10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period                      to                     

 

Commission File No. 000-50028

 


 

WYNN RESORTS, LIMITED

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

NEVADA   46-0484987

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South—Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)

 

(702) 770-7555

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

None

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value

(Title of Class)

 

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K:  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  x  No  ¨

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing price as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market on June 30, 2004 was $1,443,032,883.

 

As of February 28, 2005, 99,198,067 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding.

 

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 



PART I

 

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

 

General

 

Wynn Resorts, Limited (“Wynn Resorts” or the “Company”) was formed in June 2002 and consummated the initial public offering of its common stock in October 2002. Wynn Resorts’ predecessor, Valvino Lamore, LLC (“Valvino”), was formed in April 2000 as a Nevada limited liability company to acquire land and design, develop and finance “Wynn Las Vegas”, a new destination casino resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

In June 2000, Valvino completed the purchase of the Desert Inn Resort and Casino (the “Desert Inn”) for approximately $270.0 million plus an adjustment for working capital, and subsequently purchased additional lots located in and around the Desert Inn golf course for an additional $47.8 million. Valvino ceased the operations of the casino in August 2000 to focus on the design and development of Wynn Las Vegas. Valvino continued to operate the Desert Inn golf course until Summer 2002. In February 2004, Valvino settled certain claims relating to the ten remaining residences of the former Desert Inn Country Club Estates and purchased those residences for $23.0 million.

 

In June 2002, Valvino, through its indirect subsidiary, Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A. (“Wynn Macau, S.A.”), entered into an agreement with the government of the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (“Macau”) granting Wynn Macau, S.A. the right to construct and operate one or more casino gaming properties in Macau. Wynn Macau, S.A.’s first destination casino resort in Macau is hereafter referred to as “Wynn Macau.”

 

On September 24, 2002, Wynn Resorts became the parent company of Valvino when all the members of Valvino contributed 210,834 shares comprising 100% of the membership interests of Valvino to Wynn Resorts in exchange for 40,000,000 shares of the common stock of Wynn Resorts.

 

Since inception, Wynn Resorts has been a development stage company. Wynn Resorts’ efforts to date have been devoted principally to the design, development, financing and construction of Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau. Construction of Wynn Las Vegas began in October 2002. Wynn Las Vegas will have its grand opening on April 28, 2005. Construction of Wynn Macau began in June 2004. Wynn Macau is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2006. On December 14, 2004, Wynn Resorts refinanced Wynn Las Vegas’ debt structure to facilitate the development of 20 acres of adjacent land as “Encore at Wynn Las Vegas” (“Encore”), which is expected to open in the first half of 2008.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to “Wynn Resorts,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our,” or similar terms, refer to Wynn Resorts, Limited, a Nevada corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries or, with respect to periods prior to September 24, 2002, to Valvino Lamore, LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries, as the predecessor company of Wynn Resorts.

 

Wynn Resorts has previously filed registration statements and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Any document Wynn Resorts files may be inspected, without charge, at the SEC’s public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 or at the SEC’s internet site address at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, through its own internet address at www.wynnresorts.com, Wynn Resorts provides a hyperlink to a third-party SEC filing website which posts these filings as soon as reasonably practicable, where they can be reviewed without charge.

 

Wynn Las Vegas

 

Overview.    Through our wholly-owned indirect subsidiary, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC, we will own and operate Wynn Las Vegas. This new destination casino resort, which will open to the public on April 28, 2005, is

 

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the concept of Stephen A. Wynn (“Mr. Wynn”), our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and one of our principal stockholders. From 1973 to 2000, Mr. Wynn was Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mirage Resorts, Incorporated and its predecessors. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing the development and operation of the Bellagio, The Mirage, Treasure Island at The Mirage and the Golden Nugget—Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as the Atlantic City Golden Nugget in New Jersey and the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi. Our management believes that Wynn Las Vegas will set a new standard of luxury and elegance for destination casino resorts in Las Vegas.

 

Wynn Las Vegas is located on Las Vegas Boulevard (the “Las Vegas Strip” or the “Strip”) on the site of the former Desert Inn, at the northeast corner of the intersection of the Strip and Sands Avenue, one-half block north of The Venetian and Treasure Island at The Mirage and across the Strip from the recently expanded Fashion Show Mall. Wynn Las Vegas also is adjacent to both the Sands Expo Center and Las Vegas Convention Center, which together contain over 3.2 million square feet of convention space. Wynn Las Vegas occupies approximately 215 acres of land, consisting of a hotel casino on 55 acres of land, a new golf course occupying approximately 142 acres of land and approximately 18 acres of land for employee parking across Sands Avenue from the hotel casino. Encore will occupy an additional 20 acres of land on the Las Vegas Strip immediately adjacent to Wynn Las Vegas.

 

Wynn Las Vegas will feature 2,716 luxurious guest rooms and suites, an approximately 111,000 square foot casino, 18 dining outlets, an on-site 18-hole golf course, approximately 223,000 square feet of meeting space, an on-site Ferrari and Maserati dealership and approximately 76,000 square feet of retail space. The resort will also have two showrooms featuring live entertainment productions. The Wynn Theater, previously referred to as the Aqua Theater Showroom, will open concurrently with Wynn Las Vegas and will feature “Le Rêve,” a water-based show produced by Franco Dragone, who created “O,” “Mystère” and the Celine Dion show. Our second showroom is expected to open during the third quarter of 2005, and will feature the 2004 Tony Award winning Broadway musical, “Avenue Q.”

 

The construction of Wynn Las Vegas is nearing substantial completion and remains within the project budget. The general contractor has completed the majority of the work and is currently in the process of completing the exterior site work and interior finishes. In support of our preopening efforts, we are currently occupying the following portions of Wynn Las Vegas under a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (“TCO”) issued by the Clark County Building Department:

 

    The Wynn Theater;

 

    Meeting and convention facilities;

 

    Warehouse and receiving;

 

    Engineering and shop areas; and

 

    A portion of the administrative offices.

 

We have been accepting room reservations by telephone since January 2005 and via the Internet since February 2005 (www.wynnlasvegas.com). We also have been booking conventions for more than a year.

 

The Hotel.    Wynn Las Vegas’ hotel tower will contain 45 floors of hotel rooms and suites on top of a five-story low-rise building housing the casino, restaurants, retail outlets and entertainment and recreational venues. The hotel also will feature a three-story low-rise with 36 fairway villas situated along the golf course. The building has a total area of approximately 5.2 million square feet. The high-rise building is configured in the shape of a gentle arc with the focal point of the arc being the Wynn Las Vegas man-made, lake-mountain feature situated in front of the hotel. The hotel guest main arrival area features an atrium garden adjacent to the registration desk with a view of the lake-mountain feature, which provides special effects intended to entertain hotel guests and other visitors who come to the resort.

 

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The Guest Rooms.    The 2,359 standard guest rooms will be decorated with sophisticated interior design elements and are equipped with plush comforts such as large, elegant bathrooms, European linens and bedding, and flat screen televisions in both the living and bathroom areas. The standard guest rooms have a floor layout of approximately 620 square feet, which is 100 to 125 square feet more than the industry standard for a guest room. The arc-shaped design of our high-rise building will provide rooms with a view of the Las Vegas Strip, the golf course, the lake-mountain feature or the surrounding mountains. Wynn Las Vegas includes single and multiple bedroom luxury suites with superior amenities and furnishings designed to accommodate high-end hotel guests. Many suites include private massage rooms. Wynn Las Vegas offers 270 parlor and salon suites, 45 executive suites, 36 one- and two-bedroom fairway villas, and six private-entry villas averaging approximately 7,000 square feet.

 

The Casino.    Wynn Las Vegas will have an approximately 111,000 square foot casino located in the center of the first level of the low-rise building. The casino’s main gaming area contains an estimated 137 table games and 1,960 slot machines, a race and sports book, poker room, keno lounge, a baccarat salon and VIP gaming rooms. Our gaming limits will accommodate a full range of casino customers.

 

The Golf Course.    We have constructed a world-class, 18-hole golf course at the site of the former Desert Inn golf course. When Wynn Las Vegas opens, this golf course will be the only golf course on the site of a hotel casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip. Tom Fazio and Mr. Wynn, the designers of the Shadow Creek golf course owned by MGM MIRAGE, have designed Wynn Las Vegas’ golf course, which may be played only by hotel guests of Wynn Las Vegas. The golf course will feature three lakes and a series of meandering streams that will carve their way from the west to east end of the property. The golf course will feature dramatic elevation changes and includes water on almost every hole. The golf course is substantially complete.

 

Restaurants, Lounges, Bars and Nightclubs.    Wynn Las Vegas will have 18 food and beverage outlets, including six fine-dining restaurants and an approximately 600-seat buffet, and has engaged signature chefs to provide unique experiences to appeal to our guests. Wynn Las Vegas also will offer a full complement of lounges, bars and nightclubs.

