DEF 14A
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.    )

Filed by the Registrant  

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  Preliminary Proxy Statement
  Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
  Definitive Proxy Statement
  Definitive Additional Materials
  Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

MGM Growth Properties LLC

 

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

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LOGO


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LETTER FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dear Fellow MGM Growth Properties LLC Shareholders:

2017 marked the ongoing successful execution of our strategy to deliver value to our shareholders. Our first base rent escalator of 2% under our master lease went into effect on April 1, 2017, demonstrating the inherent growth in our business. Our board approved two increases to our dividend during the year—first to an annualized $1.58 per share in June and again to an annualized $1.68 per share in December. Our current annualized dividend of $1.68 per share has already increased 17.5% from $1.43 per share since our IPO in April 2016.

In September, we announced the acquisition of the real estate of MGM National Harbor for approximately $1.2 billion. This addition to our portfolio increased our rental income under our master lease by $95 million to $757 million. The transaction was meaningfully accretive to our Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) per share and further diversifies our portfolio geographically. The MGM National Harbor acquisition also improved the security and diversity of our revenue streams, and demonstrated our deal discipline and the power of our business model.

This year we raised $350.0 million of long term fixed rate debt at 4.5% and reduced our cost of borrowing under our bank facilities, saving approximately $9 million of interest annually. We also raised $405 million of equity in our first follow-on offering at $30.60 per share. Both of these financings were many times oversubscribed by investors.

Our target acquisition universe remains robust, and we are optimistic regarding our pipeline and prudent in our approach.

 

 

LOGO       

 

 

      Sincerely,

 

       LOGO

 

  

 

James C. Stewart

Chief Executive Officer

March 21, 2018

 

 

Statements in this letter that are not historical facts are “forward-looking” statements and “safe harbor statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other related laws that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including risks and/or uncertainties described in the Company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company has based forward-looking statements on management’s current expectations and assumptions and not on historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include risks related to the Company’s ability to receive, or delays in obtaining, any regulatory approvals required to own its properties, or other delays or impediments to completing the Company’s planned acquisitions or projects, including any acquisitions of properties from MGM; the ultimate timing and outcome of any planned acquisitions or projects; the Company’s ability to maintain its status as a REIT; the availability of, and the ability to identify, suitable and attractive acquisition and development opportunities and the ability to acquire and lease those properties on favorable terms; the Company’s ability to access capital through debt and equity markets in amounts and at rates and costs acceptable to the Company; changes in the U.S. tax law and other state, federal or local laws, whether or not specific to REITs or to the gaming or lodging industries; and other factors described in the Company’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports (including all amendments to those reports). In providing forward-looking statements, the Company is not undertaking any duty or obligation to update these statements publicly as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. If the Company updates one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those other forward-looking statements.

 


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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

LOGO

ANNUAL MEETING PROPOSALS

 

 

1 ELECTION

 

 

2 RATIFICATION

 

 

3 APPROVAL

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS

to elect a Board
of Directors;
 

to ratify the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2018

 

  to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers  

to consider the transaction of any other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof

 

PROXY VOTING

Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 2018 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. A complete list of such shareholders will be available for examination by any shareholder during ordinary business hours at our executive offices, located at 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Suite 750, Las Vegas, Nevada 89135, for a period of 10 days prior to the date of the Annual Meeting. Shareholders are requested to arrive at the Annual Meeting on time and, with respect to shareholders whose shares are held in “street name” by a broker, provide recent evidence of share ownership as of the record date. There will be no admittance once the Annual Meeting has begun.

Your vote is important. Please be sure to vote your shares in favor of the Board of Directors’ recommendations in time for our May 2, 2018 meeting date.

Your attention is directed to the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice for a more complete statement of the matters to be considered at the meeting.

Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” each nominee for director listed in Proposal 1 and “FOR” Proposals 2 and 3.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

LOGO

James C. Stewart

Chief Executive Officer

March 21, 2018

PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD OR SUBMIT YOUR PROXY USING THE

INTERNET OR TELEPHONE. Use of the enclosed envelope requires no postage for mailing in the United States.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS      1  

How to Vote—Stockholder of Record

     1  

Voting Rights and Outstanding Shares

     1  

Quorum and Votes Required

     2  

Adjournment

     3  

How to Revoke or Change Your Vote

     3  

How the Votes will be Counted and Who Will Certify the Results

     3  

Costs of and Participants in Solicitation

     3  

Copies of Proxy Materials

     3  

Delivery to a Single Household to Reduce Duplicate Mailings

     4  

Governance Highlights

     4  
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE      5  

Governance Guidelines

     5  

Code of Conduct

     5  

Director Independence

     5  

Director Share Ownership Guidelines

     5  

Information Regarding the Board and Board Committees

     6  

Audit Committee

     6  

Conflicts Committee

     6  

Compensation Committee and Nominating/Governance Committee

     7  

Board Member Criteria and Election

     7  

Board Leadership Structure

     7  

Director Continuing Education

     8  

Risk Oversight

     8  

Board Diversity

     8  

Controlling Shareholder

     8  

Shareholder and Interested Parties Communications with Directors

     9  

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

     9  
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION      10  

2017 Director Compensation

     10  

Director Compensation Structure

     10  
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS      11  

Security Ownership of Management in Parent Company

     13  
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS      14  

Conflicts of Interest

     14  

No Fiduciary Duties

     14  

Distributions Under Operating Agreement

     15  

Agreements with Affiliates in Connection with our Formation Transactions

     15  

Master Contribution Agreement

     15  

Master Lease

     15  

Corporate Services Agreement

     16  

IPO Registration Rights Agreement

     16  

IP License Agreement

     16  

Sublease Agreement

     16  
PROPOSALS REQUIRING YOUR VOTE      17  

Proposal No. 1 Election of Directors

     17  

Information Concerning the Board’s Nominees

     17  

Proposal No.  2 Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     22  

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

     22  

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

     22  

Audit Committee Report

     22  

Proposal No. 3 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

     24  
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION      25  

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

     25  

Executive Summary

     26  

Elements of our Executive Compensation Program

     26  

Results from 2017 Say-on-Pay Vote

     26  

Executive Compensation “Best Practices”

     27  

Objectives of Our Compensation Program

     27  

Executive Compensation Process

     27  

Roles in Establishing NEO Compensation

     27  

Outside Consultants

     28  

Assessing Compensation Competitiveness

     28  

Elements of Compensation

     29  

Annual Base Salary

     29  

Annual Incentive Bonus

     29  

Long-Term Equity Incentives

     30  

PSUs

     30  

RSUs

     31  

Bonus PSUs / Bonus Deferred RSUs

     32  

Award Summary

     32  

Deferred Compensation Opportunities For Employees

     32  

Perquisites and Other Benefits

     32  

Share Ownership Guidelines

     32  

Other Compensation Matters

     33  

Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m)

     33  
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT      34  
COMPENSATION TABLES      35  

Summary Compensation Table

     35  

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

     35  

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

     36  

Stock Vested

     36  

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

     36  

Estimated Benefits upon Termination

     37  

Employment Agreements with Named Executive Officers

     37  

Stewart Employment Agreement

     37  

Chien Employment Agreement

     38  

Change of Control Benefits

     39  
CEO PAY RATIO DISCLOSURE      40  
NOTICE CONCERNING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS      41  
 


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2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 

 

2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

The form of proxy accompanying this Proxy Statement and the persons named therein as proxies have been approved by, and this solicitation is made on behalf of, the Board of Directors of MGM Growth Properties LLC (the “Board”) in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of MGM Growth Properties LLC (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at the following date, time and place, and at any postponements or adjournments thereof:

 

May 2, 2018

10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

  

Park MGM Presidio Ballroom

3770 S. Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109

MGM Growth Properties LLC, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to herein as the “Company,” “MGP,” “we” or “us,” unless the context indicates otherwise. Matters to be considered and acted upon at the Annual Meeting are set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting accompanying this Proxy Statement and are more fully outlined herein. On or about March 21, 2018, we will mail and/or make available this Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy to each shareholder entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Shareholders are requested to arrive at the Annual Meeting on time, as there will be no admittance once the Annual Meeting has begun. Our Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2017 accompanies this Proxy Statement.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to be Held on May 2, 2018. The Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Annual Report are available for review online at www.proxyvote.com.

HOW TO VOTE - STOCKHOLDER OF RECORD

 

 

LOGO

VOTING RIGHTS AND OUTSTANDING SHARES

Only record holders of our Class A shares and Class B share (collectively the “shares”) as of March 8, 2018 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on March 8, 2018, there were 70,896,795 Class A shares outstanding and entitled to vote, and one Class B share outstanding and entitled to vote. Class A shares and the Class B share must vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote or for the consent of the members of the Company, including the election of directors. Each shareholder of record of our Class A shares is entitled to one vote for each share held on that date on all matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting. MGM Resorts International (“MGM”), the owner of our Class B share, is entitled to an amount of votes representing a majority of the total voting power of our shares and, as a result, controls the Company through its majority voting rights. MGM has indicated that it intends to vote in accordance with the Board’s recommendations on the proposals submitted to vote at the Annual Meeting.

You may vote by attending the Annual Meeting in person, by completing and returning a proxy by mail or by using the Internet or telephone. For shareholders who have requested paper copies of our proxy materials, you may submit your proxy by mail by marking your vote on the enclosed proxy card (the “Proxy Card”), then following the mailing instructions on the Proxy Card. To submit your proxy using the Internet or by telephone, see the instructions on the Proxy Card and have the Notice of Internet Availability or Proxy Card available when you access the Internet website or place your telephone call. You may vote by Internet or telephone until 8:59 p.m., Pacific Time, on May 1, 2018. If you are a shareholder of record and wish to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you may do so. If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” by a broker and wish to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a proxy from the bank, brokerage or other institution holding your shares and bring such proxy with you to hand in with your ballot.

