UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the fiscal year endedMay 28, 2015 December 29, 2016

 

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

 

For the transition period from _____________________ to _____________________

 

Commission File Number1-12604

 

THE MARCUS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin 39-1139844
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
   
100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1900

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
 53202-4125
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (414) 905-1000

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(414) 905-1000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each ClassName of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, $1.00 par valueNew York Stock Exchange

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

Yes¨ Nox

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

Yes¨ Nox

 

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 filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yesx No¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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).

 

Yesx No¨

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer¨ Accelerated filerx

Non-accelerated filer

¨

Smaller reporting company¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 Smaller reporting company             ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes¨ Nox

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common equity held by non-affiliates as of November 27, 2014June 30, 2016 was approximately $295,306,432.$377,639,170. This value includes all shares of the registrant’s common stock, except for treasury shares and shares beneficially owned by the registrant’s directors and executive officers listed in Part I below.

 

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

 

Common stock outstanding at August 5, 2015February 28, 201718,877,84919,023,386

Class B common stock outstanding at August 5, 2015February 28, 20178,710,9728,696,301

 

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 20152017 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed with the Commission under Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year, will be incorporated by reference into Part III to the extent indicated therein upon such filing.

 

  

PART I

 

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain matters discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the accompanying annual report to shareholders, particularly in the Shareholders’ Letter and Management’s Discussion and Analysis, are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may generally be identified as such because the context of such statements include words such as we “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect” or words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially from those expected, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) the availability, in terms of both quantity and audience appeal, of motion pictures for our theatre division, as well as other industry dynamics such as the maintenance of a suitable window between the date such motion pictures are released in theatres and the date they are released to other distribution channels; (2) the effects of adverse economic conditions in our markets, particularly with respect to our hotels and resorts division; (3) the effects on our occupancy and room rates of the relative industry supply of available rooms at comparable lodging facilities in our markets; (4) the effects of competitive conditions in our markets; (5) our ability to achieve expected benefits and performance from our strategic initiatives and acquisitions; (6) the effects of increasing depreciation expenses, reduced operating profits during major property renovations, impairment losses, and preopening and start-up costs due to the capital intensive nature of our businesses; (7) the effects of adverse weather conditions, particularly during the winter in the Midwest and in our other markets; (8) our ability to identify properties to acquire, develop and/or manage and the continuing availability of funds for such development; and (9) the adverse impact on business and consumer spending on travel, leisure and entertainment resulting from terrorist attacks in the United States or other incidents of violence in public venues such as the recent tragedy in ahotels and movie theatre in Louisiana.theatres. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are made only as of the date of this Form 10-K and we undertake no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

 

Item 11..BusinessBusiness..

 

General

 

We are engaged primarily in two business segments: movie theatres and hotels and resorts.

 

As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, our theatre operations included 5568 movie theatres with 681885 screens throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio, including two movie theatres with 11 screens in Wisconsin and Nebraska owned by third parties and managed by us. We also operate a family entertainment center,Funset Boulevard, that is adjacent to one of our theatres in Appleton, Wisconsin.Wisconsin, and own theRonnie’s Plaza retail outlet in St. Louis, Missouri, an 84,000 square foot retail center featuring 21 shops and other businesses to which we lease retail space. As of the date of this Annual Report, we are the 54th largest theatre circuit in the United States.

 

As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, our hotels and resorts operations included nineeight wholly-owned or majority-owned and operated hotels and resorts in Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. We also manage 11managed 10 hotels, resorts and other properties for third parties in Wisconsin, California, Georgia, Minnesota, Nevada Florida and Texas. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we owned or managed approximately 5,2114,992 hotel and resort rooms.

 

Both of these business segments are discussed in detail below. For information regarding the revenues, operating income or loss, assets and certain other financial information of these segments for the last three full fiscal years and for our Transition Period ended December 31, 2015, please see our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Note 1112 in Part II below.

 

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Fiscal Year

In October 2015, we elected to change our fiscal year from the last Thursday in May to the last Thursday in December. As a result, on March 15, 2016, we filed a Transition Report on Form 10-K for the transition period beginning on May 29, 2015 and ended December 31, 2015, which we refer to in this Annual Report as the “Transition Period.” We refer in this Annual Report to the period beginning on January 1, 2016 and ended December 29, 2016 as “fiscal 2016.” We refer in this Annual Report to the period beginning on May 30, 2014 and ended on May 28, 2015 as “fiscal 2015,” and the period beginning on May 31, 2013 and ended on May 29, 2014 as “fiscal 2014.” In this Annual Report, we compare (1) financial results for fiscal 2016, which are audited, with the financial results for the 53-week period ended December 31, 2015, which are unaudited; (2) financial results for the Transition Period, which are audited, with financial results for the 30-week period ended December 25, 2014, which are unaudited; and (3) financial results for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, which are audited.

 

Strategic Plans

 

Please see our discussion under “Current Plans” in Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Theatre Operations

 

At the end of fiscal 2015,2016, we owned or operated 5568 movie theatre locations with a total of 681885 screens in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio. We averaged 12.4screens13.0 screens per location at the end of fiscal 2016, compared to 12.6 screens per location at the end of the Transition Period, 12.4 screens per location at the end of fiscal 2015 compared toand 12.5 screens per location at the end of fiscal 2013 and 2014. Included in the fiscal 2016, Transition Period, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 totals are two theatres with 11 screens that we manage for other owners. Our 5366 company-owned facilities include 3447 megaplex theatres (12 or more screens), representing approximately 76%81% of our total screens, 18 multiplex theatres (two to 11 screens) and one single-screen theatre. At the fiscal year-end, we operated 653860 first-run screens, 11 of which we operated under management contracts, and 2825 budget-oriented screens.

 

We haveIn addition to a significant theatre acquisition in fiscal 2016, we invested nearly $90$185 million to further enhance the movie-going experience and amenities in new and existing theatres over the last two fiscalthree and one-half calendar years, with more investments planned for fiscal 2016.2017. These investments include:

 

New theatres. Late in our fiscal 2015 fourth quarter, we opened our newesta theatre in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, the Marcus Palace Cinema, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.Cinema. Replacing an existing nearby theatre in Madison, Wisconsin, this new 12-screen theatre features all-reservedhas exceeded our expectations, and we opened two additional screens at this location during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2016, we purchased land and began construction on two new theatres. We expect to open a 10-screen theatre in Shakopee, Minnesota during the second quarter of fiscal 2017 that will feature all reserved DreamLoungerSMrecliner seating in every auditorium, twoUltraScreen DLX® auditoriums, fourBig Screen BistroSMin-theatre dining auditoriums, aZaffiro’s®Express and aTake Five LoungeSMLounge. Initial customer response to this new location has exceeded our expectations. During fiscal 2016, weWe expect to begin construction on another replacementopen our first stand-alone all in-theatre dining location, an eight-screen theatre that will be branded BistroPlexSM, in a different market andGreendale, Wisconsin during the third quarter of fiscal 2017. In addition, we are looking for additional sites for potential new locations. In addition, we are currently evaluating an opportunity to build our first stand-aloneBig Screen Bistrolocation. Construction on this location may also begintheatre locations in fiscal 2016. In addition to buildingboth new theatres, weand existing markets.

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Theatre acquisitions. We believe acquisitions of existing theatres or theatre circuits mayis also be a viable growth strategy for us. Over one-thirdIn April 2016, we purchased a closed 16-screen theatre in Country Club Hills, Illinois, which is now our sixth theatre in the greater Chicago area, building on our strong presence in the Chicago southern suburbs. The purchase was part of an Internal Revenue Code §1031 like-kind exchange in which the tax gain from our currentOctober 2015 sale of the real estate related to the Hotel Phillips was deferred by reinvesting the applicable proceeds in replacement real estate within a prescribed time period. We opened the newly renovated theatre early in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. The renovation added DreamLounger recliner seating to all auditoriums, added oneUltraScreen DLX auditorium and twoSuperScreen DLX® auditoriums, as well as aTake Five Lounge andReel Sizzle®outlet. In December 2016, we acquired the assets of Wehrenberg Theatres® (which we refer to as Wehrenberg), a family-owned and operated theatre circuit was acquired overbased in St. Louis, Missouri with 197 screens at 14 locations in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota. This acquisition increased our total number of screens by 29%. The movie theatre industry is very fragmented, with approximately 50% of United States screens owned by the past eight years,three largest theatre circuits and wethe other 50% owned by approximately 800 smaller operators, making it very difficult to predict when acquisition opportunities may arise. We have engaged third-party assistance to actively help us seek additional potential acquisitions in the future. We do not believe that we are geographically constrained, and we believe that we may be able to add value to certain theatres through our various proprietary amenities and operating expertise.

 

DreamLounger recliner additions. These luxurious, state-of-the-art recliners allow guests to go from upright to a full-recline position in seconds. These seat changes require full auditorium remodels to accommodate the necessary 84 inches of legroom, resulting in the loss of approximately 50% or more of the existing traditional seats in an average auditorium. To date, the addition of DreamLoungers has significantly increased attendance at each of our applicable theatre,theatres, outperforming nearby competitive theatres as well as growing the overall market attendance in most cases. By the end of May 2014, we had added DreamLoungers to all auditoriums in eight of our theatres. In addition to the new Marcus Palace Cinema described above, we alsoWe added DreamLounger recliner seats to fourseven more existing theatres during the second halffiscal 2016. As a result, as of fiscal 2015. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we offered DreamLoungersall DreamLounger recliner seating in 21 theatres, representing approximately 27%42% of our company-owned, first-run theatres and 30%(excluding the newly-acquired Wehrenberg theatres). Including our premium, large format (PLF) auditoriums with recliner seating, as of December 29, 2016, we offered our DreamLounger recliner seating in approximately 48% of our company-owned, first-run screens percentages that(excluding the Wehrenberg screens), a percentage we believe areto be the highest among the toplargest theatre chains in the industry.nation. Currently, only one Wehrenberg theatre offers recliner seating in all of its auditoriums. We are currently evaluating opportunities to add our DreamLounger premium seating to three12 to four18 additional existing theatres during fiscal 2016,2017, including multiple Wehrenberg theatres, in addition to the two new fiscal 2017 theatres described above. The majority of these projects are expected to be completed during the second half of fiscal 2017, but it is certainly possible that several may carry over into fiscal 2018. As a result, by the end of fiscal 2017 or shortly thereafter, we may increase our percentage of total combined Marcus/Wehrenberg theatres with all-DreamLounger recliner seating to approximately 55-65% and our percentage of total combined Marcus/Wehrenberg company-owned, first-run screens with DreamLounger recliner seating to 60-70%.

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UltraScreen DLX andSuperScreen DLX (DreamLounger eXperience) conversions. We introduced one of the first premium, large-format (PLF)PLF presentations to the industry when we rolled out our proprietaryUltraScreen® concept in 1999. During fiscal 2014, we introduced ourUltraScreen DLX concept by combining our premium, large-format presentation with DreamLounger premiumrecliner seating and Dolby Atmos®Dolby® Atmos™ immersive sound to elevate the movie-going experience for our guests. ByDuring the endTransition Period, we completed the renovation of May 2014, we had converted 11 large-format17 existing screens to theUltraScreen DLX concept.into PLF auditoriums. During fiscal 2015,2016, we convertedopened two moreUltraScreens to the DLX concept and added three newUltraScreen DLX auditoriums at an existing theatre in Minnesota, completed conversion of oneUltraScreen to anUltraScreen DLX at an existing theatre in Illinois, opened one newUltraScreen DLX auditorium and two newSuperScreen DLX auditoriums at our new Country Club Hills theatre described above, and converted four additional screens including twotoSuperScreen DLX auditoriums at three existing theatres in Wisconsin and Illinois. Several of our new PLF screens in fiscal 2016 included the new Marcus Palace Cinema.added feature of heated DreamLounger recliner seats. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we had seven23UltraScreen DLX auditoriums, three traditionalUltraScreens five recently introducedand 25SuperScreen DLXSM screens auditoriums (slightly smaller screen than anUltraScreen but with the same DreamLounger seating and Dolby Atmos sound – a PLF presentation designed for smaller markets) and 16UltraScreen DLX screensat our theatre locations (excluding the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres). We currently offer at least one PLF screen in operation. As a result, approximately 49%64% of our first-run, company-owned first-run theatres offer(excluding the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres) – once again a premium, large format option to its customers, whichpercentage we believe to be the highest percentage among the highest percentageslargest theatre chains in the industry.nation. Three of the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres feature IMAX® PLF screens. One Wehrenberg theatre features a proprietary MegaScreen PLF screen that we expect to convert to anUltraScreen DLX auditorium during fiscal 2017. Our PLF screens generally have higher per-screen revenues and draw customers from a larger geographic region compared to our standard screens, and we charge a premium price to our guests for this experience. We are currently evaluating opportunities to convert or add up to foureight additional screens at six existing theatres, including multiple Wehrenberg theatres, toUltraScreen DLX auditoriums and sevenSuperScreen DLX auditoriums during fiscal 2016.2017, in addition to three new PLF auditoriums planned for the two new fiscal 2017 theatres described above.

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Signature cocktail and dining concepts. We continuehave continued to further enhance our food and beverage offerings within our existing theatres. We believe our 50-plus years of food and beverage experience in the hotel and restaurant businesses provides us with a unique advantage and expertise that we can leverage to further grow revenues in this area.our theatres. The concepts we are currently expanding include:

 

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Take Five Lounge and Take Five Express– these full-service bars offer an inviting atmosphere and a chef-inspired dining menu, along with a complete selection of cocktails, locally-brewed beers and wines. We opened seventwo newTake Five Loungeoroutlets during the Transition Period and twoTake Five Lounge concepts and oneTake Five Express concepts and relocated and expanded our originalTake Five Lounge at our Majestic Cinema of Brookfield during fiscal 2015. We opened anotherTake Five Express earlyconcept in fiscal 2016, increasing our number of original Marcus theatres with this conceptone of these concepts to 14,19 as of December 29, 2016, representing approximately 29%38% of our company-owned, first-run theatres.theatres (excluding the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres). In addition, two Wehrenberg theatres offer a lounge concept that we expect to convert to one of ourTake Five concepts during fiscal 2017. We have oneare currently evaluating opportunities to add up to five additionalTake Five Lounge under construction and we anticipate adding at least one additionalorTake Five Expressoutletoutlets to existing theatres, including multiple Wehrenberg theatres, during the second half of fiscal 2016.2017, in addition to the two new fiscal 2017 theatres described above.

 

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Zaffiro’s Express – these outlets offer lobby dining that includes appetizers, sandwiches, salads, desserts and our signatureZaffiro’sTHINCREDIBLE® handmade thin-crust pizza. In select locations without aTake Five Lounge outlet, we offer beer and wine at theZaffiro’s Express outlet. We opened eightfive newZaffiro’s Express outlets during fiscal 2015the Transition Period and we opened two additionalthree newZaffiro’s Express outlets early induring fiscal 2016, increasing our number of theatres with this concept to 16,22 as of December 29, 2016, representing approximately 33%44% of our company-owned, first-run theatres.theatres (excluding the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres). We also operate threeZaffiro’s Pizzeria and Bar full-service restaurants, as well as one newly-openedReel Sizzle® counter griddle concept, featuring burgers, chicken sandwiches and tenders, along with ice cream and shakes.restaurants. We are currently have oneZaffiro’s Express outlet under construction and we anticipate addingevaluating opportunities to add up to threefour additionalZaffiro’sExpressoutlets during the second half of fiscal 2016.2017, including at multiple Wehrenberg theatres, and one at the new Shakopee theatre described above.

 

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Reel Sizzle– our newest signature dining concept serves menu items inspired by classic Hollywood and the iconic diners of the 1950s. We offer Americana fare like burgers and chicken sandwiches prepared on a griddle behind the counter, along with chicken tenders, crinkle cut fries, ice cream and signature shakes. As of December 29, 2016, we operated fiveReel Sizzle outlets, including four that we opened during fiscal 2016. We also operate oneHollywood Caféat an existing theatre. Five of the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres offer in-lobby dining concepts, operating under names such asFred’s Drive-In andRonnie’s Drive-In. We expect to convert several of them to ourZaffiro’s Express and/orReel Sizzle concepts during fiscal 2017, and we are evaluating additional opportunities to addReel Sizzle outlets to existing theatres.

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Big Screen Bistro – this concept offers full-service, in-theatre dining with a complete menu of drinks and chef-prepared salads, sandwiches, entrées and desserts. During fiscal 2015, we addedWe currently offer this concept to ten screens at three separate locations, including the new Marcus Palace Cinema, increasing our number ofsix theatres and screens with this concept to six andin 21 respectivelytotal auditoriums (including one theatre and five screens managed for another owner). In addition to the possibility of buildingour above-described plans to build our first stand-alone all in-theatre dining location with eight screens, we plan to convert five to seven auditoriums currently providing in-theatre dining at three Wehrenberg theatres under the nameFive Star Lounge to ourBig Screen Bistro with up to eight screens, we planconcept during fiscal 2017. We will also continue to evaluate additional opportunities to expand this concept in the future.future

 

We rolled out a “$5 Tuesday” and “$5 Student Thursday” promotionspromotion at every theatre in our circuit in mid-November 2013. We offerCoupled with a free 44-oz popcorn for everyone for the first five months of the program (subsequently offered only to our Magical Movie Rewards members, as well as additional concession specials for all of our customers. We have metloyalty program members) and an aggressive marketing campaign, our goal of increasingwas to increase overall attendance by reaching mid-week value customers who may have reduced their movie-going frequency or stopped going to the movies because of price, asprice. We have seen our Tuesday attendance has increasedincrease dramatically since the introduction of the $5 Tuesday promotion, and attendance has continued to grow during the subsequent years of the promotion. We believe this promotion has created another “weekend” day for us, without adversely impacting the movie-going habits of our regular weekend customers. The newly-acquired Wehrenberg theatres previously offered a discounted price on Tuesday nights, but we immediately introduced our $5 Tuesday promotion with the free popcorn for loyalty members upon acquiring the theatres and believe that there is an opportunity to significantly improve Tuesday performance at these theatres in the future. We also offer a “$5 Student Thursday” promotion at 36 locations that has been well received by that particular customer segment.

We launched a new, what we believe to be best-in-class, customer loyalty program called Magical Movie RewardsSM on March 30, 2014. Designed to enhance the movie-going experience for our customers, as of the end of July 2015, weresponse to this program has exceeded our expectations. We currently have approximately 1.8 million members enrolled over one million members. Over one-third (36%)in the program. More than 40% of all transactions in our theatres since program inception have been completed by registered members of the loyalty program. The program allows members to earn points for each dollar spent and access special offers available only available to members. The rewards are redeemable at the box office, concession stand or at the many Marcus Theatres food and beverage venues. In addition, we have partnered with Movio, a global leader in data analysis for the cinema industry, in order to allow more targeted communication with our loyalty members. The software provides us with insight into customer preferences, attendance habits and general demographics, which we expect will help us deliver an enhanced, personalized film-going experiencecustomized communication to our members. In turn, members of this program can enjoy and plan for a more personalized movie-going experience. The program also gives us the ability to cost effectively promote non-traditional programming and special events, particularly during non-peak time periods. We believe that this will result in increased movie-going frequency, higher averagemore frequent visits to the concession revenues per person,stand, increased loyalty to Marcus Theatres and ultimately, improved operating results. The recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres offers a loyalty program to their customers that currently has approximately 200,000 members. We plan on converting these members to our Magical Movie Rewards program during fiscal 2017.

 

In September 2013, we launchedWe have enhanced our mobile ticketing capabilities and added the Magical Movie Rewards loyalty program to our downloadable Marcus Theatres mobile application. We have redesigned ourTheatre Entertainment Networkmarcustheatres.comSM, offeringwebsite and continued to install additional theatre-level technology, such as new ticketing kiosks and digital menu boards and concession advertising monitors. Each of these enhancements is designed to improve customer interactions, both at the theatre and through mobile platforms and other electronic devices.

The addition of digital technology throughout our circuit (we offer digital cinema projection on 100% of our first-run screens) has provided us with additional opportunities to obtain non-motion picture programming from other new and existing content providers, including live and pre-recorded performances of the Metropolitan Opera, as well as sports, music and other events, at many of our locations. We offer weekday alternate programming at 29many of our theatres across our chain. These programs includecircuit. The special programming includes classic movies, live performances, comedy shows and children’s performances. In January 2014, we launched a program calledIndie Focus. We now offerIndie Focus at 11 theatres in six states. The program offers customersbelieve this type of programming is more impactful when presented on the big screen and provides an opportunity to view high quality art and independent films at theatres throughoutcontinue to expand our circuit. In addition, we offer Bollywood and Hispanic film product at select theatres, along with a Reel Movies for Real Needs program that provides a sensory sensitive environment (lower sound and lights up) for guests with special needs.audience base beyond traditional moviegoers.

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Revenues for the theatre business, and the motion picture industry in general, are heavily dependent on the general audience appeal of available films, together with studio marketing, advertising and support campaigns, factors over which we have no control. Consistent with prior yearsperiods in which blockbusters accounted for a significant portion of our total box office receipts, our top 15 performing films accounted for 38%43% of our fiscal 20152016 box office receipts, compared to 39%44% during fiscal 2014.the comparable 53-week period ended December 31, 2015. The following five fiscal 20152016 films accounted for over 18%nearly 20% of our total box office and produced the greatest box office receipts for our circuit:American SniperRogue One: A Star Wars Story,Avengers: Age of UltronFinding Dory,The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1Secret Life of Pets,Furious 7Deadpool andGuardians of the GalaxyCaptain America: Civil War.

 

We obtain our films from several national motion picture production and distribution companies, and we are not dependent on any single motion picture supplier. Our booking, advertising, concession purchases and promotional activities are handled centrally by our administrative staff.

 

We strive to provide our movie patrons with high-quality picture and sound presentation in clean, comfortable, attractive and contemporary theatre environments. Substantially all of our movie theatre complexes feature digital cinema technology; either digital sound, Dolby or other stereo sound systems; acoustical ceilings; side wall insulation; engineered drapery folds to eliminate sound imbalance, reverberation and distortion; tiled floors; loge seats; cup-holder chair-arms; and computer-controlled heating, air conditioning and ventilation. We offer stadium seating, a tiered seating system that permits unobstructed viewing, at substantially all of our first-run screens. Computerized box offices permit all of our movie theatres to sell tickets in advance. Our theatres are accessible to persons with disabilities and provide wireless headphones for hearing-impaired moviegoers. Other amenities at certain theatres include touch-screen, computerized, self-service ticket kiosks, which simplify advance ticket purchases. We own a minority interest in MovieTickets.com, a joint venture of movie and entertainment companies that was created to sell movie tickets over the internet and represents a large majority of the top 50 market theatre screens throughout the United States and Canada. As a result of our association with MovieTickets.com, moviegoers can buy tickets to movies at any of our first-run theatres via the internet. We have also recently entered into an agreement to allow moviegoers to buy tickets on Fandango, the largest online ticket-seller for the nation’s top sevensix theatre chains. We recentlyhave enhanced our web site and our mobile ticketing capabilities and added the Magical Movie Rewards loyalty program to our downloadable Marcus Theatres mobile application.

We have a master license agreement with a subsidiary of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. to deploy digital cinema systems in the majority of our company-owned theatre locations. Under the terms of the agreement, Cinedigm’s subsidiary purchased the digital projection systems and licensed them to us under a long-term arrangement. The costs to deploy this new technology are being covered primarily through the payment of virtual print fees from studios to our selected implementation company, Cinedigm. Our goals from digital cinema include delivering an improved film presentation to our guests, increasing scheduling flexibility, providing a platform for additional 3D presentations as needed, as well as maximizing the opportunities for alternate programming that may be available with this technology. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we offeredhad the ability to offer digital projection systems at 100%3D presentations in 259, or approximately 31%, of our first-run screens, including allUltraScreens. As of May 28, 2015, 205 screens, or 31% of our first-run screens, were equipped to show films in digital 3D, includingthethe vast majority of ourUltraScreens. There are approximately 28We have the ability to increase the number of digital 3D films scheduled for release during fiscal 2016, with more possibly announced at a later date, comparedcapable screens we offer to 25our guests in the future as needed, based on the number of digital 3D films that were played inanticipated to be released during future periods and our theatres during fiscal 2015.customers’ response to these 3D releases.

 

We sell food and beverage concessions in all of our movie theatres. We believe that a wide variety of food and beverage items, properly merchandised, increases concession revenue per patron. Although popcorn and soda remain the traditional favorites with moviegoers, we continue to upgrade our available concessions by offering varied choices. For example, some of our theatres offer hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, pretzel bites, frozen yogurt, coffee, mineral water and juices. We have also added self-serve soft drink dispensers and grab-and-go candy, frozen treat and bottled drink kiosks to many of our theatres. In recent years, we have added signature coctailcocktail and dining concepts as described above. The response to our new food and beverage offerings has been positive, and we have plans to expand these food and beverage concepts at additional locations in the future.

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We have a variety of ancillary revenue sources in our theatres, with the largest related to the sale of pre-show and lobby advertising (through our current advertising provider, Screenvision). We also obtain ancillary revenues from corporate and group meeting sales, sponsorships, internet surcharge fees and alternate auditorium uses. In addition, digital technology throughout our circuit has provided us with additional opportunities to obtain non-motion picture programming from other new and existing content providers. The expanded programming, which has included live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, as well as sports, music and other events, has been well received by our customers and has the potential to provide revenue during our theatres’ slower periods. We continue to pursue additional strategies to increase our ancillary revenue sources.

 

We also own a family entertainment center,Funset Boulevard, adjacent to our 14-screen movie theatre in Appleton, Wisconsin.Funset Boulevard features a 40,000 square foot Hollywood-themed indoor amusement facility that includes a restaurant, party room, laser tag center, virtual reality games, arcade, outdoor miniature golf course and batting cages.

 

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In connection with the Wehrenberg acquisition, we also acquired theRonnie’s Plaza retail outlet in St. Louis, Missouri, an 84,000 square foot retail center featuring 21 shops and other businesses to which we lease retail space.

 

Hotels and Resorts Operations

 

Owned and Operated Hotels and Resorts

 

The Pfister® Hotel

 

We own and operate The Pfister Hotel, which is located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Pfister Hotel is a full-service luxury hotel and has 307 guest rooms (including 71 luxury suites), two restaurants, three cocktail lounges and a 275-car parking ramp. The Pfister also has 24,00025,000 square feet of banquet and convention facilities. The Pfister’s banquet and meeting rooms accommodate up to 3,000 people, and the hotel features two large ballrooms, including one of the largest ballrooms in the Milwaukee metropolitan area, with banquet seating for 1,200900 people. A portion of The Pfister’s first-floor space is leased for use by retail tenants.currently being used as the Pfister Pop-up Art Gallery with rotating exhibits. In fiscal 2014, we celebrated The Pfister’s 120th anniversary. In fiscal 2014, The Pfister earned recognition as the Best Hotel in Milwaukee byU.S. News & World Report, and in fiscal 2015,February 2017, The Pfister Hotel earned its 3941thst consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association, which represents every year the award has been in existence. Also, inIn June 2015,2016, Northstar Meeting Group’s Successful Meetings brand named The Pfister a 2016 Pinnacle Award winner, recognizing The Pfister as a premier property to hold meetings, trade shows and conventions. In June 2016, TripAdvisor awarded The Pfister the TripAdvisor® 20152016 Certificate of Excellence. In fiscal 2014, The Pfister earned recognition as the Best Hotel in Milwaukee byU.S. News & World Report. The Pfister is a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, Worldwide Association, an organization of independent luxury hotels and resorts, and the Association of Historic Hotels of America. The Pfister has a signature restaurant named theMason Street Grill, as well as a state-of-the-art WELL Spa® and+ Salon. In May 2013, we completed a renovation of the 23rd floor of this historic hotel that included an exclusivePfister VIP Club Lounge and a high-tech executive boardroom. In May 2014, we completed a renovation of the 176-room modern tower of The Pfister. As part of the renovation, we introduced two new club floors with added personalized conveniences and services that include access to the newPfister VIP Club Lounge and a private attendant..

 

The Hilton Milwaukee City Center

 

We own and operate the 729-room Hilton Milwaukee City Center. Several aspects of Hilton’s franchise program have benefited this hotel, including Hilton’s international centralized reservation and marketing system, advertising cooperatives and frequent stay programs. The hotel has two cocktail lounges, three restaurants and an 870-car parking ramp. In May 2013, we renovated and reintroduced the first of our newMiller Time® Pub & Grill restaurants at this hotel. In fiscal 2015,February 2017, the Hilton Milwaukee City Center earned its fifthsixth consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association. In June 2015,2016, TripAdvisor awarded Hilton Milwaukee City Center the TripAdvisor® 20152016 Certificate of Excellence. In May 2013, we renovated and introduced our firstMiller Time® Pub & Grill restaurant at this hotel.

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Hilton Madison at Monona Terrace

 

We own and operate the 240-room Hilton Madison at Monona Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin. The Hilton Madison, which also benefits from the aspects of Hilton’s franchise program noted above, is connected by skywalk to the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, has four meeting rooms totaling 2,400 square feet, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a lounge and a restaurant. In June 2015,2016, TripAdvisor awarded Hilton Madison at Monona Terrace the TripAdvisor® 20152016 Certificate of Excellence.

 

The Grand Geneva® Resort & Spa

We own and operate the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This full-facility destination resort is located on 1,300 acres and includes 355 guest rooms, over 60,000 square feet of banquet, meeting and exhibit space, over 13,000 square feet of ballroom space, three specialty restaurants, two cocktail lounges, two championship golf courses, a ski hill, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, three swimming pools, a spa and fitness complex, horse stables and an on-site airport. In February 2017, the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa earned its19th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association. Geneva Grand Resort & Spa was also named among the top two Best Hotels in Wisconsin byU.S. News & World Reportfor 2017. In June 2016, Northstar Meeting Group’s Successful Meetings brand named Grand Geneva Resort & Spa a 2016 Pinnacle Award winner, recognizing Grand Geneva Resort & Spa as a premier property to hold meetings, trade shows and conventions. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa also was the recipient of the Meetings & Conventions (M&C) 2016 Gold Key Award, recognizing the property as one of the country’s top resorts for meetings and events for the fourth time in five years. In June 2016, TripAdvisor awarded the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa the TripAdvisor® 2016 Certificate of Excellence. In May 2013, we opened an exclusiveGeneva Club Lounge as an added amenity for our guests. In fiscal 2015,September 2016, we announced the addition of 29 all-season villas to Grand Geneva Resort & Spa earned its18th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award fromSpa. We expect the American Automobile Association. In June 2015, TripAdvisor awarded the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa the TripAdvisor® 2015 Certificate of Excellence.

Hotel Phillips

We own and operate the Hotel Phillips, a 217-room historic, landmark hotelvillas to open in Kansas City, Missouri. The Hotel Phillips has conference rooms totaling 5,600 square feet of meeting space, a 2,300 square foot ballroom, a restaurant and a lounge. In fiscal 2012, we completed a renovation to this hotel’s guest rooms, corridor and lobby and an enhancement to the hotel’s historic entry and exterior façade. In June 2015, TripAdvisor awarded the Hotel Phillips the TripAdvisor® 2015 Certificate of Excellence. In late July 2015, we announced that we had entered into an agreement to sell this hotel. The sale is expected to occur on or about September 1, 2015.mid-2017.

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InterContinental Milwaukee

 

We own and operate the InterContinental Milwaukee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The InterContinental Milwaukee has 220 rooms, 12,000 square feet of flexible banquet and meeting space, on-site parking, a fitness center, a restaurant and a lounge and is located in the heart of Milwaukee’s theatre and financial district.

 

Skirvin Hilton

 

We are the principal equity partner and operator of The Skirvin Hilton hotel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the oldest hotel in Oklahoma. This historic hotel has 225 rooms, including 20 one-bedroom suites and one Presidential Suite. The Skirvin Hilton benefits from the aspects of Hilton’s franchise program noted above and has a restaurant, lounge, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, business center and approximately 18,500 square feet of meeting space. In February 2017, The Skirvin Hilton earned its 10th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association. In fiscal 2013, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2014,2016, The Skirvin Hilton earned recognition as the Best Hotel in Oklahoma City and in the State of Oklahoma byU.S. News & World Report. In fiscal 2015,June 2016, TripAdvisor awarded The Skirvin Hilton earned its 9th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association.TripAdvisor® 2016 Certificate of Excellence. In January 2017, The Skirvin Hilton was rated #1 of all full-service Hilton Hotels for delivery of brand promise. In September 2016, we completed a $4.3 million renovation project at The Skrivin Hilton Hotel, which included renovations of all guestrooms and public spaces. Our equity interest in this hotel was 60% as of May 28, 2015. In June 2015, TripAdvisor awarded The Skirvin Hilton the TripAdvisor® 2015 Certificate of Excellence.December 29, 2016.

AC Hotel Chicago Downtown

Pursuant to a long-term lease, we operate the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, a 226-room hotel in Chicago, Illinois. Formerly operated as a Four Points by Sheraton, during fiscal 2015, we initiated a major renovation and conversion of this hotel, officially opening it as what was then the fourth AC Hotel by Marriott branded property in the U.S. in June 2015. Located in the heart of Chicago’s shopping, dining and entertainment district, the AC Hotel by Marriott lifestyle brand targets the millennial traveler searching for a design-led hotel in a vibrant location with high-quality service. The AC Hotel Chicago Downtown features urban, simplistic and clean designs with European aesthetics and elegance, the latest technology and communal function spaces. Amenities include the AC Lounge, a bar area with cocktails, craft beers, wine and tapas, the AC Kitchen, serving a European-inspired breakfast menu, and the AC Library, a collaborative space with communal tables and self-service business center located just off the main lobby. The AC Hotel Chicago Downtown also features an indoor swimming pool, fitness room, 3,000 square feet of meeting space and an on-site parking facility. TheOur newSafeHouse Chicago is in space leased from this hotel and the hotel has additional space available to be leased to area restaurants.

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The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker A Marriott Hotel

 

We are a 73% majority owner of a joint venture in The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker A Marriott Hotel in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. In December 2012, we re-affiliated The Cornhusker withLincoln Marriott International and renamed the hotel The Cornhusker A Marriott Hotel. The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel is a 297-room,300-room, full-service hotel with 45,600 square feet of meeting space. The Cornhusker Office Plaza is a seven-story building with a total of 85,592 square feet of net leasable office space. The office building is connected to the hotel by a four-storythree-story atrium that is used for local events and exhibits. In September 2014, we completed a major renovation in which we renovated the entire hotel, including the lobby, all guest rooms and meeting space. Also as a part of this renovation, we opened our secondMiller Time Pub & Grill. In November 2014, we were awarded the Business Leadership Award by The Downtown Lincoln Association, as part of its annual Impact Awards program for recent investment commitments to the city of Lincoln, Nebraska. In June 2016, TripAdvisor awarded The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel the TripAdvisor® 2016 Certificate of Excellence.

 

Managed Hotels, Resorts and Other Properties

We also manage hotels, resorts and other properties for third parties, typically under long-term management agreements. Revenues from these management contracts may include both base management fees, often in the form of a fixed percentage of defined revenues, and incentive management fees, typically calculated based upon defined profit performance. We may also earn fees for technical and preopening services before a property opens, as well as for on-goingongoing accounting and technology services.

 

We manage the Crowne Plaza-Northstar Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Crowne Plaza-Northstar Hotel is located in downtown Minneapolis and has 222 guest rooms, 1312 meeting rooms, 6,37010,000 square feet of ballroom and conventionmeeting space, an outdoor Skygarden for group events, a restaurant, a cocktail lounge and an exercise facility.

 

We manage The Garland hotel in North Hollywood, California. The Garland hotel has 255 recently renovated guest rooms, including 12 suites, meeting space for up to 600, including an amphitheater and ballroom, an outdoor swimming pool and lighted tennis courts. The mission-style hotel is located on seven acres near Universal Studios. In June 2015,2016, TripAdvisor awarded The Beverly Garland the TripAdvisor® 20152016 Certificate of Excellence.

 

We also provide hospitality management services, including check-in, housekeeping and maintenance, for a vacation ownership development adjacent to the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa owned by Orange Lake Resort & Country Club of Orlando, Florida. The development includes 68 two-room timeshare units (136 rooms) and a timeshare sales center.

 

We manage the Hilton Garden Inn Houston NW/Chateau in Houston, Texas. The Hilton Garden Inn Houston NW/Chateau has 171 guest rooms, a ballroom, a restaurant, a fitness center, a convenience mart and a swimming pool. The hotel is a part of Chateau Court, a 13-acre, European-style mixed-use development that also includes retail space and an office village. In June 2015, TripAdvisor awarded Hilton Garden Inn Houston NW/Chateau the TripAdvisor® 2015 Certificate of Excellence.

 

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We manage the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington in Bloomington, Minnesota. This “business class” hotel offers 257 rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a club level, a fitness center, a business center and 9,1009,217 square feet of meeting space. We completed a $2 million renovation of the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington in April 2016. The renovation included renovations of the lobby area and entrance, food and beverage outlets, meeting spaces and the HHonors Executive Lounge. In June 2015,2016, TripAdvisor awarded Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington the TripAdvisor® 20152016 Certificate of Excellence. Our Bloomington ChopHouse® restaurant received theWine Spectator 2017 award for Best Steakhouse in Bloomington.

 

In May 2014, we entered into an agreement toWe manage the Heidel House Resort & Spa in Green Lake, Wisconsin. The resort features 190 full-service rooms and is located on 20 wooded acres on the shore of Green Lake, near Ripon, Wisconsin. The resort has an award-winning spa, three restaurants, two lounges, an ice cream parlor, a 380-guest ballroom, an outdoor space for weddings, indoor and outdoor pools, a beach, a boat rental area, hiking and biking trails, as well as a yacht available for daily excursions. In December 2014,Wisconsin Meetings magazine voted Heidel House Resort & Spa the Best Wisconsin Lakeshore Resort for 2015, and its General Manager was named Innkeeper2016. In January 2017,Spas of Americaranked Evensong Spa one of the Year by the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association. In June 2015, TripAdvisor awarded the Heidel House Resort & Spa the TripAdvisor® 2015 CertificateTop 100 Spas of Excellence.2016.

 

We manage and own a 15% minority equity interest in the Sheraton Madison Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin. The Sheraton Madison features 239 rooms and suites, an indoor heated swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness center, a restaurant, lounge and 18,00017,550 square feet of meeting space. The hotel is adjacent to the Alliant Energy Center, which includes more than 150,000 square feet of exhibit space, and is located approximately 1.5 miles from the Monona Terrace Convention Center, the city’s convention center facility.

 

We own an 11% minority interest and serve as manager of The Westin® Atlanta Perimeter North in Atlanta, Georgia. The Westin® Atlanta Perimeter North is a 372-room hotel with 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, aan award winning restaurant and lounge, business center, fitness center, gift shop and outdoor pool, and 338 parking spaces.pool. Upon its acquisition of the hotel, the joint venture commenced a significant renovation to the guest rooms and public space of this hotel, whichwas completed in summer 2014 except for theas well as a redesign and launch of a new Southern-inspired, farm-to-table brasserie restaurant, both of which waswere completed in fall 2014. The renovation included a new 20,000 square-foot event space, as well as the addition of two new boardrooms. The renovation also included the opening of a Westin Executive Club Lounge. The Westin® Atlanta Perimeter North is currently the top-rated hotel on TripAdvisor in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

 

In November 2014,During fiscal 2016, we assumedceased management and acquired a 10% interest inof The Hotel Zamora and Castile Restaurant in St. Pete Beach, Florida. The Hotel ZamoraFlorida and Castile Restaurant, a boutique luxury property overlookingsold all but 0.49% of our 10% minority ownership interest in the Intracoastal Waterway andproperty. We have agreed to sell the Gulf of Mexico, opened in June 2014 and was named one of nine great new U.S. beach hotels by CNN in August 2014. The hotel offers 72 luxurious guest rooms, including 22 two-bedroom suites, and 9,000 square feet of meeting space, including one ofremaining interest during the most scenic rooftops in Florida.next several years.

 

We also manage two condominium hotels under long-term management contracts. Revenues from these management contracts are larger than typical management contracts because, under an agreed-upon rental pool arrangement, room revenues are shared at a defined percentage with individual condominium owners. In addition, we own all of the common areas of these facilities, including all restaurants, lounges, spas and gift shops, and retain all of the revenues from these outlets.

 

We manage the Timber Ridge Lodge, an indoor/outdoor water park and condominium complex in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The Timber Ridge Lodge is a 225-unit condominium hotel on the same campus as the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. The Timber Ridge Lodge has meeting rooms totaling 3,640 square feet, a general store, a restaurant-cafe, a snack bar and lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness center and an entertainment arcade. The Timber Ridge Lodge was named a 2014 Traveler’s Choice: Top 25 Hotels for Families in the United States. In June 2015, TripAdvisor awarded the Timber Ridge Lodge the TripAdvisor® 2015 Certificate of Excellence.

 

We manage the Platinum Hotel & Spa, a condominium hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada just off the Las Vegas Strip, and own the hotel’s public space. The Platinum Hotel & Spa has 255 one and two-bedroom suites. This non-gaming, non-smoking hotel also has an on-site restaurant, lounge, spaspa/salon and 15,69514,897 square feet of meeting space, including 6,336 square feet of outdoor space. In June 2015,2016, TripAdvisor awarded the Platinum Hotel & Spa the TripAdvisor® 20152016 Certificate of Excellence. We own 16 previously unsold condominium units at the Platinum.Platinum Hotel & Spa.

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In June 2015, we purchased theSafeHouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, adding another restaurant to our portfolio. TheSafeHouse is an iconic, spy-themed restaurant and bar that has operated in Milwaukee for 50 years. We completed a significant renovation of theSafeHouse in 2016. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we began construction on a newSafeHouse location in Chicago, Illinois and opened theEscapeHouseChicago, a complimentary business capitalizing on the popularity of team escape games. The newSafeHouseChicago opened March 1, 2017.

In 2015, we became a minority investor and manager of the new Omaha Marriott Downtown at The Capitol District hotel currently under construction in Omaha, Nebraska. The 333-room, 12-story full service hotel will serve as an anchor for the Capital District, an upscale urban destination dining and entertainment community in downtown Omaha. The development will also include 218 luxury residential apartments, office space, a parking garage and retail space for restaurants, shops and entertainment. It will also feature a plaza for events and concerts. The Omaha Marriott Downtown at The Capitol District hotel is currently scheduled to open in Summer 2017.

In December 2016, we announced that our Wisconsin Hospitality Linen Service (WHLS) business unit completed a $2.3 million expansion. WHLS provides commercial laundry services for our hotel and resort properties in Wisconsin and for other unaffiliated hotels in the Midwest. WHLS currently processes approximately 10 million pounds of linen each year, and the expansion is expected to enable WHLS to double its current capacity within the next five years. WHLS has been a leader in commercial laundry services for the hospitality industry in the Midwest for over 20 years.

In October 2015, we completed the sale of the Hotel Phillips, a 217-room historic, landmark hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, which we had previously successfully owned and operated for 14 years.

