We encourage you to view our corporate governance materials on our website, http://mgmgrowthproperties.com/governance-documents. | | | | | | | | ● Audit Committee Charter | ● Governance Guidelines ● Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Policy | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 9 |
DIRECTOR COMPENSATIONDIRECTOR COMPENSATION
22016019 Director Compensation Director compensation is currently comprised of a cash component as well as an opportunity to participate in our future growth prospects through equity incentive awards. Board members who are employees of MGM do not receive compensation for their service on the Board. In general, Board members (i) who are nominated to the Board pursuant to a contractual right or agreement, (ii) who are an officer or employee of, or a person who performs responsibilities of a similar nature for, the nominating entity or person, as the case may be, or an affiliate thereof, and (iii) who are determined not to be independent because of conflicting interests between the Company and the nominating entity or person or its affiliates, woulddo not receive compensation for their service on the Board. For 2016,2019, Daniel J. Taylor, who serves as a member of the board of MGM, received compensation for his role as a member of the Board. Each director is eligible to receive reimbursement of all reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board and any committees on which he or she serves. The Company believes that director compensation should be reasonable in light of what is customary for companies of similar size, scope and complexity. In connection with determining director compensation, the Board received a report from Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“F.W. Cook”) assessing levels of director compensation at peer companies (see page 33 of the “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for a discussion of the Company’s peer group), and determined that the current level of director compensation should be increased in order for the Company’s director compensation program to be competitive with the median of the peer group. As a result, in 2019, F.W. Cook recommended that the annual cash retainer be increased by $5,000 and the grant date fair value of the annual equity award be increased by $20,000. In connection with his appointment to the Board, Mr. Salem received an award of restricted stock units having a grant date value equal to $33,750. In addition, the Board approved an annual cash retainer for the Chairman of $155,000.
Director Compensation Structure The following table sets forth information regarding director compensation for 2016:2019: | | | | | | | | | NAME | | FEES EARNED OR PAID IN CASH | | SHARE AWARDS(A)(B) | | ALL OTHER COMPENSATION | | TOTAL | Michael Rietbrock | | $60,889(C) | | $90,000 | | — | | $150,889 | Thomas Roberts | | 97,042(C) | | 90,000 | | — | | 187,042 | Robert Smith(D) | | — | | — | | — | | — | Daniel J. Taylor | | 53,278 | | 90,000 | | — | | 143,278 |
NAME | FEES EARNED OR PAID IN CASH | SHARE AWARDS(A)(B) | ALL OTHER COMPENSATION | TOTAL | Michael Rietbrock | $103,750 | $135,000 | $— | $238,750 | Thomas Roberts | 153,750 (C) | 135,000 | — | 288,750 | Robert Smith | 103,750 (C) | 135,000 | — | 238,750 | Daniel J. Taylor | 93,750 | 135,000 | — | 228,750 |
(A) | The amount reflected in this column is the grant date fair value of 20162019 RSU awards, computed in accordance with FASB ASC 718. Each director listed in the table above received a grant of 4,2864,174 RSUs in April 2016,May 2019, which will vest on April 19, 2017.May 1, 2020. |
(B) | At December 31, 2016,2019, each director listed in the table above held the following shares of RSUs, which were granted in 20162019, and areas of December 31, 2019 were not fully vested, and deferred stock units:units (including dividend equivalent rights associated with these awards): Mr. Rietbrock, 6,791;12,338; Mr. Roberts, 8,214;37,192; Mr. Smith, 23,627; and Mr. Taylor, 4,395. For Mr. Taylor, this does not include the 7,143 Company RSUs that were granted to him in connection with the IPO in respect of his service as a director of MGM.27,078. |
(C) | All or a portion of these amounts waswere deferred pursuant to the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. |
(D) | Mr. Smith was appointed by the Board to serve as a member of the Board on January 12, 2017, at which time he received a pro rata RSU grant of $45,000. |
Director Compensation Structure
For 2016,2019, members of the Board who were determined to be eligible to receive compensation received the following, with cash retainers paid in equal quarterly installments. In the future,Annually, we expect that equity will be issued following the annual shareholder meeting: | | | Annual Board Cash Retainer | $95,000, effective May 1, 2019(A) | Annual Cash Retainer for Chairman | $70,000155,000 | Committee Member Retainer | | $10,000 for Audit Committee | Additional Annual Cash Retainer for Lead Independent Director | | $30,000 | Additional Annual Cash Retainer for Chair of Audit Committee | | $17,50020,000 | Annual Equity | | $90,000135,000 in RSUs, vesting at the earlier of the first anniversary of grant or the next annual meeting(B) | Deferred Compensation Plan | | Cash retainers and RSU awards may be voluntarily deferred for later payment | Share Ownership Guidelines/Retention Requirements | | Ownership guideline equal to 3x the annual board cash retainer, with a 5-year compliance period from initial election to the boardBoard | Per-Meeting Compensation | | None |
| | | | | 10 | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | |
| (A) | Effective May 1, 2019, the Board approved an annual increase of $5,000 for directors that are eligible to receive compensation for their services on the MGP Board. |
| (B) | Effective May 1, 2019, the grant date fair value of the annual equity award was increased by $20,000. |
PPRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS SHAREHOLDERS The table below shows the number of Class A shares beneficially owned as of the close of business on April 5, 2017March 13, 2020 by each of our directors and named executive officers, as well as the number of shares beneficially owned by all of our directors and executive officers as a group.group, based on 131,346,851 shares of our Class A shares outstanding as of March 13, 2020. | | | | | | | | | | | NAME(A) | | CLASS A SHARES(B) | | OPTIONS/SARs/ RSUs EXERCISABLE OR VESTING WITHIN 60 DAYS(C) | | TOTAL SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED(D)(E) | | PERCENT OF CLASS | | DEFERRED SHARE UNITS(E)(F) | Andy H. Chien | | — | | 2,480 | | 2,480 | | * | | — | Elisa Gois | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | William J. Hornbuckle | | 31,239 | | 7,438 | | 38,677 | | * | | — | John M. McManus | | 12,500 | | 14,876 | | 27,376 | | * | | — | James J. Murren | | 225,000(G) | | 37,190 | | 262,190 | | * | | — | Michael Rietbrock | | 5,000 | | — | | 5,000 | | * | | 6,858 | Thomas Roberts | | 5,156 | | — | | 5,156 | | * | | 9,439 | Robert Smith | | — | | 1,795 | | 1,795 | | * | | 739 | James C. Stewart | | — | | 4,959 | | 4,959 | | * | | — | Daniel J. Taylor | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 11,901 | All directors and executive officers as a group(10) | | 278,895 | | 68,738 | | 347,633 | | * | | 28,937 |
| | | | | | NAME(A) | CLASS A SHARES(B) | OPTIONS/SARs/ RSUs EXERCISABLE OR VESTING WITHIN 60 DAYS(C)(E) | TOTAL SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED(D)(E) | PERCENT OF CLASS | DEFERRED SHARE UNITS(E)(F) | Andy H. Chien | 32,348 | 28,016 | 60,364 | * | — | William J. Hornbuckle | 39,213 (G) | — | 39,213 | * | — | John M. McManus | �� 27,582 | — | 27,582 | * | — | James J. Murren | 263,205 (H) | — | 263,205 | * | — | Michael Rietbrock | 15,288 | 4,370 | 19,658 | * | 8,154 | Thomas Roberts | 5,229 | — | 5,229 | * | 37,734 | Paul Salem | — | — | — | — | — | Corey I. Sanders | 235,741(I) | — | 235,741 | * | — | Robert Smith | 8,819 | — | 8,819 | * | 23,971 | James C. Stewart | 69,755 | 60,208 | 129,963 | * | — | Daniel J. Taylor | — | — | — | * | 27,488 | All directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons) | 697,180 | 92,594 | 789,774 | * | 97,347 |
(A) | The address for the persons listed in this column is 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard,1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Suite 500,750, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118.89135. |
(B) | All Class A shares represent limited liability company interests. |
(C) | RSUs are granted under the MGM Growth Properties LLC 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “MGP Omnibus Plan”). Each RSU represents the right to receive, following vesting, one share of Class A shares representing limited liability company interests of the Company. The RSUs held by Mr. Chien and Mr. Stewart will vest in four equal annual installments commencing on April 19, 2017 (thethe first anniversary of the applicable grant date, of the grant), in each case, subject to the terms of the MGP Omnibus Plan and applicable award agreement. The RSUs held by our directors will vest on April 19, 2017 (the first anniversary of the date of grant of the RSUs),May 1, 2020, subject to the terms of the MGP Omnibus Plan and applicable award agreement. |
(D) | Deferred share units are excluded from shares beneficially owned. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property and similar laws, the persons listed as beneficial owners of the shares have sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares. |
(E) | Does not include dividend equivalents in respect of RSUs and deferred share units that werewill be credited to the holders’ account on April 13, 201715, 2020 with the number of additional RSUs based on the closing price of the Company’sMGP’s Class A shares on April 13, 2017.15, 2020. |
(F) | Represents RSUs and dividend equivalents that will vest and become deferred share units on April 19, 2017 under the MGM Growth Properties LLC 2016 Deferred Compensation Plan for non-employee directors. Each deferred share unit is the economic equivalent of one Class A share. The deferred share units become payable upon termination of service as a director. |
(G) | Includes 159,0007,541 shares held in trust. |
(H) | Includes 23,000 shares held in trust, and 66,000 shares held by IRA.IRA, and 136,500 shares held indirectly through J&H Investments LLC, of which Mr. Murren is a member and of which his spouse is the managing member. |
(I) | | | | | | | | | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 11Includes 128,200 held in trust and 100,000 in family partnership. |
AsBased on filings made under Sections 13(d) and 13(g) of April 5, 2017,the Exchange Act, as of March 13, 2020, the only persons known by us to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of our Class A Shares were as follows based on 131,346,851 shares areof our Class A Shares outstanding as follows:
of March 13, 2020: | | | | | NAME AND ADDRESS | | SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED(A) | | PERCENT OF CLASS | MGM Resorts International 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 | | 1(B) | | 100% | The Vanguard Group
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355
| | 4,460,009(C)(D) | | 7.8% | Vanguard Specialized Funds100%
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355
| | 4,366,245(C)(E) | | 7.6% | Capital Research Global Investors 333 South Hope Street Los Angeles, California 90071 | 11,095,001 (C)(D) | 4,337,313(C)(F) | | 7.5% 8.45% | Janus Capital Management LLCBank of America Corporation
151 DetroitBank of America Corporate Center
100 N Tryon Street, Denver, Colorado 80206Charlotte, NC 28255
| 7,080,423 (C)(E) | 4,217,673(C)(G) | | 7.3% 5.39% | TIAA-CREF Investment Management,Zimmer Partners, LP
Sequentis Financial LLC 730 Third AvenueZimmer Partners GP, LLC
New York, New York 10017
| | 3,294,814(C)(H) | | 5.7% | Brookfield Investment Management, Inc.Stuart J. Zimmer
Brookfield Place
250 Vesey St, 15th9 West 57th Street, 33rd Floor
New York, New York 10281NY 10019 | | 3,235,681 6,653,167 (C)(I)(F) | | 5.6% | Alyeska Investment Group, L.P.
77 West Wacker Drive, 7th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60601
| | 2,878,929(C)(J) | | 5.0% 5.07% |
(A) Except as otherwise indicated, the persons listed as beneficial owners of the shares have sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares. (A)(B) | Except as otherwise indicated, the persons listed as beneficial owners of the shares have sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares. |
(D) | Based upon a Schedule 13G filed by The Vanguard Group with the SEC on February 10, 2017. Reflects sole voting power of 2,727 shares and sole dispositive power of 4,457,009 shares. Reflects shared voting power of 3,000 shares and shared dispositive power of 3,000 shares. |
(E) | Based upon a Schedule 13G filed by Vanguard Specialized Funds with the SEC on February 13, 2017. Reflects sole voting power of 4,366,245 shares. |
(F) | Based upon a Schedule 13G13G/A filed by Capital Research Global Investors with the SEC on February 13, 2017.14, 2020. Reflects sole voting power of 4,337,31311,095,001 shares and sole dispositive power of 4,337,31311,095,001 shares. Reflects shared voting power and shared dispositive power of 0 shares. Capital Research Global Investors is a division of Capital Research and Management Company. |
(G)(E) | Based upon a Schedule 13G filed by Janus Capital Management LLCBank of America Corporation with the SEC on February 13, 2017.14, 2020. Reflects sole voting power of 2,364,974 shares and sole dispositive power of 2,364,9740 shares. Reflects shared voting power of 1,852,6996,956,185 shares and shared dispositive power of 1,852,6997,080,423 shares. |
(H)(F) | Based upon a Schedule 13G filed by TIAA-CREF Investment Management,Zimmer Partners, LP, Sequentis Financial LLC, Zimmer Partners GP, LLC and Stuart J. Zimmer with the SEC on February 14, 2017.January 30, 2020. Reflects sole voting power of 3,294,814 shares and sole dispositive power of 3,294,8140 shares. |
(I) | Based upon a Schedule 13G filed by Brookfield Investment Management, Inc. (“BAM”) with the SEC on February 14, 2017. Reflects shared voting power of 2,701,8516,653,167 shares and shared dispositive power of 3,235,6816,653,167 shares. BAM is the indirect owner of Brookfield Investment Management, which is the investment adviser to various funds or accounts that are the record owners of the shares reported and, as a result, BAM may be deemed to beneficially own such shares. Partners Limited may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the shares through their ownership of BAM’s Class B limited voting shares. |
(J) | Based upon a Schedule 13G filed by Alyeska Investment Group, L.P. with the SEC on February 14, 2017. Reflects shared voting power of 2,878,929 shares and shared dispositive power of 2,878,929 shares. |
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SSecurityecurity Ownership of Management in Parent Company The table below shows the number of shares of MGM’s common stock beneficially owned as of the close of business on April 5, 2017March 13, 2020 by each of our directors and named executive officers, as well as the number of MGM shares beneficially owned by all of our directors and executive officers as a group.group based on 492,690,958 shares of MGM Common Stock outstanding as of March 13, 2020. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | NAME(A) | | COMMON STOCK | | OPTIONS/ SARs/ RSUs EXERCISABLE OR VESTING WITHIN 60 DAYS | | TOTAL SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED(B) | | | PERCENT OF CLASS | | | DEFERRED STOCK UNITS(C) | Andy H. Chien | | — | | — | | | — | | | | — | | | — | Elisa Gois | | — | | — | | | — | | | | — | | | — | William J. Hornbuckle | | 159,738 | | — | | | 159,738 | | | | * | | | — | John M. McManus | | 56,161 | | 37,500 | | | 93,661 | | | | * | | | — | James J. Murren | | 1,144,440(D) | | 262,500 | | | 1,406,940 | | | | * | | | — | Michael Rietbrock | | — | | — | | | — | | | | — | | | — | Thomas Roberts | | — | | — | | | — | | | | — | | | — | Robert Smith | | 1,200 | | — | | | 1,200 | | | | * | | | — | James C. Stewart | | 400 | | — | | | 400 | | | | * | | | — | Daniel J. Taylor | | — | | 40,000 | | | 40,000 | | | | * | | | 59,843 | All directors and executive officers as a group(10) | | 1,361,939 | | 340,000 | | | 1,701,939 | | | | * | | | 59,843 |
| | | | | | NAME(A) | COMMON STOCK | OPTIONS/ SARs/ RSUs EXERCISABLE OR VESTING WITHIN 60 DAYS | TOTAL SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED(B) | PERCENT OF CLASS | DEFERRED STOCK UNITS(C) | Andy H. Chien | — | — | — | — | — | William J. Hornbuckle | 335,314(D) | — | 335,314 | * | — | John M. McManus | 132,567 | — | 132,567 | * | — | James J. Murren | 929,548(E) | 823,312(G) | 1,752,860 | * | — | Michael Rietbrock | — | — | — | — | — | Thomas Roberts | — | — | — | — | — | Paul Salem | 800,000 | — | 800,000 | * | 17,313 | Corey I. Sanders | 423,077(F) | — | 423,077 | * | — | Robert Smith | 1,200 | — | 1,200 | * | — | James C. Stewart | 456 | — | 456 | * | — | Daniel J. Taylor | — | — | — | * | 78,265 | All directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons) | 2,622,162 | 823,312 | 3,445,474 | * | 95,578 |
(A) | The address for the persons listed in this column is 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard,1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Suite 500,750, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118.89135. |
(B) | Deferred stock units are excluded from shares beneficially owned. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property and similar laws, the persons listed as beneficial owners of the shares have sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares. |
(C) | All deferred stock units previously held and RSUs to be deferred within 60 days by Non-Employee Directors, including deferral RSUs as of April 5, 2017.March 7, 2019. Deferred stock units are payable either in a lump sum or installments, at the director’s election, with the lump sum or first installment payable within 90 days of the first day of the month following the director’s separation from the Board. Does not include dividend equivalents in respect of RSUs that were credited to holders account on March 16, 2020 with the number of additional RSUs based on the closing price of MGM’s shares on March 16, 2020. |
(D) | Includes 227,884 shares held in trust. |
(E) | Includes 481,604 shares held in trust, 175,152 shares held in grantor retained trust, 29,446 shares held in spousal limited access trust, and 144,997 shares held indirectly through J&H Investments LLC, of which Mr. Murren is a member and of which his spouse is the managing member. |
(F) | Includes 11,474 shares held in trust. |
(G) | Reflects shares to be delivered to Mr. Murren within 60 days of March 13, 2020 pursuant to the CEO Transition Agreement entered into between Mr. Murren and MGM Resorts International (the “Transition Agreement”), which provides for the accelerated delivery of certain of his previously-granted bonus deferred restricted stock units, as well as the shares to be delivered pursuant to Mr. Murren's 2020 equity award having a grant date value of $7,000,000, which was granted on March 22, 2020 pursuant to the Transition Agreement and which will be settled on March 30, 2020 subject to his release of claims becoming effective. Does not include dividend equivalents in respect of RSUs that were credited to holders account on March 16, 2020 with the number of additional RSUs based on the closing price of MGM’s shares on March 16, 2020.
