Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

 

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                     to                    

Commission File Number 000-51064

 

 

GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   51-0510250

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

525 Junction Road, Suite 6000 South

Madison, Wisconsin 53717

  53717
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(608) 662-4700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock was 33,386,249 as of May 8, 2012.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2012

INDEX

 

     Page
No.
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011

     4   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

     5   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

     6   

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

     7   

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     30   

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     47   

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     48   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     49   

Item 1A. Risk Factors

     49   

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     49   

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     49   

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

     49   

Item 5. Other Information

     50   

Item 6. Exhibits

     50   

Signatures

     51   

 

 

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Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements contained or that may be included in this report or in information we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, are or may be deemed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including, among others, statements regarding our future financial results or position, business strategy, projected levels of growth, projected costs and projected financing needs, are forward-looking statements. Those statements include statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations and those of the members of our management team, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based, and generally are identified by the use of words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “plan,” “objective,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “should” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Such factors include, but are not limited to, competition in our market, changes in family vacation patterns and consumer spending habits, regional or national economic downturns or other economic disruptions, our ability to attract a significant number of guests from our target markets, economic conditions in our target markets, the impact of fuel costs and other operating costs, our ability to develop new resorts in desirable markets or further develop existing resorts on a timely and cost efficient basis, our ability to manage growth, including the expansion of our infrastructure and systems necessary to support growth, our ability to manage cash and obtain additional cash required for growth, the general tightening in the U.S. lending markets, potential accidents or injuries at our resorts, decreases in travel due to pandemic or other widespread illness, our ability to achieve or sustain profitability, downturns in our industry segment and extreme weather conditions, reductions in the availability of credit to indoor waterpark resorts generally or to us and our subsidiaries, increases in operating costs and other expense items and costs, uninsured losses or losses in excess of our insurance coverage, our ability to protect our intellectual property, trade secrets and the value of our brands, and current and possible future legal restrictions and requirements. Further descriptions of these risks, uncertainties, and other matters can be found in our annual report and other reports filed from time to time with the SEC, including but not limited to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. We caution that the foregoing list of important factors is not complete, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement that we may make.

We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time unless otherwise required by law. Past financial or operating performance is not necessarily a reliable indicator of future performance and you should not use our historical performance to anticipate results or future period trends.

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited; dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     March 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 43,885      $ 33,767   

Escrows

     4,061        2,618   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5 and $5

     4,969        3,660   

Accounts receivable — affiliate

     2,742        3,243   

Inventory

     8,287        7,570   

Other current assets

     8,459        7,167   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     72,403        58,025   

Property and equipment, net

     565,976        576,262   

Investments in and advances to affiliate

     24,408        24,311   

Other assets

     25,977        26,049   

Intangible assets

     26,675        26,675   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 715,439      $ 711,322   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 67,524      $ 67,678   

Accounts payable

     4,528        5,301   

Accounts payable — affiliate

     28        27   

Accrued interest payable

     13,998        8,012   

Accrued expenses

     27,208        24,211   

Advance deposits

     15,658        7,715   

Other current liabilities

     5,421        7,529   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     134,365        120,473   

Mortgage debt

     365,671        366,951   

Other long-term debt

     80,545        80,545   

Deferred compensation liability

     1,936        1,502   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     582,517        569,471   

Commitments and contingencies

    

Great Wolf Resorts Inc. stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 33,429,289 and 32,470,524 shares issued and outstanding

     334        325   

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding

     —          —     

Additional paid-in-capital

     404,853        404,714   

Accumulated deficit

     (272,223     (262,959

Deferred compensation

     —          (200
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. stockholders’ equity

     132,964        141,880   

Noncontrolling interest

     (42     (29
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     132,922        141,851   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 715,439      $ 711,322   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited; dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Revenues:

    

Rooms

   $ 45,425      $ 42,187   

Food and beverage

     12,547        11,202   

Other

     11,305        11,179   

Management and other fees

     697        753   

Management and other fees — affiliates

     973        1,003   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     70,947        66,324   

Other revenue from managed properties

     3,070        2,837   

Other revenue from managed properties — affiliates

     2,772        2,724   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     76,789        71,885   

Operating expenses by department:

    

Rooms

     6,940        6,047   

Food and beverage

     9,454        8,460   

Other

     9,732        9,417   

Other operating expenses:

    

Selling, general and administrative

     22,579        16,981   

Property operating costs

     7,736        8,424   

Depreciation and amortization

     12,019        13,248   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     68,460        62,577   

Other expenses from managed properties

     3,070        2,837   

Other expenses from managed properties — affiliates

     2,772        2,724   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     74,302        68,138   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net operating income

     2,487        3,747   

Investment income — affiliates

     (220     (242

Interest income

     (58     (55

Interest expense

     11,657        12,097   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates

     (8,892     (8,053

Income tax expense

     441        5,002   

Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax

     (92     (151
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss from continuing operations

     (9,241     (12,904

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     36        (6,916
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     (9,277     (5,988

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax

     (13     (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

   $ (9,264   $ (5,974
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss per share of common stock basic and diluted:

    

Loss from continuing operations, net of net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax

   $ (0.29   $ (0.41

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (0.00   $ 0.22   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per common share

   $ (0.29   $ (0.19
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     31,629,070        31,194,900   

Diluted

     31,629,070        31,194,900   

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited; dollars in thousands)

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (9,277   $ (5,988

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     12,019        13,349   

Bad debt expense

     10        14   

Non-cash employee compensation and professional fees expense

     791        583   

Gain on disposition of property included in discontinued operations

     —          (6,667

Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates

     (97     (147

Deferred tax expense

     120        4,562   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable and other assets

     (2,354     (2,049

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     14,040        5,311   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     15,252        8,968   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures for property and equipment

     (1,121     (701

Loan repayment from unconsolidated affiliates

     —          807   

Investment in development

     (53     (67

Proceeds from the sale of a discontinued operation

     —          4,200   

Increase in restricted cash

     (2,416     (2,412
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (3,590     1,827   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities:

    

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (1,435     (756

Payment of loan costs

     (109     (124
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (1,544     (880
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     10,118        9,915   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     33,767        36,988   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 43,885      $ 46,903   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

    

Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest

   $ 5,289      $ 6,269   

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds

   $ 160      $ 111   

Non-cash items:

    

Transfer of fixed assets to inventory

   $ —        $ 908   

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited; dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

1. ORGANIZATION

The terms “Great Wolf Resorts,” “us,” “we,” “our” and “Company” are used in this report to refer to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Business Summary

We are a family entertainment resort company that provides our guests with a high quality vacation at an affordable price. We are the largest owner, licensor, operator and developer in North America of drive-to, destination family resorts featuring indoor waterparks and other family-oriented entertainment activities based on the number of resorts in operation. Each of our resorts features approximately 300 to 600 family suites, each of which sleeps from six to ten people and includes a wet bar, microwave oven, refrigerator and dining and sitting area. We provide a full-service entertainment resort experience to our target customer base: families with children ranging in ages from 2 to 14 years old that live within a convenient driving distance of our resorts. Our resorts are open year-round and provide a consistent, comfortable environment where our guests can enjoy our various amenities and activities. We operate and license resorts under our Great Wolf Lodge® brand name. We have entered into licensing and management arrangements with third parties relating to the operation of resorts under the Great Wolf Lodge brand name.

We provide our guests with a self-contained vacation experience and focus on capturing a significant portion of their total vacation spending. We earn revenues through the sale of rooms (which includes admission to our indoor waterpark), and other revenue-generating resort amenities. Each of our resorts features a combination of the following revenue-generating amenities: themed restaurants, ice cream shop and confectionery, full-service adult spa, kid spa, game arcade, gift shop, miniature golf, interactive game attraction, family tech center and meeting space. We also generate revenues from licensing fees, management fees and other fees with respect to our operation or development of properties owned in whole or in part by third parties.

The following table presents an overview of our portfolio of resorts. As of March 31, 2012, we operated, managed and/or had licensing arrangements relating to the operation of 11 Great Wolf Lodge resorts (our signature Northwoods-themed resorts). We anticipate that most of our future resorts will be licensed and/or developed under our Great Wolf Lodge brand, but we may operate and/or enter into licensing arrangements with other resorts using different brands in appropriate markets.

 

     Ownership
Percentage
    Opened      Number of
Guest
Suites
    Indoor
Entertainment
Area (1)
 
                        (Approx. sq. ft)  

Wisconsin Dells, WI (3)

     —          1997         385 (2)      102,000   

Sandusky, OH (3)

     —          2001         271        41,000   

Traverse City, MI

     100     2003         280        57,000   

Kansas City, KS

     100     2003         281        57,000   

Williamsburg, VA (4)

     100     2005         405        87,000   

Pocono Mountains, PA (4)

     100     2005         401        101,000   

Niagara Falls, ONT (5)

     —          2006         406        104,000   

Mason, OH (4)

     100     2006         401        105,000   

Grapevine, TX (4)

     100     2007         605        110,000   

Grand Mound, WA (6)

     49     2008         398        74,000   

Concord, NC (4)

     100     2009         402        97,000   

 

(1)

Our indoor entertainment areas generally include our indoor waterpark, game arcade, children’s activity room, family tech center, MagiQuest® (an interactive game attraction) and fitness room, as well as our spa in the resorts that have such amenities.

(2) Total number of guest suites includes 77 condominium units that are individually owned and we manage.

 

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(3) These properties are owned by CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc. (CNL), a real estate investment trust focused on leisure and lifestyle properties. We currently manage both properties and license the Great Wolf Lodge brand to these resorts.
(4) Five of our properties (Great Wolf Lodge resorts in Williamsburg, VA; Pocono Mountains, PA; Mason, OH; Grapevine, TX and Concord, NC) each had a book value of fixed assets equal to ten percent or more of our total assets as of March 31, 2012 and each of those five properties had total revenues equal to ten percent or more of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
(5) An affiliate of Ripley Entertainment, Inc. (Ripley), our licensee, owns this resort. We have granted Ripley a license to use the Great Wolf Lodge name for this resort through April 2016.
(6) This property is owned by a joint venture. The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation (Chehalis) owns a 51% interest in the joint venture, and we own a 49% interest. We operate the property and license the Great Wolf Lodge brand to the joint venture under long-term agreements through April 2057, subject to earlier termination in certain situations. The joint venture leases the land for the resort from the United States Department of the Interior, which is trustee for Chehalis.

On March 24, 2011 we sold our Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, WI. We continue to license the Blue Harbor Resort and related trade names to the buyer at no fee. As of March 24, 2011, we no longer operated this resort or managed the condominium units there.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

General — We have prepared these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements according to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Accordingly, we have omitted certain information and footnote disclosures that are normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The December 31, 2011 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements, accompanying notes and other information included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition and results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

Principles of Consolidation — The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

Noncontrolling Interests — We record the non-owned equity interests of our consolidated subsidiaries as a separate component of our consolidated equity on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The net earnings attributable to the controlling and noncontrolling interests are included on the face of our statements of operations.

Discontinued Operations — We record the results of the operations of an entity that has been disposed of as a discontinued operation in the consolidated statements of operations when the operations and cash flows of the entity have been eliminated from the ongoing operations and we do not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the entity after the disposal transaction. During the three months ended March 31, 2011 we disposed of our Blue Harbor Resort property and have included that property’s operations and gain on sale in discontinued operations for all periods presented. The operations of Blue Harbor Resort were formerly included in our Resort Ownership/Operation segment.

Income Taxes — At the end of each interim reporting period, we estimate the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year. We use that estimated effective tax rate in providing for income taxes on a year-to-date basis. We account for the tax effect of significant unusual or extraordinary items in the period in which they occur. We account for major changes in our valuation allowance within continuing operations in the period in which they occur. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we increased our valuation allowance by $4,772 as a result of the sale of our Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The increase was due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred tax assets generated as a result of that sale, primarily consisting of certain net operating loss carryforwards, before they expire.

 

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Segments — We are organized into a single operating division. Within that operating division, we have two reportable segments:

 

Resort ownership/operation-revenues derived from our consolidated owned resorts; and

 

Resort third-party management/licensing-revenues derived from management, license and other related fees from unconsolidated managed resorts.

The following summarizes significant financial information regarding our segments:

 

     Resort
Ownership/
Operation
    Resort
Third-Party
Management
/License
     Other     Totals per
Financial
Statements
 

Three months ended March 31, 2012

         

Revenues

   $ 68,719      $ 7,512       $ 558      $ 76,789   
         

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

     (11,297     —           (722     (12,019

Net operating income (loss)

     7,790        1,670         (6,973     2,487   

Investment income—affiliates

     —          —           —          (220

Interest income

     —          —           —          (58

Interest expense

     —          —           —          11,657   
         

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates

     —          —           —        $ (8,892
         

 

 

 

Additions to long-lived assets

     907        —           214      $ 1,121   
         

 

 

 

Total assets

     594,105        1,604         119,730      $ 715,439   
         

 

 

 

 

     Resort
Ownership/
Operation
    Resort
Third-Party
Management
/License
     Other     Totals per
Financial
Statements
 

Three months ended March 31, 2011

         

Revenues

   $ 63,253      $ 7,317       $ 1,315      $ 71,885   
         

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

     (12,484     —           (764     (13,248

Net operating income (loss)

     4,237        1,756         (2,246     3,747   

Investment income—affiliates

     —          —           —          (242

Interest income

     —          —           —          (55

Interest expense

     —          —           —          12,097   
         

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates

     —          —           —        $ (8,053
         

 

 

 

Additions to long-lived assets

     595        —           106      $ 701   
         

 

 

 

Total assets

     627,210        1,984         132,431      $ 761,625   
         

 

 

 

The Other column in the table includes items that do not constitute a reportable segment and represent corporate-level activities and the activities of other operations not included in the Resort Ownership/Operation or Resort Third-Party Management/License segments. Total assets at the corporate level primarily consist of cash, our investment in affiliates, and intangibles.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements — In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies and changes the application of various fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance that permits an entity an option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise, no further impairment testing is required. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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3. MERGER

On March 12, 2012, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) with K-9 Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Parent), and K-9 Acquisition, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Merger Sub) and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub agreed to commence a tender offer (the Offer) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (Common Shares) at a purchase price of $5.00 per share (the Offer Price), net to the holder in cash, without any interest and subject to any withholding taxes, to be followed by a merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company with the Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the Merger). The items of this Merger Agreement were amended on April 6, 2012, April 18, 2012 and April 20, 2012, culminating in a new Offer Price of $7.85 per share.

The transactions described above are expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2012. The consummation of the Offer and the Merger are subject to various closing conditions, including the tender of at least fifty percent of the Common Shares and other customary conditions. The Offer is not subject to a financing condition. The Merger Agreement also includes customary termination provisions for both the Company and Parent and provides that, in connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, the Company will be required to pay Parent a termination fee of upto $10,467 (including reimbursement for certain expenses).

On March 14, 2012, a class action complaint was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery against the Company, its directors, Apollo Management VII, L.P., Parent and Merger Sub. In that case, the plaintiff, on behalf of a putative class of stockholders, sought to enjoin the proposed transaction that was the subject of the Merger Agreement. Seven other lawsuits followed, four of which were filed in Delaware Chancery Court, two in the Circuit Court, Civil Division for Dane County in the State of Wisconsin (the “Wisconsin State-court Actions”), and one in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin (the “Wisconsin Federal-court Action”). The Delaware cases were consolidated into a single action (the “Delaware Action”).