 

 

MGM Growth Properties LLC    2018 Proxy Statement    

  

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2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 

 

All shares represented by properly submitted proxies will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the directions on the proxies, unless such proxies have previously been revoked. If you are a shareholder of record and submit a Proxy Card with no voting direction indicated, the shares will be voted as the Board recommends, which is as follows:

 

PROPOSAL ROADMAP    PAGE    RECOMMENDATION

Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors

FOR the election of each of the nominees to the Board listed in this proxy statement and on the Proxy Card.

   17   

 

Proposal No. 2 Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

FOR the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.

   22   

 

Proposal No. 3 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

FOR the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers.

   24   

 

By returning a signed Proxy Card by mail or by duly submitting a proxy by Internet or telephone, you will confer discretionary authority on the named proxies to vote on any other business that properly comes before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof for which discretionary authority is permitted. The persons named on the Proxy Card as proxies or their substitutes will vote or act in their discretion with respect to such other matters. Any such matters shall be determined by a majority of votes cast in person or by proxy.

QUORUM AND VOTES REQUIRED

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of at least a majority of the total voting power of the outstanding voting shares is necessary to constitute a quorum at the meeting. Generally, at all meetings of shareholders, all questions, except certain amendments to our operating agreement, the election of directors, and all such other questions, the manner of deciding of which is specially regulated by any applicable law or regulation, shall be determined by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares present in person or represented by proxy.

If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” by a broker, your broker, as the record holder of the shares, must vote those shares in accordance with your instructions. In accordance with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), certain matters submitted to a vote of shareholders are considered by the NYSE to be “routine” items upon which brokerage firms may vote in their discretion on behalf of their customers if such customers have not furnished voting instructions within a specified period prior to the meeting. The ratification of the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm as our independent auditor for 2018 is considered the only routine matter for which brokerage firms may vote shares for which they have not received instructions. The remaining matters are considered to be “non-routine,” and brokerage firms that have not received instructions from their customers do not have discretion to vote on these matters.

The below table summarizes the voting requirements to elect directors and to approve each of the proposals in this Proxy Statement:

 

PROPOSAL    VOTE REQUIRED    BROKER
DISCRETIONARY
VOTING ALLOWED

1.  Election of directors

   Majority of votes cast    No

2.  Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP

   Majority of votes represented at meeting in person or by proxy and entitled to vote    Yes

3.  Approval of executive compensation on an advisory basis

   Majority of votes represented at meeting in person or by proxy and entitled to vote    No

 

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    MGM Growth Properties LLC    2018 Proxy Statement

 


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2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 

 

Each director shall be elected by a majority of votes cast to hold office until the next annual meeting, unless the election is contested, in which case, directors shall be elected by a plurality of votes properly cast. An election shall be contested if, as determined by the Board, the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected. A majority of votes cast means that the number of votes properly cast “for” a director nominee exceeds the number of votes properly cast “against” such director nominee. Abstentions do not count as votes “against” and have no effect with respect to the election of directors. Any current director who does not meet this standard is subject to the Board’s policy regarding resignations by directors who do not receive a majority of votes cast, which is set forth in our Governance Guidelines. With respect to Proposal 2 and Proposal 3, a properly executed proxy marked “ABSTAIN,” although counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum, will not be voted, and accordingly, an abstention will have the same effect as a vote cast against each of these proposals. Broker non-votes are not counted as votes cast and will therefore have no effect on the outcome of the vote on a proposal.

ADJOURNMENT

In accordance with the Company’s Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (our “LLC Agreement”), the Chairman of the Annual Meeting has the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the Annual Meeting. For more detail regarding adjournment procedures and the conduct of the Company’s shareholder meetings generally, please see our LLC Agreement.

HOW TO REVOKE OR CHANGE YOUR VOTE

Any proxy may be changed or revoked at any time prior to the Annual Meeting by submitting a new proxy with a later date, by a later telephone or Internet vote (subject to the telephone or Internet voting deadline), by voting in person at the Annual Meeting or by submitting a revocation in writing. Written revocations must be directed to: Company Secretary, MGM Growth Properties LLC, 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 500, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118; and they must be received by the Company Secretary no later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on May 1, 2018.

HOW THE VOTES WILL BE COUNTED AND WHO WILL CERTIFY THE RESULTS

A representative of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) will act as the independent Inspector of Elections to count the votes, determine whether a quorum is present, evaluate the validity of proxies and ballots, and certify the results. The final voting results will be reported by us on a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) within four business days following the Annual Meeting.

COSTS OF AND PARTICIPANTS IN SOLICITATION

Your proxy is being solicited by the Board on behalf of the Company and, as such, we will pay the costs of soliciting proxies. Proxies may be solicited on behalf of the Company by our directors, officers, employees or agents in person or by mail, Internet (including by email, Twitter, the use of our investor relations website and other online channels of communication), telephone, facsimile, town hall meetings, personal interviews, press releases, press interviews, advertisements and investor presentations. We will also reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries, upon request, for their reasonable expenses incurred in sending proxies and proxy materials to beneficial owners of our shares. We have not retained an outside proxy solicitation firm to assist us with the solicitation of proxies.

COPIES OF PROXY MATERIALS

As permitted by SEC, we are furnishing to shareholders our Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Annual Report primarily over the Internet. On or about March 21, 2018, we will mail to each of our shareholders (other than those who previously requested electronic or paper delivery) a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access and review the proxy materials via the Internet, and how to access the Proxy Card to vote on the Internet or by telephone. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials also contains instructions on how to receive, free of charge, paper copies of the proxy materials. If you received the notice, then you will not receive a paper copy of the proxy materials unless you request one.

Shareholders of Record. If your shares are registered in your own name, you may request paper copies of the proxy materials by following the instructions contained in the notice. Shareholders who have already made a permanent election to receive paper copies of the proxy materials will receive a full set of the proxy documents in the mail.

 

 

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2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 

 

Beneficial Shareholders. If your shares are not registered in your name, you should receive written instructions on how to request paper copies of the proxy materials from your bank or broker. We recommend that you contact your bank or broker if you do not receive these instructions. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your bank, broker or other holder of record how to vote your shares by using the voting instructions you received.

DELIVERY TO A SINGLE HOUSEHOLD TO REDUCE DUPLICATE MAILINGS

Many shareholders hold our shares in multiple accounts, which may result in duplicate mailings of the Notice of Internet Availability (or proxy materials) to shareholders who share the same address. Shareholders can avoid receiving duplicate mailings and save us the cost of producing and mailing duplicate documents as follows:

Shareholders of Record. If your shares are registered in your own name and you are interested in consenting to the delivery of a single Notice of Internet Availability (or copy of proxy materials other than proxy cards), go directly to the website at www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions therein. Beneficial Shareholders. If your shares are not registered in your own name, your broker, bank, trust or other nominee that holds your shares may have asked you to consent to the delivery of a single Notice of Internet Availability (or copy of proxy materials other than proxy cards) if there are other shareholders who share an address with you. If you currently receive more than one copy of proxy materials at your household and would like to receive only one copy in the future, you should contact your nominee.

Right to Request Separate Copies. If you consent to the delivery of a single Notice of Internet Availability (or copy of proxy materials) but later decide that you would prefer to receive a separate Notice of Internet Availability (or copy of proxy materials) for each account at your address, then please notify us at the following address: Company Secretary, MGM Growth Properties LLC, 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 500, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, Attention: Shareholder Communications, or your nominee, as applicable, and we or your nominee will promptly deliver such additional proxy materials. If you wish to receive a separate copy of the proxy materials for each account at your address in the future, you may contact Broadridge by calling toll-free 1-866-540-7095 or by writing to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood NY, 11717.

GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS

We have elected to be treated as a “controlled company” under NYSE listing standards because MGM holds more than 50% of our voting power. Accordingly, we are exempt from certain requirements of the NYSE corporate governance rules, including the requirement that we have a majority of independent directors on our Board and the requirement of having independent compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees of the Board.

In keeping with good corporate governance practices, we maintain a comprehensive set of corporate governance initiatives that include the following:

 

       
   An Audit Committee comprised solely of independent directors       Adopting stock ownership guidelines for our named executive officers and for compensated directors
       
   Maintaining a written charter for our Audit Committee       Maintaining limits on the number of other public company boards and audit committees on which our directors may serve
       
   Annual director elections       Conducting annual Board and Audit Committee evaluations
       
   Annual election of a Lead Independent Director by the Board        
       
  

Annual review of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Conflict of Interest Policy

 

         

 

4      

    MGM Growth Properties LLC    2018 Proxy Statement

 


Table of Contents

Corporate Governance

 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES

The Board has adopted governance guidelines (the “Governance Guidelines”) to assist the Board in the exercise of its responsibilities and to serve our interests and those of our shareholders. The Governance Guidelines set forth the general principles governing the conduct of our business and the role, functions, duties and responsibilities of the Board, including, but not limited to, such matters as (i) Board composition and membership criteria, (ii) compensation, (iii) director orientation and continuing education, (iv) Board committees, (v) Board leadership, (vi) director access to officers, employees and independent advisors, (vii) management succession, (viii) annual performance evaluations of the Board and its committees and (ix) conflicts of interest and recusal. We believe that these guidelines are in compliance with the applicable listing standards adopted by the NYSE. The Corporate Governance Guidelines are posted and maintained on our website at www.mgmgrowthproperties.com/governance-documents under the caption “Governance Guidelines.” The inclusion of our website address here and elsewhere in this Proxy Statement does not include or incorporate by reference the information on our website into this Proxy Statement. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of this Proxy Statement.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy (the “Code of Conduct”) that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE. The Code of Conduct is posted on our website at www.mgmgrowthproperties.com/governance-documents under the caption “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy/MGM Growth Properties LLC Securities Trading Policy.” Any waivers of the provisions of the Code of Conduct are required to be disclosed in accordance with applicable law or regulation.

The Code of Conduct is made available to all of our employees in various formats. It is specifically provided to new directors, officers and key employees and is covered annually with all of our directors, officers and key employees, each of whom is required to acknowledge his or her understanding of the Code of Conduct and agree to adhere to the principles contained therein. Additionally, we will provide a copy of the Code of Conduct, free of charge, to any shareholder who requests it in writing to: Company Secretary, MGM Growth Properties LLC, 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 500, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, Attention: Shareholder Communications.

