=========================================================================== UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ------------------- (MARK ONE) [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-11324 GNS FINANCE CORP. THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL (EXACT NAME OF EACH REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) ------------------- 88-0235356 NEVADA 88-0224157 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS) 3400 LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD SOUTH LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89109 (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE) REGISTRANTS' TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (702) 791-7111 ------------------- SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE TITLE OF EACH CLASS ON WHICH REGISTERED - -------------------------------------- ----------------------- 9 1/4% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes Due March 15, 2003 New York Stock Exchange SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: NONE Indicate by check mark whether the Registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrants were required to file such reports) and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: YES X NO --- --- Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrants' knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K: X --- GNS FINANCE CORP.'s Common Stock, no par value, outstanding at March 28, 1997 was 200 shares, none of which was held by non-affiliates. THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL's Common Stock, no par value, outstanding at March 28, 1997 was 100 shares, none of which was held by non-affiliates. The Registrants meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and, accordingly, are filing this Form 10-K with the reduced disclosure format provided in General Instruction I(2). =========================================================================== PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS GENERAL GNS FINANCE CORP. ("Finance") was incorporated in Nevada in March 1988 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Mirage Resorts, Incorporated ("MRI"), a Nevada corporation whose common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MIR." THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL ("MCH") was incorporated in Nevada in September 1986 as a wholly owned subsidiary of MRI. MCH owns and operates The Mirage, a hotel-casino and destination resort which opened in 1989. The Mirage shares with the Treasure Island hotel-casino, as discussed below, approximately 120 acres near the center of the Las Vegas Strip. Finance functions solely as a financing corporation to raise funds for the benefit of MCH and has no other operations. Treasure Island Corp. ("TI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of MCH, was incorporated in Nevada in December 1991. In 1993, TI opened Treasure Island at The Mirage ("Treasure Island"), a hotel-casino resort located adjacent to The Mirage. Until its dissolution in June 1996, Treasure Island Finance Corp. ("TI Finance") was a wholly owned subsidiary of Finance that functioned solely as a financing corporation to raise funds for the benefit of TI. Finance, MCH, TI and TI Finance are collectively referred to herein as the "Company." THE MIRAGE The Mirage is a luxurious, tropically themed destination resort containing approximately 3.1 million square feet in a 29- story Y-shaped hotel tower and an expansive low-rise complex. The Mirage features a 95,900-square foot casino, 3,044 hotel rooms (including 265 suites and 14 villa and lanai suites), approximately 71,000 square feet of meeting, convention and banquet space, a 1,503-seat showroom showcasing the world- famous illusionists Siegfried & Roy, five gourmet restaurants, a California-style pizza restaurant, a coffee shop, a buffet, four bars (two featuring live entertainment), two snack bars, an ice cream parlor, a health spa and beauty salon, a swimming pool and cabana area, a white tiger display and exten- sive retail facilities. The exterior of the resort is landscaped with palm trees, abundant foliage and more than four acres of lagoons and other water features centered around a 54-foot simulated volcano and waterfall. Each evening, the volcano erupts at regular intervals, spectacularly illuminating the front of the resort. Inside the front entrance is an atrium with a tropical garden and additional water features capped by a 100-foot-high glass dome. The atrium has an advanced environmental control system and creative lighting and other special effects designed to replicate the sights, sounds and fragrances of the South Seas. Located at the rear of the hotel, adjacent to the swimming pool area, is a dolphin habitat with eight Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and the "Secret Garden of Siegfried & Roy," a recently opened exhibit that allows guests to view the beautiful exotic animals of Siegfried & Roy. As of March 1, 1997, The Mirage's casino offered 121 table games, keno, poker, a race and sports book and approximately 2,220 slot machines or similar coin-operated devices. TREASURE ISLAND Treasure Island is a pirate-themed hotel-casino resort located on the same site as The Mirage. Treasure Island features an 82,000-square foot casino, 2,891 hotel rooms (including 212 suites), three gourmet restaurants, an Italian specialties grill, a coffee shop, a buffet, two snack bars, an ice cream parlor, five bars (two featuring live entertainment), a 1,525-seat showroom featuring "Mystere" (a production developed by the creators of the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil) and an 18,000- square foot amusement arcade. Treasure Island also offers extensive retail facilities, approximately 16,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, two wedding chapels and a swimming pool. The front of Treasure Island, facing the Las Vegas Strip, is an elaborate pirate village in which full-scale replicas of a pirate ship and a British frigate regularly engage in a pyrotechnic and special effects sea battle, culminating with the sinking of the frigate. As of March 1, 1997, Treasure Island's casino offered 83 table games, keno, a race and sports book and approximately 2,200 slot machines or similar coin-operated devices. SHADOW CREEK MCH's wholly owned subsidiary, MH, INC. ("MH"), owns approximately 305 acres of real property located approximately 10 miles north of The Mirage and Treasure Island. The Company has developed an exclusive world-class golf course and related facilities known as "Shadow Creek" on approximately 240 acres of such property. In connection with its marketing activities, the Company makes the course and related facilities available for use, by invitation only, by high-level-wagerer patrons. -2- COMPETITION The Mirage and Treasure Island compete with a number of other hotel-casinos in Las Vegas. Currently, there are approximately 28 major hotel-casinos located on or near the Las Vegas Strip, 11 major hotel-casinos located in the downtown area and several major facilities located elsewhere in the Las Vegas area. As of March 1, 1997, there were approximately 97,800 hotel and motel rooms in Las Vegas, compared to 86,500 at March 1, 1996. Currently, a number of major hotel-casinos have been proposed in Las Vegas, some of which are likely to be built. In addition, several expansion projects at existing Las Vegas hotel-casinos are currently under construction and several other expansion projects have been proposed. Management believes that The Mirage primarily competes with other large hotel-casinos located on or near the Strip that offer amenities and marketing programs appealing to the upper-middle and higher-income strata of the