On April 25, 2012, the parties to the Delaware Action and the Wisconsin State-court Actions reached an agreement in principle to settle those cases. The proposed settlement, which is subject to court approval following notice to the class and a hearing, provides for the dismissal with prejudice of plaintiffs’ complaints and of all claims asserted therein. On April 30, 2012, the parties to the Wisconsin Federal-court Action agreed to settle that case, subject to court approval of the proposed class-wide settlement in the Delaware Action and entry of a final order dismissing the Delaware Action in its entirety. Pursuant to their agreement, the parties to the Wisconsin Federal-court Action filed with the court, on April 30, 2012, a stipulation providing that the Action be voluntarily dismissed with respect to all defendants and that such dismissal will be with prejudice as to the plaintiff upon the consummation of the settlement of the Delaware Action.

The Company, the members of the Board of Directors, Apollo Management VII, L.P., Parent and Merger Sub each have denied, and continue to deny, that they committed or attempted to commit any violation of law or breach of fiduciary duty owed to the Company and/or its stockholders, aided or abetted any breach of fiduciary duty, or otherwise engaged in any of the wrongful acts alleged in all of these cases. All of the defendants expressly maintain that they complied with their fiduciary and other legal duties. However, in order to avoid the costs, disruption and distraction of further litigation, and without admitting the validity of any allegation made in the actions or any liability with respect thereto, the defendants have concluded that it is desirable to settle the claims against them on the terms reflected in the proposed settlements.

The proposed settlements are subject to customary conditions including completion of appropriate settlement documentation and consummation of the Offer and the Merger. In addition, the parties to the Delaware Action and the Wisconsin State-court Actions have acknowledged that the plaintiffs and their counsel in those cases intend to petition the appropriate court or courts for an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses in connection with the cases. Any award of fees and expenses to plaintiffs’ counsel is subject to approval by the appropriate court or courts, and the defendants have reserved the right to oppose the amount of any petition for fees and expenses.

Because the proposed settlements are still not final, and no fee petition has yet been submitted or approved, we are unable to predict with certainty the outcome of the litigations or to quantify any impact they may eventually have on our Company. An unfavorable outcome in these cases could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

4. INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATES

Our unconsolidated joint venture (see Note 5) with The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation owns the Great Wolf Lodge resort and conference center on a 39-acre land parcel in Grand Mound, Washington. This joint venture is a limited liability company. We are a member of that limited liability company with a 49% ownership interest. At March 31, 2012, the joint venture had aggregate outstanding indebtedness to third parties of $94,524. Neither joint venture partner guarantees the third party debt in the years presented. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31 2011, we have made combined loan and equity contributions, net of loan repayments, of $27,179, to the joint venture to fund a portion of construction costs of the resort. The loan we had extended to the joint venture was fully repaid in 2011.

Summary financial data for this joint venture as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

Summarized Operating Data

 

    

Three months ended

March 31,

 
     2012      2011  

Revenue

   $ 10,885       $ 11,225   

Operating expenses

     7,583         7,783   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     1,933         1,904   

Interest expense

     681         746   

 

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Three months ended

March 31,

 
     2012     2011  

Interest income

     (1 )     (1 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     689        793   

Distributions to preferred capital holders

     440        440   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income applicable to members

   $ 249      $ 353   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income allocable to other joint venture partner

   $ 127      $ 180   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income allocable to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

   $ 122      $ 173   

Amortization of capitalized cost

   $ (25 )   $ (25 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity in unconsolidated entities

   $ 97      $ 148   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Summarized Balance Sheet Data

 

     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Property and equipment, net

   $ 127,324       $ 129,073   

Other assets

     7,874         4,753   

Current portion of long-term debt

     94,524         95,270   

Other liabilities

     10,223         8,354   

Members’ equity

     30,451         30,202   

We had receivables from the joint venture of $2,742 and $3,243 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, that relate primarily to accrued preferred equity returns and management fees. We had payables to the joint venture of $28 and $27 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The amount of investment income and management fee income recorded by us is included in the Investment income – affiliates and Management and other fees – affiliates line items, respectively, on our consolidated statements of operations.

5. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

A legal entity is referred to as a variable interest entity if, by design (1) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or (2) the entity has equity investors that cannot make significant decisions about the entity’s operations through voting rights, or do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. A variable interest entity must be consolidated if it is determined that we have both the (1) power to direct the activities of the variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (2) obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the variable interest entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity.

 

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In accordance with the guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities, we analyze our variable interests, including equity investments and management agreements, to determine if an entity in which we have a variable interest is a variable interest entity and whether we must consolidate that variable interest entity. Our analysis includes both quantitative and qualitative reviews. We base our quantitative analysis on the forecasted cash flows of the entity, and our qualitative analysis on a consideration of all facts and circumstances including, but not limited to, our role in establishing the variable interest entity, our ongoing rights and responsibilities, the organization structure, and relevant financial and other agreements.

We have equity investments in the joint venture that owns the Great Wolf Lodge resort in Grand Mound, Washington as described in Note 4. We manage that resort and we have concluded that the joint venture is a variable interest entity due to the management contract that provides us with certain rights. However, we have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary because the majority equity owner has substantive participating rights over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the joint venture. As a result, we have concluded that power is shared between us and the other equity investor. As we share power with the majority equity owner, we are not the primary beneficiary of the joint venture and, therefore, we do not consolidate this entity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 or for the year ended December 31, 2011. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, we did not provide any support to this entity that we were not contractually obligated to provide. Our maximum exposure to loss related to our involvement with this entity as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 is limited to the carrying value of our equity investments in the joint venture and receivables as of that date. Our exposure is limited because of the non-recourse nature of the borrowings of the joint venture. The total carrying values of those items on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is $27,150 and $27,554, respectively, and are included in the accounts receivable – affiliates and investments in and advances to affiliates line items on our consolidated balance sheet.

6. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

We recognized share-based compensation expense of $791 and $583, net of estimated forfeitures, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The total income tax expense recognized related to share-based compensation was $38 and $15 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We recognize compensation expense on grants of share-based compensation awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of each award recipient. As of March 31, 2012, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation awards was $2,734, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years.

The Great Wolf Resorts 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (the Plan) authorizes us to grant up to 3,380,740 options, stock appreciation rights or shares of our common stock to employees and directors. At March 31, 2012, there were 198,259 shares available for future grants under the Plan.

We anticipate having to issue new shares of our common stock for stock option exercises.

Stock Options

We have granted non-qualified stock options to purchase our common stock under the Plan at prices equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the grant dates. The exercise price for options granted under the Plan may be paid in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares. Stock options expire ten years from the grant date and vest ratably over three years.

We recorded no stock option expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 or 2011. There were no stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2012 or 2011.

A summary of stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2012 is:

 

     Shares      Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
 

Number of shares under option:

        

Outstanding at beginning of period

     15,500       $ 17.44         3.02 years   

Exercised

     —           

Forfeited

     —           
  

 

 

       

Outstanding at end of period

     15,500       $ 17.44         2.75 years   

Exercisable at end of period

     15,500       $ 17.44         2.75 years   

 

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At March 31, 2012 and 2011, the exercise prices of all of our outstanding and exercisable options were above our stock price. Therefore, there was no intrinsic value for our outstanding or exercisable shares at March 31, 2012 or 2011.

Upon the consummation of the Merger, all of our outstanding stock options will be cancelled for no consideration.

Market Condition Share Awards

Certain employees are eligible to receive shares of our common stock in payment of market condition share awards granted to them in accordance with the terms thereof.

We granted 407,593 and 444,002 market condition share awards during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We recorded share-based compensation expense of $527 and $205 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Of the 2012 market condition shares granted:

 

  255,107 were based on our common stock’s performance in 2012 relative to a stock index, as designated by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. For shares that are earned, 1/3 of the shares vest on December 31, 2012, 1/3 vest on December 31, 2013, and 1/3 vest on December 31, 2014. The per share fair value of these market condition shares was $2.12 as of the grant date.

The fair value of these market condition shares was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and the following assumptions:

 

Dividend yield

     —     

Weighted average, risk free interest rate

     0.14

Expected stock price volatility

     49.92

Expected stock price volatility (small-cap stock index)

     29.14

We used an expected dividend yield of 0%, as we do not currently pay a dividend and do not contemplate paying a dividend in the foreseeable future. The weighted average, risk free interest rate was based on the .89-year treasury constant maturity. Our expected stock price volatility and the expected stock price volatility for the small cap stock index was estimated using daily returns data of our stock and the index for the period February 10, 2010 through February 9, 2012.

 

  76,243 were based on our common stock’s absolute performance during the three-year period 2010-2012. For shares that are earned, half of the shares vest on December 31, 2012, and the other half vest on December 31, 2013. The per share fair value of these market condition shares was $2.05 as of the grant date.

The fair value of these market condition shares was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and the following assumptions:

 

Dividend yield

     —     

Weighted average, risk free interest rate

     0.14

Expected stock price volatility

     49.92

We used an expected dividend yield of 0%, as we do not currently pay a dividend and do not contemplate paying a dividend in the foreseeable future. The weighted average, risk free interest rate was based on the .89-year treasury constant maturity. Our expected stock price volatility was estimated using daily returns data of our stock for the period February 10, 2010 through February 9, 2012.

 

  76,243 were based on our common stock’s performance in 2010-2012 relative to a stock index, as designated by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. For shares that are earned, half of the shares vest on December 31, 2012, and the other half vest on December 31, 2013. The per share fair value of these market condition shares was $2.22 as of the grant date.

The fair value of these market condition shares was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and the following assumptions:

 

Dividend yield

     —     

Weighted average, risk free interest rate

     0.14

 

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Expected stock price volatility

     49.92

Expected stock price volatility (small-cap stock index)

     29.14

We used an expected dividend yield of 0%, as we do not currently pay a dividend and do not contemplate paying a dividend in the foreseeable future. The weighted average, risk free interest rate was based on the .89-year treasury constant maturity. Our expected stock price volatility and the expected stock price volatility for the small cap stock index was estimated using daily returns data of our stock and the index for the period February 10, 2010 through February 9, 2012.

Upon the consummation of the Merger, all of the 2012 market condition shares granted will be cancelled for no consideration.

Of the 2011 market condition shares granted:

 

  277,894 were based on our common stock’s performance in 2011 relative to a stock index, as designated by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. For shares that were earned, 1/3 of the shares vest on December 31, 2011, 1/3 vest on December 31, 2012, and 1/3 vest on December 31, 2013. The per share fair value of these market condition shares was $2.35 as of the grant date.

The fair value of these market condition shares was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and the following assumptions:

 

Dividend yield

     —     

Weighted average, risk free interest rate

     0.25

Expected stock price volatility

     64.73

Expected stock price volatility (small-cap stock index)

     29.39

We used an expected dividend yield of 0%, as we do not currently pay a dividend and do not contemplate paying a dividend in the foreseeable future. The weighted average, risk free interest rate was based on the 10.6-month treasury constant maturity. Our expected stock price volatility and the expected stock price volatility for the small cap stock index was estimated using daily returns data of our stock and the index for the period February 11, 2009 through February 10, 2011.

We originally granted 277,894 market condition shares for 2011 and recorded expense during 2011 associated with that estimated number of shares to be issued for these market condition awards. The original share grant amount represented the number of shares that would be earned at a target level of performance. Based on our common stock’s performance in 2011, however, the maximum performance condition for these market condition share awards was met. As a result, we issued 416,841 shares related to these market condition awards. Accordingly, we recorded $109 of additional compensation expense in the fourth quarter of 2011 related to our employees earning the maximum level of shares rather than the target level of shares for these awards.

 

  83,054 were based on our common stock’s absolute performance during the three-year period 2010-2012. For shares that are earned, half of the shares vest on December 31, 2012, and the other half vest on December 31, 2013. The per share fair value of these market condition shares was $2.15 as of the grant date.

The fair value of these market condition shares was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and the following assumptions:

 

Dividend yield

     —     

Weighted average, risk free interest rate

     0.58

Expected stock price volatility

     64.73

We used an expected dividend yield of 0%, as we do not currently pay a dividend and do not contemplate paying a dividend in the foreseeable future. The weighted average, risk free interest rate was based on the 1.89-year treasury constant maturity. Our expected stock price volatility was estimated using daily returns data of our stock for the period February 11, 2009 through February 10, 2011.

The original share grant amount represented the number of shares that would be earned at a target level of performance. In conjunction with the signing of the Merger Agreement on March 12, 2012, these shares were deemed granted at the maximum level of performance. As a result, we issued 124,581 shares related to these market condition awards. Accordingly, we recorded $37 of additional compensation expense in the first quarter of 2012 related to our employees being granted the maximum level of shares rather than the target level of shares for these awards.

 

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  83,054 were based on our common stock’s performance in 2010-2012 relative to a stock index, as designated by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. For shares that are earned, half of the shares vest on December 31, 2012, and the other half vest on December 31, 2013. The per share fair value of these market condition shares was $2.19 as of the grant date.

The fair value of these market condition shares was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and the following assumptions:

 

Dividend yield

     —     

Weighted average, risk free interest rate

     0.58

Expected stock price volatility

     64.73

Expected stock price volatility (small-cap stock index)

     29.39

We used an expected dividend yield of 0%, as we do not currently pay a dividend and do not contemplate paying a dividend in the foreseeable future. The weighted average, risk free interest rate was based on the 1.89-year treasury constant maturity. Our expected stock price volatility and the expected stock price volatility for the small cap stock index was estimated using daily returns data of our stock and the index for the period February 11, 2009 through February 10, 2011.

The original share grant amount represented the number of shares that would be earned at a target level of performance. In conjunction with the signing of the Merger Agreement on March 12, 2012, these shares were deemed granted at the maximum level of performance. As a result, we issued 124,581 shares related to these market condition awards. Accordingly, we recorded $38 of additional compensation expense in the first quarter of 2012 related to our employees being granted the maximum level of shares rather than the target level of shares for these awards.

Of the 2010 market condition shares granted:

 

  91,463 were based on our common stock’s absolute performance during the three-year period 2010-2012. For shares that were earned, half of the shares vest on December 31, 2012, and the other half vest on December 31, 2013. The per share fair value of these market condition shares was $2.53 as of the grant date.

The fair value of these market condition shares was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and the following assumptions:

 

Dividend yield

     —     

Weighted average, risk free interest rate

     1.27

Expected stock price volatility

     95.21

We used an expected dividend yield of 0%, as we do not currently pay a dividend and do not contemplate paying a dividend in the foreseeable future. The weighted average, risk free interest rate was based on the 2.75-year treasury constant maturity. Our expected stock price volatility was estimated using daily returns data of our stock for the period June 29, 2007 through March 30, 2010.

The original share grant amount represented the number of shares that would be earned at a target level of performance. In conjunction with the signing of the Merger Agreement on March 12, 2012, these shares were deemed granted at the maximum level of performance. As a result, we issued 137,195 shares related to these market condition awards. Accordingly, we recorded $68 of additional compensation expense in the first quarter of 2012 related to our employees being granted the maximum level of shares rather than the target level of shares for these awards.

 

  91,463 were based on our common stock’s performance in 2010-2012 relative to a stock index, as designated by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. For shares that are earned, half of the shares vest on December 31, 2012, and the other half vest on December 31, 2013. The per share fair value of these market condition shares was $2.61 as of the grant date.

The fair value of these market condition shares was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and the following assumptions:

 

Dividend yield

     —     

Weighted average, risk free interest rate

     1.27

Expected stock price volatility

     95.21

Expected stock price volatility (small-cap stock index)

     37.51

 

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We used an expected dividend yield of 0%, as we do not currently pay a dividend and do not contemplate paying a dividend in the foreseeable future. The weighted average, risk free interest rate was based on the 2.75-year treasury constant maturity. Our expected stock price volatility and the expected stock price volatility for the small cap stock index was estimated using daily returns data of our stock for the period June 29, 2007 through March 30, 2010.