 

The Wynn Theater.    The Wynn Theater in Wynn Las Vegas will offer “Le Rêve, A Small Collection of Imperfect Dreams,” Franco Dragone’s new water-based entertainment production. Mr. Dragone is the creative force behind the Bellagio’s production of “O” and Treasure Island at The Mirage’s production of “Mystère,” as well as Celine Dion’s production at the approximately 4,000-seat performing arts “Colosseum” at Caesars Palace, which opened in March of 2003.

 

The Wynn Theater will seat approximately 2,080 guests and feature an approximately 1,000,000 gallon performance pool. The seating for the Wynn Theater extends around the performance area a full 360 degrees and no seat is farther than approximately 42 feet from the performance area. The theater is substantially complete and rehearsals commenced in January 2005.

 

The Art Gallery.    Wynn Las Vegas also will offer an art gallery displaying rare paintings from The Wynn Collection, a private collection of fine art owned by Mr. and Mrs. Wynn. The Wynn Collection consists primarily of works from 19th and 20th century European and American masters, and at various times has included works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Paul Gaugin, Édouard Manet, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent Van Gogh. Subject to certain notice restrictions, Mr. and Mrs. Wynn will have the right to remove or replace any or all of the works of art displayed in the art gallery. Upon opening Wynn Las Vegas, we will lease The Wynn Collection from Mr. and Mrs. Wynn for an annual fee of $1. The arrangement entitles us to retain all revenues from the public display of The Wynn Collection and the related merchandising revenues, while we are responsible for all expenses incurred in exhibiting and safeguarding The Wynn Collection, including the cost of insurance (including terrorism insurance) and taxes relating to the rental of the Wynn Collection. After specified notice periods, we or Mr. and Mrs. Wynn may terminate this lease.

 

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The Ferrari and Maserati Dealership.    Wynn Las Vegas will have on-site an authorized, full-service Ferrari and Maserati dealership, including a service and maintenance facility. Currently, there are only 32 Ferrari and 45 Maserati dealerships in the United States, and our dealership will be the first in Nevada. The dealership will be located near the main entrance to the hotel. We have formed a joint venture with United Auto Group, a New York Stock Exchange-listed operator of auto dealerships whose largest shareholder is the Penske Corporation. United Auto Group is experienced in first class, exotic car dealership operations, and will be primarily responsible for the management and operation of the dealership through the joint venture. We and United Auto Group are both required to invest an initial $1.0 million in the joint venture for working capital, and the joint venture is required to pay market rent for the space to operate the dealership, pay for tenant improvements and allocate profits and losses equally to our joint venture partner and us.

 

Designs and plans for the dealership have been submitted and approved by Ferrari North America and Maserati North America. The dealership must satisfy certain financing and other ongoing conditions, including minimum working capital and net worth requirements, and we must also provide quarterly updates as to the status of construction of Wynn Las Vegas and continuously meet all capital, facility, personnel, customer satisfaction and operational standards of Ferrari North America and Maserati North America. Under the agreements with Ferrari North America and Maserati North America, Mr. Wynn may not hold less than 20% of our issued and outstanding voting stock without the prior written approval of Ferrari North America and Maserati North America, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld. Mr. Wynn currently meets and, is expected to continue to meet, this requirement. We are required to commence dealership operations by April 28, 2005.

 

Retail Space.    Wynn Las Vegas will include approximately 76,290 square feet dedicated to 31 retail shops. We have entered into leases for five retail outlets with Cartier, Chanel, Christian Dior, Graff and Louis Vuitton. We or other retailers will operate the remaining stores, including a golf shop and other shops selling, among other things, men’s clothing, women’s apparel and accessories, women’s shoes, art, watches, jewelry, sundries and proprietary Wynn Las Vegas products, either under license agreements or through joint ventures with other high-end, brand-name retailers such as Brioni, Oscar de la Renta, Jean Paul Gaultier, Anne Geddes, Judith Lieber and Jo Malone.

 

Spa, Salon and Fitness Complex.    Wynn Las Vegas will offer an approximately 38,000 square foot world-class spa, salon and fitness complex offering high-end spa treatments and fitness equipment and custom label and branded skin and body treatment products, as well as clothing, accessories, and athletic wear.

 

Swimming Pools.    Wynn Las Vegas will offer its guests five outdoor swimming pools and two whirlpool spas. Two swimming pools will be dedicated for the exclusive use of our suite guests. All of the pool areas feature private cabanas and lush landscaping.

 

Convention, Meeting and Reception Facilities.    Wynn Las Vegas will feature approximately 223,000 square feet of convention, meeting and reception space (including corridors and patio space), including a grand ballroom, a junior ballroom and meeting rooms with outdoor patios overlooking either the pool area or the golf course, as well as boardrooms and a business center. Covered patios off the meeting rooms are available as pre-function or break-out areas.

 

Wedding Chapels.    Wynn Las Vegas will have two intimate wedding chapels. The larger chapel may accommodate 120 guests while the smaller may accommodate 65 guests. There is also a private outdoor courtyard, which may accommodate up to 40 guests, available for pre-event cocktails, day and evening weddings, post-ceremony cake and champagne or an intimate post-event cocktail party.

 

Parking.    Wynn Las Vegas will have two parking garages, a surface parking lot and an underground valet parking facility for its hotel guests, other visitors and employees. We kept and expanded the former Desert Inn parking garage for Wynn Las Vegas’ use and constructed the second parking garage as well as the underground valet parking. Our parking garages will provide easy access to our hotel. The second level of the newly

 

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constructed hotel parking garage connects to a retail promenade that will lead to the casino. We also have a separate surface parking lot for employees on the 18-acre parcel across Sands Avenue adjacent to Wynn Las Vegas. In total, there are approximately 5,830 parking spaces available to guests, visitors and employees of Wynn Las Vegas. The parking garages are substantially complete and currently being used for parking by employees and construction personnel.

 

Entertainment Productions.    Wynn Las Vegas will have two showrooms. The Wynn Theater described above will present “Le Rêve, a small collection of imperfect dreams” upon the opening of Wynn Las Vegas on April 28, 2005. The second showroom, which will be completed in the third quarter of 2005, will present the Tony-Award winning Broadway musical, “Avenue Q”.

 

Le Rêve.    We have entered into license and production services agreements for the creation, development and production of “Le Rêve, a small collection of imperfect dreams.” Franco Dragone is the executive producer and principal creator of the water-based show production, which is currently in rehearsal in the Wynn Theater.

 

Under these two ten-year license and production services agreements, which have five-year renewal options, we paid Mr. Dragone’s production company a $2.0 million up-front creation fee and, upon the opening of the show, will pay a royalty of 10% of the net retail revenues and 50% of the show’s profits. We also have an option with respect to a second production for Wynn Las Vegas or for another project. We or one of our affiliates will be required to pay $1.0 million if we exercise the option.

 

As part of the show licensing and production agreements, we granted to the production company an award of 189,723 shares of restricted stock. The restricted stock will vest on June 30, 2006. However, the restricted stock will not vest, but instead will be immediately cancelled and retired, if, as of June 30, 2006, the entertainment production at Wynn Las Vegas has not commenced or has been cancelled due to any act or omission of the production company.

 

Avenue Q.    We have purchased the exclusive rights to produce and present “Avenue Q” in the United States and Canada. We have already paid $2 million of the total $5 million purchase price. Another $1 million will be paid in April 2005 and the final $2 million installment will be paid immediately after opening and presenting “Avenue Q” in our second showroom expected to open in the third quarter of 2005.

 

We have also entered into a Production Services Agreement with the producer of “Avenue Q” for the production services necessary to present the show. The initial term of the agreement is from the opening of the show through December 31, 2006, and the agreement is renewable for one-year terms if the annual Show Net Profits, as defined in the agreement, is equal to or greater than $2 million. Under the terms of the agreement, we are required to advance to the producer $2 million to fund the costs of producing “Avenue Q.” We have advanced approximately $1.1 million of these expected costs to date and will further advance an additional $900,000 in the third quarter of 2005. In addition, we will pay the producer $15,000 per performance to pay for the costs of presenting the show and we will receive rental payments amounting to 11% of the final project cost annually. Furthermore, Wynn Las Vegas will pay the producer 60% of both the Show Net Profits and Merchandise Net Profits, as defined in the agreement.

 

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

 

The Company continues to refine the scope and design of Encore. Previously, Encore was to include a hotel tower with approximately 1,500 mini-suites, a small amount of ancillary gaming space, restaurants, a spa, swimming pools, additional retail and approximately 30,000 square feet of meeting rooms. It was expected to cost no more than $900 million and to open in the second half of 2007. As initially planned, Encore was an addition to Wynn Las Vegas.