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

We have elected to avail ourselves of the “controlled company” exemption available under the listing rules of the NYSE and therefore are permitted not to have a majority of independent directors. Should we no longer qualify as a controlled company within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards, we will be required, in accordance with the transition provisions of these standards to have a majority of independent directors who, in each case, the Board has determined does not have any direct or indirect material relationships with the Company. The Board has established guidelines to assist in determining director independence, which meet, and in some respects exceed the independence requirements established by the NYSE’s listing standards. These guidelines are set forth in Section II of our Corporate Governance Guidelines.

All members of the Audit Committee must be independent directors as defined in the Corporate Governance Guidelines. For the purposes of determining whether a director who is a member of the Audit Committee is independent, the Board applies additional independence standards, including those of the SEC set forth in Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the corporate governance rules of the NYSE applicable to audit committee composition. The Board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee are independent and satisfy the relevant Company, NYSE and SEC additional requirements for the members of such committee.

DIRECTOR SHARE OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES

We recognize the importance of aligning our Board’s interests with those of our shareholders. As a result, the Board has established share ownership guidelines for all of our directors who receive compensation for their service on the Board. Under these guidelines, each of these directors is expected to accumulate, by the fifth year following his or her initial election to the Board, equity having a fair market value equal to three times such director’s annual base cash retainer. The guidelines provide that (i) 50% of net after-tax shares received upon RSU vesting are expected to be retained until the

 

 

MGM Growth Properties LLC    2018 Proxy Statement    

  

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Corporate Governance

 

 

guideline is met and (ii) shares held in trust, retirement or deferred compensation accounts, and RSUs count toward the ownership guideline. Directors may accumulate RSU’s as equity compensation on a tax-deferred basis, in which case the pre-tax number of shares count toward the ownership guidelines. All current directors are in compliance with these guidelines or on track to comply with these guidelines within the specified time period. The Board also adopted share ownership guidelines for executive officers, which are described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Executive Summary”.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD AND BOARD COMMITTEES

During 2017, the Board consisted of eight directors following the appointment of Mr. Smith in January 2017. In 2017, the Board met six times and had eleven Audit Committee meetings and six Conflicts Committee meetings.

During 2017, each member of the Board attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings held by the Board and the total number of meetings held by the committees on which he or she served. Directors are expected to attend each annual meeting of shareholders, either in person or telephonically.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee’s responsibilities are described in a written charter adopted by the Board. The charter is posted on our website at www.mgmgrowthproperties.com/governance-documents under the caption “Audit Committee Charter.” As of March 8, 2018 and 2017, the Audit Committee was comprised of Messrs. Rietbrock, Roberts and Smith, with Mr. Roberts serving as the Chair. Mr. Roberts also serves as the Lead Independent Director.

The Audit Committee assists our Board in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee, among other matters, the integrity of our financial statements, our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, our independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, and the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors.

The Audit Committee also reviews the report that is required to be included in the Proxy Statement. In addition, the Audit Committee appoints the independent registered public accounting firm; reviews with such firm the plan, scope and results of the audit, and the fees for the services performed; and periodically reviews such firm’s performance and independence from management.

The Audit Committee meets regularly with our management, independent registered public accounting firm and internal auditors, and reports its findings to the Board.

The Board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee qualify as “financially literate” and that all members qualify as “audit committee financial experts,” as defined in the NYSE’s listing standards and the SEC’s regulations. Our board has determined that Messrs. Rietbrock, Roberts and Smith meet the independence requirements applicable to audit committee members under the NYSE corporate governance standards and the applicable SEC rules.

CONFLICTS COMMITTEE

A majority of our Board may, but is not required to, from time to time, direct that a conflicts committee be formed to evaluate specific matters that the Board believes may involve conflicts of interest and determines to submit to a conflicts committee to review. Members of such conflicts committees must meet the independence standards established by the NYSE and the Exchange Act to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors, along with other requirements in our operating agreement. In addition, the members of our conflicts committee may not own any interest in MGM or its affiliates (other than shares of MGM common stock with an aggregate value of up to 1% of such member’s net worth as of the date of determination (as determined by our Board in good faith)). Any matters approved by the conflicts committee will be conclusively deemed to be approved by us and not a breach by our Board of any duties it may owe us or our shareholders.

In August 2017, our Board directed that a temporary Conflicts Committee be formed with Messrs. Rietbrock, Roberts and Smith to evaluate matters related to the acquisition by MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP (the “Operating Partnership”) of the leasehold interest and real property improvements associated with the MGM National Harbor resort (the “MGM National Harbor Transaction”). Our Board determined that Messrs. Rietbrock, Roberts and Smith meet the independence requirements applicable to audit committee members established by the NYSE and the Exchange Act to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors, along with other requirements in our operating agreement.

 

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Table of Contents

Corporate Governance

 

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE AND NOMINATING/GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

We have elected to avail ourselves of the “controlled company” exemption available under the listing rules of the NYSE and therefore are not required to have a compensation committee or a nominating and governance committee. Prior to our initial public offering, decisions regarding compensation of our executive officers were made by MGM’s Board of Directors. Currently, our Board performs the functions of a nominating and governance committee and a compensation committee. Should we no longer qualify as a controlled company within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards, we will be required, in accordance with the transition provisions of these standards, to have both a compensation committee and a nominating and governance committee.

BOARD MEMBER CRITERIA AND ELECTION

The Board selects candidates for nomination to the Board and welcomes recommendations for Board candidates from shareholders.

In determining the criteria for Board membership, the Board considers the appropriate range of skills, backgrounds and personal characteristics required in light of the then-current makeup of the Board and in the context of the perceived needs of the Company at the time, including, among other things, the following experience and personal attributes: leadership abilities; financial acumen; general and special business experience and expertise; industry knowledge; other public company directorships; high ethical standards; independence; sound judgment; interpersonal skills; overall effectiveness; and ability to contribute to the diversity of backgrounds represented on the Board.

The Company has not adopted a mandatory retirement age or term limits for its Board members because it recognizes that each individual is different and such limitations may result in individuals who distinguish themselves in their board service being precluded from serving on the Board. However, the Board recognizes that economic, social and political factors affecting our business are continually changing and the skills of our Board members need to keep pace. Accordingly, in re-nominating incumbent members to the Board, the Board takes into account the need to regularly refresh the composition of the Board to ensure the Board has the appropriate complement of expertise and recent experience to address the Company’s current and anticipated circumstances and needs.

The Board may receive recommendations for Board candidates from various sources, including our shareholders. Pursuant to our LLC Agreement, eligible shareholders meeting specified eligibility requirements and who provide required information in a timely manner may also nominate individuals for election to be included in our proxy statement for an annual meeting. In addition, the Board may engage an independent search firm to assist in identifying qualified candidates. The Board will review all recommended candidates in the same manner regardless of the source of the recommendation. Recommendations from shareholders should be in writing and addressed to: Company Secretary, MGM Growth Properties LLC, 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 500, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, Attention: Shareholder Communications, and must include the proposed candidate’s name, address, age and qualifications together with the information required under federal securities laws and regulations. Shareholder nominations must be received in a timely manner and in accordance with our LLC Agreement, and must include the recommending shareholder’s name, address, number of shares beneficially owned, and the length of time such shares have been held. See “Notice Concerning Shareholder Proposals and Nominations” below.

BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

Our Governance Guidelines provide that the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer may be filled by the same or different individuals, which gives the Board the flexibility to determine whether these roles should be combined or separated based on the Company’s circumstances and needs at any given time. The Board has no formal policy regarding whether to combine or separate the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Currently, Mr. Murren serves as Chairman of the Board, and Mr. Stewart serves as our Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes that separating the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer roles is appropriate. Mr. Murren is able to focus on managing the operations of the Board and providing his expertise in a manner that is consistent with the Board’s oversight role, while Mr. Stewart is able to manage the business and facilitate strong day-to-day executive leadership.

Mr. Roberts is our Lead Independent Director. Among other things, the Lead Independent Director is responsible for convening, chairing and setting the agenda for executive sessions of the independent directors, acting as a liaison between directors and management, consulting with the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board regarding the agenda of Board meetings and, on behalf of and at the discretion of the Board, meeting with shareholders and speaking on behalf of the Board in circumstances where it is appropriate for the Board to have a voice distinct from that of management. The Board has established a process for shareholders and other interested parties to communicate with the Lead Independent Director, which is set forth in “Shareholder and Interested Parties Communications with Directors” below.

 

 

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Corporate Governance

 

 

All of our directors are non-management directors. Our directors meet at least once a year in an executive session without the presence of management. The independent directors meet at least once every year in an independent director executive session without management or non-independent directors present. Executive sessions of the independent directors are chaired by the Lead Independent Director.

DIRECTOR CONTINUING EDUCATION

We are committed to ensuring that our directors remain informed with respect to best practices in corporate governance and engage outside counsel to provide periodic training to our directors on this topic. Each new Director receives background material on the Company, including copies of the Company’s guidelines and policies. These include the Governance Guidelines and the Code of Conduct; our LLC Agreement; recent SEC filings; a memorandum on federal securities laws applicable to Directors; and a summary of indemnification provisions and Directors and officers liability insurance; as well as other information deemed relevant. In addition, each Director is afforded the opportunity to meet with members of the senior management of the Company, visit the Company’s facilities and consult with independent advisors as necessary or appropriate. Directors are expected to undertake continuing education to properly perform their responsibilities.

RISK OVERSIGHT

Our Board has overall responsibility for overseeing the management of the most significant risks facing the Company. As part of its decision-making processes and meetings, our Board engages in regular discussions regarding risk related to the enterprise and management, focusing particularly on the areas of financial risk, regulatory and compliance risk and operational and strategic risk. Our management’s assessment of material risks facing the Company is presented by our officers and our legal counsel to the Board at our regularly scheduled Board meetings for the Board’s discussion and consideration in its oversight of the Company. When necessary, our Board convenes for special meetings to discuss important decisions facing the Company. The Board considers short-term and long-term risks when providing direction to the Company in connection with these important decisions, and risk planning is a central part of the calculus in all of the Board’s decision making.