|
(D) | Includes 175,329 shares held by spousal limited access trusts. |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS | | | | | | | | | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 13 |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPSAND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS
Related person transactions covered by Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K requiring review by the Audit Committee are referred to the Audit Committee for approval, ratification or other action. Based on its consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances, the Audit Committee decides whether or not to approve such transactions and approves only those transactions that are deemed to be in the best interests of the Company, including consideration of the factors set forth in our written guidelines under our Code of Conduct for the reporting, review and approval of potential conflicts of interest: the size of the transaction or investment, the nature of the investment or transaction, the nature of the relationship between the third party and the Company, the nature of the relationship between the third party and the director or employee, the net worth of the employee or director, and any other factors the Committee deems appropriate. If the Company becomes aware of an existing transaction with a related person that has not been approved under the foregoing procedures, then the matter is referred to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee then evaluates all options available, including ratification, revision or termination of such transaction.
CConflictsonflicts of Interest Conflicts of interest may arise as a result of MGM’s ownership of our single outstanding Class B share, which represents a majority of the voting power of our shares. MGM’s interests may differ from or conflict with the interests of our other shareholders. MGM has the ability to exercise control over our affairs, including control over the outcome of all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including the election of directors and significant transactions. MGM also has the power to prevent or cause a change in control as a result of its beneficial ownership of our Class B share, which could, among other things, discourage a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of us in a manner that provides a control premium to any shareholders other than MGM. As a result, unless and until MGM and its controlled affiliates’ (excluding us and our subsidiaries) aggregate beneficial ownership of the combined economic interests in the Company and Operating Partnership falls below 30%, MGM will be able to effectively control us. We have adopted the Governance Guidelines to assist our Board of Directors in the exercise of its responsibilities and to serve our interests and those of our shareholders.
NNoo Fiduciary Duties Duties owed to us and our shareholders by our Board are prescribed by law and our LLC Agreement. The Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (the “LLC Act”), with the stated purpose of giving the maximum effect to the principle of freedom of contract and to the enforceability of limited liability company agreements, provides that Delaware limited liability companies may, in their operating agreements, limit or eliminate any and all liabilities for breach of contract and breach of duties (including fiduciary duties) of a member, manager or other person to a limited liability company or to another member or manager or to another person that is a party to or is otherwise bound by a limited liability company agreement. We have duties and obligations to our Operating Partnership and its limited partners under Delaware law as modified by the partnership agreement of our Operating Partnership in connection with the management of our Operating Partnership through our wholly owned subsidiary that serves as the sole general partner. Our duties and obligations to our Operating Partnership and its limited partners, as modified by the partnership agreement of our Operating Partnership, may come into conflict with the duties of our directors and officers to our company and our shareholders, as modified by our LLC Agreement. In particular, the consummation of certain business combinations, the sale of any properties or a reduction of indebtedness could have adverse tax consequences to holders of common units in our Operating Partnership, which would make those transactions less desirable to them. Our LLC Agreement provides that our Board is entitled to consider only such interests and factors as they desire, including MGM’s interests, and has no duty or obligation (fiduciary or otherwise) to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting us and is not subject to any different standards imposed by the LLC Act or under any other law, rule or regulation or in equity. Similarly, our LLC Agreement provides that our officers, MGM and its affiliates and any other persons eligible for indemnification under the terms of our LLC Agreement do not have any duties or liabilities, including fiduciary duties, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to us, any shareholder or any other person. For 2016,2019, we have the following related party transactions to report:
DDistributionsistributions Under Operating Agreement MGM owns, directly and indirectly through its subsidiaries, partnership units (“Operating Partnership Units”) of the Operating Partnership and is entitled to receive a pro rata share of any distributions made by the Operating Partnership. As of December 31, 2016,2019, MGM owns 185,362,136owned 199,702,543 Operating Partnership Units, representing 76.3%63.7%, and we own 57,500,000owned 113,806,820 Operating Partnership Units, representing 23.7%36.3%. | | | | | 14 | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | |
EAgreementsmpire City Transaction In January 2019, we completed the purchase of the real property associated with the Empire City Casino’s race track and casino from MGM for fair value of consideration transferred of approximately $634 million, which included the assumption of $246 million of debt, with the balance through the issuance of 12.9 million Operating Partnership Units to a subsidiary of MGM, and subsequently leased back the real property to a subsidiary of MGM. The MGM-MGP Master Lease was amended to increase the annual rent payment to MGP by $50 million. Northfield Transaction In April 2019, a subsidiary of MGM acquired the membership interests of Northfield Park Associates, LLC, the entity that owned the real estate assets and operations of the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park in Northfield, Ohio, from us for consideration transferred of approximately $305.2 million consisting primarily of approximately 9.4 million Operating Partnership units that were ultimately redeemed by the Operating Partnership, and we retained the real estate assets. Our taxable REIT subsidiary that owned Northfield liquidated immediately prior to the transfer. Subsequently, MGM rebranded the operations it acquired to MGM Northfield Park, which was then added to the existing MGM-MGP Master Lease between the Landlord and Tenant. As a result, the annual rent payment to MGP increased by $60.0 million. Park MGM Lease Transaction In March 2019, we completed our previously announced transaction with MGM relating to the investments made by MGM to reposition the Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas property. In connection with the transaction, we paid MGM total consideration of $637.5 million, with approximately $31.9 million paid through the issuance of Operating Partnership Units to MGM, and the remaining $605.6 million paid in cash. The MGM-MGP Master Lease was amended to increase the annual rent payment to MGP by $50 million. MGP BREIT Venture Transaction On February 14, 2020, the Operating Partnership completed a series of transactions (collectively the “MGP BREIT Venture Transaction”) pursuant to which the real estate assets of MGM Grand Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay (including Mandalay Place) were contributed to a newly formed entity (“MGP BREIT Venture”), which, following the transactions, is owned 50.1% by the Operating Partnership and 49.9% by a subsidiary of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. (“BREIT”). In exchange for the contribution of the Mandalay Bay real estate assets, the Operating Partnership received consideration of $2.1 billion, which was comprised of $1.3 billion of the Operating Partnership’s secured indebtedness assumed by MGM BREIT Venture, the Operating Partnership’s 50.1% equity interest in the MGP BREIT Venture, and the remainder in cash. In addition, MGM received $2.4 billion of cash distributed from the MGP BREIT Venture as consideration for its contribution of the MGM Grand Las Vegas real estate assets, and, additionally, the Operating Partnership issued 2.6 million Operating Partnership units to MGM representing 5% of the equity value of MGP BREIT Venture. In connection with the transactions, MGP BREIT Venture entered into a lease with a subsidiary of MGM for the real estate assets of Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand Las Vegas. The lease (the “MGP BREIT Venture Lease”) provides for a term of thirty years with two ten-year renewal options and has an initial annual base rent of $292 million, escalating annually at a rate of 2% per annum for the first fifteen years and thereafter equal to the greater of 2% and the CPI increase during the prior year subject to a cap of 3%. In addition, the lease will require the tenant to spend 3.5% of net revenues over a rolling five-year period at the properties on capital expenditures and for the tenant and MGM to comply with certain financial covenants, which, if not met, will require the tenant to maintain cash security or provide one or more letters of credit in favor of the landlord in an amount equal to the rent for the succeeding one-year period. MGM provided a guarantee of the tenant’s obligations under the lease. In connection with the MGP BREIT Venture Transaction, the MGM-MGP Master Lease was modified to remove the Mandalay Bay property and the rent under the MGM-MGP Master Lease was reduced by $133 million.
Also, on January 14, 2020, the Operating Partnership, MGP, and MGM entered into an agreement for the Operating Partnership to waive its right to issue MGP Class A shares, in lieu of cash, to MGM in connection with MGM exercising its right to require the Operating Partnership to redeem the Operating Partnership units it holds. The waiver provides that the units will be purchased at a price per unit equal to a 3% discount to the applicable cash amount as calculated in accordance with the operating agreement. The waiver terminates on the earlier of 24 months following the closing of the MGP BREIT Venture Transaction and MGM receiving cash proceeds of $1.4 billion as consideration for the redemption of its Operating Partnership units. Agreements with Affiliates in Connection with our Formation Transactions In connection with our formation transactions and initial public offering, we entered into various documents and agreements with MGM and its affiliates. While MGM endeavored to have these agreements reflect customary, arm’s-length commercial terms and conditions, these agreements are not the result of arm’s-length negotiations, and consequently, there can be no assurance that the terms of these agreements are as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties. Because some of these agreements relate to formation transactions that, by their nature, would not occur in a third-party situation, it is not possible to determine what the differences would be.
MMasteraster Contribution Agreement On April 25, 2016, we entered into a master contribution agreement (the “Master Contribution Agreement”) with MGM and the Operating Partnership, which provides for, among other things, the Company’s responsibility for liabilities relating to its business and the responsibility of MGM for liabilities unrelated to our business, our agreements with MGM and the Operating Partnership regarding the principal transactions necessary to effect the transfer by MGM of certain assets to us or our subsidiaries, the assumption by us or our subsidiaries of certain liabilities in connection with that transfer, the assumption by us or our subsidiaries of the bridge facilities entered into by MGM and certain of its subsidiaries in connection with the Formation Transactionsour formation transactions and other agreements that govern various aspects of our relationship with MGM after the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Master Contribution Agreement. The Master Contribution Agreement also contains indemnification obligations and ongoing commitments of the Company, the Operating Partnership and MGM.
MGM-MGP Master Lease On April 25, 2016, a subsidiary of the Company (the “Landlord”) entered into a long-term triple-net master lease agreement (the “Master“MGM-MGP Master Lease”) with a subsidiary of MGM (the “Tenant”) pursuant to which all of our real estate assets (each a “Property” and collectively the “Properties”) were leased to the Tenant. The Master Leaselease was amended on August 1, 2016 in connection with the Borgata transaction, October 5, 2017 in connection with the acquisition of the real estate of MGM National Harbor, on January 29, 2019 in connection with the Empire City Transaction and on February 14, 2020 in connection with the MGP BREIT Venture Transaction. The Master Leaselease has an initial lease term of ten years with the potential to extend the term for four additional five-year terms thereafter at the option of the Tenant. The Master Leaselease provides that any extension of its term must apply to all of the Properties under the Master Leaselease at the time of the extension. The Master Leaseinitial term of the lease with respect to MGM National Harbor ends on August 31, 2024. Thereafter, the initial term of the lease with respect to MGM National Harbor may be renewed at the option of the Tenant for an initial renewal period lasting until the earlier of the end of the then-current term of the lease or the next renewal term (depending on whether MGM elects to renew the other properties under the lease in connection with the expiration of the initial ten-year term). If, however, the Tenant chooses not to renew the lease with respect to MGM National Harbor after the initial MGM National Harbor term under the lease, the Tenant would also lose the right to renew the lease with respect to the rest of the properties when the initial ten-year lease term related to the rest of the properties ends in 2026. The lease has a triple-net structure, which requires the Tenant to pay substantially all costs associated with each Property, including real estate taxes, insurance, utilities and routine maintenance, in addition to the base rent and the percentage rent. Additionally, the Master Leaselease provides the Company with a right of first offer with respect to MGM National Harbor and MGM’s development property located in Springfield, Massachusetts, which the Company may exercise should MGM elect to sell these propertiesthis property in the future. In connection with the Empire City Transaction, the Company was also granted a right of first offer with respect to certain undeveloped land adjacent to the property to the extent MGM develops additional gaming facilities and chooses to sell or transfer the property in the future. As
In connection with the commencement of the fourth lease year on April 1, 2017,2019, the annualbase rent payments due under the Master Lease are $661.7lease increased to $855.6 million, resulting in total rent under the lease of $946.1 million. Rent under the Master Leaselease consists of a “base rent” component and a “percentage rent” component. For the second lease year commencing April 1, 2017,As of December 31, 2019, the Base Rent will representrepresents approximately 90% of the initial total rent payments due under the Master Lease, or $596.7 million,lease, and the Percentage Rent will representrepresents approximately 10% of the initial total rent payments due under the Master Lease, or $65 million.lease. The Base Rent includes a fixed annual rent escalator of 2.0% for the second through the sixth lease years (as defined in the MGM-MGP Master Lease). Thereafter, the annual escalator of 2.0% will be subject to the Tenant and, without duplication, the operating subtenants, collectively meeting an adjusted net revenue to rent ratio of 6.25:1.00 based on their adjusted net revenue from the leased properties subject to the Master Leaselease (as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP,accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, adjusted to exclude net revenue attributable to certain scheduled subleases and, at MGM’sthe Tenant’s option, reimbursed cost revenue). The percentage rent will initially be a fixed amount for approximately the first six years and will then be adjusted every five years based on the average actual annual net revenues of the Tenant and, without duplication, the operating subtenants from the leased properties subject to the Master Leaselease at such time for the trailing five calendar-year period (calculated by multiplying the average annual net revenues, excluding net revenue attributable to certain scheduled subleases and, at MGM’sTenant’s option, reimbursed cost revenue, for the trailing five calendar-year period by 1.4%). The Master Leaselease includes covenants that impose ongoing reporting obligations on the Tenant relating to MGM’s financial statements. The Master Lease willlease also requirerequires MGM, on a consolidated basis with the Tenant, to maintain an EBITDAR to rent ratio (as described in the Master Lease) of 1.10:1.00.
On February 14, 2020, in connection with the MGP BREIT Venture Transaction, the MGM-MGP Master Lease was modified to remove the Mandalay Bay property and the rent under the MGM-MGP Master Lease was reduced by $133 million. CCorporateorporate Services Agreement On April 25, 2016, the Operating Partnership entered into a corporate services agreement with MGM (the “Corporate Services Agreement”), pursuant to which MGM provides the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries with financial, administrative and operational support services, including accounting and finance support, human resources support, legal | | | | | | | | | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 15 |
and regulatory compliance support, insurance advisory services, internal audit services, governmental affairs monitoring and reporting services, information technology support, construction services, and various other support services. The Corporate Services Agreement provides that the Operating Partnership will reimburse MGM for all costs MGM incurs directly related to providing the services thereunder. The Operating Partnership incurred expenses pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $3.5 million.
IIPOPO Registration Rights Agreement On April 25, 2016,October 5, 2017, the Company entered into aan amended and restated registration rights agreement (the(as amended, the “IPO Registration Rights Agreement”) with operating subsidiaries of MGM that hold Operating Partnership Units. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, commencing on the first anniversary of the first day of the first full calendar month following the completion of the IPO, MGM and certain of its subsidiaries will have the right to require the Company to effectfile and cause to become effective a registration statement to register the issuance and resale of Class A shares upon exchange of Operating Partnership Units beneficially owned by MGM. The IPO Registration Rights Agreement also provides for, among other things, demand registration rights and piggyback registration rights for the operating subsidiaries of MGM that hold Operating Partnership Units.