 

Due to anticipated demand for Wynn Las Vegas, continued strength in the Las Vegas market, and our desire to maximize the potential of our substantial real estate assets, the Company anticipates a significant increase in

 

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the scope of Encore, elevating it to the status of a free standing casino resort; one which is integrated with Wynn Las Vegas through its public space. Although the scope and design of the project have not been finalized and remain subject to board of director approval, we now expect that Encore will include approximately 2,000 full suites in its hotel tower—meaning separate living rooms and bedrooms in each unit—as well as significant additional casino, convention and meeting space, additional entertainment venues, restaurants, a spa and salon, swimming pools and retail space. We currently anticipate that Encore will open in the first half of 2008.

 

Budget and Financing For Wynn Las Vegas and Encore

 

Wynn Las Vegas.    Mr. Wynn oversees our design and development subsidiary, Wynn Design & Development, LLC (“Wynn Design and Development”), which is responsible for the design and architecture of Wynn Las Vegas (except for the Wynn Theater, the golf course and the hotel parking garage) and for managing construction costs and risks associated with the Wynn Las Vegas project. Marnell Corrao Associates (“Marnell Corrao”) is the builder and general contractor for Wynn Las Vegas (except for the hotel parking garage and the golf course). Marnell Corrao has had extensive experience in building large Las Vegas destination resorts, including the Bellagio, The Mirage, Treasure Island at The Mirage and New York-New York Hotel and Casino.

 

Wynn Las Vegas’ project budget, excluding the incremental cost anticipated for Encore, was, as of December 31, 2004, approximately $2.7 billion, including the cost of acquiring approximately 235 acres of land, costs of design and construction, capitalized interest, pre-opening expenses, financing fees and construction contingencies. Through December 31, 2004, we had funded approximately $2.0 billion of project costs primarily from a combination of our cash on hand from contributed capital, proceeds from the initial public offering of our common stock, proceeds from the issuance of our recently discharged 12% Second Mortgage Notes due 2010 (the “Second Mortgage Notes”) and a portion of our previous credit facilities. We estimated that approximately $670 million would be needed as of December 31, 2004 to complete Wynn Las Vegas.

 

In December 2004, we contributed $400.0 million to the Wynn Las Vegas project from the proceeds of the November 2004 offering of 7.5 million shares of our common stock. Also, on December 14, 2004, we effected a series of transactions to refinance Wynn Las Vegas’ debt and raise additional funds for Encore. These transactions included, among other things, issuance of $1.3 billion of 6.625% First Mortgage Notes due 2014 (the “First Mortgage Notes”), tender offer for all of the outstanding Second Mortgage Notes, discharge of the remaining Second Mortgage Notes, and replacement of our previous credit facilities with new credit facilities. The new credit facilities bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% on the revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) and LIBOR plus 2.125% on the term loan facility (the “Term Loans”).

 

In connection with the refinancing, we recorded a loss on the extinguishment of debt of approximately $97.2 million. This loss consists of the Second Mortgage Notes tender premium and associated consent fees of approximately $62.9 million, prepayment penalties on part of the previous credit facilities of approximately $1.6 million, the writeoff of the tendered portion of the original issue discount relating to the Second Mortgage Notes of approximately $12.6 million and writeoffs of debt issue costs associated with the Second Mortgage Notes and the previous credit facilities of approximately $20.1 million. The refinancing lowered our overall cost of borrowing and also provided the financial flexibility to allow for the further development of our real estate assets.

 

The $400.0 million contribution from our common stock offering, a portion of the remaining proceeds of our First Mortgage Notes and availability under our new credit facilities are expected to provide sufficient funds to complete and open Wynn Las Vegas. In addition, we have a $50.0 million completion guarantee balance and a $30.0 million liquidity reserve available for Wynn Las Vegas. Wynn Resorts is not a guarantor of the new financing and is not obligated to apply any of its funds to the Wynn Las Vegas project, although it has more than $300.0 million in cash can be made available.

 

Of the estimated $2.7 billion total development cost for Wynn Las Vegas, the design and construction costs are budgeted to be approximately $1.6 billion, including the cost of constructing the golf course and hotel

 

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parking garage, as well as the entertainment production costs. The remaining approximately $1.1 billion of development costs includes costs such as pre-opening expenses, land acquisition costs, construction period interest, financing fees and certain furniture, fixtures and equipment, such as slot machines, computer equipment and kitchen and dining supplies.

 

In an effort to manage our construction risk, we entered into a guaranteed maximum price construction contract, as amended, with Marnell Corrao, guaranteeing timely construction and covering approximately $1.1 billion of the budgeted $1.6 billion design and construction cost. The $1.1 billion guaranteed maximum includes the actual construction costs, a $34.4 million lump-sum contractor’s fee, payment and performance bond costs, certain insurance and a $5.1 million owner-controlled contingency to cover, among other things, owner-created delays and scope changes.

 

Under certain circumstances, we will be responsible for excess costs with respect to Wynn Las Vegas. The guaranteed maximum price is subject to increases upon certain occurrences including, among other things, scope changes to the project.

 

Wynn Las Vegas is currently on budget and scheduled to be completed for the grand opening on April 28, 2005. In addition to the guaranteed maximum price provisions of the construction contract, we have implemented specific mechanisms that are intended to reduce the risk of construction cost overruns and delays, including:

 

    a $150.0 million contractor performance and payment bond securing Marnell Corrao’s obligations under the construction contract;

 

    a guaranty by Marnell Corrao’s parent company, Austi, of Marnell Corrao’s full performance under the construction contract until final payment under that contract;

 

    a liquidated damages provision requiring Marnell Corrao to pay us $300,000 for each day the substantial completion of construction is delayed, following a five-day grace period and subject to force majeure and other permitted exceptions, up to a maximum amount of $9.0 million; and

 

    a construction contingency of $5.0 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, approximately $509.2 million of the $1.6 billion budgeted design and construction cost expenditures are not part of the Marnell Corrao guaranteed maximum price contract. These budgeted costs include:

 

    owner-managed interior furniture, fixtures and equipment, construction of restaurant and retail spaces, including tenant allowances, signage and electronic systems, site work and exterior features, all at a budgeted cost of approximately $310.9 million;

 

    estimated design and engineering professional fees of approximately $70.3 million;

 

    entertainment production costs of approximately $34.4 million;

 

    construction of the new golf course at a budgeted cost of approximately $23.1 million;

 

    costs of miscellaneous capital projects, including demolition and mock-up costs, of approximately $19.9 million;

 

    costs of obtaining required governmental approvals and permits and utility service connection fees of approximately $14.3 million;

 

    estimated insurance costs of approximately $13.9 million for builder’s risk insurance, fees and reserves under the owner-controlled insurance program, umbrella and excess liability insurance and design professional liability insurance during the construction period;

 

    construction of the hotel parking garage at a budgeted cost of approximately $11.1 million;

 

    utilities and security costs during construction of approximately $6.3 million; and

 

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    contingency of approximately $5.0 million.

 

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.    We expect that the portion of the proceeds from the sale of the First Mortgage Notes remaining after completion of Wynn Las Vegas, together with availability under the new credit facilities and cash flow from the operations of Wynn Las Vegas, will be sufficient to fund Encore project costs of up to $1.4 billion without incurring additional debt or receiving additional capital contributions from Wynn Resorts. We are permitted to spend up to $100.0 million from the proceeds of the First Mortgage Notes and our new credit facilities to fund costs related to Encore prior to the time the construction budget, construction schedule and certain plans, specifications, schematic drawings and other specified deliverables for Encore (collectively, the “Encore Budget, Plans and Specifications”) are approved by a majority of the arrangers or a majority of the lenders under our credit facilities. Availability of funds in excess of this amount and commencement of construction of Encore are subject to approval of the Encore Budget, Plans and Specifications by June 30, 2005. If this approval is not obtained prior to June 30, 2005, availability under the credit agreement is reduced by $550 million. Once we have finalized the scope and plans for Encore, we will seek necessary consents and approvals from our lenders and noteholders.

 

Upon completion of Wynn Las Vegas, if the Encore Budget, Plans and Specifications are approved, at least $30.0 million is required to be on deposit in this completion guarantee collateral account to provide contingent funds for the completion of Encore. These funds will become gradually available to us for Encore’s project costs as construction progresses. To the extent these amounts are committed for use, the Encore project budget will increase correspondingly. Encore at Wynn Las Vegas is expected to open in the first half of 2008.

 

We, the indenture trustee for the First Mortgage Notes and the agent of the lenders under the new credit facilities have entered into an amended and restated disbursement agreement to (i) regulate the holding and investment of the proceeds of the new credit facilities and the First Mortgage Notes as well as any capital contribution we make to Wynn Las Vegas, LLC and (ii) establish the restrictive conditions for, and sequencing of, funding construction costs and procedures for approving, and limitations and restrictions on, change orders and amendments to the construction schedule and budget.