 

We earn ancillary revenue from the catering business of Marcus® Hotels & Resorts. For instance, Marcus Hotels & Resorts was the backstage caterer for those performing at the Marcus Amphitheater during the Summerfest festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in fiscal 2015.2016. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest caterers in Wisconsin and catershas catered other major events, such as Milwaukee IndyFest andincluding the Milwaukee Air & Water Show.

 

In 2015,2016, TripAdvisor® awarded ten12 of our restaurants and lounges theirits Certificate of Excellence. These included: the Blu Bar & Lounge, Café at the Pfister, Capitol ChopHouse®, Geneva ChopHouse®, Kil@wat, Mason Street Grill, Miller Time Pub & Grill Milwaukee, Milwaukee ChopHouse®, Park Avenue Grill, Ristoranté Brissago, Bloomington ChopHouse® and The Front Yard.

We have taken our highly awarded web development team and created a new business unit to be managed by the hotels and resorts division called Graydient Creative. Graydient leverages our expertise in digital marketing, creating a new profit center for the division by seeking new external customers. Services provided by Graydient include, but are not limited to, website design and development, branding and print design, and social media management.

 

Competition

 

Both of our businesses experience intense competition from national, regional and local chain and franchise operations, some of which have substantially greater financial and marketing resources than we have. Most of our facilities are located in close proximity to competing facilities.

 

Our movie theatres compete with large national movie theatre operators, such as AMC Entertainment, Cinemark Regal Cinemas and CarmikeRegal Cinemas, as well as with a wide array of smaller first-run exhibitors. Movie exhibitors also generally compete with the home video, pay-per-view and cable television markets. We believe that such ancillary markets have assisted the growth of the movie theatre industry by encouraging the production of first-run movies released for initial movie theatre exhibition, which has historically established the demand for such movies in these ancillary markets.

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Our hotels and resorts compete with the hotels and resorts operated and/or franchised by Hyatt Corporation, Marriott Corporation, Hilton Worldwide Starwood Hotels & Resorts and others, along with other regional and local hotels and resorts.

 

We believe that the principal factors of competition in both of our businesses, in varying degrees, are the price and quality of the product, quality and location of our facilities and customer service. We believe that we are well positioned to compete on the basis of these factors.

 

Seasonality

 

Historically,Due to our change to a December fiscal year end, we expect our first fiscal quarter has producedwill likely produce the weakest consolidated operating results due primarily to the effects of reduced travel during the winter months in our hotels and resorts division. We expect our second and third fiscal quarters to produce our strongest quarterly operating results because this period coincidesthese periods coincide with the typical summer seasonality of the movie theatre industry and the summer strength of ourthe lodging business. Our third fiscal quarter has historically produced the weakest quarterly operating results in our hotels and resorts division primarily dueDue to the effectsfact that the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is historically one of reduced travel during the winter months. Our third fiscal quarterstrongest weeks of the year for our theatre division, has historically beenwe expect that the specific timing of the last Thursday in December will have an impact on the results of our second strongest quarter, but is heavily dependent upon the quantityfiscal first and quality of films released during the Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday period.fourth quarters in that division, particularly when we have a 53-week year.

 

Environmental Regulation

 

Federal, state and local environmental legislation has not had a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. However, our activities in acquiring and selling real estate for business development purposes have been complicated by the continued emphasis that our personnel must place on properly analyzing real estate sites for potential environmental problems. This circumstance has resulted in, and is expected to continue to result in, greater time and increased costs involved in acquiring and selling properties associated with our various businesses.

 

Employees

 

As of the end of fiscal 2015,December 29, 2016, we had approximately 7,1007,900 employees, approximately 55%57% of whom were employed on a variable or part-time basis. A number of our (1) hotel employees at the Crowne Plaza Northstar in Minneapolis, Minnesota are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires on April 30, 2019; (2) operating engineers at The Pfister Hotel and the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and The Pfister Hotel are covered by collective bargaining agreements that expire on December 31, 2016 and April 30, 2017 and December 31, 2019, respectively; (3) hotel employees at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and The Pfister Hotel are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires on February 14, 2016; 2019;and (4) painters in the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and The Pfister Hotel are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires on May 31, 2018.

As of the end of fiscal 2015,2016, approximately 8%7% of our employees were covered by a collective bargaining agreement, of whichapproximately 75%2% were covered by an agreement that will expire within one year.

 

Website Information and Other Access to Corporate Documents

 

Our corporate website iswww.marcuscorp.com. www.marcuscorp.com. All of our Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, and amendments thereto, are available on this website as soon as practicable after they have been filed with the SEC. We are not including the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report. In addition, our corporate governance guidelines and the charters for our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are available on our website. If you would like us to mail you a copy of our corporate governance guidelines or a committee charter, please contact Thomas F. Kissinger, Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, The Marcus Corporation, 100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1900, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-4125.

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Item 1A.Risk Factors.

 

The following risk factors and other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be carefully considered. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

 

The Lack of Both the Quantity and Audience Appeal of Motion Pictures May Adversely Affect Our Financial Results.

 

The financial results of our movie theatre business and the motion picture industry in general are heavily dependent on the general audience appeal of available films, together with studio marketing, advertising and support campaigns, factors over which we have no control. The relative success of our movie theatre business will continue to be largely dependent upon the quantity and audience appeal of films made available by the movie studios and other producers. Poor performance of films, a disruption in the production of films due to events such as a strike by actors, writers or directors, or a reduction in the marketing efforts of the film distributors to promote their films could have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations. Also, our quarterly results of operations are significantly dependent on the quantity and audience appeal of films that we exhibit during each quarter. As a result, our quarterly results may be unpredictable and somewhat volatile.

 

Our Financial Results May be Adversely Impacted by Unique Factors Affecting the Theatre Exhibition Industry, Such as the Shrinking Video Release Window, the Increasing Piracy of Feature Films and the Increasing Use of Alternative Film Distribution Channels and Other Competing Forms of Entertainment.

 

Over the last decade, the average video release window, which represents the time that elapses from the date of a film’s theatrical release to the date a film is available onreleased to other channels, including video oron-demand (VOD) and DVD, has decreased from approximately six months to less than four months. Many current films are now released to ancillary markets within 9075-90 days, or less, and more than one studio recently announcedhas been discussing their interest in creating a test with two small-budget films whereby ancillary channels would obtain the films approximately two weeks after the film has predominantly stopped playing in movie theatres.new, shorter premium VOD window. We can provide no assurance that these release windows, which are determined by the film studios, will not shrink further, which could have an adverse impact on our movie theatre business and results of operations.

 

Piracy of motion pictures is prevalent in many parts of the world. Technological advances allowing the unauthorized dissemination of motion pictures increase the threat of piracy by making it easier to create, transmit and distribute high quality unauthorized copies of such motion pictures. The proliferation of unauthorized copies and piracy of motion pictures may have an adverse effect on our movie theatre business and results of operations.

 

We face competition for movie theatre patrons from a number of alternative motion picture distribution channels, such as DVD, network, cable and satellite television, video on-demand, pay-per-view television and downloading utilizing the internet. We also compete with other forms of entertainment competing for our patrons’ leisure time and disposable income such as concerts, amusement parks, sporting events, home entertainment systems, video games and portable entertainment devices such as MP3 players, tablet computers and smart phones. An increase in popularity of these alternative film distribution channels and competing forms of entertainment may have an adverse effect on our movie theatre business and results of operations.

 

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A Deterioration in Relationships with Film Distributors Could Adversely Affect Our Ability to Obtain Commercially Successful Films or Increase Our Costs to Obtain Such Films.

 

We rely on the film distributors for the motion pictures shown in our theatres. Our business depends to a significant degree on maintaining good relationships with these distributors. Deterioration in our relationships with any of the major film distributors could adversely affect our access to commercially successful films or increase our costs to obtain such films and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Because the distribution of motion pictures is in large part regulated by federal and state antitrust laws and has been the subject of numerous antitrust cases, we cannot ensure a supply of motion pictures by entering into long-term arrangements with major distributors. Rather, we must compete for licenses on a film-by-film and theatre-by-theatre basis and are required to negotiate licenses for each film and for each theatre individually.We are periodically subject to audits on behalf of the film distributors to ensure that we are complying with the applicable license agreements.

 

The Relative Industry Supply of Available Rooms at Comparable Lodging Facilities May Adversely Affect Our Financial Results.

 

Historically, a material increase in the supply of new hotel rooms in a market can destabilize that market and cause existing hotels to experience decreasing occupancy, room rates and profitability. If such over-supply occurs in one or more of our major markets, we may experience an adverse effect on our hotels and resorts business and results of operations.

 

Adverse Economic Conditions in Our Markets May Adversely Affect Our Financial Results.

 

Downturns or adverse economic conditions affecting the United States economy generally, and particularly downturns or adverse economic conditions in the Midwest and in our other markets, adversely affect our results of operations, particularly with respect to our hotels and resorts division. Poor economic conditions can significantly adversely affect the business and group travel customers, which are the largest customer segments for our hotels and resorts division. Specific economic conditions that may directly impact travel, including financial instability of air carriers and increases in gas and other fuel prices, may adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, although our theatre business has historically performed well during economic downturns as consumers seek less expensive forms of out-of-home entertainment, a significant reduction in consumer confidence or disposable income in general may temporarily affect the demand for motion pictures or severely impact the motion picture production industry, which, in turn, may adversely affect our results of operations.

 

If the Amount of Sales Made Through Third-Party Internet Travel Intermediaries Increases Significantly, Consumer Loyalty to Our Hotels Could Decrease and Our Revenues Could Fall.

 

We expect to derive most of our business from traditional channels of distribution. However, consumers now use internet travel intermediaries regularly. Some of these intermediaries are attempting to increase the importance of price and general indicators of quality (such as “four-star downtown hotel”) at the expense of brand/hotel identification. These agencies hope that consumers will eventually develop brand loyalties to their reservation system rather than to our hotels. If the amount of sales made through internet travel intermediaries increases significantly and consumers develop stronger loyalties to these intermediaries rather than to our hotels, we may experience an adverse effect on our hotels and resorts business and results of operations.

 

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Each of Our Business Segments and Properties Experience Ongoing Intense Competition.

 

In each of our businesses we experience intense competition from national, regional and local chain and franchise operations, some of which have substantially greater financial and marketing resources than we have. Most of our facilities are located in close proximity to other facilities which compete directly with ours. The motion picture exhibition industry is fragmented and highly competitive with no significant barriers to entry. Theatres operated by national and regional circuits and by small independent exhibitors compete with our theatres, particularly with respect to film licensing, attracting patrons and developing new theatre sites. Moviegoers are generally not brand conscious and usually choose a theatre based on its location, its selection of films and its amenities. With respect to our hotels and resorts division, our ability to remain competitive and to attract and retain business and leisure travelers depends on our success in distinguishing the quality, value and efficiency of our lodging products and services from those offered by others. If we are unable to compete successfully in either of our divisions, this could adversely affect our results of operations.

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We May Not Achieve the Expected Benefits and Performance of Our Strategic Initiatives and Acquisitions.

 

Our key strategic initiatives in our theatre and hotels and resorts divisions often require significant capital expenditures to implement. We expect to benefit from revenue enhancements and/or cost savings as a result of these initiatives. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flow from these initiatives to provide the return on investment we anticipated from the required capital expenditures.

 

There also can be no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flow to realize anticipated benefits from any strategic acquisitions that we may enter into. Although we have a history of successfully integrating acquisitions into our existing theatre and hotels and resorts businesses, any acquisition may involve operating risks, such as (1) the difficulty of assimilating and integrating the acquired operations and personnel into our current business; (2) the potential disruption of our ongoing business; (3) the diversion of management’s attention and other resources; (4) the possible inability of management to maintain uniform standards, controls, policies and procedures; (5) the risks of entering markets in which we have little or no expertise; (6) the potential impairment of relationships with employees; (7) the possibility that any liabilities we may incur or assume may prove to be more burdensome than anticipated; and (8) the possibility the acquired property or properties do not perform as expected.

 

Our Businesses are Heavily Capital Intensive and Preopening and Start-Up Costs, Increasing Depreciation Expenses and Impairment Charges May Adversely Affect Our Financial Results.

 

Both our movie theatre and hotels and resorts businesses are heavily capital intensive. Purchasing properties and buildings, constructing buildings, renovating and remodeling buildings and investing in joint venture projects all require substantial upfront cash investments before these properties, facilities and joint ventures can generate sufficient revenues to pay for the upfront costs and positively contribute to our profitability. In addition, many growth opportunities, particularly for our hotels and resorts division, require lengthy development periods during which significant capital is committed and preopening costs and early start-up losses are incurred. We expense these preopening and start-up costs currently. As a result, our results of operations may be adversely affected by our significant levels of capital investments. Additionally, to the extent we capitalize our capital expenditures, our depreciation expenses may increase, thereby adversely affecting our results of operations.

 

We periodically consider whether indicators of impairment of long-lived assets held for use are present. Demographic changes, economic conditions and competitive pressures may cause some of our properties to become unprofitable. Deterioration in the performance of our properties could require us to recognize impairment losses, thereby adversely affecting our results of operations.

 

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Our Ability to Identify Suitable Properties to Acquire, Develop and Manage Will Directly Impact Our Ability to Achieve Certain of Our Growth Objectives.

 

A portion of our ability to successfully achieve our growth objectives in both our theatre and hotels and resorts divisions is dependent upon our ability to successfully identify suitable properties to acquire, develop and manage. Failure to successfully identify, acquire and develop suitable and successful locations for new lodging properties and theatres will substantially limit our ability to achieve these important growth objectives.

14

 

Our Ability to Identify Suitable Joint Venture Partners or Raise Equity Funds to Acquire, Develop and Manage Hotels and Resorts Will Directly Impact Our Ability to Achieve Certain of Our Growth Objectives.

 

In addition to acquiring or developing hotels and resorts or entering into management contracts to operate hotels and resorts for other owners, we have from time to time invested, and expect to continue to invest, as a joint venture partner. We have also indicated that we may act as an investment fund sponsor in order to acquire additional hotel properties. A portion of our ability to successfully achieve our growth objectives in our hotels and resorts division is dependent upon our ability to successfully identify suitable joint venture partners or raise equity funds to acquire, develop and manage hotels and resorts. Failure to successfully identify suitable joint venture partners or raise equity for an investment fund will substantially limit our ability to achieve these important growth objectives.

 

Adverse Economic Conditions, Including Disruptions in the Financial Markets, May Adversely Affect Our Ability to Obtain Financing on Reasonable and Acceptable Terms, if at All, and Impact Our Ability to Achieve Certain of Our Growth Objectives.

 

We expect that we will require additional financing over time, the amount of which will depend upon a number of factors, including the number of theatres and hotels and resorts we acquire and/or develop, the amount of capital required to refurbish and improve existing properties, the amount of existing indebtedness that requires repayment in a given year and the cash flow generated by our businesses. Downturns or adverse economic conditions affecting the United States economy generally, and the United States stock and credit markets specifically, may adversely impact our ability to obtain additional short-term and long-term financing on reasonable terms or at all, which would negatively impact our liquidity and financial condition. As a result, a prolonged downturn in the stock or credit markets would also limit our ability to achieve our growth objectives.

 

Investing Through Partnerships or Joint Ventures Decreases Our Ability to Manage Risk.

 

Joint venture partners may have shared control or disproportionate control over the operation of our joint venture assets. Therefore, our joint venture investments may involve risks such as the possibility that our joint venture partner in an investment might become bankrupt or not have the financial resources to meet its obligations, or have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals, or be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our policies or objectives. Consequently, actions by our joint venture partners might subject hotels and resorts owned by the joint venture to additional risk. Further, we may be unable to take action without the approval of our joint venture partners. Alternatively, our joint venture partners could take actions binding on the joint venture without our consent.

 

Our Properties are Subject to Risks Relating to Acts of God, Terrorist Activity and War and Any Such Event May Adversely Affect Our Financial Results.

 

Acts of God, natural disasters, war (including the potential for war), terrorist activity (including threats of terrorist activity), incidents of violence in public venues such as the tragedies that took place athotels and movie theatres, in Colorado and Louisiana in recent years, epidemics (such as SARs, bird flu and swine flu), travel-related accidents, as well as political unrest and other forms of civil strife and geopolitical uncertainty may adversely affect the lodging and movie exhibition industries and our results of operations. Terrorism or other similar incidents may significantly impact business and leisure travel or consumer choices regarding out-of-home entertainment options and consequently demand for hotel rooms or movie theatre attendance may suffer. In addition, inadequate preparedness, contingency planning, insurance coverage or recovery capability in relation to a major incident or crisis may prevent operational continuity and consequently impact the reputation of our businesses.

 

1517

  

Failure to Protect Our Information Systems and Other Confidential Information Against Cyber Attacks or Other Information Security Breaches Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business.

 

Information security risks have generally increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber attacks. A failure in or breach of our information systems or other confidential information as a result of cyber attacks or other information security breaches could disrupt our business, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, expose us to litigation, increase our costs or cause losses. As cyber and other threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to enhance our information security measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities.

 

We are Subject to Substantial Government Regulation, Which Could Entail Significant Cost.

 

We are subject to various federal, state and local laws, regulations and administrative practices affecting our business, and we must comply with provisions regulating health and sanitation standards, equal employment, environmental, and licensing for the sale of food and alcoholic beverages. Our properties must also comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or ADA. Compliance with the ADA requires that public accommodations "reasonably accommodate" individuals with disabilities and that new construction or alterations made to "commercial facilities" conform to accessibility guidelines unless "structurally impracticable" for new construction or technically infeasible for alterations. Non-compliance with the ADA could result in the imposition of injunctive relief, fines or an award of damages to private litigants or additional capital expenditures to remedy such noncompliance. Changes in existing laws or implementation of new laws, regulations and practices could also have a significant impact on our business. For example, a significant portion of our staff level employees are part time workers who are paid at or near the applicable minimum wage in the relevant jurisdiction. Increases in the minimum wage and implementation of reforms requiring the provision of additional benefits would increase our labor costs.

 

Adverse Weather Conditions, Particularly During the Winter in the Midwest and in Our Other Markets, May Adversely Affect Our Financial Results.

 

Poor weather conditions adversely affect business and leisure travel plans, which directly impacts our hotels and resorts division. In addition, theatre attendance on any given day may be negatively impacted by adverse weather conditions. In particular, adverse weather during peak movie-going weekends or holiday periods may negatively affect our results of operations. Adverse winter weather conditions may also increase our snow removal and other maintenance costs in both of our divisions.

 

Our Results May be Seasonal, Resulting in Unpredictable and Varied Quarterly Results.

 

Historically,Due to our change to a December fiscal year-end, we expect our first fiscal quarter has producedwill likely produce the weakest consolidated operating results due primarily to the effects of reduced travel during the winter months in our hotels and resorts division. We expect our second and third fiscal quarters to produce our strongest quarterly operating results because this period coincidesthese periods coincide with the typically strongtypical summer performanceseasonality of the movie theatre industry and the summer strength of ourthe lodging business. Our third fiscal quarter has historically produced our weakest quarterly operating results in our hotels and resorts division, primarily dueDue to the effectsfact that the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is historically one of reduced travel during the winter months. Our third fiscal quarterstrongest weeks of the year for our theatre division, has historically beenwe expect that the specific timing of the last Thursday in December will have an impact on the results of our second strongest quarter, but is heavily dependent upon the quantityfiscal first and quality of films released during the Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday period.fourth quarters in that division, particularly when we have a 53-week year.

 

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

None.

 

18

Item 2.Properties.

 

We own the real estate of a substantial portion of our facilities, including, as of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, The Pfister Hotel, the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, the Hilton Madison at Monona Terrace, the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, the Hotel Phillips, the InterContinental Milwaukee, The Skirvin Hilton (majority ownership), The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker A Marriott Hotel (majority ownership) and the majority of our theatres. We lease the remainder of our facilities. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we also managed threetwo hotels for joint ventures in which we have a minority interest and eight hotels, resorts and other properties and two theatres that are owned by third parties. Additionally, we own properties acquired for the future construction and operation of new facilities. All of our properties are suitably maintained and adequately utilized to cover the respective business segment served.

Our owned, leased and managed properties are summarized, as of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, in the following table:

 

Business Segment

 Total
Number of
Facilities in
Operation
  Owned(1)  

Leased
from
Unrelated

Parties(2)

  Managed
for
Related
Parties
  

Managed
for
Unrelated

Parties(2)

  Total
Number of
Facilities in
Operation
  Owned(1)  Leased
from
Unrelated
Parties(2)
  Managed
for
Related
Parties
  Managed
for
Unrelated
Parties(2)
 
Theatres:                                        
Movie Theatres  55   45   8   0   2   68   51   15   0   2 
Family Entertainment Center  1   1   0   0   0   1   1   0   0   0 
Hotels and Resorts:                                        
Hotels  17   7   1   3   6   15   6   1   2   6 
Resorts  2   1   0   0   1   2   1   0   0   1 
Other Properties(3)  1   0   0   0   1   2   0   1   0   1 
Total  76   54   9   3   10   88   59   17   2   10 

 

(1)Six of the movie theatres are on land leased from unrelated parties. Two of the hotels are owned by joint ventures in which we are the principal equity partner (60% and 73% as of May 28, 2015)December 29, 2016).

 

(2)The eight15 theatres leased from unrelated parties have a total of 86183 screens, and the two theatres managed for unrelated parties have a total of 11 screens. OneUltraScreen adjacent to an owned theatre is leased from an unrelated party.

(3)Includes a vacation ownership development adjacent to the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa owned by Orange Lake Resort & Country Club of Orlando, Florida for which we provide hospitality management services and the SafeHouse® restaurant located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which we lease from an unrelated party and which is managed by our hotels and resorts division.

 

Certain of the individual properties or facilities identified above are subject to purchase money or construction mortgages or commercial lease financing arrangements, but we do not consider these encumbrances, individually or in the aggregate, to be material.

 

All of our operating property leases expire on various dates after the end of fiscal 20162017 (assuming we exercise all of our renewal and extension options).

 

Item 3.Legal Proceedings.

 

None.

 

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

19

  

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

 

Each of our executive officers is identified below together with information about each officer’s age, position and employment history for at least the past five years:

 

Name Position Age
Stephen H. Marcus Chairman of the Board 8081
Gregory S. Marcus President and Chief Executive Officer 5052
Thomas F. Kissinger Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Marcus Corporation 5556
Douglas A. Neis Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 5658
Rolando B. Rodriguez Executive Vice President of The Marcus Corporation and Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Marcus Theatres Corporation 5557

 

Stephen H. Marcus has been our Chairman of the Board since December 1991. He served as our Chief Executive Officer from December 1988 to January 2009 and as our President from December 1988 until January 2008. Mr. Marcus has worked at our company for 5255 years.

Gregory S. Marcus joined our company in March 1992 as Director of Property Management/Corporate Development. He was promoted in 1999 to our Senior Vice President – Corporate Development and became an executive officer in July 2005. He has served as our President since January 2008 and was elected our Chief Executive Officer in January 2009. He was elected to serve on our Board of Directors in October 2005. He is the son of Stephen H. Marcus, our Chairman of the Board.

 

Thomas F. Kissinger joined our company in August 1993 as our Secretary and Director of Legal Affairs. In August 1995, he was promoted to our General Counsel and Secretary and in October 2004, he was promoted to Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. OnIn August 26, 2013, he was promoted to Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. He also formerly served as interim President of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. Prior to August 1993, Mr. Kissinger was an associate with the law firm of Foley & Lardner LLP for five years.

 

Douglas A. Neis joined our company in February 1986 as Controller of the Marcus Theatres division and in November 1987, he was promoted to Controller of Marcus Restaurants. In July 1991, Mr. Neis was appointed Vice President of Planning and Administration for Marcus Restaurants. In September 1994, Mr. Neis was also named as our Director of Technology and in September 1995 he was elected as our Corporate Controller. In September 1996, Mr. Neis was promoted to Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

 

Rolando B. Rodriguez joined our company onin August 1, 2013 as our Executive Vice President and President and Chief Executive Officer of Marcus Theatres Corporation. Mr. Rodriguez served as Chief Executive Officer and President and as a board member of Rave Cinemas in Dallas, Texas for two years until its sale in May 2013. Prior to May 2011, he served in various positions with Wal-Mart for five years. He began his career in 1975 at AMC Theatres, serving for 30 years in various positions including senior vice president of North American field operations, senior vice president food & beverage group and executive vice president, North America operations service. In January 2017, Mr. Rodriguez was named Chairman of Marcus Theatres Corporation.

 

Our executive officers are generally elected annually by our Board of Directors after the annual meeting of shareholders. Each executive officer holds office until his successor has been duly qualified and elected or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

20

PART II

 

Item 5.Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities.

 

(a)Stock Performance Graph

 

The following information in this Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such a filing.

 

Set forth below is a graph comparing the annual percentage change during our last five full fiscal years and the Transition Period in our cumulative total shareholder return (stock price appreciation on a dividend reinvested basis) of our Common Shares to the cumulative total return of: (1) athe composite peer group index selected by us that we have used historically (the “old” composite peer group index), (2) the composite peer group index selected by us that we intend to use going forward (the “new” composite peer group index) and (2)(3) companies included in the Russell 2000 Index. The old composite peer group index is comprised of the Dow Jones U.S. Hotels Index (weighted 45%) and a theatre index that we selected that includes Regal CinemasEntertainment Group and Carmike Cinemas, Inc. (weighted 55%). The results shown reflect the fact that Carmike Cinemas, Inc. ceased trading on December 21, 2016. The new composite index is comprised of the Dow Jones U.S. Hotels Index (weighted 45%) and a theatre index that we selected that includes Regal Entertainment Group and Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (weighted 55%).

 

The indices within the composite peer group index are weighted to approximate the relative annual revenue contributions of each of our business segments to our total annual revenues over the past several fiscal years. The shareholder returns of the companies included in the Dow Jones U.S. Hotels Index and the theatre index that we selected are weighted based on each company’s relative market capitalization as of the beginning of the presented periods.

21

From May 27, 201026, 2011 to May 28, 2015December 29, 2016

 

Source: Zacks Investment Research, Inc.

 

 5/27/10 5/26/11 5/31/12 5/30/13 5/29/14 5/28/15  5/26/11 5/31/12 5/30/13 5/29/14 5/28/15 12/31/15 12/29/16 
                            
The Marcus Corporation $100.00  $97.20  $127.31  $143.55  $184.30  $219.95  $100.00  $130.98  $147.69  $189.61  $226.29  $220.81  $374.69 
                                                    
Composite Peer Group Index(1)   100.00   109.11   118.27   161.69   198.14   231.33 
Old Composite Peer Group Index(1)  100.00   108.40   148.19   181.60   212.02   184.46   227.42 
                            
New Composite Peer Group Index(2)  100.00   107.41   143.02   168.33   209.94   179.51   218.75 
                                                    
Russell 2000 Index  100.00   125.38   116.66   154.51   179.47   199.85   100.00   93.04   123.23   143.14   159.39   145.77   177.61 

 

(1)Weighted 45.0% for the Dow Jones U.S. Hotels Index and 55.0% for the old Company-selected Theatre Index.

(1) Weighted 45.0% for the Dow Jones U.S. Hotels Index and 55.0% for the Company-selected Theatre Index.

(2)Weighted 45.0% for the Dow Jones U.S. Hotels Index and 55.0% for the new Company-selected Theatre Index.

 

1922

  

(b)Market Information

 

Our Common Stock, $1 par value, is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “MCS.” Our Class B Common Stock, $1 par value, is neither listed nor traded on any exchange. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, we paid a dividend of $0.085 per share on our Common Stock and $0.07727 per share on our Class B Common Stock. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 and the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, we paid a dividend of $0.095 per share on our Common Stock and $0.08636 per share on our Class B Common Stock. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 and the first and second 13-week periods of the Transition Period, we paid a dividend of $0.105 per share on our Common Stock and $0.09545 per share on our Class B Common Stock. During each quarter of fiscal 2016, we paid a dividend of $0.1125 per share on our Common Stock and $0.10227 per share on our Class B Common Stock.

 

The following table lists the high and low sale prices of our Common Stock for the periods indicated (NYSE trading information only).

 

Fiscal 2015 

1st

Quarter

 

2nd

Quarter

 

3rd

Quarter

 

4th

Quarter

 
Fiscal 2016 1st
Quarter
  2nd
Quarter
  3rd
Quarter
  4th
Quarter
 
High $19.97  $18.34  $20.00  $22.21  $19.65  $21.36  $25.30  $32.15 
Low $16.29  $14.52  $15.85  $18.82  $17.44  $18.20  $20.79  $24.65 

 

Fiscal 2014 

1st

Quarter

 

2nd

Quarter

 

3rd

Quarter

 

4th

Quarter

 
Transition Period 1st
13 Weeks
  2nd
13 Weeks
  Final 5
Weeks
 
High $13.35  $15.00  $14.70  $17.82  $21.15  $21.18  $20.47 
Low $11.90  $12.24  $12.86  $13.94  $17.76  $18.52  $18.69 

Fiscal 2015 1st
Quarter
  2nd
Quarter
  3rd
Quarter
  4th
Quarter
 
High $19.97  $18.34  $20.00  $22.21 
Low $16.29  $14.52  $15.85  $18.82 

 

On August 5, 2015,February 28, 2017, there were 1,3521,320 shareholders of record of our Common Stock and 4244 shareholders of record of our Class B Common Stock.

 

(c)Stock Repurchases

(c) Stock Repurchases

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases made by us or on our behalf of our Common Stock during the periodsperiod indicated. All of these repurchases were made in conjunction with the exercise of stock options and the purchase of shares in the open market and pursuant to the publicly announced repurchase authorization described below.

 

 

Period

 

 

 

Total Number of
Shares
Purchased

  

 

 

Average Price
Paid per Share

  Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Programs (1)
  Maximum
Number of
Shares that May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs (1)
 
February 27 – March 26  10,387  $20.87   10,387   3,250,147 
March 27 – April 30  14,331   20.99   14,331   3,235,816 
May 1 – May 28  -   -   -   3,235,816 
Total  24,718  $20.94   24,718   3,235,816 

 

Period

 Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
  Average Price
Paid per Share
  Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Programs (1)
  Maximum
Number of
Shares that May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs (1)
 
September 30 – October 27  -   -   -   2,900,987 
October 28 – November 24  2,150  $30.00   2,150   2,898,837 
November 25 – December 29  517  $30.89   517   2,898,320 
Total  2,667  $30.17   2,667   2,898,320 

 

(1)Through May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to 11.7 million shares of our outstanding Common Stock. Under these authorizations, we may repurchase shares of our Common Stock from time to time in the open market, pursuant to privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we had repurchased approximately 8.58.8 million shares of our Common Stock under these authorizations. The repurchased shares are held in our treasury pending potential future issuance in connection with employee benefit, option or stock ownership plans or other general corporate purposes. These authorizations do not have an expiration date.

 

23

  

Item 6.Selected Financial Data.

 

Five-Year Financial Summary

 

 F2015  F2014  F2013  F2012(3)  F2011  F2016  31 Weeks
Ended
December
31, 2015
  F2015  F2014  F2013  F2012(3) 

Operating Results

(in thousands)

           
Operating Results                        
(in thousands)                        
Revenues $488,067   447,939   412,836   413,898   377,004  $543,864   324,267   488,067   447,939   412,836   413,898 
Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corp. $23,995   25,001   17,506   22,734   13,558 
Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation $37,902   23,565   23,995   25,001   17,506   22,734 
Common Stock Data(1)                                            
Net earnings per common share $.87   .92   .63   .78   .46  $1.36   .84   .87   .92   .63   .78 
Cash dividends per common share $.39   .35   1.34   .34   .34  $.45   .21   .39   .35   1.34   .34 
Weighted-average shares outstanding(in thousands)  27,687   27,150   27,865   29,308   29,657  $27,957   27,917   27,687   27,150   27,865   29,308 
Book value per share $12.48   11.95   11.33   11.90   11.42  $14.10   13.13   12.48   11.95   11.33   11.90 

Financial Position

(in thousands)

                    
Total assets $809,042   768,923   746,696   733,011   694,446 
Long-term debt(2) $229,669   233,557   231,580   106,276   197,232 
Shareholders’ equity attributable to The Marcus Corp. $343,779   326,211   306,702   343,789   339,480 

Financial Position

                        
(in thousands)                        
Total assets(4) $911,266   804,701   805,472   765,001   742,978   729,908 
Long-term debt(2)(4) $271,343   207,376   229,096   232,691   230,739   105,970 
Shareholders’ equity attributable to The Marcus Corporation $390,112   363,352   343,779   326,211   306,702   343,789 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions $74,988   56,673   23,491   38,017   25,186  $147,372   44,452   74,988   56,673   23,491   38,017 
Financial Ratios                                            
Current ratio(2)  .36   .36   .40   .20   .39 
Debt/capitalization ratio  .42   .42   .44   .37   .39 
Current ratio(2)(4)  .28   .35   .34   .33   .36   .18 
Debt/capitalization ratio(4)  .42   .38   .42   .42   .44   .37 
Return on average shareholders’ equity  7.2%  7.9%  5.4%  6.7%  4.0%  10.1%  6.7%  7.2%  7.9%  5.4%  6.7%

 

(1)All per share and shares outstanding data is on a diluted basis. Earnings per share data is calculated on our Common Stock using the two class method.
(2)Fiscal 2012 long-term debt excluded $86,093 of mortgage notes and borrowings under our revolving credit agreement with a maturity date during fiscal 2013 that were refinanced and subsequently reclassified as long-term debt. Including these amounts, fiscal 2012 long-term debt was $192,369 and our fiscal 2012 current ratio was 0.39.0.36.
(3)Fiscal 2012 was a 53-week year and the additional week of operations contributed approximately $7,600 in revenues and $1,100 to net earnings, or $0.04 per diluted common share.
(4)Total assets, long-term debt, current ratio and debt/capitalization ratio have been adjusted on a retrospective basis for the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17,Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, and ASU No. 2015-03,Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. Accordingly, current deferred tax assets have been reclassified to noncurrent assets and liabilities, and certain debt issuance costs previously included with long-term assets have been reclassified as a reduction in long-term debt.

24

  

Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Results of Operations

 

General

 

WeAs a result of the change in our fiscal year end described below, we now report our consolidated and individual segment results of operations on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Thursday in May. Fiscal 2015, 2014 and fiscal 2013 were 52-week years. Fiscal 2016 will be a 52-week year.December. We divide our fiscal year into three 13-week quarters and a final quarter consisting of 13 or 14 weeks. Our primary operations are reported in two business segments: theatres, and hotels and resorts.

 

Historically,In October 2015, we changed our fiscal year end from the last Thursday in May to the last Thursday in December. We believe the change in fiscal year end better aligns our financial reporting schedule with our peer groups in our industries. We also believe moving our year-end activities outside of our busy summer season enables our associates to better manage their workload. The change resulted in a 31-week transition period from May 29, 2015 to December 31, 2015 (Transition Period), consisting of two 13-week periods and a final five-week period. We refer in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) to the 13-week periods ended August 27, 2015 and November 26, 2015 as the first and second quarters of the Transition Period, respectively, and the five-week period ended December 31, 2015 as the last five weeks of the Transition Period. We compare our results for these periods to the comparable periods of fiscal 2015 – the unaudited 30-week period from May 30, 2014 to December 25, 2014, consisting of two 13-week periods and a final four-week period. We refer in this MD&A to the 13-week periods ended August 28, 2014 and November 27, 2014 as the first and second quarters of fiscal 2015, respectively.

Fiscal 2016 was a 52-week year, beginning on January 1, 2016 and ended on December 29, 2016. In this MD&A, we compare financial results from fiscal 2016 to the comparable period from the prior year that we refer to as “fiscal 2015C.” Fiscal 2015C consists of the unaudited 53-week period beginning December 26, 2014 and ended December 31, 2015. Fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 were 52-week years ending on the last Thursday in May. Fiscal 2017 will be a 52-week year, which began on December 30, 2016 and will end on December 28, 2017.

Prior to the change in our fiscal year end, our first fiscal quarter hashad produced the strongest operating results because this period coincidescoincided with the typical summer seasonality of the movie theatre industry and the summer strength of the lodging business. Our third fiscal quarter hashad historically produced the weakest operating results in our hotels and resorts division primarily due to the effects of reduced travel during the winter months. Our third fiscal quarter for our theatre division hashad historically been our second strongest quarter, but iswas heavily dependent upon the quantity and quality of films released during the Thanksgiving through Christmas holiday period.

 

21

Due to our change to a December fiscal year end, we expect our first fiscal quarter will likely produce the weakest consolidated operating results due primarily to the effects of reduced travel during the winter months in our hotels and resorts division. We expect our second and third fiscal quarters to produce our strongest operating results because these periods coincide with the typical summer seasonality of the movie theatre industry and the summer strength of the lodging business. Due to the fact that the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is historically one of the strongest weeks of the year for our theatre division, we expect that the specific timing of the last Thursday in December will have an impact on the results of our fiscal first and fourth quarters in that division, particularly when we have a 53-week year.

 25

  

Consolidated Financial Comparisons

 

The following table setstables set forth revenues, operating income, other income (expense), net earnings and net earnings per common share for fiscal 2016, the past threeunaudited prior year comparable 53-week period ended December 31, 2015 (F2015C), the Transition Period (TP), the unaudited prior year comparable 30-week period ended December 25, 2014 (PY), fiscal years2015 and fiscal 2014 (in millions, except for per share and percentage change data):

 

      Change F15 v. F14     Change F14 v. F13       Change F16 v. F15C 
 F2015  F2014  Amt.  Pct.  F2013  Amt.  Pct.  F2016  F2015C  Amt.  Pct. 
Revenues $488.1  $447.9  $40.2   9.0% $412.8  $35.1   8.5% $543.9  $531.7  $12.2   2.3%
Operating income  50.2   48.4   1.8   3.7%  38.2   10.2   26.6%  70.0   61.0   9.0   14.6%
Other income (expense)  (10.9)  (10.7)  (0.2)  -1.9%  (3.5)  (7.2)  -203.0%  (9.4)  (11.2)  1.8   16.0%
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests  (0.4)  (4.1)  3.7   91.4%  5.8   (9.9)  -170.4%
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests  (0.4)  (0.4)  -   -%
Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation $24.0  $25.0  $(1.0)  -4.0% $17.5  $7.5   42.8% $37.9  $30.8  $7.1   23.1%
Net earnings per common share - diluted $0.87  $0.92  $(0.05)  -5.4% $0.63  $0.29   46.0% $1.36  $1.10  $0.26   23.6%

        Change TP v. PY 
  TP  PY  Amt.  Pct. 
Revenues $324.3  $280.6  $43.7   15.5%
Operating income  44.7   34.3   10.1   30.3%
Other income (expense)  (6.4)  (6.5)  0.1   1.6%
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests  (0.1)  (0.1)  -   -%
Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation $23.6  $16.8  $6.8   40.4%
Net earnings per common share - diluted $0.84  $0.61  $0.23   37.7%

        Change F15 v. F14 
  F2015  F2014  Amt.  Pct. 
Revenues $488.1  $447.9  $40.2   9.0%
Operating income  50.6   48.9   1.7   3.6%
Other income (expense)  (11.3)  (11.2)  (0.1)  -1.4%
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests  (0.4)  (4.1)  3.7   91.4%
Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation $24.0  $25.0  $(1.0)  -4.0%
Net earnings per common share - diluted $0.87  $0.92  $(0.05)  -5.4%

Fiscal 2016 versus Fiscal 2015C

Our revenues increased during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C due to increased revenues from our theatre division, partially offset by a decrease in revenues from our hotels and resorts division and the fact that fiscal 2015C benefitted from an extra week of operations. Our operating income (earnings before other income/expense and income taxes) and net earnings for fiscal 2016 increased compared to fiscal 2015C due to improved operating results from both our theatre and hotels and resorts divisions, despite the favorable impact of the additional week of operations on fiscal 2015C operating results.

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Operating results from our theatre division during fiscal 2016 were favorably impacted by a slightly stronger film slate during fiscal 2016, increased attendance and average ticket price resulting from continued positive customer responses to our recent investments in theatre amenities and pricing strategies, increased concession revenues, and increased pre-show advertising income compared to fiscal 2015C, partially offset by the fact that fiscal 2015C included an additional week of operations. In mid-December 2016, our theatre division acquired Wehrenberg Theatres® (which we refer to as Wehrenberg), a Midwestern theatre circuit consisting of 14 theatres with 197 screens, plus an 84,000 square foot retail center. Our theatre division revenues benefitted from two weeks of operation of these screens, but the benefit to our fiscal 2016 operating income was offset by one-time transaction costs related to this acquisition.

Operating results from our hotels and resorts division during fiscal 2016 were favorably impacted by several factors, including strong cost controls and increased revenue per available room for comparable hotels during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C. In addition, operating income for our hotels and resorts division during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C was favorably impacted by the fact that operating income during fiscal 2015C included a $2.6 million impairment charge related to one specific hotel. Conversely, operating results from our hotels and resorts division during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C were unfavorably impacted by the fact that fiscal 2015C results included an additional week of operations and included results from the Hotel Phillips, which we sold in October 2015. Operating results from our hotels and resorts division during fiscal 2016 were also negatively impacted by reduced food and beverage revenues compared to fiscal 2015C, due in part to the fact that fiscal 2016 ended on December 29 and did not include New Year’s Eve, historically a very strong food and beverage day for our properties.

Operating losses from our corporate items, which include amounts not allocable to the business segments, increased during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C primarily due to the fact that the prior year period was favorably impacted by the reimbursement of approximately $1.4 million of costs previously expensed related to a mixed-use retail development known as The Corners of Brookfield. Increased compensation expenses related to our improved operating results during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C also contributed to increased operating losses from our corporate items in fiscal 2016, partially offset by the fact that fiscal 2015C corporate operating losses included one-time costs associated with the fiscal year-end change and costs related to the additional week of operations.

As described above, our additional week of operations during fiscal 2015C benefitted both of our operating divisions, negatively impacting comparisons of fiscal 2016 operating results to fiscal 2015C operating results. We estimate that the additional week beginning December 26, 2014 and ended January 1, 2015 contributed approximately $14.3 million in revenues and $4.8 million in operating income to fiscal 2015C. After interest expense and income taxes, we estimate that the extra week of operations contributed approximately $2.8 million to our fiscal 2015C net earnings, or $0.10 per diluted common share.

We recognized investment income of $298,000 during fiscal 2016 compared to investment income of $209,000 during fiscal 2015C. Investment income includes interest earned on cash and cash equivalents, as well as increases in the value of marketable securities and the cash surrender value of a life insurance policy. We currently do not expect investment income during fiscal 2017 to vary significantly compared to fiscal 2016.

Our interest expense totaled $9.2 million during fiscal 2016, a decrease of over $800,000, or 8.6%, compared to interest expense of $10.0 million during fiscal 2015C. The decrease in interest expense during fiscal 2016 was due primarily to a lower average interest rate, as certain principal payments we made on our fixed rate senior notes during fiscal 2016 were funded by borrowings on our revolving credit facility, which has a lower associated interest rate. A small decrease in our total borrowings during the majority of fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C also contributed to the decrease in interest expense during fiscal 2016.