IIPP License Agreement On April 25, 2016, we entered into a royalty-free intellectual property rights license agreement with MGM (the “IP License Agreement”), pursuant to which we will have the right to use “MGM” in the corporate names of the Company and our subsidiaries for up to 50 years. Pursuant to the IP License Agreement, we will also have the right to use the “MGM” mark and the “MGM” logo in the Company’s advertising materials without royalties for up to 50 years.
PSublease Agreement The Operating Partnership entered into a sublease agreement with us and a subsidiary of MGM, MGM Hospitality Global, LLC (“Sublandlord”), pursuant to which we lease office space as more particularly described in the sublease. The sublease contains provisions whereby we agree to indemnify and hold harmless Sublandlord from any and all claims, liens, demands, charges, encumbrances, litigation and judgments arising directly or indirectly from any use, occupancy or activity of the Company, or out of any work performed, material furnished, or obligations incurred by the Company in, upon or otherwise in connection with the subleased premises. The sublease agreement provides for a month-to-month tenancy until it is terminated (i) by Sublandlord on 30 days written notice to the Company or (ii) by the Company upon 30 days written notice to Sublandlord, or otherwise upon the expiration or earlier termination of the underlying office lease. ROPOSALS REQUIRING YOUR VOTE | | | | | 16 | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | |
PPROPOSALS REQUIRING YOUR VOTE Proposalroposal No. 1 Election of Directors
At the Annual Meeting, our shareholders are being asked to elect directors, each of whom will serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until his or her respective successor has been elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. On March 22, 2020, James J. Murren, age 58, who has served as a director since 2016, resigned as Chairman of the Company, effective March 22, 2020. On March 24, 2020 William J. Hornbuckle, age 62, who has served as a director since 2016, resigned as a director of the Company, effective March 24, 2020. With their resignations, Mr. Murren and Mr. Hornbuckle will not stand for reelection at the Annual Meeting. All of the Company’s nominees on the Proxy Card were appointed in connection withcurrently serve on our initial public offering or subsequently by the Board, as this is our first annual meeting of shareholders.Board. If any of the following nominees should be unavailable to serve as director, which contingency is not presently anticipated, it is the intention of the persons designated as proxies to select and cast their votes for the election of such other person or persons as the Board may designate.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the nominees to the Board.
IInformationnformation Concerning the Board’s Nominees The Board seeks nominees who have substantial professional accomplishments and who are leaders in the companies or institutions with which they are affiliated. Nominees should be persons who are capable of applying independent judgment and undertaking analytical inquiries and who exhibit high integrity, practical wisdom and mature judgment. The Board evaluates each individual in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of recommending a group that will best perpetuate the success of the business and represent shareholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment, based on diverse experiences. The Board reviews on an annual basis the composition of the Board to determine whether the Board includes the right mix and balance of skill sets, financial acumen, general and special business experience and expertise, industry knowledge, diversity, leadership abilities, high ethical standards, independence, sound judgment, interpersonal skills, overall effectiveness and other desired qualities. Director candidates also must meet the approval of certain state regulatory authorities. We identify and describe below the key experience, qualifications and skills, in addition to those discussed above, that the directors bring to the Board and that are important in light of our business. | •● | | Leadership experience. Directors with experience in significant leadership positions demonstrate a practical understanding of organizations, processes, strategy, risk management and the methods to drive change and growth. Thus, their service as top leaders at other organizations also benefits us. |
| •● | | Finance experience. An understanding of finance and financial reporting is important for our directors, as we measure our operating and strategic performance by reference to financial targets. As such, in addition to our directors who may qualify as audit committee financial experts, we expect all of our directors to be financially knowledgeable. |
| •● | | Industry experience. We seek to have directors with experience as executives, as directors or in other leadership positions in the gaming and real estate industries. |
| •● | | Public company directorship experience. We seek directors with experience as directors of other public companies, as we believe these individuals will have been exposed to the various types of financial, governance and operational matters that companies such as ours consider from time to time. |
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The following table sets forth, for each nominee, his or her name, age as of the date of the Annual Meeting, principal occupation for at least the past five years and certain other matters. The respective experiences, qualifications and skills the Board considered in determining whether to recommend each director nominated for election are also included in the column to the right.set forth below for each nominee. | | | | | | ELISA GOISJOHN M. MCMANUS(47)
| Director since:2016
| | Director Biography and Qualifications
Elisa Gois has been our director since March 2016. Ms. Gois has served as the Chief Analytics Officer since October 2015. Prior to joining MGM, she served as Senior Vice President of Global Business Strategy & Analytics for 17 years at Host Hotels & Resorts. Ms. Gois received a Masters from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science degree from Towson State University. Additionally, she has participated in numerous continuing education programs at Harvard Business School, New York University, Cornell University, and other institutions. Ms. Gois was selected to our board of directors because she brings knowledge and experience in strategic planning, real estate valuation, operations analysis and leadership skills.
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| | | WILLIAM J. HORNBUCKLE(59)
Director since:2016
| | Director Biography and Qualifications
William J. Hornbuckle has been our director since March 2016. Mr. Hornbuckle has also been the President of MGM since December 2012. In this capacity, one of his main roles is to serve as the Company’s Chief Construction Design and Development Officer. From August 2009 to August 2014, he also held the position of Chief Marketing Officer. From April 2005 to August 2009, Mr. Hornbuckle served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. He previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM MIRAGE-Europe, where he worked on the development of the company’s gaming operations in the United Kingdom. He also served as President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM Grand Hotel & Casino and of Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. He spent the majority of his earlier career with Mirage Resorts Inc. in various senior management positions, including the Vice President of Hotel Operations of Golden Nugget, the Vice President of Hotel Operations of the Mirage, the President of Laughlin, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Treasure Island and the Executive Vice President of Operations of MGM Grand, from 1986 to 1998. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in hotel administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Mr. Hornbuckle was selected to our board because he brings extensive management experience and understanding of the gaming industry.
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| | | JOHN M. MCMANUS(50)
Director since:2016
| | Director Biography and Qualifications
John M. McManus has been the● Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of MGM since July 2010. Previously, Mr. McManus served as MGM’s Senior Vice President, Acting General Counsel and Secretary from December 2009 to July 2010;2010.
● Director of MGM China since March 2019. ● Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary from September 2009 to December 2009 and; Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretarymember of MGM’s corporate legal department from July 2008 to SeptemberDecember 2009. He has also acted as ● Counsel to various MGM operating MGM subsidiaries from May 20082001 to July 2011. Mr. McManus holds a2008. ● Board Member of the American Gaming Association. ● Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University and a Juris Doctor degree from University of Miami. Mr. McManus was selected ● Selected to our board of directorsBoard because of his substantial experience with and knowledge of gaming regulations.regulations, corporate governance and legal matters. |
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| | | | JAMES J. MURREN(55)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | AGE: (53) Director since:DIRECTOR SINCE 2016
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY OF MGM | | |
Director Qualifications Leadership experience—Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of MGM since July 2010, past President of the International Association of Gaming Advisors Industry experience—extensive experience with and knowledge of gaming regulations Public company directorship experience—current director of MGM China, a Hong Kong Stock Exchange listed company
| COREY SANDERS | | Director Biography and Qualifications
James J. Murren has been the Chairman
● Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive OfficerTreasurer of MGM since December 2008. He previously served as MGM’s President from December 1999 to December 2012,March 2019. ● Chief Operating Officer for MGM from September 2010 through February 2019. ● Chief Operating Officer for MGM’s Core Brand and Regional Properties from August 2009 to September 2010. ● Executive Vice President—Operations of MGM from August 2007 through December 2008,to August 2009 ● Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for MGM Grand Resorts from January 1998April 2005 to August 2007 and Treasurer2007. ● Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from November 2001 to August 2007. Mr. Murren serves as Chairman of the American Gaming Association. He was Director of the Nevada Cancer Institute from 2002 to 2012 and Director of Delta Petroleum Corporation from February 2008 to November 2011. Prior to joining MGM, Mr. Murren worked in the financial industry for over 10 years, serving as Managing Director and Co-Director of Research for Deutsche Morgan Grenfell and Director of Research and Managing Director for Deutsche Bank. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at the Brookings Institute and Howard University. Mr. Murren was selectedUCLA. ● Selected to our board of directorsBoard because of his significantsubstantial experience inwith, and knowledge of, casino operations and the hotel and casinogaming industry and experience in leadership positions of a public company.as well as his extensive financial expertise. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | AGE: (56) DIRECTOR SINCE 2020 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND TREASURER OF MGM | | |
Director Qualifications Leadership experience— served in various leadership roles at MGM, including his most recent role as Chief Financial and formerly as the Chief Operating Officer Finance experience—served in various financial roles at MGM, including his most recent role as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Industry experience— served in various leadership positions in entities involved in the gaming and resort industry for many years
| | | | | MICHAEL RIETBROCK(48)
| | Director since:2016
| | | | PAUL SALEM | | Director Biography and Qualifications
Michael Rietbrock has been our● Senior Managing Director Emeritus, Providence Equity Partners (“Providence”) since 2018, with Providence from 1992 – 2019, which specializes in investing in the media, communications, education and information industries by employing a variety of financing structures and target equity investments and bringing industry, financial, operational and leadership expertise to portfolio companies.
● Previously served as a director since March 2016. Mr. Rietbrock isof Grupo TorreSur, Asurion, Eircom, Madison River Telecom, MetroNet (formerly AT&T Canada), PanAmSat, Tele1 Europe, Verio, Wired Magazine, Education Management Corporation and several other Providence investments. ● Prior to joining Providence in 1992, worked for Morgan Stanley in corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions and prior to Morgan Stanley spent four years with Prudential Investment Corporation. ● Chairman of Year Up, a national non-profit focused on closing the opportunity divide for urban young adults, and a board member of Edesia Global Nutrition, a non-profit dedicated to treating and preventing malnutrition in the world’s most vulnerable populations. ● Serves on the advisory board of the Carney Institute for Brain Science at Brown University. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | AGE: (56) DIRECTOR SINCE 2020 CHAIRMAN OF MGM AND CHAIRMAN OF THE COMPANY SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR EMERITUS AT PROVIDENCE EQUITY PARTNERS | | |
Director Qualifications Leadership experience—Current Senior Managing Director Emeritus at Providence, a premier global asset management firm with approximately $40 billion in assets under management; established the Providence London office in 1999 and helped create Benefit Street Partners, Providence’s credit affiliate that was sold to Franklin Templeton in Q1 2019 Finance experience—Various progressive roles at Providence Equity since 1992, which specializes in investing in the media, communications, education and information industries by employing a variety of financing structures and target equity investments and bringing industry, financial, operational and leadership expertise to portfolio companies Public company directorship experience—Former director of public company in the education industry and chairman of MGM
| | | | | | | | | | | MICHAEL RIETBROCK | | Director Biography and Qualifications
● Chief Operating Officer and Director of Research at MoffettNathanson, LLC. Previously, Mr. Rietbrock was ● Managing Director and the Head of Global Equity Research and Co-Head of U.S. Equities at Nomura Securities from March 2010 to October 2015. He previously served as ● Managing Director and the Head of U.S. Equity Research at Bank of America Securities from May 2008 to March 2010, where he managed its acquisition of and integration with Merrill Lynch. ● Prior to joining Bank of America, Mr. Rietbrock was a Portfolio Manager at Caxton Associates, where he managed a portfolio of real estate, gaming, and lodging securities. Mr. Rietbrock began ● Began his career at Citigroup, where he served for more than 15 years. During his time at Citigroup, Mr. Rietbrock serveswas the #1-ranked Gaming & Lodging research analyst for a decade. ● Serves on the Board of Trustees of the Ideal School of Manhattan. He graduated ● Graduated from Harvard College with a degree in Economics. Mr. Rietbrock was selected ● Selected to our board of directorsBoard because of his extensive financial experience, particularly in the real estate, gaming and lodging sectors. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | AGE: (51) DIRECTOR SINCE 2016 CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AT MOFFETTNATHANSON, LLC | | |
Director Qualifications Leadership experience—Chief Operating Officer and Director of Research of an independent sell-side research boutique; Managing Director and the Head of U.S. Equity Research at Bank of America Securities Finance experience—served as the Co-Head of U.S. Equities at Nomura Securities; served as the Managing Director of Bank of America Securities, responsible for, among other things, managing its acquisition of and integration with Merrill Lynch Industry experience—served as a gaming and lodging research analyst for a decade
| | | | | | | | | | | THOMAS ROBERTS(70) | Director since:2016
| | Director Biography and Qualifications
Thomas Roberts has been our director since March 2016. Mr. Roberts is currently a strategic
● Strategic advisor and corporate governance consultant and serves as an advisory Directordirector of M. Klein and Company, a leading global strategic advisory firm providing financial, transactional, strategic, reputational and global guidance to its clients. From 1992 to December 2014 he wasclients, and is a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of America Media, which among other things publishes America magazine. ● Senior Partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP from 1992 to December 2014, where he held numerous senior management and board-level positions, including as one of the leaders responsible for the firm’s strategic redirection and globalization and chairmanChairman of the corporate department.Corporate Department. Mr. Roberts’ practice primarily involved domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, contested takeovers, as well as advising boards generally and on strategic matters, including matters involving REITs. Mr. Roberts was named ● Named “Dealmaker of the Year” by The American Lawyer in 2001 and 2012. He has a ● Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from Georgetown University. Mr. Roberts was selected ● Selected to our board of directorsBoard because of his significant legal, corporate governance and financial experience, particularly in connection with complex financial transactions. |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | AGE: (73) DIRECTOR SINCE 2016 STRATEGIC ADVISOR AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONSULTANT AND ADVISORY DIRECTOR OF M. KLEIN AND COMPANY | | |
Director Qualifications Leadership experience—Senior Partner at a leading global law firm; former Chairman of the firm’s Corporate Department; advisory director and corporate governance consultant of M. Klein and Company. Member of the Board and Executive Committee of America Media. Finance experience—served as an advisory director to a leading global strategic advisory firm that provided financial and strategic guidance to clients
| | | | | | | | | | | ROBERT SMITH(56) | Director since:2017
| | Director Biography and Qualifications
Robert “Bob” Smith has been our director since January 2017. From September 1992 to December 2016, he served
● Served in various roles at T. Rowe Price, including as Vice President of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., Vice President and Portfolio Manager at T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and as a Lead Portfolio Manager at T. Rowe Price International, Inc. In addition, Mr. Smith servedfrom September 1992 to December 2016. Served as a Vice President at T. Rowe Price Trust Company. ● Prior to joining T. Rowe Price, he worked for five years as an Investment Analyst at MFS Investment Management covering multiple sectors including food & beverage, tobacco, electrical equipment, and telecommunications companies. Mr. Smith holds a ● B.S. degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Delaware and an M.B.A. in General Management from the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia. Mr. Smith was selected ● Selected to our board of directorsBoard because of his significant financial experience, particularly with consumer-facing companies and his reputation within the investment community. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | AGE: (59) DIRECTOR SINCE 2017 | | |
Director Qualifications Leadership experience—served as Vice President of a large asset management firm Finance experience—served as Vice President and Portfolio Manager of a regulated financial services institution; extensive experience in various fields regarding investment analytics
| | | | | | | | | | | DANIEL J. TAYLOR(60) | Director since:2016
| | Director Biography and Qualifications
Daniel J. Taylor has been
● Employed as an executive of Tracinda since 2007. Mr. Taylor is also thefrom 2007 through 2019. ● Director of MGM Resorts International, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Light Efficient Design, a division of TADD LLC since July 2014, a manufacturer and distributor of LED lighting products, primarily for the retrofit market. Previously, he served as ● President of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (“MGM Studios”) from April 2005 to January 2006 and Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MGM Studios from June 1998 to April 2005, and as2005. ● Vice President – President—Taxes at MGM/UA Communications Co., the predecessor company of MGM Studios, from 1985 to 1991. Mr. Taylor acted as ● Tax Manager specializing in the entertainment and gaming practice at Arthur Andersen & Co. from 1978 to 1985. He was a ● Director of Inforte Corp. from October 2005 to 2007,2007. ● Chairman of the Board of Directors of Delta Petroleum Corporation from May 2009 to August 2012 (and a director from February 2008 to August 2012), and a former member of the Audit Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of such company. Mr. Taylor was selected to our board of directors because of his significant finance experience and experience as a tax manager in the entertainment and gaming practice. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | AGE: (63) DIRECTOR SINCE 2016 EXECUTIVE OF TRACINDA | | |
Director Qualifications Leadership experience—Chairman of the Board of a manufacturer and distributor of LED lighting products; former President of a motion picture, television, home video, and theatrical production and distribution company Finance experience—former Chief Financial Officer of a motion picture, television, home video, and theatrical production and distribution company; former Vice President—Taxes of a motion picture, television, home video, and theatrical production and distribution company; former tax manager at a public accounting firm Industry experience—former Tax Manager specializing in the entertainment and gaming practice at Arthur Andersen & Co. Public company directorship experience—former director and board committee member of a public oil and gas company; current director of MGM Growth Properties LLC THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS YOU VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE BASED UPON THEIR RESPECTIVE EXPERIENCES, QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS IDENTIFIED ABOVE.