While the Board has the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, the Audit Committee of the Board also shares in such responsibility. Furthermore, a majority of the Board may, from time to time, direct that a conflicts committee be formed to evaluate certain transactions and resolutions of conflicts of interest. As part of its delegated areas of responsibility, the Audit Committee reviews and discusses in more detail specific risk topics under its area of responsibility consistent with its charter and such other responsibilities as may be delegated to it by the Board from time to time. In particular, the Audit Committee focuses on significant risk exposures faced by the Company, including general business risk, financial risk, internal controls, regulatory and compliance matters, and material litigation and potential disputes, and assesses the steps and processes management has implemented to monitor, control and/or minimize such exposures. In addition, the Board reviews at least annually our compensation policies and practices for executives, management employees and employees generally as they relate to our risk management practices, including the incentives established for risk-taking and the manner in which risks arising out of our compensation policies and practices are monitored and mitigated and any adjustments of compensation policies and practices that should be made to address changes in our risk profile.

The Board has the responsibility to review our corporate governance practices, including Board composition and succession planning, and regularly assess our preparation to address risks related to these areas as well as the other areas under its responsibility.

BOARD DIVERSITY

The Board considers diversity when assessing the appropriateness of Board membership. Though diversity is not defined in the Governance Guidelines, which can be found under the caption “Governance Guidelines” at www.mgmgrowthproperties.com/governance-documents, diversity is broadly interpreted by the Board to include viewpoints, background, experience, industry knowledge and geography, as well as more traditional characteristics of diversity, such as race and gender.

CONTROLLING SHAREHOLDER

MGM holds a controlling interest in us through its ownership of our Class B share. The Class B share is a non-economic interest in the Company that does not provide its holder any rights to profits or losses or any rights to receive distributions from our operations. Under our LLC Agreement, the Class A shares and Class B share must vote together as a single class

 

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Corporate Governance

 

 

on all matters submitted to a vote or for the consent of the members of the company, including the election of directors. Each record holder of our Class A shares is entitled to one vote per Class A share held by such holder. As the holder of our Class B share, MGM is entitled to a number of votes (rounded up to the nearest whole number) that is equal to the product of (x) the total number of votes held by the holders of Class A shares plus any other class of Shares (other than the Class B share), in each case, outstanding as of the record date and (y) 1.025. At the close of business on March 8, 2018, the record date, there were 70,896,795 votes held by the holders of outstanding Class A shares. Accordingly, MGM is entitled to 72,669,215 votes at the Annual Meeting.

Should the holder of the Class B share and its permitted transferees (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) cease to own, in the aggregate, Class A shares and Common OP Units representing at least 30% of the sum of (A) the Class A shares outstanding at such time and (B) the Common OP Units outstanding at such time (other than Common OP Units Owned by the Company and its Subsidiaries), the holder of the Class B share will no longer have any voting rights in its capacity as a holder of the Class B share, and the Class  B share will cease to be entitled to any voting rights hereunder.

SHAREHOLDER AND INTERESTED PARTIES COMMUNICATIONS WITH DIRECTORS

The Board has established a process for shareholders and other interested parties to communicate with members of the Board, the independent directors as a group and the Lead Independent Director. All such communications should be in writing and should be addressed to the Company Secretary, MGM Growth Properties LLC, 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 500, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, Attention: Shareholder Communications. All inquiries are reviewed by the Company Secretary, who forwards to the Board, the independent directors or the Lead Independent Director, as applicable, a summary of all such correspondence and copies of all communications that the Company Secretary determines are appropriate and consistent with our operations and policies. Matters relevant to our other departments are directed to such departments with appropriate follow-up to ensure that appropriate inquiries are responded to in a timely manner. Matters relating to accounting, auditing and/or internal controls are referred to the Chair of the Audit Committee and included in the report to the Board, together with a report of any action taken to address the matter. The Board or the Audit Committee, as the case may be, may direct such further action deemed necessary or appropriate.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our shares, to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the SEC. The reporting officers, directors and 10% shareholders are also required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. Based solely upon a review of these filings and written representations from such directors and officers, we believe that all required Section 16(a) reports were timely filed during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, except that one Form 4 reflecting one transaction was filed late by Mr. Smith on January 18, 2017 and one Form 4 reflecting one transaction was filed late by Mr. Stewart on January 25, 2017. In addition, a Form 4 for Mr. Smith reporting the conversion of restricted stock units was later amended to correct an entry that showed the restricted stock units converting into deferred stock units instead of shares of our common stock. We have a program to oversee the compliance of our executive officers and directors in their reporting obligations.

 

   

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

  WHERE TO FIND OUR CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS
 

 

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    2018 Proxy Statement    

  

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Table of Contents

Director Compensation

 

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

2017 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, do not receive compensation for their service on the Board. For 2017, 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 28 of the CD&A for a discussion of the Company’s peer group), and determined that the current level of director compensation is at the median level.

The following table sets forth information regarding director compensation for 2017:

 

NAME

   FEES EARNED OR
PAID IN CASH
    

SHARE

AWARDS(A)(B)

    

ALL OTHER

COMPENSATION

   TOTAL  

Michael Rietbrock

   $ 87,500      $ 105,000      $—                  $ 192,500  

Thomas Roberts

     135,000 (C)       105,000      —                  240,000  

Robert Smith

     87,500 (C)       150,000      —                  237,500  

Daniel J. Taylor

     77,500        105,000      —                  182,500  

 

(A) The amount reflected in this column is the grant date fair value of 2017 RSU awards, computed in accordance with FASB ASC 718. Each director listed in the table above received a grant of 3,730 RSUs in May 2017, which vest on the earlier of (i) May 31, 2018 or (ii) the date of MGP’s next annual meeting of stockholders, which for 2018 is currently scheduled for May 2, 2018. Additionally, Mr. Smith received a pro rata RSU grant with a grant date fair value equal to $45,000 on January 12, 2017 when he was appointed by the Board to serve as a member of the Board.

 

(B) At December 31, 2017, each director listed in the table above held the following RSUs, which were granted in 2017 and as of December 31, 2017 were not fully vested and these grants’ associated dividend equivalent rights: Mr. Rietbrock, 10,959; Mr. Roberts, 17,149; Smith, 6,888 and Mr. Taylor, 16,231. All of these amounts were deferred pursuant to the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

 

(C) All of these amounts were deferred pursuant to the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION STRUCTURE

For 2017, members of the Board who were determined to be eligible to receive compensation received the following, with cash retainers paid in equal quarterly installments. Annually, we expect that equity will be issued following the annual shareholder meeting:

 

Annual Board Cash Retainer

  $80,000, effective May 31, 2017(A)

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

  $17,500

Annual Equity

  $105,000 in RSUs, vesting at the earlier of the first anniversary of grant or the next annual meeting

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 Board

Per-Meeting Compensation

  None

 

(A) Effective May 31, 2017, the Board approved an annual increase of $10,000 for directors that are eligible to receive compensation for their services on the MGP Board.

 

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Table of Contents

Principal Shareholders

 

 

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

The table below shows the number of Class A shares beneficially owned as of the close of business on March 8, 2018 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, based on 70,896,795 shares of our Class A shares outstanding as of March 8, 2018.

 

NAME(A)

   CLASS A
SHARES(B)
   

OPTIONS/SARs/

RSUs

EXERCISABLE

OR VESTING
WITHIN 60 DAYS(C)

    

TOTAL SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED(D)

     PERCENT
OF CLASS
    

DEFERRED

SHARE

UNITS(E)(F)

 

Andy H. Chien

     1,825       4,555        6,380        *         

Elisa Gois

                                 

William J. Hornbuckle

     39,213 (G)             39,213        *         

John M. McManus

     27,582              27,582        *         

James J. Murren

     262,705 (H)             262,705        *         

Michael Rietbrock

     5,000       3,887        8,887        *        7,235  

Thomas Roberts

     5,229              5,229        *        17,390  

Robert Smith

     6,819              6,819        *        6,977  

James C. Stewart

     3,652       9,109        12,761        *         

Daniel J. Taylor

                                16,462  

All directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)

     352,025       17,551        369,576        *        48,064  

 

* Less than 1%

 

(A) The address for the persons listed in this column is 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Suite 750, Las Vegas, Nevada 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 the first anniversary of the applicable grant date, 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 the earlier of May 31, 2018 or the date of MGP’s next annual meeting of stockholders (which for 2018 is currently scheduled for May 2, 2018), 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 that will be credited to the holders’ account on April 13, 2018 with the number of additional RSUs based on the closing price of MGP’s Class A shares on April 13, 2018.

 

(F) Represents deferred share units 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 7,541 shares held in trust.

 

(H) Includes 159,000 shares held in trust and 66,000 shares held by IRA.

 

 

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Principal Shareholders

 

 

As of March 8, 2018, the only persons known by us to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of our Class A and Class B shares are as follows, based on 70,896,795 shares of our Class A shares outstanding as of March 8, 2018:

 

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%  

Capital Research Global Investors
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071

     6,110,349 (C)(D)      8.62%  

The Vanguard Group, Inc.
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

     6,083,934 (C)(E)      8.58%  

Vanguard Specialized Funds
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

     4,657,140 (C)(F)      6.57%  

TIAA-CREF Investment Management, LLC/ Teachers Advisors, LLC
730 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10017

     4,437,421 (C)(G)      6.26%  

American Century Investment Management, Inc.

4500 Main Street, 9th Floor

Kansas City, Missouri 64111

     4,041,551 (C)(H)      5.70%  

 

(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.

 

(B) Class B share.

 

(C) Class A shares.

 

(D) Based upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by Capital Research Global Investors with the SEC on February 14, 2018. Reflects sole voting power of 6,110,349 shares and sole dispositive power of 6,110,349 shares, and Capital Research Global Investors disclaims beneficial ownership over such shares. Capital Research Global Investors is a division of Capital Research and Management Company and reported holding more than five percent of the outstanding Class A shares on behalf of its client SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc.