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We ended fiscal 2016 with higher borrowings than we had during the majority of the year due to our acquisition of Wehrenberg in mid-December 2016. In addition, on February 22, 2017, we issued $50 million of unsecured senior notes privately placed with three institutional lenders. We used the proceeds of the sale of such notes, which bear interest at 4.32% per annum and mature in 2027, to repay outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. A substantial portion of our total assets consist of long-term property and equipment and, as a result, we believe that the majority of our borrowings should be at fixed rates with longer terms. Based upon an expected increase in our average interest rate resulting from the new senior notes and the increase in our total borrowings as a result of the Wehrenberg acquisition, we currently believe our interest expense may increase during fiscal 2017 by approximately $1.5-$2.0 million, assuming no other changes to our total borrowings. Changes in our borrowing levels due to variations in our operating results, capital expenditures, share repurchases and asset sale proceeds, among other items, may impact, either favorably or unfavorably, our actual reported interest expense in future periods, as may changes in short-term interest rates.

We reported net losses on disposition of property, equipment and other assets of $844,000 during fiscal 2016, compared to approximately $1.2 million during fiscal 2015C. The majority of the losses during both periods were related to old theatre seats and other items disposed of in conjunction with our significant number of theatre renovations during the periods, partially offset by a gain on the sale of an unused parcel of land during fiscal 2016 and a small gain related to the sale of a former theatre during fiscal 2015C. The timing of our periodic sales and disposals of property, equipment and other assets results in variations each year in the gains or losses that we report on dispositions of property, equipment and other assets. We anticipate the potential for additional disposition losses resulting from theatre renovations, as well as disposition gains or losses from periodic sales of property, equipment and other assets, during fiscal 2017 and beyond. As discussed in more detail in the Current Plans section of this MD&A, we also may report significant gains in future years from the potential sale of existing hotel assets.

We reported net equity earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures of $301,000 during fiscal 2016 compared to net equity losses from unconsolidated joint ventures of $160,000 during fiscal 2015C. Net earnings/losses during the reported periods included our pro-rata share from two hotel joint ventures in which we had 15% and 11% ownership interests, respectively, as of December 29, 2016. During fiscal 2016, we ceased management of The Hotel Zamora and Castile Restaurant in St. Pete Beach, Florida and sold virtually all of our 10% minority ownership interest in the property. We have agreed to sell our remaining 0.49% interest during the next several years. This ownership interest and transaction did not significantly impact our financial results during the reported periods. Conversely, we expect the new Omaha Marriott Downtown at The Capitol District hotel currently under construction in Omaha, Nebraska to open in Summer 2017 – we will manage this hotel and we have a 10% minority ownership interest. We currently do not expect significant variations in net equity gains or losses from unconsolidated joint ventures during fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016, unless we significantly increase or decrease the number of joint ventures in which we participate during fiscal 2017.

We include the operating results of two majority-owned hotels, The Skirvin Hilton and The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, in the hotels and resorts division revenue and operating income, and we add or deduct the after-tax net earnings or loss attributable to noncontrolling interests to or from net earnings on the consolidated statement of earnings. We reported net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests of $363,000 and $393,000, respectively, during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015C.

We reported income tax expense during fiscal 2016 of $23.0 million, an increase of approximately $3.6 million, or 18.4%, compared to income tax expense of $19.4 million during fiscal 2015C. Our effective income tax rate, after adjusting for losses from noncontrolling interests that are not tax-effected because the entities involved are tax pass-through entities, was 37.8% during fiscal 2016 and 38.7% during fiscal 2015C. We currently anticipate that our fiscal 2017 effective income tax rate will remain close to its historical range of 38-40%, excluding any changes in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits or potential changes in federal or state income tax rates.

Weighted-average shares outstanding were 28.0 million during fiscal 2016 and 27.9 million during fiscal 2015C. All per share data in this MD&A is presented on a diluted basis.

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Transition Period versus Prior Year Comparable Period

Our revenues, operating income and net earnings for the 31-week Transition Period increased compared to the prior year comparable 30-week period (which we refer to as the prior year comparable period) due to improved operating results from both our theatre and hotels and resorts divisions, as well as the favorable impact of the additional week of operations. Operating results from our theatre division during the Transition Period were favorably impacted by increased attendance due primarily to a stronger film slate during the Transition Period and continued positive customer responses to our recent investments and pricing strategies, as well as increased concession revenues compared to the prior year comparable period. Operating results from our hotels and resorts division during the Transition Period were favorably impacted by several factors, including a higher average daily room rate, strong cost controls and reduced depreciation expense. Operating results from our corporate items, which include amounts not allocable to the business segments, were negatively impacted by one-time costs associated with the fiscal year-end change, costs related to the additional week of operations and increased compensation expenses related to our improved operating results during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period.

Our additional 31st week of operations, beginning December 25, 2015 and ended on December 31, 2015, benefitted both of our operating divisions and contributed approximately $17.4 million in revenues and $6.2 million in operating income to our Transition Period. After interest expense and income taxes, we estimate that the extra week of operations contributed approximately $3.6 million to our Transition Period net earnings, or $0.13 per diluted common share.

We did not have any significant variations in investment income or interest expense during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period. We reported net equity losses from unconsolidated joint ventures of $36,000 during the Transition Period compared to net equity losses from unconsolidated joint ventures of $63,000 during the prior year comparable period. Net losses during the reported periods included our pro-rata share from three hotel joint ventures in which we had 15%, 11% and 10% ownership interests, respectively, as of December 31, 2015.

In October 2015, we sold the Hotel Phillips for a total purchase price of $13.5 million. Proceeds from the sale were approximately $13.1 million, net of transaction costs. Pursuant to the sale agreement, we also retained our rights to receive payments under a tax incremental financing (TIF) arrangement with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, which is recorded as a receivable at its estimated net realizable value on the consolidated balance sheet. The result of the transaction was a loss on sale of approximately $70,000.

We reported net losses on disposition of property, equipment and other assets of $490,000 during the Transition Period, compared to net losses on disposition of property, equipment and other assets of $719,000 during the prior year comparable period. In addition to the loss on the Hotel Phillips sale during the Transition Period, the majority of the remaining losses during both periods were related to old theatre seats and other items disposed of in conjunction with our significant number of theatre renovations during the periods, partially offset during the Transition Period by a small gain related to the sale of a former theatre.

We include the operating results of two majority-owned hotels, The Skirvin Hilton and The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, in the hotels and resorts division revenue and operating income, and we add or deduct the after-tax net earnings or loss attributable to noncontrolling interests to or from net earnings on the consolidated statement of earnings. We reported net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests of $122,000 and $82,000, respectively, during the Transition Period and prior year comparable period.

We reported income tax expense for the Transition Period of $14.8 million, an increase of approximately $3.8 million, or 33.9%, compared to income tax expense of $11.0 million for the prior year comparable period. Our effective income tax rate, after adjusting for losses from noncontrolling interests that are not tax-effected because the entities involved are tax pass-through entities, was 38.6% during the Transition Period and 39.7% during the prior year comparable period.

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Weighted-average shares outstanding were 27.9 million during the Transition Period and 27.6 million during the prior year comparable period.

 

Fiscal 2015 versus Fiscal 2014

 

We reported record revenues during fiscal 2015 due to increased revenues from both our theatre and hotels and resorts divisions. Operating income (earnings before other income/expense and income taxes) for fiscal 2015 increased compared to the prior year due to record operating results from our theatre division, partially offset by decreased operating income from our hotels and resorts division. Comparisons of our net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation during fiscal 2015 to net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation during fiscal 2014 were unfavorably impacted by an impairment charge during fiscal 2015 and a significant loss attributable to noncontrolling interests during fiscal 2014.

 

Operating results from our theatre division during fiscal 2015 were favorably impacted by increased attendance, due primarily to positive customer responses to our recent investments, and our marketing and pricing strategies, partially offset by approximately $300,000 of non-cash impairment charges. Operating income from our hotels and resorts division during fiscal 2015 was negatively impacted by several factors, including increased depreciation expense, reduced results from our Chicago hotel as a result of the conversion of the hotel into a new brand and a $2.6 million non-cash impairment charge. We estimate that total impairment charges from both divisions negatively impacted our net earnings per share during fiscal 2015 by approximately $0.06 per share.

 

Fiscal 2015 operating losses from our corporate items, which include amounts not allocable to the business segments, decreased compared to the prior year due to the agreed upon reimbursementreversal of approximately $1.4 million of costs previously expensed related to a previously-described mixed-use retail development known as The Corners of Brookfield (partially situated on the site of a former Marcus theatre location). In February 2015, we entered into a joint venture agreement with IM Properties and Bradford Real Estate, two retail development and investment experts, to serve as the new project management team leading The Corners to completion. IM Properties and Bradford serve as managing members of the new joint venture, and we remain a 10% partner in the joint venture. Under this agreement, we contributed our land to the joint venture early in our fiscal 2015 fourth quarter and, in conjunction with the commencement of construction as defined in the agreement, our partners are obligated to reimburse uswe were reimbursed for the majority of our previously incurred predevelopment costs. We havecosts during the possibility of recognizing a small development profit by the opening datefirst quarter of the project (currently planned for late Fall 2016 or early Spring 2017) if certain conditions are met.Transition Period. The joint venture agreement also provides a put/call option for our interest to be sold to the managing members for an agreed-upon amount one year after the project opening.is open and has reached a specified percentage of space leased.

In addition to changes in operating income, our reported results for fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year were also impacted by changes to other non-operating income and expense items. Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation during fiscal 2015 were unfavorably impacted by a decrease in investment income and an increase in losses on disposition of property, equipment and other assets, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense and reduced equity losses from joint ventures during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year.

 

We recognized investment income of $252,000 during fiscal 2015 compared to investment income of approximately $630,000 during the prior year. Investment income includes interest earned on cash, cash equivalents and notes receivable. The decrease in investment income during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year was due to the payoff of a note receivable in our hotels and resorts division. We currently do not expect investment income during fiscal 2016 to vary significantly compared to fiscal 2015.

 

Our interest expense totaled $9.5$9.9 million during fiscal 2015, a decrease of approximately $600,000,$700,000, or 5.8%5.9%, compared to interest expense of $10.1$10.6 million during fiscal 2014. The decrease in interest expense during fiscal 2015 was due entirely to a lower average interest rate, as we had slightly higher total borrowings during fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. Our average interest rate was lower during fiscal 2015 due primarily to our decision to pay off an approximately $21 million fixed rate mortgage related to one of our hotels at the end of May 2014 using borrowings from our revolving credit facility.

 

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Based upon our current expectations that capital expenditures during fiscal 2016 may equal or exceed fiscal 2015 expenditures and that our average interest rate may increase slightly during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 if short-term interest rates rise, we currently believe our interest expense may increase slightly during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. Changes in our borrowing levels due to variations in our operating results, capital expenditures, share repurchases and asset sale proceeds, among other items, may impact our actual reported interest expense in future periods.

  

We reported net losses on disposition of property, equipment and other assets of approximately $1.5 million during fiscal 2015, compared to net losses on disposition of property, equipment and other assets of $993,000 during fiscal 2014. The majority of the losses during fiscal 2015 were related to old theatre seats and other items disposed of in conjunction with our significant number of theatre renovations during the year. Fiscal 2015 net losses also included losses related to the disposal of items in conjunction with the major renovation of our Chicago hotel. Approximately $750,000 of the loss during fiscal 2014 was related to the sale of our 15% joint venture ownership interest in the Columbus Westin hotel in Columbus, Ohio to our majority partner in that venture.

 

The timing of our periodic sales of property, equipment and other assets results in variations each year in the gains or losses that we report on dispositions of property, equipment and other assets. We anticipate the potential for additional disposition losses resulting from theatre renovations, as well as disposition gains or losses from periodic sales of property, equipment and other assets, during fiscal 2016 and beyond. In particular, we may report a significant gain sometime during the next two years from the potential sale of a former theatre parcel in Madison, Wisconsin. As discussed in more detail in our Current Plans section of this discussion, we also may report gains in future years from the potential sale of existing hotel assets.

We reported net equity losses from unconsolidated joint ventures of $186,000 during fiscal 2015 compared to net equity losses from unconsolidated joint ventures of $250,000 during the prior year. Losses during fiscal 2015 and 2014 included our pro-rata share from two hotel joint ventures in which we had 15% and 11% ownership interests, respectively, as well as a hotel joint venture that we entered into during fiscal 2015 in which we havehad a 10% ownership interest. We currently do not expect significant variations in net equity gains or losses from unconsolidated joint ventures during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015, unless we significantly add to the number of joint ventures in which we participate during fiscal 2016.

We include the operating results of two majority-owned hotels, The Skirvin Hilton and The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel, in the hotels and resorts division revenue and operating income, and we add or deduct the after-tax net earnings or loss attributable to noncontrolling interests to or from net earnings on the consolidated statement of earnings.

Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation during fiscal 2014 benefited from an allocation of a loss attributable to noncontrolling interests of $4.1 million related primarily to a legal settlement with our partners in The Skirvin Hilton hotel. The settlement resulted in a reallocation between partners of a prior year’s reported income from the extinguishment of debt at The Skirvin Hilton. TheWe estimate that the loss attributable to noncontrolling interests related directly to this legal settlement during fiscal 2014 was approximately $3.6 million before income taxes and favorably impacted our net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation after income taxes by approximately $0.08 per share.

 

We reported income tax expense for fiscal 2015 of $15.7 million, a decrease of approximately $1.1 million, or 6.7%, compared to fiscal 2014 income tax expense of $16.8 million. Our effective income tax rate, after adjusting for earnings and losses from noncontrolling interests that are not tax-effected because the entities involved are tax pass-through entities, was 39.5% during fiscal 2015 and 40.2% during fiscal 2014. We currently anticipate that our fiscal 2016 effective income tax rate will remain close to its historical range of 39-40%, excluding any changes in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits or potential changes in federal or state income tax rates.

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding were 27.7 million during fiscal 2015 and 27.2 million during fiscal 2014. All per share data is presented on a diluted basis.

Fiscal 2014 versus Fiscal 2013

 

Our revenues, operating income (earnings before other income/expense and income taxes) and net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation for fiscal 2014 increased compared to the prior year due to improved operating results from both our theatre and hotels and resorts divisions. Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation were also favorably impacted by a loss attributable to noncontrolling interests during fiscal 2014, compared to earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests during fiscal 2013.

Operating results from our theatre division were favorably impacted by increased attendance due in part to a stronger slate of movies during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year. In addition, our investments in new features and amenities at select theatres and successful marketing strategies attracted more moviegoers to our theatres. Comparisons of fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2013 theatre division results also benefited from the fact that fiscal 2013 operating results from our theatre division were negatively impacted by an approximately $1.3 million impairment charge taken in that year.

Operating results from our hotels and resorts division were favorably impacted by higher occupancy rates and average daily room rates during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year. Comparisons of fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2013 hotels and resorts division results also benefited from the fact that fiscal 2013 operating results were negatively impacted by approximately $3.3 million of pre-tax costs related to the settlement of lawsuits concerning our Las Vegas property, approximately $250,000 of impairment charges and initial operating losses from a new hotel that we acquired during fiscal 2013. We estimate that the total impairment charges from both divisions, together with the legal costs that we incurred in fiscal 2013 in connection with the lawsuits concerning our Las Vegas property, negatively impacted our net earnings per share during fiscal 2013 by approximately $0.10 per share.

Fiscal 2014 operating losses from our corporate items increased slightly compared to the prior year due in part to increased incentive compensation expenses related to our improved operating results during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year. Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation during fiscal 2014 were also unfavorably impacted by an increase in interest expense and losses on disposition of property, equipment and other assets, partially offset by a small increase in investment income and reduced equity losses from joint ventures during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year.

We recognized investment income of $630,000 during fiscal 2014 compared to investment income of approximately $494,000 during the prior year.

Our interest expense totaled $10.1 million during fiscal 2014, an increase of approximately $800,000, or 8.1%, compared to interest expense of $9.3 million during fiscal 2013. The increase in interest expense during fiscal 2014 was due in part to the full-year impact of increased borrowings incurred during fiscal 2013. During fiscal 2013, we assumed a mortgage in connection with our acquisition of The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel, in Lincoln, Nebraska during the second quarter, and we incurred new borrowings during our third quarter in order to fund the payment of a special dividend.

Our interest expense also increased during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year due to the fact that, late in our fiscal 2014 first quarter, we issued $50.0 million of unsecured senior notes privately placed with several purchasers. We used the proceeds from the issuance and sale of the notes to reduce borrowings under our revolving credit facility with a lower interest rate and for general corporate purposes.

We reported net losses on disposition of property, equipment and other assets of $993,000 during fiscal 2014, compared to net losses on disposition of property, equipment and other assets of $266,000 during fiscal 2013. Approximately $750,000 of the loss during fiscal 2014 was related to our second quarter sale of our 15% joint venture ownership interest in the Columbus Westin hotel in Columbus, Ohio to our majority partner in that venture. Pursuant to the sale arrangement, we also ceased providing management services for this hotel in December 2013. The remaining losses reported during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 were primarily the result of the write-off of selected furniture, fixtures and equipment that we disposed of in conjunction with renovations at several of our theatre and hotel properties. Fiscal 2013 losses also included losses that we incurred in connection with our disposal of two former restaurant locations.

We reported net equity losses from unconsolidated joint ventures of $250,000 during fiscal 2014 compared to net equity losses from unconsolidated joint ventures of $450,000 during the prior year. Losses during fiscal 2014 and 2013 included our pro-rata share from two hotel joint ventures in which we had a 15% ownership interest, a hotel joint venture that we entered into during fiscal 2013 in which we have an 11% ownership interest and a remaining Baymont 50% joint venture (operating as a Travelodge). We sold our interest in one of the hotel joint ventures during fiscal 2014 and we also sold the former Baymont hotel during fiscal 2014.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we refinanced the debt related to The Skirvin Hilton hotel in Oklahoma City, in which we own a 60% interest. In conjunction with that refinancing, approximately $9.8 million of debt originally issued as part of a new markets tax credit structure was cancelled in December 2012 after certain time-related conditions related to the tax credits were met. As a result, we recognized income from the extinguishment of debt of $6.0 million during fiscal 2013, representing the cancellation of the $9.8 million of debt less approximately $3.8 million of deferred fees related to the issuance of the debt. This income from the extinguishment of debt did not impact our reported net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation during fiscal 2013 because, pursuant to our interpretation of the terms of the operating agreement with our 40% joint venture partner, we allocated 100% of this income to the noncontrolling interest.

Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation during fiscal 2014 benefited from an allocation of a loss attributable to noncontrolling interests of $4.1 million related primarily to a late fiscal 2014 legal settlement with our partners in The Skirvin Hilton hotel. The settlement resulted in a reallocation between partners of the above-referenced income from the extinguishment of debt at The Skirvin Hilton. The loss attributable to noncontrolling interests related directly to this legal settlement during fiscal 2014 was approximately $3.6 million before income taxes and favorably impacted our net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation after income taxes by approximately $0.08 per share.

We reported income tax expense for fiscal 2014 of $16.8 million, an increase of approximately $5.4 million, or 48.1%, compared to fiscal 2013 income tax expense of $11.4 million. The increase in income tax expense was the result of increased pre-tax earnings during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year and a slightly higher effective income tax rate. Our effective income tax rate, after adjusting for earnings and losses from noncontrolling interests that are not tax-effected because the entities involved are tax pass-through entities, was 40.2% during fiscal 2014 and 39.3% during fiscal 2013.

Weighted-average shares outstanding were 27.2 million during fiscal 2014 and 27.9 million during fiscal 2013.

Current Plans

 

Our aggregate cash capital expenditures, acquisitions and purchases of interests in and contributions to joint ventures were approximately: (i) $147 million during fiscal 2016 compared to approximately $86 million during fiscal 2015C; (ii) $46 million during the Transition Period compared to approximately $35 million during the prior year comparable 30-week period; and (iii) $77 million during fiscal 2015 compared to $58 million during fiscal 2014 and $24 million during fiscal 2013.2014. We currently anticipate that our fiscal 20162017 capital expenditures may be in the $70-$100-$90120 million range, excluding any presently unidentified potential acquisitions that may arise during the year. We will, however, continue to monitor our operating results and economic and industry conditions so that we may adjust our plans accordingly.

 

Our current strategic plans include the following goals and strategies:

 

Theatres

 

i·Our current plans for growth in our theatre division include several opportunities for new theatres and screens. Late in our fiscal 2015 fourth quarter, we opened our newesta theatre in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, the Marcus Palace Cinema, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.Cinema. Replacing an existing nearby theatre in Madison, Wisconsin, this new 12-screen theatre features all-reservedhas exceeded our expectations, and we opened two additional screens at this location during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2016, we purchased land and began construction on two new theatres. We expect to open a 10-screen theatre in Shakopee, Minnesota during the second quarter of fiscal 2017 that will feature all reserved DreamLoungerSMrecliner seating in every auditorium, twoUltraScreen DLX® auditoriums, fourBig Screen BistroSM in-theatre dining auditoriums, aZaffiro’s®Express and aTake FiveSMLounge. Initial customer response to this new location has exceeded our expectations. During fiscal 2016, weWe expect to begin construction on another replacementopen our first stand-alone all in-theatre dining location, an eight-screen theatre that will be branded BistroPlexSM, in a different market andGreendale, Wisconsin during the third quarter of fiscal 2017. In addition, we are looking for additional sites for potential new locations. In addition, we are currently evaluating an opportunity to build our first stand-aloneBig Screen Bistrolocation. Construction on this location may also begintheatre locations in fiscal 2016.both new and existing markets.

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i·In addition to building new theatres, we believe acquisitions of existing theatres or theatre circuits mayis also be a viable growth strategy for us. The movieIn April 2016, we purchased a closed 16-screen theatre industryin Country Club Hills, Illinois, which is very fragmented, with approximately 50% of United States screens owned by the four largestnow our sixth theatre circuits and the other 50% owned by approximately 800 smaller operators, making it very difficult to predict when acquisition opportunities may arise. Over one-third of our current circuit was acquired over the past eight years, and we have engaged third-party assistance to actively help us seek additional potential acquisitions in the future.greater Chicago area, building on our strong presence in the Chicago southern suburbs. The purchase was part of an Internal Revenue Code §1031 like-kind exchange in which the tax gain from our October 2015 sale of the real estate related to the Hotel Phillips was deferred by reinvesting the applicable proceeds in replacement real estate within a prescribed time period. We do not believe that we are geographically constrained,opened the newly renovated theatre early in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. The renovation added DreamLounger recliner seating to all auditoriums, added oneUltraScreen DLX auditorium and we believe that we may be able to add value to certain theatres through our various proprietary amenitiestwoSuperScreen DLX® auditoriums, as well as aTake Five Lounge and operating expertise.Reel Sizzle® outlet.

In December 2016, we acquired the assets of Wehrenberg, a family-owned and operated theatre circuit based in St. Louis, Missouri with 197 screens at 14 locations in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota. This acquisition increased our total number of screens by 29%. The movie theatre industry is very fragmented, with approximately 50% of United States screens owned by the three largest theatre circuits and the other 50% owned by approximately 800 smaller operators, making it very difficult to predict when acquisition opportunities may arise. We have engaged third-party assistance to actively help us seek additional potential acquisitions in the future. We do not believe that we are geographically constrained, and we believe that we may be able to add value to certain theatres through our various proprietary amenities and operating expertise.

 

i·We have invested nearly $90$185 million to further enhance the movie-going experience and amenities in new and existing theatres over the last two fiscalthree and one-half calendar years, with more investments planned for fiscal 2016.2017. These investments include:

 

DreamLoungerrecliner additions. These luxurious, state-of-the-art recliners allow guests to go from upright to a full-recline position in seconds. These seat changes require full auditorium remodels to accommodate the necessary 84 inches of legroom, resulting in the loss of approximately 50% of the existing traditional seats in an average auditorium. To date, the addition of DreamLoungers has significantly increased attendance at each of our applicable theatre,theatres, outperforming nearby competitive theatres as well as growing the overall market attendance in most cases. By the end of May 2014, we had added DreamLoungers to all auditoriums in eight theatres. In addition to the new Marcus Palace Cinema described above, we alsoWe added DreamLounger recliner seats to fourseven more existing theatres during the second halffiscal 2016. As a result, as of fiscal 2015. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we offered DreamLoungersall DreamLounger recliner seating in 21 theatres, representing approximately 27%42% of our company-owned, first-run theatres and 30%(excluding the newly-acquired Wehrenberg theatres). Including our premium, large format (PLF) auditoriums with recliner seating, as of December 29, 2016, we offered our DreamLounger recliner seating in approximately 48% of our company-owned, first-run screens percentages that(excluding the Wehrenberg screens), a percentage we believe areto be the highest among the toplargest theatre chains in the industry. nation. Currently, only one Wehrenberg theatre offers recliner seating in all of its auditoriums.

We are currently evaluating opportunities to add our DreamLounger premium seating to three12 to four18 additional existing theatres during fiscal 2016,2017, including multiple Wehrenberg theatres, in addition to the two new fiscal 2017 theatres described above. The majority of these projects are expected to be completed during the second half of fiscal 2017, but it is certainly possible that several may carry over into fiscal 2018. As a result, by the end of fiscal 2017 or shortly thereafter, we may increase our percentage of total combined Marcus/Wehrenberg theatres with all-DreamLounger recliner seating to approximately 55-65% and our percentage of total combined Marcus/Wehrenberg company-owned, first-run screens with DreamLounger recliner seating to 60-70%.

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UltraScreen DLX andSuperScreen DLX (DreamLounger eXperience) conversions. We introduced one of the first premium, large-format (PLF)PLF presentations to the industry when we rolled out our proprietaryUltraScreen® concept in 1999. During fiscal 2014, we introduced ourUltraScreen DLX concept by combining our premium, large-format presentation with DreamLounger premiumrecliner seating and Dolby Atmos®Dolby® Atmos™ immersive sound to elevate the movie-going experience for our guests. ByDuring the endTransition Period, we completed the renovation of May 2014, we had converted 11 large-format17 existing screens to theUltraScreen DLX concept.into PLF auditoriums. During fiscal 2015,2016, we convertedopened two moreUltraScreens to the DLX concept and added three newUltraScreen DLX auditoriums at an existing theatre in Minnesota, completed conversion of oneUltraScreen to anUltraScreen DLX at an existing theatre in Illinois, opened one newUltraScreen DLX auditorium and two newSuperScreen DLX auditoriums at our new Country Club Hills theatre described above, and converted four additional screens including twotoSuperScreen DLX auditoriums at three existing theatres in Wisconsin and Illinois. Several of our new PLF screens in fiscal 2016 included the new Marcus Palace Cinema.added feature of heated DreamLounger recliner seats. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we had seven23UltraScreen DLX auditoriums, three traditionalUltraScreens five recently introducedand 25SuperScreen DLX screensauditoriums (slightly smaller screen than anUltraScreen but with the same DreamLounger seating and Dolby Atmos sound – a PLF presentation designed for smaller markets) and 16UltraScreen DLX screensat our theatre locations (excluding the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres). We currently offer at least one PLF screen in operation. As a result, approximately 49%64% of our first-run, company-owned first-run theatres offer(excluding the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres) – once again a premium, large format option to its customers, whichpercentage we believe to be the highest percentage among the highest percentageslargest theatre chains in the industry. nation.

Three of the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres feature IMAX® PLF screens. One Wehrenberg theatre features a proprietary MegaScreen PLF screen that we expect to convert to anUltraScreen DLX auditorium during fiscal 2017.

Our PLF screens generally have higher per-screen revenues and draw customers from a larger geographic region compared to our standard screens, and we charge a premium price to our guests for this experience. We are currently evaluating opportunities to convert or add up to foureight additional screens at six existing theatres, including multiple Wehrenberg theatres, toUltraScreen DLX auditoriums and sevenSuperScreen DLX auditoriums during fiscal 2016.2017, in addition to three new PLF auditoriums planned for the two new fiscal 2017 theatres described above.

 

Signature cocktail and dining concepts. We continuehave continued to further enhance our food and beverage offerings within our existing theatres. We believe our 50-plus years of food and beverage experience in the hotel and restaurant businesses provides us with a unique advantage and expertise that we can leverage to further grow revenues in our theatres. The concepts we are currently expanding include:

 

i·Take Five LoungeandTake Five Express– these full-service bars offer an inviting atmosphere and a chef-inspired dining menu, along with a complete selection of cocktails, locally-brewed beers and wines. We opened seventwo newTake Five Loungeoroutlets during the Transition Period and twoTake Five Lounge concepts and oneTake Five Express concepts and relocated and expanded our originalTake Five Lounge at our Majestic Cinema of Brookfield during fiscal 2015. We opened anotherTake Five Express earlyconcept in fiscal 2016, increasing our number of original Marcus theatres with this conceptone of these concepts to 14,19 as of December 29, 2016, representing approximately 29%38% of our company-owned, first-run theatres.theatres (excluding the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres). In addition, two Wehrenberg theatres offer a lounge concept that we expect to convert to one of ourTake Five concepts during fiscal 2017. We have oneare currently evaluating opportunities to add up to five additionalTake Five Lounge under construction and we anticipate adding at least one additionalorTake Five Expressoutletoutlets to existing theatres, including multiple Wehrenberg theatres, during the second half of fiscal 2016.2017, in addition to the two new fiscal 2017 theatres described above.

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i·Zaffiro’s Express – these outlets offer lobby dining that includes appetizers, sandwiches, salads, desserts and our signatureZaffiro’sTHINCREDIBLE® handmade thin-crust pizza. In select locations without aTake Five Lounge outlet, we offer beer and wine at theZaffiro’s Express outlet. We opened eightfive newZaffiro’s Express outlets during fiscal 2015the Transition Period and we opened two additionalthree newZaffiro’s Express outlets early induring fiscal 2016, increasing our number of theatres with this concept to 16,22 as of December 29, 2016, representing approximately 33%44% of our company-owned, first-run theatres.theatres (excluding the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres). We also operate threeZaffiro’s Pizzeria and Bar full-service restaurants, as well as one newly-openedReel Sizzle® counter griddle concept, featuring burgers, chicken sandwiches and tenders, along with ice cream and shakes.restaurants. We are currently have oneZaffiro’s Express outlet under construction and we anticipate addingevaluating opportunities to add up to threefour additionalZaffiro’s Expressoutlets during the second half of fiscal 2016.2017, including at multiple Wehrenberg theatres, and one at the new Shakopee theatre described above.

 

i·Reel Sizzle– our newest signature dining concept serves menu items inspired by classic Hollywood and the iconic diners of the 1950s. We offer Americana fare like burgers and chicken sandwiches prepared on a griddle behind the counter, along with chicken tenders, crinkle cut fries, ice cream and signature shakes. As of December 29, 2016, we operated fiveReel Sizzle outlets, including four that we opened during fiscal 2016. We also operate oneHollywood Caféat an existing theatre.

Five of the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres offer in-lobby dining concepts, operating under names such asFred’s Drive-In andRonnie’s Drive-In. We expect to convert several of them to ourZaffiro’s Express and/orReel Sizzle concepts during fiscal 2017, and we are evaluating additional opportunities to addReel Sizzle outlets to existing theatres.

·Big Screen Bistro – this concept offers full-service, in-theatre dining with a complete menu of drinks and chef-prepared salads, sandwiches, entrées and desserts. During fiscal 2015, we addedWe currently offer this concept to ten screens at three separate locations, including the new Marcus Palace Cinema, increasing our number ofsix theatres and screens with this concept to six andin 21 respectivelytotal auditoriums (including one theatre and five screens managed for another owner). In addition to the possibility of buildingour above-described plans to build our first stand-alone all in-theatre dining location with eight screens, we plan to convert five to seven auditoriums currently providing in-theatre dining at three Wehrenberg theatres under the nameFive Star Lounge to ourBig Screen Bistro with up to eight screens, we planconcept during fiscal 2017. We will also continue to evaluate additional opportunities to expand this concept in the future.

i·With each of these strategies, our goal continues to be to introduce and create entertainment destinations that further define and enhance the customer value proposition for movie-going. We also will also continue to maintain and enhance the value of our existing theatre assets by regularly upgrading and remodeling our theatres in order to keep them fresh and new.fresh. In order to accomplish the strategies noted above, we currently anticipate that our fiscal 20162017 capital expenditures in this division may total approximately $50-$80-$6595 million, including approximately $9$40 million carried over from ourof capital expenditures attributable to capital projects initiated during fiscal 2015 capital plan described above,2016, but excluding any potential additional acquisitions that we may complete.

 

i·In addition to the growth strategies described above, our theatre division continues to focus on multiple strategies designed to further increase revenues and improve the profitability of our existing theatres. These strategies include various cost control efforts, as well as plans to expand ancillary theatre revenues, such as pre-show advertising, lobby advertising, additional corporate and group sales, sponsorships and alternate auditorium uses.

 

i·We also have several customer-focused strategies designed to elevate our consumer knowledge, expectation and connection, and provide us with a competitive advantage and the ability to deliver improved financial performance. These strategies include the following:

 

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Marketing initiatives. We rolled out a “$5 Tuesday” and “$5 Student Thursday” promotionspromotion at every theatre in our circuit in mid-November 2013. Coupled with a free 44-oz popcorn for everyone for the first five months of the program (subsequently offered only to our loyalty program members) and an aggressive marketing campaign, our goal was to increase overall attendance by reaching mid-week value customers who may have reduced their movie-going frequency or stopped going to the movies because of price. We have seen our Tuesday attendance increase dramatically since the introduction of the new$5 Tuesday promotion, and attendance has continued to grow during the second yearsubsequent years of the program.promotion. We believe this promotion has created another “weekend” day for us, without adversely impacting the movie-going habits of our regular weekend customers. The newly-acquired Wehrenberg theatres previously offered a discounted price on Tuesday nights, but we immediately introduced our $5 Tuesday promotion with the free popcorn for loyalty members upon acquiring the theatres and believe that there is an opportunity to significantly improve Tuesday performance at these theatres in the future. We also offer a “$5 Student Thursday” promotion at 36 locations that has been well received by that particular customer segment.

 

Loyalty program. We launched a new, what we believe to be best-in-class, customer loyalty program called Magical Movie Rewards on March 30, 2014. Designed to enhance the movie-going experience for our customers, the response to this program has exceeded our expectations. We enrolled over onecurrently have approximately 1.8 million members enrolled in the first year of the program. Over one-third (36%)More than 40% of all transactions in our theatres since program inception have been completed by registered members of the loyalty program. The program allows members to earn points for each dollar spent and access special offers available only to members. The rewards are redeemable at the box office, concession stand or at the many Marcus Theatres food and beverage venues. In addition, we have partnered with Movio, a global leader in data analysis for the cinema industry, in order to allow more targeted communication with our loyalty members. The software provides us with insight into customer preferences, attendance habits and general demographics, which we expect will help us deliver an enhanced,customized communication to our members. In turn, members of this program can enjoy and plan for a more personalized movie-going experience to our members.experience. The program also gives us the ability to cost effectively promote non-traditional programming and special events, particularly during non-peak time periods. We believe that this will result in increased movie-going frequency, higher averagemore frequent visits to the concession revenues per person,stand, increased loyalty to Marcus Theatres and ultimately, improved operating results. The recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres offers a loyalty program to their customers that currently has approximately 200,000 members. We plan on converting these members to our Magical Movie Rewards program during fiscal 2017.

 

Technology enhancements. We have enhanced our mobile ticketing capabilities and added the Magical Movie Rewards loyalty program to our downloadable Marcus Theatres mobile application. During fiscal 2015, weWe have redesigned ourmarcustheatres.comwebsite and installedcontinued to install additional theatre-level technology, such as new ticketing kiosks and digital menu boards and concession advertising monitors. Each of these enhancements areis designed to improve customer interactions, both at the theatre and through mobile platforms and other electronic devices.

i·The addition of digital technology throughout our circuit (we offer digital cinema projection aton 100% of our first-run screens) has provided us with additional opportunities to obtain non-motion picture programming from other new and existing content providers, including live and pre-recorded performances of the Metropolitan Opera, as well as sports, music and other events, at many of our locations. We launched our new Theatre Entertainment Network during fiscal 2014, offeringoffer weekday alternate programming at 29many of our theatres across our chain.circuit. The special programming includes classic movies, live performances, comedy shows and children’s performances. We believe this type of programming is more impactful when presented on the big screen and provides an opportunity to continue to expand our audience base beyond traditional moviegoers.

 

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i·In addition, digital 3D presentation of films continued to positively contribute to our box office receipts during fiscal 2015. We currently havethe periods presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As of December 29, 2016, we had the ability to offer digital 3D presentations in 205,259, or approximately 31%, of our first-run screens, including the vast majority of ourUltraScreens. We have the ability to increase the number of digital 3D capable screens we offer to our guests in the future as needed, based on the number of digital 3D films anticipated to be released during future periods and our customers’ response to these 3D releases.

 

Hotels and Resorts

 

i·Our hotels and resorts division is actively seeking opportunities to increase the number of rooms under management. The goal of our hotel investment business, MCS Capital, under the direction of a well-respected industry veteran with extensive hotel acquisition and development experience, is to seek opportunities wherebywhere we may act as an investment fund sponsor, joint venture partner or sole investor in acquiring additional hotel properties. We continue to believe that opportunities to acquire high-quality hotels at reasonable valuations will be present in the future for well-capitalized companies, and we believe that there are partners available to work with us when the appropriate hotel assets are identified. We have a number of potential growth opportunities that we are evaluating.

 

i·We also continue to pursue additional management contracts for other owners, some of which may include small equity investments similar to the investments we have made in the past with strategic equity partners. Although total revenues from an individual hotel management contract are significantly less than from an owned hotel, the operating margins are generally significantly higher due to the fact that all direct costs of operating the property are typically borne by the owner of the property. Management contracts provide us with an opportunity to increase our total number of managed rooms without a significant investment, thereby increasing our returns on equity. During fiscal 2016, we expanded our hotel development team with the fourth quarteraddition of fiscal 2014, we assumed management of the Heidel House Resort & Spa, a 190-room full-service resortsenior executive experienced in Green Lake, Wisconsin.operations, business development, marketing, feasibility and valuation. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015,Transition Period, we assumed management of The Hotel Zamora and Castile Restaurant in St. Pete Beach, Florida, a 72-room boutique luxury property, and acquired a 10% minority ownership interest in the hotel and restaurant. We also recently announced that we will bebecame a minority investor and manager of the new Omaha Marriott Downtown at The Capitol District Marriott Hotelhotel currently under developmentconstruction in Omaha, Nebraska. We will also provideare currently providing technical consulting and pre-opening services during the construction phase, with the hotel currently scheduled to open in SpringSummer 2017.

 

i·Unlike our theatre assets, where the majority of our return on investment comes from the annual cash flow generated by operations, a portion of the return on our hotel investments is derived byfrom effective portfolio management, which includes determining the proper branding strategy for a given asset along with the proper level of investment and upgrades, as well as identifying an effective divestiture strategy for the asset when appropriate. During fiscal 2015, we converted our company-owned former Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile property into one of the first AC Hotels by Marriott in the United States. We believe this stylish, urban lifestyle brand, which was originally launched in Europe and now includes nearly 80 hotels, will beis a perfect fit for our Chicago location. A grand opening ceremonyWe recently extended our current franchise agreement on another of our owned hotels, the InterContinental Milwaukee, which now expires in January 2018. We are currently evaluating our options for this hotel, which could include extending the now completedcurrent brand, converting to a brand or independent hotel, was held in June 2015.or selling the hotel and retaining management.

i·In addition, weWe have been very opportunistic in our past hotel investments as we have, on many occasions, acquired assets at favorable terms and then improved the properties and operations to create value. We believe current market conditions are such that it would be prudent for uswill continue to continue toperiodically explore opportunities to monetize one or more owned hotels. We will consider many factors as we actively review opportunities to execute this strategy, including income tax considerations, the ability to retain management, pricing and individual market considerations. We evaluate strategies for our hotels on an asset-by-asset basis. We have not set a specific goal for the number of hotels that mightmay be considered for this strategy, nor have we set a specific timetable for execution of a hotel monetization strategy.timetable. It is very possible that we may sell a particular hotel or hotels during fiscal 2016 and2017 or beyond if we determine that such action is in the best interest of our shareholders. In late JulyOctober 2015, we announced that we had entered into an agreement to sellsold the Hotel Phillips in Kansas City, Missouri.Missouri for $13.1 million of net proceeds. The sale is expected to occur on or about September 1, 2015.Hotel Phillips was the smallest of our company-owned hotels, both in revenues and operating income.

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i·Our fiscal 20162017 plans for our hotels and resorts division also include continued reinvestment in our existing properties in order to maintain and enhance their value. In addition to the major renovation at our Chicago hotel described above, we have recently made significant reinvestmentsinvestments in our Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker A Marriott Hotel.Hotel, in Lincoln, Nebraska. We also recently finished managingmanaged an extensive remodeling of the Westin® Atlanta Perimeter North in Atlanta, Georgia, which we completed in Fall 2014 (we are a minority partner in a joint venture that owns the Westin Atlanta). OurDuring fiscal 2016, hotels and resorts capital expenditures will include fiscal 2015 carryover expenditures related to the conversion of our Chicago hotel into an AC Hotel by Marriott, as well aswe made additional reinvestments in several ofThe Skirvin Hilton hotel, and we expanded our existing assets, includingcentralized laundry facility in order to increase our capacity to serve non-company owned businesses. We also began construction on a project that will add 29 spacious, all-season villas to the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This multi-million dollar investment is designed to enhance the resort experience for travelers who want expanded, upscale accommodations and Spa, The Pfister Hotel and The Skirvin Hilton hotel.will increase our total combined units at this top Midwest destination property to more than 600 (including the Timber Ridge Lodge) when the Villas open in mid-2017. Including possible growth opportunities currently being evaluated, we believe our total fiscal 20162017 hotels and resorts capital expenditures may total up to approximately $20-$25 million, excluding any additional presently unidentified possible acquisitions.

 

i·In addition to the growth strategies described above, our hotels and resorts division continues to focus on several strategies that are intended to further improvegrow the division’s profitability.revenues and profits. These include leveraging our food and beverage expertise for growth including seeking opportunities to expand our successful in-house restaurant brands, such asMiller Time Pub & Grill, as well asand growing our catering and events revenues. Early in fiscal 2016,the Transition Period, we purchased theSafe HouseSafeHouse® in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, adding another restaurant brand to our portfolio. TheSafe HouseSafeHouse is an iconic, spy-themed restaurant and bar that has operated in Milwaukee for nearly 50 years. In addition to addingDuring fiscal 2016, we completed a significant renovation of the existing MilwaukeeSafeHouseand began construction on a newSafeHouse restaurant and bar in downtown Chicago, Illinois, adjacent to our operating results,AC Chicago Downtown Hotel. The new location opened on March 1, 2017. We also opened a complimentary business capitalizing on the popularity of team escape games, theEscapeHouse Chicago, in November 2016, next door to the newSafeHouse. Our current focus is on ensuring the success of our first newSafeHouse, but we will exploreanticipate exploring additional opportunities to expand this concept in the future.

 

i·We have also invested in sales, revenue management and internet marketing strategies in an effort to further increase our profitability, as well as human resource and cost improvement strategies designed to achieve operational excellence and improved operating margins. We have a strong focusare focused on developing our customer service delivery and technology enhancements that wouldto improve customer interactions through mobile platforms and other customer touch points.