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PProposalroposal No. 2 Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Audit Committee has selected Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2017.2020. For 2016,2019, Deloitte & Touche LLP audited and rendered opinions on our financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. A representative of Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the shareholders’ meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and to respond to appropriate questions. We are asking our shareholders to ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. Although ratification is not required by our LLC agreementAgreement or otherwise, the Board is submitting the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP to our shareholders for ratification because we value our shareholders’ views on our independent registered public accounting firm and as a matter of good corporate practice. In the event that our shareholders fail to ratify the selection, it will be considered a recommendation to the Audit Committee to consider the selection of a different firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee may in its discretion select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders. The Board recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.
AAuditudit and Non-Audit Fees The following table sets forth fees paid to our auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, in 20162019 and 2018 for audit and non-audit services. All of the services described below were approved in accordance with our pre-approval policy, which is described in the next section. | | | | 2019 | 2018 | Audit fees | $ 1,445,000 | $ 1,810,000 | Audit-related fees | — | — | Tax fees | 88,000 | 25,000 | All other fees | — | — | Total | $ 1,533,000 | $ 1,835,000 |
| | | | | | | 2016 | | Audit fees | | $ | 1,798,000 | | Audit-related fees | | | 790,000 | | Tax fees | | | — | | All other fees | | | — | | Total | | $ | 2,588,000 | |
The category “Audit fees” includes fees for our annual audit and quarterly reviews of our consolidated financial statements and the financial statements of certain of our subsidiaries, and assistance with SEC filings. The category “Audit-related fees” includesfilings and fees related to debt and equity offerings. We haveThe category “Audit-related fees” includes fees for other assurance services not included fees paid to our auditors in 2015 since we were not a registrant during that period“Audit fees.” The category “Tax fees” includes tax consultation and any fees incurred in connection with the review and preparation of prior year financial statements for inclusion in our S-11 registration statement were paid by our parent, MGM, and were included in its proxy statement for the 2015 fiscal year.tax compliance services.
PPre-Approvalre-Approval Policies and Procedures Our Audit Committee has a policy related to pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Pursuant to this policy, the Audit Committee must pre-approve all services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Pre-approvals for classes of services are granted at the start of each fiscal year and are applicable for such year. As provided under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the SEC’s rules, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may delegate to one or more of its members the authority to address certain requests for pre-approval in between regularly scheduled meetings of the Audit Committee, and such pre-approval decisions are reported to the Audit Committee at its next regular meeting. The policy is designed to help ensure that there is no delegation by the Audit Committee of authority or responsibility for pre-approval decisions to management.
AAuditudit Committee Report The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management and Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, and management represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The discussions with Deloitte & Touche LLP included the matters required to be discussed under applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) standards. The Audit Committee also received the written | | | | | | | | | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 21 |
disclosures and the letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP its independence.
The Audit Committee also: (i) reviewed and discussed with management, the Company’s internal auditors and Deloitte & Touche LLP the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and (ii) reviewed and discussed with management and Deloitte & Touche LLP their respective assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on the Audit Committee’s review of the audited financial statements and the review and discussions described in the foregoing paragraphs, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20162019 be included in the Company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20162019 for filing with the SEC. THOMAS A. ROBERTS, Chair MICHAEL J. RIETBROCK ROBERT SMITH
The foregoing report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and shall not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates such report by reference therein. | | | | | 22 | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | |
PProposalroposal No. 3 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) enables our shareholders to vote to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement in accordance with the SEC’s rules, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and related tables and narrative disclosure (also referred to as “say-on-pay”). Shareholders are encouraged to read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement for a more detailed discussion of how our compensation programs reflect our overarching compensation philosophy and core principles. We are asking our shareholders to indicate their support for our Named Executive Officer compensation as described in this Proxy Statement. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our Named Executive Officers. Accordingly, we will ask our shareholders to vote “FOR” adoption of the following resolution: “RESOLVED, that the shareholders of MGM Growth Properties LLC approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed in thisthe Proxy Statement in accordance with Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and related tables and narrative disclosure.” Although the advisorysay-on-pay vote is not binding on the Board, the Board will review the results of the vote and consider themthe results in future determinations concerning our executive compensation program. UnlessAt the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the majority of our shareholders voted in favor of holding say-on-pay advisory votes on an annual basis and, untilin light of this vote, the Board determines otherwise,adopted a policy of holding say-on-pay votes annually. Therefore, the next advisorysay-on-pay vote to approve executive compensation will occur at the 20182021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Board recommends athat you vote “FOR” adoption of this proposal. | | | | | | | | | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 23 |
Proposal No. 4 Advisory Vote on Frequency of Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
The Dodd-Frank Act also enables our shareholders to vote, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the frequency with which we should seek an advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, such as Proposal 3 included in this Proxy Statement. Once we become subject to certain SEC disclosure requirements, we will be required by theDodd-Frank Act to provide shareholders with a “say-on-pay” vote every one, two or three years, as determined by a separate advisory shareholder vote held at least once every six years (the “say-when-on-pay” vote). We are choosing to solicit this say-when-on-pay vote earlier than required in order to give our shareholders the opportunity to start engaging in our compensation and governance process.
Our Board of Directors has determined that an advisory vote on executive compensation that occurs every year is the most appropriate option for the Company at this time. In formulating its recommendation, the Board of Directors considered that an annual advisory vote on executive compensation will allow our shareholders to provide us with their direct input on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed in the proxy statement every year. Additionally, an annual advisory vote on executive compensation is consistent with our desire to seek input from, and engage in discussions with, our shareholders on corporate governance matters and our Named Executive Officer compensation.
We are asking our shareholders to indicate their support for the Board’s recommendation that shareholders cast an advisory vote on executive compensation every one year. Accordingly, we will ask our shareholders to vote “FOR” adoption of the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the shareholders of MGM Growth Properties LLC approve, on an advisory basis, of the every one year option for the frequency with which the company holds an advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers.”
While the Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote to hold the say-on-pay vote every year, the voting options are to hold the say-on-pay vote every year, every two years or every three years. Shareholders may also abstain from voting on this proposal. The approval of a majority of votes cast is required for advisory (non-binding) approval of Proposal 4. If none of the alternatives of Proposal 4 (one year, two years or three years) receives a majority vote, we will consider the highest number of votes cast by shareholders to be the frequency that has been selected by shareholders on an advisory basis. Although the advisory vote is not binding on the Board, the Board will review the results of the vote and consider them in future determinations concerning our executive compensation program. Unless and until the Board determines otherwise, the next advisory vote on the frequency with which the company holds a vote to approve executive compensation will occur at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The Board recommendsEXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Compensation practices at a vote “FOR” adoption of this proposal. glance | | | | | 24 | What We Do | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | What We Do NOT Do | | | | | ✓ | DO provide a significant portion of named executive officer compensation in the form of performance-based compensation | û | NO excessive perquisites | | | | | ✓ | DO use a peer group for market comparisons of compensation levels and practices that appropriately reflect our size and industry | û | NO repricing underwater stock options without stockholder approval | | | | | ✓ | DO maintain a clawback provision in our incentive compensation programs | û | NO excise tax gross-ups | | | | | ✓ | DO expect our named executive officers to hold significant ownership in us through meaningful stock ownership guidelines | û | NO pledging or hedging of shares permitted by our directors or executive officers | | | | | ✓ | DO use an independent compensation consultant | û | NO single trigger change of control agreements |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis reports on compensation policies applicable to our “NamedNamed Executive Officers.” It covers James C. Stewart, our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), James C. Stewart, and Andy H. Chien, our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Treasurer Andy H. Chien,(“CFO”), who were our only executive officers in 20162019 (we will sometimes refer to both individuals collectively as our “NEOs”). The NEOs are parties to employment agreements with the Operating Partnership, through which the NEOs are employed directly by the Operating Partnership, and serve in their respective positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for both the Operating Partnership and the Company.
The Company has no assets or operations outside of its ownership interest in the Operating Partnership and its ownership of the general partner in the Operating Partnership. Pursuant to this arrangement, theour NEOs provide the majority of services to the Operating Partnership, but also provide a limited number of services directly to the Company. SinceOur NEOs are parties to employment agreements with the cash compensationOperating Partnership and serve in their respective positions of the NEOs is paid byCEO and CFO for both the Operating Partnership and the Company owns only 23.7% of the Operating Partnership, only 23.7% of the cash compensation cost is borne by the Company’s shareholders.Company. Likewise, at the time that a NEO recognizes taxable income in respect of equity awards granted by the Company, the Operating Partnership will reimburse the Company for the value of any Class A shares issued to theour NEOs in respect of the vesting or settlement of such equity awards, resulting in only a portion of the NEOs’ equity-based compensation being borne by the Company’s shareholders.awards.
EExecutivexecutive Summary The primary focus of the Company with respect to executive compensation in 2019 was the continued refinement and implementation of the compensation program designed in connection with the Company’s 2016 wasinitial public offering, with the intent that our programs continue to design and implement a program that would appropriately compensate and motivate itsthe Company’s NEOs. In designing theThis program the Board drew upon both its experience withlargely reflects certain compensation design practices at MGM, which the Board believes exemplifies a successful executive compensation program, as well as by reference toand, where appropriate, takes into account the compensation practices among publicly traded triple net lease REITs of a size similar to the Company. This resulted During 2018, the annual bonus program was updated to modify the structure of annual bonus payouts such that 33% of any annual bonus earned for 2018 in excess of the NEO’s base salary will be paid in the designform of adeferred restricted stock units (“Bonus Deferred RSUs”), with the remainder paid in cash. In 2019, the annual bonus program was further updated such that (i) for the balance between base salary and the NEO’s target Bonus, 67% will be paid in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs, with the balance paid in cash, and (ii) for the remainder, 33% in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs, with the balance paid in cash. The annual bonus program is described in more detail below. Bonus Deferred RSUs granted in 2020 with respect to 2019 performance will be paid in 25% installments over four years following the grant date, which is the same schedule as Bonus Deferred RSUs granted in 2019. In addition, in 2019, the Company successfully negotiated new contracts for each of the CEO and CFO, whose contracts were set to expire in April of 2019. Mr. Stewart’s new agreement increased his annual base salary from $800,000 to $850,000 and increased his annual target bonus from 100% to 150% of his base salary. Mr. Chien’s new employment agreement increased his annual base salary from $400,000 to $450,000 and increased his annual target bonus from 50% to 85% of his base salary. The agreements for Messrs. Stewart and Chien were otherwise generally unchanged. See “Employment Agreements with Named Executive Officers” for more information on these agreements. For 2019, calculation of the NEOs’ target annual bonuses was based on their respective base salary amounts in effect as of January 1, 2019 (i.e., not taking into account any increases in base salary approved in connection with the new employment agreements). The Company’s compensation program withfor 2019 includes the following key characteristics:
EElementslements of our Executive Compensation Program Base salaries of $800,000 and $400,000 for the CEO and CFO, respectively.
Annual Bonus Plan for 2016:
| ¡● | Base salaries of $850,000 and $450,000 for our CEO and CFO, respectively, reflecting increases from their prior salaries of $800,000 and $400,000, respectively, as approved in connection with negotiating the new employment contracts for each of them. |
| ● | Annual Bonus Program for 2019: |
| ● | Target bonus opportunities of 100%150% and 50%85% of base paysalary as in effect as of January 1, 2019 for theour CEO and CFO, respectively, with 67% of any bonuses earned in excess of 100% of the NEO’s base salary but below target paid in the form of Bonus Performance Share Units (“Deferred RSUs (with the remainder paid in cash) and 33% of any bonuses earned in excess of target (and, with respect to the CFO, base salary) are paid in the form of Bonus PSUs”)Deferred RSUs (with the remainder paid in cash), which areas described in more detail below. Bonus Deferred RSUs are not subject to forfeiture in the case of termination and are not subject to the achievement of additional performance criteria following the date such Bonus Deferred RSUs are granted. The Board determined that this design feature was appropriate given that, by the time the Bonus Deferred RSUs are granted, the executive has already achieved the level of performance necessary in order to earn an annual bonus payout in an amount exceeding his base salary. Bonus Deferred RSUs are payable over four years in annual installments of 25%. |
| ¡● | | 20162019 bonus opportunity based on achievement of strategic objectives.objectives established for each of our NEOs. |
| ◾● | | Bonus payout of 150%100% of target reflectedreflects the Board’s conclusion that theour NEOs exhibited strong performance with respect to achievement of the 20162019 strategic objectives. |
Long-Term Incentives pursuant to the Company’s 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan:
| ● | Long-Term Incentives pursuant to the Company’s 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “MGP Omnibus Plan”): |
| ¡● | | Delivered in two forms of equity, designed to both incentivize and retain the Company’sour NEOs. |
| ¡● | | 60%75% delivered in the form of performance share units (“PSUs”), with the ultimate payout in the Company’s Class A shares based on the relative performance of the Company vs. the non-mortgage REITs in the NAREITNational Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) index measured over a three-year period. |
| ¡● | | 40%25% delivered in restricted share units (“RSUs”)RSUs vesting in 25 percent equal installments over four years.the four-year period following the grant date. |
RExecutiveesults from 2019 Say-on-Pay Vote Our 2019 proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the 2018 compensation of our NEOs (i.e., the “say-on-pay” proposal) was approved by 99.74% of the total votes cast. Based on the positive results of the 2019 say-on-pay vote, we believe that our shareholders are generally satisfied with our current executive compensation program and policies. Therefore, although the Board considered the results of the 2019 say-on-pay vote in connection with making certain compensation decisions, it did not make any significant changes to the executive compensation program and policies as a result of the 2019 say-on-pay vote. At the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the majority of votes cast at the meeting were cast in favor of holding a say-on-pay advisory vote on an annual basis, and, in light of this vote, the Board adopted a policy of holding say-on-pay votes annually. Executive Compensation “Best Practices” In connection with the development of the Company’s executive compensation programs, policies, and overall philosophy, the Board has identified and implemented a number of “best practices” that are intended to closely align the Company’s executive compensation programs with shareholder interests: | •● | | No single trigger arrangements.No executive officer is entitled to single triggerso-called “single trigger” change of control benefits. |
| ● | | | | | | | | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 25 |
| • | | Clawback policy.Pursuant to the clawback policy, bonus and other incentive compensation paid to participants is subject to clawback (i.e., repayment to the Company or certain of its affiliates, as applicable) if (1) there is a restatement of our financial statements for a fiscal year with respect to which a bonus or other incentive compensation is paid within three years following such fiscal year, other than a restatement due to changes in accounting principles or applicable law or a restatement due to any required change in previously reported results solely as a result of a change in the form of the Company’s ownership interest in any subsidiary, affiliate or joint venture, and (2) the Board determines that a participant received bonus or other incentive compensation for the applicable fiscal year in excess of that which would have been paid based on the restated financial results. |
| •● | | No golden parachute tax gross ups.In the event that there is a change in control that triggers any so-called “golden parachute” excise taxes under Section 280G of the Code, the Company is not obligated to provide tax gross up protection to any of our executive officers. |
| •● | | Prohibition on short sales, derivatives trading and pledging and hedging of Company securities.The Company’s insider trading policy provides that certain executives (including our NEOs) may not enter into short sales of our securities or buy or sell exchange-traded options on our securities. Further, the Company’s insider trading policy prohibits pledging or hedging of the Company’s securities by NEOs, executive officers and directors. |
| •● | | Executive officer share ownership guidelines. We recognize the importance of aligning our management’sexecutives’ interests with those of our shareholders. As a result, the Board has established share ownership guidelines for our NEOs. Under these guidelines, the Company’sour NEOs are expected to accumulate Class A shares having a fair market value equal to the assigned multiples of their applicable base salaries (5x for Mr. Stewart and 2x for Mr. Chien). |
OObjectivesbjectives of Our Compensation Program The Board’s primary objectives in setting total compensation and theproviding certain elements of compensation for the Company’sour NEOs are to: attract talented and experienced NEOs and retain their services on a long-term basis;
| ● | attract talented and experienced NEOs and retain their services on a long-term basis; |
motivate our NEOs to achieve our annual and long-term operating and strategic goals;
| ● | motivate our NEOs to achieve our annual and long-term operating and strategic goals; |
align the interests of our NEOs with the interests of the Company and those of our shareholders; and
| ● | align the interests of our NEOs with the interests of the Company and those of our shareholders; and |
encourage our NEOs to balance the management of long-term risks and long-term performance with yearly performance.
| ● | encourage our NEOs to balance the management of long-term risks and long-term performance with yearly performance. |
EExecutivexecutive Compensation Process
RRolesoles in Establishing NEO Compensation The
As discussed above, we have elected to avail ourselves of the “controlled company” exemption available under the listing rules of NYSE, and therefore are not required to have a compensation committee. For 2019, all of the Board ismembers collectively remained responsible for establishing, implementing and reviewing the compensation program for our NEOs. In doing so, the Board obtains recommendations from management with respect to the elements of NEO compensation, performance targets and results, legal and regulatory guidance, and market and industry data, all of which may be relevant in determining compensation. In addition, the Board consults with our CEO regarding our performance goals, and our CEO periodically meets with the Board to discuss our CEO’s performance and that of our other NEO. Our NEOs generally do not participate in determining the amount and type of compensation they are paid other than (i) in connection with negotiating their respective employment agreements; and (ii) with respect to participation by our NEOs in recommending annual equity awards. Instead, the Board’s assessment of the individual performance of our NEOs is based primarily on the Board’s independent observation and judgment of the responsibilities, duties, performance and leadership skills of our NEOs, as well astaking into account the Company’s overall performance.