The original share grant amount represented the number of shares that would be earned at a target level of performance. In conjunction with the signing of the Merger Agreement on March 12, 2012, these shares were deemed granted at the maximum level of performance. As a result, we issued 137,195 shares related to these market condition awards. Accordingly, we recorded $70 of additional compensation expense in the first quarter of 2012 related to our employees being granted the maximum level of shares rather than the target level of shares for these awards.

Performance Share Awards

Certain employees are eligible to receive shares of our common stock in payment of performance share awards granted to them. Grantees of performance shares are eligible to receive shares of our common stock based on the achievement of certain individual and departmental performance criteria during the calendar year in which the shares were granted. We granted 85,036 and 92,633 performance shares during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Shares granted in 2012 vest over a three year period, 2012-2014; and shares granted in 2011 vest over a three year period, 2011-2013.

The per share fair value of performance shares granted during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $3.35 and $3.23, respectively, which represents the fair value of our common stock on the grant date. We recorded share-based compensation expense of $70 and $71 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Since all shares originally granted were not earned, we recorded a reduction in expense of $19 and $16 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to the shares not issued.

Based on their achievement of certain individual and departmental performance goals:

 

   

Employees earned and were issued 75,152 performance shares in February 2012 related to the 2011 grants and

 

   

Employees earned and were issued 96,305 performance shares in February 2011 related to the 2010 grants.

Deferred Compensation Awards

Pursuant to their employment arrangements, certain executives received bonuses upon completion of our initial public offering. Executives receiving bonus payments totaling $2,200 elected to defer those payments pursuant to our deferred compensation plan. To satisfy this obligation, we contributed 129,412 shares of our common stock to the trust that holds the assets to pay obligations under our deferred compensation plan. The fair value of that stock at the date of contribution was $2,200. We have recorded the fair value of the shares of common stock, at the date the shares were contributed to the trust, as a reduction of our stockholders’ equity. In 2008, one of the executives who had deferred a bonus payment resigned from our company. In 2012, the other executive who had deferred a bonus payment sold the shares in the deferred compensation plan. As a result, we have reclassified $2,200 previously recorded as deferred compensation to additional paid-in-capital.

We account for the change in fair value of the shares held in the trust as a charge to compensation cost. We recorded share-based compensation income of $34 and $6, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Non-vested Shares

We have granted non-vested shares as follows:

 

   

We have granted non-vested shares to certain employees and our directors. These shares vest over time periods between three and five years. We valued these non-vested shares at the closing market value of our common stock on the date of grant.

 

   

We have granted non-vested shares to certain employees for shares earned under the Market Condition Share Awards as described above. These shares vest ratably over a three-year period. We valued the non-vested shares related to Market Condition Shares using a Monte Carlo simulation as described above.

 

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We have granted non-vested shares to certain employees for shares earned under the Performance Share Awards as described above. These shares vest ratably over a three-year period. We valued the non-vested shares related to Performance Share Awards at the closing market value of our common stock on the date of grant of the Performance Share Awards.

A summary of non-vested shares activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

 

     Shares     Weighted
Average
Grant
Date

Fair
Value
 

Non-vested shares balance at beginning of period

     910,678      $ 3.13   

Granted

     1,015,545      $ 2.43   

Forfeited

     (2,500   $ 3.00   

Vested

     (163,998   $ 2.49   
  

 

 

   

Non-vested shares balance at end of period

     1,759,725      $ 2.79   
  

 

 

   

We recorded share-based compensation expense related to non-vested shares of $247 and $328 for the three ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Our non-vested shares had an intrinsic value of $5,270 and $184 at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Upon the consummation of the Merger, each non-vested share then outstanding will become fully vested, and will then be cancelled and converted into the right to receive the Offer Price.

Vested Shares

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, our directors had the option to elect to have some or the entire cash portion of their annual fees paid in the form of shares of our common stock rather than cash. Directors making this election received shares having a market value equal to 125% of the cash they would otherwise receive. Shares issued in lieu of cash fee payments are fully vested upon issuance. There was no non-cash professional fee expense recorded nor any shares issued related to these elections to receive shares in lieu of cash during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consist of the following:

 

     March 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

Land and improvements

   $ 57,665      $ 57,665   

Building and improvements

     417,087        417,385   

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

     346,154        344,825   

Construction in process

     230        142   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     821,136        820,017   

Less accumulated depreciation

     (255,160     (243,755
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

   $ 565,976      $ 576,262   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation expense for continuing operations was $11,406 and $12,163 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

8. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Mortgage Debt:

     

Traverse City/Kansas City mortgage loan

   $ 65,159       $ 65,591   

Pocono Mountains mortgage loan

     92,685         93,015   

Concord mortgage loan

     53,007         54,055   

First mortgage notes (net of discount of $7,662 and $8,046)

     222,338         221,954   

 

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Other Long-Term Debt:

    

Junior subordinated debentures

     80,545        80,545   

Other

     6        14   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     513,740        515,174   

Less current portion of long-term debt

     (67,524     (67,678
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

   $ 446,216      $ 447,496   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Traverse City/Kansas City Mortgage Loan—This non-recourse loan is secured by our Traverse City and Kansas City resorts. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.96%, is subject to a 25-year principal amortization schedule, and matures in January 2015. The loan has customary financial and operating debt compliance covenants. The loan also has customary restrictions on our ability to prepay the loan prior to maturity. We were in compliance with all covenants under this loan at March 31, 2012.

While recourse under the loan is limited to the property owner’s interest in the mortgaged property, we have provided limited guarantees with respect to certain customary non-recourse provisions and environmental indemnities relating to the loan.

The loan also contains limitations on our ability, without lender’s consent, to (i) make payments to our affiliates if a default exists; (ii) enter into transactions with our affiliates; (iii) make loans or advances; or (iv) assume, guarantee or become liable in connection with any other obligations.

The loan requires us to maintain a minimum debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 1.35, calculated on a quarterly basis. This ratio is defined as the two collateral properties’ combined trailing twelve-month net operating income divided by the greater of (i) the loan’s twelve-month debt service requirements and (ii) 8.5% of the amount of the outstanding principal indebtedness under the loan. Failure to meet the minimum DSCR is not an event of default and does not accelerate the due date of the loan. Not meeting the minimum DSCR, however, subjects the two properties to a lock-box cash management arrangement, at the discretion of the loan’s servicer. The loan also contains a similar lock-box requirement if we open any Great Wolf Lodge or Blue Harbor Resort within 100 miles of either resort, and the two collateral properties’ combined trailing twelve-month net operating income is not at least equal to 1.8 times 8.5% of the amount of the outstanding principal indebtedness under the loan. For the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the DSCR for this loan was 1.04, and the DSCR for this loan has been below 1.35 since the second quarter of 2007.

In September 2010, the loan’s master servicer implemented a lock-box cash management arrangement. The lock-box cash management arrangement requires substantially all cash receipts for the two resorts to be moved each day to a lender-controlled bank account, which the loan servicer then uses to fund debt service and operating expenses for the two resorts on a monthly basis, with excess cash flow being deposited in a reserve account and held as additional collateral for the loan. We believe that this arrangement constitutes a traditional lock-box arrangement as discussed in authoritative accounting guidance. Based on that guidance, we have classified the entire outstanding principal balance of the loan as a current liability as of March 31, 2012, since the lock-box arrangement requires us to use the properties’ working capital to service the loan, and we do not presently have the ability to refinance this loan to a new, long-term loan. Although the entire principal balance of the loan is classified as a current liability as of March 31, 2012, the loan is not in default, and the principal balance is not due currently.

At our request, in October 2010 the loan was transferred to its special servicer. We informed the special servicer that, given the current and expected performance at that time of the two properties securing this loan, we might elect to cease the subsidization of debt service on this non-recourse loan. If we were to elect to cease the subsidization of debt service, that may result in a default under the loan agreement. We believe the combined market value of the two properties securing this loan is now significantly less than the principal amount of the loan. The properties had a combined net book value of $36,632 as of March 31, 2012, which includes the effect of an impairment charge we recorded in 2010 to adjust the carrying value of the properties to their estimated fair value, and the amount of debt outstanding under the loan was $65,159 as of March 31, 2012.

Given improved operating trends and performance at the properties during 2011 and the three months ended March 31, 2012, we currently expect the properties to generate sufficient cash flow so that our subsidization of debt service, if any, for 2012 will be insignificant to our overall operations. As a result, we currently believe the most likely course of action for 2012 is to continue to operate these properties, assuming these trends continue.

Pocono Mountains Mortgage Loan—This loan is secured by a mortgage on our Pocono Mountains resort. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.10% and matures in January 2017. The loan is currently subject to a 30-year principal amortization schedule. The loan has customary covenants associated with an individual mortgaged property. The loan also has customary restrictions on our ability to prepay the loan prior to maturity. We were in compliance with all covenants under this loan at March 31, 2012.

 

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The loan requires us to maintain a minimum DSCR of 1.25, calculated on a quarterly basis. Subject to certain exceptions, the DSCR is increased to 1.35 if we open up a waterpark resort within 75 miles of the property or incur mezzanine debt secured by the resort. This ratio is defined as the property’s combined trailing twelve-month net operating income divided by the greater of (i) the loan’s twelve-month debt service requirements and (ii) 7.25% of the amount of the outstanding principal indebtedness under the loan. Failure to meet the minimum DSCR is not an event of default and does not accelerate the due date of the loan. Not meeting the minimum DSCR, however, subjects the property to a lock-box cash management arrangement, at the discretion of the loan’s servicer. We believe that lock-box arrangement would require substantially all cash receipts for the resort to be moved each day to a lender-controlled bank account, which the loan servicer would then use to fund debt service and operating expenses for the resort, with excess cash flow being deposited in a reserve account and held as additional collateral for the loan. While recourse under the loan is limited to the property owner’s interest in the mortgage property, we have provided limited guarantees with respect to certain customary non-recourse provisions and environmental indemnities relating to the loan.

The loan also contains limitations on our ability, without lender’s consent, to (i) make payments to our affiliates if a default exists; (ii) enter into transactions with our affiliates; (iii) make loans or advances; or (iv) assume, guarantee or become liable in connection with any other obligations.

Concord Mortgage Loan—This loan is secured by a mortgage on our Concord resort. This loan bears interest at a floating rate of 30-day LIBOR plus a spread of 500 basis points with a minimum rate of 6.00% per annum (effective rate of 6.00% at March 31, 2012). This loan matures in July 2014 and has a one-year extension available at our option, assuming the property meets certain operating performance thresholds. This loan requires four quarterly principal payments of $125 each beginning October 1, 2011, and quarterly principal payments of $375 thereafter.

As part of the loan agreement, the lender requires excess cash from the Concord resort to be swept to the lender on a monthly basis. The lender will hold the excess cash until the end of each quarter and then will either fund the cash back to us to cover any projected cash shortfalls at the property or if there are no shortfalls projected, use the excess cash to repay the loan principal balance. The lender has a $25,000 loan principal guarantee from Great Wolf Resorts. This loan has customary financial and operating debt compliance covenants associated with an individual mortgaged property. We were in compliance with all covenants under this loan at March 31, 2012.

In connection with the refinancing of this loan in 2011, we were required to provide interest rate protection on a portion of the loan amount through the loan’s maturity date. Therefore, we executed an interest rate cap that caps the loan at 8.00% interest rate through July 2014 at a cost of $274. The interest rate cap was designated as an ineffective cash flow hedge. We mark the interest rate cap to market and record the change to interest expense.

First Mortgage Notes—In April 2010, we completed a private placement of $230,000 in aggregate principal amount of our 10.875% first mortgage notes (the Notes) due April 2017. The Notes were sold at a discount that provides an effective yield of 11.875% before transaction costs. We are amortizing the discount over the life of the Notes using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. The proceeds of the Notes were used to retire the outstanding mortgage debt on our Mason, Williamsburg, and Grapevine properties and for general corporate purposes.

The Notes are senior obligations of GWR Operating Partnership, LLLP and Great Wolf Finance Corp (Issuers). The Notes are guaranteed by Great Wolf Resorts and by our subsidiaries that own three of our resorts and those guarantees are secured by first priority mortgages on those three resorts. The Notes are also guaranteed by certain of our other subsidiaries on a senior unsecured basis. On March 12, 2012, Great Wolf Lodge of the Carolinas, LLC (the “Concord Borrower”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a First Amendment to Loan Agreement (the “Concord Amendment”) with the lenders under the Concord loan agreement (the “Concord Lenders”), pursuant to which the Concord Borrower and the Concord Lenders agreed to amend the Concord loan agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Concord Amendment, the Concord Lenders have consented to the Offer and the Merger and have agreed to extend the maturity of the Concord loan to December 31, 2016 and other modifications to the Concord loan agreement, in exchange for payment by the Concord Borrower of a fee equal to 2.25% of the outstanding principal balance of the Concord loan, which is payable at the time the Common Shares are accepted by Parent in the Offer, subject to certain conditions. The Concord Amendment will not be effective if the Offer is not consummated on or prior to July 12, 2012.

The Notes require that we satisfy certain tests in order to, among other things: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) make distributions from GWR Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P. to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.; (iii) repurchase the equity interests in GWR Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P. or to prepay the subordinated debt of GWR Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P. or its subsidiaries; (iv) make investments, (v) enter into affiliate transactions, (vi) sell assets other than in the ordinary course of business or (vii) merge. We are currently restricted from these activities with certain carve-outs, as provided in the indenture.

Junior Subordinated Debentures—In March 2005 we completed a private offering of $50,000 of trust preferred securities (TPS) through Great Wolf Capital Trust I (Trust I), a Delaware statutory trust which is our subsidiary. The securities pay holders cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate which is fixed at 7.80% through March 2015 and then floats at LIBOR plus a spread of 310 basis points thereafter. The securities mature in March 2035 and are callable at no premium after March 2010. In addition, we invested $1,550 in Trust I’s common securities, representing 3% of the total capitalization of Trust I.

 

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Trust I used the proceeds of the offering and our investment to purchase from us $51,550 of junior subordinated debentures with payment terms that mirror the distribution terms of the TPS. The indenture governing the debentures contains limitations on our ability, without the consent of the holders of the debentures, to make payments to our affiliates or for our affiliates to make payments to us if a default exists. The costs of the TPS offering totalled $1,600, including $1,500 of underwriting commissions and expenses and $100 of costs incurred directly by Trust I. Trust I paid these costs utilizing an investment from us. These costs are being amortized over a 30-year period. The proceeds from our debentures sale, net of the costs of the TPS offering and our investment in Trust I, were $48,400. We used the net proceeds to retire a construction loan.

In June 2007 we completed a private offering of $28,125 of TPS through Great Wolf Capital Trust III (Trust III), a Delaware statutory trust which is our subsidiary. The securities pay holders cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate which is fixed at 7.90% through July 2012 and then floats at LIBOR plus a spread of 300 basis points thereafter. The securities mature in July 2017 and are callable at no premium after June 2012. In addition, we invested $870 in the Trust’s common securities, representing 3% of the total capitalization of Trust III.

Trust III used the proceeds of the offering and our investment to purchase from us $28,995 of junior subordinated debentures with payment terms that mirror the distribution terms of the TPS of Trust III securities. The costs of the TPS offering totalled $932, including $870 of underwriting commissions and expenses and $62 of costs incurred directly by Trust III. Trust III paid these costs utilizing an investment from us. The proceeds from these debentures sales, net of the costs of the TPS offering and our investment in Trust III, were $27,193. We used the net proceeds for development costs.