 

30·We have taken our highly awarded web development team and created a new business unit to be managed by the hotels and resorts division called Graydient Creative. Graydient leverages our expertise in digital marketing, creating a new profit center for the division by seeking new external customers. Services provided by Graydient include, but are not limited to, website design and development, branding and print design, and social media management.

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Corporate

 

i·We periodically review opportunities to make investments in long-term growth opportunities that may not be entirely related to our two primary businesses, such as the previously-described Corners of Brookfield project. During the Transition Period, we purchased a riverfront parcel of land in downtown Milwaukee with significant development potential. The land purchase was part of an Internal Revenue Code §1031 tax-deferred like-kind exchange in conjunction with our sale of the Hotel Phillips. Various plans for a mixed-use development on this land that are under consideration include a movie theatre, office space, retail and/or residential component. In addition, during fiscal 2016, the city of Milwaukee requested proposals for a parcel of land across the street from our Hilton Milwaukee City Center hotel. We responded to that request with a proposed plan for a mixed-use project that would expand the number of rooms operated by the Hilton, add a residential component and provide a transit center for a city-proposed streetcar extension. This was a preliminary proposal and an expansion of the city’s convention center would be a prerequisite for any action on this proposal, if our proposal were to be selected by the city. Both of the above-described projects have many open issues that would have to be resolved before we would consider moving forward and, like The Corners of Brookfield, we would consider bringing on a partner or partners on these projects if they were to proceed. We do not expect any substantial capital expenditures to be incurred on these projects during fiscal 2017.

·In addition to operational and growth strategies in our operating divisions, we continue to seek additional opportunities to enhance shareholder value, including strategies related to our dividend policy, share repurchases and asset divestitures. We increased our regular quarterly common stock cash dividend by 11.8% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 and another 10.5% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.2015, another 7.1% during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and 11.1% during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. We also have repurchased approximately 3.63.9 million shares of our common stock during the last fourfive-plus fiscal years under our existing Board of Directors stock repurchase authorizations. We will also continue to evaluate opportunities to sell real estate when appropriate, allowing us to benefit from the underlying value of our real estate assets. When possible, we will attempt to avail ourselves of the provisions of Internal Revenue Code §1031 related to tax-deferred like-kind exchange transactions. In addition to the above-mentioned potential sale of a valuable existingformer theatre parcel in Madison, Wisconsin and/or selected hotels in our portfolio, we plan to evaluate opportunities to sell additional out-parcels at several owned theatre developments, as well as other non-operating and/or non-performing real estate in our portfolio.

 

The actual number, mix and timing of our potential future new facilities and expansions and/or divestitures will depend, in large part, on industry and economic conditions, our financial performance and available capital, the competitive environment, evolving customer needs and trends, and the potential availability of attractive acquisition and investment opportunities. It is likely that our growth goals and strategies will continue to evolve and change in response to these and other factors, and there can be no assurance that we will achieve our current goals. Each of our goals and strategies are subject to the various risk factors discussed above in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Theatres

 

Our oldest and most profitable division is our theatre division. The theatre division contributed 55.2%contributed: (i) 60.3% of our consolidated revenues and 84.1%83.1% of our consolidated operating income, excluding corporate items, during fiscal 2016, compared to 57.7% and 82.8%, respectively, during fiscal 2015C; (ii) 56.4% and 68.2%, respectively, during the Transition Period, compared to 51.8% and 65.3%, respectively, during the prior year comparable period; and (iii) 55.2% and 83.8%, respectively, during fiscal 2015, compared to 54.3% and 74.6%74.3%, respectively, during fiscal 2014 and 53.2% and 79.3%, respectively, during fiscal 2013.2014. The theatre division operates motion picture theatres in Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio,Iowa, Minnesota, Iowa,Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and Nebraska,Ohio, and a family entertainment center in Wisconsin. The following tables set forth revenues, operating income, operating margin, screens and theatre locations for fiscal 2016, the last threeunaudited prior year comparable 53-week period ended December 31, 2015 (F2015C), the Transition Period (TP), the unaudited prior year comparable 30-week period ended December 25, 2014 (PY), and the prior two fiscal years:

 

     Change F15 v. F14     Change F14 v. F13 
  F2015  F2014  Amt.  Pct.  F2013  Amt.  Pct. 
  (in millions, except percentages) 
Revenues $269.2  $243.2  $26.0   10.7% $219.5  $23.7   10.8%
Operating income $53.5  $46.5  $7.0   15.1% $40.9  $5.6   13.6%
Operating margin  19.9%  19.1%          18.6%        
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Number of screens and locations at fiscal year-end(1) (2) F2015  F2014  F2013 
Theatre screens  681   685   685 
Theatre locations  55   55   55 
Average screens per location  12.4   12.5   12.5 

     Change F16 v. F15C 
  F2016  F2015C  Amt.  Pct. 
  (in millions, except percentages) 
Revenues $328.2  $306.7  $21.5   7.0%
Operating income $71.8  $62.9  $8.9   14.1%
Operating margin  21.9%  20.5%        

        Change TP v. PY 
  TP  PY  Amt.  Pct. 
  (in millions, except percentages) 
Revenues $182.8  $145.3  $37.5   25.8%
Operating income $37.2  $27.7  $9.5   34.1%
Operating margin  20.3%  19.1%        

        Change F15 v. F14 
  F2015  F2014  Amt.  Pct. 
  (in millions, except percentages) 
Revenues $269.2  $243.2  $26.0   10.7%
Operating income $53.5  $46.5  $7.0   15.1%
Operating margin  19.9%  19.1%        

Number of screens and locations at period-end(1) (2) F2016  TP  F2015  F2014 
Theatre screens  885   668   681   685 
Theatre locations  68   53   55   55 
Average screens per location  13.0   12.6   12.4   12.5 

 

(1)Includes 11 screens at two locations managed for other owners in all three years.four periods.
(2)Includes 25 budget screens at three locations at the end of fiscal 2016, 15 budget screens at two locations at the end of the Transition Period and 28 budget screens at four locations in all threethe two prior years. Compared to first-run theatres, budget theatres generally have lower box office revenues and associated film costs, but higher concession sales as a percentage of box office revenues.

 

The following table providestables provide a further breakdown of the components of revenues for the theatre division for fiscal 2016, the last threeunaudited prior year comparable 53-week period ended December 31, 2015 (F2015C), the Transition Period (TP), the unaudited comparable prior year 30-week period ended December 25, 2014 (PY) and the prior two fiscal years:

 

    Change F15 v. F14     Change F14 v. F13      Change F16 v. F15C 
 F2015  F2014  Amt.  Pct.  F2013  Amt.  Pct.  F2016  F2015C  Amt.  Pct. 
      (in millions, except percentages)       (in millions, except percentages) 
Box office revenues $157.3  $146.0  $11.3   7.7% $134.5  $11.5   8.6% $186.8  $176.3  $10.5   6.0%
Concession revenues  98.7   84.1   14.6   17.5%  73.2   10.9   14.9%  121.0   115.1   5.9   5.1%
Other revenues  13.2   13.1   0.1   0.7%  11.8   1.3   10.5%  20.4   15.3   5.1   33.3%
Total revenues $269.2  $243.2  $26.0   10.7% $219.5  $23.7   10.8% $328.2  $306.7  $21.5   7.0%

     Change TP v. PY 
  TP  PY  Amt.  Pct. 
  (in millions, except percentages) 
Box office revenues $104.6  $85.6  $19.0   22.2%
Concession revenues  69.2   52.9   16.3   30.9%
Other revenues  9.0   6.8   2.2   31.5%
Total revenues $182.8  $145.3  $37.5   25.8%

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     Change F15 v. F14 
  F2015  F2014  Amt.  Pct. 
  (in millions, except percentages) 
Box office revenues $157.3  $146.0  $11.3   7.7%
Concession revenues  98.7   84.1   14.6   17.5%
Other revenues  13.2   13.1   0.1   0.7%
Total revenues $269.2  $243.2  $26.0   10.7%

Fiscal 2016 versus Fiscal 2015C

Our theatre division fiscal 2016 revenues and operating income increased by 7.0% and 14.1%, respectively, compared to fiscal 2015C due primarily to an increase in total theatre attendance at comparable theatres, an increase in our average ticket price, our continued expansion of non-traditional food and beverage items in our theatres, and an increase in pre-show advertising income, partially offset by the fact that fiscal 2015C included an additional week of operations. The additional week of operations, which included the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day in 2014 (historically, one of the busiest weeks of the year), contributed approximately $10.7 million and $4.2 million, respectively, to our theatre division revenues and operating income during fiscal 2015C. Excluding the additional week from our fiscal 2015C results, we estimate that our fiscal 2016 theatre division revenues and operating income would have increased by 10.9% and 22.2%, respectively, compared to a comparable 52-week year (including the recently-acquired Wehrenberg theatres). Excluding the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres during fiscal 2016 and the additional week of operations during fiscal 2015C, fiscal 2016 theatre division revenues increased 9.1% and operating income increased 22.9% compared to the prior year comparable theatres during a comparable 52-week year.

On December 16, 2016, we acquired 14 owned and/or leased movie theatres in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota, along withRonnie’s Plaza, an 84,000 square foot retail center in St. Louis, Missouri, from Wehrenberg and its affiliated entities for a purchase price of approximately $65 million, plus normal closing adjustments and less a negative net working capital balance that we assumed in the transaction. We funded the transaction using available borrowings under our existing credit facility. We expect the acquisition will be accretive to both fiscal 2017 earnings and cash flow. In conjunction with this transaction, we acquired the underlying real estate for six of the theatre locations as well as the retail center. The remaining leased locations include several leases that have been classified as capital leases. Nine of the 14 acquired Wehrenberg theatres operate in the greater St. Louis area. The Wehrenberg theatres contributed approximately $5.1 million and $(450,000), respectively, to our theatre division revenues and operating income for the two weeks that we owned them during fiscal 2016. The operating loss from the acquired theatres is due to approximately $2.0 million in one-time acquisition related expenses.

Total theatre attendance increased 1.9% during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C. Excluding the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres during fiscal 2016 and the additional week of operations during fiscal 2015C, fiscal 2016 attendance at our comparable theatres increased approximately 4.3% compared to the prior year. The following table indicates our percentage change in comparable theatre attendance during each of the interim periods of fiscal 2016 compared to the same periods during fiscal 2015C. In addition, the table compares the percentage change in our fiscal 2016 box office revenues (compared to the periods in fiscal 2015C that most closely align to this fiscal year on the calendar) to the corresponding percentage change in the United States box office receipts during the same periods (as compiled by us from data received from Rentrak, a national box office reporting service for the theatre industry). For attendance comparison purposes, percentage change data noted for the fourth quarter and total columns exclude the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres during fiscal 2016 and the additional week of operations during fiscal 2015C. For comparisons to the national box office, we compared each quarter’s Marcus box office revenues (excluding the acquired theatres) to the weeks in fiscal 2015C that most closely align to this fiscal year on the calendar, including 13 weeks during the fourth quarter and 52 weeks for the total, in order to compare the same number of weeks:

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  Change F16 v. F15C 
  1st Qtr.  2nd Qtr.  3rd Qtr.  4th Qtr.  Total 
             
Pct. change in Marcus theatre attendance  +2.3%  -6.9%  +14.7%  +1.0%   +4.3%
                     
Pct. change in Marcus box office revenues  +19.1%  -5.9%  +25.2%  +3.2%  +8.2%
Pct. change in U.S. box office revenues  +13.3%  -10.4%  +14.7%  -5.8%  +1.8%
Marcus outperformance v. U.S.  +5.8pts  +4.5pts  +10.5pts  +9.0pts  +6.4pts

We outperformed the industry during fiscal 2016 by over six percentage points, and we have outperformed the industry during 12 of the last 13 interim periods. We believe our continued outperformance of the industry is attributable to the investments we have made in new features and amenities in select theatres and our implementation of innovative operating and marketing strategies that have increased attendance, including our $5 Tuesday promotion and our customer loyalty program (all of which are described in the Current Plans section of this MD&A).

Theatre attendance and corresponding box office revenues vary significantly from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors. As evidenced by the change in United States box office revenues, our fiscal 2016 first and third quarter box office revenues and attendance were impacted by a stronger slate of movies compared to the same quarters during fiscal 2015C. Conversely, our fiscal 2016 second and fourth quarter box office revenues and attendance were impacted by a weaker slate of movies compared to the same quarters during fiscal 2015C. Comparisons to the second quarter of fiscal 2015C were negatively impacted by the fact that Easter (a historically strong period for movies) was in March during fiscal 2016 and in April during fiscal 2015C. In addition, fiscal 2015C second quarter results were favorably impacted by one of the highest grossing domestic films of all time –Jurassic World. Comparisons to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015C were negatively impacted by the fact that the prior year fourth quarter included the highest grossing domestic film of all time,Star Wars: The Force Awakens, although the strong performance ofRogue One: A Star Wars Story during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 lessened the impact of that difficult comparison.

Conversely, a stronger slate of movies during the first quarter of fiscal 2016, including the surprise hitDeadpool and the strong holdover fromStar Wars: The Force Awakens, and during the third quarter of fiscal 2016, including strong animated filmsFinding Dory andThe Secret Life of Pets, contributed to the significant improvement in attendance and box office performance during those periods compared to the same periods of the prior year. We also believe a combination of several additional factors contributed to our increases in attendance and our above-described industry outperformance. In addition to the $5 Tuesday promotion that continued to perform better than the prior year comparable period, our fiscal 2016 attendance was favorably impacted by increased attendance at our theatres that have added our spacious new DreamLounger recliner seating during the past two and one-half years. We also continue to recognize the benefits of our previously-described customer loyalty program.

Revenues for the theatre business and the motion picture industry in general are heavily dependent on the general audience appeal of available films, together with studio marketing, advertising and support campaigns and the maintenance of a reasonably lengthy “window” between the date a film is released in theatres and the date a film is released to other channels, including video on-demand (VOD) and DVD. These are factors over which we have no control. The national DVD release window decreased during calendar 2016 to 107 days compared to the approximately 110-130 days that had been in place for the previous nine or more calendar years. Many current films are now released to ancillary markets within 75-90 days, and more than one studio has been discussing their interest in creating a new, shorter premium VOD window. We have expressed our concerns to the studios regarding the impact that a shortened DVD or VOD release window may have on future box office receipts. We have also indicated that we would seek adjustments in the current financial arrangements we have with film studios in the event that the film studios implement shorter release windows.

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We believe that the most significant factor contributing to variations in theatre attendance during fiscal 2016, as in other periods, was the quantity and quality of films released during the respective periods compared to the films released during the same periods of the prior year. Blockbusters (generally defined as films grossing more than $100 million nationally) accounted for a slightly decreased percentage of our total box office revenues during fiscal 2016, with our top 15 performing films accounting for 43% of our fiscal 2016 box office revenues compared to 44% during fiscal 2015C. The following five top performing fiscal 2016 films accounted for nearly 20% of the total box office revenues for our circuit:Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,Finding Dory,The Secret Life of Pets,Deadpool andCaptain America: Civil War. The top two films on this list,Rogue One: A Star Wars Story andFinding Dory, are currently the #7 and #8 highest grossing domestic films of all time. The fact that the top two performing films during fiscal 2015C,Star Wars: The Force Awakens andJurassic World, are currently the #1 and #4 highest grossing domestic films of all time, is an indication that the overall film slate during fiscal 2016 was less dependent upon one or two films.

The quantity of wide-release films shown in our theatres and number of wide-release films provided by the seven major studios increased during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C. A film is generally considered “wide release” if it is shown on over 600 screens nationally, and these films generally have the greatest impact on box office receipts. We played 133 wide-release films (including 33 digital 3D films) at our theatres during fiscal 2016 compared to 113 wide-release films (including 26 digital 3D films) during fiscal 2015C. In total, we played 253 films and 144 alternate content attractions at our theatres during fiscal 2016 compared to 227 films and 107 alternate content attractions during the prior year comparable period. Based upon projected film and alternate content availability, we currently estimate that we may show an increased number of films and alternate content events on our screens during fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. There are currently approximately 29 digital 3D films scheduled to be released by the film industry during our fiscal 2017, although we anticipate that additional 3D films may be announced at a later date.

During fiscal 2016, our average ticket price increased 3.9% compared to fiscal 2015C. Excluding the impact of the Wehrenberg theatres and new screens added during fiscal 2016, the increase in average ticket price contributed all of the increase in our box office receipts for comparable theatres during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C (including the additional week of operations during fiscal 2015C). The increase was partially attributable to modest price increases we implemented in January and November 2016. In addition, the fact that we have increased our number of premium large format (PLF) screens, with a corresponding price premium, also contributed to our increased average ticket price during fiscal 2016. Conversely, we believe that a change in film product mix had a negative impact on our average ticket price during fiscal 2016, as two of our top three films during fiscal 2016 were animated family movies (resulting in a higher percentage of lower-priced children’s tickets sold, compared to more adult-oriented and R-rated films that typically result in a higher average ticket price), compared to no animated family films among the top four films during fiscal 2015C. The percentage of our total box office receipts attributable to 3D presentations during fiscal 2016 was similar to the percentage of our total box office receipts attributable to 3D presentations during fiscal 2015C, meaning that we don’t believe that 3D films had an impact on our change in average ticket price during fiscal 2016 (a higher percentage of 3D films can result in a higher average ticket price due to the premium price associated with 3D).

We currently expect our average ticket price to increase during fiscal 2017, driven in part by our increasing number of PLF screens that generate premium pricing and a modest price increase we introduced in November 2016. We do not expect the recently acquired Wehrenberg theatres to have a significant impact on our overall average ticket price, as they operate in markets very similar to our existing circuit with similar pricing, and any decreases in average ticket price that may result from a broad roll-out of our $5 Tuesday promotion at the Wehrenberg theatres will likely be offset by modest increases in pricing after we introduce our DreamLounger recliner seating to selected Wehrenberg theatres.

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Our average concession sales per person at comparable theatres (excluding the Wehrenberg theatres) increased 3.2% during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C. Pricing, concession/food and beverage product mix and film product mix are the three primary factors that impact our concession sales per person. A change in concession product mix, including increased sales of higher priced non-traditional food and beverage items from our increasing number ofTake Five Lounges,Zaffiro’s Express andReel Sizzle outlets, as well as modest selected price increases we introduced in November 2016, were the primary reasons for our increased average concession sales per person during fiscal 2016. Conversely, although animated family films generally have a favorable impact on traditional concession sales, as these types of films typically result in stronger traditional concession sales compared to more adult-oriented films, we believe that the above described change in film product mix during fiscal 2016 slowed the growth of our overall average concession sales per person, as animated and family-oriented films tend not to contribute to sales of non-traditional food and beverage items as much as adult-oriented films. We currently expect to report increases in our average concession sales per person during fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 due to our increased number of non-traditional food and beverage outlets and the modest price increases introduced in November 2016, although as noted above, several factors may impact our actual results in this key metric. Excluding the impact of the Wehrenberg theatres and new screens added during fiscal 2016, the increase in average concession sales per person contributed all of the increase in our concession revenues for comparable theatres during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C (including the additional week of operations during fiscal 2015C).

Operating margin for our theatre division increased to 21.9% for fiscal 2016, compared to 20.5% for fiscal 2015C. Excluding the additional week of operations, our fiscal 2015C theatre division operating margin was actually an even lower 19.8%. Our theatre division had an active cost savings initiative (CSI) in place that achieved cost savings in excess of $2 million during fiscal 2016, favorably impacting our fiscal 2016 operating margin. Increased attendance also generally favorably impacts our operating margin, particularly because the increased attendance has the effect of increasing our high-margin concession revenues and because fixed expenses become a lower percentage of revenues. The fact that the percentage of our box office revenues attributable to our highest grossing films did not change significantly during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C contributed to relatively unchanged film costs during fiscal 2016. Higher grossing blockbuster films have historically had a higher film cost as a percentage of box office revenues than lower grossing films and, therefore, our operating margin often is negatively impacted when we have a greater number of higher grossing films. Conversely, if a greater portion of our concession revenues is the result of the sale of non-traditional food and beverage items that typically have a higher product cost compared to traditional concession items, operating margins may be negatively impacted to a small extent. Any such impact during fiscal 2016 was offset by the impact of our higher attendance.

Other revenues, which include management fees, pre-show advertising income, family entertainment center revenues, surcharge revenues and gift card breakage income, may also impact operating margin. During fiscal 2016, other revenues increased significantly compared to fiscal 2015C due to an increase in internet surcharge ticketing revenues (primarily as a result of increased advanced ticket sales) and increased pre-show advertising income. Our agreement with our current advertising provider, Screenvision, included a provision for a one-time incentive payment if a defined cumulative attendance milestone was reached within a defined time period. We reached this milestone during our fiscal 2016 fourth quarter. As a result, our operating results during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 were favorably impacted by a significant one-time $3.3 million payment.

We opened two new UltraScreen DLX auditoriums at an existing theatre in Minnesota in February 2016 and two new screens at an existing theatre in Wisconsin in November 2016. As noted above, we also opened a new 16-screen theatre in Illinois in October 2016. We did not close any theatres during fiscal 2016, but we did close two budget-oriented theatres with 13 screens during fiscal 2015C.

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Box office revenues at comparable theatres during the first quarter of fiscal 2017 through the date of this report have increased compared to the prior year comparable period due to a stronger film slate. We have continued to outperform the industry during this time period. Strong performances from fiscal 2016 holdover films such asRogue One: A Star Wars Story,Sing andLa La Land, as well as new films such asHidden Figures,Split,The LEGO Batman Movie,Fifty Shades Darker,Logan andKong: Skull Island have contributed positively to our early fiscal 2017 results. The expected film slate for the remainder of fiscal 2017 includes films from well-known series such asBeauty and the Beast,Fast and Furious,Guardians of the Galaxy,Pirates of the Caribbean,Wonder Woman,Cars,Transformers,Despicable Me,Spider-Man,Planet of the Apes,Alien,Thor,Justice League andPitch Perfect, and the year ends with the expected December blockbuster,Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Generally, an increase in the quantity of films released, particularly from the seven major studios, increases the potential for more blockbusters in any given year, as does an increase in the quantity of films from established film series such as those listed above.

Transition Period versus Prior Year Comparable Period

Our theatre division Transition Period revenues, operating income and operating margin increased compared to the prior year comparable 30-week period due primarily to an increase in total theatre attendance at comparable theatres, an increase in our average ticket price, our continued expansion of non-traditional food and beverage items in our theatres, and the additional week of operations included in our Transition Period results compared to the prior year comparable period. The additional week of operations, which included the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve (historically, one of the busiest weeks of the year), contributed approximately $14.4 million and $5.7 million, respectively, to our theatre division revenues and operating income during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period.

Total theatre attendance at comparable theatres increased 18.2% during the Transition Period, including the additional week of operations, and 9.0%, excluding the additional week, compared to the prior year comparable period. The following table indicates our percentage change in comparable theatre attendance during each of the interim periods of the Transition Period compared to the same periods during the prior year. In addition, the table compares the percentage change in our Transition Period box office revenues (compared to the prior year comparable period) to the corresponding percentage change in the United States box office receipts during the same periods (as compiled by us from data received from Rentrak, a national box office reporting service for the theatre industry). For attendance comparison purposes, percentage change data noted for the last five weeks and total columns exclude the additional week of operations. For comparisons to the national box office, we added the 31st week of fiscal 2015 to our prior year comparable 30-week period box office revenues in order to compare the same number of weeks:

Change TP v. PY
1st Qtr.2nd Qtr.5 WeeksTotal
Pct. change in Marcus theatre attendance+12.8%-3.6%+31.3%+9.0%
Pct. change in Marcus box office revenues+16.6%-3.2%+37.9%+13.7%
Pct. change in U.S. box office revenues+10.1%-2.6%+34.5%+10.0%
Marcus outperformance v. U.S.+6.5pts-0.6pts+3.4pts+3.7pts

We outperformed the industry during the Transition Period by nearly four percentage points. We believe our performance during the second quarter of the Transition Period was negatively impacted by a significant number of screens out of service for upgrades during the period. Despite the screens out of service, we would have outperformed the industry during the second quarter of the Transition Period if not for a difficult comparison for one particular week during the period. We believe that comparisons to that particular week in October were negatively impacted by the fact that there was not a Green Bay Packer game during that weekend in the prior year comparable period. In our largest revenue-generating state, Wisconsin, the timing of Packer football games can make a difference in weekly year-over-year comparisons. We believe this outperformance of others in the industry is attributable to the investments we have made in new features and amenities in select theatres and our implementation of innovative operating and marketing strategies that have increased attendance, including our $5 Tuesday promotion and our new customer loyalty program (all of which are described in the Current Plans section of this MD&A).

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Theatre attendance and corresponding box office revenues vary significantly from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors. As evidenced by the change in United States box office revenues, our Transition Period second quarter box office revenues and attendance were impacted by a weaker slate of movies compared to the prior year comparable period. We also believe a combination of several additional factors contributed to this decrease in attendance during the second quarter of the Transition Period. To position our theatre circuit to maximize the benefits of the release ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens in December 2015, we had an unprecedented number of screens out of service as we continued to make major upgrades to selected theatres. A total of 17 of our largest auditoriums were out of service for varying portions of the second quarter of the Transition Period as we increased the number ofUltraScreen DLX andSuperScreen DLX premium large format screens in our circuit. In addition, another 15 screens were out of service at selected theatres for varying portions of the second quarter of the Transition Period as we added our spacious new DreamLounger electric all-recliner seating to additional theatres.

Conversely, a stronger slate of summer movies during the first quarter, and the record performance ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens during the last five weeks of the Transition Period contributed to the significant improvement in attendance and box office performance during those periods compared to the same periods of the prior year. We also believe a combination of several additional factors contributed to this significant increase in attendance and our above-described industry outperformance. In addition to the $5 Tuesday promotion that continued to perform better than the prior year comparable period, our Transition Period attendance was favorably impacted by increased attendance at 14 theatres that have added our spacious new DreamLounger electric all-recliner seating during the past two and one-half years. We also believe that we were beginning to recognize the benefits of our previously-described customer loyalty program.

We believe that the most significant factor contributing to variations in theatre attendance during the Transition Period, as in other periods, was the quantity and quality of films released during the respective periods compared to the films released during the same periods of the prior year. Blockbusters accounted for an increased percentage of our total box office revenues during the Transition Period, with our top 15 performing films accounting for 58% of our Transition Period box office revenues compared to 50% during the comparable period of fiscal 2015. The following five top performing Transition Period films accounted for over 35% of the total box office revenues for our circuit:Star Wars: The Force Awakens,Jurassic World,Inside Out,Minions andThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. The top two films on this list,Star Wars andJurassic World, are currently the #1 and #4 highest grossing domestic films of all time.

The quantity of wide-release films shown in our theatres and number of wide-release films provided by the seven major studios did not change significantly during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period. We played 70 wide-release films (including 17 digital 3D films) at our theatres during the Transition Period compared to 72 wide-release films (including 17 digital 3D films) during the prior year comparable period. In total, we played 145 films and 75 alternate content attractions at our theatres during the Transition Period compared to 143 films and 47 alternate content attractions during the prior year comparable period.

During the Transition Period, our average ticket price increased 3.5% compared to the prior year comparable period. The increase in average ticket price contributed approximately $2.9 million, or 27%, of the increase in our box office receipts during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period, excluding the impact of the additional week of operations. The increase was partially attributable to modest price increases we implemented in mid-October 2014, particularly at our DreamLounger recliner seating locations. In addition, the fact that we have increased our number of premium large format (PLF) screens, with a corresponding price premium, also contributed to our increased average ticket price. The percentage of our total box office receipts attributable to 3D presentations also increased during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period due primarily to a higher than average 3D performance from our top two films,Star Wars: The Force Awakens andJurassic World, contributing to our higher average ticket price. The combination of the increase in our PLF screens and the impact of 3D pricing forStar Wars contributed to an increase in our average ticket price of 6.5% during the last five weeks of the Transition Period. Conversely, we believe that a change in film product mix had a slight negative impact on our average ticket price during the Transition Period, as two of our top four films for the Transition Period were animated family movies (resulting in a higher percentage of lower-priced kids tickets sold, compared to more adult-oriented and R-rated films that typically result in a higher average ticket price).

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Our average concession sales per person increased 10.7% during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period. Pricing, concession/food and beverage product mix and film product mix are the three primary factors that impact our concession sales per person. Selected price increases introduced in mid-October 2014 and a change in concession product mix, including increased sales of higher priced non-traditional food and beverage items from our increasing number ofTake Five Lounges,Zaffiro’s Express andReel Sizzle outlets andBig Screen Bistros, were the primary reasons for our increased average concession sales per person during the Transition Period. In addition, the fact that two of our top four films during the first quarter of the Transition Period were animated family movies (Inside OutandMinions), compared to a film slate during the first quarter of the comparable prior year period that was lacking in strong family-oriented movies, also likely contributed to a larger (13.1%) increase in concession sales per person during the first quarter of the Transition Period. These types of films typically result in stronger concession sales compared to more adult-oriented films. The increase in average concession sales per person contributed approximately $6.1 million, or approximately 56%, of the increase in our concession revenues for comparable theatres during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period, excluding the impact of the additional week of operations.

Our theatre division’s operating margin increased to 20.3% during the Transition Period, compared to 19.1% for the prior year comparable period. Excluding the additional week of operations, our Transition Period theatre division operating margin actually decreased slightly to 18.7%. Increased attendance generally favorably impacts our operating margin, particularly because the increased attendance has the effect of increasing our high-margin concession revenues and because fixed expenses become a lower percentage of revenues. Conversely, the fact that a higher percentage of our box office revenues were attributable to our highest grossing films contributed to higher film costs during the Transition Period, resulting in the decreased operating margin for the Transition Period after the additional week is excluded. Higher grossing blockbuster films historically have a higher film cost as a percentage of box office revenues than lower grossing films and, therefore, our operating margin often is negatively impacted when we have a greater number of higher grossing films. In addition, if a greater portion of our concession revenues is the result of the sale of non-traditional food and beverage items that typically have a higher product cost compared to traditional concession items, operating margins may be negatively impacted to a small extent. Any such impact during the Transition Period was offset by the impact of our higher attendance. Other revenues, which include management fees, pre-show advertising income, family entertainment center revenues, surcharge revenues and gift card breakage income, also can impact operating margin. During the Transition Period, other revenues increased significantly compared to the prior year comparable period due to increased advertising income and significantly increased surcharge revenues (primarily as a result of advanced ticket sales forStar Wars: The Force Awakens).

As noted above, we opened our newest theatre, the 12-screen Marcus Palace Cinema, on April 30, 2015. At the same time, we closed a nearby 16-screen theatre, resulting in a net decrease of four screens. The new theatre is significantly outperforming the theatre it replaced, even with fewer screens, so we did not adjust any of our comparative numbers referenced earlier for the fact that we have fewer screens. We closed one six-screen budget-oriented theatre early in the second quarter of the Transition Period, and we closed one seven-screen budget-oriented theatre in early December 2015.

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Fiscal 2015 versus Fiscal 2014

 

Our theatre division fiscal 2015 revenues and operating income increased compared to the prior year due primarily to an increase in total theatre attendance at comparable theatres and our continued expansion of non-traditional food and beverage items in our theatres, partially offset by a decrease in our average ticket price. Despite the fact that our operating income and operating margin for fiscal 2015 were negatively impacted by $319,000 in impairment charges related to several closed theatres and approximately $950,000 of one-time preopening expenses related to the opening of new theatres and amenities, our fiscal 2015 revenues and operating income were records for this division. Our operating income and operating margin for fiscal 2014 were negatively impacted by approximately $475,000 of additional snow removal costs and $475,000 of additional heating costs, both as a result of unusually harsh winter weather that year.

 

Total theatre attendance increased 12.1% during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year. The following table indicates our percentage change in comparable theatre attendance during each of the four quarters of fiscal 2015 compared to the same quarters during the prior year. In addition, the table compares the percentage change in our fiscal 2015 quarterly box office revenues (compared to the prior year) to the corresponding percentage change in the United States box office receipts during the same periods (as compiled by us from data received from Rentrak, a national box office reporting service for the theatre industry):

 

  Change F15 v. F14 
  1st Qtr.  2nd Qtr.  3rd Qtr.  4th Qtr.  Total 
                
Pct. change in Marcus theatre attendance  +9.9%  +25.6%  +7.5%  +9.8%  +12.1%
                     
Pct. change in Marcus box office revenues  -1.8%  +17.2%  +8.3%  +10.7%  +7.7%
Pct. change in U.S. box office revenues  -12.7%  +0.4%  +0.5%  +1.1%  -3.7%
Marcus outperformance v. U.S.  +10.9pts  +16.8pts  +7.8pts  +9.6pts  +11.4pts

 

We believe it is particularly noteworthy that we outperformed the industry during fiscal 2015 by more than 11 percentage points. Over three-fourths of our company-owned, first-run theatres outperformed the industry average during fiscal 2015. We believe this performance is attributable to the investments we have made in new features and amenities in select theatres and our implementation of innovative operating and marketing strategies that have increased attendance, including our $5 Tuesday promotion and our new customer loyalty program (all of which are described in the Current Plans section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations)MD&A).

 

Theatre attendance and corresponding box office revenues vary significantly from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors. We rolled out our $5 Tuesday promotion to our entire circuit in mid-November 2013, so attendance comparisons to the prior year during our first and second quarters of fiscal 2015 significantly benefited from this program. Conversely, as evidenced by the change in U.S.United States box office revenues, our fiscal 2015 first quarter box office and attendance were impacted by a weaker slate of summer movies compared to the prior year. Moreover, with the U.S.United States box office declining 3.7% during our fiscal 2015, we believe we can conclude that the overall film slate during fiscal 2015 was weaker than fiscal 2014. The fact that we reported record revenues and operating income during fiscal 2015 in the face of this weaker film slate further accentuates the success of our previously described strategies.

Revenues for the theatre business and the motion picture industry in general are heavily dependent on the general audience appeal of available films, together with studio marketing, advertising and support campaigns and the maintenance of a reasonably lengthy “window” between the date a film is released in theatres and the date a film is released to other channels, including video on-demand (VOD) and DVD. These are factors over which we have no control. The national DVD release window decreased during calendar 2014 to 116 days compared to the approximately 120-130 days that had been in place for the previous seven or more years. Many current films are now released to ancillary markets within 90 days or less, and one studio recently announced a test with two small-budget films whereby ancillary channels would obtain the films approximately two weeks after the film has predominantly stopped playing in movie theatres. We have expressed our concerns to the studios regarding the impact that a shortened DVD or VOD release window may have on future box office receipts. We have also indicated that we would seek adjustments in the current financial arrangements we have with film studios in the event that the film studios implement shorter release windows.

 

We believe that the most significant factor contributing to variations in theatre attendance during fiscal 2015, as in other years, was the quantity and quality of films released during the respective quarters compared to the films released during the same quarters of the prior year. Blockbusters (generally defined as films grossing more than $100 million nationally) accounted for a slightly decreased percentage of our total box office revenues during fiscal 2015, with our top 15 performing films accounting for 38% of our fiscal 2015 box office revenues compared to 39% during fiscal 2014. We believe one of the reasons why blockbusters accounted for a slightly lower percentage of our total box office is because our $5 Tuesday program has increased movie-going frequency among our customers, which we believe benefited the next tier of films after the blockbusters. The following five top performing fiscal 2015 films accounted for over 18% of the total box office revenues for our circuit:American Sniper,Avengers: Age of Ultron,The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1,Furious 7 andGuardians of the Galaxy.

 

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The quantity of wide-release films shown in our theatres and number of wide-release films provided by the seven major studios decreased during fiscal 2015. A film is generally considered a wide release if it is shown on over 600 screens nationally, and these films generally have the greatest impact on box office receipts. We played 113 wide-release films (including 25 digital 3D films) at our theatres during fiscal 2015 compared to 124 wide-release films (including 37 digital 3D films) during fiscal 2014. In total, we played 225 films and 80 alternate content attractions at our theatres during fiscal 2015 compared to 176 films and 51 alternate content attractions during fiscal 2014. Based upon projected film and alternate content availability, we currently estimate that we may show an increased number of films and alternate content events on our screens during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. There are currently approximately 28 digital 3D films scheduled to be released by the film industry during our fiscal 2016, although we anticipate that additional 3D films may be announced at a later date. The industry currently has high expectations for the quality of films scheduled to be released during our fiscal 2016, as the slate (both already played and still to come) includes films from well-known series such asJurassic Park, Pixar’s Inside Out,The Minions,The Hunger Games,James Bond,Star Wars, Divergent, Batman/Supermanand Captain America. Generally, an increase in the quantity of films released, particularly from the seven major studios, increases the potential for more blockbusters in any given year, as does an increase in the quantity of films from established film series such as those listed above. An increase in the quantity of 3D films increases the potential for a higher average ticket price.

During fiscal 2015, our average ticket price decreased 3.9% compared to the prior year, attributable primarily to the introduction of our $5 Tuesday pricing promotion for all movies implemented during the second half of fiscal 2014. We do not believe that changes in film product mix had a significant impact on our average ticket price during fiscal 2014 (more adult-oriented and R-rated films result in a higher average ticket price).2014. In mid-October 2014, we introduced our first selected admission price increases to our theatres since April 2013, which favorably impacted our average ticket price during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2015. Our price increases were generally modest, as we continue to be sensitive to the favorable price-value proposition we have established, although we did increase some prices at our DreamLounger recliner seating locations by approximately $0.50-$0.75 per ticket.ticket during fiscal 2015. As a result, and after the $5 Tuesday promotion had been in place for a full year, our average ticket price increased 0.7% and 0.9% during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2015, respectively, compared to the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014. It should be noted that our Tuesday attendance has continued to increase in our second year of the program, which likely has had the effect of reducing our average ticket price increases. Excluding any currently unscheduled increases in ticket prices that we may introduce during the year, we currently expect our average ticket price to increase 1%-2% during fiscal 2016, driven in part by an increasing number of PLF screens that generate premium pricing.

 

Our average concession sales per person increased 4.9% during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year. Pricing, concession/food and beverage product mix and film product mix are the three primary factors that impact our concession sales per person. Selected price increases introduced in mid-October 2014 and a change in concession product mix, including increased sales of higher priced non-traditional food and beverage items from our increasing number ofTake Five Lounges,Zaffiro’s Express outlets andBig Screen Bistros, were the primary reasons for our increased average concession sales per person during fiscal 2015, partially offset by the impact of the $5 Tuesday free popcorn promotion described in the Current Plans section aboveof this MD&A during the first two quarters of the year. After the $5 Tuesday promotion had been in place for a full year, our average concession sales per person increased 11.2% and 9.3% during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2015, respectively, compared to the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014. We currently expect similar percentage increases in our average concession sales per person during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015, although as noted above, several factors can impact our actual results in this key metric. The fact that none of our top five films during fiscal 2015 were animated family movies, compared to three of our top five films during fiscal 2014 (Frozen,Despicable Me 2andThe Lego® Movie), likely contributed to a smaller increase in concession sales per person during fiscal 2015, as these types of films typically result in stronger concession sales compared to more adult-oriented films. The increase in average concession sales per person contributed approximately $4.6 million, or approximately 31%, of the increase in our concession revenues for comparable theatres during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year.

 

Our theatre division’s operating margin increased to 19.9% during fiscal 2015, compared to 19.1% for fiscal 2014. Increased attendance generally favorably impacts our operating margin, particularly because the increased attendance has the effect of increasing our high-margin concession revenues and because fixed expenses become a lower percentage of revenues. Other revenues, which include management fees, pre-show advertising income, family entertainment center revenues and gift card breakage income, also can impact operating margin, although during fiscal 2015, other revenues were essentially even compared to the prior year. The fact that the percentage of our box office revenues attributable to our highest grossing films was relatively stable compared to the prior year meant that film costs during fiscal 2015 were also relatively stable as a percentage of box office revenues compared to the prior year, resulting in no impact on our fiscal 2015 margins compared to the prior year. Higher grossing blockbuster films historically have a higher film cost as a percentage of box office revenues than lower grossing films and, therefore, our operating margin often is negatively impacted when we have a greater number of higher grossing films. In addition, if a greater portion of our concession revenues is the result of the sale of non-traditional food and beverage items that typically have a higher product cost compared to traditional concession items, operating margins may be negatively impacted to a small extent. Any such impact during fiscal 2015 was offset by the impact of our higher attendance.

 

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As noted above, we opened our newest theatre, the 12-screen Marcus Palace Cinema, on April 30, 2015. At the same time, we closed a nearby 16-screen theatre, resulting in a net decrease of four screens. The new theatre is significantly outperforming the theatre it replaced, even with less screens, so we did not adjust any of our comparative numbers referenced earlier for the fact that we have fewer screens. Currently, three of the four budget-oriented theatres that we operate continue to utilize film projection systems. Plans to convert any of these theatres to digital projection systems are uncertain, so as a result, our ability to keep these theatres open will depend upon the future availability of film from the studios or the availability of a lower cost digital solution.

Box office revenues during the summer of 2015 through the date of this filing have increased compared to last year’s summer results due primarily to a much stronger slate of films. We have continued to outperform the industry during this time period. Strong performances from films such asSpy,Jurassic World,Inside Out,Minions,Ant-Man, andMission: Impossible - Rogue Nation have contributed positively to our early fiscal 2016 results.

Fiscal 2014 versus Fiscal 2013

 

Our theatre division fiscal 2014 revenues and operating income increased compared to the prior year due primarily to an increase in total theatre attendance at comparable theatres and our continued expansion of non-traditional food and beverage items in our theatres, partially offset by a decrease in our average ticket price. Our operating income and operating margin for fiscal 2014 were negatively impacted by approximately $475,000 of additional snow removal costs and $475,000 of additional heating costs, both as a result of unusually harsh winter weather during fiscal 2014. Our operating income and operating margin for fiscal 2013 were negatively impacted by nearly $1.3 million in impairment charges related to two budget-oriented theatres that we have offered for sale and the closing of an eight-screen theatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Total theatre attendance increased 13.9% during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year. Fiscal 2014 attendance at comparable theatres increased approximately 14.5% compared to the prior year. The following table indicates our percentage change in comparable theatre attendance during each of the four quarters of fiscal 2014 compared to the same quarters during the prior year:

Change F14 v. F13
1st Qtr.2nd Qtr.3rd Qtr.4th Qtr.
Comparable theatre attendance+7.9%-7.1%+35.9%+21.2%

Theatre attendance varies significantly from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors. Our fiscal 2014 first quarter attendance benefitted from a stronger slate of summer movies compared to the prior year. Conversely, our fiscal 2014 second quarter attendance was impacted by a weaker film slate compared to the prior year, particularly during the months of October and November. In addition, our fiscal 2013 second quarter included the week after Thanksgiving, which includes a traditionally strong holiday weekend, favorably impacting our reported results for our fiscal 2013 second quarter. During fiscal 2014, the week after Thanksgiving was included in our third quarter, contributing to that quarter’s improvement over the prior year quarter. In addition, we believe a combination of several factors contributed to our significant increases in attendance during our fiscal 2014 third and fourth quarters. These factors include increased attendance as a result of our $5 Tuesday promotion and increased attendance at the four theatres where we installed our DreamLounger recliner seating, both of which are described in the Current Plans section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. A stronger film slate also contributed to our increased attendance during our fiscal 2014 third quarter. All of these items contributed to record revenues during fiscal 2014.