 

Wynn Macau

 

Overview.    We are constructing and will own and operate Wynn Macau, our first hotel and casino resort in Macau, under a 20-year concession agreement with the government of Macau granted to our indirect subsidiary Wynn Macau, S.A., in June 2002. Macau is located in southeast China bordering the South China Sea, approximately 37 miles southwest of Hong Kong. Macau has been an established gaming market for more than 40 years. Wynn Macau, S.A. currently is one of three concessionaires and one sub-concessionaire permitted by the government to operate a casino gaming business in Macau.

 

In September 2004, we acquired all of the 17.5% indirect economic interests in Wynn Macau, S.A. formerly held by third parties in exchange for 1,333,333 shares of our common stock. Consequently, we now own 100% of the economic interest and control 90% of the voting interest of Wynn Macau, S.A. indirectly through various subsidiaries. Macau law requires that the position of executive director and at least 10% of the voting shares of Wynn Macau, S.A. be held by a permanent resident of Macau. Mr. Wong Chi Seng, a Macau permanent resident who is the executive director of Wynn Macau, S.A., owns approximately 10% of the voting shares of Wynn Macau, S.A., although he has only nominal (up to 1 Macau pataca) dividend participation rights.

 

Development.    In June 2004, Wynn Macau, S.A., entered into a 25-year land concession contract to lease approximately 16 acres of land in Macau’s inner harbor area. Construction of Wynn Macau also commenced in June 2004 utilizing approximately 11 of the 16 acres. We are considering an expansion of Wynn Macau on the remaining 5 acres. Although we continue to refine the design of the resort, including potential expansion and improvements, Wynn Macau is currently expected to include approximately 600 hotel rooms, approximately

 

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100,000 square feet of gaming space, seven restaurants, approximately 28,000 square feet of retail space, and a spa, salon and entertainment facilities.

 

Design and construction of Wynn Macau is progressing on schedule and within budget. The hotel and casino resort is expected to open in the third quarter of 2006. Detailed interior design work is continuing with the majority of architectural and structural design work now complete. Construction is progressing well with piling and other in-ground activities substantially complete. Construction activities since groundbreaking include the following:

 

    Piling work is complete;

 

    Construction of basement plant and tunnel areas is substantially complete;

 

    The hotel tower structure has reached the fourth floor level;

 

    Structural floor slabs for the Main Casino Area are approximately 90% complete; and

 

    Approximately 1,500 tons of structural steel has been erected in the main casino area and the second floor office area.

 

Wynn Macau Budget and Financing

 

As with Wynn Las Vegas, Mr. Wynn is overseeing our development of Wynn Macau. Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited, China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited and China Construction Engineering (Macau) Company Limited (collectively, “Leighton/China State”) are acting together as the builder and general contractor. Together, Leighton/China State has extensive experience in large construction projects in Australia and the Far East.

 

Wynn Macau’s project budget is approximately $704.0 million. This includes land acquisition costs of approximately $40.6 million, construction and design costs of approximately $425.0 million, capitalized interest, pre-opening expenses, financing fees and construction contingencies, but excludes up to $20.5 million of post-opening land concession payments anticipated to be funded from operating cash flows. Through December 31, 2004, we had funded approximately $123.2 million of project costs for Wynn Macau and we estimated that approximately $580.8 million would be required as of that date to complete Wynn Macau. These costs are being, and will continue to be, funded from the existing cash balances of Wynn Resorts and its subsidiaries in the form of capital contributions, intercompany loans (including up to $122.0 million from Wynn Las Vegas, LLC as provided under its existing indebtedness) and/or subordinated funding, as well as the available senior secured credit facility as described more fully below.

 

In an effort to manage our construction risk, construction of Wynn Macau commenced in June 2004 under a guaranteed maximum price architectural, engineering and construction services contract between Wynn Macau, S.A. and Leighton/China State. Under this contract, the general contractor is responsible for both the construction and design of the project (other than certain limited portions to be designed by Wynn Design and Development) based on an existing scope of work and design specifications provided by Wynn Macau, S.A. The general contractor is obligated to substantially complete the project by August 27, 2006 for a guaranteed maximum price of approximately $285.1 million, including the contractors’ fee of approximately $19.5 million, an owner controlled contingency of approximately $3.0 million and a contractor contingency of approximately $12.9 million). Both the contract time and guaranteed maximum price are subject to further adjustment under the circumstances specified in the contract. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, the contract includes a liquidated damages provision requiring the contractor to pay us $300,000 per day for each day the substantial completion of construction is delayed, up to a maximum of $20.0 million. The contractors’ performance is further backed by a full completion guarantee given jointly and severally by Leighton Holdings Limited and China Overseas Holdings Limited, the parent companies of the contracting entities, as well as a performance bond issued by a bank in an amount equal to approximately $28.5 million.

 

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Approximately $140.0 million of the design and construction costs are not covered by the guaranteed maximum price architectural, engineering and construction services contract. These items primarily consist of costs for certain interior furnishings, signage and electronic systems, insurance and security and certain design and engineering costs. It is the responsibility of Wynn Design & Development to manage the risks associated with these items. In addition to the contingencies in the guaranteed maximum price architectural, engineering and construction services contract, we have available approximately $12.2 million of hard and soft cost contingencies to cover owner-controlled cost overruns and scope changes to the work.

 

To facilitate construction management, Wynn Design and Development has established an office in Macau to oversee the process. We and the lenders have also engaged WT Partnership and Mott Connell, respectively, two construction-engineering consulting firms, to examine, monitor and provide monthly reports on the materials pricing and construction progress, respectively.

 

In September 2004, Wynn Macau, S.A. obtained the financing necessary to carry out its development plans and maintain the financial capacity to adequately operate its gaming business in Macau. From a combination of capital contributions and intercompany loans at an annual interest rate of 6.25%, we have invested, or will invest, a total of approximately $230.0 million into the Wynn Macau project. In addition, we intend to make an additional subordinated intercompany loan for approximately $122.0 million at an interest rate of 7.5%. The remaining $352.0 million to fund the budgeted project costs will be provided in the form of a base term loan as part of a $397.0 million senior secured bank facility entered into by Wynn Macau, S.A. In addition to the base term loan and to cover any potential owner-generated cost overruns, we have established a $30.0 million contingent equity funding source in the form of an intercompany loan and have available a $30.0 million contingent debt facility. The senior secured bank facility also includes a working capital facility of $15.0 million. Agreements governing the debt facilities specify the sequencing of funding sources and provide that prior to borrowing under the senior bank facility, we must first utilize a majority of the cash balances funded to the Wynn Macau project.

 

Our Strategy

 

Showcase the “Wynn Brand.”    Mr. Wynn’s involvement with Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau provides a distinct advantage over other gaming enterprises. We believe that Mr. Wynn is widely viewed as the premier designer, developer and operator of destination casino resorts in Las Vegas and, as such, has developed a “brand name” status. In the major destination casino resorts he has previously developed, Mr. Wynn successfully developed a formula which integrates luxurious surroundings, upscale design, distinctive entertainment and superior amenities, including fine dining and premium retail offerings, to create resorts that appeal to a variety of customers, especially high-end customers. We believe that Wynn Las Vegas is Mr. Wynn’s most innovative work to date and will set a new standard of luxury and elegance for destination casino resorts in Las Vegas, much as the Bellagio and The Mirage did when they were built by Mirage Resorts, Incorporated under the guidance of Mr. Wynn. We also believe that Mr. Wynn’s reputation and the new standard of luxury and elegance brought to the industry by Wynn Las Vegas will translate to a high level of anticipation for our Wynn Macau casino resort.

 

Create the Preeminent Destination Casino Resort on the Las Vegas Strip.    Wynn Las Vegas represents a natural extension of the concepts Mr. Wynn has utilized in developing other major destination casino resorts. Following Mr. Wynn’s formula, we plan to attract a range of customers, including middle-market and high-end gaming patrons to Wynn Las Vegas by offering a premium level of luxury and high-quality guest rooms and suites, as well as non-gaming amenities such as a world-class golf course, fine dining, premier retail shopping and distinctive entertainment in intimate, luxurious surroundings. We believe that the level of luxury, sophistication and service we will offer at Wynn Las Vegas, together with Mr. Wynn’s experience and reputation in building and operating premier Las Vegas destination casino resorts, will appeal to international and domestic high-roller gaming patrons. In addition to the main casino, Wynn Las Vegas offers a baccarat salon and private high-limit gaming rooms designed to create a sense of comfort and exclusivity for high-end gaming customers. Wynn Las Vegas will have a sophisticated, casually elegant ambience rather than a highly themed experience

 

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like many other hotel casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. We believe that, over time, Wynn Las Vegas’ more generally themed casually elegant environment, together with its high-quality amenities, superior level of service and distinctive attractions, will have greater lasting appeal to customers than a resort with a particular theme and attractions based on that theme.

 

When Wynn Las Vegas opens on April 28, 2005, it will have been almost five years since a major new hotel casino resort opened on the Las Vegas Strip. As a result, we expect that there will be a high level of anticipation for Wynn Las Vegas.

