed rate. These swaps, which mature on December 31, 2020 and fix LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.64%, are not designated as cash flow hedges. As of March 25, 2018, the fair market value of our derivative liability was $2.7 million and was recorded in "Derivative Liability."

The Amended 2017 Credit Agreement includes a Consolidated Leverage Ratio, which if breached for any reason and not cured could result in an event of default. The ratio is set at a maximum of 5.50x Consolidated Total Debt-to-Consolidated EBITDA. As of March 25, 2018, we were in compliance with this financial condition covenant and all other financial covenants under the Amended 2017 Credit Agreement.

Our long-term debt agreements include Restricted Payment provisions. Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing our June 2014 notes, which includes the most restrictive of these Restricted Payments provisions, we can make Restricted Payments of $60 million annually so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing; and we can make additional Restricted Payments if our pro forma Total-Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow Ratio is less than or equal to 5.00x.

In accordance with the Amended 2017 Credit Agreement debt provisions, on February 28, 2018, we announced the declaration of a distribution of $0.89 per limited partner unit, which was paid on March 19, 2018. Also, on May 2, 2018, we announced the declaration of a distribution of $0.89 per limited partner unit, which will be payable on June 15, 2018.

Existing credit facilities and cash flows from operations are expected to be sufficient to meet working capital needs, debt service, partnership distributions and planned capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements:
We had $15.9 million in letters of credit, which are primarily in place to backstop insurance arrangements, outstanding on our revolving credit facility as of March 25, 2018. We have no other significant off-balance sheet financing arrangements.


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Forward Looking Statements
Some of the statements contained in this report (including the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section) that are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements as to our expectations, beliefs and strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements may involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Important factors, including those listed under Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, could adversely affect our future financial performance and cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the filing date of this document.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risks from fluctuations in interest rates, and to a lesser extent on currency exchange rates on our operations in Canada, and from time to time, on imported rides and equipment. The objective of our financial risk management is to reduce the potential negative impact of interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations to acceptable levels. We do not acquire market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

We manage interest rate risk through the use of a combination of fixed-rate long-term debt, interest rate swaps that fix a portion of our variable-rate long-term debt, and variable-rate borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Translation exposures with regard to our Canadian operations are not hedged.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of "Other comprehensive income (loss)" and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify as effective hedging activities are reported as "Net effect of swaps" in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, the "Other comprehensive income (loss)" related to interest rate swaps that become ineffective is amortized over the remaining life of the interest rate swap and reported as a component of "Net effect of swaps" in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

As of March 25, 2018, on an adjusted basis after giving affect to the impact of interest rate swap agreements, $1,450.0 million of our outstanding long-term debt represented fixed-rate debt and $235.0 million represented variable-rate debt. Assuming an average balance on our revolving credit borrowings of approximately $5.5 million, a hypothetical 100 bps increase in 30-day LIBOR on our variable-rate debt (not considering the impact of our interest rate swaps) would lead to an increase of approximately $7.4 million in annual cash interest costs.

Assuming a hypothetical 100 bps increase in 30-day LIBOR, the amount of net cash interest paid on our derivative portfolio would decrease by $5.0 million over the next twelve months.

A uniform 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar would result in a $3.5 million decrease in annual operating income.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures - 
We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of March 25, 2018, management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 25, 2018.


(b)Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting -
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 25, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Freddie Ramos vs. Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management Company
The Partnership and Cedar Fair Management, Inc. are defendants in a lawsuit filed in Superior Court of the State of California for Orange County on November 23, 2016 by Freddie Ramos seeking damages and injunctive relief for claims related to certain employment and pay practices at our parks in California, including those related to certain check-out, time reporting, discharge, meal and rest period, and pay statement practices. The Partnership filed an answer on January 13, 2017 denying the allegations in the complaint and requesting a dismissal of all claims.  On January 17, 2017, the Partnership filed a Notice of Removal of the case from the state court to the United State District Court for the Central District of California. The class has not been certified. On August 29, 2017, the Partnership participated in a mediation relating to the claims alleged in the lawsuit. Following this mediation, the Partnership negotiated a $4.2 million settlement with the named Plaintiff on a class wide basis. As part of the settlement, the case will be remanded back to the Superior Court of the State of California for Orange County for a preliminary hearing and final court approval of the proposed settlement. The Partnership and the named Plaintiff are required to file a brief in support of the settlement with the court. The hearing to approve the final settlement is not expected to occur until the second quarter of 2018. Based upon the information available, the Partnership believes the liability recorded as of March 25, 2018 is adequate and does not expect the terms of the negotiated settlement or final briefing to materially affect its financial results in future periods.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:
The following table summarizes repurchases of Cedar Fair, L.P. Depositary Units representing limited partner interests by the Partnership during the three months ended March 25, 2018:
 
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
(d)








Period
 
Total Number of Units Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid per Unit
 
Total Number of Units Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Units that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 - January 28
 

 

 

 
$

January 29 - February 25
 

 

 

 

February 26 - March 25
 
30,294

 
$
68.13

 

 

Total
 
30,294

 
$
68.13

 

 
$


(1)
All repurchased units were reacquired by the Partnership in satisfaction of tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted units which were granted under the Partnership's Omnibus Incentive Plan.


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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
Exhibit (101)
  
The following materials from the Partnership's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 25, 2018 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow, (iv) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity, and (v) related notes.
 

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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.
 
 
 
CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By Cedar Fair Management, Inc.
 
 
General Partner
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 2, 2018
/s/ Richard A. Zimmerman
 
 
Richard A. Zimmerman
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 2, 2018
/s/ Brian C. Witherow
 
 
Brian C. Witherow
 
 
Executive Vice President and
 
 
Chief Financial Officer

 

41