gaming populace. The Mirage competes on the basis of the elegance and excitement offered by the facility, the desirability of its location, the quality of its hotel rooms and restaurants, its entertainment and special attractions, customer service, its balanced marketing strategy and special marketing and promotional programs. Management believes that Treasure Island primarily competes with the other large hotel-casinos located on or near the Strip that offer amenities and marketing programs that appeal to the middle- to upper-middle-income strata of the gaming populace. Treasure Island competes on the basis of the excitement offered by the facility, the desirability of its location (including its proximity to The Mirage), the quality of its hotel rooms, the variety, quality and attractive pricing of its food and beverage outlets, its unique entertainment offerings, customer service and its marketing and promotional programs. The Mirage and Treasure Island also compete for gaming customers with hotel-casino operations located in other areas of Nevada, Atlantic City and other parts of the world, and for vacationers with non-gaming tourist destinations such as Hawaii and Florida. The Mirage and Treasure Island compete to a lesser extent with state-sponsored lotteries, off-track wagering, card parlors, riverboat and Indian gaming facilities and other forms of legalized gaming in the United States, as well as with gaming on cruise ships. In recent years, certain states have legalized, and several other states have considered legalizing, casino gaming. Management does not believe that such legalization of casino gaming in those jurisdictions would have a material adverse impact on the Company's operations. However, management believes that the legalization of large-scale land-based casino gaming in or near certain major metropolitan areas, particularly in California, could have a material adverse effect on the Las Vegas market. -3- REGULATION AND LICENSING The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in Nevada are subject to extensive state and local regulation. The Company's gaming operations are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada Gaming Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board and the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board. For a more detailed description of such matters, reference is made to the section entitled "Regulation and Licensing-Nevada" in Item 1 of Part I of MRI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, a copy of which section is filed as Exhibit 99 to this Form 10-K and is hereby incorporated by reference. MANAGEMENT'S ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS (1996 COMPARED TO 1995) RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Revenues net of promotional allowances grew by $15.1 million over 1995. Net non-casino revenues increased by 10%, reflecting growth in revenue contribution from all departments. Net non- casino revenues accounted for 47% of the Company's total net revenues, versus 44% in 1995. Net room revenues increased by 14% in 1996. A $50 million program was completed in August 1995 to substantially upgrade the quality of The Mirage's guest rooms. Completion of this project added approximately 4% in available room nights in 1996 and allowed the Company to achieve an 11% increase in the average standard room rate. Company-wide occupancy of available standard guest rooms re- mained steady at approximately 99%. The increase in the average room rate has helped the Company achieve an increase in the gross margin on room revenues. The Company is planning to refurbish 138 suites at The Mirage that were not refurbished as part of the 1995 program. The re- furbishment project is scheduled for the summer of 1997 at a cost of approximately $9 million. SIEGFRIED & ROY at The Mirage and MYSTERE at Treasure Island continue to be two of the most successful theatrical experiences in history. During 1996, both shows again played to near full capacity, at a combined average ticket price 7% higher than in 1995. Principally due to the success of these two productions, net entertainment revenues grew by $6.1 million, or 8%, over 1995. The increase in the average ticket price resulted in an improvement in gross margins and profitability. Net food and beverage and retail revenues were also solid contributors, increasing 8% and 5%, respectively. -4- The increase in operating results in 1996 was achieved despite an 8% decline in table games revenues caused by a reduction in both activity and the win percentage for baccarat. The Company- wide table games win percentage was 19.9%, versus 21.1% in 1995. Excluding baccarat, table games revenues in 1996 increased by 4% over 1995. Slot revenues also increased slightly over 1995. The provision for losses on receivables declined by $8.6 million in 1996. This decline reflects favorable collection experience, as well as a reduction in the level of table games credit play. In November 1996, the Company began construction on a series of improvements at Treasure Island. These include a luxurious new hotel lobby, a new Italian restaurant, additional retail space and a modest amount of additional casino space. The enhancements are expected to cost approximately $25 million and be completed in mid-1997. The construction had little impact on operating results during 1996, but general and administrative expense includes a $5.4 million charge related to the abandon- ment of property associated with the new construction. During 1995, various smaller projects resulted in a similar charge of $3.5 million. OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE Interest expense related to notes payable to non-affiliates declined by $5.9 million, or 21%. This decline reflects the retirement of the remaining $126.0 million principal amount of TI Finance's 9-7/8% first mortgage notes called for redemption in March 1995 and the repayment of bank credit facility and commercial paper borrowings in February 1996. In April 1995, the $518.9 million outstanding principal balance of notes payable to MRI was repaid using the proceeds from the sale to MRI of 100 shares of Finance's common stock. Interest expense related to such notes totaled $14.2 million in 1995. INCOME TAXES MRI files its federal income tax returns on a consolidated basis. MRI has tax allocation agreements (which are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service) with each of its key subsidiaries, including MCH, TI, Finance and, until its dissolution, TI Finance, which require each of them to reimburse MRI for the amount of tax they would pay on a stand-alone basis. This includes reimbursement for any additional taxes and interest thereon resulting from Internal Revenue Service audits. Under the Internal Revenue Code, MRI's consolidated subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable for all income tax liabilities. -5- As a result of the tax allocation agreements, the tax provision is not calculated on the combined income or loss of MCH, TI, Finance and TI Finance. Instead, it reflects the sum of their respective tax provisions and benefits. This resulted in a provision in 1996 and 1995 at a rate above the federal income tax statutory rate. EXTRAORDINARY ITEM As noted previously, the remaining $126.0 million principal amount of the 9-7/8% first mortgage notes were redeemed in 1995. Although this early retirement was financially advantageous, the call premium and the write-off of the related unamortized debt issuance costs resulted in an extraordinary charge of $10.4 million. There were no such charges in 1996. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Mirage and Treasure Island share an approximately 120-acre site owned by MCH. At March 1, 1997, both The Mirage and Treasure Island were subject to an encumbrance of approximately $118.9 million, representing the accreted value of Finance's zero coupon first mortgage notes. MCH, through MH, also owns approximately 305 acres of land in North Las Vegas, including approximately 240 acres occupied by Shadow Creek. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits, most of which relate to routine matters incidental to its business. Management does not believe that the outcome of such pending litigation, in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS There is no public trading market for the Common Stock of MCH or Finance. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K. -6- ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K. See "Management's Analysis of Operations (1996 Compared to 1995)" in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-K. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The Combined Financial Statements and Notes to Combined Financial Statements of THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL and Subsidiaries and GNS FINANCE CORP., referred to in Item 14(a)(1) of this Form 10-K, are included at pages 13 to 26. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K. -7- PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a)(1). FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Included in Part II of this Report: Report of Independent Public Accountants Combined Balance Sheets - December 31, 1996 and 1995 Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Combined Statements of Income and Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Combined Statements of Cash Flows Notes to Combined Financial Statements (a)(2). FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. Included in Part IV of this Report: Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedules other than that listed above are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes to the financial statements. (a)(3). EXHIBITS. 3(i)(a) Articles of Incorporation of Finance. Incor- porated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Registration Statement filed by MCH and Finance on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 (No. 33-22369) (the "Form S-1"). 3(i)(b) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Finance, filed May 27, 1988. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MCH and Finance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988 (the "1988 Form 10-K"). 3(i)(c) Articles of Incorporation of MCH, filed September 30, 1986, and amendments, filed April 28, 1987, May 18, 1987, August 25, 1987 and February 23, 1988. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to the Form S-1. -8- 3(i)(d) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of MCH, filed April 25, 1989. Incorporated by refer- ence to Exhibit 3(e) to Post-Effective Amend- ment No. 1 to the Registration Statement filed by MCH and Finance on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 (No. 33-23701) (the "Second Form S-1"). 3(i)(e) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of MCH, filed May 31, 1989. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(f) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Second Form S-1. 3(ii)(a) Bylaws of Finance. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to the 1988 Form 10-K. 3(ii)(b) Bylaws of MCH. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(d) to the Form S-1. 4(a) Indenture, dated as of March 15, 1988, with respect to Finance's Zero Coupon First Mort- gage Notes Due March 15, 1998, together with exhibits (the "Zero Coupon Notes Indenture"). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to the Form S-1. 4(b) First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 1, 1988, to the Zero Coupon Notes Indenture. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(f) to Amendment No. 1 to the Form S-1. 4(c) Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 15, 1990, to the Zero Coupon Notes Indenture. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(l) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Finance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1989. 4(d) Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 15, 1990, to the Zero Coupon Notes Indenture. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(r) to Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Finance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1990. 4(e) Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 15, 1992, to the Zero Coupon Notes Indenture. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of MRI (Commission File No. 1-6697) for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1992. -9- 4(f) Indenture, dated as of March 31, 1993, with respect to Finance's 9-1/4% Senior Sub- ordinated Notes Due March 15, 2003, together with exhibits. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of MRI dated March 31, 1993. 10(a) Deed of Trust, Assignment of Rents and Security Agreement, dated as of March 23, 1988, from MCH in favor of First Interstate Bank of Nevada, N.A. ("FIBN"), as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xx) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MRI for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987. 10(b) Tax Allocation Agreement, dated as of March 9, 1988, between Finance and MRI. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to the Form S-1. 10(c) Tax Allocation Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1988, between MCH and MRI. Incor- porated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to the Form S-1. 10(d) Management Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1988, between MCH and MRI. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to the Form S-1. 10(e) Amendment Agreement, dated as of October 4, 1990, between MCH, as trustor, and FIBN, as beneficiary. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of MRI dated October 4, 1990. 10(f) Management Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1992, between MRI and TI. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(oo) to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement filed by TI Finance, TI and MCH on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 (No. 33-45415) (the "TI Form S-1"). 10(g) Easement, dated December 28, 1990, from MH in favor of Stephen A. Wynn. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(ll) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement filed by MCH and Finance on Form S-1 under the Secur- ities Act of 1933 (No. 33-38496). 10(h) Second Amendment to Deed of Trust, dated as of February 21, 1992, between MCH, as trustor, and FIBN, as beneficiary. Incorpor- ated by reference to Exhibit 10(z) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Finance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1991 (the "1991 Form 10-K"). -10- 10(i) Leasehold Deed of Trust, Assignment of Rents and Security Agreement, dated as of March 25, 1992, from TI in favor of FIBN, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(cc) to the 1991 Form 10-K. 10(j) Ground Lease, dated as of March 1, 1992, between MCH and TI. Incorporated by refer- ence to Exhibit 10(nn) to Amendment No. 2 to the TI Form S-1. 10(k) Tax Allocation Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1992, between MRI and TI. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(pp) to Amendment No. 2 to the TI Form S-1. 10(l) Amendment Agreement, dated as of November 24, 1992, between MCH, as trustor, and FIBN, as beneficiary. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(ddd) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MRI for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992 (the "MRI 1992 Form 10-K"). 