 

Capitalize on the Attractive Location of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore.    Wynn Las Vegas has approximately 1,350 feet of frontage on the Las Vegas Strip at the site of the former Desert Inn on the northeast corner of the intersection of the Las Vegas Strip and Sands Avenue. Wynn Las Vegas is directly across the Strip from the Fashion Show Mall, which contains premium retail stores and anchor tenants such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s and recently underwent a substantial remodeling and expansion program. Wynn Las Vegas is also across the street from two of the nation’s largest convention centers: the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Sands Expo and Convention Center. The back of the Wynn Las Vegas property runs along Paradise Road, a major artery in the resort corridor that leads directly to and from McCarran International Airport. Encore will be immediately adjacent and connected to Wynn Las Vegas and will have approximately 900 feet of Strip frontage.

 

We believe our location provides us with a distinct competitive advantage. Wynn Las Vegas will be conveniently accessible in an average of approximately four minutes from the Spring Mountain Road exit off of Interstate 15, and in an average of approximately ten minutes from McCarran International Airport. Shuttle service running along the north perimeter of the golf course will provide convention and trade show attendees and other Wynn Las Vegas visitors with quick and convenient transportation to and from the Las Vegas Convention Center. We also anticipate that Wynn Las Vegas will be connected to both the Fashion Show Mall and the Venetian Resort & Casino by pedestrian bridges, which the government of Clark County, Nevada is scheduled to complete in the second quarter of 2005.

 

Capitalize on the Macau Opportunity.    Currently, our indirect subsidiary Wynn Macau, S.A. is one of the three concessionaires and one sub-concessionaire allowed by the government of Macau to operate casinos in Macau, an established gaming market drawing gaming patrons principally from Hong Kong and mainland China. The government of Macau is encouraging significant foreign and domestic investment in new and expanded casino entertainment facilities in Macau to enhance its reputation as a casino resort destination and to attract additional tourists and lengthen stays. The Chinese government has also recently removed certain internal travel restrictions, allowing mainland Chinese from certain urban centers and economically developed regions to visit Macau without joining a tour group, and increased the amount of renminbi (the Chinese currency) that Chinese citizens are permitted to bring into Macau. We expect tourism in Macau to continue to grow as the Chinese government continues to implement its policy of liberalizing historical restrictions on travel and currency movements. We believe that these efforts will provide an opportunity for growth in the Macau gaming and resort market. Gaming customers from Hong Kong, southeast China, Taiwan and other locations in Asia can reach Macau in a relatively short period of time, and visitors from more distant locations in Asia can take advantage of short travel times by air to Macau or to Hong Kong. The relatively easy access from major population centers promotes Macau as a popular gaming destination in Asia. We plan to capitalize on these favorable market trends, utilizing our brand and significant experience in Las Vegas by providing a Steve Wynn-designed property on an attractive site located on approximately 16 acres (approximately 11 of which are currently under development) in Macau’s inner harbor area across from the Hotel Lisboa, Macau’s largest and best-known casino, with appropriately high service standards.

 

Capitalize on Our Experienced Management Team.    Mr. Wynn and his team bring significant experience in the design, development and operation of destination casino resorts. Mr. Wynn and members of his team were responsible for the design, development and operation of the Bellagio, The Mirage and Treasure Island at The Mirage. Other senior executives joined Mr. Wynn from renowned hospitality companies including Caesars Entertainment and Starwood.

 

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Marketing.    Our marketing strategy consists of positioning Wynn Las Vegas as a full-service luxury resort and casino in the leisure, convention and tour and travel markets. We are creating general market awareness about product offerings through conventions and media, including television, radio, newspapers, magazines, the Internet, direct mail and billboards. Prior to the opening of Wynn Macau, we will use similar strategies to generate awareness and anticipation for our Macau resort.

 

We will market the resorts directly to gaming customers using database marketing techniques, and traditional incentives, such as reduced room rates and complimentary meals and suites. We will offer high-roller gaming customers premium suites and special hotel services, and we will develop a guest loyalty program that will integrate all gaming, hotel, food, beverage and retail revenue generated by a particular guest and compare it against incurred expenses to determine the profitability of that guest. We will use this program to implement a rewards system that offers discounted and complimentary meals, lodging and entertainment for our guests. We will also use that information to develop an integrated database that will allow us to target specific customers for promotions that might induce them to visit Wynn Las Vegas.

 

We also expect to capitalize on the substantial network of international and domestic high-roller and premium customers who are familiar with Mr. Wynn from his tenure at Mirage Resorts, Incorporated. We believe that, in operating some of the signature properties in Las Vegas, Mr. Wynn has developed a high degree of customer recognition and guest loyalty and therefore believe that Wynn Las Vegas will attract wealthy international and domestic gaming customers. Furthermore, we believe that Mr. Wynn’s reputation will attract experienced, high-level international and domestic casino marketing executives to work with the Company. We plan to have marketing executives located in local offices in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Taiwan, Vancouver and southern California, as well as independent marketing representatives in major U.S. and foreign cities.

 

We will also implement cross-marketing strategies between Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau to encourage international business between the Macau and Las Vegas markets.

 

Master-planned Design for Future Las Vegas Expansion.    We own approximately 235 acres of land, comprised of an approximately 55-acre plot along the Strip on which Wynn Las Vegas is located, 20 adjacent acres on the Strip where Encore will be constructed, an approximately 142-acre parcel located behind the hotel for our golf course and an approximately 18-acre parcel across Sands Avenue for employee parking.

 

We are creating a long-range plan to develop the 142-acre golf course parcel into a large mixed-use hotel, casino and residential entertainment resort complex. The complex may include multiple waterfront hotels built around a lake offering water sports and other entertainment. The complex also may include multiple restaurants, retail offerings and entertainment venues. We have not yet developed specific plans for such a complex, and there can be no assurance that plans will be developed. We cannot predict the cost of such a development or whether we will be able to obtain the necessary financing for the development on suitable terms, if at all. In any event, it is not expected that any construction on the golf course land would begin before 2009.

 

Explore Opportunities for Future Growth.    We continue to explore opportunities to develop additional gaming and related businesses in Las Vegas and other domestic or international markets, whether through acquisition, investment or development. For example, we have submitted a proposal pursuant to a Request for Concept recently solicited by the Singapore government, for an integrated resort development with a casino in that jurisdiction. Our concept proposal was for the Marina site and contemplated a project cost of approximately S$1.5 billion (approximately US$1.0 billion). This or any other development would require us to obtain additional financing. We may decide to conduct any such development through Wynn Resorts or through a line of subsidiaries separate from the Las Vegas or Macau-related entities.

 

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Market and Competition

 

Las Vegas

 

Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing leisure, lodging and entertainment markets in the country, has one of the strongest and most resilient hotel markets in the country and, according to the American Gaming Association, has the highest casino gaming revenue in the United States. Major properties on the Las Vegas Strip have opened over the past ten years, including the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, New York-New York Hotel and Casino, Paris Las Vegas, Aladdin Resort & Casino and The Venetian. In addition, a number of existing properties on the Las Vegas Strip embarked on expansions during this period, including MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and Caesars Palace. As a result, the casino/hotel industry in Las Vegas is highly competitive. Wynn Las Vegas, which will be located on the Las Vegas Strip, will compete with these and other high-quality resorts and hotel casinos on the Las Vegas Strip and those in downtown Las Vegas, as well as a large number of hotels and motels in and near Las Vegas.

 

Many competing properties, such as the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Luxor Hotel and Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, The Mirage, Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino, New York-New York Hotel and Casino, Paris Las Vegas, Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Treasure Island at The Mirage and The Venetian, have themes and attractions which draw a significant number of visitors and will directly compete with our operations. Some of these facilities are operated by companies that have more than one operating facility and may have greater name recognition and financial and marketing resources than we will and target the same demographic group as we will. We seek to differentiate Wynn Las Vegas from other major Las Vegas resorts by concentrating on our fundamental elements of design, atmosphere, personal service and level of luxury.

 

Las Vegas casinos also compete, to some extent, with other hotel/casino facilities in Nevada and in Atlantic City, riverboat gaming facilities in other states, hotel/casino facilities elsewhere in the world, state lotteries, Internet gaming and other forms of gaming. In addition, certain states have legalized, and others may or are likely to legalize, casino gaming in specific areas. Passage of the Tribal Government Gaming and Economic Self-Sufficiency Act in 1988 has led to rapid increases in Native American gaming operations. Also, in March 2000, California voters approved an amendment to the California Constitution allowing federally recognized Native American tribes to conduct and operate slot machines, lottery games and banked and percentage card games on Native American land in California. As a result, casino-style gaming on tribal lands is growing and could become a significant competitive force. The proliferation of Native American gaming in California could have a negative impact on our operations. The proliferation of gaming activities in other areas could significantly harm our business as well. In particular, the legalization of casino gaming in or near metropolitan areas, such as New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston, from which we intend to attract customers, could have a substantial negative effect on our business. In addition, new or renovated casinos in Macau or elsewhere in Asia could draw Asian gaming customers, including high-rollers, away from Las Vegas.