 

(E) Based upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by The Vanguard Group, Inc. with the SEC on February 9, 2018. Reflects sole voting power of 5,227 shares and sole dispositive power of 6,079,634 shares. Reflects shared voting power of 4,300 shares and shared dispositive power of 4,300 shares.

 

(F) Based upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by Vanguard Specialized Funds with the SEC on February 2, 2018. Reflects sole voting power of 4,657,140 shares.

 

(G) Based upon a Schedule 13G/A jointly filed by TIAA-CREF Investment Management, LLC (“TIAA”) and Teachers Advisors, LLC (“Advisors”) with the SEC on February 14, 2018. Reflects sole voting power of 2,879,492 shares and sole dispositive power of 2,879,492 shares held by TIAA, and sole voting power of 1,557,929 shares and sole dispositive power of 1,557,929 shares held by Advisors. TIAA is the investment adviser to the College Retirement Equities Fund (“CREF”), a registered investment company, and may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of 2,879,492 shares owned by CREF. Advisors is the investment adviser to three registered investment companies, TIAA-CREF Funds (“Funds”), TIAA-CREF Life Funds (“Life Funds”), and TIAA Separate Account VA-1 (“VA-1”), as well as one or more separately managed accounts of Advisors (collectively, the “Separate Accounts”), and may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of 1,557,929 shares of common stock owned separately by Funds, Life Funds, VA-1, and/or the Separate Accounts. TIAA and Advisors report their combined holdings for the purpose of administrative convenience. Each of TIAA and Advisors expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the other’s securities holdings and each disclaims that it is a member of a “group” with the other.

 

(H) Based upon a Schedule 13G jointly filed by American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“ACIM”), American Century Companies, Inc. (“ACC”) and Stowers Institute for Medical Research on February 9, 2018. Each entity reports sole voting power over 3,941,442 shares and sole dispositive power over 4,041,551 shares. ACC, is controlled by the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and ACIM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACC and a registered investment adviser to various persons, which have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the shares.

 

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Principal Shareholders

 

 

SECURITY 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 March 8, 2018 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 based on 566,656,009 shares of MGM Common Stock outstanding as of March 8, 2018.

 

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

     182,848 (D)             182,848        *         

John M. McManus

     54,581              54,581        *         

James J. Murren

     1,052,724 (E)             1,052,724        *         

Michael Rietbrock

                                 

Thomas Roberts

                                 

Robert Smith

     1,200              1,200        *         

James C. Stewart

     450              450        *         

Daniel J. Taylor

                                65,151  

All directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)

     1,291,803              1,291,803        *        65,151  

 

* Less than 1%

 

(A) The address for the persons listed in this column is 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Suite 750, Las Vegas, Nevada 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 by Non-Employee Directors, including deferral RSUs as of March 8, 2018. 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 the holders’ account on March 15, 2018 with the number of additional RSUs based on the closing price of MGM’s shares on March 15, 2018.

 

(D) Includes 156,559 shares held in trust.

 

(E) Includes 481,960 shares held in grantor retained trust and 175,329 shares held by spousal limited access trusts.

 

 

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Certain Relationships and Transactions with Related Persons

 

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND 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.

CONFLICTS 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 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.

NO 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.

 

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For 2017, we have the following related party transactions to report:

DISTRIBUTIONS 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, 2017, MGM owned 195,134,123 Operating Partnership Units, representing 73.4%, and we own 70,896,795 Operating Partnership Units, representing 26.6%.

MGM NATIONAL HARBOR TRANSACTION

On October 5, 2017, we completed the purchase of the long-term leasehold interest and real property improvements associated with MGM National Harbor casino resort for consideration consisting of the assumption of $425 million of debt, which was immediately paid off on the closing date, $462.5 million in cash and the issuance of 9.8 million Operating Partnership Units to a subsidiary of MGM, and subsequently leased back the real property to a subsidiary of MGM.

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.

Master 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 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.

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 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 Lease was amended on August 1, 2016 in connection with the Borgata transaction and on October 5, 2017 in connection with the MGM National Harbor Transaction. The Master Lease 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 Lease provides that any extension of its term must apply to all of the Properties under the Master Lease at the time of the extension. The initial term of the Master Lease with respect to MGM National Harbor ends on August 31, 2024. Thereafter, the initial term of the Master 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 Master Lease or the next renewal term (depending on whether MGM elects to renew the other properties under the Master 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 Master Lease, the Tenant would also lose the right to renew the Master 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 Master 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. Additionally, the Master Lease provides the Company with a right of first offer with respect to MGM’s development property located in Springfield, Massachusetts, which the Company may exercise should MGM elect to sell MGM Springfield in the future.

 

 

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The annual rent payments under the Master Lease for the second lease year commencing April 1, 2017, as adjusted for the MGM National Harbor Transaction, amount to $756.7 million. Rent under the Master Lease consists of a “base rent” component and a “percentage rent” component. As of December 31, 2017, the Base Rent represents approximately 90% of the rent payments due under the Master Lease, or $682.2 million, and the Percentage Rent represents approximately 10% of the rent payments due under the Master Lease, or $74.5 million. The Base Rent includes a fixed annual rent escalator of 2.0% for the second through the sixth lease years (as defined in the 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 net revenue from the leased properties subject to the Master Lease (as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, adjusted to exclude net revenue attributable to certain scheduled subleases and, at MGM’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 Lease 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’s option, reimbursed cost revenue, for the trailing five calendar-year period by 1.4%). The Master Lease includes covenants that impose ongoing reporting obligations on the Tenant relating to MGM’s financial statements. The Master Lease also requires 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.

Corporate 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 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, 2017 of $1.6 million.

IPO Registration Rights Agreement

On April 25, 2016, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (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 have the right to require the Company to effect 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.

IP 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.

Sublease Agreement

On April 25, 2016, the Operating Partnership entered into a sublease agreement with us and a subsidiary of MGM (“Sublandlord”), pursuant to which we leased office space as more particularly described in the sublease. The sublease contained provisions whereby we agreed 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 provided for a month-to-month tenancy until terminated. The sublease agreement was amended on January 1, 2017 and June 23, 2017 and terminated on October 31, 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Operating Partnership paid Sublandlord approximately $13,000 for December 2016 rent, and approximately $116,000 for January through October 2017 rent.

 

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PROPOSALS REQUIRING YOUR VOTE

PROPOSAL 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. All of the Company’s nominees on the Proxy Card currently serve on our 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.

Information 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.

 

       
 

 

 

ELISA GOIS

 

   

Director Biography and Qualifications

 

•  Chief Analytics Officer of MGM since October 2015.

•  Prior to joining MGM, served as Senior Vice President of Global Business Strategy & Analytics for 17 years at Host Hotels & Resorts.

•  Masters degree from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science degree from Towson State University.

•  Participated in numerous continuing education programs at Harvard Business School, New York University, Cornell University, and other institutions.

•  Selected to our Board because of her extensive knowledge in real estate valuation and competitive intelligence, strategic planning, operations and executive leadership experience.

       
 

LOGO

     
       
   

AGE: (48)

 

DIRECTOR SINCE 2016

 

CHIEF ANALYTICS OFFICER OF MGM

 

     

 

       
 

 

 

WILLIAM J. HORNBUCKLE

 

   

Director Biography and Qualifications

 

•  President of MGM since December 2012, where one of his main roles is to serve as the Company’s Chief Construction Design and Development Officer.

•  Chief Marketing Officer of MGM from August 2009 to August 2014.

•  President and Chief Operating Officer of Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas from April 2005 to August 2009.

•  Previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM MIRAGE-Europe, where he worked on the development of MGM’s gaming operations in the United Kingdom.

•  Previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM Grand Hotel & Casino and of Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

•  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.

•  Bachelor’s degree in hotel administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

•  Selected to our Board because he brings extensive management experience and understanding of the gaming industry.

       
  LOGO      
       
   

AGE: (60)

 

DIRECTOR SINCE 2016

 

PRESIDENT OF MGM

 

 

     

 

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JOHN M. MCMANUS

 

   

Director Biography and Qualifications

 

•  Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of MGM since July 2010.

•  MGM’s Senior Vice President, Acting General Counsel and Secretary from December 2009 to July 2010, MGM’s Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary from September 2009 to December 2009 and MGM’s Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary from July 2008 to September 2009.

•  Counsel to various operating MGM subsidiaries from May 2008 to July 2011.

•  Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University and a Juris Doctor degree from University of Miami.

•  Selected to our Board because of his substantial experience with and knowledge of gaming regulations.

       
 

 

LOGO

     
       
   

AGE: (51)

 

DIRECTOR SINCE 2016

 

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,

GENERAL COUNSEL AND

SECRETARY OF MGM

 

     

 

       
 

 

 

JAMES J. MURREN

 

   

Director Biography and Qualifications

 

•  MGP Chairman since March 2016.

•  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MGM since 2008.

•  Chairman of MGM China Holdings Limited since 2013.

•  MGM’s President from December 1999 to December 2012, Chief Operating Officer from August 2007 through December 2008, Chief Financial Officer from January 1998 to August 2007 and Treasurer from November 2001 to August 2007.

•  Director of the Nevada Cancer Institute from 2002 to 2012.

•  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, as Managing Director and Co-Director of Research for Deutsche Morgan Grenfell and Director of Research and Managing Director for Deutsche Bank.

•  Serves on the Board of Trustees at the Brookings Institute, Trinity College and Howard University.

•  Selected to our Board because of his significant experience in the hotel and casino industry and experience in public company leadership positions.

       
  LOGO      
       
   

AGE: (56)

 

DIRECTOR SINCE 2016

 

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MGM AND CHAIRMAN OF THE COMPANY

     

 

 

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MICHAEL RIETBROCK

 

   

Director Biography and Qualifications

 

•  Chief Operating Officer and Director of Research at MoffettNathanson, LLC.

•  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.

•  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.

•  Began his career at Citigroup, where he served for more than 15 years. During his time at Citigroup, Mr. Rietbrock was the #1-ranked Gaming & Lodging research analyst for a decade.

•  Serves on the Board of Trustees of the Ideal School of Manhattan.

•  Graduated from Harvard College with a degree in Economics.