We believe that it is particularly noteworthy that, as a result of the investments we have made in new features and amenities in select theatres and our implementation of innovative operating and marketing strategies that have increased attendance, we outperformed the industry during our fiscal 2014 third and fourth quarters by more than 9%. The following table compares the percentage change in our fiscal 2014 third and fourth quarter box office revenues (compared to the prior year) to the corresponding percentage change in the United States box office receipts during the same periods (as compiled by us from data received from Rentrak):

MarcusU.S.Diff.
Fiscal 2014 third quarter pct. change in box office revenues+24.0%+15.0%+9.0%
Fiscal 2014 fourth quarter pct. change in box office revenues+8.2%-1.1%+9.3%

We believe that the most significant factor contributing to variations in theatre attendance during fiscal 2014, as in other years, was the quantity and quality of films released during the respective quarters compared to the films released during the same quarters of the prior year. Blockbusters accounted for a slightly increased percentage of our total box office revenues during fiscal 2014, with our top 15 performing films accounting for 39% of our fiscal 2014 box office revenues compared to 38% during fiscal 2013. The following five top performing fiscal 2014 films accounted for over 19% of the total box office revenues for our circuit:Frozen, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Despicable Me 2, The Lego® MovieandThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

The quantity of wide-release films shown in our theatres and number of wide-release films provided by the seven major studios decreased during fiscal 2014. We played 124 wide-release films (including 37 digital 3D films) at our theatres during fiscal 2014 compared to 142 wide-release films (including 32 digital 3D films) during fiscal 2013. In total, we played 176 films and 51 alternate content attractions at our theatres during fiscal 2014 compared to 160 films and 60 alternate content attractions during fiscal 2013.

During fiscal 2014, our average ticket price decreased 4.8% compared to the prior year, attributable primarily to the introduction of the new $5 Tuesday pricing promotion for all movies implemented during the second half of fiscal 2014. Our average ticket price decreased 8.5% and 10.6% during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014, respectively, compared to the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013. We do not believe that changes in film product mix had a significant impact on our average ticket price during fiscal 2014.

Our average concession sales per person increased 0.7% during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year. Pricing, concession/food and beverage product mix and film product mix are the three primary factors that impact our concession sales per person. Selected price increases and a change in concession product mix, including increased sales of higher priced non-traditional food and beverage items, were the primary reasons for our increased average concession sales per person during fiscal 2014, partially offset by the impact of the $5 Tuesday free popcorn promotion. Our average concession sales per person decreased 0.8% and 4.6% during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014, respectively, compared to the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013. We do not believe that film product mix had a significant impact on our average concession sales per person during fiscal 2014. The increase in average concession sales per person contributed approximately $600,000, or approximately 0.4%, of the increase in our concession revenues for comparable theatres during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year.

Our theatre division’s operating margin increased to 19.1% during fiscal 2014, compared to 18.6% for fiscal 2013. Increased attendance generally favorably impacts our operating margin, particularly because the increased attendance generally has the effect of increasing our high-margin concession revenues and because fixed expenses become a lower percentage of revenues. Other revenues, which include management fees, pre-show advertising income, family entertainment center revenues and gift card breakage income, also increased during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year due primarily to increased marketing and advertising revenues, contributing to our improved operating margin during fiscal 2014. Conversely, the fact that a higher percentage of our box office revenues were attributable to our highest grossing films contributed to slightly higher film costs during fiscal 2014, negatively impacting our margins compared to the prior year.

We closed one eight-screen theatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during fiscal 2013. We also closed two individual screens at separate theatres during fiscal 2013 in conjunction with the construction of a newTake Five LoungeandUltraScreen at the respective theatres.

During our fiscal 2014 first quarter, Rolando B. Rodriguez joined us as the new president and chief executive officer of Marcus Theatres and executive vice president of The Marcus Corporation. Mr. Rodriguez came to us with extensive experience in the motion picture industry. For the two years prior to joining our company, he served as CEO, president and a board member of Rave Cinemas, which had been the fifth largest theatre circuit in the United States until its sale in May 2013. He also served for 30 years in various positions at AMC Theatres, the world’s second-largest motion picture exhibitor, and spent five years with Wal-Mart as well. He currently serves on the executive board of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) and has won numerous awards in the industry. We believe that Mr. Rodriguez’s proven leadership experience and strong roots in the motion picture exhibition industry make him extremely qualified to build on our theatre division’s long history of success. Mr. Rodriguez succeeded Bruce J. Olson, who retired in September 2013 after a 39-year career with us.

Hotels and Resorts

 

The hotels and resorts division contributed 44.7%contributed: (i) 39.6% of our consolidated revenues and 15.9%16.9% of our consolidated operating income, excluding corporate items, during fiscal 2016, compared to 42.2% and 17.2%, respectively, during fiscal 2015C; (ii) 43.5% and 31.8%, respectively, during the Transition Period, compared to 48.1% and 34.7%, respectively, during the prior year comparable period; and (iii) 44.7% and 16.2%, respectively, during fiscal 2015, compared to 45.6% and 25.4%25.7%, respectively, during fiscal 2014 and 46.7% and 20.7%, respectively, during fiscal 2013.2014. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, the hotels and resorts division owned and operated three full-service hotels in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a full-facility destination resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and full-service hotels in Madison, Wisconsin, Kansas City, Missouri, Chicago, Illinois, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Lincoln, Nebraska (we have a majority-ownership position in the latter two hotels). In addition, the hotels and resorts division managed 1110 hotels, resorts and other properties for other owners. Included in the 1110 managed properties are threetwo hotels owned by joint ventures in which we have a minority interest and two condominium hotels in which we own the public space. The following table setstables set forth revenues, operating income, operating margin and rooms data for the hotels and resorts division for fiscal 2016, the last threeunaudited prior year comparable 53-week period ended December 31, 2015 (F2015C), the Transition Period (TP), the unaudited prior year comparable 30-week period ended December 25, 2014 (PY), and the prior two fiscal years:

 

    Change F15 v. F14     Change F14 v. F13       Change F16 v. F15C 
 F2015  F2014  Amt.  Pct.  F2013  Amt.  Pct.  F2016  F2015C  Amt.  Pct. 
      (in millions, except percentages)       (in millions, except percentages) 
Revenues $218.3  $204.1  $14.2   7.0% $192.7  $11.4   5.9% $215.2  $224.5  $(9.3)  -4.1%
Operating income $10.1  $15.8  $(5.7)  -36.3% $10.7  $5.1   48.6% $14.6  $13.0  $1.6   12.0%
Operating margin  4.6%  7.8%          5.5%          6.8%  5.8%        

 

Available rooms at fiscal year-end F2015  F2014  F2013 
Company-owned  2,817   2,817   2,817 
Management contracts with joint ventures  683   611   799 
Management contracts with condominium hotels  480   480   480 
Management contracts with other owners  1,231   1,231   1,300 
Total available rooms  5,211   5,139   5,396 
       Change TP v. PY 
  TP  PY  Amt.  Pct. 
  (in millions, except percentages) 
Revenues $141.1  $135.0  $6.1   4.5%
Operating income $17.3  $14.7  $2.6   17.7%
Operating margin  12.3%  10.9%        

 

       Change F15 v. F14 
  F2015  F2014  Amt.  Pct. 
  (in millions, except percentages) 
Revenues $218.3  $204.1  $14.2   7.0%
Operating income $10.3  $16.1  $(5.8)  -35.8%
Operating margin  4.7%  7.9%        

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Available rooms at period-end F2016  TP  F2015  F2014 
Company-owned  2,600   2,600   2,817   2,817 
Management contracts with joint ventures  611   683   683   611 
Management contracts with condominium hotels  480   480   480   480 
Management contracts with other owners  1,231   1,231   1,231   1,231 
Total available rooms  4,922   4,994   5,211   5,139 

Fiscal 2016 versus Fiscal 2015C

Our hotels and resorts division revenues decreased 4.1% during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C due to the negative impact on total revenues resulting from our sale of the Hotel Phillips in October 2015, the fact that fiscal 2015C included an additional week of operations and decreased food and beverage revenues at our remaining company-owned hotels, partially offset by increased room revenues at our remaining eight company-owned hotels. The additional week of operations contributed approximately $3.4 million to our hotels and resorts division revenues during fiscal 2015C. The fact that fiscal 2016 ended on December 29 and did not include New Year’s Eve, which is historically a strong holiday for many of our hotels, while fiscal 2015C included two New Year’s Eves in its 53-week year, contributed to the decline in food and beverage revenues during fiscal 2016. Conversely, our acquisition of theSafeHouse® restaurant in June 2015 favorably impacted hotels and resorts division food and beverage revenues during fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015C. Excluding theSafeHousefrom both years and the Hotel Phillips and additional week of operations from fiscal 2015C, our comparable hotels and resorts revenues increased 0.4% during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C.

Hotels and resorts division operating income and operating margin increased by 12.0% and one percentage point (from 5.8% to 6.8%), respectively, during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C due primarily to strong cost controls, increased revenue per available room for comparable hotels during fiscal 2016, the fact that fiscal 2015C included a $2.6 million impairment charge related to one specific hotel and from the fact that, during the majority of the first half of fiscal 2015C, our AC Hotel Chicago Downtown was undergoing a major renovation and was operating without a brand. Conversely, comparisons of fiscal 2016 operating income and operating margin from our hotels and resorts division to fiscal 2015C operating income and operating margin were unfavorably impacted by decreased food and beverage revenues at our remaining company-owned hotels, the fact that fiscal 2015C included an additional week of operations, and the negative impact on total operating income resulting from our sale of the Hotel Phillips in October 2015, along with subsequent legal expenses in fiscal 2016 related to a dispute with the city of Kansas City regarding our right to receive future tax incremental funding proceeds generated by that hotel. The additional week of operations contributed approximately $500,000 to our hotels and resorts division operating income during fiscal 2015C. Excluding theSafeHouse and Hotel Phillips from both years, as well as the additional week of operations and the aforementioned impairment charge from fiscal 2015C, our comparable hotels and resorts division operating income increased 7.1% during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C. Excluding these same items, our operating margin during fiscal 2016 was 7.4% compared to an operating margin of 6.9% during fiscal 2015C. Our strong cost controls during fiscal 2016 are evidenced by the fact that approximately 131% of our revenue increase during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C flowed through to our operating income during fiscal 2016 (after adjusting for the items noted above), compared to a 50% flow through that we typically target.

The following table sets forth certain operating statistics, including our average occupancy percentage (number of occupied rooms as a percentage of available rooms), our average daily room rate, or ADR, and our total revenue per available room, or RevPAR, for company-owned properties:

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        Change F16 v. F15C 
Operating Statistics(1) F2016  F2015C  Amt.  Pct. 
          
Occupancy percentage  73.9%  73.1%  0.8pts  1.1%
ADR $147.67  $144.93  $2.74   1.9%
RevPAR $109.16  $105.93  $3.23   3.0%

(1)These operating statistics represent averages of our comparable eight distinct company-owned hotels and resorts, branded and unbranded, in different geographic markets with a wide range of individual hotel performance. The statistics are not necessarily representative of any particular hotel or resort.

RevPAR increased at seven of our eight comparable company-owned properties during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C. According to data received from Smith Travel Research and compiled by us in order to analyze our fiscal 2016 results, comparable “upper upscale” hotels throughout the United States experienced an increase in RevPAR of 2.0% during fiscal 2016. Data received from Smith Travel Research for our various “competitive sets” – hotels identified in our specific markets that we deem to be competitors to our hotels – indicates that these hotels experienced an increase in RevPAR of 1.5% during fiscal 2016. We believe our RevPAR increases during fiscal 2016 exceeded the United States results and competitive set results partially due to our continued emphasis on increasing our ADR, as described below, partially offset by room supply growth in certain of our markets and a difficult economic environment in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as a result of reduced oil prices. The following table sets forth the change in our average occupancy percentage, ADR and RevPAR for each quarterly period of fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C. For comparison purposes, all statistics exclude the Hotel Phillips:

  Change F16 v. F15C 
  1st Qtr.  2nd Qtr.  3rd Qtr.  4th Qtr. 
             
Occupancy percentage  2.2pts  1.8pts  -  -1.1pts
ADR  1.0%  4.4%  2.6%  -1.2%
RevPAR  4.4%  6.9%  2.7%  -2.6%

As indicated in the table above, our RevPAR performance was much stronger during the first half of fiscal 2016 compared to the second half of fiscal 2016, driven primarily by increased group and transient business during the first two quarters of the year. Unfortunately, reduced group business negatively impacted several of our hotels during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2016 and resulted in a corresponding reduction in food and beverage revenues during the second half of fiscal 2016 compared to the second half of fiscal 2015C. Although we believe the second half of fiscal 2016 may have been impacted by uncertainty regarding the presidential election and concerns about the economic environment, we believe the reduced group occupancy during the second half of fiscal 2016 does not necessarily reflect a larger trend, but rather was related to difficult comparisons to the prior year during several months at those particular properties. We base that conclusion in part on the fact that, as of the date of this report, our group room revenue bookings for future periods in fiscal 2017 – something commonly referred to in the hotels and resorts industry as “group pace” – are ahead of our group room revenue bookings for future periods as of March 15, 2016.

Our overall ADR increase in fiscal 2016 was the direct result of a strategy at several hotels to emphasize rate, occasionally at the expense of occupancy. The additional group business at several of our hotels during the first half of fiscal 2016 allowed us to increase rates for the remaining available rooms and reduce the number of rooms occupied at discounted rates. As a result, six of our eight comparable company-owned properties reported increased ADR during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C. Our overall ADR increases during fiscal 2016 were impacted, however, by reduced group business during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2016 compared to the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2015C, resulting in only four of our eight company-owned properties reporting increased ADR during the second half of fiscal 2016, as we increased the number of rooms occupied at discounted rates during that period.

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We completed a renovation of The Skirvin Hilton hotel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which included all of the guest rooms and key public spaces, during the third quarter of fiscal 2016. Operating results at this hotel were negatively impacted by the disruption during the renovation. As of the date of this report, the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is now in its second year of operation and achieved increased operating performance during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C.

As noted above, the pace of the lodging industry’s growth slowed during the second half of fiscal 2016. Group business remains one of the most important segments for several of our hotels and also has an impact on our ADR. Typically, when we have substantial blocks of rooms committed to group business, we are able to raise rates with non-group business. Leisure customers tend to be very loyal to online travel agencies, which is one of the reasons why we continue to experience some rate pressure. While we have been selective in choosing the online portals to which we grant access to our inventory, such portals are part of the booking landscape today, and our goal is to use them in the most efficient way possible.

Many published reports by those who closely follow the hotel industry suggest that the United States lodging industry will continue to achieve slightly slower but steady growth in RevPAR in calendar 2017. There appears to be some recent improvement in sentiment regarding the possible positive impact that regulatory and tax reforms may have on our business customers, which we hope might result in increased business travel in the future. Whether the relatively positive trends in the lodging industry over the last several years will continue depends in large part on the economic environment, as hotel revenues have historically tracked very closely with traditional macroeconomic statistics such as the Gross Domestic Product. We also continue to monitor hotel supply in our markets, as increased supply without a corresponding increase in demand may have a negative impact on our results.

We generally expect our favorable revenue trends to continue in future periods and to generally track or exceed the overall industry trends, particularly in our respective markets. As noted above, we are encouraged by the fact that our group booking pace as of the date of this report is ahead of our group booking pace as of March 15, 2016. The AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is still ramping up, and we hope to report continued improvement in that hotel’s operating results during fiscal 2017. We also expect improvement in our operating results at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa when the new Villas described above open in mid-2017. Our hotels and resorts division operating results should also benefit in the future from the Summer 2017 expected opening of the new Omaha Marriott Downtown at The Capitol District hotel in Omaha, Nebraska described above. Conversely, several of our markets, including Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have experienced an increase in room supply that may be an impediment to any substantial increases in ADR in the near term. We believe that our hotels are less impacted by additional room supply than other hotels in the markets in which we compete, particularly in the Milwaukee market, due in large part to recent renovations that we have made to our hotels.

As we continue to increase our visibility as a national hotel management company, we believe that one of our major strengths is the established infrastructure we bring to hotel owners and developers. This includes our highly-awarded web development team that has produced nationally recognized websites, mobile apps and social media campaigns. Late in our fiscal 2016 first quarter, we established a new business unit named Graydient Creative that focuses on extending this experience to other companies in the hospitality, retail, theatre and entertainment industries. In addition, during our fiscal 2016 fourth quarter, we expanded the capacity of our wholly-owned laundry facility, Wisconsin Hospitality Linen Service (WHLS), to increase our ability to provide laundry services to a growing number of hotels and other hospitality businesses seeking to out-source these services. We include the results of Graydient Creative and WHLS in our reported results for our hotels and resorts division.

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In June 2015, we purchased theSafeHouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, adding another restaurant to our portfolio. The addition of this spy-themed Milwaukee restaurant to our operating results contributed to our increased food and beverage revenues during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C, partially offset by the fact that the restaurant was closed for a portion of the fiscal 2016 first quarter for a renovation. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we began construction on a newSafeHouse location in Chicago, Illinois and opened theEscapeHouse Chicago, a complimentary business capitalizing on the popularity of team escape games. The newSafeHouse Chicago opened March 1, 2017. We expect both of these new businesses to positively contribute to future hotels and resorts division operating results.

During fiscal 2016, we ceased management of The Hotel Zamora and Castile Restaurant in St. Pete Beach, Florida and sold all but 0.49% of our 10% minority ownership interest in the property. We have agreed to sell the remaining interest during the next several years. These events did not significantly impact our financial results during fiscal 2016, nor do we expect them to have a significant impact on our fiscal 2017 financial results.

As discussed in the Current Plans section of this MD&A, we are considering a number of potential growth opportunities that may impact fiscal 2017 operating results. If we were to sell one or more hotels during fiscal 2017, that may also significantly impact our fiscal 2017 operating results. The extent of any such impact will likely depend upon the timing and nature of the growth opportunity (pure management contract, management contract with equity, joint venture investment, or other opportunity) or divestiture (management retained, equity interest retained, etc.).

Transition Period versus Prior Year Comparable Period

Our hotels and resorts division revenues, operating income and operating margin increased during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable 30-week period due primarily to an increase in food and beverage revenues, an increase in our average daily rate, strong cost controls and the additional week of operations included in our Transition Period results compared to the prior year comparable period. The additional week of operations contributed approximately $3.0 million and $700,000, respectively, to our hotels and resorts division revenues and operating income during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period. Conversely, hotels and resorts division revenues and operating income during the Transition Period were negatively impacted by the sale of the Hotel Phillips in October 2015.

The following table sets forth certain operating statistics, including our average occupancy percentage, our ADR, and our RevPAR, for company-owned properties. For comparison purposes, all statistics for the Transition Period exclude the additional week of operations:

        Change TP v. PY 
Operating Statistics(1) TP  PY  Amt.  Pct. 
             
Occupancy percentage  77.3%  78.2%  -0.9pts  -1.2%
ADR $153.54  $150.00  $3.54   2.4%
RevPAR $118.70  $117.35  $1.35   1.2%

(1)These operating statistics represent averages of our comparable eight distinct company-owned hotels and resorts, branded and unbranded, in different geographic markets with a wide range of individual hotel performance. The statistics are not necessarily representative of any particular hotel or resort.

RevPAR increased at six of our eight comparable company-owned properties during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period. According to data received from Smith Travel Research and compiled by us in order to analyze our Transition Period results, comparable “upper upscale” hotels throughout the United States experienced an increase in RevPAR of 3.6% during the Transition Period. Data received from Smith Travel Research for our various “competitive sets” – hotels identified in our specific markets that we deem to be competitors to our hotels – indicates that these hotels experienced an increase in RevPAR of 3.1% during the Transition Period. We believe our RevPAR increases during the Transition Period do not match the United States results and competitive set results because of room supply growth in certain of our markets, the fact that our properties are predominately in Midwestern markets that have not experienced the greater ADR increases prevalent in larger cities in other areas of the country, and particularly difficult comparisons during the first quarter of our Transition Period. The following table sets forth the change in our average occupancy percentage, ADR and RevPAR for each interim period of the Transition Period. For comparison purposes, all statistics exclude the Hotel Phillips and the additional week of operations:

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  Change TP v. PY 
  1st Qtr.  2nd Qtr.  5 Weeks 
          
Occupancy percentage  -3.3pts  -0.8pts  0.9pts
ADR  2.9%  3.4%  0.7%
RevPAR  -1.0%  2.4%  2.4%

We believe our RevPAR increase during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period was negatively impacted by reduced occupancy from our group business customer segment in the first quarter of the Transition Period. We believe the reduced group occupancy, primarily at two of our more group-oriented hotels, was related to difficult comparisons to the prior year during the months of June and July at those particular properties. We base that conclusion on the fact that our overall business improved significantly later in the summer and into the remaining months of the Transition Period.

An increase in our ADR offset our occupancy percentage declines during the Transition Period compared to the comparable prior year period. We believe one of the best ways to increase our operating margins is to increase our ADR, and we continued to actively pursue that strategy during the Transition Period, even at the expense of reduced occupancy percentages in some cases. Our rebranded AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is an example of this strategy, as we continued to see significant increases in ADR at that property during the Transition Period. In addition, during the Transition Period, we made a decision at our largest revenue property, the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, to focus on growing total hotel revenues through bookings that generate a higher ancillary spend, meaning that we sacrificed some room revenue dollars to achieve higher total spend throughout the resort. This particular strategy contributed to our increase in food and beverage revenues during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period. Five of our eight comparable company-owned and operated hotels reported increased ADR during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period.

The lodging industry continued to generally perform at a steady pace during the Transition Period. With the exception of group business during the first two months of the Transition Period described above, all major segments of our customer base – leisure travel, non-group business travel and group – remained relatively strong. As noted previously, leisure customers tend to be very loyal to online travel agencies, which is one of the reasons why we continued to experience some rate pressure.

During the first quarter of the Transition Period, we purchased theSafeHouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, adding another restaurant to our portfolio. The addition of this spy-themed Milwaukee restaurant to our operating results contributed to our increased food and beverage revenues during the Transition Period.

Fiscal 2015 versus Fiscal 2014

 

Our hotels and resorts division revenues increased during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year due primarily to higher occupancy rates at our comparable hotels and an increase in food and beverage revenues during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year. Conversely, hotels and resorts division operating income during fiscal 2015 was negatively impacted by increased depreciation and a $2.6 million impairment charge related to one specific hotel. In addition, the removal of our former Four Points by Sheraton brand at our downtown Chicago hotel and commencement of a major renovation to convert this hotel into one of the first AC Hotels by Marriott in the United States resulted in disruption in room reservations and rooms out of service during the last three quarters of fiscal 2015, contributing to our overall reduced operating income during fiscal 2015.

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The following table sets forth certain operating statistics, including our average occupancy percentage, (number of occupied rooms as a percentage of available rooms), our average daily room rate, or ADR, and our total revenue per available room, or RevPAR, for company-owned properties:

 

        Change F15 v. F14 
Operating Statistics(1) F2015  F2014  Amt.  Pct. 
             
Occupancy percentage  74.8%  72.1%  2.7pts  3.7%
ADR $140.47  $139.72  $0.75   0.5%
RevPAR $105.10  $100.81  $4.29   4.3%

 

(1)These operating statistics represent averages of our comparable nine distinct company-owned hotels and resorts, branded and unbranded, in different geographic markets with a wide range of individual hotel performance. The statistics are not necessarily representative of any particular hotel or resort.

 

RevPAR increased at seven of our nine comparable company-owned properties during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year. Excluding our Chicago hotel, which experienced significant disruption during its major renovation, RevPAR increased 5.9% during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year. According to data received from Smith Travel Research and compiled by us in order to analyze our fiscal year results, comparable “upper upscale” hotels throughout the United States experienced an increase in RevPAR of 6.9% during our fiscal 2015. We believe our RevPAR increases during fiscal 2015 do not match the United States results because our properties are predominately in Midwestern markets that have not experienced the higher ADR increases more prevalent in larger cities in other areas of the country, such as New York and San Francisco. In fact, data received from Smith Travel Research for our various “competitive sets” – hotels identified in our specific markets that we deem to be competitors to our hotels – indicates that these hotels experienced an increase in RevPAR of 5.3% during our fiscal 2015. Based upon that data, and excluding our Chicago hotel, our hotels collectively outperformed their respective markets during fiscal 2015. Room demand continued to be strong overall, but inconsistent demand from the group business segment and the onset of construction at our Chicago hotel during ourthe second quarter of fiscal 2015 contributed to variations in our results by quarter, as evidenced by the table below:

 

  Change F15 v. F14 
  1st Qtr.  2nd Qtr.  3rd Qtr.  4th Qtr. 
             
Occupancy percentage  3.7pts  3.6pts  1.4pts  1.9pts
ADR  1.9%  -0.5%  -0.6%  1.8%
RevPAR  6.5%  4.3%  1.8%  3.3%

 

The lodging industry continued to recover at a steady pace during our fiscal 2015. Our overall occupancy rates again showed improvement during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year and, in fact, continued to be at record levels for this division, significantly higher than they were prior to the recession-driven downturn in the hotel industry. However, one of the continuedbiggest challenges facing our hotels and resorts division, and the industry as a whole, has been the slow recovery ofoverall decline in ADR compared to pre-recession levels, particularly in our geographic markets. Although ourOur ADR during fiscal 2015 was still approximately 2.4% below pre-recession fiscal 2008 levels, recent trends in ADR continue to be positive.levels. We believe our ADR decreases during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2015 and relatively small overall increase in ADR during fiscal 2015 resulted from several factors, including the removal of our brand at our Chicago hotel for the last two quarters of the year, a conscious decision to spur demand at several of our winter-weather affected properties by lowering ADR during our third quarter, and the impact of increased supply in our Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma markets.

Leisure travel remained strong during fiscal 2015, although leisure customers tend to be very loyal to online travel agencies, which is one of the reasons why we continuecontinued to experience rate pressure. While we have been selective in choosing the online portals to which we grant access to our inventory, such portals are part of the booking landscape today and our goal is to use them in the most efficient way possible. Non-group business travel was also strong during fiscal 2015.

Group business continued to be the customer segment experiencing the slowest recovery during fiscal 2015. Typically, when we have substantial blocks of rooms committed toHowever, strong group business we are able to raise rates with non-group business. For example, during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 we believe strong group business contributed to our 8%-9% increases in ADR at selected hotels compared to the prior-year first quarter. Ultimately, we believe the most effective way to increase our operating margins in future periods is to increase our ADR. We are encouraged by the fact that our group booking pace continued to experience improvement during fiscal 2015. Although the first part of the summer has not matched last year’s group bookings, the remainder of the summer and full-year fiscal 2016 appears promising from a group perspective.

 

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We are also encouraged by the fact that many published reports by those who closely follow the hotel industry suggest that the U.S. lodging industry will continue to achieve strong growth in RevPAR in both calendar 2015 and calendar 2016, with an expectation that an increasing portion of any RevPAR growth will likely come from an increase in ADR. Whether the current positive trends in the lodging industry continue depends in large part on the economic environment in which the industry operates, as hotel revenues have historically tracked very closely with traditional macroeconomic statistics such as the Gross Domestic Product.

  

The above-described change in our RevPAR mix has had the effect of limiting our ability to rapidly increase our operating margins during the ongoing United States economic recovery. Operating costs traditionally increase as occupancy increases, which usually negatively impacts our operating margins until we begin to also achieve significant improvements in our ADR.

 

We generally expect our favorable revenue trends to continue in future periods and to generally track the overall industry trends, particularly in our respective markets. However, two of our markets, Oklahoma City and Milwaukee, have experienced an increase in room supply that may be an impediment to any substantial increases in ADR in the near term. We believe that our hotels are less impacted by additional room supply than other hotels, particularly in the Milwaukee market, due in large part to recent renovations that we have made to our hotels, which we believe make our hotels a more attractive option for travelers. In general, there has been limited lodging room supply growth on a national basis, although supply growth is beginning to trend up, and the markets in which we compete have experienced supply growth in excess of the national average. With the renovation and rebranding completed at our Chicago hotel, we expect improved performance at that property during fiscal 2016.

As discussed in the Current Plans section above, we are considering a number of potential growth opportunities that could impact fiscal 2016 operating results. If we were to sell one or more hotels during fiscal 2016, that may also significantly impact our fiscal 2016 operating results. The extent of any such impact will likely depend upon the timing and nature of the growth opportunity (hotel acquisition, pure management contract, management contract with equity, joint venture investment, or other opportunity) or divestiture (management retained, equity interest retained, etc.).

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Fiscal 2014 versus Fiscal 2013

Hotels and resorts division revenues increased during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year due primarily to higher occupancy rates and average daily rates at our comparable hotels and an increase in food and beverage revenues during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year. Division revenues were also favorably impacted during fiscal 2014 by the addition of a new hotel, The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel, during last year’s second quarter. Conversely, division operating income during fiscal 2014 was negatively impacted by approximately $300,000 of real estate tax adjustments resulting from new tax assessments recently received at several of our hotels. We also believe our fiscal 2014 operating income was negatively impacted by the fact that two of our hotels, The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel, and The Pfister Hotel, were being renovated during the year. Comparisons of our fiscal 2014 results to the prior year were favorably impacted by the fact that operating income during fiscal 2013 was negatively impacted by the resolution of all material lawsuits related to the Platinum Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, which added $3.3 million of costs to our fiscal 2013 operating results. Our fiscal 2013 operating income was also negatively impacted by an impairment charge of approximately $250,000 related to the closing of the water park at our Hilton Milwaukee hotel.

The following table sets forth certain operating statistics, including our average occupancy percentage, our ADR, and our RevPAR, for company-owned properties:

        Change F14 v. F13 
Operating Statistics(1) F2014  F2013  Amt.  Pct. 
             
Occupancy percentage  74.3%  73.6%  0.7pts  1.0%
ADR $142.61  $139.48  $3.13   2.2%
RevPAR $106.02  $102.67  $3.35   3.3%

(1)These operating statistics represent averages of our comparable eight distinct company-owned hotels and resorts, branded and unbranded, in different geographic markets with a wide range of individual hotel performance (one hotel was not owned during all of fiscal 2013, and thus is not included). The statistics are not necessarily representative of any particular hotel or resort.

According to data received from Smith Travel Research and compiled by us in order to compare our fiscal year results, comparable “upper upscale” hotels throughout the United States experienced an increase in RevPAR of 6.1% during our fiscal 2014. We believe our RevPAR increases during fiscal 2014 were likely negatively impacted by a difficult comparison in the Chicago hotel market (even though our hotel outperformed the market), a difficult Midwestern winter, a recent increase in room supply in our Milwaukee market and the fact that we had rooms out of service at our Pfister Hotel as a result of the tower building room renovation that was completed at the end of May 2014. RevPAR increased at six of our eight comparable company-owned properties during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year and, if the two hotels with RevPAR declines (our Chicago hotel and The Pfister Hotel) are excluded, our remaining six comparable company-owned hotels reported a RevPAR increase of 6.2% during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year, exceeding the national average. Room demand continued to be strong overall, but inconsistent demand from the group business segment contributed to variations in our results by quarter, as evidenced by the table below:

  Change F14 v. F13 
  1st Qtr.  2nd Qtr.  3rd Qtr.  4th Qtr. 
             
Occupancy percentage  1.1pts  0.0pts  1.3pts  1.6pts
ADR  3.1%  3.8%  0.3%  0.9%
RevPAR  4.5%  3.8%  2.5%  3.3%

The lodging industry continued to recover at a steady pace during our fiscal 2014 after several very difficult years. Our overall occupancy rates again showed improvement during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year and, in fact, continued to be at record levels for this division, significantly higher than they were prior to the recession-driven downturn in the hotel industry. However, one of the biggest challenges facing our hotels and resorts division, and the industry as a whole, has been the overall decline in ADR compared to pre-recession levels. Our ADR during fiscal 2014 was still approximately 3.1% below pre-recession fiscal 2008 levels, and our ADR increases during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014 compared to the same periods last year were smaller than prior quarterly comparisons due in part to an intentional strategy at one of our Milwaukee hotels to increase occupancy by lowering our ADR.

Leisure travel remained strong during fiscal 2014, although the difficult winter weather in the Midwest likely negatively impacted this customer segment during the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Non-group business travel was also strong during fiscal 2014. Group business in total was down slightly during fiscal 2014 and group business remained the segment of our hotels and resorts division that has experienced the greatest ADR pressure. However, improved group occupancy at two of our largest properties contributed to our strong 6.1% increase in food and beverage revenues during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year.

The above-described change in our RevPAR mix has had the effect of limiting our ability to rapidly increase our operating margins during the ongoing United States economic recovery. Approximately 39% and 27%, respectively, of the revenue increases that we experienced during fiscal 2014 and 2013 flowed through to our operating income during those years (after adjusting for the unusual items noted above and excluding the two hotels under renovation during the year, the Cornhusker and the Pfister), compared to a 50% flow through that we would target during a higher ADR environment. Operating costs traditionally increase as occupancy increases, which usually negatively impacts our operating margins until we begin to also achieve significant improvements in our ADR. The fact that a larger percentage of our hotels and resorts division revenue increase resulted from food and beverage revenues during fiscal 2014 also contributed to a lower flow through percentage, as food and beverage revenues typically have lower operating margins than do room revenues.

Notwithstanding that dynamic, we reported our fourth consecutive year-over-year ADR increase during fiscal 2014. Six of our eight comparable company-owned properties reported increases in ADR during the year, and the gap between our ADR during fiscal 2014 and our pre-recession ADR was the smallest it has been since the recession.

Late in our fiscal 2014, we obtained a new management contract to operate the Heidel House Resort & Spa, located in Green Lake, Wisconsin, discussed in the Current Plans section above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity

 

Our theatre and hotels and resorts divisions each generate significant and relatively consistent daily amounts of cash, subject to seasonality described above, because each segment’s revenue is derived predominantly from consumer cash purchases. We believe that these relatively consistent and predictable cash sources, as well as the availability of $127$82 million of unused credit lines at the end of fiscal 2015 year-end,2016, are adequate to support the ongoing operational liquidity needs of our businesses during fiscal 2016.2017.

 

We are party toOn June 16, 2016, we replaced our then existing credit agreement, consisting of a $37 million term loan and a $175 million revolving credit facility, by entering into a new five-year, $225 million credit agreement among us and several banks, including JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit agreementfacility that matures on June 16, 2021 with various lenders. Thean initial maximum aggregate amount of availability of $225 million. Availability under the revolving credit agreement has twofacility is reduced by outstanding commercial paper borrowings (none as of December 29, 2016) and one-half years remaining at favorable terms (LIBOR plus 1.00%outstanding letters of credit ($3.4 million as of December 29, 2016). We may request to 1.625%,increase the aggregate amount of the revolving credit facility and/or term loan commitments under the Credit Agreement, including by the addition of one or more tranches of term loans, by an aggregate amount of up to $75 million, subject to certain conditions, which include, among other things, the absence of any default or event of default under the Credit Agreement.

Under the Credit Agreement, we have agreed to pay a facility fee, basedpayable quarterly, equal to 0.15% to 0.25% of the total commitment, depending on our borrowing levels). consolidated debt to total capitalization ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest, payable no less frequently than quarterly, at a rate equal to (a) LIBOR plus a specified margin between 0.85% and 1.375% (based on our consolidated debt to total capitalization ratio) or (b) an alternate base rate (which is the greatest of (i) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or (iii) the sum of 1% plus one-month LIBOR) plus a margin (based upon our consolidated debt to capitalization ratio) specified in the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains various restrictions and covenants applicable to The Marcus Corporation and certain of our subsidiaries. Among other requirements, the Credit Agreement limits the amount of priority debt (as defined in the Credit Agreement) held by our restricted subsidiaries to no more than 20% of our consolidated total capitalization (as defined in the Credit Agreement), limits our permissible consolidated debt to total capitalization ratio to a maximum of 0.55 to 1.0 and requires us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (consolidated adjusted cash flow to consolidated interest and rental expense) of 3.0 to 1.0, as defined in the Credit Agreement.

As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we were in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in the credit agreement.Credit Agreement. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, our defined consolidated debt to total capitalization ratio was 0.390.40 and our fixed charge coverage ratio was 6.0, compared to limitations of 0.55 and 3.0, respectively, as specified in the credit agreement.7.4. We expect to be able to meet the financial covenants contained in the credit agreementCredit Agreement during the remainder of fiscal 2017.

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On December 21, 2016, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Note Purchase Agreement”) with the several purchasers party to the Note Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which we will issue and sell $50 million in aggregate principal amount of our 4.32% Senior Notes due February 22, 2027 (the “Notes”) in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The sale and purchase of the Notes occurred on February 22, 2017. We used the net proceeds of the sale of the Notes to repay outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on the twenty-second day of February and August in each year and at maturity, commencing on August 22, 2017. The entire outstanding principal balance of the Notes will be due and payable on February 22, 2027.

The Note Purchase Agreement contains various restrictions and covenants applicable to The Marcus Corporation and certain of our subsidiaries. Among other requirements, the Note Purchase Agreement limits the amount of priority debt (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) for which we or our restricted subsidiaries are obligated to 20% of consolidated total capitalization (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement), limits consolidated debt (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) to 65% of consolidated total capitalization (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) and requires us to maintain a minimum ratio of consolidated operating cash flow (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) to fixed charges (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) for each period of four consecutive fiscal quarters (determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter) of 2.50 to 1.00.

As of December 29, 2016, the ratio of: (a) consolidated debt (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) to consolidated total capitalization (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) was 0.39; and (b) consolidated operating cash flow (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) to fixed charges (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) was 7.5. We expect to be able to meet the financial covenants contained in the Note Purchase Agreement during fiscal 2016.2017.

 

The majority of our other long-term debt consists of senior notes and mortgages with annual maturities of $12.4$12.1 million and $36.6$27.9 million in fiscal 20162017 and 2018, respectively. A $24.2 million mortgage due in 2017 respectively.was excluded from fiscal 2017 maturities because we replaced it with a new $15.0 million mortgage and borrowings under our revolving credit facility in January 2017. Approximately $24.5$16.0 million of the fiscal 20172018 maturities relates to a mortgage that we expect to extend or replace.replace during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The senior notes impose various financial covenants applicable to The Marcus Corporation and certain of our subsidiaries. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants imposed by the senior notes, and we expect to be able to meet the financial covenants imposed by the senior notes during fiscal 2017.

Financial Condition

Fiscal 2016 versus Fiscal 2015C

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $82.7 million during fiscal 2016 compared to $89.5 million during fiscal 2015C, a decrease of $6.8 million, or 7.6%. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was due primarily to unfavorable timing of the payment of income taxes, taxes other than income taxes and other accrued liabilities and collection of other current assets, partially offset by increased net earnings and the favorable timing of the collection of accounts and notes receivable and payment of accrued compensation.

Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2016 totaled $128.6 million compared to $79.8 million during fiscal 2015C, an increase of $48.8 million, or 61.0%. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily the result of the purchase of Wehrenberg during fiscal 2016. Reduced proceeds from the disposals of property, equipment and other assets during fiscal 2016 were offset by a decrease in restricted cash during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C. When we sold the Hotel Phillips in October 2015, the majority of the cash proceeds were held by an intermediary in conjunction with an anticipated Internal Revenue Code §1031 like-kind exchange, where we planned to subsequently purchase other real estate to defer the related tax gain on the sale of the hotel. During fiscal 2016, we successfully reinvested the proceeds in additional real estate within the prescribed time period, and we received the cash held by the intermediary, which resulted in a reduction of restricted cash. We also sold a partial interest in a joint venture during fiscal 2016 (the Hotel Zamora, St. Pete Beach, Florida), reducing our net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2016.

 

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Total cash capital expenditures (including normal continuing capital maintenance and renovation projects) totaled $83.6 million during fiscal 2016 compared to $84.6 million during fiscal 2015C, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 1.1%. We incurred capital expenditures of $27.9 million during fiscal 2016 related to real estate purchases and development costs of three new theatres, one of which opened during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 and two of which are currently under construction. Approximately $14.6 million of our capital expenditures during fiscal 2015C were related to the development of a new theatre that opened in May 2015. We did not incur any capital expenditures related to developing new hotels during either period. We incurred approximately $68.8 million and $57.3 million, respectively, of capital expenditures during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015C in our theatre division, including the aforementioned costs associated with constructing new theatres, as well as costs associated with the addition of DreamLounger recliner seating, ourTake Five Lounge,Zaffiro’s Express,Reel Sizzle andBig Screen Bistro food and beverage concepts, andUltraScreen DLX andSuperScreen DLX premium large format screens at selected theatres, each as described in the Current Plans section of this MD&A. We incurred approximately $14.7 million of capital expenditures in our hotels and resorts division during fiscal 2016, including costs associated with the renovation of The Skirvin Hilton andSafeHouse Milwaukee, expansion of WHLS and development of our newSafeHouse Chicago, as well as other maintenance capital projects at our company-owned hotels and resorts. During fiscal 2015C, we incurred approximately $26.9 million of capital expenditures in our hotels and resorts division, including costs associated with the completion of the conversion of our Chicago hotel into an AC Hotel by Marriott, the commencement of our renovation of The Skirvin Hilton, and our acquisition of theSafeHouse Milwaukee, as well as other maintenance capital projects at our company-owned hotels and resorts. As described above, we incurred acquisition-related capital expenditures in our theatre division of $63.8 million during fiscal 2016 (purchase price of $65.0 million, net of a negative working capital balance that we assumed in the transaction). We did not incur any acquisition-related capital expenditures in our theatre division during fiscal 2015C. Our current estimated fiscal 2017 capital expenditures, which we anticipate may be in the $100-$120 million range, are described in greater detail in the Current Plans section of this MD&A.

Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2016 totaled $42.5 million compared to net cash used in financing activities of $21.6 million during fiscal 2015C. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities related primarily to an increase in our net borrowings on our credit facility during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C, partially offset by an increase in principal payments on long-term debt, share repurchases and dividends paid during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015C.

We used excess cash during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015C to reduce our borrowings under our revolving credit facility. As short-term borrowings became due, we replaced them as necessary with new short-term borrowings. In conjunction with the execution of our new Credit Agreement in June 2016, we also paid all outstanding borrowings under our old revolving credit facility and replaced them with borrowings under our new revolving credit facility. We also used borrowings under our revolving credit facility to fund the Wehrenberg acquisition. As a result, we added $346.2 million of new short-term borrowings and we made $236.2 million of repayments on short-term borrowings during fiscal 2016 (net increase in borrowings on our credit facility of $110.0 million) compared to $198.0 million of new short-term borrowings and $202.0 million of repayments on short-term borrowings made during fiscal 2015C (net decrease in net borrowings on our credit facility of $4.0 million), accounting for the majority of the increase in net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2016. We made $52.3 million of principal payments on long-term debt during fiscal 2016, including our repayment of a $37.2 million term loan from our prior credit agreement, compared to principal payments of $8.1 million during fiscal 2015C.