 

Our casino will also compete, to some extent, with other forms of gaming on both a local and national level, including state-sponsored lotteries, on- and off-track pari-mutuel wagering and card parlors. The expansion of legalized gaming to new jurisdictions throughout the United States will also increase the competition we face and will continue to do so in the future.

 

Macau

 

Macau, which was a Portuguese colony for approximately 450 years, was transferred in December 1999 from Portuguese to Chinese administration. Macau is located approximately 37 miles southwest of, and less than one hour away via a ferry system from, Hong Kong and has been a casino gaming destination for more than 40 years. Macau consists principally of a small peninsula on mainland China, and two neighboring islands, Taipa and Coloane, connected by bridges. We believe that Macau is positioned in one of the world’s largest concentrations of potential gaming customers. According to the Innovation Group, a gaming research company,

 

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casinos in Macau generated approximately $5.1 billion in gaming revenue in 2004, a nearly 38% increase over the $3.5 billion generated in 2003. Macau casinos are primarily table game-oriented and include many private VIP rooms, but contain relatively few slot machines.

 

Macau’s gaming market is primarily dependent on tourists. According to the Macau Statistics and Census Service Monthly Bulletin of Statistics, more than 16.7 million people visited Macau in 2004, an increase of 40% over the 11.9 million visitors in 2003. From 1999 through 2004, less than one-third of visitors traveling to Macau stayed overnight in hotels and guestrooms and, for those who stayed overnight in hotels and guestrooms, the average length of stay was only one to two nights. We expect the average length of stay to increase with the expected increasing number of visitors, expanded gaming and new, upscale hotel resort accommodations in Macau. The development of Hong Kong Disneyland scheduled to open in 2005 on Lantau Island near Macau also is expected to increase the number of visitors to Macau.

 

Gaming customers traveling to Macau typically come from nearby destinations in Asia such as Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. According to the Macau Statistics and Census Service Monthly Bulletin of Statistics, over 90% of the tourists who visited Macau in 2004 came from Hong Kong, mainland China or Taiwan. Macau completed construction of an international airport in 1995 that accommodates large commercial aircraft and provides direct air service to major cities in Asia, such as Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities in China.

 

The Macau government is encouraging significant foreign and domestic investment in new and expanded casino and entertainment facilities in Macau that are intended to promote Macau as a casino resort destination and enhance tourism and lengthen stays. In the past, gaming in Macau was permitted as a government-sanctioned monopoly concession awarded to a single concessionaire. However, under the authority of the Chief Executive and the Casino Tender Commission of Macau, the government of Macau liberalized the gaming industry in 2002 by granting concessions to operate casinos to three concessionaires, who in turn are permitted, subject to the approval of the government of Macau, to grant sub-concessions to other gaming operators. One sub-concession has been granted to date.

 

The three concessionaires and one sub-concessionaire currently operate 17 casinos in Macau. Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (“SJM”) is one of the concessionaires and operates 15 of the 17 casinos. SJM is controlled by Stanley Ho, who through another entity controlled the monopoly concession to conduct gaming operations in Macau for more than 40 years. Most of SJM’s casinos are relatively small facilities which are offered as amenities in hotels; however, a few are substantial operations enjoying recognition by gaming customers. Three of the largest casinos in Macau are the Hotel Lisboa, The Greek Mythology Casino (formerly the New Century Casino), and Pharaoh’s Palace. Eleven of SJM’s casinos are located in hotels. In addition, an affiliate of Mr. Ho owns substantially all of the water ferry services and the helicopter shuttle service that link Macau to Hong Kong.

 

SJM, which recently opened the Greek Mythology Casino and is currently constructing a resort opposite the rear entrance of the Hotel Lisboa, was obligated under its June 2002 concession agreement with the Macau government to invest at least approximately 4.7 billion patacas (approximately US $587.5 million) by December 2004. SJM also has announced that it will operate the casino in the new Park Hyatt hotel on the island of Taipa, which is being developed by a joint venture consisting of Melco, a Hong Kong-listed associated company of SJM, and Publishing and Broadcasting, Ltd., an Australian casino operator. In addition, MGM MIRAGE has announced that it is in negotiations with Stanley Ho’s daughter, Pansy Ho Chiu-king, to form a joint venture to build and operate a major hotel-casino resort in Macau, subject to entering into an approved sub-concession with SJM.

 

Galaxy Casino Company Limited, referred to herein as Galaxy, also was awarded a casino concession in June 2002. Galaxy is a company headed by Hong Kong businessman Lui Chi-woo and a group of Hong Kong investors. In 2004, Galaxy opened the Waldo Hotel/Casino, which has become a major casino destination, and is

 

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currently constructing the Galaxy Star hotel casino immediately adjacent to the Wynn Macau site. Las Vegas Sands Corp., the owner and operator of The Venetian casino resort in Las Vegas and a former partner of Galaxy, has entered into a sub-concession agreement with Galaxy which allows it to independently develop and operate casinos in Macau. In May 2004, Las Vegas Sands Corp. opened the Sands Macao, the first Las Vegas-style casino to open in Macau. Each of Galaxy Waldo and Sands Macao have captured a significant share of the casino gaming market in Macau. Both Galaxy and Las Vegas Sands Corp. also have announced their intention to build major casino resorts in an area known as Cotai, which consists of reclaimed land connecting the islands of Coloane and Taipa. Together, Galaxy and its sub-concessionaire are obligated to invest at least 8.8 billion patacas (approximately US $1.1 billion) by June 2012 under Galaxy’s casino concession agreement.

 

Wynn Macau, S.A. was awarded the third casino concession. Wynn Macau’s gaming and hotel businesses will compete with the casinos and casino hotels currently operated, under development and to be developed by the two other casino concessionaires and their respective sub-concessionaires in Macau. Wynn Macau, S.A.’s casino concession agreement also permits the government to grant additional concessions for the operation of casinos after April 1, 2009. If the government of Macau awards additional concessions or permits additional sub-concessionaires, Wynn Macau will face increased competition from casino operators in Macau.

 

Wynn Macau will also face competition from casinos located in other areas of Asia, such as Genting Highlands Resort, a major gaming and resort destination located outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and casinos in South Korea and the Philippines, as well as pachinko and pachislot parlors in Japan. Wynn Macau also will encounter competition from other major gaming centers located around the world, such as Australia and Las Vegas, cruise ships in Asia that offer gaming, and illegal casinos throughout Asia. Further, if current efforts to legalize gaming in Singapore, Thailand or Penghu, Taiwan are successful or if the reported large-scale new casino entertainment complex proposed in Manila, Philippines is developed, Wynn Macau will face additional regional competition.

 

Regulation and Licensing

 

The gaming industry is highly regulated. Gaming registrations, licenses and approvals, once obtained, can be suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons. We cannot assure you that we will obtain all required registrations, licenses and approvals on a timely basis or at all, or that, once obtained, the registrations, findings of suitability, licenses and approvals will not be suspended, conditioned, limited or revoked. If we ever are prohibited from operating one of our gaming facilities, we would, to the extent permitted by law, seek to recover our investment by selling the property affected, but we cannot assure you that we would recover its full value.

 

Nevada

 

Introduction.    The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in the State of Nevada are subject to the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the regulations made under the Act, as well as to various local ordinances. Once the resort is open, Wynn Las Vegas’ operations will be subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada Gaming Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board and the Clark County Liquor and Gaming License Board, which we refer to herein collectively as the Nevada Gaming Authorities.

 

Policy Concerns of Gaming Laws.    The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming Authorities are based upon declarations of public policy. These public policy concerns include, among other things:

 

    preventing unsavory or unsuitable persons from being directly or indirectly involved with gaming at any time or in any capacity;

 

    establishing and maintaining responsible accounting practices and procedures;

 

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    maintaining effective controls over the financial practices of licensees, including establishing minimum procedures for internal fiscal affairs, and safeguarding assets and revenue, providing reliable recordkeeping and requiring the filing of periodic reports with the Nevada Gaming Authorities;

 

    preventing cheating and fraudulent practices; and

 

    providing a source of state and local revenue through taxation and licensing fees.

 

Changes in these laws, regulations and procedures could have significant negative effects on Wynn Las Vegas’ proposed gaming operations and our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Owner and Operator Licensing Requirements.    Wynn Las Vegas, LLC, as the owner and operator of Wynn Las Vegas, is required to seek approval from, and be licensed by, the Nevada Gaming Authorities as a limited liability company licensee, referred to as a company licensee. Wynn Las Vegas, LLC has submitted the required applications and if Wynn Las Vegas, LLC is granted gaming licenses, it will have to pay periodic fees and taxes. The gaming licenses will not be transferable. The applications of Wynn Las Vegas are scheduled to be considered by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at their March 2005 meetings. We cannot assure you that Wynn Las Vegas, LLC will be able to obtain all approvals and licenses from the Nevada Gaming Authorities on a timely basis or at all.