10(m) First Amendment to Ground Lease, dated as of March 1, 1993, between MCH and TI. Incor- porated by reference to exhibit 10(ggg) to the MRI 1992 Form 10-K. 10(n) Second Amendment to Ground Lease, dated as of October 26, 1993, between MCH and TI. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(bbb) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MRI for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993. 10(o) Land Sales Contract, dated March 26, 1993, between MH and Stephen A. Wynn, together with exhibits. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(yy) to the Registration Statement filed by Finance and MCH on Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933 (No. 33-62514). 10(p) Issuing and Paying Agency Agreement, dated November 13, 1995, between MRI, MCH, TI, Bellagio, GNLV, CORP. and MH, as issuers, and BankAmerica National Trust Company, as issuing and paying agent (without exhibit). Incor- porated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of MRI dated November 20, 1995 (the "MRI Form 8-K"). 10(q) Form of Commercial Paper Note of MRI, MCH, TI, Bellagio, GNLV, CORP. and MH. Incorpor- ated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the MRI Form 8-K. -11- 10(r) Termination Agreement, dated as of March 7, 1997, among MRI, MCH, TI, GNLV, CORP., MH, Bellagio and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as Administrative Co-Agent. 27 Financial Data Schedule. 99 Section entitled "Regulation and Licensing- Nevada" in Item 1 of Part I of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MRI for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. (b). REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. The Registrants filed no reports on Form 8-K during the three-month period ended December 31, 1996. -12- THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL AND SUBSIDIARIES AND GNS FINANCE CORP. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Directors and Stockholder of THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL and Subsidiaries and GNS FINANCE CORP. We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL and subsidiaries and GNS FINANCE CORP. (collectively, the "Company") as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related combined statements of income and retained earnings (accumulated deficit) and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. These combined financial statements and the schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements and schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL and subsidiaries and GNS FINANCE CORP. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the combined results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The financial statement schedule for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 listed in Item 14(a)(2) is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Las Vegas, Nevada March 7, 1997 -13- THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL AND SUBSIDIARIES AND GNS FINANCE CORP. COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31 ------------------------- 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents ................................................................ $ 57,664 $ 36,516 Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $36,558 and $44,862................ 66,805 73,070 Inventories .............................................................................. 23,918 22,163 Deferred income taxes .................................................................... 22,969 26,709 Prepaid expenses and other ............................................................... 7,124 8,356 ---------- ---------- Total current assets ............................................................... 178,480 166,814 Property and equipment, net ................................................................ 988,811 1,021,985 Advances to Mirage Resorts, Incorporated and affiliates..................................... 70,353 - Other assets, net .......................................................................... 11,717 9,401 ---------- ---------- $1,249,361 $1,198,200 ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable ......................................................................... $ 80,149 $ 72,186 Accrued payroll .......................................................................... 30,315 29,231 Other accrued expenses ................................................................... 30,665 31,890 Income taxes payable to Mirage Resorts, Incorporated...................................... 9,901 16,791 Management fees payable to Mirage Resorts, Incorporated................................... 15,056 15,591 Advances from Mirage Resorts, Incorporated and affiliates................................. - 54,983 Current maturities of long-term debt...................................................... - 41,882 ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities .......................................................... 166,086 262,554 Long-term debt, net of current maturities .................................................. 216,699 204,700 Other liabilities, including deferred income taxes of $80,205 and $69,215................... 81,246 70,321 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities .................................................................. 464,031 537,575 ---------- ---------- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY Common stock, no par value: THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL - authorized 1,000 shares, issued and outstanding 100 shares; GNS FINANCE CORP. - authorized 2,500 shares, issued and outstanding 200 shares............................... 518,945 518,945 Additional paid-in capital .................................................................. 107,142 107,142 Retained earnings ........................................................................... 159,243 34,538 ---------- ---------- Total stockholder's equity .......................................................... 785,330 660,625 ---------- ---------- $1,249,361 $1,198,200 ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial statements. -14- THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL AND SUBSIDIARIES AND GNS FINANCE CORP. COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS (ACCUMULATED DEFICIT) (IN THOUSANDS) YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 ---------------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ---------- ---------- ---------- REVENUES Casino....................................................................... $ 581,431 $ 613,509 $ 554,411 Rooms........................................................................ 251,712 224,042 213,193 Food and beverage............................................................ 179,725 166,936 163,691 Entertainment................................................................ 91,177 84,719 69,580 Retail....................................................................... 59,367 56,780 60,516 Other........................................................................ 41,849 38,805 37,930 ---------- ---------- ---------- 1,205,261 1,184,791 1,099,321 Less - promotional allowances................................................ (103,170) (97,768) (92,010) ---------- ---------- ---------- 1,102,091 1,087,023 1,007,311 ---------- ---------- ---------- COSTS AND EXPENSES Casino....................................................................... 300,999 303,108 275,145 Rooms........................................................................ 67,474 63,009 61,793 Food and beverage............................................................ 108,919 105,657 106,441 Entertainment................................................................ 72,211 69,894 61,127 Retail....................................................................... 