OOutsideutside Consultants The Board periodically engages outside consultants on various compensation-related matters. The Board has the authority to engage the services of independent legal counsel and consultants to assist in analyzing and reviewing compensation policies, elements of compensation, and the aggregate compensation to NEOs. In 2016,2019, the Board received advice from Frederic W.F.W. Cook, & Co., Inc. (“F.W. Cook”), an independent compensation consultant to the Board, with respect to executive compensation related matters. F.W. Cook exclusively provides services to the Board and does not provide any services to the Company other than on behalf of the Board. Assessing Compensation Competitiveness | | | | | 26 | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | |
Assessing Compensation Competitiveness
In order to assess whether the compensation awarded to our NEOs is fair and reasonable, the Board periodically gathers and reviews data regarding the compensation practices and policies of other public companies of comparable size in the REIT industry. The peer group compensation data is reviewed by the Board to determine whether the compensation opportunity provided to our NEOs is generally competitive with that provided to the executive officers of our peer group companies, and the Board makes adjustments to compensation levels where appropriate based on this information. The peer group is used as a reference point by the Board in its compensation decisions with respect to NEOs, but the Board does not generallyformally benchmark NEO compensation to any specific level with respect to peer group data. The Board selected its current peer group in early 2016 and chose as the Company’s peers 14is comprised of 18 publicly traded triple-net lease REITs that were determined to be comparable in size to the anticipated post-IPO size of the Company. For this purpose, the size of the Operating Partnership, rather than the Company, was taken into account, insofar as theour NEOs were responsible for the operations of the Operating Partnership. The following table lists these 1418 peers and MGP’s relative percentile ranking with respect to them with respect to the key metrics of revenue, total assets, enterprise value, and market capitalization. This data is generally based on SEC filings reflecting results through December 31, 2016.2019. The peer group used in 2019 differed from the 2018 peer group due to several normal-course refinements: the addition of four companies (Alexandria Real Estate, Omega Healthcare, Uniti Group, and VICI Properties) and one subtraction (Gramercy Property Trust). | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Latest Available Four Quarters ($ Millions) | | | | | | Market Capitalization as of 12/31/16 ($ Millions) | | | | | | Enterprise Value as of 12/31/16 ($ Millions) | | Revenues | | | | | | Total Assets | | | | | | | | NorthStar Realty Finance | | $ | 2,087 | | | | | | | VEREIT | | $ | 15,588 | | | | | | | Realty Income Corp | | $ | 14,864 | | | | | | | Realty Income Corp | | $ | 20,504 | | VEREIT | | $ | 1,454 | | | | | | | Realty Income Corp | | $ | 13,153 | | | | | | | VEREIT | | $ | 8,236 | | | | | | | VEREIT | | $ | 14,859 | | Realty Income Corp | | $ | 1,103 | | | | | | | NorthStar Realty Finance | | $ | 12,217 | | | | | | | National Retail Properties | | $ | 6,503 | | | | | | | NorthStar Realty Finance | | $ | 11,346 | | W. P. Carey | | $ | 909 | | | | | | | MGP (OP) | | $ | 9,507 | | | | | | | Gaming & Leisure Props | | $ | 6,342 | | | | | | | Gaming & Leisure Props | | $ | 10,979 | | Gaming & Leisure Props | | $ | 828 | | | | | | | W. P. Carey | | $ | 8,454 | | | | | | | W. P. Carey | | $ | 6,280 | | | | | | | W. P. Carey | | $ | 10,598 | | Spirit Realty Capital | | $ | 670 | | | | | | | Spirit Realty Capital | | $ | 7,678 | | | | | | | MGP (OP)2 | | $ | 5,730 | | | | | | | National Retail Properties | | $ | 9,227 | | Retail Properties of Amer. | | $ | 580 | | | | | | | Gaming & Leisure Props | | $ | 7,369 | | | | | | | Spirit Realty Capital | | $ | 5,252 | | | | | | | MGP (OP) | | $ | 9,041 | | National Retail Properties | | $ | 534 | | | | | | | National Retail Properties | | $ | 6,334 | | | | | | | EPR Properties | | $ | 4,568 | | | | | | | Spirit Realty Capital | | $ | 8,948 | | iStar | | $ | 521 | | | | | | | Store Capital Corp | | $ | 4,942 | | | | | | | Store Capital Corp | | $ | 3,852 | | | | | | | EPR Properties | | $ | 6,822 | | EPR Properties | | $ | 481 | | | | | | | EPR Properties | | $ | 4,865 | | | | | | | Retail Properties of Amer. | | $ | 3,630 | | | | | | | Store Capital Corp | | $ | 5,982 | | MGP (OP)1 | | $ | 468 | | | | | | | iStar | | $ | 4,826 | | | | | | | NorthStar Realty Finance | | $ | 2,738 | | | | | | | Retail Properties of Amer. | | $ | 5,604 | | Lexington Realty Trust | | $ | 429 | | | | | | | Retail Properties of Amer. | | $ | 4,453 | | | | | | | Lexington Realty Trust | | $ | 2,561 | | | | | | | Lexington Realty Trust | | $ | 4,441 | | Store Capital Corp | | $ | 376 | | | | | | | Lexington Realty Trust | | $ | 3,441 | | | | | | | Sabra Health Care REIT | | $ | 1,594 | | | | | | | iStar | | $ | 4,349 | | Sabra Health Care REIT | | $ | 261 | | | | | | | Sabra Health Care REIT | | $ | 2,266 | | | | | | | MGP (MGP Only) | | $ | 1,455 | | | | | | | Sabra Health Care REIT | | $ | 2,760 | | Four Corners Property | | $ | 124 | | | | | | | Four Corners Property | | $ | 937 | | | | | | | Four Corners Property | | $ | 1,229 | | | | | | | Four Corners Property | | $ | 1,610 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | iStar | | $ | 880 | | | | | | | | | | | | 75th Percentile | | $ | 889 | | | | | | | | | $ | 8,260 | | | | | | | | | $ | 6,327 | | | | | | | | | $ | 10,883 | | Median | | $ | 557 | | | | | | | | | $ | 5,638 | | | | | | | | | $ | 4,210 | | | | | | | | | $ | 7,885 | | 25th Percentile | | $ | 442 | | | | | | | | | $ | 4,546 | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,605 | | | | | | | | | $ | 4,732 | | MGP (OP) Rank | | | 29P | | | | | | | | | | 79P | | | | | | | | | | 65P | | | | | | | | | | 56P | | MGP (MGP Only) Rank | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 12P | | | | | | | | | | | |
Latest Available Four Quarters ($ Millions) | | Market Capitalization | | Enterprise Value | Revenues | | Total Assets | | as of 12/31/19 ($ Millions) | | as of 12/31/19 ($ Millions) | Alexandria RE | $1,541 | | Realty Income Corp | $18,555 | | Realty Income Corp | $23,997 | | Realty Income Corp | $30,971 | Realty Income Corp | $1,492 | | Alexandria RE | $18,391 | | Alexandria RE | $18,606 | | Alexandria RE | $26,435 | VEREIT | $1,240 | | W. P. Carey | $14,061 | | W. P. Carey | $13,789 | | W. P. Carey | $19,655 | W. P. Carey | $1,206 | | VEREIT | $13,281 | | VICI Properties | $11,779 | | VICI Properties | $15,653 | Kimco Realty | $1,159 | | VICI Properties | $13,266 | | VEREIT | $9,865 | | Gaming & Leisure Props | $15,168 | Gaming & Leisure Props | $1,153 | | MGP (OP) | $11,910 | | Omega Healthcare | $9,254 | | VEREIT | $14,745 | Uniti Group | $1,060 | | Kimco Realty | $10,998 | | Gaming & Leisure Props | $9,243 | | Kimco Realty | $14,104 | Macerich | $976 | | Omega Healthcare | $9,796 | | National Retail Properties | $9,203 | | Omega Healthcare | $14,050 | Omega Healthcare | $929 | | Macerich | $8,854 | | Kimco Realty | $8,744 | | MGP (OP) | $12,916 | VICI Properties | $895 | | Gaming & Leisure Props | $8,434 | | Store Capital Corp | $8,733 | | National Retail Properties | $12,346 | MGP (OP) | $881 | | Store Capital Corp | $8,297 | | MGP (OP)1 | $7,908 | | Store Capital Corp | $12,023 | National Retail Properties | $670 | | National Retail Properties | $7,435 | | EPR Properties | $5,542 | | Macerich | $9,360 | Store Capital Corp | $659 | | EPR Properties | $6,578 | | Spirit Realty Capital | $4,905 | | EPR Properties | $8,785 | EPR Properties | $650 | | Sabra Health Care REIT | $6,069 | | Sabra Health Care REIT | $4,317 | | Sabra Health Care REIT | $6,900 | Sabra Health Care REIT | $590 | | Spirit Realty Capital | $5,833 | | Macerich | $3,806 | | Spirit Realty Capital | $6,798 | iStar | $521 | | iStar | $5,085 | | MGP (MGP Only) | $3,525 | | Uniti Group | $6,680 | Retail Properties of Amer. | $482 | | Uniti Group | $5,031 | | Retail Properties of Amer. | $2,854 | | Retail Properties of Amer. | $4,580 | Spirit Realty Capital | $447 | | Retail Properties of Amer. | $3,586 | | Lexington Realty Trust | $2,632 | | iStar | $4,223 | Lexington Realty Trust | $326 | | Lexington Realty Trust | $3,180 | | Uniti Group | $1,587 | | Lexington Realty Trust | $3,961 | | | | | | | iStar | $902 | | | | 75th Percentile | $1,158 | | | $12,699 | | | $9,712 | | | $15,062 | Median | $912 | | | $8,365 | | | $8,739 | | | $12,184 | 25th Percentile | $605 | | | $5,892 | | | $3,934 | | | $6,823 | MGP (OP) Rank | 47P | | | 73P | | | 46P | | | 55P | MGP (MGP Only) Rank | | | | | | | 22P | | | |
Source: Standard & Poor’s Capital IQ. Northstar Realty Finance anncounced plans to merge with NorthStar Asset Management Group and Colony Capital on 6/3/16 (deal completed 1/10/17).
1 MGP began operations as of April 25, 2016. 2 Calculated as MGP’s market cap on 12/31/16 (i.e., $1.455B) plus the value of noncontrolling interest (i.e., $4.274B)interests as reported in the 10-K.MGP’s most-recently filed balance sheet.
EElementslements of Compensation In structuring our NEO compensation program, the Board considers how each component motivates performance and promotes retention and sound long-term decision-making. The Board also considers the requirements of our strategic plan and the needs of our business. | | | | | | | | | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 27 |
Our NEO compensation program consists of the following components, which are designed to achieve the following objectives. | | | COMPENSATION ELEMENT | | OBJECTIVE | Annual base salary | | Attract and retain executives by fairly compensating them for performing the fundamental requirements of their positions. | Annual incentive bonus | | Motivate executives to achieve specific annual financial and/or operational goals and objectives whose achievements are critical for near- andnear-and long-term success; reward executives directly in relationship to the degree those goals are achieved in a given year; and attract executives with an interest in linking their compensation rewards, including greater upside bonus potential, directly to higherincreased corporate performance. | Long-term incentives | | Align executives’ long-term interests with shareholders’ interests and drive decisionsdecision making and achieve goalsgoal achievement that will help us to remain competitive and thrive in the competitive REIT industry; attract executives with an interest in creating long-term shareholder value; reward executives for building and sustaining shareholder value; and retain executives both through growth in their equity value and the vesting provisions of our share awards. | Deferred compensation opportunities | | Promote retention and provide individual tax planning flexibility by providing opportunities to postpone receipt of compensation until the end of covered employment. | Severance and change of control benefits; employment agreements | | Attract, retain and provide reasonable security to executives; encourage executives to make sound decisions in the interest of our long-term performance, regardless of personal employment risk. | Perquisites | | Provide a competitive level of perquisites, which in many cases may be provided at little or no cost to us as an owner and operator of full-service resorts.perquisites. |
AAnnualnnual Base Salary Our employment agreements with our CEO and CFO currently provide for base salaries of $800,000$850,000 and $400,000$450,000, respectively, and do not provide for any automatic salary increases.