•  Selected to our Board because of his extensive financial experience, particularly in the real estate, gaming and lodging sectors.

       
  LOGO      
       
   

AGE: (49)

 

DIRECTOR SINCE 2016

 

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AT MOFFETTNATHANSON, LLC

 

     

 

       
 

 

 

THOMAS ROBERTS

 

   

Director Biography and Qualifications

 

•  Strategic advisor and corporate governance consultant and serves as an advisory director of M. Klein and Company, a leading global strategic advisory firm providing financial, transactional, strategic, reputational and global guidance to its clients.

•  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 Chairman of the 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.

•  Named “Dealmaker of the Year” by The American Lawyer in 2001 and 2012.

•  Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from Georgetown University.

•  Selected to our Board because of his significant legal, corporate governance and financial experience, particularly in connection with complex financial transactions.

       
  LOGO      
       
   

AGE: (71)

 

DIRECTOR SINCE 2016

 

STRATEGIC ADVISOR AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONSULTANT AND ADVISORY DIRECTOR OF M. KLEIN AND COMPANY

 

     

 

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ROBERT SMITH

 

     

Director Biography and Qualifications

 

•  Served in various roles at T. Rowe Price, including Vice President of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., Vice President and Portfolio Manager at T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and Lead Portfolio Manager at T. Rowe Price International, Inc. from September 1992 to December 2016. Served as a Vice President at T. Rowe Price Trust Company.

•  Prior to joining T. Rowe Price, worked for five years as an Investment Analyst at MFS Investment Management covering multiple sectors including food & beverage, tobacco, electrical equipment, and telecommunications companies.

•  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.

•  Selected to our Board because of his significant financial experience, particularly with consumer-facing companies and his reputation within the investment community.

       
  LOGO      
       
   

 

AGE: (57)

 

DIRECTOR SINCE 2017

 

     

 

       
 

 

 

DANIEL J. TAYLOR

 

   

Director Biography and Qualifications

 

•  Executive of Tracinda since 2007 and Director of MGM since 2007.

•  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.

•  Served as President of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (“MGM Studios”) from April 2005 to January 2006, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MGM Studios from June 1998 to April 2005, and as Vice President—Taxes at MGM/UA Communications Co., the predecessor company of MGM Studios, from 1985 to 1991.

•  Tax Manager, specializing in the entertainment and gaming practice, at Arthur Andersen & Co. from 1978 to 1985.

•  Director of Inforte Corp. from October 2005 to 2007 and director of MGM since 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.

•  Selected to our Board because of his significant finance experience and experience as a tax manager in the entertainment and gaming practice.

       
  LOGO      
       
   

AGE: (61)

 

DIRECTOR SINCE 2016

 

EXECUTIVE OF TRACINDA

 

 

     

 

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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PROPOSAL 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 2018. For 2017, 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 agreement 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.

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

The following table sets forth fees paid to our auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, in 2017 and 2016 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.

 

      2017      2016  

Audit fees

   $ 1,504,000      $ 2,574,000  

Audit-related fees

            14,000  

Tax fees

     8,000         

All other fees

             

Total

   $ 1,512,000      $ 2,588,000  

The category “Audit fees” includes fees for our annual audit and quarterly reviews of our consolidated financial statements and of our subsidiaries, assistance with SEC filings and fees related to debt and equity offerings. “Audit fees” for 2017 also includes the attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. The category “Audit-related fees” includes fees for other assurance services not included in “Audit fees”. The category “Tax fees” includes tax consultation and tax compliance services.

Pre-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.

Audit 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

 

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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, 2017 be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 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.

 

 

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Proposals Requiring Your Vote

 

 

PROPOSAL 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 this 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 say-on-pay vote is not binding on the Board, the Board will review the results of the vote and consider the results in future determinations concerning our executive compensation program. At 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, in light of this vote, the Board adopted a policy of holding say-on-pay votes annually. Therefore, the next say-on-pay vote will occur at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the advisory vote on executive compensation.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

COMPENSATION PRACTICES AT A GLANCE

 

    What We Do        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 reflects 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

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis reports on compensation policies applicable to our “Named Executive Officers.” It covers our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), James C. Stewart, and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Treasurer, Andy H. Chien, who were our only executive officers in 2017 (we 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 and Treasurer 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, the NEOs provide the majority of services to the Operating Partnership, but also provide a limited number of services directly to the Company. Since the cash compensation of the NEOs is paid by the Operating Partnership and the Company owns only 26.6% of the Operating Partnership as of March 8, 2018, only 26.6% of the cash compensation cost is related to the 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 the NEOs in respect of the vesting or settlement of such equity awards.

 

 

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

LOGO

The primary focus of the Company with respect to executive compensation in 2017 was continuing to refine and implement the compensation program designed in connection with the 2016 initial public offering, with the intent that our programs continue to appropriately compensate and motivate the NEOs. In designing the initial program, the Board drew upon both its experience with compensation design practices at MGM, which the Board believes exemplifies a successful executive compensation program, as well as by reference to the compensation practices among publicly traded triple net lease REITs of a size similar to the Company. In January 2018, the annual bonus program was updated to modify the structure of annual bonus payouts such that the portion of the annual bonus for 2017 earned in excess of the NEO’s base salary (which excess portion is paid in equity) will be paid in the form of deferred restricted stock units (“Bonus Deferred RSUs”), rather than Bonus Performance Share Units (“Bonus PSUs”), as described in more detail below.

The Company’s compensation program includes the following key characteristics:

Elements of our Executive Compensation Program

 

    Base salaries of $800,000 and $400,000 for our CEO and CFO, respectively.

 

    Annual Bonus Plan for 2017:

 

    As originally designed, target bonus opportunities of 100% and 50% of base salary for our CEO and CFO, respectively, with bonuses earned in excess of 100% of the NEO’s base salary paid in the form of Bonus PSUs, which are described in more detail below. Based on the design change implemented in January 2018, any excess bonus amounts earned in respect of 2017 performance was paid in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs. Like Bonus PSUs, Bonus Deferred RSUs are not subject to forfeiture in the case of termination. However, unlike Bonus PSUs, payment of Bonus Deferred RSUs is not subject to the achievement of additional performance criteria following the date such Bonus Deferred RSUs are granted. The Board determined that this design change was appropriate given that the executive had already achieved the level of performance necessary in order to earn an annual bonus payout in an amount exceeding his base salary.

 

    2017 bonus opportunity based on achievement of strategic objectives established for each of the NEOs;

 

    Bonus payout of 150% of target reflects the Board’s conclusion that the NEOs exhibited strong performance with respect to achievement of the 2017 strategic objectives.

 

    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 NEOs.

 

    73% delivered in the form of performance share units (“PSUs”) to Mr. Stewart (71% for Mr. Chien), 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 NAREIT index measured over a three-year period.

 

    27% delivered in restricted share units (“RSUs”) to Mr. Stewart (29% for Mr. Chien) vesting over four years.

Results from 2017 Say-on-Pay Vote

Our 2017 proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the 2016 compensation of our NEOs (i.e., the “say-on-pay” proposal) was approved by approximately 99% of the total votes cast. Based on the positive results of the 2017 say-on-pay vote, we

 

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believe that our shareholders are generally satisfied with our current executive compensation program and policies. Therefore, although the Board considered the results of the 2017 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 2017 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. Therefore, following this year’s say-on-pay vote, the next say-on-pay vote will be held at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

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 so-called “single trigger” change of control benefits.

 

    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 executives’ interests with those of our shareholders. As a result, the Board has established share ownership guidelines for our NEOs. Under these guidelines, our 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).

OBJECTIVES OF OUR COMPENSATION PROGRAM

The Board’s primary objectives in setting total compensation and the elements of compensation for our NEOs are to:

 

    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;

 

    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.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROCESS

Roles in Establishing NEO Compensation

As discussed above, we have elected to avail ourselves of the “controlled company” exemption available under the listing rules of the NYSE and therefore are not required to have a compensation committee. For 2017, all of the Board members 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.

 

 

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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, taking into account the Company’s overall performance.

Outside 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 2017, the Board received advice from 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

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 formally benchmark NEO compensation to any specific level with respect to peer group data.

The current peer group is unchanged from last year and is comprised of 13 publicly traded triple-net lease REITs that were determined to be comparable in size to the Company. For this purpose, the size of the Operating Partnership, rather than the Company, was taken into account, insofar as our NEOs were responsible for the operations of the Operating Partnership. The following table lists these 13 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, 2017.

 

Latest Available Four Quarters ($ Millions)

 

         

Market Capitalization

as of 12/31/17 ($ Millions)

 

         

Enterprise Value

as of 12/31/17 ($ Millions)

 

 
Revenues           Total Assets                  

VEREIT

  $ 1,255       VEREIT   $ 14,706       Realty Income Corp   $ 16,067       Realty Income Corp   $ 21,876  

Realty Income Corp

  $ 1,216       Realty Income Corp   $ 14,058       Gaming & Leisure Props   $ 7,866       VEREIT   $ 13,614  

Gaming & Leisure Props

  $ 971       MGP   $ 10,351       VEREIT   $ 7,587       Gaming & Leisure Props   $ 12,272  

W. P. Carey

  $ 861       W. P. Carey   $ 8,231       W. P. Carey   $ 7,366       W. P. Carey   $ 11,735  

MGP

  $ 766       Spirit Realty Capital   $ 7,264       National Retail Properties   $ 6,558       National Retail Properties   $ 9,646  

Spirit Realty Capital

  $ 662       Gaming & Leisure Props   $ 7,247       MGP (OP)*   $ 6,510       MGP   $ 9,088  

National Retail Properties

  $ 585       Sabra Health Care REIT   $ 7,032       Store Capital Corp   $ 4,948       EPR Properties   $ 7,805  

EPR Properties

  $ 572       National Retail Properties   $ 6,561       EPR Properties   $ 4,822       Spirit Realty Capital   $ 7,763  

iStar

  $ 569       EPR Properties   $ 6,191       Spirit Realty Capital   $ 3,912       Store Capital Corp   $ 7,307  

Retail Properties of Amer.