 

Company Registration Requirements.    Wynn Resorts is required to apply to, and be found suitable by, the Nevada Gaming Commission to own the equity interests of Wynn Resorts Holdings, LLC (“Wynn Resorts Holdings”), a wholly subsidiary of Wynn Resorts, and to be registered by the Nevada Gaming Commission as a publicly traded corporation, referred to as a registered company, for the purposes of the Nevada Gaming Control Act. Wynn Resorts Holdings is required to apply to, and be found suitable by, the Nevada Gaming Commission to own the equity interests of Wynn Las Vegas, LLC and to be registered by the Nevada Gaming Commission as an intermediary company. Wynn Las Vegas, LLC, as an issuer of the First Mortgage Notes that are expected to be registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, will also qualify as a registered company and, in addition to being licensed, will be required to be registered by the Nevada Gaming Commission as a registered company. Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp., a co-issuer of the First Mortgage Notes, is not required to be registered or licensed, but may be required to be found suitable as a lender or financing source. We have submitted all required applications, and the applications are scheduled to be considered by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at their March 2005 meetings. We cannot assure you that the registrations, licenses and findings of suitability from the Nevada Gaming Authorities will be obtained on a timely basis or at all.

 

Periodically, we will be required to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Gaming Commission and provide any other information that the Nevada Gaming Commission may require. Substantially all of our material loans, leases, sales of securities and similar financing transactions must be reported to, or approved by, the Nevada Gaming Commission.

 

Individual Licensing Requirements.    No person may become a stockholder or member of, or receive any percentage of the profits of, an intermediary company or company licensee without first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a material relationship to or material involvement with us to determine whether the individual is suitable or should be licensed as a business associate of a gaming licensee. Certain of our officers, directors and key employees have been or may be required to file applications with the Nevada Gaming Authorities and are or may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. All applications required as of the date of this report have been filed and are scheduled to be considered by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at their March 2005 meetings. However, the Nevada Gaming Authorities may require additional applications and may also deny an application for licensing for any reason which they deem appropriate. A finding of suitability is comparable to licensing, and both require submission of detailed personal and financial information followed by a thorough investigation. An applicant for licensing or an applicant for a finding of suitability must pay or must cause to be paid all the costs of the investigation. Changes in licensed positions must be reported to the Nevada

 

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Gaming Authorities and, in addition to their authority to deny an application for a finding of suitability or licensing, the Nevada Gaming Authorities have the jurisdiction to disapprove a change in a corporate position.

 

If the Nevada Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director or key employee unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a relationship with us, we would have to sever all relationships with that person. In addition, the Nevada Gaming Commission may require us to terminate the employment of any person who refuses to file appropriate applications. Determinations of suitability or questions pertaining to licensing are not subject to judicial review in Nevada.

 

Redemption of Securities Owned By an Unsuitable Person.    Wynn Resorts’ articles of incorporation provide that, to the extent a gaming authority makes a determination of unsuitability or to the extent deemed necessary or advisable by the board of directors, Wynn Resorts may redeem shares of its capital stock that are owned or controlled by an unsuitable person or its affiliates. The redemption price will be the amount, if any, required by the gaming authority or, if the gaming authority does not determine the price, the sum deemed by the board of directors to be the fair value of the securities to be redeemed. If Wynn Resorts determines the redemption price, the redemption price will be capped at the closing price of the shares on the principal national securities exchange on which the shares are listed on the trading date before the redemption notice is given. If the shares are not listed on a national securities exchange, the redemption price will be capped at the closing sale price of the shares as quoted on The Nasdaq National Market or SmallCap Market, or if the closing price is not reported, the mean between the bid and asked prices, as quoted by any other generally recognized reporting system. Wynn Resorts’ right of redemption is not exclusive of any other rights that it may have or later acquire under any agreement, its bylaws or otherwise. The redemption price may be paid in cash, by promissory note, or both, as required, and pursuant to the terms established by, the applicable gaming authority and, if not, as Wynn Resorts elects.

 

Consequences of Violating Gaming Laws.    If the Nevada Gaming Commission decides that we have violated the Nevada Gaming Control Act or any of its regulations, it could limit, condition, suspend or revoke our registrations and gaming license. In addition, we and the persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation of the Nevada Gaming Control Act, or of the regulations of the Nevada Gaming Commission, at the discretion of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Further, the Nevada Gaming Commission could appoint a supervisor to operate Wynn Las Vegas and, under specified circumstances, earnings generated during the supervisor’s appointment (except for the reasonable rental value of the premises) could be forfeited to the State of Nevada. Limitation, conditioning or suspension of any of our gaming licenses and the appointment of a supervisor could, and revocation of any gaming license would, have a significant negative effect on our gaming operations.

 

Requirements for Beneficial Securities Holders.    Regardless of the number of shares held, any beneficial holder of Wynn Resorts’ voting securities may be required to file an application, be investigated and have that person’s suitability as a beneficial holder of voting securities determined if the Nevada Gaming Commission has reason to believe that the ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of the State of Nevada. If the beneficial holder of the voting securities of Wynn Resorts who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company or trust, it must submit detailed business and financial information including a list of its beneficial owners. The applicant must pay all costs of the investigation incurred by the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting any investigation.

 

The Nevada Gaming Control Act requires any person who acquires more than 5% of the voting securities of a registered company to report the acquisition to the Nevada Gaming Commission. The Nevada Gaming Control Act requires beneficial owners of more than 10% of a registered company’s voting securities to apply to the Nevada Gaming Commission for a finding of suitability within 30 days after the Chairman of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board mails the written notice requiring such filing. Under certain circumstances, an “institutional investor,” as defined in the Nevada Gaming Control Act, which acquires more than 10%, but not more than 15%, of the registered company’s voting securities may apply to the Nevada Gaming Commission for

 

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a waiver of a finding of suitability if the institutional investor holds the voting securities for investment purposes only. In certain circumstances, an institutional investor that has obtained a waiver may hold up to 19% of our voting securities for a limited period of time and maintain the waiver. An institutional investor will not be deemed to hold voting securities for investment purposes unless the voting securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or indirectly, the election of a majority of the members of the board at directors of the registered company, a change in the corporate charter, bylaws, management, policies or operations of the registered company, or any of its gaming affiliates, or any other action which the Nevada Gaming Commission finds to be inconsistent with holding the registered company’s voting securities for investment purposes only. Activities which are not deemed to be inconsistent with holding voting securities for investment purposes only include:

 

    voting on all matters voted on by stockholders or interest holders;

 

    making financial and other inquiries of management of the type normally made by securities analysts for informational purposes and not to cause a change in its management, policies or operations; and

 

    other activities that the Nevada Gaming Commission may determine to be consistent with such investment intent.

 

The articles of incorporation of Wynn Resorts include provisions intended to help it implement the above restrictions.

 

Consequences of Being Found Unsuitable.    Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a license within 30 days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada Gaming Commission or by the Chairman of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, or who refuses or fails to pay the investigative costs incurred by the Nevada Gaming Authorities in connection with the investigation of its application, may be found unsuitable. The same restrictions apply to a record owner if the record owner, after request, fails to identify the beneficial owner. Any person found unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of any voting security or debt security of a registered company beyond the period of time as may be prescribed by the Nevada Gaming Commission may be guilty of a criminal offense. We will be subject to disciplinary action if, after we receive notice that a person is unsuitable to hold an equity interest or to have any other relationship with us, we:

 

    pay that person any dividend or interest upon any voting securities;

 

    allow that person to exercise, directly or indirectly, any voting right held by that person relating to Wynn Resorts;

 

    pay remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or otherwise; or

 

    fail to pursue all lawful efforts to require the unsuitable person to relinquish such person’s voting securities including, if necessary, the immediate purchase of the voting securities for cash at fair market value.

 

Gaming Laws Relating to Securities Ownership.    The Nevada Gaming Commission may, in its discretion, require the holder of any debt or similar securities of a registered company, to file applications, be investigated and be found suitable to own the debt or other security of the registered company if the Nevada Gaming Commission has reason to believe that such ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of the State of Nevada. If the Nevada Gaming Commission decides that a person is unsuitable to own the security, then under the Nevada Gaming Control Act, the registered company can be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals if, without the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission, it:

 

    pays to the unsuitable person any dividend, interest or any distribution whatsoever;

 

    recognizes any voting right by the unsuitable person in connection with the securities;

 

    pays the unsuitable person remuneration in any form; or

 

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    makes any payment to the unsuitable person by way of principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation or similar transaction.