AAnnualnnual Incentive Bonus The employment agreements for theour CEO and CFO currently provide for target bonus opportunities of 100%150% and 50%85% of base salary, respectively.respectively, which, for 2019, were based on the annual base salaries in effect as of January 1, 2019. In July 2016,September of 2019, the Board established and communicated the parameters of the 20162019 annual bonus program, which are summarized below: Mr. Stewart’s target bonus was $800,000 and Mr. Chien’s target bonus was $200,000;
| ● | Mr. Stewart’s target bonus was $1,200,000 and Mr. Chien’s target bonus was $340,000, which was based on the new target annual bonus percentages established in connection with their new employment agreements, calculated as a percentage of base salary in effect as of January 1, 2019; |
The maximum bonus for each NEO was 175% of the target bonus; there was no minimum bonus amount required to be paid, and the Board retained discretion to pay no bonus in the event of poor performance by the NEO or the Company;
| ● | The maximum bonus for each NEO was 175% of his target bonus; there was no minimum bonus amount required to be paid, and the Board retained discretion to pay no bonus in the event of poor performance by the NEO or the Company; |
Bonuses earned in excess of 100% of the NEO’s base salary were to be paid in the form of Bonus PSUs, as described below under “Long-Term Incentives”; and
| ● | 67% of any bonus amount earned between an executives base salary and target bonus were to be paid in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs (with the remainder in cash) and 33% of any bonus amount in excess of an executives target bonus (and, with respect to the CFO, base salary) were to be paid in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs (with the remainder in cash) that pay out in 25% installments over the four-year period following the grant date; and |
Because the performance goals applicable to the 2016 bonus program were not established until the middle of the fiscal year, and given that the Company’s financial performance in 2016 was believed to have little room for variation given the expectation that revenue during the Company’s first year as a public company was expected to be derived from pre-existing contracts with MGM, the Board determined that it was in the best interests of the Company to establish the performance goals for 2016 based on accomplishment of strategic goals as opposed to more formulaic financial goals. These initial goals consisted of: increased analyst coverage of the Company, development of a transaction pipeline, and long-term strategic planning in partnership with the senior management of MGM. Accordingly, no specific weightings were allocated among these strategic goals, which were reevaluated in the final quarter of 2016.
| ● | Consistent with the prior year, the Board determined that it was in the best interests of the Company to continue to establish the performance goals for 2019 based on accomplishment of strategic goals as opposed to more formulaic financial goals. These goals consisted of: increased analyst coverage of the Company, development of a transaction pipeline, and long-term strategic planning in partnership with the senior management of MGM. No specific weightings were allocated among these strategic goals. |
In December of 2016,2019, the Board determined that each NEO had earned 150%100% of his target bonus based on the Board’s determination that both of the Company’sour NEOs had exhibited strong performance,successfully achieved their respective strategic goals, which resulted in significant accomplishmentsadvancements with respect to analyst coverage, transaction opportunities and strategic planning, a successful IPO, and the Borgata acquisition.planning. The Board made this determination after reviewing the contributions made by each of Mr. StewartStewart’s and Mr. ChienChien’s individual contributions in connection with achieving the foregoing accomplishments. strategic initiatives. | | | | | 28 | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | |
Specifically, the Board considered: The role Mr. Stewart and Mr. Chien played in connection with the initial public offering process, including meetings with investors;
| ● | Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Chien’s business contributions in connection with the Company closing the transactions related to the sale of the Northfield Park operations to MGM, the acquisition of the real property associated with Empire City and the monetization of the Park MGM/NoMad Las Vegas improvements. |
Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Chien’s business contributions in connection with the Company successfully raising $500 million of ten-year bonds at 4.50%;
| ● | Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Chien’s assistance in completing two follow-on equity offerings during 2019, launching an At-The-Market offering program and the issuance of 5.75% senior notes due 2027. |
Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Chien’s assistance in the re-pricing of the Operating Partnership’s Term Loan B facility, which is expected to generate annual savings of $9 million; and
The overall success of the Company’s initial public offering, which resulted in $1.1 billion of net proceeds.
As a result, it wasthe Board determined that Mr. Stewart’s 20162019 annual bonus would be paid in the amount of $1,200,000, and that Mr. Chien’s 20162019 annual bonus would be paid in the amount of $300,000.$340,000. Mr. Stewart received $800,000$932,000 in cash with the remaining $400,000$268,000 in Bonus PSUsDeferred RSUs, as described below, and Mr. Chien received all cash for thisof his 2019 annual bonus.bonus in cash. Such cash payments were made to theour NEOs in a lump sum following the end of the 20162019 fiscal year.
| | | | | | NEO | APPLICABLE BASE SALARY(1) | 2019 TARGET BONUS (% OF BASE SALARY) | 2019 TARGET BONUS | 2019 ACTUAL BONUS | ACTUAL BONUS AS % OF TARGET | Mr. Stewart | $800,000 | 150 % | $1,200,000 | $1,200,000 | 100% | Mr. Chien | 400,000 | 85 % | 340,000 | 340,000 | 100% |
| (1) | Reflects base salary in effect as of January 1, 2019. |
LLong-Termong-Term Equity Incentives The Company adopted the 2016MGP Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) in April 2016, pursuant to which the Company may grant options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, RSUs, performance shares, PSUs and other share-based awards to eligible individuals.participants. The 2016MGP Omnibus Plan is designed to advance the interests of the Company and its shareholders by providing key management employees, nonemployee directors and other eligible participants of the Company and its affiliates with innovative financial incentives, through share and performance basedperformance-based awards, in order to among other things, align participants’ interests with the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders.shareholders, among other things. For 2016,2019, the Company’s long-termequity incentive program consisted of three types of equity grants: PSUs, RSUs (each of which were granted to the NEOs during 2016) and Bonus PSUsDeferred RSUs (which were granted to Mr. Stewart in March 2017the first quarter of 2020 in connection with the Company’s 20162019 annual bonus program). RSUs granted in 2016November 2019 vest over a four-year period and are not subject to the achievement of performance criteria. PSU awards granted in 2016November 2019 cliff-vest after a three-year performance period and are based on the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) measured against a select group of comparator companies at the end of the applicablethree-year performance period.period beginning in 2019 and ending in 2022. Bonus PSUDeferred RSU awards, on the other hand, are granted in relation to the Company’s annual bonus program to the extent the participant’s annual bonus award is earned in excess of 100% of his or her base salary. OnceBonus Deferred RSUs are “vested” as of the grant date, meaning they are not subject to the achievement of additional performance criteria and are not subject to forfeiture in the case of termination. For the Bonus Deferred RSU awards granted payment of Bonus PSUin 2020 payable in connection with 2019 performance, the awards is based on the Company’s TSR as measuredpay out over a three-year performance period. PSUs, RSUs, and Bonus PSUs are described in more detail infour-year period following the sections that follow.grant date.
Based on review of competitive data and the overall roleroles held and contributions to the Company of theand efforts put forth by our NEOs, the Board determined that the long-term incentive opportunities of theour CEO and the CFO should be $1$2.0 million and $500,000,$1.0 million, respectively, and that 60%approximately 75% of this value should be delivered in PSUs and 40%approximately 25% in RSUs. These long-term incentives were awarded in April 2016.November 2019. The Board does not time the issuance or grant of any equity-based awards with the release of material, non-public information, nor do we time the release of material non-public information for the purpose of affecting the value of equity awards.
PPSUsSUs The core PSU concept is that, while an executive is awarded a target number of shares (the “Target PSUs”) to be paid at the end of a three-year performance period (the “Performance Period”), (1) the actual number of shares earned and paid depends on our TSR over the Performance Period, relative to a comparator group of companies, and (2) 100% of the Target PSUs will only be earned and paid if the Company’s TSR is at the 50th percentile of the comparator companies. The comparator companies consisted of the non-mortgage REIT component companies of the NAREIT Index. Each award of PSUs to our NEOs is eligible to vest on the earlier of the third anniversary of the date of grant andor the date of a change of control (as defined in the applicable award agreement), in either case, based on the Company’s TSR over the Performance Period relative to the applicable comparator companies, and subject to the NEO’s continued employment with the Operating Partnership or an affiliate through the last day of the Performance Period. Depending on the Company’s TSR relative to the comparator companies at the end of the Performance Period, anywhere from 0% to 160% of the Target | | | | | | | | | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 29 |
PSUs will vest and be paid. No portion of the Target PSUs will vest unless the Company’s TSR relative to the comparator companies is at least at the 30th30th percentile of comparator companies. Target PSUs are granted together with dividend equivalent rights that are subject to the same vesting and forfeiture terms as the underlying PSUs to which such dividend equivalents relate. Vested PSU awards and associated dividend equivalent rights are paid in the form of Class A shares, less applicable withholding, within 30 days following the last day of the Performance Period. However,Any fractional shares are paid in cash. The payout levels range from 50% to 160% of the Target PSUs, based on the following scale (payout is interpolated for results between the levels specified in the table). | | | | | PERFORMANCE LEVEL | | RELATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERCENTILE
| | VESTED % OF TARGET SHARES
| Maximum | | 90th or greater | | 160% | | | 80th | | 145% | | | 70th | | 130% | | | 60th | | 115% | Target | | 50th | | 100% | | | 40th | | 75% | | | 30th | | 50% | Threshold | | Below 30th | | 0% |
While PSUs provide some value even when the TSR underperforms the comparator group (so long as the TSR is not less than the 30th percentile of the peer group), their design magnifies the benefits of above-average TSR and the detriment of a below average shareholder return. In the event that TSR over the measurement period is negative, the percentage of Target PSUs eligible to vest is capped at 100%.
In general, participants must be employed as of the last day of the Performance Period to receive Class A shares in respect of his or her PSU awards granted in respect of such Performance Period. However, upon termination of a participant’s employment by the Operating Partnership without “good cause” or by the participant withoutwith the participant’s “good cause” (in the case of our NEOs, each as(as defined in the NEO’s employment agreement), or due to the participant’s death or disability, then the participant will vest in a pro-rated portion of the PSUs that would have becomeotherwise vested (butbut for such termination),termination, with such pro-ration being based on the number of days the participant was employed during the performance period, plus an additional 12 months (or, if shorter, through the end of the performance period), subject to the actual level of comparator TSR determined to be achieved at the end of the Performance Period. With respect to PSU awards granted in November 2019 and thereafter, PSUs receive full accelerated vesting upon death/disability, subject to the actual level of comparator TSR achieved at the time of termination.
RRSUsSUs The Board believes that time-based RSUs should comprise a portion of the executive’s long-term incentives as theybecause time-based vesting meaningfully supportsupports retention. Each RSU entitles the holder to receive one Class A share at vesting. While the value of the RSUs fluctuates with the Company’s performance (as reflected in the price of our Class A shares), the RSUs retain some value even in situations where no PSUs are payable due to insufficient TSR over the measurement period.Performance Period. This structure of providing long-term equity incentive awards in the form of both time-based restricted stock unit (RSU)RSUs and performance-based restricted stock unit (PSU)PSU awards encourages recipients to balance short-term performance considerations with the management of long-term risks and long-term performance. Each award of RSUs to our NEOs vests ratably over each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the NEO’s continued employment with the Operating Partnership or an affiliate through each applicable vesting date. However, upon termination of employment by the Operating Partnership without “good cause” or by the participant with the participant’s “good cause” (in the case of our NEOs, each as(as defined in the NEO’s employment agreement), or due to the participant’s death or disability for awards granted prior to November 2019, then the participant will vest in the number of RSUs that would have become vested (but for such termination) during the 12 months from the date of termination of employment. Once vested, RSUs will be paid in the form of the Company’s Class A shares within 30 days of the applicable vesting date. Bonus PSUs
The core Bonus PSU concept is that, while a NEO is awarded a target number In connection with death or disability, for awards granted after November 2019, participants will receive accelerated vesting in full of shares (the “Target Bonus PSUs”) to be paid at the end of a three-year performance period (such period, the “Performance Period”), (1) the actual number of shares earned and paid depends on the Company’s TSR as measured over the Performance Period; and (2) 100% of the their RSU awards. | | | | | 30 | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | |
Bonus Deferred RSUsTarget
67% of any bonus amount earned in between a NEO’s base salary and target are paid in Bonus PSUs will only be earnedDeferred RSUs (with the remainder in cash) and paid if the Company’s TSR at the end33% of the Performance Period is 125%. No portion of the Target Bonus PSUs will vest if TSR is less than 60%, and no more than 160% of the Target Bonus PSUs may be paid under any circumstance. The number of Target Bonus PSUs is set at anbonus amount with a value for accounting purposes (using a Monte Carlo valuation method) that is equal to the amount of the applicable NEO’s annual bonus earned in excess of such NEO’s annualtarget (and, with respect to the CFO, base salary. By way of example,salary) are paid in Bonus Deferred RSUs (with the amount of Target Bonus PSUs awarded to Mr. Stewartremainder in respect of 2016 performance (17,405 shares), had a value of $400,000, which was the amount of his 2016 annual bonuscash) that was earned in excess of his $800,000 annual base salary. Mr. Chien didare not receive any Bonus PSUs in respect of 2016 performance, since the annual bonus awarded to him by the Board ($300,000) was less than 100% of his 2016 base salary. Unlike PSUs, Bonus PSUs are “vested” as of the grant date; in other words, Bonus PSUs granted following the end of the applicable annual bonus cycle are subject to forfeiture in the event that the threshold levelachievement of the Company’s TSR measurement over the Performance Period isadditional performance criteria and are not met, but arenotsubject to forfeiture in the case of a participant’stermination. The Board considers this design appropriate given that the executive has already achieved the level of performance necessary in order to earn an annual bonus payout in an amount exceeding his or her base salary. Bonus Deferred RSUs are paid in equal installments on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date (subject to earlier payment upon certain specified termination of employment.events).
AAwardward Summary The Board awarded equity-based compensation to our NEOs in 20162019 as follows:follows (the amounts below do not include the $132,000 in Bonus Deferred RSUs awarded to Mr. Stewart in 2019 in connection with his bonus for 2018): | | | | | | | | | | | | | NEO | | AWARD TYPE | | GRANT DATE | | | UNITS(A) | | | GRANT DATE FAIR VALUE OF AWARDS | Mr. Stewart | | RSU | | | 4/19/2016 | | | | 19,533 | | | $400,008 | | | PSU | | | 4/19/2016 | | | | 29,985 | (B) | | 600,066 | Mr. Chien | | RSU | | | 4/19/2016 | | | | 9,766 | | | $200,004 | | | PSU | | | 4/19/2016 | | | | 14,992 | (B) | | 300,033 |
| | | | | NEO | AWARD TYPE | GRANT DATE | UNITS(A) | GRANT DATE FAIR VALUE OF AWARDS($) | Mr. Stewart | RSU | 11/04/2019 | 15,596 | $ 500,000 | | PSU | 11/04/2019 | 45,664(B) | 1,500,000 | Mr. Chien | RSU | 11/04/2019 | 7,798 | 250,000 | | PSU | 11/04/2019 | 22,832(B) | 750,000 |
(A) | UnitsNumber of units does not include dividend equivalent rights credited during 2016. The2019, because the grant date fair value of awards takes into account the value of quarterly dividends into account.dividends. |
(B) | Vesting is subject to satisfaction of certain performance criteria,relative TSR achievement over the Performance Period, as described above. |
DDeferredeferred Compensation Opportunities For Employees Under our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “DCP”), our NEOs may elect to defer up to 50% of their base salary or 75% of the cash portion of their annual bonus on a pre-tax basis and accumulate tax-deferred earnings on their accounts. At the time of making a deferral election, participants designate the time and form of the distribution of deferrals to be made for the year to which that election relates. Distributions may occur earlier upon certain events set forth in the DCP, in all cases subject to certain conditions provided for under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. AllBoth of our NEOs are eligible to participate in the DCP, but no deferrals were made by any such individuals under the DCP in 2016.2019. We believe that providing our NEOs with this deferral option is a cost-effective way to permit executives to receive the tax benefits associated with delaying the income tax event on the compensation deferred, even though the related deduction for us also is deferred. Our NEOs are also eligible to participate in our retirement savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.
PPerquisiteserquisites and Other Benefits We pay premiums and other expenses for group life insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and business travel insurance on behalf of our NEOs.
SSharehare Ownership Guidelines The Board has adopted share ownership and retention guidelines for our NEOs pursuant to which such individuals are expected to attain minimum levels of share ownership and retain portions of their equity holdings for a certain period of time. Individuals subject to these guidelines have until the fifth anniversary of the guideline’s adoption date to attain the requisite level of ownership. The target ownership level of Company share is expressed as a multiple of base salary. Specifically, target ownership level is set at 5x base salary for theour CEO and 2x base salary for all other NEOs. Until the ownership threshold is achieved, individuals subject to the guidelines are expected to retain 50% of the net number of shares received after the sale or withholding of taxes in connection with the vesting or exercise of shares underlying such awards. All current NEOs are in compliance with these guidelines or on track to comply with these guidelines within the specified time period. Prohibition on Short Sales, Derivatives Trading and Pledging and Hedging of Company Securities. | | | | | | | | | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 31 |
The Company’s insider trading policy provides that certain executives (including our NEOs) may not enter into short sales of our securities or buy or sell exchange-traded options on our securities. Further, the Company’s insider trading policy prohibits pledging or hedging of the Company’s securities by NEOs, executive officers and directors.
OOtherther Compensation Matters
IImpact of Tax Certain Treatmentnternal Revenue Code Section 162(m) Subject to certain transition rules for binding contracts in effect on Compensation UnderNovember 2, 2017, Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Section 162(m)”), generally disallows a publicly-held corporation may not deducttax deduction to public companies for compensation paid in excess of more than $1 million to “covered employees” as defined under Section 162(m) (generally, such company’s chief executive officer, its chief financial officer and its three other highest paid in any one year to any “covered employee” (withinexecutive officers). The Board takes into account the meaningtax and accounting implications (including the deduction limits of revised Section 162(m)) unless certain exceptions are met, including an exception relatingwhen making compensation decisions, but necessarily reserves its right to make compensation decisions based on other factors as well if the Board determines it is in its best interests to do so.