On March 12, 2012, in a privately-negotiated exchange with the holder of the TPS of Trust III in which Great Wolf Capital Trust IV (Trust IV), a newly-formed Delaware statutory trust that is our subsidiary issued $28,125 of new TPS in exchange for all $28,125 of TPS of Trust III. The new TPS pay holders cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate fixed at 7.90% through July 31, 2012 and at a floating annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 550 basis points thereafter. The new TPS mature on July 31, 2017 and are callable by the issuer at par after July 31, 2012. In conjunction with this transaction, Trust IV issued to us 870 common securities, which are all of the issued and outstanding common securities of Trust IV, with a liquidation amount of $870. In addition, in conjunction with this transaction, we issued to Trust IV $28,995 of junior subordinated debentures with payment terms that mirror the distribution terms of the TPS of Trust IV. Following the exchange transaction, the TPS of Trust III and the related junior subordinated debentures were cancelled.

Our consolidated financial statements present the debentures issued to the Trusts as other long-term debt. Our investments in the Trusts are accounted as cost investments and are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. For financial reporting purposes, we record interest expense on the corresponding notes in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Future Maturities — Future principal requirements on long-term debt are as follows:

 

Through

March 31,

      

2013

   $ 4,153   

2014

     4,859   

2015

     113,502   

2016

     1,620   

2017

     86,723   

Thereafter

     310,545   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 521,402   
  

 

 

 

As discussed above, the Traverse City/Kansas City mortgage loan is classified as a current liability as of March 31, 2012, due to the implementation of a traditional lock-box arrangement, although the loan is not in default and the full principal balance of the loan is not due currently. The future maturities table above reflects future cash principal repayments currently required under the provisions of that loan of $1,788 in 2013, $1,914 in 2014, and $61,457 in 2015.

9. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) outlines a valuation framework and creates a fair value hierarchy in order to increase the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements and the related disclosures. Certain assets and liabilities must be measured at fair value, and disclosures are required for items measured at fair value.

 

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We measure our financial instruments using inputs from the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy. The three levels are as follows:

 

  Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (that is, interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).

 

  Level 3 includes unobservable inputs that reflect our assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. We develop these inputs based on the best information available, including our own data.

The following table summarizes our financial assets using the fair value hierarchy on a recurring basis:

March 31, 2012

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Interest rate caps

   $ —         $ 43       $ —         $ 43   

December 31, 2011

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Interest rate caps

   $ —         $ 77       $ —         $ 77   

Level 2 assets consist of our interest rate caps. To determine the estimated fair value of our interest rate caps we use market information provided by the banks from whom the interest rate caps were purchased from.

As of March 31, 2012, we estimate the total fair value of our long-term debt to be $1,922 more than its total carrying value due to the terms of the existing debt being different than those terms currently available to us for indebtedness with similar risks and remaining maturities. These fair value estimates have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these consolidated financial statements since that date, and current estimates of fair values may differ significantly.

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, escrows, accounts payable, gift certificates payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

10. EARNINGS PER SHARE

We calculate our basic earnings per common share by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding excluding non-vested shares. Our diluted earnings per common share assume the issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive stock equivalents outstanding using the treasury stock method. In periods in which we incur a net loss, we exclude potentially dilutive stock equivalents from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding as the effect of those potentially dilutive items is anti-dilutive.

The trust that holds the assets to pay obligations under our deferred compensation plan has 11,765 shares of our common stock. We treat those shares of common stock as treasury stock for purposes of our earnings per share computations and therefore we exclude them from our basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. These shares were sold in February 2012.

 

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Options to purchase 15,500 shares of common stock were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2012, because the exercise prices of the options were greater than the average market price of the common shares during that period. There were 492,629 shares of common stock that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2012, because the market and/or performance criteria related to these shares had not been met at March 31, 2012.

Basic and diluted earnings per common share are as follows:

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Loss from continuing operations, net of net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax

   $ (9,228   $ (12,890

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (36     6,916   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

   $ (9,264   $ (5,974
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic

     31,629,070        31,194,900   

Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted

     31,629,070        31,194,900   

Loss attributable to loss from continuing operations, net of net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax per shares — basic

   $ (0.29   $ (0.41

(Loss) income attributable to discontinued operations, net of tax — basic

     (0.00   $ 0.22   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. per share — basic

   $ (0.29   $ (0.19
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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11. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On March 24, 2011, we sold our Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Claremont New Frontier Resort LLC (Claremont) for a purchase price of $4,200, less a $540 credit for purposes of real estate property tax payments to be made by Claremont for periods after the closing. We paid $2,000 to the City of Sheboygan with respect to real estate taxes relating to the Sheboygan property and contributed $300 toward a lease termination fee payable to a tenant at the property.

In connection with the construction of the Blue Harbor Resort, we had entered into agreements with the City of Sheboygan and the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Sheboygan whereby the City funded certain costs of construction. In exchange, we guaranteed certain levels of real and personal property tax payments, as well as room tax payments, from Blue Harbor Resort.

In connection with the closing, the existing agreements with the City of Sheboygan and the Redevelopment Authority were terminated, and we were released from all of our obligations under these agreements.

As a result of the sale, we have included the operations of the Blue Harbor Resort in discontinued operations for all periods presented. The operation of the Blue Harbor Resort was included in our Resort ownership/operation segment.

A summary of balance sheet data and operating activity related to this discontinued operation is as follows:

 

Balance sheet data:    March 23,
2011
 

Total assets

   $ 6,463   

Total liabilities

   $ 13,587   

As part of the sales transaction on March 23, 2011, we wrote off $5,699 of property and equipment and $11,563 of other long-term debt.

 

     Three months
ended March 31,
    January 1 –
March 23,
 
     2012     2011  

Revenues

   $ —        $ 1,578   

Operating expenses

     (38     (1,424

Gain on sale

     —          6,667   

Interest expense, net of interest income

     —          (76

Income tax expense

     2        171   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (36   $ 6,916   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

12. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In April 2010, our subsidiaries, GWR Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P and Great Wolf Finance Corp. were co-issuers (the Issuer) with respect to $230,000 in principal amount of 10.875% first mortgage notes. In connection with the issuance, certain of our subsidiaries (the Subsidiary Guarantors) have guaranteed the first mortgage notes. Certain of our other subsidiaries (the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries) have not guaranteed the first mortgage notes.

The following tables present the condensed consolidating balances sheets of the Company (Parent), the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the condensed consolidating statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, Financial statements of guarantors and issuers of guaranteed securities registered or being registered. Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors is 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. There are significant restrictions on the Subsidiary Guarantors’ ability to pay dividends or obtain loans or advances. The Company’s and the Issuers’ investments in their consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting.

 

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UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

March 31, 2012

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Parent     Issuers     Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Non  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

ASSETS

  

Current assets:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 9,205      $ 29,048      $ (2,273   $ 7,905      $ —        $ 43,885   

Escrows

     —          —          —          4,061        —          4,061   

Accounts receivable

     435        —          2,352        2,182        —          4,969   

Accounts receivable—affiliate

     —          —          741        2,001        —          2,742   

Accounts receivable—consolidating entities

     7,753        469,085        658,444        225,056        (1,360,338     —     

Inventory

     —          —          3,347        4,940        —          8,287   

Other current assets

     2,107        —          1,830        4,522        —          8,459   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     19,500        498,133        664,441        250,667        (1,360,338     72,403   

Property and equipment, net

     —          —          324,907        241,069        —          565,976   

Investments in consolidating entities

     197,994        279,857        —          —          (477,851     —     

Investments in and advances to affiliate

     —          —          —          24,407        —          24,407   

Other assets

     9,590        6,334        8,590        1,464        —          25,978   

Intangible assets

     1,365        —          4,668        20,642        —          26,675   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 228,449      $ 784,324      $ 1,002,606      $ 538,249      $ (1,838,189   $ 715,439   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

  

Current liabilities:

            

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ —        $ —        $ 6      $ 67,518      $ —        $ 67,524   

Accounts payable

     49        —          1,761        2,718        —          4,528   

Accounts payable—affiliate

     —          —          —          28        —          28   

Accounts payable—consolidating entities

     6,492        351,420        809,689        192,737        (1,360,338     —     

Accrued interest payable

     464        12,506        —          1,028        —          13,998   

Accrued expenses

     4,626        66        11,625        10,891        —          27,208   

Advance deposits

     —          —          7,162        8,496        —          15,658   

Other current liabilities

     3,309        —          919        1,193        —          5,421   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     14,940        363,992        831,162        284,609        (1,360,338     134,365   

Mortgage debt

     —          222,338        —          143,333        —          365,671   

Other long-term debt

     80,545        —          —          —          —          80,545   

Deferred compensation liability

     —          —          1,936        —          —          1,936   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     95,485        586,330        833,098        427,942        (1,360,338     582,517   

Commitments and contingencies

            

Great Wolf Resorts Inc. stockholders’ equity:

            

Common stock

     334        —          —          —          —          334   

Preferred stock

     —          —          —          —          —          —     

Additional paid-in-capital

     404,853        456,693        163,514        293,179        (913,386     404,853   

Accumulated deficit

     (272,223     (258,699     5,994        (182,830     435,535        (272,223
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. stockholders’ equity

     132,964        197,994        169,508        110,349        (477,851     132,964   

Noncontrolling interest

     —          —          —          (42     —          (42
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     132,964        197,994        169,508        110,307        (477,851     132,922   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 228,449      $ 784,324      $ 1,002,606      $ 538,249      $ (1,838,189   $ 715,439   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2011

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Parent     Issuers     Subsidiary
Guarantors
     Non  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

ASSETS

  

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 10,039      $ 15,980      $ 814       $ 6,934      $ —        $ 33,767   

Escrows

     —          —          —           2,618        —          2,618   

Accounts receivable

     327        —          1,335         1,998        —          3,660   

Accounts receivable — affiliate

     —          —          1,461         1,782        —          3,243   

Accounts receivable — consolidating entities

     10,417        472,289        582,378         206,399        (1,271,483     —     

Inventory

     —          —          2,882         4,688        —          7,570   

Other current assets

     2,093        —          1,673         3,401        —          7,167   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     22,876        488,269        590,543         227,820        (1,271,483     58,025   

Property and equipment, net

     —          —          330,496         245,766        —          576,262   

Investment in consolidating entities

     200,123        274,959        —           —          (475,082     —     

Investment in and advances to affiliate

     —          —          —           24,311        —          24,311   

Other assets

     9,765        6,702        7,964         1,618        —          26,049   

Intangible assets

     1,365        —          4,668         20,642        —          26,675   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 234,129      $ 769,930      $ 933,671       $ 520,157      $ (1,746,565   $ 711,322   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

  

Current liabilities:

             

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ —        $ —        $ 14       $ 67,664      $ —        $ 67,678   

Accounts payable

     1        —          1,907         3,393        —          5,301   

Accounts payable — affiliate

     —          —          10         17        —          27   

Accounts payable — consolidating entities

     5,730        341,588        747,086         177,079        (1,271,483     —     

Accrued expenses

     1,589        6,265        13,702         10,667        —          32,223   

Advance deposits

     —          —          2,685         5,030        —          7,715   

Other current liabilities

     4,384        —          1,132         2,013        —          7,529   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     11,704        347,853        766,536         265,863        (1,271,483     120,473   

Mortgage debt

     —          221,954        —           144,997        —          366,951   

Other long-term debt

     80,545        —          —           —          —          80,545   

Deferred compensation liability

     —          —          1,502         —          —          1,502   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     92,249        569,807        768,038         410,860        (1,271,483     569,471   

Commitments and contingencies

             

Great Wolf Resorts stockholders’ equity:

             

Common stock

     325        —          —           —          —          325   

Preferred stock

     —          —          —           —          —          —     

Additional paid-in-capital

     404,714        456,693        163,514         293,179        (913,386     404,714   

Accumulated deficit

     (262,959     (256,570     2,119         (183,853     438,304        (262,959

Deferred compensation

     (200     —          —           —          —          (200
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Great Wolf Resorts stockholders’ equity

     141,880        200,123        165,633         109,326        (475,082     141,880   

Noncontrolling interest

     —          —          —           (29     —          (29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     141,880        200,123        165,633         109,297        (475,082     141,851   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 234,129      $ 769,930      $ 933,671       $ 520,157      $ (1,746,565   $ 711,322   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

25


Table of Contents

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Three months ended March 31, 2012

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Parent     Issuers     Subsidiary
Guarantors
     Non  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Revenues:

             

Rooms

   $ —        $ —        $ 21,529       $ 23,896      $ —        $ 45,425   

Food and beverage

     —          —          6,174         6,373        —          12,547   

Other

     —          —          5,288         6,017        —          11,305   

Management and other fees

     161        —          6,366         5        (5,835     697   

Management and other fees—affiliates

     —          —          973         —          —          973   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     161        —          40,330         36,291        (5,835     70,947   

Other revenue from managed properties

     —          —          3,070         —          —          3,070   

Other revenue from managed properties—affiliates

     —          —          2,772         —          —          2,772   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     161        —          46,172         36,291        (5,835     76,789   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses by department:

             

Rooms

     —          —          3,883         3,968        (911     6,940   

Food and beverage

     —          —          4,732         4,722        —          9,454   

Other

     —          —          4,328         5,404        —          9,732   

Other operating expenses:

             

Selling, general and administrative

     5,613        46        13,524         8,320        (4,924     22,579   

Property operating costs

     —          —          3,735         4,001        —          7,736   

Depreciation and amortization

     38        349        6,126         5,506        —          12,019   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     5,651        395        36,328         31,921        (5,835     68,460   

Other expenses from managed properties

     —          —          3,070         —          —          3,070   

Other expenses from managed properties—affiliates

     —          —          2,772         —          —          2,772   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     5,651        395        42,170         31,921        (5,835     74,302   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net operating (loss) income

     (5,490     (395     4,002         4,370        —          2,487   

Investment income—affiliates

     —          —          —           (220     —          (220

Interest income

     (53     (3     —           (2     —          (58

Interest expense

     1,584        6,636        —           3,437        —          11,657   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates

     (7,021     (7,028     4,002         1,155        —          (8,892

Income tax expense

     114        —          127         200        —          441   

Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax

     2,129        (4,899     —           (92     2,770        (92
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income from continuing operations

     (9,264     (2,129     3,875         1,047        (2,770     (9,241

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          —          —           36        —          36   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

     (9,264     (2,129     3,875         1,011        (2,770     (9,277

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax

     —          —          —           (13     —          (13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income attributable to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

   $ (9,264   $ (2,129   $ 3,875       $ 1,024      $ (2,770   $ (9,264
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

26


Table of Contents

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Three months ended March 31, 2011

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Parent     Issuers     Subsidiary
Guarantors
     Non  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Revenues:

             

Rooms

   $ —        $ —        $ 20,142       $ 22,045      $ —        $ 42,187   

Food and beverage

     —          —          5,521         5,681          11,202   

Other

     —          —          4,941         6,238        —          11,179   

Management and other fees

     155        —          5,728         18        (5,148     753   

Management and other fees — affiliates

     —          —          1,003         —          —          1,003   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     155        —          37,335         33,982        (5,148     66,324   

Other revenue from managed properties

     —          —          2,837         —          —          2,837   

Other revenue from managed properties — affiliates

     —          —          2,724         —          —          2,724   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     155        —          42,896         33,982        (5,148     71,885   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses by department:

             

Rooms

     —          —          3,400         3,494        (847     6,047   

Food and beverage

     —          —          4,268         4,192        —          8,460   

Other

     —          —          3,964         5,453        —          9,417   

Other operating expenses:

             

Selling, general and administrative

     893        33        12,479         7,794        (4,218     16,981   

Property operating costs

     —          —          4,113         4,311        —          8,424   

Depreciation and amortization

     38        326        6,353         6,531        —          13,248   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     931        359        34,577         31,775        (5,065     62,577   

Other expenses from managed properties

     —          —          2,837         —          —          2,837   

Other expenses from managed properties — affiliates

     —          —          2,724         —          —          2,724   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     931        359        40,138         31,775        (5,065     68,138   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net operating (loss) income