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Financial ConditionOur debt-to-capitalization ratio (excluding our capital lease obligations) was 0.42 at December 29, 2016 compared to 0.38 at the end of fiscal 2015C. Based upon our current expectations for our fiscal 2017 capital expenditures, we anticipate that our total long-term debt and debt-to-capitalization ratio at the end of our fiscal 2017 may increase slightly from that as of December 29, 2016. Our actual total long-term debt and debt-to-capitalization ratio at the end of fiscal 2017 are dependent upon, among other things, our actual operating results, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions, asset sales proceeds and potential equity transactions during the year.

We repurchased approximately 334,000 shares of our common stock for approximately $6.4 million in conjunction with the exercise of stock options and the purchase of shares in the open market during fiscal 2016. We repurchased approximately 55,000 shares of our common stock for approximately $1.1 million in conjunction with the exercise of stock options during fiscal 2015C. As of December 29, 2016, approximately 2.9 million shares of our common stock remained available for repurchase under prior Board of Directors repurchase authorizations. Under these authorizations, we may repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market, pursuant to privately-negotiated transactions or otherwise, depending upon a number of factors, including prevailing market conditions.

We paid regular quarterly dividends totaling $12.0 million and $11.0 million, respectively, during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015C. During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we increased our regular quarterly common stock cash dividend by 7.1% to $0.1125 per common share. During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we increased our regular quarterly common stock cash dividend by an additional 11.1% to $0.50 per common share. During fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015C, we made distributions to noncontrolling interests of $448,000 and $505,000, respectively.

Transition Period versus Prior Year Comparable Period

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $66.8 million during the Transition Period compared to $55.0 million during the prior year comparable 30-week period, an increase of $11.8 million, or 21.4%. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was due primarily to increased net earnings, increased depreciation and amortization, and the favorable timing of the collection of accounts and notes receivable and payment of income taxes and other accrued liabilities, partially offset by a decrease in deferred income taxes and deferred compensation and other, and the unfavorable timing of the payment of accounts payable and accrued compensation.

Net cash used in investing activities during the Transition Period totaled $40.8 million compared to $36.0 million during the prior year comparable period, an increase of $4.8 million, or 13.6%. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily the result of an increase in capital expenditures, partially offset by an increase in proceeds from disposals of property, equipment and other assets, net of proceeds held by an intermediary during the Transition Period. Proceeds from the disposal of property, equipment and other assets of $14.0 million during the Transition Period related primarily to the sale of the Hotel Phillips and a former theatre location. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Hotel Phillips were held by an intermediary in conjunction with an expected Internal Revenue Code §1031 tax-deferred like-kind exchange transaction during fiscal 2016. We also purchased an interest in a joint venture during the Transition Period (the Omaha Marriott Downtown at The Capitol District hotel) and during the prior year comparable period (the Hotel Zamora, St. Pete Beach, Florida) that contributed to our net cash used in investing activities during both periods.

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Total cash capital expenditures (including normal continuing capital maintenance and renovation projects) totaled $44.5 million during the Transition Period compared to $33.9 million during the prior year comparable period, an increase of $10.6 million, or 31.3%. We incurred capital expenditures of $3.2 million and $4.1 million, respectively, related to the development of a new theatre during the Transition Period and prior year comparable period. We did not incur any capital expenditures related to developing new hotels during either period. We incurred approximately $28.0 million and $21.0 million, respectively, of capital expenditures during the Transition Period and prior year comparable period in our theatre division, including the aforementioned costs associated with constructing a new theatre in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, as well as costs associated with the addition of DreamLounger recliner seating, ourTake Five Lounge,Zaffiro’s Express andBig Screen Bistro food and beverage concepts, andUltraScreen DLX,SuperScreen DLX andUltraScreen premium large format screens at selected theatres, each as described in the Current Plans section of this MD&A. We incurred approximately $13.4 million of capital expenditures in our hotels and resorts division during the Transition Period, including costs associated with the completion of the conversion of our Chicago hotel into an AC Hotel by Marriott and our acquisition of theSafeHouse, as well as other maintenance capital projects at our company-owned hotels and resorts. During the prior year comparable period, we incurred approximately $11.8 million of capital expenditures in our hotels and resorts division, including costs associated with the completion of the fiscal 2014 renovation of the tower guest rooms of The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, completion of the renovation of The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the commencement of the conversion of our Chicago hotel into an AC Hotel by Marriott, as well as other maintenance capital projects at our company-owned hotels and resorts. We did not incur any acquisition-related capital expenditures in our theatre division during the Transition Period or the prior year comparable period.

Net cash used in financing activities during the Transition Period totaled $26.0 million compared to $7.1 million during the prior year comparable period, an increase of $18.9 million. The increase in net cash used in financing activities related primarily to a decrease in our net borrowings on our credit facility during the Transition Period compared to the prior year comparable period and a slight increase in dividends paid.

We used excess cash during the Transition Period and prior year comparable period to reduce our borrowings under our revolving credit facility. As short-term borrowings became due, we replaced them as necessary with new short-term borrowings. As a result, we added $108.5 million of new short-term borrowings and we made $126.5 million of repayments on short-term borrowings during the Transition Period (net decrease in borrowings on our credit facility of $18.0 million) compared to $80.0 million of new short-term borrowings and $80.0 million of repayments on short-term borrowings made during the prior year comparable period (no change in net borrowings on our credit facility), accounting for the majority of the increase in net cash used in financing activities during the Transition Period. Principal payments on long-term debt were $3.3 million during the Transition Period compared to payments of $2.4 million during the prior year comparable period.

Our debt-to-capitalization ratio (excluding our capital lease obligation related to digital cinema projection systems) was 0.38 at December 31, 2015 compared to 0.42 at the end of fiscal 2015.

We repurchased approximately 3,700 and 3,000 shares of our common stock in conjunction with the exercise of stock options during the Transition Period and prior year comparable period, respectively.

We paid regular quarterly dividends totaling $5.6 million and $5.1 million, respectively, during the Transition Period and prior year comparable period. We increased our regular quarterly common stock cash dividend by 10.5% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 to $0.105 per common share. During the Transition Period and prior year comparable period, we made distributions to noncontrolling interests of $505,000 and $959,000, respectively.

 

Fiscal 2015 versus Fiscal 2014

 

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $80.5 million during fiscal 2015 compared to $66.4 million during fiscal 2014, an increase of $14.1 million, or 21.1%. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was due primarily to increased net earnings, increased depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes and deferred compensation and other, and the favorable timing of the payment of accounts payable and income taxes, partially offset by unfavorable timing of the payment of other accrued liabilities and the collection of accounts and notes receivable.

 

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Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2015 totaled $78.2 million compared to $57.7 million during fiscal 2014, an increase of $20.5 million, or 35.5%. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily the result of an increase in capital expenditures, partially offset by a decrease in proceeds from disposals of property, equipment and other assets and a decrease in other assets. We also purchased an interest in a joint venture (The(the Hotel Zamora) during fiscal 2015 that contributed to our increased net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2015. Proceeds from the disposal of property, equipment and other assets of $1.9 million during fiscal 2014 related primarily to the sale of two theatre outlots and the sale of our interest in a hotel joint venture.

 

Total cash capital expenditures (including normal continuing capital maintenance and renovation projects) totaled $75.0 million during fiscal 2015 compared to $56.7 million during fiscal 2014, an increase of $18.3 million, or 32.3%. We incurred capital expenditures of $15.5 million and $3.2 million, respectively, related to the development of a new theatre during fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014. We did not incur any capital expenditures related to developing new hotels during fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2014. We incurred approximately $49.8 million and $38.0 million, respectively, of capital expenditures during fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 in our theatre division, including the aforementioned costs associated with constructing a new theatre in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, as well as costs associated with the addition of DreamLounger recliner seating, ourTake Five Lounge,Zaffiro’s Express andBig Screen Bistro food and beverage concepts, andUltraScreen DLX,SuperScreen DLX andUltraScreen premium large format screens at selected theatres, each as described in the Current Plans section above.of this MD&A. We incurred approximately $23.6 million of capital expenditures in our hotels and resorts division during fiscal 2015, including costs related to the conversion of our Chicago hotel into an AC Hotel by Marriott and costs related to completing renovations at The Pfister Hotel and The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker A Marriott Hotel. During fiscal 2014, we incurred approximately $18.5 million of capital expenditures in our hotels and resorts division, including costs associated with renovations at The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker A Marriott Hotel and The Pfister Hotel, as well as other maintenance capital projects at our company-owned hotels and resorts. We did not incur any acquisition-related capital expenditures in our theatre division or hotels and resorts division during fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2014. Our current estimated fiscal 2016 capital expenditures, which we anticipate may be in the $70-$90 million range, are described in greater detail in the Current Plans section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2015 totaled $2.3 million compared to $12.1 million during fiscal 2014, a decrease of $9.8 million, or 80.7%. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities related to an increase in our net debt proceeds during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year, a decrease in share repurchases and a decrease in distributions to noncontrolling interests, partially offset by a decrease in the exercise of stock options and an increase in dividends paid.

 

We used excess cash during fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 to reduce our borrowings under our revolving credit agreement. As short-term borrowings became due, we replaced them as necessary with new short-term borrowings. We used the proceeds of our issuance and sale of senior notes during fiscal 2014 to pay off borrowings under our revolving credit agreement. In addition, we paid off an existing mortgage on our Chicago hotel at the end of fiscal 2014 with borrowings under our credit agreement. As a result, we added $162.5 million of new short-term borrowings and we made $148.5 million of repayments on short-term borrowings during fiscal 2015 (a net increase in borrowings on our credit facility of $14.0 million) compared to $92.5 million of new short-term borrowings and $115.5 million of repayments on short-term borrowings during fiscal 2014 (a net decrease in borrowings on our credit facility of $23.0 million). We had no proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt in fiscal 2015 compared to proceeds of $52.7 million during fiscal 2014, including the sale and issuance of senior notes. Principal payments on long-term debt, alsowhich included the payment of current maturities of senior notes and mortgages. As a result, we added $162.5mortgages, were $7.2 million of new debt and made $155.7 million of principal payments on long-term debt during fiscal 2015 (a net increase in long-term debt of $6.8 million) compared to $145.2$31.9 million of new debt and $147.4 million of principal payments on long-term debt during fiscal 2014 (a net decrease in long-term debt of $2.2 million).2014. We also incurred $316,000 in debt issuance costs during fiscal 2014.

Our debt-to-capitalization ratio (excluding our capital lease obligation related to digital cinema projection systems) was 0.42 at May 28, 2015, the same as the prior fiscal year-end. Based upon our current expectations for our fiscal 2016 capital expenditures, we anticipate that our total long-term debt and debt-to-capitalization ratio at the end of our fiscal 2016 will not vary significantly from that as of May 28, 2015. Our actual total long-term debt and debt-to-capitalization ratio at the end of fiscal 2016 are dependent upon, among other things, our actual operating results, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions, asset sales proceeds and potential equity transactions during the year.

 

During fiscal 2015, we repurchased 55,000 shares of our common stock for approximately $1.1 million in conjunction with the exercise of stock options. During fiscal 2014, we repurchased 314,000 shares of our common stock for approximately $4.2 million in conjunction with the exercise of stock options and the purchase of shares in the open market. We reduced the numbers of shares repurchased during fiscal 2015 due to increases in the price of our common stock. As of May 28, 2015, approximately 3.2 million shares of our common stock remained available for repurchase under prior Board of Directors repurchase authorizations. Under these authorizations, we may repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market, pursuant to privately-negotiated transactions or otherwise, depending upon a number of factors, including prevailing market conditions.

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We paid regular quarterly dividends totaling $10.4 million and $9.2 million, respectively, during fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014. We increased our regular quarterly common stock cash dividend by 10.5% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 to $0.105 per common share. During fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, we made distributions to noncontrolling interests of $959,000 and $2.1 million, respectively.

Fiscal 2014 versus Fiscal 2013

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $66.4 million during fiscal 2014, an increase of $3.2 million, or 5.1%, compared to $63.2 million during fiscal 2013. The increase was due primarily to increased net earnings (exclusive of income from the extinguishment of debt) and the favorable timing of the payment of accrued compensation and other accrued liabilities, partially offset by unfavorable timing of the payment of accounts payable and income taxes.

Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2014 totaled $57.7 million compared to $22.6 million during fiscal 2013, an increase of $35.1 million, or 156.0%. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily the result of an increase in capital expenditures, partially offset by a decrease in proceeds from disposals of property, equipment and other assets. Proceeds from the disposal of property, equipment and other assets of $1.9 million during fiscal 2014 related primarily to the sale of two theatre outlots and the sale of our interest in a hotel joint venture. Proceeds from the disposal of property, equipment and other assets of $4.7 million during fiscal 2013 related primarily to the sale of a piece of land originally identified as a possible new theatre site.

Total cash capital expenditures (including normal continuing capital maintenance and renovation projects) totaled $56.7 million during fiscal 2014 compared to $22.6 million during fiscal 2013. We incurred capital expenditures of $3.2 million related to the development of a new theatre during fiscal 2014. We did not incur any capital expenditures related to developing new hotels during fiscal 2014, nor did we incur any capital expenditures related to developing new theatres or hotels during fiscal 2013. We incurred approximately $38.0 million of capital expenditures during fiscal 2014 in our theatre division, including the aforementioned costs associated with developing a new theatre in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, as well as costs associated with the addition of DreamLounger recliner seating, ourTake Five Lounge andZaffiro’s Express food and beverage concepts, andUltraScreen DLX andUltraScreen premium large format screens at selected theatres. During fiscal 2014, we incurred approximately $18.5 million of capital expenditures in our hotels and resorts division, including costs associated with renovations at The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel and The Pfister Hotel properties, as well as other maintenance capital projects at our company-owned hotels and resorts. We incurred approximately $13.3 million of capital expenditures during fiscal 2013 in our theatre division, including costs associated with the completion of aZaffiro’s Pizzeria and Barat one theatre, construction ofUltraScreens at two theatres and major remodels at four theatres, which included the construction of three newTake Five Lounges. We incurred approximately $9.1 million of capital expenditures during fiscal 2013 in our hotels and resorts division, including costs associated with a rooms renovation at The Pfister Hotel, the renovation of the Monarch Lounge at the Hilton Milwaukee hotel, previously-described renovation costs at The Cornhusker and costs associated with the construction of concierge and club lounges at The Pfister Hotel and Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, as well as other maintenance capital projects at our company-owned hotels and resorts.

We did not incur any acquisition-related capital expenditures in our theatre division or hotels and resorts division during fiscal 2014. Acquisition-related capital expenditures for our hotels and resorts division totaled $856,000 during fiscal 2013 and consisted primarily of initial cash closing costs and other expenditures that we incurred in connection with our acquisition of The Cornhusker. We did not incur any acquisition-related capital expenditures in our theatre division during fiscal 2013.

Net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2014 totaled $12.1 million, a decrease of $24.4 million, or 66.8%, compared to $36.5 million during fiscal 2013. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities related entirely to a decrease in share repurchases and dividends paid, partially offset by a decrease in our net debt proceeds during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year.

We used excess cash during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 to reduce our borrowings under our revolving credit facility. As short-term borrowings became due, we replaced them as necessary with new short-term borrowings. We used the proceeds of our issuance and sale of senior notes during fiscal 2014 to pay off borrowings under our revolving credit agreement. In addition, we paid off an existing mortgage on our Chicago hotel at the end of fiscal 2014 with borrowings from our credit facility. Principal payments on long-term debt also included the payment of current maturities of senior notes and mortgages. As a result, we added $145.2 million of new debt and made $147.4 million of principal payments on long-term debt during fiscal 2014 (a net decrease in long-term debt of $2.2 million) compared to $262.6 million of new debt and $240.0 million of principal payments on long-term debt during fiscal 2013 (a net increase in long-term debt of $22.6 million, excluding the assumption of The Cornhusker existing mortgage). We also incurred $316,000 and $1.5 million in debt issuance costs during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.

Our debt-to-capitalization ratio (excluding our capital lease obligation related to digital cinema projection systems) was 0.42 at May 29, 2014, compared to 0.44 at the prior fiscal year-end.

During fiscal 2014, we repurchased 314,000 of our common shares for approximately $4.2 million in conjunction with the exercise of stock options and the purchase of shares in the open market, compared to our repurchase of 2,158,000 common shares for approximately $24.6 million during fiscal 2013. We reduced the numbers of shares repurchased during fiscal 2014 due to increases in the price of our common stock, particularly during the second half of fiscal 2014. Early in our fiscal 2013 first quarter, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 2.0 million shares of our common stock. In addition, during our fiscal 2013 third quarter, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 3.0 million shares of our common stock.

We paid regular quarterly dividends totaling $9.2 million during both fiscal 2014 and 2013. During our third quarter of fiscal 2013, we also paid a special cash dividend of $1.00 per share of Common Stock and $0.90909 per share of Class B Common Stock, totaling approximately $26.4 million, resulting in total combined dividend payments of $35.6 million during fiscal 2013. We increased our regular quarterly common stock cash dividend by 11.8% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 to $0.095 per common share. During fiscal 2014, we made distributions to noncontrolling interests of $2.1 million.

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Contractual Obligations, Commercial Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have obligations and commitments to make future payments under debt and operating leases. The following schedule details theseour contractual obligations at May 28, 2015December 29, 2016 (in thousands):

 

Payments Due by Period 
    Payments Due by Period 
 Total  Less Than
1 Year
  1-3 Years  4-5 Years  After
5 Years
  Total  Less Than
1 Year
  1-3 Years  4-5 Years  After
5 Years
 
Long-term debt $247,411  $17,742  $149,455  $19,147  $61,067  $283,383  $12,040  $37,559  $183,920  $49,864 
Interest on fixed-rate long term debt(1)  36,324   7,901   11,390   6,560   10,473   23,806   5,207   7,068   4,782   6,749 
Pension obligations  31,037   1,196   2,458   2,541   24,842   32,523   1,252   2,686   2,995   25,590 
Operating lease obligations  120,821   7,639   15,301   15,809   82,072   127,678   13,051   21,234   17,515   75,878 
Capital lease obligations  36,299   3,695   7,430   7,260   17,914 
Construction commitments  10,569   10,569            15,130   15,130          
Total contractual obligations $446,162  $45,047  $178,604  $44,057  $178,454  $518,819  $50,375  $75,977  $216,472  $175,995 

 

(1)Interest on variable-rate debt obligations is excluded due to significant variations that may occur in each year related to the amount of variable-rate debt and the accompanying interest rate. Fixed interest rate payments related to the interest rate swap agreement described below are included.

 

As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we had aan additional capital lease obligation of $23.4 million.$15.2 million related to digital cinema equipment. The maximum amount we could be required to pay under this obligation is approximately $6.2 million per year until the obligation is fully satisfied. We believe the possibility of making any payments on this obligation is remote. Additional detail describing this obligation is included in Note 45 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Additional detail describing our long-term debt is included in Note 56 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we had no additional material purchase obligations other than those created in the ordinary course of business related to property and equipment, which generally have terms of less than 90 days. We had long-term obligations related to our employee benefit plans, which are discussed in detail in Note 78 to our consolidated financial statements. We have not included uncertain tax obligations in the table of contractual obligations set forth above due to uncertainty as to the timing and immaterial nature of any potential payments.

 

As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we had approximately five and one-halffour years remaining on our office lease, which reflected the amendment and extension of the term of the lease that we entered into on June 1, 2012.

 

As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, we had no debt or lease guarantee obligations.

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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates, and we manage our exposure to this market risk by monitoring available financing alternatives.

 

Variable interest rate debt outstanding as of May 28, 2015December 29, 2016 was $107.4$156.4 million, carried an average interest rate of 1.9%2.1% and represented 43.4%55.1% of our total debt portfolio. After adjusting for an outstanding swap agreement described below, variable interest rate debt outstanding as of May 28, 2015December 29, 2016 was $82.4$131.4 million, carried an average interest rate of 1.9%2.1% and represented 33.3%46.3% of our total debt portfolio. Our earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates as a result of our borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Based onupon the interest rates in effect on our variable rate debt outstanding as of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, a 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $800,000.

$1.6 million.

 

Fixed interest rate debt totaled $140.0$127.4 million as of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, carried an average interest rate of 5.2%5.1% and represented 56.6%44.9% of our total debt portfolio. After adjusting for an outstanding swap agreement described below, fixed interest rate debt totaled $165.0$152.4 million as of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, carried an average interest rate of 4.8%4.6% and represented 66.7%53.7% of our total debt portfolio. Fixed interest rate debt included the following: senior notes bearing interest semiannually at fixed rates ranging from 4.02% to 6.55%, maturing in fiscal 2018 through 2026;2025; and fixed rate mortgages and other debt instruments bearing interest from 3.00% to 5.90%, maturing in fiscal 20182017 through 2042. The fair value of our fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair market value of our fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, the fair value of our $101.4$90.3 million of senior notes was approximately $105.6$92.4 million. Based upon the respective rate and prepayment provisions of our remaining fixed interest rate mortgage and unsecured term note at May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, the carrying amounts of such debt approximated fair value as of such date.

 

The variable interest rate debt and fixed interest rate debt outstanding as of May 28, 2015December 29, 2016 matures as follows (in thousands):

 

 F2016  F2017  F2018  F2019  F2020  Thereafter  Total  F2017  F2018  F2019  F2020  F2021  Thereafter  Total 
Variable interest rate $5,755  $7,025  $94,624  $-  $-  $-  $107,404  $309  $16,048  $-  $-  $140,000  $-  $156,357 
Fixed interest rate  11,987   36,128   11,678   9,560   9,587   61,067   140,007   11,811   11,858   9,753   24,127   19,862   49,970   127,381 
Debt issuance costs  (80)  (51)  (49)  (37)  (32)  (106)  (355)
Total debt $17,742  $43,153  $106,302  $9,560  $9,587  $61,067  $247,411  $12,040  $27,855  $9,704  $24,090  $159,830  $49,864  $283,383 

 

We periodically enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to interest rate changes. These swaps involve the exchange of fixed and variable interest rate payments. Payments or receipts on the agreements are recorded as adjustments to interest expense. We had one outstanding interest rate swap agreement at May 28, 2015December 29, 2016 covering $25.0 million, expiring on January 22, 2018. Under this swap agreement, we pay a defined fixed rate while receiving a defined variable rate based on LIBOR, effectively converting $25.0 million of our credit agreement term loanborrowing under our Credit Agreement to a fixed rate. The swap agreement did not materially impact our fiscal 20152016 earnings and we do not expect it to have any material impact on our fiscal 20162017 earnings.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

This Management’s Discussion of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsMD&A is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.States (GAAP). The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.

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On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates associated with critical accounting policies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

 

i·We review long-lived assets, including fixed assets, goodwill, investments in joint ventures and receivables from joint ventures, for impairment at least annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any such asset may not be recoverable. In assessing the recoverability of these assets, we must make assumptions regarding the estimated future cash flows and other factors that a market participant would make to determine the fair value of the respective assets. The estimate of cash flows is based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance and anticipated sales prices. Our estimates of undiscounted cash flows are sensitive to assumed revenue growth rates and may differ from actual cash flows due to factors such as economic conditions, changes to our business model or changes in our operating performance and anticipated sales prices. For long-lived assets other than goodwill, if the sum of the undiscounted estimated cash flows (excluding interest) is less than the current carrying value, we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. During fiscal 2015, we recorded a before-tax impairment charge of $2.9 million related to a hotel and several former theatre locations. During fiscal 2013, we recorded a before-taxThis same impairment charge of $1.5 million related to two budget-oriented theatres, a closed eight-screen theatre and a closed water park at one of our hotels.also impacted fiscal 2015C results.

 

i·In assessingGoodwill is tested for impairment at a reporting unit level, determined to be at an operating segment level. When reviewing goodwill for impairment, we utilize a two-step approach. Inconsider the first step, we compare theamount of excess fair value of each reporting unit to itsover the carrying value. During the second step, any impairment loss is determined by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill to the recorded amount of goodwill. In assessing the fair value of the reporting unit, we utilize both a market approachthe period of time since the last quantitative test, and an income approachother factors to determine whether or not to first perform a qualitative test. When performing a qualitative test, we assess numerous factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of eachour reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Examples of qualitative factors that we assess include our share price, our financial performance, market and competitive factors in our industry, and other events specific to the reporting unit. The market approach quantifies each reporting unit’sIf we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value based on actual revenue and/or earnings or cash flow multiples realized in similar industry transactions or multiples gathered from other external competitive data. The derived fair value is sensitive to changes in these multiples. The income approach quantifies each reporting unit’s fair value based on discounted estimated future cash flows. We have determined thatof our reporting units are our operating segments andunit is less than its carrying value, we perform a two-step quantitative test by comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit to the estimated fair value. Primarily all of our goodwill relates to our theatre segment. The fair value of our theatre reporting unit exceeded our carrying value for fiscal 20152016, the Transition Period and 2014fiscal 2015 by a substantial amount.

 

i·Depreciation expense is based on the estimated useful life of our assets. The life of the assets is based on a number of assumptions, including cost and timing of capital expenditures to maintain and refurbish the asset, as well as specific market and economic conditions. While management believes its estimates are reasonable, a change in the estimated lives could affect depreciation expense and net income or the gain or loss on the sale of any of the assets.

 

Accounting Changes

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09,Revenue Fromfrom Contracts Withwith Customers, whicha comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires an entitya company to recognize the amount of revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which itthe company expects to be entitled in exchange for those good or services. In August 2015, the transferFASB issued ASU No. 2015-14,Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of promised goods or servicesEffective Date (ASU 2015-14), to customers.defer the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The guidance may be adopted using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. We have performed a review of the requirements of the new revenue standard and related ASUs and are monitoring the activity of the FASB as it relates to specific interpretive guidance. We are reviewing customer contracts and are in the process of applying the five-step model of the new revenue standard to each of our key identified revenue streams and are comparing the results to our current accounting practices. While we continue to assess all potential impacts of adopting this new revenue standard, we currently believe the new standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles when it becomes effective.not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01,Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements of financial instruments. The new standard is effective for the Companyus in fiscal 2018, with early adoption permitted for certain provisions of the statement. Entities must apply the standard, with certain exceptions, using a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We are currently assessing the impact the adoption of the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02,Leases (Topic 842), intended to improve financial reporting related to leasing transactions. ASU No. 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet assets and liabilities for rights and obligations created by leased assets with lease terms of more than 12 months. The new guidance will also require disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from the leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements, providing additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. The new standard is effective for us in fiscal 2019 and early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and isWe are evaluating the effect that the standardguidance will have on itsour consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In April 2015,August 2016, the Financial Account Standards BoardFASB issued ASU No. 2016-15,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The new standard is effective for us beginning in fiscal 2018, with early adoption permitted. The standard must be applied using a retrospective transition method for each period presented. We are evaluating the effect that the guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)- Restricted Cash. ASU No. 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As such, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and ending of period total amount shown on the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for us in fiscal 2018 and must be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We reported a $12,553,000 investing cash outflow related to a change in restricted cash for the period ended December 29, 2016. Subsequent to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-18, the change in restricted cash would be excluded from the change in cash flows from investing activities and included in the change in total cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents as reported in the statement of cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01,Business Combinations (Topic 805) – Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance and providing a more robust framework to assist reporting organizations with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new standard is effective for us in fiscal 2018 and must be applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04,Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test that had required a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Rather, entities should apply the same impairment assessment to all reporting units and recognize an impairment loss for the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, without exceeding the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017-04 is effective for us in fiscal 2020 and must be applied prospectively. We do not believe the new standard will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

65

During fiscal 2016, we adopted ASU No. 2016-09,Compensation – Stock Compensation(Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting Standard Update. The primary impact of the adoption was the recognition of excess tax benefits as a reduction to the provision for income taxes. Additional amendments to ASU No. 2016-09, which related to income taxes and minimum statutory withholding tax requirements, had no impact to retained earnings, where the cumulative effect of these changes are required to be recorded. Additionally, we also elected to continue estimating forfeitures when determining the amount of compensation costs to be recognized each period. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to excess tax benefits were applied on a prospective basis, and therefore prior years have not been restated. The presentation requirement for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact to any of the periods presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The adoption of ASU No. 2016 09 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

During fiscal 2016, we adopted ASU No. 2015-03,Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuanceissuance Costs (Subtopic 835-30), which requires an entity to present certain debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset, and requires the amortization of the costs be reported as interest expense. The new standard is effectiveguidance was applied on a retrospective basis to all prior periods. Accordingly, $404,000 of debt issuance costs, previously included within other long-term assets, have been reclassified as a reduction of long-term debt on the December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet, and $258,000, $449,000 and $491,000 of amortization of debt issuance costs, previously included in depreciation and amortization expense, have been reclassified to interest expense in the consolidated statements of earnings for the Company in Fiscal 2017Transition Period, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. We will continue to classify debt issuance costs related to our credit facility as long-term assets.

On January 1, 2016, we adopted ASU No. 2015-02,Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Company does not expectConsolidation Analysis, which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU No. 2015-02 clarifies how to determine whether equity holders as a group have power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the legal entity’s economic performance and could affect whether it is a variable interest entity (VIE). Two of our consolidated entities are considered VIEs. We are the primary beneficiary of the VIEs and our interest is considered a majority voting interest. As such, the adoption of this statement tothe new standard did not have an impacta material effect on its overallour consolidated financial position.statements or related disclosures.

 

During fiscal 2016, we adopted ASU No. 2015-17,Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The new guidance was applied on a retrospective basis to all prior periods. Accordingly, $2,807,000 of deferred income taxes (current asset) have been reclassified as a reduction of deferred income taxes (long term liability) on the December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet.

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

The information required by this item is set forth in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” above.

47

 

Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

  

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework inInternal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework inInternal Control – Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of May 28, 2015.December 29, 2016. The Company’s auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, have issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. That attestation report is set forth in this Item 8.

 

Gregory S. Marcus


President and Chief Executive Officer

Douglas A. Neis


Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

66

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

The Marcus Corporation

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of The Marcus Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control overOver Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’scompany's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’scompany's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, based on the criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended May 28, 2015December 29, 2016 of the Company and our report dated August 11, 2015March 14, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 11, 2015

March 14, 2017

 

67

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

The Marcus Corporation

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Marcus Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and May 29, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 29, 2016, the 31 week period ended December 31, 2015 and each of the threetwo years in the period ended May 28, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’sCompany's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on thesethe financial statements based on our audits.

 

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

 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the CompanyThe Marcus Corporation and subsidiaries as of May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and May 29, 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 29, 2016, the 31 week period ended December 31, 2015 and each of the threetwo years in the period ended May 28, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, based on the criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated August 11, 2015March 14, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 11, 2015

March 14, 2017

 

68

THE MARCUS CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 

ASSETS

        

CURRENT ASSETS:

        
Cash and cash equivalents(Note 1) $6,723  $6,780 
Restricted cash(Note 1)  8,760   8,032 
Accounts and notes receivable, net of reserves(Note 4)  16,339   9,472 
Refundable income taxes  4,022   2,958 
Deferred income taxes(Note 8)  2,997   3,056 
Other current assets(Note 1)  6,732   6,367 
Total current assets  45,573   36,665 
         
Property and equipment,net(Note 4)  680,117   651,580 
         
OTHER ASSETS:        
Investments in joint ventures(Note 10)  5,643   2,025 
Goodwill(Note 1)  43,720   43,858 
Other(Note 4)  33,989   34,795 
Total other assets  83,352   80,678 
Total assets $809,042  $768,923 
         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
CURRENT LIABILITIES:        
Accounts payable $36,776  $30,954 
Taxes other than income taxes  15,099   14,333 
Accrued compensation  15,354   12,914 
Other accrued liabilities(Note 1)  35,220   31,912 
Current portion of capital lease obligation(Note 4)  5,053   4,871 
Current maturities of long-term debt(Note 5)  17,742   7,030 
Total current liabilities  125,244   102,014 
         
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION(Note 4)  18,317   23,370 
         
Long-term debt(Note 5)  229,669   233,557 
         
Deferred income taxes(Note 8)  47,502   42,561 
         
Deferred compensation and other(Note 7)  42,075   37,442 
         
commitments AND license rights(Note 9)        
         
equity(Note 6):        
Shareholders’ equity attributable to The Marcus Corporation        
  Preferred Stock, $1 par; authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued      
  Common Stock:        
Common Stock, $1 par; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued 22,478,541 shares in 2015 and 22,457,727 shares in 2014  22,479   22,458 
Class B Common Stock, $1 par; authorized 33,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 8,710,972 shares in 2015 and 8,731,786 shares in 2014  8,711   8,732 
  Capital in excess of par  55,539   53,844 
  Retained earnings  307,939   294,334 
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (5,312)  (4,558)
   389,356   374,810 
  Less cost of Common Stock in treasury (3,636,098 shares in 2015 and        
3,890,871 shares in 2014)  (45,577)  (48,599)
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The Marcus Corporation  343,779   326,211 
   Noncontrolling interests  2,456   3,768 
Total equity  346,235   329,979 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $809,042  $768,923 
  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015 
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents(Note 1) $3,239  $6,672 
Restricted cash(Note 1)  5,466   18,019 
Accounts and notes receivable, net of reserves(Note 5)  14,761   13,366 
Refundable income taxes  1,672   - 
Other current assets(Note 1)  11,005   7,041 
Total current assets  36,143   45,098 
         
Property and equipment,net(Note 5)  789,198   670,702 
         
Other assets:        
Investments in joint ventures(Note 11)  6,096   7,455 
Goodwill(Note 1)  43,735   44,220 
Other(Note 5)  36,094   37,226 
Total other assets  85,925   88,901 
Total assets $911,266  $804,701 
         
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $31,206  $28,737 
Income taxes     3,490 
Taxes other than income taxes  17,261   17,303 
Accrued compensation  17,007   12,269 
Other accrued liabilities (Note 1)  46,561   43,231 
Current portion of capital lease obligations(Note 6)  6,598   5,181 
Current maturities of long-term debt(Note 6)  12,040   18,292 
Total current liabilities  130,673   128,503 
         
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS(Note 6)  26,106   15,192 
         
Long-term debt(Note 6)  271,343   207,376 
         
Deferred income taxes(Note 9)  46,433   43,405 
         
Deferred compensation and other(Note 8)  45,064   44,527 
         
commitments AND license rights(Note 10)        
         
equity(Note 7):        
Shareholders’ equity attributable to The Marcus Corporation        
Preferred Stock, $1 par; authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued      
Common Stock:        
Common Stock, $1 par; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued 22,489,976 shares at December 29, 2016 and 22,478,541 shares at December 31, 2015  22,490   22,479 
Class B Common Stock, $1 par; authorized 33,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 8,699,540 at December 29, 2016 and 8,710,972 shares at December 31, 2015  8,700   8,711 
Capital in excess of par  58,584   56,474 
Retained earnings  351,220   325,355 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (5,066)  (5,221)
   435,928   407,798 
Less cost of Common Stock in treasury (3,517,951 shares at December 29, 2016, and 3,525,657 shares at December 31, 2015)  (45,816)  (44,446)
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The Marcus Corporation  390,112   363,352 
Noncontrolling interests  1,535   2,346 
Total equity  391,647   365,698 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $911,266  $804,701 

 

See accompanying notes.

69

 

 

The Marcus Corporation

 

Consolidated Statements of EARNINGS

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 Year Ended  Year Ended  31 Weeks
Ended
  Year Ended 
 May 28, May 29, May 30,  December 29, December 31, May 28, May 29, 
 2015  2014  2013  2016  2015  2015  2014 
REVENUES:            
Revenues:                
Theatre admissions $157,254  $146,039  $134,523  $186,768  $104,606  $157,254  $146,039 
Rooms  109,660   105,483   99,668   105,167   70,093   109,660   105,483 
Theatre concessions  98,746   84,062   73,189   120,975   69,206   98,746   84,062 
Food and beverage  67,174   58,826   55,458   67,551   44,590   67,174   58,826 
Other revenues  55,233   53,529   49,998   63,403   35,772   55,233   53,529 
Total revenues  488,067   447,939   412,836   543,864   324,267   488,067   447,939 
                            
COSTS AND EXPENSES:            
Costs and expenses:                
Theatre operations  134,946   127,531   115,078   160,729   91,747   134,946   127,531 
Rooms  42,579   40,834   38,260   40,213   24,933   42,579   40,834 
Theatre concessions  27,032   23,335   19,816   32,407   19,958   27,032   23,335 
Food and beverage  55,215   46,250   43,062   55,526   34,656   55,215   46,250 
Advertising and marketing  25,265   25,160   23,571   21,582   14,842   25,265   25,160 
Administrative  53,247   46,642   45,266   63,620   36,392   53,247   46,642 
Depreciation and amortization  38,810   33,845   33,827   41,832   23,815   38,361   33,354 
Rent(Note 9)  8,591   8,522   8,418 
Rent(Note 10)  8,384   5,040   8,591   8,522 
Property taxes  15,001   14,637   14,836   16,257   8,630   15,001   14,637 
Other operating expenses  34,268   32,801   30,986   33,360   19,582   34,268   32,801 
Impairment charge(Note 2)  2,919      1,512         2,919    
Total costs and expenses  437,873   399,557   374,632   473,910   279,595   437,424   399,066 
                            
OPERATING INCOME  50,194   48,382   38,204   69,954   44,672   50,643   48,873 
                            
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):                            
Investment income  252   630   494   298   15   252   630 
Interest expense  (9,477)  (10,060)  (9,309)  (9,176)  (5,933)  (9,926)  (10,551)
Extinguishment of debt        6,008 
Loss on disposition of property, equipment and other assets  (1,463)  (993)  (266)  (844)  (490)  (1,463)  (993)
Equity losses from unconsolidated joint ventures, net(Note 10)  (186)  (250)  (450)
Equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures, net(Note 11)  301   (36)  (186)  (250)
  (10,874)  (10,673)  (3,523)  (9,421)  (6,444)  (11,323)  (11,164)
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES  39,320   37,709   34,681 
Income taxes(Note 8)  15,678   16,810   11,350 
Earnings before income taxes  60,533   38,228   39,320   37,709 
Income taxes(Note 9)  22,994   14,785   15,678   16,810 
NET EARNINGS  23,642   20,899   23,331   37,539   23,443   23,642   20,899 
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS  (353)  (4,102)  5,825 
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS  (363)  (122)  (353)  (4,102)
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE MARCUS CORPORATION $23,995  $25,001  $17,506  $37,902  $23,565  $23,995  $25,001 
                            
NET EARNINGS PER SHARE – BASIC:            
net earnings per share – BASIC:                
Common Stock $0.90  $0.95  $0.68  $1.41  $0.88  $0.90  $0.95 
Class B Common Stock  0.82   0.86   0.59   1.28   0.80   0.82   0.86 
                            
NET EARNINGS PER SHARE – DILUTED:            
net earnings per share – DILUTED:                
Common Stock $0.87  $0.92  $0.63  $1.36  $0.84  $0.87  $0.92 
Class B Common Stock  0.81   0.86   0.59   1.27   0.79   0.81   0.86 

 

See accompanying notes.

