Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2014 |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Significant Accounting Policies | Significant Accounting Policies |
Principles of Consolidation |
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, including interests consolidated as variable interest entities. |
Use of Estimates |
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and those differences could be material. |
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entity |
Prior to June 15, 2012, when LVHR became a 100%-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company, LVHR was consolidated as a variable interest entity as the Company was deemed the primary beneficiary of LVHR as the Company had both (1) the power to direct the activities significantly impacting LVHR's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb LVHR's losses. Prior to June 15, 2012, the Company did not own any interest in LVHR or its affiliated entities, WG-Harmon and Warner Gaming, LLC, and LVHR was the third party operator of all gaming operations at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. |
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and in banks and interest-bearing deposits with maturities at the date of purchase of three months or less. Cash equivalents are carried at cost which approximates fair value. |
Deferred Income |
Deferred income consists of sponsorship payments received from various vendors and suppliers. These sponsorship payments are amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the agreements. |
Restricted Cash |
We are obligated to maintain certain cash reserve funds for a variety of purposes as determined pursuant to the Amended Facility, including a requirement to deposit funds into a replacements and refurbishments reserve fund at amounts equal to three percent of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas' gross revenues. Restricted cash consists of the following: |
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($ in thousands) | December 31, 2014 | | December 31, 2013 | | | | |
Current | | | | | | | |
Tax reserves | $ | 3,095 | | | $ | 2,602 | | | | | |
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Insurance reserves | 893 | | | 1,329 | | | | | |
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Other reserves | 363 | | | 363 | | | | | |
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Workers' compensation reserves | 517 | | | 775 | | | | | |
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Total current restricted cash | 4,868 | | | 5,069 | | | | | |
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Long-term | | | | | | | |
Working capital reserves | 15,048 | | | 14,399 | | | | | |
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Replacement reserves | 7,698 | | | 4,955 | | | | | |
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Total long-term restricted cash | 22,746 | | | 19,354 | | | | | |
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Total restricted cash | $ | 27,614 | | | $ | 24,423 | | | | | |
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Concentrations of Credit Risk |
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of casino accounts receivable. The Company issues credit in the form of “markers” to approved casino customers following investigations of creditworthiness. Business or economic conditions or other significant events could affect the collectability of such receivables. |
Substantially all accounts receivable are unsecured and are due primarily from casino and hotel patrons and convention functions. Non-performance by these parties would result in losses up to the recorded amount of the related receivables. Management does not anticipate significant non-performance and believes that they have adequately provided for uncollectible receivables. |
Accounts receivable, including casino and hotel receivables, are typically non-interest bearing and are initially recorded at cost. Accounts are written off when management deems them to be uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when received. An estimated allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained to reduce the receivables to their carrying amount, which approximates fair value. Such allowances are estimated based on specific review of customer accounts as well as management's experience with collection trends in the casino industry and current economic and business conditions. |
Inventories |
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined using the first-in, first-out method), or market. |
Property and Equipment, Net |
Land improvements, buildings and improvements, equipment, furniture and fixtures, and memorabilia were recorded at fair value as of March 1, 2011. Subsequent additions are recorded at cost. The Company capitalized interest on funds disbursed during construction. There was no significant amounts of interest capitalized for any periods presented. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the property and equipment's estimated useful lives are as follows: |
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Building and Building improvements | 15-40 years | | | | | | | | | | |
Equipment, furniture and fixtures | 3-10 years | | | | | | | | | | |
Gains or losses arising from dispositions are included in costs and expenses in the statements of operations. Costs of major improvements are capitalized, while costs of normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Substantially all property and equipment is pledged as collateral for long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013. For assets to be disposed of, the Company recognizes the asset at the lower of carrying value or fair market value less costs of disposal, as estimated based on comparable asset sales, solicited offers, or a discounted cash flow model. We treat memorabilia as an indefinite-lived asset and therefore it is not depreciated. |
Finite-lived Intangible Assets |
Intangible assets that have a definite life, such as in-place contracts, trade names, customer relationships, sponsorship agreements, market leases and other amortizing intangible assets are ratably amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life, which approximates pattern of use, and ranges from one to nine years. Player Relationships are amortized on an accelerated basis consistent with the expected timing of the Company’s realization of the economic benefits of such relationships. |
Valuation of Long-lived Assets |
Property and Equipment, Net |
The carrying value of property and equipment to be held and used are evaluated for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable based on the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the assets carrying value, the impairment is measured based on fair value compared to carrying value, with fair value typically based on a discounted cash flow model. Assets to be disposed of are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair market value less costs of disposal, as estimated based on comparable asset sales, solicited offers, or a discounted cash flow model. |
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets |
The Company performs an annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets at December 31 of each year, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist. The impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount, and, if the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized for the carrying amount in excess of its implied fair value. |
The Hard Rock licensing intangible asset is tested for impairment using the relief from royalty method based on the estimated present value of future revenues and an assumed royalty rate. Future Trademark licensing intangible asset is tested for impairment using the estimated discounted cash flows of the future royalty income streams. |
Finite-lived Intangible Assets |
The Company reviews the carrying value of its intangible assets that have a definite life for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company then compares the estimated future cash flows of the asset, on an undiscounted basis, to the carrying value of the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, then an impairment is recorded based on the fair value of the asset, typically measured using a discounted cash flow model. All recognized impairment losses, whether for assets held for sale or assets to be held and used, are recorded as operating expenses. |
Inherent in reviewing the carrying amounts of the above assets is the use of various estimates. First, the Company must determine the usage of the asset. Impairment of an asset is more likely to be recognized where and to the extent management of the Company decides that such asset may be disposed of or sold. Assets must be tested at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. This testing means that some assets must be grouped and management of the Company exercises some judgment in grouping those assets. Future cash flow estimates are, by their nature, subjective and actual results may differ materially from estimates. If ongoing estimates of future cash flows are not met, the Company may have to record additional impairment charges in future accounting periods. Estimates of cash flows for the Company are based on the current regulatory, social and economic environment where operations are or were conducted as well as recent operating information and budgets for the Company’s business. These estimates could be negatively impacted by changes in federal, state or local regulations, economic downturns, or other events affecting various forms of travel and access to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. |
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets |
No impairments were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, relating to Property and Equipment. |
No impairments related to indefinite-lived intangible assets were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. During 2012, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $15.0 million relating to the Hard Rock trademark. See further discussion at Note 6, Intangible Assets, Net. |
For the year end December 31, 2014 an impairment of $88,000 relating to finite-lived assets was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2014 due to the expected closure and re-branding of the Vanity night club in 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2013 there were no impairments. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $6.2 million relating to the Isleta license agreement. See further discussion at Note 6, Intangible Assets, Net. |
Allowance for Uncollectible Receivables |
Substantially all of our accounts receivable are unsecured and are due primarily from our subsidiaries’ casino and hotel patrons and convention functions. Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of casino accounts receivable. We issue credit in the form of “markers” to approved casino customers following investigations of creditworthiness. Non-performance by these parties would result in losses up to the recorded amount of the related receivables. Business or economic conditions or other significant events could also affect the collectability of such receivables. |
Accounts receivable, including casino and hotel receivables, are typically non-interest bearing and are initially recorded at cost. Accounts are written off when management deems them to be uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when received. An estimated allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained to reduce our receivables to their carrying amount, which approximates fair value. The allowance is estimated based on specific review of customer accounts as well as our management’s experience with collection trends in the casino industry and current economic and business conditions. Our management’s estimates consider, among other factors, the age of the receivables, the type or source of the receivables, and the results of collection efforts to date, especially with regard to significant accounts. Change in customer liquidity or financial condition could affect the collectability of that account, resulting in the adjustment upward or downward in the provision for bad debts, with a corresponding impact to our results of operations. |
Advertising Expenses |
The costs of all advertising campaigns and promotions are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expense (exclusive of amounts related to pre-opening) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $6.6 million, $6.5 million and $6.5 million, respectively. |
Income Taxes |
The Company is treated as a limited liability company and its default classification for tax purposes is that of a disregarded entity not subject to federal income taxes. Accordingly, the Company makes no provision for federal income taxes in its financial statements. The Company’s federal taxable income or loss, which is different than financial statement income or loss, is reportable by the member. The Company’s members are responsible for reporting their allocable share of the Company’s income, gains, deductions, losses and credits on their individual income tax returns. The Company may however, be subject to certain state and local taxes. |
Revenues |
Casino revenues are derived from patrons wagering on table games, slot machines and poker. Table games generally include Blackjack or Twenty One, Craps, Baccarat and Roulette. Casino revenue is defined as the win from gaming activities, computed as the difference between gaming wins and losses, not the total amounts wagered. Casino revenue is recognized at the end of each gaming day. |
Lodging revenues are derived from rooms and suites rented to guests and include related revenues for incidental services. Room revenue is recognized at the time the room or service is provided to the guest. |
Food and beverage revenues are derived from food and beverage sales in the food outlets, including restaurants, room service, banquets and nightclub. Food and beverage revenue is recognized at the time the food and/or beverage is provided to the guest. |
Retail and other revenues include retail sales, entertainment revenue, spa fees, fees for licensing the “Hard Rock” brand and other miscellaneous income. Retail and other revenues are recognized at the point in time the retail sale occurs, when entertainment and spa services are provided to the guest, when we determine that gaming chips or tokens are not expected to be redeemed or when licensing fees become due and payable. |