Based on the following considerations, the Board has not historically designed its compensation programs with the intent that qualifies as “performance-based compensation”such amounts qualify for deduction under Section 162(m). The Board’s policy is to consider the tax treatment of compensation paid to our executive officers while simultaneously seeking to provide our executives with appropriate rewards for their performance. Substantially all of the services rendered by our executive officers are performed on behalf of the Operating Partnership (or its subsidiaries), of which we are the sole general partner. ThePrior to the issuance of proposed regulations under Section 162(m) on December 20, 2019, we have relied upon the issuance by the Internal Revenue Service has issuedof a series of private letter rulings which indicateindicated that compensation paid by an operating partnership to executive officers of a REIT that serves as its general partner is not subject to the limitation under Section 162(m) to the extent such compensation is attributable to services rendered to the operating partnership. We have not obtainedThe new regulations now provide that, for taxable years ending on or after December 20, 2019, a ruling on this issue, but believe it is reasonable to assume that the same conclusion would apply to us in connection with making certain compensation-related decisions. To the extent that it is determined thatpartner’s distributive share of a partnership’s deduction for compensation paid to our executive officers may beby the partnership for services of a covered employee of the partner is subject to and would not qualify for, deduction under Section 162(m),. With these considerations in mind, our Board reserves thehas reserved its right to provide compensation opportunities that may not be deductible under Section 162(m) to the extent it determines it is appropriate to do so in order to maintain the flexibility it needs to develop the incentive compensation programs applicable to the Company’s executive officers. The issuance of the proposed regulations under Section 162(m) may impact this approach for future tax years. Because we qualify as a REIT under the Code and we generally distribute at least 100% of our REIT taxable income each year, we do not pay federal income tax on our REIT taxable income.income, other than income earned by our taxable REIT subsidiaries.
The Board will continue its policy of considering the tax treatment of compensation paid to our executive officers and, to the extent that it is determined that compensation paid to our executive officers is subject to Section 162(m) based recent IRS guidance, the Board will analyze the impact of this determination on our compensation programs going forward.
BBOARDOF DIRECTORS REPORT DIRECTORS REPORT The Board has reviewed and discussed the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” included in this Proxy Statement with management. Based on the Board’s review and discussion with management, the Board determined that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement. James J. Murren,
Paul Salem, Chair Elisa Gois
William J. Hornbuckle
John M. McManus Michael Rietbrock Thomas Roberts Corey Sanders Robert Smith Daniel J. Taylor
The foregoing report of the Board does not constitute soliciting material and shall not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates such report by reference therein. | | | | | 32 | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | |
CCOMPENSATION TABLES TABLES
SSummaryummary Compensation Table The following table summarizes the compensation of theour NEOs for the years ended December 31, 2016.2017, December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | NAME AND TITLE | | YEAR | | SALARY(A) | | BONUS(B) | | STOCK AWARDS(C) | | | ALL OTHER COMPENSATION(D) | | TOTAL | James C. Stewart Chief Executive Officer | | 2016 | | $763,956 | | $1,200,000 | | | $1,000,074 | | | $11,066 | | $2,975,096 | Andy H. Chien Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | | 2016 | | 381,978 | | 300,000 | | | 500,037 | | | 13,851 | | 1,195,866 |
| | | | | | | NAME AND TITLE | YEAR | SALARY(A) | STOCK AWARDS(B) | NON-EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN COMPENSATION(C) | ALL OTHER COMPENSATION(D) | TOTAL | James C. Stewart | 2019 | $833,562 | $2,000,000 | $1,200,000 | $43,040
| $4,076,602
| Chief Executive Officer | 2018 | 800,000 | 1,500,000 | 1,200,000 | 41,157
| 3,541,157
| | 2017 | 800,000 | 1,500,022 | 1,200,000 | 23,833
| 3,523,855
| Andy H. Chien | 2019 | 433,562 | 1,000,000 | 340,000 | 26,511
| 1,800,073
| Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | 2018 | 400,000 | 700,000 | 300,000 | 25,672 | 1,425,672
| | 2017 | 400,000 | 699,998 | 300,000 | 22,830
| 1,422,828
|
(A) | See “Compensation“Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Annual Base Salary and Employment Agreements”.Salary.” |
(B) | The amounts reflected in this column are the gross amounts of each NEOs’ annual bonus award earned in respect of service during 2016 which, for Mr. Stewart, includes Bonus PSUs earned in respect of the portion of his annual bonus that exceeded his annual base salary. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Annual Incentive Bonus” for more details. The cash-portion of such amounts were paid in a lump sum in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. |
(C) | For 2016,2019, consists of RSUs and PSUs granted under the 2016MGP Omnibus Plan. For RSU awards, reflects the grant date value of such awards as determined in accordance FASB ASC 718. For PSU awards, in order for the target number of shares to be paid (the “Target Shares”), MGP’s TSR over a three-year performance period must be at the 50th percentile of the select group of MGP’s peers over the same period. No Class A shares in respect of PSUs are issued unless the TSR is equal to or greater than the 30th percentile of the peer group, and the maximum payout is 160% of the Target Shares, if MGP’s TSR is equal to or greater than the 90th percentile of the peer group over the three-year performance period. The grant date fair value for PSU awards was computed in accordance with FASB ASC 718, using a Monte Carlo simulation model with assumptions as described in Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, filed on March 6, 2017.model. Assuming the highest level of achievement of the TSR performance criteria that can be achieved, the grant date fair valuesvalue of the PSU awards were $1$2.4 million and $0.5$1.2 million for Mr. Stewart and Mr. Chien, respectively. See “Compensation“Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Long-Term Equity Incentives”Incentives.” Mr. Stewart received a Bonus Deferred RSU award in 2019 with a grant date value of $0.1 million. |
(C) | The amounts reflected in this column are the gross amounts of each NEOs’ annual bonus award earned in respect of the applicable fiscal year. For Mr. Stewart, the amounts shown include the amount earned in excess of his annual base salary for the applicable fiscal year that was paid in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs in respect of 2017, 2018, and 2019 performance. For 2017 performance, 100% of any excess amount was paid in Bonus Deferred RSUs. For 2018 performance, 33% of any excess amount was paid in Bonus Deferred RSUs (with the remainder paid in cash). NoFor 2019 performance, 67% of any amount earned in between a NEO’s base salary and target bonus are paid in Bonus PSU awardsDeferred RSUs (with remainder paid in cash) and 33% of any bonus amount earned in excess of target are paid in Bonus Deferred RSUs (with the remainder in cash). See “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Annual Incentive Bonus” for more details. The cash-portion of such amounts were granted during 2016.each paid in a lump sum in the first quarter of the following fiscal year. |
(D) All other compensation for 2019 consists of life insurance premiums and benefits and 401K match contributions. (D) | All other compensation for 2016 consists of insurance premiums and benefits. |
GGrantsrants of Plan-Based Awards The table below shows plan-based awards granted during 20162019 to theour NEOs. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Annual Incentive Bonus” and “—Long-Term Equity Incentives” for a narrative description of these awards. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDERNON-EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS(A) | | | ESTIMATED NUMBER OF SHARES FOR FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS(B) | | GRANT DATE FAIR VALUE OF STOCK AWARDS(B) | NAME | | GRANT DATE | | | THRESHOLD | | | TARGET | | | MAXIMUM | | | THRESHOLD | | TARGET | | MAXIMUM | | Mr. Stewart | | | N/A | | | | $— | | | $ | 800,000 | | | $ | 1,400,000 | | | — | | — | | — | | $ — | | | | 4/19/2016 | (C) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | — | | 19,533 | | — | | 400,008 | | | | 4/19/2016 | (D) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | 14,993 | | 29,985 | | 47,976 | | 600,066 | Mr. Chien | | | N/A | | | | $— | | | $ | 200,000 | | | $ | 350,000 | | | — | | — | | — | | $ — | | | | 4/19/2016 | (C) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | — | | 9,766 | | — | | 200,004 | | | | 4/19/2016 | (D) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | 7,496 | | 14,992 | | 23,987 | | 300,033 |
NAME | GRANT DATE | ESTIMATED POSSIBLE PAYOUTS UNDER NON-EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS(A) | ESTIMATED NUMBER OF SHARES FOR FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS(B) | GRANT DATE FAIR VALUE OF STOCK AWARDS(B) | THRESHOLD | TARGET | MAXIMUM | THRESHOLD | TARGET | MAXIMUM | Mr. Stewart | N/A | $— | $1,200,000 | $2,100,000 | — | — | — | $ — | 11/4/2019(C) | — | — | — | — | 15,596 | — | 500,000 | 11/4/2019 (D) | — | — | — | 22,832 | 45,664 | 73,062 | 1,500,000 | Mr. Chien | N/A | — | 340,000 | 595,000 | — | — | — | — | 11/4/2019(C) | — | — | — | — | 7,798 | — | 250,000 | 11/4/2019 (D) | — | — | — | 11,416 | 22,832 | 36,531 | 750,000 |
(A) | AnyPursuant to the terms of the 2019 annual bonus program, 67% of the portion of theany annual cash bonus earned by our NEOs in 20162019 that iswas in excess of 100% of theirbetween the NEO’s base pay is paidsalary and target bonus was granted in the form of Bonus PSUs.Deferred RSUs (with the remainder paid in cash) and 33% of any bonus amount in excess of a NEO’s target bonus was granted in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs (with the remainder paid in cash). Mr. Stewart received a Bonus Deferred RSU award in the first quarter of 2020 with a grant date value of $268,000. See “Compensation“Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis”Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Long-Term Equity Incentives—Bonus Deferred RSUs.” |
(B) | See note (C)(B) to the Summary Compensation Table above. |
(C) | RSU award. Number of units shown takes into accountdoes not include dividend equivalent rights credited during 2016.2019, because the grant date fair value of awards takes into account the value of quarterly dividends. |
(C) | RSU award granted under the MGP Omnibus Plan. | (D) | PSU award granted under the MGP Omnibus Plan. |
(D) | PSU award. Number of units shown takes into account dividend equivalent rights credited during 2016. |
| | | | | | | | | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 33 |
OOutstandingutstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End The table below shows outstanding equity awards of theheld by our NEOs as of December 31, 2016. 2019. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | OPTION/SAR AWARDS | | | SHARE AWARDS (RSUs AND PSUs) | | | | NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED OPTIONS/SARS | | | OPTION/ SAR EXERCISE PRICE | | | OPTION/ SAR EXPIRATION DATE | | | SHARES THAT HAVE NOT
VESTED (RSUs) | | | EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
PLAN AWARDS: UNEARNED
UNEARNED SHARES, UNITS OR OTHER RIGHTS THAT HAVE NOT VESTED | (PSUs) | NAME | EXERCISABLE | EXERCISABLEUN-EXERCISABLE | NUMBER | VALUE | UN-EXERCISABLENUMBER | | | | | VALUE NUMBER(I) | | | VALUE | | | NUMBER | | | VALUE | | Mr. Stewart | — | — | — | —
| 5,822(A) | $180,307 | — | — | | — | — | — | — | 8,701 (B) | 269,470 | — | — | | — | — | — | — | 11,784(C) | 364,950 | — | — | | — | — | — | — | 15,596(D) | 483,008 | — | — | | — | — | — | — | — | — | 20,439(E) | 721,601 | | — | — | — | — | — | — | 45,207 (F) | 1,832,402 | | — | — | — | — | — | — | 40,443 (G) | 1,188,381 | | — | — | — | — | — | — | 45,664 (H) | 1,557,203 | Mr. Chien | — | — | — | — | 2,910 (A) | 90,123 | — | — | | — | — | — | — | 4,349(B) | 134,689 | — | — | | — | — | — | — | 5,892 (C) | 182,475 | — | — | | — | — | — | — | 7,798(D) | 241,504 | — | — | | — | — | — | — | — | — | 20,548 (F) | 832,876 | | — | — | — | — | — | — | 18,383 (G) | 540,179 | | — | — | — | —
| — | — | 22,832 (H) | | — | | | | — | | | | 19,533 | (A)(B) | | | 494,380 | (D) | | | — | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 29,985 | (C) | | | 1,198,024 | (D) | Mr. Chien | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 9,766 | (A)(B) | | | 247,177 | (D) | | | — | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 14,992 | (C) | | | 598,986 | (D)778,586 |
(A) | RSU award. Number of units shown includes dividend equivalent rights credited during 2016.award scheduled to vest on 4/19/20. |
(B) | ScheduledRSU award scheduled to vest in equal installments on each of 4/19/17, 4/19/18, 4/19/193/20 and 4/19/20.3/21. |
(C) | RSU award scheduled to vest in equal installments on each of 4/23/20, 4/23/21, and 4/23/22. |
(D) | RSU award scheduled to vest in equal installments on each of 11/4/20, 11/4/21, 11/4/22, and 11/4/23. |
(E) | Bonus PSU awardsaward scheduled to vest on 4/19/19. Number of units shown includes dividend equivalent rights credited during 2016.3/6/20. |
(D)(F) | PSU award scheduled to vest on 4/3/20. |
(G) | PSU award scheduled to vest on 4/23/21. |
(H) | PSU award scheduled to vest on 11/4/22. |
(I) | Amounts determined based on the closing price of ourall Class A sharesShares at December 30, 2016,12/31/2019, which was $25.31. Amounts provided related to$30.97. Number of PSUs shown assumes that December 31, 201612/31/2019 was the end of the performance period. |
SNonqualifiedtock Vested The following table shows RSU vesting for our NEOs during 2019.
| | | | | | | STOCK AWARDS (RSUs) | | STOCK AWARDS (PSUs) | NAME | NUMBER OF SHARES ACQUIRED ON VESTING(#) | VALUE REALIZED ON VESTING(A) | | NUMBER OF SHARES ACQUIRED ON VESTING(#) | VALUE REALIZED ON VESTING | James C. Stewart | 18,045 | $440,800 | | 55,471 | $1,798,364 | Andy H. Chien | 6,795 | 220,415 | | 27,735 | 899,182 |
(A) | The value realized on vesting of RSUs is equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the applicable date of vesting, times the number of shares acquired upon vesting. The number of shares and value realized on vesting includes shares that were withheld at the time of vesting to satisfy tax withholding requirements. For Mr. Stewart, the number of shares acquired on vesting includes 4,457 Bonus Deferred RSUs granted to him during 2019 (including DEUs that were earned on such award during 2019) that were fully vested on the grant date, but the settlement and receipt of shares has been deferred until the third anniversary of the grant date. Because no value was realized by Mr. Stewart upon vesting of these Deferred Bonus RSUs, no value is reflected for these awards in the table above. As of the grant date, the value of these awards was $132,000. |
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation None of our NEOs contributed to the Company’s Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.Plan in respect of services performed during 2019. See “Compensation“Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Deferred Compensation Opportunities”Opportunities for Employees” for a narrative description of the DCP.