     (776     (359     2,758         2,207        (83     3,747   

Investment income — affiliates

     —          —          —           (242     —          (242

Interest income

     (49     (3     —           (3     —          (55

Interest expense

     1,584        6,636        —           3,877        —          12,097   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates

     (2,311     (6,992     2,758         (1,425     (83     (8,053

Income tax (benefit) expense

     4,736        —          104         162        —          5,002   

Equity in (income) loss of affiliates, net of tax

     (1,073     (8,065     —           (151     9,138        (151
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income from continuing operations

     (5,974     1,073        2,654         (1,436     (9,221     (12,904

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          —          —           (6,833     (83     (6,916
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

     (5,974     1,073        2,654         5,397        (9,138     (5,988

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax

     —          —          —           (14     —          (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income attributable to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

   $ (5,974   $ 1,073      $ 2,654       $ 5,411      $ (9,138   $ (5,974
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

27


Table of Contents

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three months ended March 31, 2012

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Parent     Issuers     Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Non
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Operating activities:

            

Net (loss) income

   $ (9,264   $ (2,129   $ 3,745      $ 1,011      $ (2,640   $ (9,277

Adjustment to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

            

Depreciation and amortization

     38        349        6,126        5,506        —          12,019   

Bad debt expense

     —          —          —          10        —          10   

Non-cash employee compensation and professional fees expense

     —          —          791        —          —          791   

Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated affiliates

     2,129        (4,769     —          (97     2,640        (97

Deferred tax expense

     120        —          —          —          —          120   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

     2,701        6,308        395        2,282        —          11,686   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     (4,276     (241     11,057        8,712        —          15,252   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities:

            

Capital expenditures for property and equipment

     —          —          (620     (501     —          (1,121

Investment in development

     —          —          (53     —          —          (53

Increase in restricted cash

     —          —          —          (2,416     —          (2,416
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     —          —          (673     (2,917     —          (3,590
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities:

            

Principal payments on long-term debt

     —          383        (8     (1,810     —          (1,435

Payment of loan costs

     3        (110     —          (2     —          (109

Advances from consolidating entities, net

     3,439        13,036        (13,463     (3,012     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     3,442        13,309        (13,471     (4,824     —          (1,544
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (834     13,068        (3,087     971        —          10,118   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     10,039        15,980        814        6,934        —          33,767   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 9,205      $ 29,048      $ (2,273   $ 7,905      $ —        $ 43,885   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

28


Table of Contents

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three months ended March 31, 2011

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Parent     Issuers     Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Non  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Consolidated  

Operating activities:

            

Net (loss) income

   $ (5,974   $ 1,073      $ 2,654      $ 5,397      $ (9,138   $ (5,988

Adjustment to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

            

Depreciation and amortization

     38        326        6,353        6,632        —          13,349   

Bad debt expense

     —          —          (3     17        —          14   

Non-cash employee compensation and professional fees expense

     —          —          583        —          —          583   

Gain on disposition of property included in discontinued operations

     —          —          —          (6,667     —          (6,667

Equity in (income) losses of affiliates

     (1,073     (8,065     —          (147     9,138        (147

Deferred tax benefit

     4,562        —          —          —          —          4,562   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

     (483     5,680        (634     (1,301     —          3,262   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     (2,930     (986     8,953        3,931        —          8,968   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities:

            

Capital expenditures for property and equipment

     —          —          (691     (10     —          (701

Loan repayment from unconsolidated affiliates

     —          —          —          807        —          807   

Investment in development

     —          —          (67     —          —          (67

Proceeds from sale of a discontinue operation

     —          —          —          4,200        —          4,200   

Increase in restricted cash

     (1,000     —          —          (1,412     —          (2,412
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided in investing activities

     (1,000     —          (758     3,585        —          1,827   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities:

            

Principal payments on long-term debt

     —          383        (8     (1,131     —          (756

Payment of loan costs

     —          (103     —          (21     —          (124

Advances from consolidating entities, net

     3,914        12,638        (11,102     (5,450     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     3,914        12,918        (11,110     (6,602     —          (880
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (16     11,932        (2,915     914        —          9,915   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     10,047        24,168        (328     3,101        —          36,988   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 10,031      $ 36,100      $ (3,243   $ 4,015      $ —        $ 46,903   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 30, 2012, the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiary Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, entered into a supplemental indenture giving effect to the amendment (the “Proposed COC Amendment”) to the indenture pursuant to which the first mortgage notes were issued (the "Indenture") and the Issuers received the requisite consents, pursuant to a consent solicitation commenced on March 12, 2012, from holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Notes to waive the obligation to make a “Change of Control Offer” under the Indenture with respect to, among other things, the previously announced transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

Pursuant to the terms of the supplemental indenture, it is effective immediately upon execution, but the Proposed COC Amendment will not become operative until the Issuers pay to the holders who delivered valid and unrevoked consents to the Proposed COC Amendment the consent payment equal to $2.50 per $1,000 principal amount of first mortgage notes (the “COC Consent Fee”). However, the Issuers’ obligation to pay the COC Consent Fee is conditioned upon the completion, on or prior to July 10, 2012, of the equity tender offer (the “Equity Tender Offer”), commenced March 13, 2012, pursuant to which an affiliate of Apollo Global Management LLC offered to purchase all outstanding shares of Great Wolf common stock (the “Transaction Condition”). On May 4, 2012, the Issuers paid the COC Consent Fee to D.F. King & Co., Inc., as agent for consenting holders of first mortgage notes, promptly following the consummation of the Equity Tender Offer (as disclosed below).

The Equity Tender Offer expired at 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on May 4, 2012. According to Computershare, the depositary for the Offer, as of the expiration of the Offer, a total of approximately 24,054,129 Common Shares were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the Offer, representing approximately 72% of the Common Shares outstanding. In addition, 1,398,852 Common Shares were delivered through notices of guaranteed delivery. If all guaranteed delivery shares are received, approximately 76% of the outstanding shares will have been tendered. Merger Sub accepted Common Shares that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for payment pursuant to the terms of the Offer and paid for all Common Shares that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn promptly.

On May 4, 2012, Parent completed its acquisition of the Company through the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation in the Merger and becoming an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, in accordance with the short-form merger provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Also on May 4, 2012, the Company notified the NASDAQ Global Market of the completion of the Merger and requested that trading of the Company’s shares be suspended.

The total cost to acquire all outstanding shares pursuant to the Offer and the Merger was approximately $262 million. The Company incurred fees and expenses of approximately 13 million in connection with the Offer and the Merger. The source of the funds for the acquisition of the Company was provided by equity capital contributed by certain equity funds managed by Apollo Management VII, L.P.

As a result of the Merger, the Company’s capital structure has changed materially and future presentations will distinguish between a “Predecessor” for periods prior to the Merger, and a “Successor” for periods subsequent to the Merger. The Merger will be accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting and Successor financial statements will reflect a new basis of accounting that will be based on the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Merger date. A determination of these fair values will reflect appraisals prepared by independent third parties and will be based on actual tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities that existing as of the Merger date.

Following the Merger, the Concord Amendment became effective in accordance with its terms, (as discussed in Note 7).

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” is a discussion and analysis of the financial condition, results of operations and liquidity and capital resources. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. We make statements in this section that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. For a complete discussion of forward-looking statements, see the “Forward-Looking Statements” section that immediately follows the table of contents. All dollar amounts in this discussion, except for per share data and operating statistics, are in thousands.

Overview

The terms “Great Wolf Resorts,” “us,” “we,” “our” and “Company” used in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations refer to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. As discussed below, we are currently party to the Merger Agreement (as defined below), and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2012. Except where noted specifically, we have presented the information in this report (including with respect to our plans and expectations) as if such transactions have not been completed. Once such transactions are completed, our plans and expectations may change based on our new ownership, and we are currently unable to predict the nature of such changes.

Business. We are a family entertainment resort company that provides our guests with a high-quality vacation at an affordable price. We are the largest owner, operator and developer in North America of drive-to, destination family resorts featuring indoor waterparks and other family-oriented entertainment activities based on the number of resorts in operation. Each of our resorts features approximately 300 to 600 family suites, each of which sleeps from six to ten people and includes a wet bar, microwave oven, refrigerator and dining and sitting area. We provide a full-service entertainment resort experience to our target customer base: families with children ranging in ages from 2 to 14 years old that live within a convenient driving distance of our resorts. Our resorts are open year-round and provide a consistent, comfortable environment where our guests can enjoy our various amenities and activities. We operate and license resorts under our Great Wolf Lodge brand name. We have entered into licensing and management arrangements with third parties relating to the operation of resorts under the Great Wolf Lodge brand name.

We provide our guests with a self-contained vacation experience and focus on capturing a significant portion of their total vacation spending. We earn revenues through the sale of rooms (which includes admission to our indoor waterpark), and other revenue-generating resort amenities. Each of our resorts features a combination of the following revenue-generating amenities: themed restaurants and snack bars, ice cream shop and confectionery, full-service adult spa, kid spa, game arcade, gift shop, miniature golf, interactive game attraction, family tech center and meeting space. We also generate revenues from licensing arrangements, management fees and other fees with respect to our operation or development of properties owned in whole or in part by third parties.

Each of our Great Wolf Lodge resorts has a Northwoods lodge theme, designed in a Northwoods cabin motif with exposed timber beams, massive stone fireplaces, Northwoods creatures including mounted wolves and an animated two-story Clock Tower that provides theatrical entertainment for younger guests. All of our guest suites are themed luxury suites, ranging in size from approximately 385 square feet to 925 square feet.

The indoor waterparks in our Great Wolf Lodge resorts range in size from approximately 34,000 to 84,000 square feet and include decorative rockwork and plantings. The focus of each Great Wolf Lodge waterpark is our signature 12-level treehouse water fort, an interactive water experience for the entire family that features over 60 water effects and is capped by an oversized bucket that dumps between 700 and 1,000 gallons of water every five minutes. Our waterparks also feature a combination of high-speed body slides and inner tube waterslides, smaller and lower speed slides for younger children, zero-depth water activity pools with geysers, a water curtain, fountains and tumble buckets, a lazy river, additional activity pools for basketball, open swimming and other water activities and large free-form hot tubs, including hot tubs for adults only.

On March 24, 2011, we sold our Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Claremont New Frontier Resort LLC (Claremont) for a purchase price of $4,200, less a $540 credit for purposes of real estate property tax payments to be made by Claremont for periods after the closing. We paid $2,000 to the City of Sheboygan with respect to real estate taxes relating to the Sheboygan property and contributed $300 toward a lease termination fee payable to a tenant at the property. We continue to license the Blue Harbor Resort and related trade names to Claremont at no fee. As of March 24, 2011, we no longer operated this resort or managed the condominium units there.

 

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On March 12, 2012, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) with K-9 Acquisition, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Merger Sub) and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of K-9 Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Parent). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, a tender offer (the Offer) agreed to commence to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (Common Shares) at a purchase price of $5.00 per share (the Offer Price), net to the holder in cash, without any interest and subject to any withholding taxes, to be followed by a merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company with the Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the Merger). On April 20, 2012, the terms of the Merger Agreement were amended to include a new Offer Price of $7.85 per share.

The transactions described above are expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2012. The consummation of the Offer and the Merger are subject to various closing conditions, including the tender of at least fifty percent of the Common Shares and other customary conditions. The Offer is not subject to a financing condition. The Merger Agreement also includes customary termination provisions for both the Company and Parent and provides that, in connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, the Company will be required to pay Parent a termination fee of $10,467.

The following table presents an overview of our portfolio of resorts. As of March 31, 2012, we operated, managed and/or had licensing arrangements relating to the operation of 11 Great Wolf Lodge resorts (our signature Northwoods-themed resorts). We anticipate that most of our future resorts will be licensed and/or developed under our Great Wolf Lodge brand, but we may operate and/or enter into licensing arrangements with other resorts using different brands in appropriate markets.

 

     Ownership
Percentage
    Opened      Number of
Guest  Suites
    Indoor
Entertainment
Area (1)
 

Wisconsin Dells, WI (3)

     —          1997         385 (2)      102,000   

Sandusky, OH (3)

     —          2001         271        41,000   

Traverse City, MI

     100     2003         280        57,000   

Kansas City, KS

     100     2003         281        57,000   

Williamsburg, VA (4)

     100     2005         405        87,000   

Pocono Mountains, PA (4)

     100     2005         401        101,000   

Niagara Falls, ONT (5)

     —          2006         406        104,000   

Mason, OH (4)

     100     2006         401        105,000   

Grapevine, TX (4)

     100     2007         605        110,000   

Grand Mound, WA (6)

     49     2008         398        74,000   

Concord, NC (4)

     100     2009         402        97,000   

 

(1)

Our indoor entertainment areas generally include our indoor waterpark, game arcade, children’s activity room, family tech center, MagiQuest® (an interactive game attraction) and fitness room, as well as our spa in the resorts that have such amenities.

(2) Total number of guest suites includes 77 condominium units that are individually owned and we manage.
(3) These properties are owned by CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc. (CNL), a real estate investment trust focused on leisure and lifestyle properties. We currently manage both properties and license the Great Wolf Lodge brand to these resorts.
(4) Five of our properties (Great Wolf Lodge resorts in Williamsburg, VA; Pocono Mountains, PA; Mason, OH; Grapevine, TX and Concord, NC) each had a book value of fixed assets equal to ten percent or more of our total assets as of March 31, 2012 and each of those five properties had total revenues equal to ten percent or more of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
(5) An affiliate of Ripley Entertainment, Inc. (Ripley), our licensee, owns this resort. We have granted Ripley a license to use the Great Wolf Lodge name for this resort through April 2016.
(6) This property is owned by a joint venture. The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation (Chehalis) owns a 51% interest in the joint venture, and we own a 49% interest. We operate the property and license the Great Wolf Lodge brand to the joint venture under long-term agreements through April 2057, subject to earlier termination in certain situations. The joint venture leases the land for the resort from the United States Department of the Interior, which is trustee for Chehalis.

 

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Industry Trends. We operate in the family entertainment resort segment of the travel and leisure industry. The concept of a family entertainment resort with an indoor waterpark was first introduced to the United States in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, and has evolved since 1987. In an effort to boost occupancy and daily rates, as well as capture off-season demand, hotel operators in the Wisconsin Dells market began expanding indoor pools and adding waterslides and other water-based attractions to existing hotels and resorts. The success of these efforts prompted several local operators to build new, larger destination resorts based primarily on the concept.

We believe that these resorts have proven popular because of several factors, including the ability to provide a year-round vacation destination without weather-related risks, the wide appeal of water-based recreation and the favorable trends in leisure travel discussed below. No operator or developer other than Great Wolf Resorts has established a national portfolio of destination family entertainment resorts featuring indoor waterparks.

While no standard industry definition for a family entertainment resort featuring an indoor waterpark has developed, we generally consider resorts with at least 200 rooms featuring indoor waterparks larger than 25,000 square feet, as well as a variety of water slides and other water-based attractions, to be competitive with our resorts. A Hotel & Leisure Advisors, LLC (H&LA) survey as of July 2011 indicates that there are 141 open indoor waterpark resort properties in the United States and Canada. Of the total, 47 are considered “indoor waterpark destination resorts” offering more than 30,000 square feet of indoor waterpark space. Of these 47 properties, 11 are Great Wolf Lodges.

We believe recent vacation trends favor drive-to family entertainment resorts featuring indoor waterparks, as the number of families choosing to take shorter, more frequent vacations that they can drive to have increased in recent years. We believe these trends will continue. We believe indoor waterpark resorts are generally relatively less affected by changes in economic cycles than more expensive vacation options, as drive-to destinations are generally less expensive and more convenient than destinations that require air travel.