38,392 36,230 38,254 Other........................................................................ 23,082 22,461 23,296 Provision for losses on receivables.......................................... 14,309 22,895 20,185 General and administrative................................................... 121,682 118,602 118,684 Mirage Resorts, Incorporated management fee.................................. 61,233 60,163 55,247 Depreciation................................................................. 68,916 68,541 75,509 Corporate development........................................................ 5 2,700 1,899 --------- ---------- ---------- 877,222 873,260 837,580 ---------- ---------- ---------- OPERATING INCOME............................................................... 224,869 213,763 169,731 ---------- ---------- ---------- OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSE) Interest expense Notes payable to non-affiliates............................................ (21,993) (27,897) (47,913) Notes payable to Mirage Resorts, Incorporated.............................. - (14,235) (35,729) Other, including interest income............................................. 697 438 409 ---------- ---------- ---------- (21,296) (41,694) (83,233) ---------- ---------- ---------- INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM.............................. 203,573 172,069 86,498 Provision for income taxes................................................... (78,868) (71,059) (45,326) ---------- ---------- ---------- INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM............................................... 124,705 101,010 41,172 Extraordinary item - loss on early retirements of debt, net of applicable income tax benefit in 1994...................................... - (10,439) (14,975) ---------- ---------- ---------- NET INCOME..................................................................... $ 124,705 $ 90,571 $ 26,197 RETAINED EARNINGS (ACCUMULATED DEFICIT) Balance, beginning of year................................................... 34,538 (56,033) (82,230) ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance, end of year......................................................... $ 159,243 $ 34,538 $ (56,033) ========== ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial statements. -15- THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL AND SUBSIDIARIES AND GNS FINANCE CORP. COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 --------------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 --------- --------- ---------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income................................................................... $ 124,705 $ 90,571 $ 26,197 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Provision for losses on receivables...................................... 14,309 22,895 20,185 Depreciation of property and equipment................................... 68,916 68,541 75,509 Loss on disposal and abandonment of property and equipment............... 5,997 3,155 11,953 Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs......................... 12,352 11,234 12,451 Loss on early retirements of debt........................................ - 10,439 16,024 Deferred income taxes.................................................... 14,730 8,657 3,902 Changes in assets and liabilities Increase in receivables and other operating assets..................... (11,318) (39,112) (19,597) Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses..... 7,822 17,763 (9,099) Other.................................................................... 17 (2,065) (569) --------- --------- ---------- Net cash provided by operating activities.......................... 237,530 192,078 136,956 --------- --------- ---------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Capital expenditures......................................................... (43,039) (79,494) (35,322) Other........................................................................ 1,300 1,068 317 --------- --------- ---------- Net cash used for investing activities............................. (41,739) (78,426) (35,005) --------- --------- ---------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable to Mirage Resorts, Incorporated...................................................... (6,890) (41,272) 4,869 Increase (decrease) in management fee obligations to Mirage Resorts, Incorporated...................................................... (535) (112,205) 55,247 Advances from (to) Mirage Resorts, Incorporated and affiliates............... (125,336) (5,793) 44,077 Repayments of notes payable to Mirage Resorts, Incorporated (excluding notes related to management fees and income taxes).............. - (353,022) - Net increase (decrease) in bank credit facility and commercial paper borrowings........................................................... (41,882) 21,882 3,000 Early retirements of public debt............................................. - (134,180) (193,990) Other principal payments on debt............................................. - - (27,074) Issuance of common stock to Mirage Resorts, Incorporated..................... - 518,943 - Other........................................................................ - - (245) --------- --------- ---------- Net cash used for financing activities............................. (174,643) (105,647) (114,116) --------- --------- ---------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Increase (decrease) for the year............................................. 21,148 8,005 (12,165) Balance, beginning of year................................................... 36,516 28,511 40,676 --------- --------- ---------- Balance, end of year......................................................... $ 57,664 $ 36,516 $ 28,511 ========= ========= ========== SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES Interest paid (including $16,309 in 1995 and $36,289 in 1994 to Mirage Resorts, Incorporated), net of amounts capitalized.................. $ 9,714 $ 36,114 $ 76,160 Income taxes paid to Mirage Resorts, Incorporated (including amounts represented by a note payable)..................................... 70,998 103,674 35,506 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial statements. -16- THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL AND SUBSIDIARIES AND GNS FINANCE CORP. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION. The combined financial statements include the consolidated accounts of THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL ("MCH") and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Treasure Island Corp. ("TI") and MH, INC. ("MH"), combined with the consolidated accounts of GNS FINANCE CORP. ("Finance") and, until its dissolution in June 1996, Treasure Island Finance Corp. ("TI Finance") (collectively, the "Company"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation or combination, as appropriate. MCH and Finance are wholly owned Nevada subsidiaries of Mirage Resorts, Incorporated ("MRI"). MCH owns and operates The Mirage, a hotel-casino and destination resort located near the center of the Las Vegas Strip. TI owns and operates Treasure Island, a pirate-themed hotel-casino resort located adjacent to The Mirage. MH owns and operates an exclusive world-class golf course and related facilities known as Shadow Creek, located approximately 10 miles from The Mirage and Treasure Island. Finance functions solely as a financing corporation to raise funds for the benefit of MCH. TI Finance acted solely as a financing corporation to raise funds for the benefit of TI. MRI, through other wholly owned Nevada subsidiaries, also owns and operates the Golden Nugget, a hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas, and the Golden Nugget-Laughlin, a hotel-casino in Laughlin, Nevada. Additionally, MRI, through another wholly owned subsidiary, is a 50% partner in a joint venture that owns and operates the new Monte Carlo Resort & Casino ("Monte Carlo") on the Las Vegas Strip. MRI, through other wholly owned subsidiaries, is currently constructing two additional hotel- casino resorts. The more ambitious of these is Bellagio, an elegant 3,005-guest room luxury resort scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 1998 on approximately 120 acres adjacent to Monte Carlo. Beau Rivage, a luxurious 1,777-guest room beachfront resort in Biloxi, Mississippi, is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 1998. The combined financial statements include various transactions between the Company and MRI and its wholly owned subsidiaries (see Note 2). -17- NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) CASINO REVENUES AND PROMOTIONAL ALLOWANCES. The Company recognizes as casino revenues the net win from gaming activities, which is the difference between gaming wins and losses. Revenues include the estimated retail value of rooms, food and beverage and other goods and services provided to customers on a complimentary basis as follows: YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 ------------------------------ 1996 1995 1994 -------- ------- ------- Rooms.......................... $ 45,671 $43,535 $41,357 Food and beverage.............. 52,205 49,332 46,802 Other.......................... 5,294 4,901 3,851 -------- ------- ------- $103,170 $97,768 $92,010 ======== ======= ======= Such amounts are then deducted as promotional allowances. The estimated costs of providing these promotional allowances, totaling $65.0 million in 1996, $63.2 million in 1995 and $60.6 million in 1994, have been classified primarily as casino costs and expenses. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. The Company classifies as cash equivalents all highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash equivalents are carried at cost which approximates fair value. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK. Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of short-term investments and receivables. The Company's short-term investments typically consist of U.S. Government-backed repurchase agreements with maturities of 30 days or less. Such investments are made with financial institutions having a high credit quality and the Company limits the amount of its credit exposure to any one financial institution. Due to the short-term nature of the instruments, the Company does not take possession of the securities, which are instead held in a custodial account. The Company extends credit to a limited number of casino patrons, but only following background checks and investigations of creditworthiness. At December 31, 1996, a substantial portion of the receivables was due from foreign customers. The collectibility of these receivables could be affected by future business or economic trends or other significant events in the countries in which such customers reside. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce its receivables to their carrying amount, which approximates fair value. Management believes that as of December 31, 1996, no significant concentrations of credit risk existed for which an allowance had not already been determined and recorded. -18- NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) INVENTORIES. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out and specific identification methods. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT. Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes. The costs of significant improvements are capitalized. Costs of normal repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment retired or otherwise disposed of are eliminated from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in income. DEBT DISCOUNT AND ISSUANCE COSTS. Debt discount and issuance costs are capitalized and amortized to expense based on the terms of the related debt agreements using the effective interest method or a method which approximates the effective interest method. RECLASSIFICATIONS. Certain amounts in the 1995 and 1994 combined financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 1996 presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the Company's net income. USE OF ESTIMATES. The combined financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Those principles require 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 financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from such estimates. NOTE 2 - TRANSACTIONS WITH MRI AND AFFILIATES Pursuant to separate management agreements with MRI, MCH and TI is each charged a management fee equal to 5% of revenues (before deduction of promotional allowances) primarily for executive assistance and administrative support. The services provided include financial and business planning, insurance policy evaluation and procurement and legal and accounting services. The Company also reimburses MRI and its subsidiaries for the cost of various services not covered by the management agreements. The more significant of these transactions include the use of MRI's corporate aircraft and computer software, and marketing and advertising services provided by certain MRI subsidiaries. The Company was charged $13.9 million in 1996 and $13.6 million in both 1995 and 1994 for such services. These transactions with MRI and its subsidiaries represent non- interest-bearing advances to or from the Company. -19- NOTE 2 - TRANSACTIONS WITH MRI AND AFFILIATES (CONTINUED) In 1993, MCH and TI converted amounts due to MRI to long-term notes aggregating $473.7 million. These notes bore interest at the six-month London Interbank Offered Rate plus 3%. Amounts that became due under the management agreements and tax allocation agreements were added to the principal balance of the notes. In April 1995, the $518.9 million outstanding principal balance of the long-term notes was repaid by the Company using the proceeds from the sale to MRI of 100 shares of Finance's common stock. NOTE 3 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment consisted of the following: AT DECEMBER 31 ----------------------- 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- Land................................ $ 107,495 $ 102,857 Land improvements................... 111,655 110,163 Buildings........................... 688,595 669,391 Furniture, fixtures and equipment... 420,138 408,006 Construction in progress............ 9,606 20,897 --------- ---------- 1,337,489 1,311,314 Less accumulated depreciation....... (348,678) (289,329) ---------- ---------- $ 988,811 $1,021,985 ========== ========== NOTE 4 - LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consisted of the following: AT DECEMBER 31 ----------------------- 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- Zero coupon first mortgage notes (effective interest rate of 11%), due March 1998..................... $ 116,699 $ 104,700 9-1/4% senior subordinated notes, due March 2003..................... 100,000 100,000 Revolving bank credit facility and commercial paper borrowings........ - 41,882 ---------- ---------- 216,699 246,582 Less current maturities............. - (41,882) ---------- ---------- $ 216,699 $ 204,700 ========== ========== -20- NOTE 4 - LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED) The zero coupon first mortgage notes were issued by Finance in March 1988. The notes are collateralized by first liens on The Mirage and Treasure Island and are guaranteed by MCH. The notes are shown in the above table at their accreted value rather than their face amount, as the holders of the notes are not entitled to the face amount upon default or other accelerated maturity, but only to the accreted value. The unamortized debt discount was $16.3 million and $28.3 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. At December 31, 1996, the only maturity of the Company's long-term debt during the next five years is the March 1998 maturity of the $133.0 million face amount of the notes. The 9-1/4% senior subordinated notes were issued by Finance in March 1993. The notes are guaranteed by MCH and are redeemable at the option of Finance, in whole or in part, on or after March 15, 1998 at prices set forth in the indenture. The indenture governing the 9-1/4% senior subordinated notes generally limits dividend payments and capital stock repurchases to the proceeds received by MCH and Finance from the sale of their equity securities plus 50% of the Company's cumulative net income (or minus 100% of cumulative net loss) since October 1, 1989. The indenture governing the zero coupon first mortgage notes has similar provisions, but the restrictions apply only to MCH and its subsidiaries. Finance's net income (loss) and proceeds from the sale of its equity securities are excluded from the calculation of permitted payments. This indenture does not restrict Finance from paying dividends on or repurchasing its capital stock. On March 7, 1997, MRI's $1 billion revolving bank credit facility was amended to, among other things, increase the total availability to $1.75 billion and extend the maturity to March 2002. Pursuant to the amendment, the Company is no longer liable for or a guarantor of any borrowings, which are uncollateralized. -21- NOTE 4 - LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED) During the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, the Company retired, prior to scheduled maturities, certain publicly held debt securities issued by Finance and TI Finance. The debt securities and respective principal amounts retired, and the resulting aggregate extraordinary losses, were as follows: YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 ----------------------- 1995 1994 ---------- ---------- 9-7/8% first mortgage notes......... $ 125,991 $ 174,009 Zero coupon first mortgage notes(a).......................... - 10,320 ---------- ---------- $ 125,991 $ 184,329 ========== ========== Extraordinary loss.................. $ 10,439 $ 13,028 ========== ========== --------------- (a) Represents the accreted value of the notes on the date of retirement. The face amount of the notes retired was $15.0 million. In addition, during 1994 MCH incurred an extraordinary loss of $1.9 million, net of applicable income tax benefit of $1.0 million, in connection with the write-off of the unamortized costs associated with a previous bank credit facility. The estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt at December 31, 1996 was approximately $230 million, versus its book value of approximately $217 million. At December 31, 1995, the estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt was approximately $266 million, versus its book value of approximately $247 million. The estimated fair value amounts were based on quoted market prices on or about December 31, 1996 and 1995 for the Company's debt securities that are traded. For the debt securities that are not traded, fair value was based on estimated discounted cash flows using current rates offered to the Company for debt securities having the same remaining maturities. NOTE 5 - INCOME TAXES MRI files its federal income tax returns on a consolidated basis. MRI has tax allocation agreements with each of its key subsidiaries (including MCH, TI, Finance and, until its dissolution, TI Finance) which require each of them to reimburse MRI for the amount of tax they would pay on a stand-alone basis. This includes reimbursement for any additional taxes and interest thereon resulting from Internal Revenue Service audits. -22- NOTE 5 - INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Accordingly, the Company's federal tax provision is not calculated on the combined income or loss of MCH, TI, Finance and TI Finance. Instead, it reflects the sum of their respective tax provisions and benefits. MCH and TI had income in all three years and accrued taxes at a rate approximating the federal income tax statutory rate. Finance and TI Finance incurred losses in the three-year period and have not recognized a tax benefit from such losses. Tax benefits of net operating loss carryforwards are not recognized for financial reporting purposes until it is more likely than not that such benefits will be realized. Upon dissolution of TI Finance, all of its net operating loss carryforwards were transferred to Finance. However, realization of any tax benefit by Finance from net operating loss carryforwards is unlikely, as it has no operations and is unlikely to have future taxable income. The sum of these individual tax provisions and benefits resulted in a provision in 1996, 1995 and 1994 at a rate above the statutory rate. The provision for income taxes for financial reporting purposes consisted of the following: YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 ------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ------- ------- ------- Income from continuing operations.... $78,868 $71,059 $45,326 Tax benefit from extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt........ - - (1,049) ------- ------- ------- $78,868 $71,059 $44,277 ======= ======= ======= The provision for income taxes attributable to income from continuing operations consisted of the following: YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 ------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ------- ------- ------- CURRENT Federal........................... $64,108 $62,402 $41,424 State............................. 30 - - ------- ------- ------- 64,138 62,402 41,424 DEFERRED Federal........................... 14,730 8,657 3,902 ------- ------- ------- $78,868 $71,059 $45,326 ======= ======= ======= -23- NOTE 5 - INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) The provision for income taxes attributable to income from continuing operations differs from the amount computed at the federal income tax statutory rate as a result of the following: YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 ------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ------- ------- ------- Amount at statutory rate.......... $71,251 $60,224 $30,274 Unutilized net operating loss carryforwards............... 7,562 8,370 15,605 Other............................. 55 2,465 (553) ------- ------- ------- $78,868 $71,059 $45,326 ======= ======= ======= The Internal Revenue Service has completed examinations of MRI's federal income tax returns for the years 1991 and 1992 and an examination of the years 1993 and 1994 is currently in process. A number of adjustments have been proposed but no settlement has been reached. In the opinion of management, any tax liability arising from these examinations will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. The components of the deferred tax liability consisted of the following: AT DECEMBER 31 -------------------- 1996 1995 --------- --------- DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES Temporary differences related to property and equipment.......................... $ 83,081 $ 80,764 Other temporary differences.............. 6,683 6,222 --------- --------- Gross deferred tax liabilities...... 89,764 86,986 --------- --------- DEFERRED TAX ASSETS Provision for losses on receivables...... 12,795 15,702 Alternative minimum tax credit(a)........ 10,236 15,811 Accrued vacation pay..................... 4,110 3,748 Preopening expense, net of amortization.. 2,700 4,243 Other temporary differences.............. 