EEstimatedstimated Benefits upon Termination The following table indicates the estimated amounts that would be payable to each NEO upon a hypothetical termination as of December 31, 20162019 under various termination scenarios, pursuant to the applicable employment agreements, policies and equity awards. | | | | | | | SEVERANCE(A) | VESTING OF RSUs(B)(C) | VESTING OF PSUs(B)(C)(D) | OTHER(F) | TOTAL | Death or Disability | | | | | | Mr. Stewart | $212,500
| $ 919,747 | $4,454,377 | $ — | $5,586,624 | Mr. Chien | 112,500 | 459,812 | 2,095,454 | — | 2,667,766 | Company Terminates Without Good Cause | | | | | | Mr. Stewart | 2,125,000 | 557,491 | 3,496,754 | 61,714 | 6,240,959 | Mr. Chien | 832,500 | 278,668 | 1,616,652 | 34,437 | 2,762,257 | NEO Terminates Without Good Cause/Company Terminates With Good Cause | | | | | | Mr. Stewart | —
| — | — | — | — | Mr. Chien | —
| — | — | — | — | NEO Terminates With Good Cause | | | | | | Mr. Stewart | 2,125,000 | 557,491 | 3,496,754 | 61,714 | 6,240,959 | Mr. Chien | 832,500 | 278,668 | 1,616,652 | 34,437 | 2,762,257 | Change of Control(E) | | | | | | Mr. Stewart | 4,250,000 | 1,297,736 | 4,577,985 | 82,286 | 10,208,007 | Mr. Chien | 1,665,000 | 648,791 | 2,151,641 | 45,917 | 4,511,349 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | SEVERANCE(A) | | | VESTING OF RSUs(B)(C) | | | VESTING OF PSUs(B)(C)(D) | | | OTHER | | | TOTAL | | Death or Disability | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Mr. Stewart | | $ | 200,000 | | | $ | 123,614 | | | $ | 679,427 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,003,041 | | Mr. Chien | | | 100,000 | | | | 61,807 | | | | 339,699 | | | | — | | | | 501,506 | | Company Terminates Without Good Cause | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Mr. Stewart | | | 1,600,000 | | | | 123,614 | | | | 679,427 | | | | 26,189 | | | | 2,429,230 | | Mr. Chien | | | 600,000 | | | | 61,807 | | | | 339,699 | | | | 36,181 | | | | 1,037,687 | | NEO Terminates Without Good Cause/Company Terminates With Good Cause | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Mr. Stewart | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | Mr. Chien | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | NEO Terminates With Good Cause | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Mr. Stewart | | | 1,600,000 | | | | 123,614 | | | | 679,427 | | | | 26,189 | | | | 2,429,230 | | Mr. Chien | | | 600,000 | | | | 61,807 | | | | 339,699 | | | | 36,181 | | | | 1,037,687 | | Change of Control(E) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Mr. Stewart | | | 3,200,000 | | | | 494,380 | | | | 1,198,024 | | | | 34,919 | | | | 4,927,323 | | Mr. Chien | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 247,177 | | | | 598,986 | | | | 48,242 | | | | 2,094,405 | |
(A) This column does not include any unpaid prior year bonuses that were earned prior to the date of termination. (A)(B) | This column does not include any unpaid prior year bonuses that were earned prior to the date of termination. |
| | | | | 34 | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | |
(B) | The value of outstanding RSUs and PSUs (including any accelerated or continued vesting that would occur under each of these termination scenarios) is based on the closing price of our Class A shares on December 30, 2016,31, 2019, which was $25.31.$30.97. |
(C) | For purposes of the calculation of any continued or accelerated vesting in respect of outstanding equity awards, (1) we have assumed that in connection with each NEO’s termination, such NEO was eligible for the maximum post-termination continued and accelerated vesting period applicable to each award, which may not be the case if an actual termination were to occur, and (2) we have treated continued vesting of awards in the same manner as accelerated vesting based on the Class A share price on December 30, 2016.31, 2019. |
(D) | Assumes that December 31, 20162019 was end of performance period for PSUs. |
(E) | Assumes each NEO’s employment terminates (other than as a result of a termination by the Company for good cause or by the NEO without good cause) in connection with a change of control. In general, no benefits are payable solely as a result of a change of control (i.e., in general, there are no single trigger benefits). The only situation in which change of control benefits are potentially payable absent an executive’s termination is the case of equity awards in the event they are not assumed by the acquirer as part of the change of control. In the event of such a triggering event occurring, the NEO would receive estimated benefits set forth in the columns entitled “Vesting of RSUs” and “Vesting of PSUs.” |
(F) | Represents the estimated value of COBRA payments payable in connection with the applicable triggering event. |
EEmploymentmployment Agreements with Named Executive Officers
Stewart Employment Agreement On April 5, 2016, Mr. StewartJune 17, 2019, the Operating Partnership entered into an employment agreement with the Operating Partnership, pursuant to which he commenced employmentMr. Stewart, effective as Chief Executive Officer of the Operating Partnership and of the Company.May 1, 2019. Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement provides for a three-year term of employment commencing on the date of the Company’s initial public offering.until April 30, 2023. Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement provides a minimum annual base salary of $800,000. Per Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement, his$850,000 and an annual target bonus is equal to 100%150% of his base salary. In the event of a termination of Mr. Stewart’s employment as the result of his death or a termination by the Operating Partnership due to disability, the Operating Partnership would be obligated towill pay Mr. Stewart three months’ salary payable at regular payroll intervals (less any payments received from an employer-paid short term disability policy). In the event of a termination by the Operating Partnership “without goodfor “no cause” by the Operating Partnership or by Mr. Stewart for “good cause”, in each case, prior to the end of the term of the Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement, the Operating Partnership would be obligated to pay Mr. Stewart:Stewart will receive (i) an amount equal to his annual base salary plus his target bonus amount, payable in 12 monthly installments; (ii) any earned but unpaid discretionary bonus due to him, payable in accordance with the applicable bonus program;him; and (iii) a payment equal to 1.5 times the cost of COBRA for a coverage period of 12 months, payable in 12 monthly installments. If the Operating Partnership terminates Mr. Stewart’s employment is terminatedStewart for “no cause”no cause after the end of the term of his employment agreement (at which time he would be treated as an at-will employee of the Company)Operating Partnership), Mr. Stewart will receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of (i) 26 weeks’ base salary or (ii) two times the amount he would otherwise receive under the Operating Partnership’s then-effective discretionary severance policy. Any such severance payments will be subject to applicable taxes and Mr. Stewart’s execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims. Under the employment agreement, a “good cause” termination by Mr. Stewart is generally defined as: (i) any assignment of duties that are materially and significantly different than those contemplated by the terms of the employment agreement or are clearly inappropriate or demeaning and not customary for someone serving as a chief executive officer; (ii) any material and significant limitation on Mr. Stewart’s powers not contemplated by the terms of the employment agreement; or (iii) the failure of the Operating Partnership to pay Mr. Stewart any compensation when due. A “good cause” termination by the Operating Partnership is generally defined as Mr. Stewart’s: (i) death or disability; (ii) failure to abide by the Operating Partnership’s policies and procedures; misconduct, insubordination, inattention to the Operating Partnership’s business; and failure to perform the duties required of him; dishonesty; or other material breach of the employment agreement; or (iii) failure to comply with certain licensing requirements.
Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement also contains non-compete and non-solicit covenants generally prohibiting Mr. Stewart from providing services to a competitor or soliciting employees or business contacts for 12 months following his termination of employment or for 12 months following the term of the employment agreement. In addition, the employment agreement mandates that Mr. Stewart’s confidentiality obligations continue even after his termination of employment. Chien Employment Agreement | | | | | | | | | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 35 |
Chien Employment Agreement
On April 5, 2016, Mr. ChienJune 17, 2019, the Operating Partnership entered into an employment agreement with the Operating Partnership, pursuant to which he commenced employmentMr. Chien, effective as Chief Financial Officer of the Operating Partnership and of the Company.May 1, 2019. Mr. Chien’s employment agreement provides for a three-year term of employment commencing on the date of the Company’s initial public offering.until April 30, 2023. Mr. Chien’s employment agreement provides a minimum annual base salary of $400,000. Per Mr. Chen’s employment agreement, his$450,000 and an annual target bonus is equal to 50%85% of his base salary. Mr. Chien’s employment agreement also provides Mr. Chien with certain other benefits and perquisites, which are discussed in detail in his employment agreement. In the event of a termination of Mr. Chien’s employment as the result of his death or a termination by the Operating Partnership due to disability, the Operating Partnership would be obligated towill pay Mr. Chien three months’ salary payable at regular payroll intervals (less any payments received from an employer-paid short term disability policy). In the event of a termination by the Operating Partnership without “good cause” by the Operating Partnershipfor no cause or by Mr. Chien for “good cause”good cause prior to the end of the term of the Mr. Chien’s employment agreement, Mr. Chien will receive (i) an amount equal to his annual base salary plus his target bonus amount, payable in 12 monthly installments; (ii) any earned but unpaid discretionary bonus due to him; and (iii) a payment equal to 1.5 times the cost of COBRA for a coverage period of 12 months, payable in 12 monthly installments. If the Operating Partnership terminates Mr. Chien for no cause after the end of the term of his employment agreement (at which time he would be obligated to pay Mr. Chien the same benefits described above for Mr. Stewart. Under the employment agreement, a “good cause” termination by Mr. Chien is generally defined as: (i) any assignment of duties that are materially and significantly different than those contemplated by the terms of the employment agreement or are clearly inappropriate or demeaning and not customary for someone servingtreated as a chief financial officer; (ii) any material and significant limitation on Mr. Chien’s powers not contemplated by the terms of the employment agreement; or (iii) the failurean at-will employee of the Operating Partnership to payPartnership), Mr. Chien any compensation when due. A “good cause termination bywill receive a lump sum payment equal to the Operating Partnership is generally defined as Mr. Chien’s:greater of (i) death26 weeks’ base salary or disability; (ii) failure to abide bytwo times the amount he would otherwise receive under the Operating Partnership’s policiesthen-effective discretionary severance policy. Any such severance payments will be subject to applicable taxes and procedures; misconduct, insubordination, inattention to the Operating Partnership’s business;Mr. Chien’s execution and failure to perform the duties required of; dishonesty; or other material breachnon-revocation of the employment agreement; or (iii) failure to comply with certain licensing requirements.a general release of claims.
Mr. Chien’s employment agreement also contains non-compete and non-solicit covenants describedgenerally prohibiting Mr. Chien from providing services to a competitor or soliciting employees or business contacts for 12 months following his termination of employment or for 12 months following the term of the employment agreement. In addition, the employment agreement mandates that Mr. Stewart above.Chien’s confidentiality obligations continue even after his termination of employment.
CChangehange of Control Benefits The Operating Partnership sponsors a change of control policy for its executive officers (includingin which the NEOs)NEOs participate (the “Change of Control Policy”). The Change of Control Policy provides a uniform severance policy for the termination of an executive officer by us without “good cause,” or by an executive officer with “good cause” (each term as set forth in the Change of Control Policy), within six months prior to, on or within 12 months following, a “change of control” (as such term is defined in the Change of Control Policy) (a “Qualifying Termination”). The Board believes that that the Change of Control Policy serves as an effective retention tool. The benefits available under the Change of Control Policy to a covered executive officer in connection with a Qualifying Termination are as follows, provided that the executive officer executes an effective general release of claims: (i) 2.0 times the sum of the executive’s base salary and target annual bonus (subject to a $10 million cap in the case of the chief executive officer, and a $4 million cap in the case of all other executive officers); and (ii) a lump-sum payment equal in value to 24 months of continued health and insurance benefits. In addition, any earned but unpaid prior-year annual bonus would remain payable in accordance with the terms of such bonus plan. Severance benefits are subject to forfeiture and clawback in the event the covered executive officer breaches any post-employment restrictive covenants, and may be cut back to the extent they would otherwise be subject to Section 280G or 4999 of the Code. For purposes of the Change of Control Policy: (1) a “good cause” termination by the Operating Partnership is generally defined as: (i) participant’s failure to reasonably abide by Employer’s policies and procedures, misconduct, insubordination, failure to perform the duties required of participant up to reasonable standards; (ii) the participant’s failure to comply with certain of the Operating Partnership’s licensing requirements; (iii) the Operating Partnership has been directed by an applicable governmental authority to cease business with the participant; (iv) any of the Operating Partnership gaming business licenses are threatened to be, or are, denied, curtailed, suspended or revoked as a result of the participant’s employment by the Operating Partnership or as a result of the participant’s actions; and (2) a “good cause” termination by the participant is generally defined as (i) failure by the Operating Partnership to pay the participant any compensation when due; or (ii) a material reduction in the scope of duties or responsibilities of the participant; or (iii) any reduction in the participant’s annual base salary or target annual bonus. In the event that a participant holds any equity award (whether issued pursuant to the MGM Growth Properties LLC 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan or otherwise) at the time of a change of control, such award will be eligible to accelerate and vest as and to the extent provided in the applicable plan and/or award agreement governing the terms of such award. | | | | | 36 | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | |
CEO PAY RATIO DISCLOSURE As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Act, and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation of our CEO, Mr. Stewart. To identify the median of the annual total compensation of all our employees (other than the CEO), we took the following steps: We determined that, as of December 31, 2019, our employee population consisted of 5 individuals, not including our CEO. Our entire employee population is located inside the U.S. and therefore we did not exclude any employees from our calculations in order to identify the median employee. To identify the median employee from this population, we calculated the total annual compensation for each employee by using W-2 compensation for the 2019 calendar year. We determined that W-2 compensation appropriately reflected the overall compensation profile of our employee population and was therefore a reasonable compensation measure to apply in order to identify the median employee. We did not annualize compensation or apply any cost of living adjustments. We calculated all of the elements of the median employee’s compensation for the 2019 fiscal year in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K, resulting in an estimated annual total compensation of $216,323. To calculate the annual total compensation of Mr. Stewart, we used the amount reported in the “Total” column of the 2019 Summary Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement, which was $4,076,602, resulting in a ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to the median of the annual total compensation of our employees of 19 to 1. We believe this pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402 of Regulation S-K. Because the SEC rules for identifying the median of the annual total compensation of our employees and calculating the pay ratio based on that employee’s annual total compensation allow companies to adopt a variety of methodologies, to apply certain exclusions, and to make reasonable estimates and assumptions that reflect their employee populations and compensation practices, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable to our pay ratio, as other companies have headquarters in different countries, have different employee populations and compensation practices and may utilize different methodologies, exclusions, estimates and assumptions in calculating their pay ratios.
NOTICE CONCERNING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS CONCERNING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS NOMINATIONS We intend to hold our 20182021 annual meeting of shareholders in May 2018.2021. Therefore, proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the 20182021 annual meeting of shareholders submitted in accordance with Rule 14a-8 of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act must be received by us on or before December 20, 2017November 27, 2020 in order to be considered by the Board for inclusion in the form of proxy and proxy statement to be issued by the Board for that meeting. We expect that the 2021 annual meeting will also be held online and as a virtual meeting only. Our LLC Agreement requires that any shareholder proposal or director nomination that is not submitted for inclusion in next year’s proxy statement under Rule 14a-8, but is instead sought to be presented directly at the 20182021 annual meeting of shareholders, must be received by us no earlier than January 31, 20186, 2021 and no later than March 2, 2018February 5, 2021 and otherwise comply with the requirements in our LLC Agreement. All such shareholder proposals and nominations should be submitted to the Secretary of the Company, by the stated deadline, at the following address: Company Secretary, MGM Growth Properties LLC, 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 500, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, Attention: Shareholder Communications. If we do not receive your proposal or nomination by the appropriate deadline and in accordance with the terms of our LLC Agreement, then it may not properly be brought before the 20182021 annual meeting of shareholders. The fact that we may not insist upon compliance with these requirements should not be construed as a waiver by us of our right to do so in the future.
| | | | | | | | | | | MGM Growth Properties LLC 2017 Proxy Statement | | 37 |
47
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individual nominee(s), mark
“For All Except” and write the
number(s) of the nominee(s)
on the line below. | | | | | | | | | | | | | The Board of Directors recommends you vote
FOR the following:
| | ☐ | | ☐ | | | ☐ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1. | | Election of Directors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Nominees
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 01) James J. Murren 02) Michael Rietbrock 03) Thomas Roberts 04) Daniel J. Taylor 05) Elisa Gois
06) William J. Hornbuckle 07) John M. McManus 08) Robert Smith
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3.
| | | For | | Against | | Abstain | | | | | | | | | | | 2 To ratify the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm the one year ending December 31, 2017.
| | | | | | ☐ | | ☐ | | ☐ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3 To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.
| | | | | | ☐ | | ☐ | | ☐ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The Board of Directors recommends you vote 1 YEAR on proposal 4. | | | 1 year | | | 2 years | | 3 years | | Abstain | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 4 To approve, on an advisory basis, the frequency of the shareholders advisory vote on executive compensation.
| | | ☐ | | | ☐ | | ☐ | | ☐ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | NOTE:Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]
| | | | | | Date
| | | | | | | | | Signature (Joint Owners) | | | | | | | | Date | | | | | | |
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:The Annual Report and Notice & Proxy Statement are available atwww.proxyvote.com.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | MGM GROWTH PROPERTIES LLC
This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
May 31, 2017 10:00 AM Eastern Time
The undersigned hereby appoints Michael Rietbrock, Thomas Roberts and Robert Smith, and each of them, Proxies, with the power of substitution, to represent and vote all Class A shares of MGM Growth Properties LLC which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of MGM Growth Properties LLC and any adjournment thereof, upon any and all matters which may properly be brought before said meeting or any adjournments thereof where discretion is permitted. The meeting will be held at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Central Conference Center, located at 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401, on May 31, 2017, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. The undersigned hereby revokes any and all proxies heretofore given with respect to such meeting.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations.
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| | | | | | Continued and to be signed on reverse side
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