Outlook. We believe that no other operator or developer other than us has established a national portfolio of destination family entertainment resorts that feature indoor waterparks. Our resorts do, however, compete directly with other family entertainment resorts and other family entertainment attractions in our markets. We intend to continue to expand our portfolio of resorts throughout the United States and to selectively seek licensing and management opportunities domestically and internationally.

The resorts we plan to develop, acquire, license and/or operate in the future may require significant industry knowledge and/or substantial capital resources. Our external growth strategy going forward is to seek joint venture, licensing and management opportunities. We expect each of the joint venture arrangements would involve us having a minority or no ownership interest in the new resort. We believe there are opportunities to capitalize on our existing brand and operational platforms with lower capital requirements from us than if we were to be a sole or majority owner of the new resort.

Our primary business objective is to increase long-term stockholder value. We believe we can increase stockholder value by executing our internal and external growth strategies. Our primary internal growth strategies are:

 

   

leveraging our competitive advantages and increasing domestic geographic diversification through a licensing-based business model and joint venture investments in target markets;

 

   

expanding our brand footprint internationally;

 

   

selective sales/dispositions of ownership interests/recycling of capital;

 

   

expanding and enhancing existing resorts;

 

   

continuing to innovate;

 

   

maximizing total resort revenues;

 

   

minimizing total resort costs;

 

   

building upon our existing brand awareness and loyalty; and

 

   

expanding operations of our majority-owned subsidiary, Creative Kingdoms.

 

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In attempting to execute our internal and external growth strategies, we are subject to a variety of business challenges and risks. These include:

 

   

attracting suitable joint venture partners;

 

   

development, acquisition, conversion and/or licensing of properties;

 

   

increases in costs of constructing, operating and maintaining resorts we own or manage;

 

   

competition from other entertainment companies, both within and outside our industry segment;

 

   

external economic risks, including family vacation patterns and trends; and

 

   

the other risks described in our annual report on Form 10-K under Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” For a complete discussion of forward-looking statements, see the “Forward-Looking Statements” section that immediately follows the table of contents.

We seek to meet these challenges by providing sufficient management oversight to site selection, development and resort operations; concentrating on growing and strengthening awareness of our brand and demand for our resorts; and maintaining our focus on safety.

Our business model is highly dependent on consumer spending, because the substantial majority of our revenues are earned from leisure guests, and a vacation experience at one of our resorts is a discretionary expenditure for a family. Over the past several years, the slowdown in the U.S. economy and accompanying economic recession has generally led to a decrease in credit available to consumers and a related decrease in consumer confidence and consumer discretionary spending. These trends generally continued through the first quarter 2012 as consumers have experienced several negative economic impacts over the past few years, including:

 

   

continued turbulence in the banking and lending sectors, which has led to a general lessening of the availability of credit to consumers;

 

   

increasing energy and commodity prices (particularly food) in 2011 and 2012;

 

   

a high national unemployment rate;

 

   

economic uncertainty due to potential sovereign defaults;

 

   

a slowdown in economic growth and lack of consistent job creation during 2012;

 

   

a continuing decline in the national average of home prices and an increase in the national home foreclosure rate; and

 

   

high volatility in the stock market that led to substantial declines in stock values and aggregate household savings from 2007 to 2011.

These and other factors impact the amount of discretionary income for consumers and consumer sentiment toward discretionary purchases. As a result, these types of items could negatively impact consumer spending in future periods. While we believe the convenience, quality and overall affordability of a stay at one of our resorts continues to be an attractive alternative to other potential family vacations, a sustained decrease in overall consumer discretionary spending could have a material adverse effect on our overall results.

We develop resorts with expectations of achieving certain financial returns on a resort’s operation. The economic slowdown of the past several years has materially and adversely affected our ability to achieve the operating results for our resorts that we had expected to achieve when those resorts were first planned and developed. Also:

 

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We believe that our Traverse City and Sandusky resorts have been and will continue to be affected by especially adverse general economic circumstances in the Michigan/Northern Ohio region (such as bankruptcies of several major companies and/or large announced layoffs by major employers) and increased competition that has occurred in these markets over the past few years. The Michigan/Northern Ohio region includes cities that have historically been the Traverse City and Sandusky resorts’ largest source of customers. We believe the adverse general economic circumstances in the region have negatively impacted overall discretionary consumer spending in that region over the past few years and may continue to do so going forward. Although we have taken steps to reduce our operating costs at these resorts, we believe the general regional economic downturn has and may continue to have an impact on the operating performance of our Traverse City and Sandusky resorts.

 

   

In 2010, the master servicer for our loan that is secured by our Traverse City and Kansas City resorts implemented a lock-box cash management arrangement due to the properties not meeting a minimum debt service coverage ratio test under the loan. The loan is not in default and the outstanding principal balance is not due currently, but accounting rules require us to classify the entire loan balance as a current liability as of March 31, 2012. We recorded an $18,741 impairment charge in 2010 related to our Traverse City and Kansas City resorts to reflect a decline in their estimated fair value. Although the operating performance of the two properties securing this loan has improved in 2011 and during the three months ended March 31, 2012, we expect the properties to continue to feel the effects of the regional economic declines experienced over the past several years and to produce operating results below what they had produced prior to 2008.

 

   

Our Wisconsin Dells property has been significantly impacted by the abundance of competing indoor waterpark resorts in that market. The Wisconsin Dells market has approximately 16 indoor waterpark resorts that compete with us. We believe this large number of competing properties in a relatively small tourist destination location has and will likely continue to have an adverse impact on the operating performance of our Wisconsin Dells resort.

 

   

We experienced much lower than expected occupancy and lower than expected average daily room rates at our Sheboygan, Wisconsin property since its opening in 2004. We believe this operating weakness was primarily attributable to the fact that the overall development of downtown Sheboygan as a tourist destination lagged materially behind our initial expectations. We believe this materially impacted the consumer demand for our indoor waterpark resort in that market and the operations of the resort. We recorded a $24,000 impairment charge in 2009 relating to our Sheboygan resort and, in March 2011, we disposed of this resort.

Our external growth strategies are based primarily on:

 

   

developing additional indoor waterpark resorts,

 

   

converting existing indoor waterpark resorts to our brands (in conjunction with joint venture partners), or by,

 

   

licensing our intellectual property and proprietary management systems to others.

Developing and building resorts of the size and scope of our family entertainment resorts generally requires obtaining financing for a significant portion of a project’s expected construction costs. The general tightening in U.S. lending markets has dramatically decreased the overall availability of financing for ground-up construction. Although the ultimate effect on our external growth strategy of the current credit environment is difficult to predict with certainty, we believe that the availability of construction financing to us and other investors and/or developers may be more restrictive in the future and that terms of construction financing may be less favorable than was the case through 2008. Although we believe that we and other investors and/or developers may be able to continue to obtain construction financing sufficient to execute development strategies, we expect that the more difficult credit market environment is likely to continue at least through 2012.

Revenue and Key Performance Indicators. We seek to generate positive cash flows and maximize our return on invested capital from each of our owned resorts. Our rooms revenue represents sales to guests of room nights at our resorts and is the largest contributor to our cash flows and earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). Rooms revenue accounted for approximately 66% of our total consolidated resort revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012. We employ sales and marketing efforts to increase overall demand for rooms at our resorts. We seek to optimize the relationship between room rates and occupancies through the use of yield management techniques that attempt to project demand in order to selectively increase room rates during peak demand. These techniques are designed to assist us in managing our higher occupancy nights to achieve maximum rooms revenue and include such practices as:

 

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monitoring our historical trends for occupancy and estimating our high occupancy nights,

 

   

offering the highest discounts to previous guests in off-peak periods to build customer loyalty and enhance our ability to charge higher rates in peak periods,

 

   

structuring rates to allow us to offer our previous guests the best rate while simultaneously working with a promotional partner or offering internet specials,

 

   

monitoring sales of room types daily to evaluate the effectiveness of offered discounts, and

 

   

offering specials on standard suites and yielding better rates on larger suites when standard suites sell out.

In addition, we seek to maximize the amount of time and money spent on-site by our guests by providing a variety of revenue-generating amenities.

We have several key indicators that we use to evaluate the performance of our business. These indicators include the following:

 

   

occupancy;

 

   

average daily room rate, or ADR;

 

   

revenue per available room, or RevPAR;

 

   

total revenue per occupied room, or Total RevPOR;

 

   

total revenue per available room, or Total RevPAR;

 

   

non-rooms revenue per occupied room; and

 

   

earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA.

Occupancy, ADR and RevPAR are commonly used measures within the hospitality industry to evaluate hotel operations and are defined as follows:

 

   

Occupancy is calculated by dividing total occupied rooms by total available rooms.

 

   

ADR is calculated by dividing total rooms revenue by total occupied rooms.

 

   

RevPAR is the product of occupancy and ADR.

Total RevPOR, Total RevPAR and Non-rooms revenue per occupied room are defined as follows:

 

   

Total RevPOR is calculated by dividing total revenue by total occupied rooms.

 

   

Total RevPAR is calculated by dividing total revenue by total available rooms.

 

   

Non-rooms revenue per occupied room is calculated by taking the difference between Total RevPOR and ADR.

Occupancy allows us to measure the general overall demand for rooms at our resorts and the effectiveness of our sales and marketing strategies. ADR allows us to measure the effectiveness of our yield management strategies. While ADR and RevPAR only include rooms revenue, Total RevPOR and Total RevPAR include both rooms revenue and other revenue derived from food and beverage and other amenities at our resorts. We consider Total RevPOR and Total RevPAR to be key performance indicators for our business because we derive a significant portion of our revenue from food and beverage and other amenities. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, approximately 34% of our total consolidated resort revenues consisted of non-rooms revenue.

We use RevPAR and Total RevPAR to evaluate the blended effect that changes in occupancy, ADR and Total RevPOR have on our results. We focus on increasing ADR and Total RevPOR because we believe those increases can have the greatest positive impact on our results. In addition, we seek to maximize occupancy, as increases in occupancy generally lead to greater total revenues at our resorts, and we believe maintaining certain occupancy levels is key to covering our fixed costs. Increases in total revenues as a result

 

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of higher occupancy are, however, typically accompanied by additional incremental costs (including housekeeping services, utilities and room amenity costs). In contrast, increases in total revenues from higher ADR and Total RevPOR are typically accompanied by lower incremental costs and result generally, in a greater increase in operating cash flow.

We also use EBITDA as a measure of the operating performance of each of our resorts. EBITDA is a supplemental financial measure and is not defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for further discussion of our use of EBITDA and a reconciliation of net loss.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unconsolidated financial statements, as well as revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could therefore differ materially from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Noncontrolling Interests — We record the non-owned equity interests of our consolidated subsidiaries as a separate component of our consolidated equity on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The net earnings attributable to the controlling and noncontrolling interests are included on the face of our statements of operations. Due to our acquisition of CK in June 2010 we have a consolidated subsidiary with a noncontrolling interest as of March 31, 2012.

Discontinued Operations — We record the results of the operations of an entity that has been disposed of as a discontinued operation in the consolidated statements of operations when the operations and cash flows of the entity have been eliminated from the ongoing operations and we do not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the entity after the disposal transaction. During the three months ended March 31, 2011 we disposed of our Blue Harbor Resort property and have included that property’s operations and gain on sale in discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Income Taxes — At the end of each interim reporting period, we estimate the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year. We use that estimated effective tax rate in providing for income taxes on a year-to-date basis. We account for the tax effect of significant unusual or extraordinary items in the period in which they occur. We account for major changes in our valuation allowance within continuing operations in the period in which they occur. As of March 31, 2012, we increased our valuation allowance by $4,772 as a result of the sale of our Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The increase was due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred tax assets generated as a result of that sale, primarily consisting of certain net operating loss carryforwards, before they expire.

For a description of our critical accounting policies and estimates, please refer to the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Except as described above, there have been no material changes in any of our critical accounting policies since December 31, 2011.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies and changes the application of various fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance that permits an entity an option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise, no further impairment testing is required. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use EBITDA as a measure of our operating performance. EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure. EBITDA is commonly defined as net income plus (a) net interest expense from continuing operations and discontinued operations, (b) income taxes from continuing operations and discontinued operations, and (c) depreciation and amortization from continuing operations and discontinued operations.

EBITDA as calculated by us is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. In addition, EBITDA (a) does not represent net income or cash flows from operations as defined by GAAP; (b) is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund our cash flow needs; and (c) should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flows from operating activities or our other financial information as determined under GAAP.

We believe EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because:

 

   

a significant portion of our assets consists of property and equipment that are depreciated over their remaining useful lives in accordance with GAAP. Because depreciation and amortization are non-cash items, we believe that presentation of EBITDA is a useful measure of our operating performance;

 

   

it is widely used in the hospitality and entertainment industries to measure operating performance without regard to items such as depreciation and amortization; and

 

   

we believe it helps investors meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the impact of items directly resulting from our asset base, primarily depreciation and amortization, from our operating results.

Our management uses EBITDA:

 

   

as a measurement of operating performance because it assists us in comparing our operating performance on a consistent basis as it removes the impact of items directly resulting from our asset base, primarily depreciation and amortization, from our operating results;

 

   

for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget;

 

   

as a valuation measure for evaluating our operating performance and our capacity to incur and service debt, fund capital expenditures and expand our business; and

 

   

as one measure in determining the value of other acquisitions and dispositions.

Some of these limitations are:

 

   

it does not reflect every cash expenditure, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

 

   

it does not reflect the significant interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;

 

   

although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced or require improvements in the future, and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements or improvements;

 

   

it is not adjusted for all non-cash income or expense items that are reflected in our statements of cash flows;

 

   

it does not reflect limitations on our costs related to transferring earnings from our subsidiaries to us; and

 

   

other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

 

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Because of these limitations, our EBITDA measure should not be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business or as a measure of cash that will be available to us to meet our obligations. We compensate for these limitations by using EBITDA along with other comparative tools, together with GAAP measurements, to assist in the evaluation of operating performance. Such GAAP measurements include operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flows from operations and cash flow data. We have significant uses of cash flows, including capital expenditures, interest payments, debt principal repayments, taxes and other non-recurring charges, which are not reflected in our EBITDA-based measure.

EBITDA is not intended as an alternative to net income (loss) as an indicator of our operating performance, as an alternative to any other measure of performance in conformity with GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity. You should therefore not place undue reliance on our EBITDA-based measure or ratios calculated using those measures. Our GAAP-based measures can be found in our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, included elsewhere in this report.

The following table reconciles net loss attributable to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. to EBITDA for the periods presented (prior to the reclassification for discontinued operations).

 

    

Three months ended

March 31,

 
     2012     2011  

Net loss attributable to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

   $ (9,264   $ (5,974

Adjustments:

    

Interest expense, net of interest income

     11,599        12,117   

Income tax expense

     444        4,826   

Depreciation and amortization

     12,019        13,349   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA

   $ 14,798      $ 24,318   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Results of Operations

General

Our financial information includes:

 

   

our subsidiary that provides resort development and management/licensing services;

 

   

our wholly-owned resorts;

 

   

beginning in June 2010, our CK subsidiary, which is a developer of experiential gaming products, less our noncontrolling interest; and

 

   

our equity interest in the Grand Mound resort, in which we have a minority ownership interest but which we do not consolidate.

Revenues. Our revenues consist of:

 

   

lodging revenue, which includes rooms, food and beverage, and other department revenues from our resorts;

 

   

revenue from our CK subsidiary, which includes product sales, admission fees and retail revenues;

 

   

management fee and other revenue from resorts, which includes fees received under our management, license, development and construction management agreements; and

 

   

other revenue from managed properties. We employ the staff at our managed properties. Under our management agreements, the resort owners reimburse us for payroll, benefits and certain other costs related to the operations of the managed properties. We include the reimbursement of payroll, benefits and costs, recorded as revenue on our statements of operations, with a corresponding expense recorded as “other expenses from managed properties.”