Complimentaries |
Revenues include the retail value of rooms, food and beverage, and other complimentaries provided to casino customers without charge, which are then subtracted to arrive at net revenues. |
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Estimated Retail Value of Casino Complimentaries |
| For the year ended December 31, |
($ in thousands) | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 |
Food and beverage | $ | 8,245 | | | $ | 9,729 | | | $ | 10,707 | |
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Lodging | 8,835 | | | 8,414 | | | 7,420 | |
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Other | 1,028 | | | 1,559 | | | 1,866 | |
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| $ | 18,108 | | | $ | 19,702 | | | $ | 19,993 | |
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The allocated costs of providing such complimentaries have been classified as casino operating expenses as follows: |
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Estimated Cost of Provided Casino Complimentaries |
| For the year ended December 31, |
($ in thousands) | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 |
Food and beverage | $ | 5,703 | | | $ | 5,102 | | | $ | 7,289 | |
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Lodging | 3,410 | | | 3,216 | | | 2,907 | |
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Other | 746 | | | 1,045 | | | 1,293 | |
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| $ | 9,859 | | | $ | 9,363 | | | $ | 11,489 | |
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Revenues are recognized net of certain sales incentives, including points redeemed for cash through customer loyalty programs, such as the player's club loyalty program, amounts of reimbursed airfare and marker discounts, and cash incentives earned in the Company's “Backstage Pass” slot club. |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities |
All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivative instruments depends on the intended use of the derivative instruments and the resulting designation. Derivative instruments used to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivative instruments used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. |
For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument is initially reported in other comprehensive income (outside of earnings) and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings, and the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument is recognized directly in earnings. The effectiveness of each hedging relationship is assessed under the hypothetical derivative method, whereby the cumulative change in fair value of the actual derivative instrument is compared to the cumulative change in fair value of a hypothetical derivative instrument having terms that exactly match the critical terms of the hedged transaction. For derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting or when hedge accounting is discontinued, the changes in fair value of the derivative instrument are recognized directly in earnings. |
The objective in using derivative instruments is to add stability to our interest expense and to manage exposure to interest rate movements or other identified risks. Interest rate caps are used as part of a cash flow hedging strategy. |
Effective March 27, 2013, the Company entered into two cash flow hedges for a total notional amount $883.4 million at a LIBOR cap rate of 2.5%. The maturity date of the cash flow hedges was April 1, 2014. Derivative activity during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was not material. There were no outstanding derivatives at December 31, 2014. |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments |
Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, fair value measurement is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, a fair value hierarchy is used to distinguish between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity as follows: |
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date. |
Level 2: Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly. |
Level 3: Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. |
Debt. To determine the fair value of our debt the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model. The discount rate is determined utilizing historical market-based equity returns which are adjusted, as necessary, for entity specific factors. The Company has determined that our debt valuations are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of the Company’s debt was estimated to be $610.0 million and $641.3 million, respectively. The carrying amount of debt was $762.0 million and $703.4 million, respectively. |
Interest rate caps |
The Company uses interest rate caps to manage its interest rate risk. There were no outstanding derivatives at December 31, 2014. The valuation of these instruments was determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflected the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and used observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The Company incorporated credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own non-performance risk and the respective counterparty’s non-performance risk in the fair value measurements. The Company was exposed to credit loss in the event of a non-performance by the counterparties to its interest rate cap agreements; however, the Company believed that this risk was minimized because it monitored the credit ratings of the counterparties to such agreements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company had considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees. |
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements |
In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance amending the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and creating a new Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . The new guidance is intended to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP applicable to revenue transactions. This guidance provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Existing industry guidance will be eliminated, including revenue recognition guidance specific to the gaming industry. In addition, interim and annual disclosures will be substantially revised. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those reporting periods. Early adoption is not permitted. We will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2017. We are currently assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our disclosures and results of operations. |
In August 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance amending the existing requirements for disclosing information about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. This guidance explicitly requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosure in certain circumstances. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim reporting periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have and expect to adopt this standard effective for our year ending December 31, 2016. |