2,687 4,518 Loss carryforwards....................... 162,879 156,738 Valuation allowance...................... (162,879) (156,280) --------- --------- Net deferred tax assets.............. 32,528 44,480 --------- --------- $ 57,236 $ 42,506 ========= ========== -24- NOTE 5 - INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) --------------- (a) The excess of the alternative minimum tax over the regular federal income tax is a tax credit which can be carried forward indefinitely to reduce future federal income tax liabilities. At December 31, 1996, the Company had net operating and capital loss carryforwards totaling $465.4 million which expire at various dates through 2011. A valuation allowance has been established to eliminate the tax benefits associated with these carryforwards because management believes the Company will not obtain any tax benefits from these deferred tax assets. NOTE 6 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Employees of the Company who are members of various unions are covered by union-sponsored, collectively bargained, multi- employer health and welfare and defined benefit pension plans. The Company recorded an expense of $20.3 million in 1996, $22.6 million in 1995 and $20.6 million in 1994 under such plans. Sufficient information is not available from the plans' sponsors to permit the Company to determine its share of unfunded vested benefits, if any. The Company's non-union employees are covered by MRI's retirement savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan allows employees to defer up to the lesser of the Internal Revenue Code-prescribed maximum amount or 15% of their income on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the plan. The Company matches, within prescribed limits, 50% of eligible employees' contributions up to 4% of their individual earnings. The Company recorded charges for matching contributions of $3.0 million in 1996, $2.7 million in 1995 and $2.0 million in 1994. NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES. The Company has entered into two agreements for major productions appearing in the showrooms at The Mirage and Treasure Island. These agreements expire in 2001 and 2004, respectively. Under the terms of the agreements, the Company is required to pay the producers of the shows a total of approximately $28 million per year and a percentage of show revenues in excess of a specified amount or a percentage of show profits. Such payments are contingent upon the actual performance of shows and under certain conditions, including failure of the respective show to achieve specified financial results, the Company may terminate the agreements without material financial obligation. The producers are responsible for paying the talent and most other costs of presenting the shows. The Company made payments pursuant to the agreements totaling approximately $49.6 million in 1996, $46.7 million in 1995 and $46.8 million in 1994. -25- LITIGATION. The Company is a party to various legal proceedings, most of which relate to routine matters incidental to its business. Management does not believe that the outcome of such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. NOTE 8 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH TOTAL -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- 1996 Gross revenues.................................... $332,247 $278,760 $297,848 $296,406 $1,205,261 Promotional allowances............................ (27,801) (24,363) (25,951) (25,055) (103,170) Net revenues...................................... 304,446 254,397 271,897 271,351 1,102,091 Operating income.................................. 71,826 43,945 53,011 56,087 224,869 Other expense, net................................ (5,482) (5,194) (5,315) (5,305) (21,296) Net income........................................ 39,779 23,011 29,402 32,513 124,705 1995 Gross revenues.................................... $313,814 $263,216 $300,900 $306,861 $1,184,791 Promotional allowances............................ (24,223) (21,938) (24,955) (26,652) (97,768) Net revenues...................................... 289,591 241,278 275,945 280,209 1,087,023 Operating income.................................. 64,664 36,422 57,711 54,966 213,763 Other expense, net................................ (20,833) (8,618) (6,370) (5,873) (41,694) Income before extraordinary item.................. 25,648 16,146 32,110 27,106 101,010 Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt.... (10,439) - - - (10,439) Net income........................................ 15,209 16,146 32,110 27,106 90,571 -26- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. GNS FINANCE CORP. By: STEPHEN A. WYNN -------------------------- Stephen A. Wynn, Chairman of the Board and President Dated: March 31, 1997 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date --------- ----- ---- STEPHEN A. WYNN Chairman of the Board and President March 31, 1997 - ---------------- (Principal Executive Officer) Stephen A. Wynn DANIEL R. LEE Treasurer and Director (Principal March 31, 1997 - ---------------- Financial and Accounting Officer) Daniel R. Lee BRUCE A. LEVIN Director March 31, 1997 ---------------- Bruce A. Levin -27- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL By: ROBERT H. BALDWIN -------------------------- Robert H. Baldwin, President and Chief Executive Officer Dated: March 31, 1997 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date --------- ----- ---- STEPHEN A. WYNN Chairman of the Board March 31, 1997 - ----------------------- Stephen A. Wynn ROBERT H. BALDWIN President and Chief Executive March 31, 1997 - ----------------------- Officer (Principal Executive Robert H. Baldwin Officer) CHRISTOPHER W. NORDLING Vice President, Treasurer March 31, 1997 - ----------------------- and Chief Financial Officer Christopher W. Nordling (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) ELAINE P. WYNN Director March 31, 1997 - ----------------------- Elaine P. Wynn GEORGE J. MASON Director March 31, 1997 - ----------------------- George J. Mason MELVIN B. WOLZINGER Director March 31, 1997 - ----------------------- Melvin B. Wolzinger RONALD M. POPEIL Director March 31, 1997 - ----------------------- Ronald M. Popeil Director March , 1997 - ----------------------- Daniel B. Wayson RICHARD D. BRONSON Director March 31, 1997 - ----------------------- Richard D. Bronson -28- SCHEDULE II THE MIRAGE CASINO-HOTEL AND SUBSIDIARIES AND GNS FINANCE CORP. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (IN THOUSANDS) ADDITIONS ------------------------- BALANCE AT CHARGED TO CHARGED BALANCE BEGINNING COSTS AND TO OTHER AT END DESCRIPTION OF YEAR EXPENSES ACCOUNTS DEDUCTIONS OF YEAR - ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ------------ -------- Receivables Allowance for doubtful accounts Year Ended December 31, 1996.......... $ 44,862 $14,309 $ 1,398 (a) $24,011 (b) $ 36,558 Year Ended December 31, 1995.......... $ 34,990 $22,895 $ 1,150 (a) $14,173 (b) $ 44,862 Year Ended December 31, 1994.......... $ 23,224 $20,185 $ 833 (a) $ 9,252 (b) $ 34,990 Federal income taxes Valuation allowance Year Ended December 31, 1996.......... $156,280 $ - $ 7,562 (c) $ 963 (d) $162,879 Year Ended December 31, 1995.......... $144,257 $ - $12,023 (c) $ - $156,280 Year Ended December 31, 1994.......... $124,185 $ - $20,165 (c) $ 93 (d) $144,257 - --------------- (a) Recoveries of accounts previously charged off. (b) Accounts charged off. (c) A valuation allowance has been established to eliminate the tax benefits associated with certain loss carryforwards because management believes the combined companies will not obtain any tax benefits from these deferred tax assets. (d) Elimination of valuation allowance associated with the deferred tax assets that were written off. S-1