Operating Expenses. Our departmental operating expenses consist of rooms, food and beverage and other department expenses.

 

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Our other operating expenses include the following items:

 

   

selling, general and administrative expenses, which are associated with the operations and management of resorts and our CK subsidiary and which consist primarily of expenses such as corporate payroll and related benefits, operations management, sales and marketing, finance, legal, information technology support, human resources and other support services, as well as general corporate expenses;

 

   

property operation and maintenance expenses, such as utility costs and property taxes;

 

   

depreciation and amortization; and

 

   

other expenses from managed properties.

Three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2011

The following table shows key operating statistics for our resorts for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     All
Properties
          Same Store Comparison (a)         
     2012     2012     2011     $      %  

Occupancy

     65.3     65.3     62.5     N/A         4.5

ADR

   $ 265.50      $ 265.50      $ 265.12      $ 0.38         0.1

RevPAR

   $ 173.47      $ 173.47      $ 165.60      $ 7.87         4.8

Total RevPOR

   $ 408.32      $ 408.32      $ 406.33      $ 1.99         0.5

Total RevPAR

   $ 266.79      $ 266.79      $ 253.80      $ 12.99         5.1

Non-rooms revenue per occupied room

   $ 142.82      $ 142.82      $ 141.21      $ 1.61         1.1

 

(a) Same store comparison includes properties that were open for the full periods and with comparable number of rooms in 2012 and 2011 (that is, all properties other than our Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, WI).

The positive changes in key operating statistics for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, appear to be the result of:

 

   

incremental stabilization of economic conditions, which appear to be having a positive impact on consumer sentiment and spending patterns; and

 

   

an increase in overall consumer demand for our properties.

Presented below are selected amounts from the statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011     Increase /
(Decrease)
 

Revenues

   $ 76,789      $ 71,885      $ 4,904   

Operating expenses:

      

Departmental operating expenses

     26,126        23,924        2,202   

Selling, general and administrative

     22,579        16,981        5,598   

Depreciation and amortization

     12,019        13,248        (1,229

Net operating income

     2,487        3,747        (1,260

Income tax expense

     441        5,002        (4,561

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     36        (6,916     6,952   

Net loss attributable to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

     (9,264     (5,974     (3,290

Revenues. Total revenues increased due to the following:

 

   

More stable economic conditions with corresponding strengthening in consumer confidence and discretionary spending, which positively affected our business; and

 

   

An increase in consumer demand for our properties.

 

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Operating expenses.

 

   

Departmental operating expenses increased by $2,202 in the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, due primarily to an increase in revenues.

 

   

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $5,598 in the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, due primarily to expenses related to the proposed Merger Transaction.

 

   

Total depreciation and amortization decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to assets becoming more fully depreciated.

Net operating income. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we had net operating income of $2,487 as compared to net operating income of $3,747 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Net loss attributable to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. Net loss attributable to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. increased primarily due to:

 

   

a decrease in net operating income of $1,260; and

 

   

a decrease in income tax expense that was mainly due to an increase in our valuation allowance of $4,772, as a result of our sale of Blue Harbor Resort in the three months ended March 31, 2011. This increase was due to the uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred tax assets, primarily consisting of certain net operation loss carryforwards, before they expire. There is no similar increase in our valuation allowance for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Segments

We are organized into a single operating division. Within that operating division, we have two reportable segments:

 

   

resort ownership/operation-revenues derived from our consolidated owned resorts; and

 

   

resort third-party management/licensing-revenues derived from management, license and other related fees from unconsolidated managed resorts.

See our Segments section in our Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in Note 2 of our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011     Increase/
(Decrease)
 

Resort Ownership/Operation

      

Revenues

   $ 68,719      $ 63,253      $ 5,466   

EBITDA

     19,050        23,342        (4,292

Resort Third-Party Management/License

      

Revenues

     7,512        7,317        195   

EBITDA

     1,670        1,756        (86

Other

      

Revenues

     558        1,315        (757

EBITDA

     (5,922     (780     (5,142

The Other column in the table above includes items that do not constitute a reportable segment and represent corporate-level activities and the activities of other operations not included in the Resort Ownership/Operation or Resort Third-Party Management/License segments.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

We had total indebtedness of $513,739 and $515,174 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, summarized as follows:

 

     March 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

Mortgage Debt:

    

Traverse City/Kansas City mortgage loan

   $ 65,159      $ 65,591   

Pocono Mountains mortgage loan

     92,685        93,015   

Concord mortgage loan

     53,007        54,055   

First mortgage notes (net of discount of $7,662 and $8,046)

     222,338        221,954   

Other Long-Term Debt:

    

Junior subordinated debentures

     80,545        80,545   

Other

     6        14   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     513,740        515,174   

Less current portion of long-term debt

     (67,524     (67,678
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

   $ 446,216      $ 447,496   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Traverse City/Kansas City Mortgage Loan—This non-recourse loan is secured by our Traverse City and Kansas City resorts. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.96%, is subject to a 25-year principal amortization schedule, and matures in January 2015. The loan has customary financial and operating debt compliance covenants. The loan also has customary restrictions on our ability to prepay the loan prior to maturity. We were in compliance with all covenants under this loan at March 31, 2012.

While recourse under the loan is limited to the property owner’s interest in the mortgaged property, we have provided limited guarantees with respect to certain customary non-recourse provisions and environmental indemnities relating to the loan.

The loan also contains limitations on our ability, without lender’s consent, to (i) make payments to our affiliates if a default exists; (ii) enter into transactions with our affiliates; (iii) make loans or advances; or (iv) assume, guarantee or become liable in connection with any other obligations.

The loan requires us to maintain a minimum debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 1.35, calculated on a quarterly basis. This ratio is defined as the two collateral properties’ combined trailing twelve-month net operating income divided by the greater of (i) the loan’s twelve-month debt service requirements and (ii) 8.5% of the amount of the outstanding principal indebtedness under the loan. Failure to meet the minimum DSCR is not an event of default and does not accelerate the due date of the loan. Not meeting the minimum DSCR, however, subjects the two properties to a lock-box cash management arrangement, at the discretion of the loan’s servicer. The loan also contains a similar lock-box requirement if we open any Great Wolf Lodge or Blue Harbor Resort within 100 miles of either resort, and the two collateral properties’ combined trailing twelve-month net operating income is not at least equal to 1.8 times 8.5% of the amount of the outstanding principal indebtedness under the loan. For the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the DSCR for this loan was 1.04, and the DSCR for this loan has been below 1.35 since the second quarter of 2007.

In September 2010, the loan’s master servicer implemented a lock-box cash management arrangement. The lock-box cash management arrangement requires substantially all cash receipts for the two resorts to be moved each day to a lender-controlled bank account, which the loan servicer then uses to fund debt service and operating expenses for the two resorts on a monthly basis, with excess cash flow being deposited in a reserve account and held as additional collateral for the loan. We believe that this arrangement constitutes a traditional lock-box arrangement as discussed in authoritative accounting guidance. Based on that guidance, we have classified the entire outstanding principal balance of the loan as a current liability as of March 31, 2012, since the lock-box arrangement requires us to use the properties’ working capital to service the loan, and we do not presently have the ability to refinance this loan to a new, long-term loan. Although the entire principal balance of the loan is classified as a current liability as of March 31, 2012, the loan is not in default, and the principal balance is not due currently.

At our request, in October 2010 the loan was transferred to its special servicer. We informed the special servicer that, given the current and expected performance at that time of the two properties securing this loan, we might elect to cease the subsidization of debt service on this non-recourse loan. If we were to elect to cease the subsidization of debt service, that may result in a default under the loan agreement. We believe the combined market value of the two properties securing this loan is now significantly less than the principal amount of the loan. The properties had a combined net book value of $36,632 as of March 31, 2012, which includes the effect of an impairment charge we recorded in 2010 to adjust the carrying value of the properties to their estimated fair value, and the amount of debt outstanding under the loan was $65,159 as of March 31, 2012.

 

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Given improved operating trends and performance at the properties during 2011 and the three months ended March 31, 2012, we currently expect the properties to generate sufficient cash flow so that our subsidization of debt service, if any, for 2012 will be insignificant to our overall operations. As a result, we currently believe the most likely course of action for 2012 is to continue to operate these properties, assuming these trends continue.

Pocono Mountains Mortgage Loan—This loan is secured by a mortgage on our Pocono Mountains resort. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.10% and matures in January 2017. The loan is currently subject to a 30-year principal amortization schedule. The loan has customary covenants associated with an individual mortgaged property. The loan also has customary restrictions on our ability to prepay the loan prior to maturity. We were in compliance with all covenants under this loan at March 31, 2012.

The loan requires us to maintain a minimum DSCR of 1.25, calculated on a quarterly basis. Subject to certain exceptions, the DSCR is increased to 1.35 if we open up a waterpark resort within 75 miles of the property or incur mezzanine debt secured by the resort. This ratio is defined as the property’s combined trailing twelve-month net operating income divided by the greater of (i) the loan’s twelve-month debt service requirements and (ii) 7.25% of the amount of the outstanding principal indebtedness under the loan. Failure to meet the minimum DSCR is not an event of default and does not accelerate the due date of the loan. Not meeting the minimum DSCR, however, subjects the property to a lock-box cash management arrangement, at the discretion of the loan’s servicer. We believe that lock-box arrangement would require substantially all cash receipts for the resort to be moved each day to a lender-controlled bank account, which the loan servicer would then use to fund debt service and operating expenses for the resort, with excess cash flow being deposited in a reserve account and held as additional collateral for the loan. While recourse under the loan is limited to the property owner’s interest in the mortgage property, we have provided limited guarantees with respect to certain customary non-recourse provisions and environmental indemnities relating to the loan.

The loan also contains limitations on our ability, without lender’s consent, to (i) make payments to our affiliates if a default exists; (ii) enter into transactions with our affiliates; (iii) make loans or advances; or (iv) assume, guarantee or become liable in connection with any other obligations.

Concord Mortgage Loan—This loan is secured by a mortgage on our Concord resort. This loan bears interest at a floating rate of 30-day LIBOR plus a spread of 500 basis points with a minimum rate of 6.00% per annum (effective rate of 6.00% at March 31, 2012). This loan matures in July 2014 and has a one-year extension available at our option, assuming the property meets certain operating performance thresholds. This loan requires four quarterly principal payments of $125 each beginning October 1, 2011, and quarterly principal payments of $375 thereafter.

As part of the loan agreement, the lender requires excess cash from the Concord resort to be swept to the lender on a monthly basis. The lender will hold the excess cash until the end of each quarter and then will either fund the cash back to us to cover any projected cash shortfalls at the property or if there are no shortfalls projected, use the excess cash to repay the loan principal balance. The lender has a $25,000 loan principal guarantee from Great Wolf Resorts. This loan has customary financial and operating debt compliance covenants associated with an individual mortgaged property. We were in compliance with all covenants under this loan at March 31, 2012.

In connection with the refinancing of this loan in 2011, we were required to provide interest rate protection on a portion of the loan amount through the loan’s maturity date. Therefore, we executed an interest rate cap that caps the loan at 8.00% interest rate through July 2014 at a cost of $274. The interest rate cap was designated as an ineffective cash flow hedge. We mark the interest rate cap to market and record the change to interest expense.

First Mortgage Notes—In April 2010, we completed a private placement of $230,000 in aggregate principal amount of our 10.875% first mortgage notes (the Notes) due April 2017. The Notes were sold at a discount that provides an effective yield of 11.875% before transaction costs. We are amortizing the discount over the life of the Notes using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. The proceeds of the Notes were used to retire the outstanding mortgage debt on our Mason, Williamsburg, and Grapevine properties and for general corporate purposes.

The Notes are senior obligations of GWR Operating Partnership, LLLP and Great Wolf Finance Corp (Issuers). The Notes are guaranteed by Great Wolf Resorts and by our subsidiaries that own three of our resorts and those guarantees are secured by first priority mortgages on those three resorts. The Notes are also guaranteed by certain of our other subsidiaries on a senior unsecured basis. On March 12, 2012, Great Wolf Lodge of the Carolinas, LLC (the “Concord Borrower”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a First Amendment to Loan Agreement (the “Concord Amendment”) with the lenders under the Concord loan agreement (the “Concord Lenders”), pursuant to which the Concord Borrower and the Concord Lenders agreed to amend the Concord loan agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Concord Amendment, the Concord Lenders have consented to the Offer and the Merger and have agreed to extend the maturity of the Concord loan to December 31, 2016 and other modifications to the Concord loan agreement, in exchange for payment by the Concord Borrower of a fee equal to 2.25% of the outstanding principal balance of the Concord loan, which is payable at the time the Common Shares are accepted by Parent in the Offer, subject to certain conditions. The Concord Amendment will not be effective if the Offer is not consummated on or prior to July 12, 2012.

 

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The Notes require that we satisfy certain tests in order to, among other things: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) make distributions from GWR Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P. to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.; (iii) repurchase the equity interests in GWR Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P. or to prepay the subordinated debt of GWR Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P. or its subsidiaries; (iv) make investments, (v) enter into affiliate transactions, (vi) sell assets other than in the ordinary course of business or (vii) merge. We are currently restricted from these activities with certain carve-outs, as provided in the indenture.

Junior Subordinated Debentures—In March 2005 we completed a private offering of $50,000 of trust preferred securities (TPS) through Great Wolf Capital Trust I (Trust I), a Delaware statutory trust which is our subsidiary. The securities pay holders cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate which is fixed at 7.80% through March 2015 and then floats at LIBOR plus a spread of 310 basis points thereafter. The securities mature in March 2035 and are callable at no premium after March 2010. In addition, we invested $1,550 in Trust I’s common securities, representing 3% of the total capitalization of Trust I.

Trust I used the proceeds of the offering and our investment to purchase from us $51,550 of junior subordinated debentures with payment terms that mirror the distribution terms of the TPS. The indenture governing the debentures contains limitations on our ability, without the consent of the holders of the debentures, to make payments to our affiliates or for our affiliates to make payments to us if a default exists. The costs of the TPS offering totalled $1,600, including $1,500 of underwriting commissions and expenses and $100 of costs incurred directly by Trust I. Trust I paid these costs utilizing an investment from us. These costs are being amortized over a 30-year period. The proceeds from our debentures sale, net of the costs of the TPS offering and our investment in Trust I, were $48,400. We used the net proceeds to retire a construction loan.

In June 2007 we completed a private offering of $28,125 of TPS through Great Wolf Capital Trust III (Trust III), a Delaware statutory trust which is our subsidiary. The securities pay holders cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate which is fixed at 7.90% through July 2012 and then floats at LIBOR plus a spread of 300 basis points thereafter. The securities mature in July 2017 and are callable at no premium after June 2012. In addition, we invested $870 in the Trust’s common securities, representing 3% of the total capitalization of Trust III.

Trust III used the proceeds of the offering and our investment to purchase from us $28,995 of junior subordinated debentures with payment terms that mirror the distribution terms of the TPS of Trust III securities. The costs of the TPS offering totalled $932, including $870 of underwriting commissions and expenses and $62 of costs incurred directly by Trust III. Trust III paid these costs utilizing an investment from us. The proceeds from these debentures sales, net of the costs of the TPS offering and our investment in Trust III, were $27,193. We used the net proceeds for development costs.