70

The Marcus Corporation

 

Consolidated Statements of COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

 

  Year Ended 
  May 28,  May 29,  May 30, 
  2015  2014  2013 
          
NET EARNINGS $23,642  $20,899  $23,331 
             
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):            
Change in unrealized gain on available for sale investments, net of tax benefit of $0, $1 and $1, respectively     (1)  (2)
Pension gain (loss) arising during period, net of tax effect (benefit) of $(570), $(668) and $49, respectively  (902)  (899)  70 
Amortization of the net actuarial loss and prior service credit related to the pension, net of tax effect of $127, $114 and $119, respectively  199   154   167 
Amortization of loss on swap agreement, net of tax effect of $0, $0 and $41, respectively(Note 5)        58 
Fair market value adjustment of interest rate swap, net of tax benefit of $110, $65 and $4, respectively(Note 5)  (169)  (99)  (7)
Reclassification adjustment on interest rate swap included in interest expense, net of tax effect of $77, $76 and $16, respectively(Note 5)  118   115   25 
Other comprehensive income (loss)  (754)  (730)  311 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  22,888   20,169   23,642 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS  (353)  (4,102)  5,825 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE MARCUS CORPORATION $23,241  $24,271  $17,817 
  Year Ended  31 Weeks Ended  Year Ended 
  December 29,  December 31,  May 28,  May 29, 
  2016  2015  2015  2014 
             
NET EARNINGS $37,539  $23,443  $23,642  $20,899 
                 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):                
                 
Change in unrealized gain on available for sale investments, net of tax effect (benefit) of $9, $0, $0 and $(1), respectively  14         (1)
                 
Pension loss arising during period, net of tax benefit of $40, $42, $570 and $668, respectively  (42)  (62)  (902)  (899)
                 
Amortization of the net actuarial loss and prior service credit related to the pension, net of tax effect of $55, $84, $127 and $114, respectively  58   127   199   154 
                 
Pension curtailment gain, net of tax effect of $127, $0, $0 and $0  134          
                 
Fair market value adjustment of interest rate swap, net of tax benefit of $95, $25, $110 and $65, respectively(Note 6)  (143)  (39)  (169)  (99)
                 
Reclassification adjustment on interest rate swap included in interest expense, net of tax effect of $25, $43, $77 and $76, respectively(Note 6)  38   65   118   115 
                 
Reclassification adjustment related to interest rate swap de-designation, net of tax effect of $63, $0, $0 and $0  96          
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)  155   91   (754)  (730)
                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  37,694   23,534   22,888   20,169 
                 
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS  (363)  (122)  (353)  (4,102)
                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE MARCUS CORPORATION $38,057  $23,656  $23,241  $24,271 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

54
71 

 

The Marcus Corporation

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(in thousands, except per share data)

  Common
Stock
  Class B
Common
Stock
  Capital
in Excess
of Par
  Retained
Earnings
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Treasury
Stock
  Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to The
Marcus
Corporation
  Non-
controlling
Interests
  Total
Equity
 
BALANCES AT MAY 30, 2013 $22,433  $8,757  $51,979  $278,536  $(3,828) $(51,175) $306,702  $9,994  $316,696 
Cash dividends:                                    
$.32 per share Class B Common Stock           (2,782)        (2,782)     (2,782)
$.35 per share Common Stock           (6,421)        (6,421)     (6,421)
Exercise of stock options        98         5,507   5,605      5,605 
Purchase of treasury stock                 (4,180)  (4,180)     (4,180)
Savings and profit-sharing contribution        99         683   782      782 
Reissuance of treasury stock        40         255   295      295 
Issuance of non-vested stock        (311)        311          
Share-based compensation        1,781            1,781      1,781 
Other        158            158      158 
Conversions of Class B Common Stock  25   (25)                     
Distributions to noncontrolling interest                       (2,124)  (2,124)
Comprehensive income (loss)           25,001   (730)     24,271   (4,102)  20,169 
BALANCES AT MAY 29, 2014  22,458   8,732   53,844   294,334   (4,558)  (48,599)  326,211   3,768   329,979 
Cash dividends:                                    
$.35 per share Class B Common Stock           (3,092)        (3,092)     (3,092)
$.39 per share Common Stock           (7,298)        (7,298)     (7,298)
Exercise of stock options        (66)        3,030   2,964      2,964 
Purchase of treasury stock                 (1,092)  (1,092)     (1,092)
Savings and profit-sharing contribution        320         568   888      888 
Reissuance of treasury stock        91         227   318      318 
Issuance of non-vested stock        (289)        289          
Share-based compensation        1,499            1,499      1,499 
Other        140            140      140 
Conversions of Class B Common Stock  21   (21)                     
Distributions to noncontrolling interest                       (959)  (959)
Comprehensive income (loss)           23,995   (754)     23,241   (353)  22,888 
BALANCES AT MAY 28, 2015  22,479   8,711   55,539   307,939   (5,312)  (45,577)  343,779   2,456   346,235 
Cash dividends:                                    
$.19 per share Class B Common Stock           (1,663)        (1,663)     (1,663)
$.21 per share Common Stock           (3,969)        (3,969)     (3,969)
Exercise of stock options        (2)        862   860      860 
Purchase of treasury stock                 (75)  (75)     (75)
Reissuance of treasury stock        99         152   251      251 
Issuance of non-vested stock        (192)        192          
Share-based compensation        975            975      975 
Other        55   (517)        (462)  517   55 
Distributions to noncontrolling interest                       (505)  (505)
Comprehensive income (loss)           23,565   91      23,656   (122)  23,534 
BALANCES AT DECEMBER 31, 2015  22,479   8,711   56,474   325,355   (5,221)  (44,446)  363,352   2,346   365,698 
Cash dividends:                                    
$.41 per share Class B Common Stock           (3,560)        (3,560)     (3,560)
$.45 per share Common Stock           (8,477)        (8,477)     (8,477)
Exercise of stock options        116         3,870   3,986      3,986 
Purchase of treasury stock                 (6,389)  (6,389)     (6,389)
Savings and profit-sharing contribution        304         601   905      905 
Reissuance of treasury stock        120         180   300      300 
Issuance of non-vested stock        (368)        368          
Share-based compensation        1,899            1,899      1,899 
Other        39            39      39 
Conversions of Class B Common Stock  11   (11)                     
Distributions to noncontrolling interest                       (448)  (448)
Comprehensive income (loss)           37,902   155      38,057   (363)  37,694 
BALANCES AT DECEMBER 29, 2016 $22,490  $8,700  $58,584  $351,220  $(5,066) $(45,816) $390,112  $1,535  $391,647 

 

  Common
Stock
  Class B
Common
Stock
  

Capital

in Excess

of Par

  

Retained

Earnings

  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Treasury
Stock
  Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to The
Marcus
Corporation
  Non-
controlling
Interests
  Total
Equity
 
BALANCES AT MAY 31, 2012 $23,372  $8,818  $50,836  $296,644  $(4,139) $(30,742) $343,789     $343,789 
Cash dividends:                                    
$1.22 per share Class B Common Stock           (10,688)        (10,688)     (10,688)
$1.34 per share Common Stock           (24,926)        (24,926)     (24,926)
Exercise of stock options        (417)        2,599   2,182      2,182 
Purchase of treasury stock                 (24,638)  (24,638)     (24,638)
Savings and profit-sharing contribution        (4)        838   834      834 
Reissuance of treasury stock        (13)        520   507      507 
Issuance of non-vested stock        (248)        248          
Share-based compensation        1,772            1,772      1,772 
Other        53            53   169   222 
Conversions of Class B Common Stock  61   (61)                     
Equity contributions                       4,000   4,000 
Comprehensive income           17,506   311      17,817   5,825   23,642 
BALANCES AT MAY 30, 2013  22,433   8,757   51,979   278,536   (3,828)  (51,175)  306,702   9,994   316,696 
Cash dividends:                                    
$.32 per share Class B Common Stock           (2,782)        (2,782)     (2,782)
$.35 per share Common Stock           (6,421)        (6,421)     (6,421)
Exercise of stock options        98         5,507   5,605      5,605 
Purchase of treasury stock                 (4,180)  (4,180)     (4,180)
Savings and profit-sharing contribution        99         683   782      782 
Reissuance of treasury stock        40         255   295      295 
Issuance of non-vested stock        (311)        311          
Share-based compensation        1,781            1,781      1,781 
Other        158            158      158 
Conversions of Class B Common Stock  25   (25)                     
Distributions to noncontrolling interest                       (2,124)  (2,124)
Comprehensive income (loss)           25,001   (730)     24,271   (4,102)  20,169 
BALANCES AT MAY 29, 2014  22,458   8,732   53,844   294,334   (4,558)  (48,599)  326,211   3,768   329,979 
Cash dividends:                                    
$.35 per share Class B Common Stock           (3,092)        (3,092)     (3,092)
$.39 per share Common Stock           (7,298)        (7,298)     (7,298)
Exercise of stock options        (66)        3,030   2,964      2,964 
Purchase of treasury stock                 (1,092)  (1,092)     (1,092)
Savings and profit-sharing contribution        320         568   888      888 
Reissuance of treasury stock        91         227   318      318 
Issuance of non-vested stock        (289)        289          
Share-based compensation        1,499            1,499      1,499 
Other        140            140      140 
Conversions of Class B Common Stock  21   (21)                     
Distributions to noncontrolling interest                       (959)  (959)
Comprehensive income           23,995   (754)     23,241   (353)  22,888 
BALANCES AT MAY 28, 2015 $22,479  $8,711  $55,539  $307,939  $(5,312) $(45,577) $343,779  $2,456  $346,235 

See accompanying notes.

72

The Marcus Corporation

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

 

  

Year

Ended

  

31 Weeks

Ended

  Year Ended 
  December 29,  December 31,  May 28,  May 29, 
  2016  2015  2015  2014 
Operating activities                
Net earnings $37,539  $23,443  $23,642  $20,899 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Losses (earnings) on investments in joint ventures  (301)  36   186   250 
Distributions from joint ventures  560   152   166   120 
Loss on disposition of property, equipment and other assets  844   490   1,463   993 
Impairment charge        2,919    
Amortization of favorable lease right  334   194   334   334 
Depreciation and amortization  41,832   23,815   38,361   33,354 
Amortization of debt issuance costs  303   258   449   491 
Stock compensation expense  1,899   975   1,499   1,781 
Deferred income taxes  3,022   (1,079)  5,614   (451)
Deferred compensation and other  577   1,564   3,531   850 
Contribution of the Company’s stock to savings and profit-sharing plan  905      888   782 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts and notes receivable  (1,486)  2,967   (5,627)  (877)
Other current assets  (2,465)  (388)  (845)  836 
Accounts payable  (1,978)  (665)  2,355   748 
Income taxes  (5,124)  7,567   (925)  (2,544)
Taxes other than income taxes  (373)  2,550   766   333 
Accrued compensation  4,738   (3,085)  2,440   1,974 
Other accrued liabilities  1,829   8,016   3,236   6,567 
Total adjustments  45,116   43,367   56,810   45,541 
Net cash provided by operating activities  82,655   66,810   80,452   66,440 
                 
Investing activities                
Capital expenditures  (83,606)  (44,452)  (74,988)  (56,673)
Purchase of theatres, net of cash acquired and working capital assumed  (63,766)         
Proceeds from disposals of property, equipment and other assets  1,560   13,977   226   1,926 
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash  12,553   (9,259)  (728)  (137)
Decrease (increase) in other assets  3,572   495   (786)  (1,227)
Capital contribution in joint venture        (399)  (1,366)
Purchase of interest in joint venture     (1,600)  (1,500)   
Sale of interest in joint venture  1,100          
Cash advanced to joint ventures           (231)
Net cash used in investing activities  (128,587)  (40,839)  (78,175)  (57,708)
                 
Financing activities                
Debt transactions:                
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility  346,188   108,500   162,500   92,500 
Repayment of borrowings on revolving credit facility  (236,188)  (126,500)  (148,500)  (115,500)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt           52,700 
Principal payments on long-term debt  (52,335)  (3,339)  (7,176)  (31,886)
Debt issuance costs  (578)        (316)
Equity transactions:                
Treasury stock transactions, except for stock options  (6,089)  594   (773)  (3,886)
Exercise of stock options  3,986   860   2,964   5,605 
Dividends paid  (12,037)  (5,632)  (10,390)  (9,203)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest  (448)  (505)  (959)  (2,124)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  42,499   (26,022)  (2,334)  (12,110)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (3,433)  (51)  (57)  (3,378)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  6,672   6,723   6,780   10,158 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $3,239  $6,672  $6,723  $6,780 
                 
Supplemental Information:                
Change in accounts payable for additions to property and equipment $3,417  $(7,370) $3,467  $4,876 
Capital leases acquired  17,511          
Non-cash contribution in joint venture     400       

  Year Ended 
  May 28,  May 29,  May 30, 
  2015  2014  2013 
Operating activities            
Net earnings $23,642  $20,899  $23,331 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Extinguishment of debt        (6,008)
Losses on investments in joint ventures  186   250   450 
Distributions from joint ventures  166   120   120 
Loss on disposition of property, equipment and other assets  1,463   993   266 
Impairment charge  2,919      1,512 
Amortization of loss on swap agreement        99 
Amortization of favorable lease right  334   334   334 
Depreciation and amortization  38,810   33,845   33,827 
Stock compensation expense  1,499   1,781   1,772 
Deferred income taxes  5,614   (451)  (1,146)
Deferred compensation and other  3,531   850   (44)
Contribution of the Company’s stock to savings and profit-sharing plan  888   782   834 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:            
Accounts and notes receivable  (5,627)  (877)  (42)
Other current assets  (845)  836   1,014 
Accounts payable  2,355   748   5,733 
Income taxes  (925)  (2,544)  2,876 
Taxes other than income taxes  766   333   890 
Accrued compensation  2,440   1,974   (1,158)
Other accrued liabilities  3,236   6,567   (1,458)
Total adjustments  56,810   45,541   39,871 
Net cash provided by operating activities  80,452   66,440   63,202 
             
Investing activities          �� 
Capital expenditures  (74,988)  (56,673)  (22,635)
Purchase of hotel        (856)
Proceeds from disposals of property, equipment and other assets  226   1,926   4,662 
Increase in restricted cash  (728)  (137)  (1,513)
Increase in other assets  (786)  (1,227)  (1,674)
Capital contribution in joint venture  (399)  (1,366)   
Purchase of interest in joint venture  (1,500)     (444)
Cash advanced to joint ventures     (231)  (101)
Net cash used in investing activities  (78,175)  (57,708)  (22,561)
             
Financing activities            
Debt transactions:            
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt  162,500   145,200   262,600 
Principal payments on long-term debt  (155,676)  (147,386)  (240,013)
Debt issuance costs     (316)  (1,527)
Equity transactions:            
Treasury stock transactions, except for stock options  (773)  (3,886)  (24,131)
Exercise of stock options  2,964   5,605   2,182 
Dividends paid  (10,390)  (9,203)  (35,614)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest  (959)  (2,124)   
Net cash used in financing activities  (2,334)  (12,110)  (36,503)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  (57)  (3,378)  4,138 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  6,780   10,158   6,020 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $6,723  $6,780  $10,158 
             
Supplemental Information:            
Change in accounts payable for additions to property and equipment $3,467  $4,876  $652 

See accompanying notes.

56
 73

 

The Marcus Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Description of Business - The Marcus Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Company)“Company”) operate principally in two business segments:

 

Theatres: Operates multiscreen motion picture theatres in Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Nebraska and NebraskaMissouri and a family entertainment center in Wisconsin.

 

Hotels and Resorts: Owns and operates full service hotels and resorts in Wisconsin, Illinois, Oklahoma Nebraska and MissouriNebraska and manages full service hotels, resorts and other properties in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, Nevada, Georgia Florida and California.

 

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Marcus Corporation and all of its subsidiaries, including two joint ventures in which the Company has an ownership interest greater than 50% and a 50% owned joint venture entity in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. The Company has ownership interests greater than 50% in two joint ventures that are considered Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) that are also included in the accounts of the Company. The Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs and the Company’s interest is considered a majority voting interest. The equity interest of outside owners in consolidated entities is recorded as noncontrolling interests in the consolidated balance sheets, and their share of earnings is recorded as net earnings (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of earnings. earnings in accordance with the partnership agreements.

Investments in affiliates which are 50% or less owned by the Company for which the Company exercises significant influence but does not have control are accounted for on the equity method. The Company has an investmentinvestments in an affiliateaffiliates which isare 50% or less owned by the Company which it does not exercise significant influence or have a controlling financial interest that it accounts for using the cost method of accounting.

Additionally, as of December 29, 2016, the Company had entered into a purchase and sale transaction in accordance with Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code for the exchange of like-kind property to defer taxable gains on the sale of real estate property. For reverse transactions under a 1031 exchange in which the Company purchases a new property prior to selling the property to be matched in the like-kind exchange, legal title to the acquired property is held by a qualified intermediary engaged to execute the 1031 exchange until the sale transaction and the 1031 exchange is completed. The company retains essentially all of the legal and economic benefits and obligations related to the acquired property prior to the completion of the 1031 exchange. As such, the assets and results of operations of the acquired property are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a VIE until legal title is transferred to the Company upon completion or expiration of the 1031 exchange.

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Fiscal Years - In October 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year-end from the last Thursday in May to the last Thursday in December. The Company reports on a 52/53-week year. In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, (1) references to fiscal 2016 refer to the 52-week year ended December 29, 2016, (2) references to the Transition Period refer to the 31 week transition period from May 29, 2015 to December 31, 2015, (3) references to fiscal 2015 refer to the 52-week year ended May 28, 2015, and (4) references to fiscal 2014 refer to the 52-week year ended May 29, 2014. Fiscal 2017 will be a 52-week year ending the last Thursday of May. Fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 were all 52-week years.on December 28, 2017.

 

Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

74

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Cash Equivalents - The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

 

Restricted Cash - Restricted cash consists of bank accounts related to capital expenditure reserve funds, sinking funds, operating reserves and replacement reserves.reserves and may include amounts held by a qualified intermediary agent to be used for tax-deferred, like-kind exchange transactions. At December 31, 2015, approximately $8,735,000 of net sales proceeds were held with a qualified intermediary and the subsequent receipt of these proceeds during fiscal 2016 was included in “Investing Activities” in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Restricted cash is not considered cash and cash equivalents for purposes of the statement of cash flows.

 

Fair Value Measurements - Certain financial assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value in the financial statements. Some are measured on a recurring basis while others are measured on a non-recurring basis. Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value each time a financial statement is prepared. Financial assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value when a significant event occurs. A fair value measurement assumes that a transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.

 

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in one of the following categories:

 

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Level 1 - Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments as of the reporting date. At May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and May 29, 2014,respectively, the Company’s $93,000 and $70,000 of available for sale securities were valued using Level 1 pricing inputs.inputs and were included in other long-term assets. At December 29, 2016, the Company’s $1,927,000 of trading securities were valued using Level 1 pricing inputs and were included in other current assets.

 

Level 2 - Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on valuation models for which pricing inputs were either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. At May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, the $6,000 and May 29, 2014, the $28,000 liability and $56,000$16,000 asset respectively, related to the Company’s interest rate hedge contract was valued using Level 2 pricing inputs.

 

Level 3 - Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on valuation models with significant unobservable pricing inputs and which result in the use of management estimates. At May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and May 29, 2014, none of the Company’s recorded assets or liabilities were valued using Level 3 pricing inputs, except as noted in Note 2.inputs.

 

The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments (including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, notes receivable and accounts payable) approximates fair value. The fair value of the Company’s $101,429,000$90,286,000 of senior notes, valued using Level 2 pricing inputs, is approximately $105,556,000$92,424,000 at May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, determined based upon discounted cash flows using current market interest rates for financial instruments with a similar average remaining life. The carrying amounts of the Company’s remaining long-term debt approximate their fair values, determined using current rates for similar instruments, or Level 2 pricing inputs.

75

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Accounts and Notes Receivable - The Company evaluates the collectibility of its accounts and notes receivable based on a number of factors. For larger accounts, an allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded based on the applicable parties’ ability and likelihood to pay based on management’s review of the facts. For all other accounts, the Company recognizes an allowance based on length of time the receivable is past due based on historical experience and industry practice.

 

Inventory - Inventories, consisting of food and beverage and concession items, are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost has been determined using the first-in, first-out method. Inventories of $2,456,000$4,437,000 and $2,319,000$2,641,000 as of May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and May 29, 2014, respectively, were included in other current assets.

 

Property and Equipment - The Company states property and equipment at cost. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets are expensed currently.

 

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are provided using the straight-line method over the shorter of the following estimated useful lives or any related lease terms:

 

 Years
LandLand improvements15 – 3910 - 20
Buildings and improvements25 –12 - 39
Leasehold improvements3 - 40
Furniture, fixtures and equipment3 - 20

 

Depreciation expense totaled $42,085,000, $23,893,000, $38,368,000 and $33,329,000 and $33,469,000 infor fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 2014 and 2013,fiscal 2014, respectively.

 

Long-Lived Assets- The Company periodically considers whether indicators of impairment of long-lived assets held for use are present. If such indicators are present, the Company determines whether the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to such assets is less than their carrying amounts. The Company recognizes any impairment losses based on the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over their fair value. For the purpose of determining fair value, defined as the amount at which an asset or group of assets could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties, the Company utilizes currently available market valuations of similar assets in its respective industries, often expressed as a given multiple of operating cash flow. The Company evaluated the ongoing value of its property and equipment and other long-lived assets during fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 2014 and 2013fiscal 2014 and determined that there was no impact on the Company’s results of operations, other than the impairment charges discussed in Note 2.

 

Acquisition - The Company recognizes identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests assumed in an acquisition at their fair values at the acquisition date based upon all information available to it, including third-party appraisals. Acquisition-related costs, such as the due diligence and legal fees, are expensed as incurred. The excess of the acquisition cost over the fair value of the identifiable net assets is reported as goodwill.

 

58
 76

 

The Marcus Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Goodwill - The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if certain indicators arise. The Company performed anperforms its annual impairment test ason the last day of its fiscal year. Consistent with the fiscal year change, the annual impairment testing has been changed to the last day of its new fiscal year-end. The Company believes performing the test at the end of the Company’s year-end date in fiscal 2015, 2014year is preferable as the test is predicated on qualitative factors which are developed and 2013finalized near fiscal year-end. Goodwill is tested for impairment at a reporting unit level, determined to be at an operating segment level. When reviewing goodwill for impairment, the Company considers the amount of excess fair value over the carrying value of the reporting unit, the period of time since its last quantitative test, and determinedother factors to determine whether or not to first perform a qualitative test. When performing a qualitative test, the Company assesses numerous factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Examples of qualitative factors that the Company assesses include its share price, its financial performance, market and competitive factors in its industry, and other events specific to the reporting unit as determined using a market approach and income approach, exceeded its carrying value and therefore, no impairment existed. Theunit. If the Company has determinedconcludes that its reporting units are its operating segments and all the Company’s goodwill, which represents the excess of the acquisition cost overit is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the assets acquired, relatesCompany performs a two-step quantitative impairment test by comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit to its theatres segment. Goodwill decreased by $138,000 and $139,000 in fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively, due entirely to deferred tax adjustments related to an excessthe estimated fair value. No impairment was identified as of tax basis goodwill over goodwill reported for book purposes.December 29, 2016 or December 31, 2015. The Company has never recorded ana goodwill impairment loss.

A summary of goodwill.the Company’s goodwill activity is as follows:

  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 
  (in thousands) 
Balance at beginning of period $44,220  $43,720  $43,858  $43,997 
Acquisition     581       
Other  (347)         
Deferred tax adjustment  (138)  (81)  (138)  (139)
Balance at end of period $43,735  $44,220  $43,720  $43,858 

 

Capitalization of Interest - The Company capitalizes interest during construction periods by adding such interest to the cost of constructed assets. Interest of approximately $277,000, $32,000, $194,000 $256,000 and $75,000$256,000 was capitalized in fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 2014 and 2013,fiscal 2014, respectively.

 

Debt Issuance Costs - The Company’sDuring fiscal 2016, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03,Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (Subtopic 835-30), which requires an entity to present certain debt issuance costs are included in other assets (long-term) and are deferred and amortized over the terms ofbalance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt agreements. Amortizationliability rather than as an asset, and requires the amortization of the costs be reported as interest expense. The new guidance was applied on a retrospective basis to all prior periods. Accordingly, $404,000 of debt issuance costs, previously included within other long-term assets, have been reclassified as a reduction of long-term debt on the December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet, and $258,000, $449,000 and $491,000 of amortization of debt issuance costs, previously included in depreciation and amortization expense, have been reclassified to interest expense in the consolidated statements of $419,000, $491,000 and $348,000 was recorded inearnings for the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. The Company will continue to classify debt issuance costs related to its credit facility as long-term assets.

77

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business and 2013, respectively.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Investments - Trading securities are stated at fair value, with the change in fair value recorded as investment income or loss. Available for sale securities are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of shareholders’ equity. The cost of securities sold is based upon the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are included in investment income. The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on a periodic basis and principally considers the type of security, the severity of the decline in fair value, and the duration of the decline in fair value in determining whether a security’s decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. The Company had no investment losses from available for sale securities during fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 2014 or 2013.fiscal 2014.

 

Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes revenue from its rooms as earned on the close of business each day. Revenues from theatre admissions, concessions and food and beverage sales are recognized at the time of sale. Revenues from advanced ticket and gift certificate sales are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized when tickets or gift certificates are redeemed. The Company had deferred revenue of $18,502,000$28,485,000, and $16,028,000,$25,770,000, which is included in other accrued liabilities, as of May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and May 29, 2014, respectively. Gift card breakage income is recognized based upon historical redemption patterns and represents the balance of gift cards for which the Company believes the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote. Gift card breakage income is recorded in other revenues in the consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Other revenues include management fees for theatres and hotels under management agreements. The management fees are recognized as earned based on the terms of the agreements and include both base fees and incentive fees. Revenues do not include sales tax as the Company considers itself a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales tax.

 

Advertising and Marketing Costs - The Company expenses all advertising and marketing costs as incurred.

 

Insurance Reserves - The Company uses a combination of insurance and self insurance mechanisms, including participation in a captive insurance entity,entities, to provide for the potential liabilities for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, healthcare benefits, general liability, property insurance, and director and officers’ liability insurance.insurance, cyber liability, employment practices liability and business interruption. Liabilities associated with the risks that are retained by the company are not discounted and are estimated, in part, by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors and severity factors.

 

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Income Taxes - The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets represent items to be used as a tax deduction or credit in the future tax returns for which the Company has already properly recorded the tax benefit in the income statement. The Company regularly assesses the probability that the deferred tax asset balance will be recovered against future taxable income, taking into account such factors as earnings history, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax strategies. When the indications are that recovery is not probable, a valuation allowance is established against the deferred tax asset, increasing income tax expense in the year that conclusion is made.

 

The Company assesses income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management's evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting dates. For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company records the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized in the financial statements. See Note 89 - Income Taxes.

78

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Earnings Per Share - Net earnings per share (EPS) of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock is computed using the two class method. Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, adjusted for the effect of dilutive stock options using the treasury method. Convertible Class B Common Stock is reflected on an if-converted basis. The computation of the diluted net earnings per share of Common Stock assumes the conversion of Class B Common Stock, while the diluted net earnings per share of Class B Common Stock does not assume the conversion of those shares.

 

Holders of Common Stock are entitled to cash dividends per share equal to 110% of all dividends declared and paid on each share of the Class B Common Stock. As such, the undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the proportionate share of entitled cash dividends. The computation of diluted net earnings per share of Common Stock assumes the conversion of Class B Common Stock and, as such, the undistributed earnings are equal to net earnings for that computation.

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

The following table illustrates the computation of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock basic and diluted net earnings per share and provides a reconciliation of the number of weighted-average basic and diluted shares outstanding:

 

 Year Ended  31 Weeks Ended  Year Ended 
 Year Ended  

December 29,
2016

  December 31,
2015
  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 
 May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014  May 30, 2013          
 (in thousands, except per share data)  (in thousands, except per share data) 
Numerator:                            
Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation $23,995  $25,001  $17,506  $37,902  $23,565  $23,995  $25,001 
                            
Denominator:                            
Denominator for basic EPS  27,421   27,076   27,846   27,551   27,609   27,421   27,076 
Effect of dilutive employee stock options  266   74   19   406   308   266   74 
Denominator for diluted EPS  27,687   27,150   27,865   27,957   27,917   27,687   27,150 
                            
Net earnings per share – Basic:            
Net earnings per share - Basic:                
Common Stock $0.90  $0.95  $0.68  $1.41  $0.88  $0.90  $0.95 
Class B Common Stock $0.82  $0.86  $0.59  $1.28  $0.80  $0.82  $0.86 
Net earnings per share– Diluted:            
Net earnings per share- Diluted:                
Common Stock $0.87  $0.92  $0.63  $1.36  $0.84  $0.87  $0.92 
Class B Common Stock $0.81  $0.86  $0.59  $1.27  $0.79  $0.81  $0.86 

 

Options to purchase 14,000 shares, 456,000 shares, 434,000 shares 469,000 shares and 1,402,000469,000 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $23.37 to $31.55, $19.74 to $23.37, $18.34 to $23.37 $14.40 to $23.37 and $12.73$14.40 to $23.37 per share were outstanding at December 29, 2016, December 31, 2015, May 28, 2015 and May 29, 2014, and May 30, 2013, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares, and therefore, the effect would be antidilutive.

 

79

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Accumulated other comprehensive loss presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets consists of the following, all presented net of tax:

 

  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 
  (in thousands) 
Unrealized loss on available for sale investments $(11) $(11)
Unrecognized gain (loss) on interest rate swap agreement  (17)  34 
Net unrecognized actuarial loss for pension obligation  (5,284)  (4,581)
  $(5,312) $(4,558)
  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015 
    
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale investments $3  $(11)
Unrecognized gain on interest rate swap agreement     9 
Net unrecognized actuarial loss for pension obligation  (5,069)  (5,219)
  $(5,066) $(5,221)

 

Concentration of Risk - As of May 28,December 29, 2016, 7% of the Company’s employees were covered by a collective bargaining agreement, of which 2% are covered by an agreement that will expire in one year. As of December 31, 2015, 8% of the Company’s employees were covered by a collective bargaining agreement, of which 75% are covered by an agreement that will expire in one year. As of May 29, 2014, 9% of the Company’s employees were covered by a collective bargaining agreement, of which 0% were covered by an agreement that expired within one year.

 

New Accounting PronouncementPronouncements – - In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue Fromfrom Contracts Withwith Customers, whicha comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires an entitya company to recognize the amount of revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which itthe company expects to be entitled in exchange for those good or services. In August 2015, the transferFASB issued ASU No. 2015-14,Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of promised goods or servicesEffective Date (ASU 2015-14), to customers.defer the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The guidance may be adopted using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. The Company has performed a review of the requirements of the new revenue standard and related ASUs and is monitoring the activity of the FASB as it relates to specific interpretive guidance. The Company is reviewing customer contracts and is in the process of applying the five-step model of the new revenue standard to each of its key identified revenue streams and is comparing the results to its current accounting practices. While the Company continues to assess all potential impacts of adopting this new revenue standard, it currently believes the new standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles when it becomes effective.not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements of financial instruments. The new standard is effective for the Company in fiscal 2018. The2018, with early adoption permitted for certain provisions of the statement. Entities must apply the standard, permitswith certain exceptions, using a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings as of the usebeginning of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.fiscal year of adoption. The Company has not yet selectedis currently assessing the impact the adoption of the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

80

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), intended to improve financial reporting related to leasing transactions. ASU No. 2016-02 requires a transition methodlessee to recognize on the balance sheet assets and liabilities for rights and obligations created by leased assets with lease terms of more than 12 months. The new guidance will also require disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from the leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements, providing additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. The new standard is effective for the Company in fiscal 2019 and early application is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In April 2015,August 2016, the Financial Account Standards BoardFASB issued Accounting Standard UpdateASU No. 2015-03,2016-15,Simplifying the PresentationStatement of Debt Issuance Costs (Subtopic 835-30)Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The new standard is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2018, with early adoption permitted. The standard must be applied using a retrospective transition method for each period presented. The Company is evaluating the effect that the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)- Restricted Cash. ASU No. 2016-18 requires an entity to present debt issuance coststhat a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the balance sheettotal of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as a direct deduction fromrestricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As such, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the related debt liability rather than as an asset,beginning of period and requiresending of period total amount shown on the amortizationstatement of the costs be reported as interest expense.cash flows. The new standard is effective for the Company in Fiscalfiscal 2018 and must be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company reported a $12,553,000 investing cash inflow related to a change in restricted cash for the period ended December 29, 2016. Subsequent to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-18, the change in restricted cash would be excluded from the change in cash flows from investing activities and included in the change in total cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents as reported in the statement of cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01,Business Combinations (Topic 805) – Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance and providing a more robust framework to assist reporting organizations with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new standard is effective for the Company in fiscal 2018 and must be applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04,Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test that had required a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Rather, entities should apply the same impairment assessment to all reporting units and recognize an impairment loss for the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, without exceeding the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017-04 is effective for the Company in fiscal 2020 and must be applied prospectively. The Company does not expectbelieve the adoption of this statement tonew standard will have an impacta material effect on its overallconsolidated financial position.

statements.

 

61
 81

 

The Marcus Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

During fiscal 2016, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09,Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The primary impact of the adoption was the recognition of excess tax benefits as a reduction to the provision for income taxes. Additional amendments to ASU No. 2016-09 which related to income taxes and minimum statutory withholding tax requirements, had no impact to retained earnings, where the cumulative effect of these changes are required to be recorded. Additionally, the Company also elected to continue estimating forfeitures when determining the amount of compensation costs to be recognized each period. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to excess tax benefits were applied on a prospective basis, and therefore prior years have not been restated. The presentation requirement for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact to any of the periods presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-09 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

On January 1, 2016, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-02,Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU No. 2015-02 clarifies how to determine whether equity holders as a group have power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the legal entity’s economic performance and could affect whether it is a variable interest entity (VIE). Two of the company’s consolidated entities are considered VIEs. The Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs and its interest is considered a majority voting interest. As such, the adoption of the new standard did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

  

2. Impairment Charge

 

In fiscal 2015, the Company determined that indicators of impairment were evident at a specific hotel location and that the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to this asset was less than its carrying amount. As such, the Company evaluated the ongoing value of this asset and determined that the fair value, measured using Level 3 pricing inputs (estimated cash flows including estimated sale proceeds), was less than its carrying value and recorded a $2,600,000 impairment loss. The Company also determined during fiscal 2015 that indicators of impairment were evident at four theatre locations that are closed or expected to close in the future. The Company determined that the fair value of these assets, measured using Level 3 pricing inputs (estimated sales proceeds based on comparable sales), was less than their carrying values and recorded a $319,000 pre-tax impairment loss. The fair value of the impaired assets was $7,737,000 as of May 28, 2015.

 

In fiscal 2013, The Company determined that indicators of impairment were evident at a closed theatre and two budget-oriented theatres that are expected to close. As such, the Company evaluated the ongoing value of these theatres and determined the the fair value, measured using Level 3 pricing inputs (estimated sales proceeds based on comparable sales), was less than their carrying values and recorded a $1,262,000 pre-tax impairment loss. The Company also recorded a $250,000 pre-tax impairment loss in fiscal 2013 related to a closed water park at one of the hotels. The fair value of these impaired assets as of May 30, 2013 was approximately $2,275,000.

3. Acquisition

 

On October 1, 2012,December 16, 2016, the Company formedacquired 14 owned and/or leased movie theatres, along withRonnie’s Plaza, an 84,000 square foot retail center in St. Louis, Missouri, from Wehrenberg Theatres (“Wehrenberg”) for a joint venture to acquire The Cornhusker Hoteltotal cash purchase price of $65,000,000, plus normal closing adjustments and Office Plaza (The Cornhusker) in Lincoln, Nebraska,less a 297-room, full-service hotel and seven-story office building. Under the terms of the agreement, the joint venture acquired the land, building and equipment for $856,000 andnegative net working capital balance that was assumed an existing $25,744,000 non-recourse mortgage. The Company is a 73% majority owner of this joint venture and recognized a noncontrolling interest of $4,000,000 upon acquisition related to the interest’s past investment in the hotel.transaction. The assets acquired consist primarily of land and buildings, with a preliminary estimated fair value of $54,545,000, with the net assetsremaining purchase price allocated to leasehold improvements, equipment and intangible assets. In addition, several leases acquired approximated the purchase price.were identified as capital leases and assigned a preliminary value of approximately $17,511,000 as of December 29, 2016. The consolidated financial statements reflect the finalpreliminary allocation of the purchase price to the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective estimated fair value.values. The resultspurchase price allocation is preliminary and certain items are subject to change, including the fair value of operationthe real estate and leases acquired, as well as the fair value of the specific intangible assets acquired. The Cornhusker are includedCompany expects to continue to obtain information to assist it in determining the consolidated statements of earnings sincefair values during the acquisition date. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification No. 810, Consolidation, The Cornhusker results are included in the hotels and resorts division revenue and operating income and the after-tax net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests is deducted from net earnings on the consolidated statements of earnings.measurement period. The acquired hoteltheatres contributed approximately $5,901,000$5,111,000 and $(1,079,000)$(450,000) to revenues and operating income, respectively, in fiscal 2013, excluding2016, including the impact of noncontrolling interests.acquisition costs. Acquisition costs related to professional fees incurred as a result of the Wehrenberg acquisition during fiscal 2016 were approximately $2,037,000 and were expensed as incurred and included in administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. The majority of these expenses are not deductible for income tax purposes.

 

4. Additional Balance Sheet InformationAssuming the Wehrenberg acquisition occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2016, unaudited pro forma revenues for the Company during fiscal 2016 were $607,934,000. The Wehrenberg theatres would not have had a material impact on the Company’s fiscal 2016 net earnings.

 

The composition of accounts and notes receivable is as follows:

82

 

  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 
  (in thousands) 
Trade receivables, net of allowances of $245 and $1,423, respectively $6,363  $5,023 
Other receivables  9,976   4,449 
  $16,339  $9,472 

 

The Marcus Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4. Asset Sale

On October 16, 2015, the Company sold the Hotel Phillips for a total purchase price of approximately $13,500,000. Net proceeds to the Company from the sale were approximately $13,100,000, net of transaction costs. The assets sold consisted primarily of land, building, equipment and other assets. Pursuant to the sale agreement, the Company also retained its rights to receive payments under a tax incremental financing (TIF) arrangement with the city of Kansas City, Missouri, which is recorded as a receivable at its estimated net realizable value on the consolidated balance sheet. The result of the transaction was a loss on sale of approximately $70,000. Hotel Phillips revenues for the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 were $3,925,000, $9,736,000 and $7,888,000, respectively. Hotel Phillips operating income (loss) for the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 was $291,000, $739,000 and $(113,000), respectively.

5. Additional Balance Sheet Information (continued)

  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015 
  (in thousands) 
Trade receivables, net of allowances of $204 and $259, respectively $6,349  $5,898 
Other receivables  8,412   7,468 
  $14,761  $13,366 

 

The composition of property and equipment, which is stated at cost, is as follows:

 

 May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015 
 (in thousands)  (in thousands) 
Land and improvements $98,980  $97,611  $134,306  $104,379 
Buildings and improvements  633,946   613,873   699,828   618,004 
Leasehold improvements  78,624   62,379   80,522   78,855 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment  279,383   270,993   312,334   285,578 
Construction in progress  8,392   5,843   19,698   10,363 
  1,099,325   1,050,699   1,246,688   1,097,179 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  419,208   399,119   457,490   426,477 
 $680,117  $651,580  $789,198  $670,702 

 

The composition of other assets is as follows:

 

  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 
  (in thousands) 
Favorable lease right $10,014  $10,348 
Split dollar life insurance policies  13,584   12,944 
Other assets  10,391   11,503 
  $33,989  $34,795 

The accompanying May 29, 2014 balance sheet has been revised to include the condominium units in property and equipment. The condominium units were previously recorded as other assets.

  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015 
  (in thousands) 
Favorable lease right $9,486  $9,820 
Split dollar life insurance policies  10,131   13,584 
Other assets  16,477   13,822 
  $36,094  $37,226 

 

The Company’s $13,353,000 favorable lease right is being amortized over the expected term of the underlying lease of 40 years and is expected to result in amortization of $334,000 in each of the five succeeding fiscal years. Accumulated amortization of the favorable lease right was $3,339,000$3,867,000 and $3,005,000$3,533,000 as of May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

83

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5. Additional Balance Sheet Information (continued)

Included in other assets as of December 29, 2016 is approximately $2,468,000 of intangible assets related to the Wehrenberg theatre acquisition (see Note 3), recorded based on the preliminary estimated fair value as of the acquisition date. The intangible assets include an acquired loyalty program and customer list and an acquired trademark, each of which will be amortized over their estimated useful lives.

6. Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015 
  (in thousands, except payment data) 
Mortgage notes $50,399  $51,305 
Senior notes  90,286   101,429 
Unsecured term note due February 2025, with monthly principal and interest payments of $39,110, bearing interest at 5.75%  3,053   3,338 
Revolving credit agreement  140,000   30,000 
Unsecured term loan     40,000 
Debt issuance costs  (355)  (404)
   283,383   225,668 
Less current maturities, net of issuance costs  12,040   18,292 
  $271,343  $207,376 

The mortgage notes, both fixed rate and adjustable, bear interest from 3.0% to 5.9%, have a weighted-average rate of 4.70% at December 29, 2016 and 4.59% at December 31, 2015, and Maymature in fiscal years 2017 through 2043. The mortgage notes are secured by the related land, buildings and equipment. A note maturing in January 2017 with a balance of $24,226,000 as of December 29, 2016 was classified as long-term debt as the note was repaid subsequent to year-end and replaced with borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility and a $15,000,000 mortgage note bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.75%, requiring monthly principal and interest payments and maturing in fiscal 2020.

The $90,286,000 of senior notes maturing in 2018 through 2025 require annual principal payments in varying installments and bear interest payable semi-annually at fixed rates ranging from 4.02% to 6.55%, with a weighted-average fixed rate of 5.10% at December 29, 2016 and 5.26% at December 31, 2015.

The Company has the ability to issue commercial paper through an agreement with a bank, up to a maximum of $35,000,000. The agreement requires the Company to maintain unused bank lines of credit at least equal to the principal amount of outstanding commercial paper. There were no borrowings on commercial paper as of December 29, 2016 or December 31, 2015.

During fiscal 2016, the Company replaced its then-existing credit agreement, consisting of a $37,188,000 term loan and a $175,000,000 revolving credit facility, with a new five-year $225,000,000 credit facility that expires in June 2021. There were borrowings of $140,000,000 outstanding on the revolving credit facility at December 29, 2016, bearing interest at LIBOR plus a margin which adjusts based on the Company’s borrowing levels, effectively 1.83% at December 29, 2016 and 1.61% at December 31, 2015. The revolving credit facility requires an annual facility fee of 0.20% on the total commitment. Based on borrowings outstanding, availability under the line at December 29, 2016 totaled $85,000,000.

84

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6. Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (continued)

The Company’s loan agreements include, among other covenants, maintenance of certain financial ratios, including a debt-to-capitalization ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio. The Company is in compliance with all financial debt covenants at December 29, 2016.

Scheduled annual principal payments on long-term debt, net of amortization of debt issuance costs, for the years subsequent to December 29, 2016, are:

   (in thousands) 
Fiscal Year    
2017  $12,040 
2018   27,855 
2019   9,704 
2020   24,090 
2021   159,830 
Thereafter   49,864 
   $283,383 

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized, for fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 totaled $9,105,000, $5,220,000, $9,353,000 and $9,370,000, respectively.

Subsequent to December 29, 2016, the Company issued $50,000,000 of unsecured senior notes privately placed with three institutional lenders. The notes bear interest at 4.32% per annum and mature in fiscal 2027. The Company used the net proceeds of the sale of the notes to repay outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

The Company utilizes derivatives principally to manage market risks and reduce its exposure resulting from fluctuations in interest rates. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions.

The Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement on February 28, 2013 covering $25,000,000 of floating rate debt, which expires January 22, 2018, and requires the Company to pay interest at a defined rate of 0.96% while receiving interest at a defined variable rate of one-month LIBOR (0.75% at December 29, 2016). The notional amount of the swap is $25,000,000. The Company recognizes derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and on the type of hedging relationship. Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The Company’s interest rate swap agreement was considered effective and qualified as a cash flow hedge from inception through June 16, 2016, at which time the derivative was undesignated and the balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $159,000 ($96,000 net of tax) was reclassified into interest expense. As of June 16, 2016, the swap was considered ineffective for accounting purposes and the increase in fair value of the swap from June 16, 2016 through the end of fiscal 2016 of $165,000 was recorded as a reduction to interest expense. The Company does not expect the interest rate swap to have a material effect on earnings within the next 12 months.

85

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6. Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (continued)

 

Capital Lease ObligationObligations - During fiscal 2012, the Company entered into a master licensing agreement with CDF2 Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. (CDF2), whereby CDF2 purchased on the Company’s behalf, and then deployed and licensed back to the Company, digital cinema projection systems (the “systems”) for use by the Company in its theatres. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, 642 of the Company’s screens were utilizing the systems under a 10-year master licensing agreement with CDF2. Included in furniture, fixtures and equipment is $45,510,000 related to the digital systems as of May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and May 29, 2014, which is being amortized over the remaining estimated useful life of the assets. Accumulated amortization of the digital systems was $18,435,000$28,294,000 and $12,259,000$22,118,000 as of May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and May 29, 2014, respectively.

 

Under the terms of the master licensing agreement, the Company made an initial one-time payment to CDF2. The Company expects that the balance of CDF2’s costs to deploy the systems will be covered primarily through the payment of virtual print fees (VPF’s)(VPFs) from film distributors to CDF2 each time a digital movie is booked on one of the systems deployed on a Company screen. The Company agreed to make an average number of bookings of eligible digital movies on each screen on which a licensed system has been deployed to provide for a minimum level of VPF’sVPFs paid by distributors (standard booking commitment) to CDF2. To the extent the VPF’sVPFs paid by distributors are less than the standard booking commitment, the Company must make a shortfall payment to CDF2. Based upon the Company’s historical booking patterns, the Company does not expect to make any shortfall payments during the life of the agreement. Accounting Standards Codification No. 840,Leases, requires that the Company consider the entire amount of the standard booking commitment minimum lease payments for purposes of determining the capital lease obligation. The maximum amount per year that the Company could be required to pay is approximately $6,163,000 until the obligation is fully satisfied.

 

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4. Additional Balance Sheet Information (continued)

The Company’s capital lease obligation is being reduced as VPF’sVPFs are paid by the film distributors to CDF2. The Company has recorded the reduction of the obligation associated with the payment of VPF’sVPFs as a reduction of the interest related to the obligation and the amortization incurred related to the systems, as the payments represent a specific reimbursement of the cost of the systems by the studios. Based on the Company's expected minimum number of eligible movies to be booked, the Company expects the obligation to be reduced by at least $5,053,000$5,543,000 within the next 12 months. This reduction will be recognized as an offset to amortization and is expected to offset the majority of the amortization of the systems.

 

5. Long-Term DebtIn conjunction with the Wehrenberg theatre acquisition (see Note 3), the Company became the obligor of several movie theatre and equipment leases with unaffiliated third parties that qualify for capital lease accounting. We have recorded the leased buildings and equipment and corresponding obligations under the capital leases on our balance sheet at an initial preliminary fair value of $17,511,000. The Company will amortize the leased assets on a straight-line basis over the various remaining terms of the leases. The Company paid $146,000 in lease payments on these capital leases during fiscal 2016.