  $ 536       Store Capital Corp   $ 5,900       Sabra Health Care REIT   $ 3,345       Sabra Health Care REIT   $ 6,303  

Store Capital Corp

  $ 453       iStar   $ 4,731       Retail Properties of Amer.   $ 3,051       Retail Properties of Amer.   $ 4,738  

Sabra Health Care REIT

  $ 406       Retail Properties of Amer.   $ 3,918       Lexington Realty Trust   $ 2,322       Lexington Realty Trust   $ 4,381  

Lexington Realty Trust

  $ 392       Lexington Realty Trust   $ 3,553       MGP (MGP Only)   $ 2,067       iStar   $ 3,546  

Four Corners Property

  $ 133       Four Corners Property   $ 1,069       Four Corners Property   $ 1,573       Four Corners Property   $ 2,014  
                  iStar   $ 771          

75th Percentile

  $ 916         $ 7,747         $ 7,476         $ 12,004  

Median

  $ 572         $ 6,561         $ 4,822         $ 7,763  

25th Percentile

  $ 429         $ 4,325         $ 2,686         $ 4,559  

MGP (OP) % Rank

    68P           81P           19P           62P  

MGP (MGP Only) % Rank

                                64P                

Source: Standard & Poor’s Capital IQ.

Excludes NorthStar Realty Finance, which merged with NorthStar Asset Management and Colony Capital in 2017.

 

* Calculated as MGP’s market capitalization value on 12/31/17 ($2.067B) plus the value of noncontrolling interest (i.e., $4.443B).

 

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ELEMENTS 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.

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-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 higher corporate performance.

Long-term incentives

   Align executives’ long-term interests with shareholders’ interests and drive decisions and achieve goals 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.

Annual Base Salary

Our employment agreements with our CEO and CFO provide for base salaries of $800,000 and $400,000 respectively and do not provide for any salary increases.

Annual Incentive Bonus

The employment agreements for our CEO and CFO provide for target bonus opportunities of 100% and 50% of base salary, respectively. In April 2017, the Board established and communicated the parameters of the 2017 annual bonus program, which are summarized below:

 

    Mr. Stewart’s target bonus was $800,000 and Mr. Chien’s target bonus was $200,000;

 

    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;

 

    At the time the 2017 program was designed, bonuses earned in excess of 100% of the NEO’s base salary were to be paid in the form of Bonus PSUs, but in January 2018 the Board determined that such excess bonus amounts earned in respect of 2017 performance (if any) should instead be paid in Bonus Deferred RSUs; and

 

    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 2017 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, which were reevaluated by the Board in the final quarter of 2017.

In December of 2017, the Board determined that each NEO had earned 150% of his target bonus based on the Board’s determination that both of our NEOs had exhibited strong performance, which resulted in significant accomplishments with

 

 

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respect to analyst coverage, transaction opportunities, strategic planning, and the MGM National Harbor Transaction. The Board made this determination after reviewing each of Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Chien’s individual contributions in connection with achieving the foregoing accomplishments.

Specifically, the Board considered:

 

    Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Chien’s business contributions in connection with the Company successfully raising $350 million of ten-year bonds at 4.50% and approximately $387.5 million of net proceeds in connection with the issuance of equity at a public offering price per share of $30.60;

 

    Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Chien’s assistance in the re-pricing of the Operating Partnership’s Term Loan B facility in May 2017; and

 

    The successful execution of the MGM National Harbor Transaction for consideration totaling approximately $1.1875 billion.

As a result, the Board determined that Mr. Stewart’s 2017 annual bonus would be paid in the amount of $1,200,000, and that Mr. Chien’s 2017 annual bonus would be paid in the amount of $300,000. Mr. Stewart received $800,000 in cash with the remaining $400,000 in Bonus Deferred RSUs, as described below, and Mr. Chien received all cash for this annual bonus. Such cash payments were made to our NEOs in a lump sum following the end of the 2017 fiscal year.

 

NEO

   Applicable Base
Salary
     2017 Target
Bonus (% of Base
Salary)
    2017 Target
Bonus
     2017 Actual
Bonus
     Actual Bonus as
% of Target
 

Mr. Stewart

   $ 800,000        100   $ 800,000      $ 1,200,000        150%  

Mr. Chien

     400,000        50     200,000        300,000        150%  

Long-Term Equity Incentives

The Company adopted the MGP Omnibus 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 participants. The MGP 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 based awards, in order to align participants’ interests with the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders, among other things.

For 2017, the Company’s long-term incentive program consisted of three types of equity grants: PSUs, RSUs and Bonus Deferred RSUs (which were granted to Mr. Stewart in the first quarter of 2018 in connection with the Company’s 2017 annual bonus program). RSUs granted in April 2017 vest over a four-year period and are not subject to the achievement of performance criteria. PSU awards granted in 2017 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 three-year performance period beginning in 2017 and ending in 2019. Bonus Deferred 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 base salary. Bonus 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. The payment of Bonus Deferred RSU awards is deferred until the third anniversary of the grant date.

Based on review of competitive data and the overall roles held and contributions and efforts put forth by our NEOs, the Board determined that the long-term incentive opportunities of our CEO and the CFO should be $1.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and that approximately 73% of this value should be delivered in PSUs and approximately 27% in RSUs to Mr. Stewart (with the percentages for Mr. Chien totaling 71% and 29%, respectively). These long-term incentives were awarded in April 2017.

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.

PSUs

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

 

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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 and 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, 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 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 30th 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. 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 Company’s TSR underperforms the comparator group (so long as the Company’s TSR is not less than the 30th percentile of the peer group), the program is designed to magnify the benefits of above-average TSR and account for the detrimental effect that below average TSR can have on overall shareholder value. 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 with the participant’s “good cause” (in the case of our NEOs, each 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 otherwise vested but for such 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.

RSUs

The Board believes that time-based RSUs should comprise a portion of long-term incentives because time-based vesting meaningfully supports 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 Performance Period. This structure of providing long-term equity incentive awards in the form of both time-based RSUs and performance-based 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 defined in the NEO’s employment

 

 

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agreement), or due to the participant’s death or disability, 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 / Bonus Deferred RSUs

As discussed above, starting with the annual bonus earned for 2017 (payable in 2018), bonus amounts in excess of the NEO’s base salary were paid in Bonus Deferred RSUs as opposed to Bonus PSUs (i.e., PSUs that vest based on TSR). Bonus 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. The Board determined that this design change was appropriate given that the executive had already achieved the level of performance necessary in order to earn an annual bonus payout in an amount exceeding his or her base salary. The payment of Deferred RSU awards is deferred until the third anniversary of the grant date.

In March of 2018, the Board met to review and discuss the overall design of the 2018 annual incentive bonus program and to establish the applicable target bonus percentages for 2018. In connection with its review, the Board revised the payout provisions applicable to Bonus Deferred RSUs to be granted in respect of 2018 performance (if any) in order to revise the payout period from three years to four years following the grant date, and provide that such Bonus Deferred RSUs will be paid in equal installments on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date (subject to earlier payment upon certain specified termination events).

Award Summary

The Board awarded equity-based compensation to our NEOs in 2017 as follows:

 

NEO

   AWARD
TYPE
     GRANT
DATE
     UNITS(A)     GRANT DATE FAIR
VALUE OF
AWARDS($)
 

Mr. Stewart

     RSU        4/3/2017        14,848     $ 400,005  
       PSU        4/3/2017        39,029 (B)      1,100,017  

Mr. Chien

     RSU        4/3/2017        7,424       200,003  
       PSU        4/3/2017        17,740 (B)      499,995  

 

(A) Number of units does not include dividend equivalent rights credited during 2017, because the grant date fair value of awards takes into account the value of quarterly dividends.

 

(B) Vesting is subject to satisfaction of relative TSR achievement over the Performance Period, as described above.

Deferred 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. Both of our NEOs are eligible to participate in the DCP, but no deferrals were made by any such individuals under the DCP in 2017. 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.

Perquisites 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.

Share 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

 

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Executive Compensation

 

 

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 our 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.

OTHER COMPENSATION MATTERS

Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m)

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 162(m)”), generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for compensation paid in excess of $1 million to “covered employees” under Section 162(m) (generally, such company’s chief executive officer and its three other highest paid executive officers other than its chief financial officer). Prior to its amendment by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), which was enacted December 22, 2017, there was an exception to this $1 million limitation for performance-based compensation if certain requirements set forth in Section 162(m) and the applicable regulations were met. The TCJA generally amended Section 162(m) to eliminate the exception for performance-based compensation, effective for taxable years following December 31, 2017. The $1 million compensation limit was also expanded to apply to a public company’s chief financial officer and apply to certain individuals who were covered employees in years other than the then-current taxable year.

Based on the following considerations, the Board did not design its compensation programs for 2016 or 2017 with the intent that such amounts qualify for deduction under Section 162(m). 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. The Internal Revenue Service has issued a series of private letter rulings which indicate 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 obtained 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. With this in mind, our Board has 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. 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.

Although the Board will continue its policy of considering the tax treatment of compensation paid to our executive officers, at this time the Board has no reason to believe that the Company will be significantly impacted by the changes to Section 162(m) under the TCJA or that there is any need to make changes to the Company’s compensation programs at this time a result thereof. To the extent that it is determined that compensation paid to our executive officer is subject to Section 162(m), the Board will analyze the impact of this determination based on IRS guidance available at the time such determination is made.

 

 

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Board of Directors Report

 

 

BOARD OF 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, Chair

Elisa Gois

William J. Hornbuckle

John M. McManus

Michael Rietbrock

Thomas Roberts

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.

 

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Compensation Tables

 

 

COMPENSATION TABLES

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table summarizes the compensation of our NEOs for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017.

 

NAME AND TITLE

  YEAR     SALARY(A)     STOCK
AWARDS(B)
    NON-EQUITY
INCENTIVE  PLAN
COMPENSATION(C)
    ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION(D)
    TOTAL  

James C. Stewart

    2017     $ 800,000     $ 1,500,022     $ 1,200,000     $ 23,833     $ 3,523,855  

Chief Executive Officer

    2016       763,956       1,000,074       1,200,000       11,066       2,975,096  

Andy H. Chien

    2017     $ 400,000     $ 699,998     $ 300,000     $ 22,830     $ 1,422,828  

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

    2016       381,978       500,037       300,000       13,851       1,195,866  

 

(A) See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Annual Base Salary and Employment Agreements”.