On March 12, 2012, in a privately-negotiated exchange with the holder of the TPS of Trust III in which Great Wolf Capital Trust IV (Trust IV), a newly-formed Delaware statutory trust that is our subsidiary issued $28,125 of new TPS in exchange for all $28,125 of TPS of Trust III. The new TPS pay holders cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate fixed at 7.90% through July 31, 2012 and at a floating annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 550 basis points thereafter. The new TPS mature on July 31, 2017 and are callable by the issuer at par after July 31, 2012. In conjunction with this transaction, Trust IV issued to us 870 common securities, which are all of the issued and outstanding common securities of Trust IV, with a liquidation amount of $870. In addition, in conjunction with this transaction, we issued to Trust IV $28,995 of junior subordinated debentures with payment terms that mirror the distribution terms of the TPS of Trust IV. Following the exchange transaction, the TPS of Trust III and the related junior subordinated debentures were cancelled.

Our consolidated financial statements present the debentures issued to the Trusts as other long-term debt. Our investments in the Trusts are accounted as cost investments and are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. For financial reporting purposes, we record interest expense on the corresponding notes in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Future Maturities — Future principal requirements on long-term debt are as follows:

 

Through

March 31,

      

2013

   $ 4,153   

2014

     4,859   

2015

     113,502   

2016

     1,620   

2017

     86,723   

Thereafter

     310,545   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 521,402   
  

 

 

 

 

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As discussed above, the Traverse City/Kansas City mortgage loan is classified as a current liability as of March 31, 2012, due to the implementation of a traditional lock-box arrangement, although the loan is not in default and the full principal balance of the loan is not due currently. The future maturities table above reflects future cash principal repayments currently required under the provisions of that loan of $1,788 in 2013, $1,914 in 2014, and $61,457 in 2015.

Short-Term Liquidity Requirements

Our short-term liquidity requirements consist primarily of funds necessary to pay operating expenses for the next 12 months, including:

 

   

recurring maintenance, repairs and other operating expenses necessary to properly maintain and operate our resorts;

 

   

recurring capital expenditures we make at our resorts;

 

   

debt maturities within the next year;

 

   

property taxes and insurance expenses;

 

   

interest expense and scheduled principal payments on outstanding indebtedness;

 

   

general and administrative expenses; and

 

   

income taxes.

Historically, we have satisfied our short-term liquidity requirements through a combination of operating cash flows and cash on hand. We believe that cash provided by our operations, together with cash on hand, will be sufficient to fund our short-term liquidity requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and debt service for the next 12 months

Long-Term Liquidity Requirements

Our long-term liquidity requirements generally consist primarily of funds necessary to pay for the following items for periods beyond the next 12 months:

 

   

scheduled debt maturities;

 

   

costs associated with the development of new resorts;

 

   

renovations, expansions and other non-recurring capital expenditures that need to be made periodically to our resorts; and

 

   

capital contributions and loans to unconsolidated joint ventures.

We expect to meet these needs through a combination of:

 

   

existing working capital,

 

   

cash provided by operations,

 

   

proceeds from investing activities, including sales of partial or whole ownership interests in certain of our resorts; and

 

   

proceeds from financing activities, including mortgage financing on properties being developed, additional or replacement borrowings under future credit facilities, contributions from joint venture partners, and the issuance of equity instruments, including common stock, or additional or replacement debt, including debt securities, as market conditions permit.

We believe these sources of capital will be sufficient to provide for our long-term capital needs. We cannot be certain, however, that we will have access to additional future financing sufficient to meet our long-term liquidity requirements on terms that are favorable to us, or at all.

 

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Other than debt maturities, our largest long-term expenditures are expected to be for capital expenditures for our existing resorts, capital expenditures for development of future resorts, and capital contributions or loans to joint ventures owning resorts under construction or development.

 

   

Expenditures related to capital expenditures for our existing resorts were $1,121 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. We expect to have approximately $9,000 of such expenditures for the rest of 2012.

 

   

Due to the current state of the capital markets, which are marked by the general unavailability of debt financing for large commercial real estate construction projects, we do not expect to have significant expenditures for development of new resorts until we have all equity and debt capital amounts fully committed, including our projected ability to fund any required equity contribution to a project. Furthermore, the indenture which governs our first mortgage notes imposes significant restrictions on our ability to invest cash in the development of new resorts or joint ventures that may acquire or develop resorts. We believe these factors will limit the amount of our cash outlays for development of new resorts or capital contributions to joint ventures that develop or acquire resorts that we would license or manage to approximately $10,000 or less over the next 12 months.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have one unconsolidated joint venture arrangement at March 31, 2012. We account for our unconsolidated joint venture using the equity method of accounting.

Our joint venture with The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation (the Tribe) owns the Great Wolf Lodge resort and conference center on a 39-acre land parcel in Grand Mound, Washington. This joint venture is a limited liability company. We are a member of that limited liability company with a 49% ownership interest. At March 31, 2012, the joint venture had aggregate outstanding indebtedness to third parties of $94,524. As of March 31, 2012, we have made combined loan and equity contributions, net of loan repayments, of $27,179 to the joint venture to fund a portion of construction costs of the resort. The loan we had with the joint venture was fully repaid in 2011.

The joint venture has begun discussions with the current lender to extend the current loan maturity date. Based on our discussions with the lender to-date, the loan extension will require significant funds to satisfy a principal paydown of the current loan, as well as related costs and escrows associated with the loan extension. Although the resort has generated positive cash flow historically and expects to do so in 2012, we do not currently believe that the joint venture’s standalone cash flow will be sufficient to fund both the resort’s operating requirements and the amounts required for the loan extension. As a result, we believe our ability to extend the loan will require additional steps by us to ensure sufficient cash flows for operating and loan extension purposes.

We believe that we and the Tribe will need to provide sufficient cash flows to the joint venture to ensure a successful closing of the loan extension transaction. Should the joint venture be unable to obtain a satisfactory loan extension or should the joint venture be unable or unwilling to provide cash flows to us to assist in closing on that loan extension, however, the lender could avail itself of remedies under the current loan agreement. Those remedies could include foreclosure on the resort’s assets, which would have a material impact on our financial position and operating results. Such a foreclosure or similar action by the lender could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Based on the nature of the activities conducted in the joint venture, we cannot estimate with any degree of accuracy amounts that we may be required to fund in the long term. We do not currently believe that any additional future funding of the joint venture will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. In connection with the joint venture’s extension or refinancing of its existing mortgage loan in 2012, however, we estimate that we may need to contribute approximately $5,000 to the joint venture to use as a reduction of its current loan balance.

 

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Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2012:

 

       

Payment Terms

 
       

Total

   Less Than
1 Year
     1-3 Years      3-5 Years      More Than
5 Years
 

Debt obligations (1)

    $ 685,834    $  39,437       $  187,589       $  148,263       $  310,545   

Operating lease obligations

    3,665      847         1,681         840         297   

Reserve on unrecognized tax benefits

    1,268      —           —           —           1,268   
   

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

    $690,767    $ 40,284       $ 189,270       $ 149,103       $ 312,110   
   

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Amounts include interest (for fixed rate debt) and principal. Amounts do not give effect to the Concord Amendment, which will be effective only upon completion of the Offer.

If we develop future resorts where we are the majority owner, we expect to incur significant additional debt and construction contract obligations.

Working Capital

We had $43,885 of available cash and cash equivalents and a working capital deficit of $61,962 (current assets less current liabilities) at March 31, 2012, compared to the $33,767 of available cash and cash equivalents and a working capital deficit of $62,448 at December 31, 2011. The primary reasons for the working capital deficit as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are:

 

   

An increase accrued interest payable related our first mortgage notes that closed in April 2010, and

 

   

The classification of our Traverse City/Kansas City mortgage loan (principal balance of $65,159 as of March 31, 2012) as a current liability due to the lender’s implementation of the traditional lock-box arrangement for the two properties. Although the entire principal balance of the loan is classified as a current liability as of March 31, 2012, the loan is not in default, and the principal balance is not currently due.

Cash Flows

Three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2011

 

     2012     2011     Increase/
(Decrease)
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 15,252      $ 8,968      $ 6,284   

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (3,590     1,827        (5,417

Net cash used in financing activities

     (1,544     (880     (664

Operating Activities. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities resulted primarily from an increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities during the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Investing Activities. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, resulted primarily from the proceeds received from our sale of our Sheboygan resort during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Financing Activities. The increase in net cash used in financing activities resulted primarily from an increase in principal payments on long term debt as it relates to our Concord loan during the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

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Inflation

Our resort properties are able to change room and amenity rates on a daily basis, so the impact of higher inflation can often be passed along to customers. However, a weak economic environment that decreases overall demand for our products and services could restrict our ability to raise room and amenity rates to offset rising costs.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our future income, cash flows and fair values relevant to financial instruments are dependent, in part, upon prevailing market interest rates. Market risk refers to the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. Our earnings are also affected by the changes in interest rates due to the impact those changes have on our interest income from cash and our interest expense from variable-rate debt instruments. We may use derivative financial instruments to manage or hedge interest rate risks related to our borrowings. We do not intend to use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. All dollar amounts are in thousands.

As of March 31, 2012, we had total indebtedness of $513,739. This debt consisted of:

 

   

$65,159 of fixed rate debt secured by two of our resorts. This debt bears interest at 6.96%. This loan matures in January 2015.

 

   

$92,685 of fixed rate debt secured by one of our resorts. This debt bears interest at 6.10%. This loan matures in January 2017.

 

   

$53,007 of variable rate debt secured by one of our resorts. This debt bears interest at a floating annual rate of LIBOR plus a spread of 310 basis points, with a minimum rate of 6.00% per annum. The effective rate was 6.00% at March 31, 2012. This loan matures in July 2014.

 

   

$222,338 (net of discount of $7,662) of Notes that are secured by first priority liens on three of our resorts. The Notes bear interest at 10.875%. The notes are due April 2017.

 

   

$51,550 of subordinated notes that bear interest at a fixed rate of 7.80% through March 2015 and then at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 310 basis points thereafter. The securities mature in March 2035.

 

   

$28,995 of subordinated notes that bear interest at a fixed rate of 7.90% through July 2012 and then at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 550 basis points thereafter. The securities mature in July 2017.

 

   

$6 related to a capital lease that was entered into in June 2009. The lease matures in May 2012.

As of March 31, 2012, we estimate the total fair value of the indebtedness described above to be $1,922 more than their total carrying values, due to the terms of the existing debt being different than those terms we believe would currently be available to us for indebtedness with similar risks and remaining maturities.

At March 31, 2012 our variable rate debt is subject to minimum rate floors. If LIBOR were to increase or decrease by 1% or 100 basis points, there would be no change in interest expense on our variable rate debt based on our debt balance outstanding and current interest rates in effect as of March 31, 2012, as LIBOR plus the loans’ basis point spreads would not increase or decrease above the loans’ minimum rate floor.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, there were no other material changes in our market risk exposure. For a complete discussion of our market risk associated with interest rate risk as of March 31, 2012, see “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act’’) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified pursuant to the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met.

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the first quarter of 2012. We have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2012.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, there have been no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On March 12, 2012, Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. (the Company) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) with K-9 Acquisition, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Merger Sub) and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of K-9 Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Parent). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, a tender offer (the Offer) agreed to commence to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (Common Shares) at a purchase price of $5.00 per share (the Offer Price), net to the holder in cash, without any interest and subject to any withholding taxes, to be followed by a merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company with the Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the Merger). On April 20, 2012, the terms of the Merger Agreement were amended to include a new Offer Price of $7.85 per share.

The transactions described above are expected to be completed during the first half of 2012. The consummation of the Offer and the Merger are subject to various closing conditions, including the tender of at least fifty percent of the Common Shares and other customary conditions. The Offer is not subject to a financing condition. The Merger Agreement also includes customary termination provisions for both the Company and Parent and provides that, in connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, the Company will be required to pay Parent a termination fee of $10,467.

On March 14, 2012, a class action complaint was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery against the Company, its directors, Apollo Management VII, L.P., Parent and Merger Sub. In that case, the plaintiff, on behalf of a putative class of stockholders, sought to enjoin the proposed transaction that was the subject of the Merger Agreement. Seven other lawsuits followed, four of which were filed in Delaware Chancery Court, two in the Circuit Court, Civil Division for Dane County in the State of Wisconsin (the “Wisconsin State-court Actions”), and one in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin (the “Wisconsin Federal-court Action”). The Delaware cases were consolidated into a single action (the “Delaware Action”).

On April 25, 2012, the parties to the Delaware Action and the Wisconsin State-court Actions reached an agreement in principle to settle those cases. The proposed settlement, which is subject to court approval following notice to the class and a hearing, provides for the dismissal with prejudice of plaintiffs’ complaints and of all claims asserted therein. On April 30, 2012, the parties to the Wisconsin Federal-court Action agreed to settle that case, subject to court approval of the proposed class-wide settlement in the Delaware Action and entry of a final order dismissing the Delaware Action in its entirety. Pursuant to their agreement, the parties to the Wisconsin Federal-court Action filed with the court, on April 30, 2012, a stipulation providing that the Action be voluntarily dismissed with respect to all defendants and that such dismissal will be with prejudice as to the plaintiff upon the consummation of the settlement of the Delaware Action.

The Company, the members of the Board of Directors, Apollo Management VII, L.P., Parent and Merger Sub each have denied, and continue to deny, that they committed or attempted to commit any violation of law or breach of fiduciary duty owed to the Company and/or its stockholders, aided or abetted any breach of fiduciary duty, or otherwise engaged in any of the wrongful acts alleged in all of these cases. All of the defendants expressly maintain that they complied with their fiduciary and other legal duties. However, in order to avoid the costs, disruption and distraction of further litigation, and without admitting the validity of any allegation made in the actions or any liability with respect thereto, the defendants have concluded that it is desirable to settle the claims against them on the terms reflected in the proposed settlements.

The proposed settlements are subject to customary conditions including completion of appropriate settlement documentation and consummation of the Offer and the Merger. In addition, the parties to the Delaware Action and the Wisconsin State-court Actions have acknowledged that the plaintiffs and their counsel in those cases intend to petition the appropriate court or courts for an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses in connection with the cases. Any award of fees and expenses to plaintiffs’ counsel is subject to approval by the appropriate court or courts, and the defendants have reserved the right to oppose the amount of any petition for fees and expenses.

Because the proposed settlements are still not final, and no fee petition has yet been submitted or approved, we are unable to predict with certainty the outcome of the litigations or to quantify any impact they may eventually have on our Company. An unfavorable outcome in these cases could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We are involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. We do not believe that the outcome of any pending or threatened litigation will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. However, as is inherent in legal proceedings where issues may be decided by finders of fact, there is a risk that unpredictable decisions, materially adverse to the Company, could occur.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

We did not make any unregistered sales of equity securities during the applicable period.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

We were not in default of our obligations upon any senior securities during the applicable period.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

 

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ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The exhibits listed below are included as exhibits in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

10.1*    Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2012, by and among Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. as depositor; Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, National Association, as property trustee; Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, National Association, as Delaware trustee; and Kimberly K. Schaefer, Alexander P. Lombardo, and James A. Calder as administrative trustees.
10.2*    Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of March 12, 2012, between Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, National Association, as trustee.
10.3*    Exchange Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2012, by and among, Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., GW Capital Trust IV and Kodiak CDO II, Ltd.
10.4*    First Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2012, by and among Great Wolf Lodge of the Carolinas, LLC, as borrower; Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as lenders; and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent.
10.5    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2012 by and among, the Issuers, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 30, 2012).1
10.6*    Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and Timothy Black, dated April 24, 2012.
31.1*    Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Periodic Report Pursuant to Rule 13a — 14(a) and Rule 15d — 14(a)
31.2*    Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Periodic Report Pursuant to Rule 13a — 14(a) and Rule 15d — 14(a)
32.1*    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.2*    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101.INS^    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH^    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL^    XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB^    XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE^    XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

 

* Filed herewith
^ Submitted electronically with this report

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC.
    /s/ James A. Calder
    James A. Calder
   

Chief Financial Officer

(Duly authorized officer)

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Dated: May 8, 2012

 

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