 

Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

86

 

  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 
  

(in thousands,

except payment data)

 
Mortgage notes $51,986  $52,696 
Senior notes  101,429   103,571 
Unsecured term note due February 2025, with monthly principal and interest payments of $39,110, bearing interest at 5.75%  3,496   3,757 
Revolving credit agreement  48,000   34,000 
Unsecured term loan  42,500   46,563 
   247,411   240,587 
Less current maturities  17,742   7,030 
  $229,669  $233,557 

 

The mortgage notes, both fixed rate and adjustable, bear interest from 3.0% to 5.9%, have a weighted-average rate of 4.52% at May 28, 2015, and mature in fiscal years 2016 through 2043. The mortgage notes are secured by the related land, buildings and equipment. A note maturing in fiscal 2016 with a balance of $16,904,000 as of May 28, 2015, is classified as long-term debt due to an existing agreement to extend the maturity date to fiscal 2018. On the last day of fiscal 2014, the Company paid off a $20,830,000 fixed rate mortgage note with borrowings from its credit facility. 

The $101,429,000 of senior notes maturing in 2018 through 2025 require annual principal payments in varying installments and bear interest payable semi-annually at fixed rates ranging from 4.02% to 6.55%, with a weighted-average fixed rate of 5.26% and 5.27% at May 28, 2015 and May 29, 2014, respectively.

The Company has the ability to issue commercial paper through an agreement with a bank, up to a maximum of $35,000,000. The agreement requires the Company to maintain unused bank lines of credit at least equal to the principal amount of outstanding commercial paper. There were no borrowings on commercial paper as of May 28, 2015 and May 29, 2014.

At May 28, 2015, the Company had a revolving credit facility totaling $175,000,000 in place under an existing credit agreement that matures in January 2018. There were borrowings of $48,000,000 outstanding on the revolving credit facility at May 28, 2015, bearing interest at LIBOR plus a margin which adjusts based on the Company’s borrowing levels, effectively 1.363% at May 28, 2015 and May 29, 2014. The Company also has a term loan under the credit agreement with a balance of $42,500,000 at May 28, 2015, that requires quarterly principal payments in varying installments, bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin, which also adjusts based on the Company’s borrowing levels, and was 1.563% at May 28, 2015 and May 29, 2014. The revolving credit facility requires an annual facility fee of 0.20% on the total commitment. Based on borrowings outstanding, availability under the line at May 28, 2015 totaled $127,000,000.

The Marcus Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5.6. Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (continued)

 

During fiscal 2013,Aggregate minimum lease payments under these capital leases, assuming the Company refinanced the debt related to The Skirvin Hilton hotel in Oklahoma City (the Company owns a 60% interest in this hotel). In conjunction with that refinancing, approximately $9,753,000exercise of debt originally issuedcertain lease options, are as part of a new markets tax credit structure was cancelled infollows at December 2012 after certain time-related conditions related to the tax credits were met. As a result, the Company recognized income from the extinguishment of debt of $6,008,000 during fiscal 2013, representing cancellation of the $9,753,000 of debt less approximately $3,745,000 of deferred fees related to the issuance of the debt. This extinguishment of debt income did not impact the Company’s reported net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation during fiscal 2013 because, pursuant to the Company’s interpretation of the terms of the operating agreement with the Company’s 40% joint venture partner, the Company allocated 100% of this income to the noncontrolling interest. During fiscal 2014, the debt extinguishment income was reallocated due to a settlement with the Company’s joint venture partner. As a result of this settlement, approximately $3,600,000 of the original extinguishment of debt income was reallocated to the Company in fiscal 2014 and recorded as a loss attributable to noncontrolling interests.29, 2016:

 

The Company’s loan agreements include, among other covenants, maintenance of certain financial ratios, including a debt-to-capitalization ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio. The Company is in compliance with all financial debt covenants at May 28, 2015.

   (in thousands) 
Fiscal Year    
2017  $3,695 
2018   3,701 
2019   3,729 
2020   3,694 
2021   3,566 
Thereafter   17,914 
   $36,299 

 

Scheduled annual principal payments on long-term debt for the years subsequent to May 28, 2015, are:

Fiscal Year (in thousands) 
2016 $17,742 
2017  43,153 
2018  106,302 
2019  9,560 
2020  9,587 
Thereafter  61,067 
  $247,411 

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized, in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $9,353,000, $9,370,000 and $9,093,000, respectively.

The Company utilizes derivatives principally to manage market risks and reduce its exposure resulting from fluctuations in interest rates. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions.

The Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement on February 28, 2013 covering $25,000,000 of floating rate debt, which expires January 22, 2018, and requires the Company to pay interest at a defined rate of 0.96% while receiving interest at a defined variable rate of one-month LIBOR (0.19% at May 28, 2015). The Company recognizes derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and on the type of hedging relationship. Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. The Company’s interest rate swap agreement is considered effective and qualifies as a cash flow hedge. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. As of May 28, 2015 and May 29, 2014, the interest rate swap was considered effective and had no effect on earnings. The fair value of the interest rate swap on May 28, 2015 was a liability of $28,000 and was included in deferred compensation and other. The fair value of the interest rate swap on May 29, 2014 was an asset of $56,000 and was included in other (long-term assets). The notional amount of the interest rate swap was $25,000,000. The Company does not expect the interest rate swap to have any material effect on earnings within the next 12 months.

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5. Long-Term Debt (continued)

On February 29, 2008, the Company also entered into an interest rate swap agreement covering $25,000,000 of floating rate debt, which required the Company to pay interest at a defined rate of 3.49% while receiving interest at a defined variable rate of three-month LIBOR. The interest rate swap agreement was considered effective and qualified as a cash flow hedge. On March 19, 2008, the Company terminated the swap, at which time cash flow hedge accounting ceased. The fair value of the swap on the date of termination was a liability of $567,000 ($338,000 net of tax). In fiscal 2013, the Company reclassified $99,000 ($58,000 net of tax) from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense. The liability was fully amortized as of May 30, 2013.

6.7. Shareholders’ Equity and Stock-Based Compensation

 

Shareholders may convert their shares of Class B Common Stock into shares of Common Stock at any time. Class B Common Stock shareholders are substantially restricted in their ability to transfer their Class B Common Stock. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to cash dividends per share equal to 110% of all dividends declared and paid on each share of the Class B Common Stock. Holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share while holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on any matters brought before the shareholders of the Company. Liquidation rights are the same for both classes of stock.

 

Through May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of up to 11,687,500 shares of Common Stock to be held in treasury. The Company intends to reissue these shares upon the exercise of stock options and for savings and profit-sharing plan contributions. The Company purchased 333,827, 3,669, 54,742 314,312 and 2,158,207314,312 shares pursuant to these authorizations during fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 2014 and 2013,fiscal 2014, respectively. At May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, there were 3,235,8162,898,320 shares available for repurchase under these authorizations.

 

The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the issuance of up to 750,000 shares of Common Stock for The Marcus Corporation Dividend Reinvestment and Associate Stock Purchase Plan. At May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, there were 460,077447,036 shares available under this authorization.

 

Shareholders have approved the issuance of up to 4,937,500 shares of Common Stock under various equity incentive plans. Options granted under the plans to employees generally become exercisable 40% after two years, 60% after three years, 80% after four years and 100% after five years of the date of grant. The options generally expire ten years from the date of grant as long as the optionee is still employed with the Company.

87

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7. Shareholders’ Equity and Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

 

Awarded shares of non-vested stock cumulatively vest either 25% after three years of the grant date, 50% after five years of the grant date, 75% after ten years of the grant date and 100% upon retirement, or 50% after three years of the grant date and 100% after five years of the grant date, depending on the date of grant. The non-vested stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged or assigned, except as provided by the vesting schedule included in the Company’s equity incentive plan. During the period of restriction, the holder of the non-vested stock has voting rights and is entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the stock. Non-vested stock awards and shares issued upon option exercises are issued from previously acquired.acquired treasury shares. At May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, there were 1,440,7751,351,801 shares available for grants of additional stock options, non-vested stock and other types of equity awards under the current plan.

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6. Shareholders’ Equity and Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

 

Stock-based compensation, including stock options and non-vested stock awards, is expensed over the vesting period of the awards based on the grant date fair value.

 

The Company estimated the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for awards granted during fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 2014 and 2013:fiscal 2014:

 

 

Year Ended

May 28, 2015

 

Year Ended

May 29, 2014

 

Year Ended

May 30, 2013

  Year Ended
December 29, 2016
 31 Weeks Ended
December 31, 2015
 Year Ended
May 28, 2015
 Year Ended
May 29, 2014
               
Risk-free interest rate  1.31– 2.32%  1.04 – 2.38%  0.48 – 1.33% 1.07 – 1.64% 1.30 – 2.13% 1.31 – 2.32% 1.04 – 2.38%
Dividend yield  2.5%  2.7%  2.8% 2.29% 2.26% 2.5% 2.7%
Volatility  37 – 49%  41 – 49%  49 – 62% 29 – 48% 36 – 48% 37 – 49% 41 – 49%
Expected life  4 – 9 years   4 – 9 years   4 – 9 years  4 – 9 years 4 – 9 years 4 – 9 years 4 – 9 years

 

Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense was $1,899,000, $975,000, $1,499,000 $1,781,000 and $1,772,000$1,781,000 in fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 2014 and 2013,fiscal 2014, respectively. The recognized tax benefit on stock-based compensation was $840,000, $418,000, $689,000 $752,000 and $491,000$752,000 in fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 2014 and 2013,fiscal 2014, respectively.

88

The Marcus Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6.7. Shareholders’ Equity and Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

 

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information follows:

 

  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014  May 30, 2013 
     Weighted-     Weighted-     Weighted- 
     Average     Average     Average 
     Exercise     Exercise     Exercise 
  Options  Price  Options  Price  Options  Price 
  (options in thousands) 
Outstanding at beginning of year  1,566  $14.06   1,949  $14.03   2,006  $13.91 
Granted  276   18.35   291   13.16   306   13.12 
Exercised  (215)  13.81   (437)  12.81   (202)  10.82 
Forfeited  (101)  15.87   (237)  14.16   (161)  14.48 
Outstanding at end of year  1,526   14.75   1,566   14.06   1,949   14.03 
Exercisable at end of year  840  $14.90   909  $15.29   1,113  $15.47 
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during year   $5.98    $4.52      $5.20 
  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 
     Weighted-     Weighted-     Weighted-     Weighted 
     Average     Average     Average     Average 
     Exercise     Exercise     Exercise     Exercise 
  Options  Price  Options  Price  Options  Price  Options  Price 
  (options in thousands)  
Outstanding at beginning of period  1,707  $15.71   1,526  $14.75   1,566  $14.06   1,949  $14.03 
Granted  185   19.45   284   20.22   276   18.35   291   13.16 
Exercised  (245)  16.23   (68)  12.69   (215)  13.81   (437)  12.81 
Forfeited  (84)  18.21   (35)  16.25   (101)  15.87   (237)  14.16 
Outstanding at end of period  1,563   15.94   1,707   15.71   1,526   14.75   1,566   14.06 
Exercisable at end of period  904  $14.28   961  $14.57   840  $14.90   909  $15.29 
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period     $5.94      $6.57      $5.98      $4.52 

 

Exercise prices for options outstanding as of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, ranged from $8.52$10.00 to $23.37.$31.55. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of those options is 5.85.9 years. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of options currently exercisable is 4.04.2 years. There were 1,464,0001,508,000 options outstanding, vested and expected to vest as of May 28, 2015December 29, 2016 with a weighted-average exercise price of $14.71$15.84 and an intrinsic value of $7,328,000.$23,691,000. Additional information related to these options segregated by exercise price range is as follows:

 

 Exercise Price Range  Exercise Price Range 
 

$8.52 to

$12.71

 

$12.72 to

$17.73

 

$17.74 to

$23.37

  $10.00 to
$13.12
  $13.13 to
$18.34
  $18.35 to
$31.55
 
 (options in thousands)  (options in thousands) 
              
Options outstanding  330   750   446   575   487   501 
Weighted-average exercise price of options outstanding $10.87  $13.86  $19.13  $12.13  $16.27  $20.00 
Weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding  5.6   5.8   6.0   5.2   4.6   7.8 
Options exercisable  219   422   199   462   353   89 
Weighted-average exercise price of options exercisable $11.03  $14.45  $20.12  $11.90  $15.51  $21.68 

 

The intrinsic value of options outstanding at May 28, 2015December 29, 2016 was $7,568,000$24,398,000 and the intrinsic value of options exercisable at May 28, 2015December 29, 2016 was $4,078,000.$15,609,000. The intrinsic value of options exercised was $1,676,000, $485,000, $1,181,000 $1,211,000 and $510,000$1,211,000 during fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 2014 and 2013,fiscal 2014, respectively. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, total remaining unearned compensation cost related to stock options was $2,537,000,$2,950,000, which will be amortized to expense over the remaining weighted-average life of 3.33.1 years.

68

 89

 

The Marcus Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6.7. Shareholders’ Equity and Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

 

A summary of the Company’s non-vested stock activity and related information follows:

 

 May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014  May 30, 2013   December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 
 Shares  Weighted-
Average Fair
Value
  Shares  Weighted-
Average Fair
Value
  Shares  Weighted-
Average Fair
Value
     Weighted-     Weighted-     Weighted-     Weighted 
 (shares in thousands)     Average     Average     Average     Average 
Outstanding at beginning of year  98  $13.61   97  $12.92   86  $12.37 
    Fair     Fair     Fair     Fair 
  Shares  Value  Shares  Value  Shares  Value  Shares  Value 
 (options in thousands) 
Outstanding at beginning of period   134  $16.54   114  $15.39   98  $13.61   97  $12.92 
Granted  30   19.38   37   14.14   28   13.65    36   24.54   34   19.24   30   19.38   37   14.14 
Vested  (14)  11.72   (25)  12.01   (17)  11.36    (25)  12.13   (14)  12.55   (14)  11.72   (25)  12.01 
Forfeited        (11)  12.93          (2)  18.72               (11)  12.93 
Outstanding at end of year  114  $15.39   98  $13.61   97  $12.92 
Outstanding at end of period   143   19.30   134   16.54   114   15.39   98   13.61 

 

The Company expenses awards of non-vested stock based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. As of May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, total remaining unearned compensation related to non-vested stock was $1,121,000,$1,918,000, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining service period of 4.13.9 years.

 

On December 6, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a special cash dividend of $1.00 per share of Common Stock and $0.90909 per share of Class B Common Stock, which was paid on December 28, 2012. The Board also accelerated the next two quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.17 per share of Common Stock and $0.15454 per share of Class B Common Stock that would have been paid in February and May of 2013 to the December payment date. The total combined dividend payment made on December 28, 2012 was $30,924,000.

7.8. Employee Benefit Plans

 

The Company has a qualified profit-sharing savings plan (401(k) plan) covering eligible employees. The 401(k) plan provides for a contribution of a minimum of 1% of defined compensation for all plan participants and matching of 25% of employee contributions up to 6% of defined compensation. In addition, the Company may make additional discretionary contributions. During fiscal 2017, the 401(k) plan will provide only one type of employer contribution: a matching contribution equal to 100% of the first 3% of compensation and 50% of the next 2% of compensation deposited by an employee into the 401(k) plan. During fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 2014 and 2013,fiscal 2014, the 1% and the discretionary contributions were made with the Company’s common stock. The Company also sponsors unfunded, nonqualified, defined-benefit and deferred compensation plans. The Company’s unfunded, nonqualified defined-benefitretirement plan was amended effective January 1, 2009 to includeincludes two components. The first component is a defined-benefit plan that applies to certain participants and continues to provide the same nonqualified pension benefits as were provided prior to the amendment.participants. The second component applies to all other participants and provides an account-based supplemental retirement benefit. During fiscal 2016, the plan was amended with an effective date of January 1, 2017, which curtailed benefits to certain participants included in the account-based supplemental plan. The curtailment resulted in a pre-tax gain of $251,000 during fiscal 2016. Pension and profit-sharing expense for all plans was $3,960,000, $2,362,000, $3,581,000 $3,360,000 and $3,369,000$3,360,000 for fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 2014 and 2013,fiscal 2014, respectively.

 

The Company recognizes actuarial losses and prior service costs related to its defined benefit plan in the consolidated balance sheets and recognizes changes in these amounts in the year in which changes occur through comprehensive income.

69

 90

 

The Marcus Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7.8. Employee Benefit Plans (continued)

 

The status of the Company’s unfunded nonqualified, defined-benefit and account-based retirement plan based on the respective May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and May 29, 2014 measurement dates is as follows:

 

 

May 28,

2015

 

May 29,

2014

  

December 29,
2016

 

December 31,
2015

 
 (in thousands)  (in thousands) 
Change in benefit obligation:                
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $28,776  $26,439 
Benefit obligation at beginning of period $31,671  $31,037 
Service cost  697   702   865   459 
Interest cost  1,243   1,173   1,406   765 
Actuarial loss  1,472   1,567   82   104 
Curtailment  (261)   
Benefits paid  (1,151)  (1,105)  (1,240)  (694)
Benefit obligation at end of year $31,037  $28,776  $32,523  $31,671 
                
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:                
Current accrued benefit liability(included in Other accrued liabilities) $(1,196) $(1,124) $(1,252) $(1,191)
Noncurrent accrued benefit liability(included in Deferred compensation and other)  (29,841)  (27,652)  (31,271)  (30,480)
Total  (31,037)  (28,776) $(32,523) $(31,671)
                
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:                
Net actuarial loss  9,562  $8,494  $9,049  $9,410 
Prior service credit  (756)  (834)  (642)  (711)
Total $8,806  $7,660  $8,407  $8,699 

 

  Year Ended 
  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014  May 30, 2013 
  (in thousands) 
Net periodic pension cost:            
Service cost $697  $702  $712 
Interest cost  1,243   1,173   1,099 
Net amortization of prior service cost and actuarial loss  326   268   286 
  $2,266  $2,143  $2,097 

  Year Ended  31 Weeks Ended  Year Ended 
  December 29,
 2016
  December 31,
 2015
  May 28,
2015
  May 29,
2014
 
  (in thousands) 
Net periodic pension cost:                
Service cost $865  $459  $697  $702 
Interest cost  1,406   765   1,243   1,173 
Net amortization of prior service cost and actuarial loss  364   211   326   268 
Curtailment gain  (251)         
  $2,384  $1,435  $2,266  $2,143 

91

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8. Employee Benefit Plans (continued)

 

The $5,284,000$5,069,000 loss, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, consists of the $5,737,000$5,457,000 net actuarial loss, net of tax, and the $453,000$388,000 unrecognized prior service credit, net of tax, which have not yet been recognized in the net periodic benefit cost. The $4,581,000$5,219,000 loss, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at May 29, 2014,December 31, 2015, consists of the $5,079,000$5,645,000 net actuarial loss, net of tax, and the $498,000$426,000 unrecognized prior service credit, net of tax.tax, which have not yet been recognized in the net periodic benefit cost.

 

The accumulated benefit obligation was $26,190,000$28,151,000 and $23,658,000$26,940,000 as of May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and May 29, 2014, respectively.

70

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7. Employee Benefit Plans (continued)

 

The pre-tax change in the benefit obligation recognized in other comprehensive loss during fiscal 20152016 consisted of the current year net actuarial loss of $1,472,000,$82,000, the amortization of the net actuarial loss of $404,000$442,000, the amortization of the prior service credit of $329,000 and the recognition of the current year plan change credit of $261,000. The pre-tax change in the benefit obligation recognized in other comprehensive loss during the Transition Period consisted of the current year net actuarial loss of $104,000, the amortization of the net actuarial loss of $256,000 and the amortization of the prior service credit of $78,000.$45,000. The estimated amount that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in fiscal 20162017 is $362,000,$356,000, of which $440,000$420,000 relates to the actuarial loss and $78,000$64,000 relates to the prior service credit.

 

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations as of the measurement dates were determined using an assumed weighted-average discount rate of 4.20% in fiscal 2015 and 4.30% in fiscal 2014, and an annual salary rate increase of 4.0% in fiscal 2015 and 2014.as follows:

  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015 
Discount rate 4.15% 4.40%
Rate of compensation increase 4.00% 4.00%

 

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost was determined using an assumed discount rate of 4.30% in fiscal 2015, 4.40% in fiscal 2014, and 4.25% in fiscal 2013, and an annual salary rate increase of 4.0% in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013.were as follows:

  Year Ended  31 Weeks
Ended
  Year Ended 
  December 29,
2016
  December 31,
2015
  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 
Discount rate 4.40% 4.20% 4.30% 4.40%
Rate of compensation increase 4.00% 4.00% 4.00% 4.00%

 

Benefit payments and contributions expected to be paid subsequent to May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, are:

 

Fiscal Year (in thousands)   (in thousands) 
2016 $1,196 
2017  1,232   $1,252 
2018  1,226    1,337 
2019  1,236    1,349 
2020  1,305    1,520 
Years 2021 – 2025  9,281 
2021   1,475 
Years 2022 – 2026   10,995 

 

8.

92

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9. Income Taxes

 

The components of the net deferred tax liability are as follows:

 

  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 
  (in thousands) 
Current deferred income tax assets:        
Accrued employee benefits $948  $832 
Other  2,049   2,224 
Net current deferred tax assets $2,997  $3,056 
         
Noncurrent deferred income tax (liabilities) assets:        
Depreciation and amortization $(64,460) $(58,035)
Accrued employee benefits  15,612   14,206 
Other  1,346   1,268 
Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities $(47,502) $(42,561)

71
  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015 
  (in thousands) 
       
Accrued employee benefits $17,682  $17,218 
Depreciation and amortization  (67,897)  (63,906)
Other  3,782   3,283 
Net deferred tax liability $(46,433) $(43,405)

 

During fiscal 2016, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-17,Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The Marcus Corporation

Notesnew guidance was applied on a retrospective basis to Consolidated Financial Statements

8. Income Taxes (continued)all prior periods. Accordingly, $2,807,000 of deferred income taxes (current asset) have been reclassified as a reduction of deferred income taxes (long term liability) on the December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet.

 

Income tax expense consists of the following:

 

 Year Ended  Year Ended  31 Weeks Ended  Year Ended 
 May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014  May 30, 2013  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 
 (in thousands)  (in thousands) 
Current:                            
Federal $8,065  $14,788  $10,048  $15,434  $12,688  $8,065  $14,788 
State  2,120   2,654   2,448   4,667   3,240   2,120   2,654 
Deferred:                            
Federal  4,328   (861)  (964)  3,402   (829)  4,328   (861)
State  1,165   229   (182)  (509)  (314)  1,165   229 
 $15,678  $16,810  $11,350  $22,994  $14,785  $15,678  $16,810 

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate, adjusted for earnings from noncontrolling interests, for fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 was 37.8%, 38.6%, 39.5% and 2013 was 39.5%, 40.2% and 39.3%, respectively. The Company has not included the income tax expense or benefit related to the net earnings or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in its income tax expense as the entities are considered pass-through entities and, as such, the income tax expense or benefit is attributable to its owners.

 

93

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9. Income Taxes (continued)

A reconciliation of the statutory federal tax rate to the effective tax rate on earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation follows:

 

 Year Ended  Year Ended  31 Weeks Ended  Year Ended 
 May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014  May 30, 2013  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015  May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014 
Statutory federal tax rate  35.0%  35.0%  35.0%  35.0%  35.0%  35.0%  35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit  5.3   4.5   5.3   4.8   5.1   5.3   4.5 
Tax credits, net of federal income tax benefit  (1.1)  (0.2)  (0.5)  (0.9)  (1.0)  (1.1)  (0.2)
Unrecognized tax benefits and related interest        (0.6)           - 
Other  0.3   0.9   0.1   (1.1)  (0.5)  0.3   0.9 
  39.5%  40.2%  39.3%  37.8%  38.6%  39.5%  40.2%

 

Net income taxes paid in fiscal 2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 totaled $25,017,000, $8,270,000, $10,918,000 and 2013 totaled $10,918,000, $19,437,000, and $10,902,000, respectively.

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8. Income Taxes (continued)

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefit are as follows:

 

 Year Ended  Year Ended  31 Weeks Ended  Year Ended 
 May 28, 2015 May 29, 2014 May 30, 2013  December 29, 2016 December 31, 2015 May 28, 2015 May 29, 2014 
 (in thousands)  (in thousands) 
Balance at beginning of year $102  $102  $1,614  $414  $431  $102  $102 
Increases due to:                            
Tax positions taken in prior years  543   -   102   -   -   543   - 
Tax positions taken in current year  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Decreases due to:                            
Tax positions taken in prior years  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Settlements with taxing authorities  (214)  -   (1,535)  -   (17)  (214)  - 
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations  -   -   (79)  -   -   -   - 
Balance at end of year $431  $102  $102  $414  $414  $431  $102 

 

The Company’s total unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate were $67,000 $67,000 and $67,000 as of December 29, 2016, December 31, 2015, May 28, 2015 and May 29, 2014 and May 30, 2013, respectively.2014. At May 28, 2015,December 29, 2016, the Company had accrued interest of $85,000$130,000 and no accrued penalties compared to accrued interest of $41,000$101,000 and no accrued penalties at May 29, 2014.December 31, 2015. The Company classifies interest and penalties relating to income taxes as income tax expense. For the year ended May 28, 2015, $89,000December 29, 2016, $153,000 of interest and no accrued penalties were recognized in the statement of earnings, compared to $108,000 of interest and no accrued penalties for the Transition Period, $89,000 of interest and no accrued penalties for the year ended May 28, 2015 and $(1,000) of interest and no accrued penalties for the year ended May 29, 2014 and $(191,000) of interest and no accrued penalties for the year ended May 30, 2013.2014.

 

During the current fiscal year2015, the Company settled an examination by the Internal Revenue Service of its income tax return for the year ended May 31, 2012. As a result, the Company's federal income tax returns are no longer subject to audit prior to fiscal year 2013. With certain exceptions, the Company's state income tax returns are no longer subject to examination for the fiscal years 2010 and prior. At this time, the Company does not expect the results from any income tax audit or appeal to have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.

 

The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next twelve months.

94

The Marcus Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

9.10. Commitments and License Rights

 

Lease Commitments -The Company leases real estate under various noncancellable operating leases with an initial term greater than one year that contain multiple renewal options, exercisable at the Company’s option. The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, including cancelable option periods where failure to exercise such options would result in an economic penalty. Percentage rentals are based on the revenues at the specific rented property. Rent expense charged to operations under these leases was as follows:

 Year Ended  Year Ended  31 Weeks Ended  Year Ended 
 May 28, 2015  May 29, 2014  May 30, 2013  December 29, 2016  December 31, 2015  May 28, 2015  May 28, 2014 
 (in thousands)  (in thousands) 
Fixed minimum rentals $8,064  $7,995  $8,024  $7,707  $4,693  $8,064  $7,995 
Amortization of favorable lease right  334   334   334   334   194   334   334 
Percentage rentals  193   193   60   343   153   193   193 
 $8,591  $8,522  $8,418  $8,384  $5,040  $8,591  $8,522 

 

Aggregate minimum rental commitments under long-term operating leases, assuming the exercise of certain lease options, are as follows at May 28, 2015:December 29, 2016:

 

Fiscal Year (in thousands)   (in thousands) 
2016 $7,639 
2017  7,569   $13,051 
2018  7,732    10,898 
2019  7,827    10,336 
2020  7,982    9,086 
2021   8,429 
Thereafter  82,072    75,878 
 $120,821   $127,678 

 

Commitments - The Company has commitments for the completion of construction at various properties totaling approximately $10,569,000$15,130,000 at May 28, 2015.December 29, 2016.

 

License Rights - The Company has license rights to operate three hotels using the Hilton trademark, one hotel using the InterContinental trademark and two hotels using the Marriott trademark. Under the terms of the licenses, the Company is obligated to pay fees based on defined gross sales.

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

10.11. Joint Venture Transactions

 

At May 28,December 29, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and May 29, 2014, the Company held investments with aggregate carrying values of $5,643,000$6,096,000 and $2,025,000,$7,455,000, respectively, in several joint ventures, three of which are accounted for under the equity method, and onetwo of which isare accounted for under the cost method.

 

95

11.

The Marcus Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

12. Business Segment Information

 

The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the operating income (loss) of each segment. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

 

Following is a summary of business segment information for fiscal 2013 through 2015:2016, the Transition Period, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014:

 

 

Theatres

 

Hotels/

Resorts

 

Corporate

Items

 

Total

  Theatres  Hotels/
Resorts
  Corporate
Items
  Total 
 (in thousands) 
Fiscal 2016                
Revenues $328,165  $215,171  $528  $543,864 
Operating income (loss)  71,754   14,604   (16,404)  69,954 
Depreciation and amortization  24,570   16,895   367   41,832 
Assets  561,755   311,738   37,773   911,266 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions  132,509   14,650   213   147,372 
                
31 Weeks Ended December 31, 2015                
Revenues $182,845  $141,088  $334  $324,267 
Operating income (loss)  37,162   17,331   (9,821)  44,672 
Depreciation and amortization  13,215   10,387   213   23,815 
Assets  435,862   328,455   40,384   804,701 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions  27,984   16,428   40   44,452 
 (in thousands)                 
Fiscal 2015                                
Revenues $269,155  $218,332  $580  $488,067  $269,155  $218,332  $580  $488,067 
Operating income (loss)  53,467   10,086   (13,359)  50,194   53,467   10,331   (13,155)  50,643 
Depreciation and amortization  20,141   18,175   494   38,810   20,141   17,930   290   38,361 
Assets  424,740   334,442   49,860   809,042   424,740   334,211   46,521   805,472 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions  49,789   23,610   1,589   74,988   49,789   23,610   1,589   74,988 
                                
Fiscal 2014                                
Revenues $243,162  $204,138  $639  $447,939  $243,162  $204,138  $639  $447,939 
Operating income (loss)  46,461   15,840   (13,919)  48,382   46,461   16,083   (13,671)  48,873 
Depreciation and amortization  16,747   16,562   536   33,845   16,747   16,319   288   33,354 
Assets  401,624   324,291   43,008   768,923   401,624   323,815   39,562   765,001 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions  37,964   18,516   193   56,673   37,964   18,516   193   56,673 
                
Fiscal 2013                
Revenues $219,533  $192,676  $627  $412,836 
Operating income (loss)  40,907   10,662   (13,365)  38,204 
Depreciation and amortization  16,753   16,520   554   33,827 
Assets  383,328   325,428   37,940   746,696 
Capital expenditures and acquisitions  13,295   10,008   188   23,491 

 

Corporate items include amounts not allocable to the business segments. Corporate revenues consist principally of rent and the corporate operating loss includes general corporate expenses. Corporate information technology costs and accounting shared services costs are allocated to the business segments based upon several factors, including actual usage and segment revenues. Corporate assets primarily include cash and cash equivalents, investments, notes receivable and land held for development.

 

75
96 

 

The Marcus Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

12.13. Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

  13 Weeks Ended 

Fiscal 2015

 August 28,
2014
  November 27,
2014
  

February 26,

2015

 

May 28,

2015(1)

 
Fiscal 2016 March 31,
2016
 June 30,
2016
 September 29,
2016
 December 29,
2016
 
         
Revenues $131,769  $116,061  $120,153  $120,084  $125,444  $134,978  $144,695  $138,747 
Operating income (loss)  22,689   11,620   7,305   8,580 
Operating income  11,346   18,261   24,683   15,664 
Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation  12,432   5,223   3,091   3,249   5,452   9,336   14,372   8,742 
Net earnings per common share – diluted $0.45  $0.19  $0.11  $0.12  $0.20  $0.34  $0.51  $0.31 

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

  13 Weeks Ended  5 Weeks Ended 
Fiscal 2014 August 29,
2013
  November 28,
2013
  

February 27,

2014

 

May 29,

2014

 
31 Weeks Ended December 31, 2015 August 27,
2015
  November 26,
2015
  December 31,
2015
 
Revenues $129,032  $100,588  $109,845  $108,474  $149,190  $115,676  $59,401 
Operating income  24,347   8,810   5,661   9,564   25,966   10,664   8,042 
Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation  13,431   3,245   4,071   4,254   14,651   4,945   3,969 
Net earnings per common share – diluted $0.50  $0.12  $0.15  $0.16  $0.53  $0.18  $0.14 

  13 Weeks Ended 
Fiscal 2015 August 28,
2014
  November 27,
2014
  February 26,
2015
  May 28,
2015(1)
 
 Revenues $131,769  $116,061  $120,153  $120,084 
Operating income  22,809   11,730   7,415   8,689 
Net earnings attributable to The Marcus Corporation  12,432   5,223   3,091   3,249 
Net earnings per common share – diluted $0.45  $0.19  $0.11  $0.12 

 

(1)The Company recorded a $2,600 pre-tax impairment charge during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 related to an existing hotel (approximately $1,562 after-tax, or $0.06 per diluted common share).

97

14. Unaudited Transition Period Comparative Balances(in thousands, except per share data)

In October 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year-end from the last Thursday in May to the last Thursday in December. The Company reports on a 52/53 week year. The required 31-week transition period of May 29, 2015 to December 31, 2015 is included in these financial statements. In order to provide comparative results for the year ended December 29, 2016, the unaudited consolidated statement of earnings for the 53-week year ended December 31, 2015 is presented below. In order to provide comparative results for the 31-week transition period ended December 31, 2015, the unaudited consolidated statement of earnings for the 30-week period of May 30, 2014 to December 25, 2014 is also presented.

  

(unaudited)

53 Weeks Ended

  

(unaudited)

30 Weeks Ended

 
  December 31,  December 25, 
  2015  2014 
Revenues:        
Theatre admissions $176,251  $85,608 
Rooms  109,857   69,897 
Theatre concessions  115,081   52,872 
Food and beverage  71,028   41,456 
Other revenues  59,477   30,807 
Total revenues  531,694   280,640 
         
Costs and expenses:        
Theatre operations  153,612   73,081 
Rooms  42,408   25,104 
Theatre concessions  32,279   14,711 
Food and beverage  57,769   32,425 
Advertising and marketing  23,929   16,178 
Administrative  60,610   29,029 
Depreciation and amortization  40,032   22,145 
Rent  8,622   5,009 
Property taxes  14,876   8,756 
Other operating expenses  33,615   19,911 
Impairment charge  2,919   - 
Total costs and expenses  470,671   246,349 
OPERATING INCOME  61,023   34,291 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):        
Investment income  209   58 
Interest expense  (10,035)  (5,824)
Loss on disposition of property, equipment and other assets  (1,233)  (719)
Equity losses from unconsolidated joint ventures, net  (160)  (63)
   (11,219)  (6,548)
Earnings before income taxes  49,804   27,743 
Income taxes  19,415   11,043 
NET EARNINGS  30,389   16,700 
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS  (393)  (82)
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE MARCUS CORPORATION $30,782  $16,782 
net earnings per share – BASIC:  

   

 
Common Stock  $ 1.15   $ 0.63 
Class B Common Stock  1.04   0.57 
net earnings per share – DILUTED:  

   

 
Common Stock  $ 1.10   $ 0.61 
Class B Common Stock  1.03   0.57 

98

Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

None.

 

Item 9A.Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

(a)       Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

 

Based on their evaluations, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or furnish under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management and recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

 

(b)Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting.

(b)       Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting.

 

The report of management required under this Item 9A is contained in the section titled “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

 

(c)Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

(c)       Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

The attestation report required under this Item 9A is contained in the section titled “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

 

(d)Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

(d)       Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act during the fourth quarter of our fiscal 20152016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART IIIIII

 

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

 

The information required by Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to the relevant information set forth under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the definitive Proxy Statement for our 20152017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held on October 13, 2015May 4, 2017 (our “Proxy Statement”). Information regarding our executive officers may be found in Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of the Company.” Except as otherwise specifically incorporated by reference, our Proxy Statement is not deemed to be filed as part of this Form 10-K.

 

Item 11.Executive Compensation.

 

The information required by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the relevant information set forth under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in our Proxy Statement.

 

Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters.

 

The following table lists certain information about our threetwo stock option plans, our 1995 Equity Incentive Plan, our 1994 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan and our 2004 Equity and Incentive Awards Plan, all of which were approved by our shareholders. We do not have any equity-based compensation plans that have not been approved by our shareholders.

 

Number of securities to be
issued upon the exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
  Weighted-average
 exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
  Number of securities remaining available
 for future issuance under current equity
compensation plan (excluding
securities reflected in the first column)
 
        
 1,526,000  $14.75   1,441,000 
99

Number of securities to be
issued upon the exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
  Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
  Number of securities remaining available
for future issuance under current equity
compensation plan (excluding
securities reflected in the first column)
 
 1,563,000  $15.94   1,352,000 

 

The other information required by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the relevant information set forth under the caption “Stock Ownership of Management and Others” in our Proxy Statement.

 

Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 

The information required by Item 13, to the extent applicable, is incorporated herein by reference to the relevant information set forth under the caption “Policies and Procedures Governing Related Person Transactions” in our Proxy Statement.

 

Item 14.Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

 

The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference herein to the relevant information set forth under the caption “Other Matters” in our Proxy Statement.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

 

(a)(1)Financial Statements.

(a)(1) Financial Statements.

 

The information required by this item is set forth in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” above.

 

(a)(2)Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules.

 

All schedules are omitted because they are inapplicable, not required under the instructions or the financial information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 

(a)(3)Exhibits.

(a)(3) Exhibits.

 

The exhibits filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein are set forth on the attached Exhibit Index.*

 

Item 16.Form 10-K Summary.

__________________

None.

*Exhibits to this Form 10-K will be furnished to shareholders upon advance payment of a fee of $0.25 per page, plus mailing expenses. Requests for copies should be addressed to Thomas F. Kissinger, Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, The Marcus Corporation, 100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1900, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-4125.

78

 100

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 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.

 

THE MARCUS CORPORATION

 

Date:  August 11, 2015March 14, 2017By:/s/ Gregory S. Marcus
  

Gregory S. Marcus


President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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

 

By:/s/ Gregory S. Marcus By:/s/ Daniel F. McKeithan, Jr.
 Gregory S. Marcus, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director  Daniel F. McKeithan, Jr., Director
Executive Officer (Principal Executive
Officer) and Director
     
By:/s/ Douglas A. Neis By:/s/ Diane Marcus Gershowitz
 

Douglas A. Neis, Chief Financial

Officer and Treasurer (Principal

Financial Officer and Accounting

Officer)

  Diane Marcus Gershowitz, Director
Officer and Treasurer (Principal
Financial Officer and Accounting
Officer)
     
By:/s/ Stephen H. Marcus By:/s/ Timothy E. Hoeksema
 Stephen H. Marcus, Chairman and Director  Timothy E. Hoeksema, Director
     
By:/s/ Philip L. Milstein By:/s/ Allan H. Selig
 Philip L. Milstein, Director  Allan H. Selig, Director
     
By:/s/ Bronson J. Haase By:/s/ James D. Ericson
 Bronson J. Haase, Director  James D. Ericson, Director
     
By:/s/ Bruce J. Olson By:/s/ Brian J. Stark
 Bruce J. Olson, Director  Brian J. Stark, Director
     
By:/s/ Katherine M. Gehl By:/s/ David M. Baum
 Katherine M. Gehl, Director  David M. Baum, Director
 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

3.1Restated Articles of Incorporation.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 13, 1997.]
  
3.2Bylaws,By-Laws of The Marcus Corporation, as amended. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our QuarterlyCurrent Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 27, 2008.8-K dated October 13, 2015.]
  
4.1The Marcus Corporation Note Purchase Agreement dated April 17, 2008.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 17, 2008.]
  
4.2Credit Agreement, dated January 22, 2013,June 16, 2016, by and among The Marcus Corporation and the Company, the financial institutionsseveral banks party thereto, andincluding JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our CurrentQuarterly Report on Form 8-K10-Q dated January 22, 2013.August 9, 2016.]
  
4.3The Marcus Corporation Note Purchase Agreement, dated June 27, 2013.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 27, 2013.]
  
4.4The Marcus Corporation Note Purchase Agreement, dated December 21, 2016.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 22, 2017.]
 Other than as set forth in Exhibits 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.3,4.4, we have numerous instruments which define the rights of holders of long-term debt.  These instruments, primarily promissory notes, have arisen from the purchase of operating properties in the ordinary course of business.  These instruments are not being filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K in reliance upon Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K.  Copies of these instruments will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
  
10.1*The Marcus Corporation Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan.  
  
10.2*The Marcus Corporation Variable Incentive Plan, as amended.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2009.]
  
10.3*The Marcus Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2006.]
  
10.4*The Marcus Corporation Retirement Income and Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended August 29, 2013.]
  
10.5Administrative Services Agreement between Marcus Investments, LLC and The Marcus Corporation, as amended. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2007.]
  
10.6*The Marcus Corporation 1995 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 4, 2006.]
  
10.7*Form of The Marcus Corporation 1995 Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Agreement.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2005.]  

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10.8*The Marcus Corporation 2004 Equity and Incentive Awards Plan.  [Incorporated by reference to Attachment A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Schedule 14A on September 2, 2011.]
  

10.9*Form of The Marcus Corporation 2004 Equity and Incentive Awards Plan Restricted Stock Agreement.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 15, 2006.]
  
10.10*Form of Cover Letter to The Marcus Corporation 2004 Equity and Incentive Awards Plan Restricted Stock Agreement.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 15, 2006.]
  
10.11*Form of The Marcus Corporation 2004 Equity and Incentive Awards Plan Stock Option Award (Employees).  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 8, 2008.]
  
10.12*Form of The Marcus Corporation 2004 Equity and Incentive Awards Plan Stock Option Award (Non-Employee Directors).  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 8, 2008.]
  
10.13*Form of The Marcus Corporation 2004 Equity and Incentive Awards Plan Stock Option Award Agreement for awards granted after October 11, 2011 (Employees). [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated October 28, 2011.]
  
10.14*Form of The Marcus Corporation 2004 Equity and Incentive Awards Plan Restricted Stock Agreement for awards granted after October 11, 2011 (Employees).  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2012.]
  
10.15*

Form of Cover Letter to The Marcus Corporation 2004 Equity and Incentive Awards Plan Restricted Stock Agreement for awards granted after October 11, 2011 (Employees).  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2012.]

  

10.16*

Form of The Marcus Corporation 2004 Equity and Incentive Awards Plan Stock Option Award Agreement for awards granted after January 8, 2013 (Employees).  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 28, 2013.]

  
10.17*Form of The Marcus Corporation 2004 Equity and Incentive Awards Plan Stock Option Award for awards granted after October 11, 2011 (Non-Employee Directors).  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 23, 2012.]
  
10.18*Form of The Marcus Corporation 2004 Equity and Incentive Awards Plan Restricted Stock Agreement for awards granted after October 11, 2011 (Non-Employee Directors).  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 23, 2012.]
  
10.19*The Marcus Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan Terms.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2009.]
  
2114.1The Marcus Corporation Code Of Conduct, as amended February 3, 2016.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 3, 2016.]

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21Our subsidiaries as of May 28, 2015.December 29, 2016.
  
23Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
  
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
32Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.
  
99Proxy Statement for the 20152017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  (The Proxy Statement for the 20152017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.)
  
101The following materials from The Marcus Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2015December 29, 2016 are filed herewith, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

__________

*This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated.

 

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