 

(B) For 2017, consists of RSUs and PSUs granted under the MGP 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. Assuming the highest level of achievement of the TSR performance criteria that can be achieved, the grant date fair value of the PSU awards were $1.8 million and $0.8 million for Mr. Stewart and Mr. Chien, respectively. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Long-Term Equity Incentives”. Mr. Stewart received a Bonus PSU award in 2017 with a grant date value of $0.4 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, which excess portion was paid in the form of Bonus PSUs in respect of 2016 performance and in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs in respect of 2017 performance. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Annual Incentive Bonus” for more details. The cash-portion of such amounts were each paid in a lump sum in the first quarter of the following fiscal year.

 

(D) All other compensation for 2017 consists of life insurance premiums and benefits.

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

The table below shows plan-based awards granted during 2017 to the NEOs. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Annual Incentive Bonus” and “—Long-Term Equity Incentives” for a narrative description of these awards.

 

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     $      $ 800,000      $ 1,400,000                           $  
     4/3/2017 (C)                                  14,848               400,005  
     4/3/2017 (D)                           19,515        39,029        62,446        1,100,017  

Mr. Chien

     N/A     $      $ 200,000      $ 350,000                           $  
     4/3/2017 (C)                                  7,424               200,003  
     4/3/2017 (D)                           8,870        17,740        28,384        499,995  

 

(A) Any portion of the annual cash bonus earned by our NEOs in 2017 that was in excess of 100% of their base pay was granted in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs. Mr. Stewart received a Bonus Deferred RSU award in the first quarter of 2018 with a grant date value of $0.4 million. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Long-Term Equity Incentives—Bonus PSUs / Bonus Deferred RSUs.”

 

(B) See note (C) to the Summary Compensation Table above.

 

(C) RSU award granted under the MGP Omnibus Plan.

 

(D) PSU award granted under the MGP Omnibus Plan. Number of units shown does not include dividend equivalent rights credited during 2017, because the grant date fair value of awards takes into account the value of quarterly dividends.

 

 

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

The table below shows outstanding equity awards of the NEOs as of December 31, 2017.

 

    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
AWARDS: UNEARNED
SHARES, UNITS OR
OTHER RIGHTS THAT
HAVE NOT VESTED
(PSUs)
 

NAME

  EXERCISABLE     UN-EXERCISABLE         NUMBER      VALUE      NUMBER     VALUE(F)  

Mr. Stewart  

                            15,498 (A)     $ 451,767            $  
                            15,258 (B)       444,771               
                                          31,723 (C)      1,479,567  
                                          18,133 (D)      506,306  
                                            40,107 (E)      1,682,363  

Mr. Chien  

                            7,749 (A)     $ 225,883            $  
                            7,629 (B)       222,385               
                                          15,861 (C)      739,769  
                                            18,230 (E)      764,692  

 

(A) RSU Award scheduled to vest in equal installments on each of 4/19/2018, 4/19/2019, and 4/19/2020.

 

(B) RSU Award scheduled to vest in equal installments on each of 4/3/2018, 4/3/2019, 4/3/2020 and 4/3/2021.

 

(C) PSU Award scheduled to vest on 4/19/2019 based on the level of achievement of the applicable performance criteria.

 

(D) Bonus PSU Award scheduled to vest on 3/6/2020 based on the level of achievement of the applicable performance criteria.

 

(E) PSU Award scheduled to vest on 4/3/2020 based on the level of achievement of the applicable performance criteria.

 

(F) Amounts determined based on the closing price of all Class A Shares at 12/29/2017, which was $29.15. Number of PSUs shown assumes that 12/31/2017 was the end of the performance period.

STOCK VESTED

The following table shows RSU vesting for the NEOs during 2017.

 

     STOCK AWARDS (RSUs)  

NAME

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
ACQUIRED ON
VESTING(#)
     VALUE
REALIZED ON
VESTING(A)
 

James C. Stewart

     5,028      $ 141,842  

Andy H. Chien

     2,514        70,921  

 

(A) The value realized on vesting of stock awards (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.

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

None of our NEOs contributed to the Company’s Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan in respect of services performed during 2017. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Deferred Compensation Opportunities” for a narrative description of the DCP.

 

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ESTIMATED 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, 2017 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

   $ 200,000        $ 261,796        $ 2,310,082      $      $ 2,771,878  

Mr. Chien

     100,000          130,913          1,110,572               1,341,485  

Company Terminates

Without Good Cause

                  

Mr. Stewart

   $ 1,600,000        $ 261,796        $ 2,310,082      $ 41,772      $ 4,213,650  

Mr. Chien

     600,000          130,913          1,110,572        25,402        1,866,887  

NEO Terminates Without

Good Cause/Company

Terminates With Good Cause

                  

Mr. Stewart

   $        $        $      $      $  

Mr. Chien

                                      

NEO Terminates With Good Cause

                  

Mr. Stewart

   $ 1,600,000        $ 261,796        $ 2,310,082      $ 41,772      $ 4,213,650  

Mr. Chien

     600,000          130,913          1,110,572        25,402        1,866,887  

Change of Control(E)

                  

Mr. Stewart

   $ 3,200,000        $ 896,537        $ 3,161,930      $ 55,696      $ 7,314,163  

Mr. Chien

     1,200,000          448,269          1,504,461        33,870        3,186,600  

 

(A) This column does not include any unpaid prior year bonuses that were earned prior to the date of termination.

 

(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 29, 2017, which was $29.15.

 

(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 29, 2017.

 

(D) Assumes that December 31, 2017 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.

Employment Agreements with Named Executive Officers

Stewart Employment Agreement

On April 5, 2016, Mr. Stewart entered into an employment agreement with the Operating Partnership, pursuant to which he commenced employment as Chief Executive Officer of the Operating Partnership and of the Company. Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement provides for a three-year term of employment commencing on the date of the Company’s initial public offering on April 25, 2016.

Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement provides a minimum annual base salary of $800,000. Per Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement, his annual target bonus is equal to 100% of his base salary.

 

 

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In the event of a termination of Mr. Stewart’s employment as the result of his death or a termination due to disability, the Operating Partnership would be obligated to 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 good cause” by the Operating Partnership or by Mr. Stewart for “good cause” prior to the end of the term of Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement, the Operating Partnership would be obligated to pay Mr. Stewart: (i) an amount equal to his annual base salary plus his target bonus amount, payable in 12 monthly installments; (ii) any earned but unpaid bonus due to him, payable in accordance with the applicable bonus program; 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 Mr. Stewart’s employment is terminated for “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), 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

On April 5, 2016, Mr. Chien entered into an employment agreement with the Operating Partnership, pursuant to which he commenced employment as Chief Financial Officer of the Operating Partnership and of the Company. Mr. Chien’s employment agreement provides for a three-year term of employment commencing on the date of the Company’s initial public offering on April 25, 2016.

Mr. Chien’s employment agreement provides a minimum annual base salary of $400,000. Per Mr. Chien’s employment agreement, his annual target bonus is equal to 50% of his base salary.

In the event of a termination of Mr. Chien’s employment as the result of his death or a termination due to disability, the Operating Partnership would be obligated to 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 Partnership or by Mr. Chien for “good cause” prior to the end of the term of Mr. Chien’s employment agreement, the Operating Partnership 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 serving 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 failure of the Operating Partnership to pay Mr. Chien any compensation when due. A “good cause termination by the Operating Partnership is generally defined as Mr. Chien’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. Chien’s employment agreement also contains non-compete and non-solicit covenants described for Mr. Stewart above.

 

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Change of Control Benefits

The Operating Partnership sponsors a change of control policy for its executive officers (including the NEOs) (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.

 

 

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CEO Pay Ratio Disclosure

 

 

CEO PAY RATIO DISCLOSURE

As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection 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.

We determined that, as of December 31, 2017, our employee population consisted of 4 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 2017 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.

Once we identified the median employee, we calculated all of the elements of such employee’s compensation for the 2017 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 $114,655. To calculate the annual total compensation of Mr. Stewart, we used the amount reported in the “Total” column of the 2017 Summary Compensation Table included in this proxy statement, which was $3,523,855, resulting in a ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to the median of the annual total compensation of our employees of 31 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.

 

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Notice Concerning Shareholder Proposals and Nominations

 

 

NOTICE CONCERNING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS

We intend to hold our 2019 annual meeting of shareholders in May 2019. Therefore, proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the 2019 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 November 21, 2018 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.

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 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, must be received by us no earlier than January 2, 2019 and no later than February 1, 2019 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 2019 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    2018 Proxy Statement    

  

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MGM GROWTH PROPERTIES LLC
ATTN: CORPORATE SECRETARY
6385 S. RAINBOW BOULEVARD, SUITE 500
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89118
   VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information. Vote by 8:59 P.M. Pacific Time on 05/01/2018. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions by 8:59 P.M. Pacific Time on 05/01/2018. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
0000366468_1 R1.0.1.17
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR
each of the nominees listed below in proposal 1:
1. Election of Directors
Nominees For Against Abstain
1a. James J. Murren
1b. Michael Rietbrock
1c. Thomas Roberts
1d. Daniel J. Taylor
1e. Elisa Gois
1f. William J. Hornbuckle
1g. John M. McManus
1h. Robert Smith
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3. For Against Abstain
2. To ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP, as the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2018.
3. To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.
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


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0000366468_2 R1.0.1.17
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:
The Proxy Card, Notice & Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com
MGM GROWTH PROPERTIES LLC
This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
May 2, 2018 10:00 AM Pacific 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 at any adjournments or postponements thereof, on the proposals set forth on the reverse side, and in their discretion, upon any other business that may properly come before the meeting (and any postponement(s) or adjournment(s)). The meeting will be held at the Presidio Ballroom of the Park MGM, located at 3770 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, on May 2, 2018, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials and 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.
Continued and to be signed on reverse side