 

Wynn Resorts will be required to maintain a current stock ledger in Nevada which may be examined by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at any time. If any securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Nevada Gaming Authorities. A failure to make the disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder unsuitable. We will be required to render maximum assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner of any of Wynn Resorts’ voting securities. The Nevada Gaming Commission has the power to require the stock certificates of any registered company to bear a legend indicating that the securities are subject to the Nevada Gaming Control Act. We do not know whether this requirement will be imposed on us. However, the certificates representing shares of Wynn Resorts’ common stock note that the shares are subject to a right of redemption and other restrictions set forth in Wynn Resorts’ articles of incorporation and bylaws and that the shares are, or may become, subject to restrictions imposed by applicable gaming laws.

 

Approval of Public Offerings.    We may not make a public offering without the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission if the proceeds from the offering are intended to be used to construct, acquire or finance gaming facilities in Nevada, or to retire or extend obligations incurred for those purposes or for similar transactions. Any approval that we might receive in the future relating to such offerings will not constitute a finding, recommendation or approval by any of the Nevada Gaming Authorities as to the accuracy or adequacy of the offering memorandum or the investment merits of the securities. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful.

 

The regulations of the Nevada Gaming Commission also provide that any entity which is not an “affiliated company,” as that term is defined in the Nevada Gaming Control Act, or which is not otherwise subject to the provisions of the Nevada Gaming Control Act or regulations, such as Wynn Resorts and Wynn Las Vegas, LLC, that plans to make a public offering of securities intending to use such securities, or the proceeds from the sale thereof, for the construction or operation of gaming facilities in Nevada, or to retire or extend obligations incurred for such purposes, may apply to the Nevada Gaming Commission for prior approval of such offering. The Nevada Gaming Commission may find an applicant unsuitable based solely on the fact that it did not submit such an application, unless upon a written request for a ruling, referred to as a ruling request, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board Chairman has ruled that it is not necessary to submit an application. While the offerings of our common stock, the Debentures and the offering of the First Mortgage Notes by Wynn Las Vegas, LLC and Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp. qualified as public offerings, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board Chairman, after consideration of our ruling requests, issued administrative rulings that it was not necessary to submit applications for prior approval of such offerings.

 

Any offer by us to exchange the First Mortgage Notes for publicly registered notes will require the review of, and prior approval by, the Nevada Gaming Commission. We have filed an application for prior approval by the Nevada Gaming Commission to make public offerings for a period of two years, subject to certain conditions (“Shelf Approval”), which would cover exchange notes issued after the date of the Shelf Approval. If granted by the Nevada Gaming Commission at its March 2005 meeting, the Shelf Approval may be rescinded for good cause without prior notice upon the issuance of an interlocutory stop order by the Chairman of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board and must be renewed at the end of the two-year approval period. The Shelf Approval will apply to any affiliated company that is wholly owned by us, which is a publicly traded corporation or would thereby become a publicly traded corporation pursuant to a public offering. The Shelf Approval will not constitute a finding, recommendation or approval by the Nevada Gaming Commission as to the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus or the investment merits of the securities offered. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful.

 

Approval of Changes in Control.    We must obtain prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission with respect to a change in control through:

 

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    merger;

 

    consolidation;

 

    stock or asset acquisitions;

 

    management or consulting agreements; or

 

    any act or conduct by a person by which the person obtains control of us.

 

Entities seeking to acquire control of a registered company must satisfy the Nevada State Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission with respect to a variety of stringent standards before assuming control of the registered company. The Nevada Gaming Commission may also require controlling stockholders, officers, directors and other persons having a material relationship or involvement with the entity proposing to acquire control to be investigated and licensed as part of the approval process relating to the transaction.

 

Approval of Defensive Tactics.    The Nevada legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions opposed by management, repurchases of voting securities and corporate defense tactics affecting Nevada gaming licenses or affecting registered companies that are affiliated with the operations of Nevada gaming licenses may be harmful to stable and productive corporate gaming. The Nevada Gaming Commission has established a regulatory scheme to reduce the potentially adverse effects of these business practices upon Nevada’s gaming industry and to further Nevada’s policy to:

 

    assure the financial stability of corporate gaming operators and their affiliates;

 

    preserve the beneficial aspects of conducting business in the corporate form; and

 

    promote a neutral environment for the orderly governance of corporate affairs.

 

Approvals may be required from the Nevada Gaming Commission before we can make exceptional repurchases of voting securities above their current market price and before a corporate acquisition opposed by management can be consummated. The Nevada Gaming Control Act also requires prior approval of a plan of recapitalization proposed by a registered company’s board of directors in response to a tender offer made directly to its stockholders for the purpose of acquiring control.

 

Fees and Taxes.    License fees and taxes, computed in various ways depending on the type of gaming or activity involved, are payable to the State of Nevada and to the counties and cities in which the licensed subsidiaries’ respective operations are conducted. Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable either monthly, quarterly or annually and are based upon either:

 

    a percentage of the gross revenue received;

 

    the number of gaming devices operated; or

 

    the number of table games operated.

 

A live entertainment tax also is imposed on admission charges and sales of food, beverages and merchandise where live entertainment is furnished.

 

Foreign Gaming Investigations.    Any person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered, required to be registered, or is under common control with those persons (collectively, “licensees”), and who proposes to become involved in a gaming venture outside of Nevada, is required to deposit with the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, and thereafter maintain, a revolving fund in the amount of $10,000 to pay the expenses of investigation of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board of the licensee’s or registrant’s participation in such foreign gaming. The revolving fund is subject to increase or decrease in the discretion of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Licensees and registrants are required to comply with the foreign gaming reporting requirements imposed by the Nevada Gaming Control Act. A licensee or registrant is also subject to disciplinary action by the Nevada Gaming Commission if it:

 

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    knowingly violates any laws of the foreign jurisdiction pertaining to the foreign gaming operation;

 

    fails to conduct the foreign gaming operation in accordance with the standards of honesty and integrity required of Nevada gaming operations;

 

    engages in any activity or enters into any association that is unsuitable because it poses an unreasonable threat to the control of gaming in Nevada, reflects or tends to reflect, discredit or disrepute upon the State of Nevada or gaming in Nevada, or is contrary to the gaming policies of Nevada;

 

    engages in activities or enters into associations that are harmful to the State of Nevada or its ability to collect gaming taxes and fees; or

 

    employs, contracts with or associates with a person in the foreign operation who has been denied a license or finding of suitability in Nevada on the ground of unsuitability.

 

Licenses for Conduct of Gaming and Sale of Alcoholic Beverages.    The conduct of gaming activities and the service and sale of alcoholic beverages at Wynn Las Vegas will be subject to licensing, control and regulation by the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board. In addition to approving Wynn Las Vegas, the Clark County Liquor and Gaming License Board has the authority to approve all persons owning or controlling the stock of any corporation controlling a gaming license. All licenses are revocable and are not transferable. The county agency has full power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any license. Any disciplinary action could, and revocation would, have a substantial negative impact upon our operations. We have submitted all required applications, and the applications are scheduled to be considered by the Clark County Liquor and Gaming License Board at its March 2005 meeting.

 

Macau

 

General.    As a concessionaire of the Government of Macau, Wynn Macau, S.A. is subject to the regulatory control of the Government of Macau.

 

The Macau government has adopted Laws and Administrative Regulations governing the operation of casinos in Macau. Only concessionaires are permitted to operate casinos. To compete for concessions, candidates were required to tender proposals pursuant to procedures prescribing the content and timing of submissions and the evaluation criteria involved in the selection process. Applicants were evaluated according to suitability criteria, including their financial capacity, business experience and reputation, and the reputation of their affiliates and associates. Applicants were required to pay the costs of investigation and to make a deposit against such costs as part of the submission of proposals. The selection process included consultation and negotiation between the applicants and the Macau government, which selected the applicants that were awarded concessions. Although subconcessions may be awarded subject to the approval of the Macau government, under the current Law and Administrative Regulations, a maximum of three such concessions can be awarded. Each concessionaire was required to enter into a concession agreement with the Macau government which, together with the Law and Administrative Regulations, forms the framework for the regulation of the activities of the concessionaire.

 

Under the Laws and Administrative Regulations, concessionaires are subject to suitability requirements in terms of background, associations and reputation, as are stockholders of 5% or more of a concessionaire’s equity securities, officers, directors and key employees. The same requirements apply to any entity engaged by a concessionaire to manage casino operations. Concessionaires also are required to satisfy minimum capitalization requirements, to demonstrate and maintain adequate financial capacity to operate the concession, and to submit to continuous monitoring of their casino operations by the Macau government. Concessionaires also are subject to periodic financial reporting requirements and reporting obligations with respect to, among other things, certain contracts, financing activities and transactions with directors, financiers and key employees. Transfers or the encumbering of interests in concessionaires must be reported to the Macau government and are ineffective without government approval.

 

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Each concessionaire is required to engage an executive director who must be a permanent resident of Macau and the holder of at least 10% of the capital stock of the concessionaire. The appointment of the executive director and of any successor is ineffective without the approval of the Macau government. All contracts for the management of a concessionaire’s casino operation also are ineffective without the approval of the Macau government.

 

Concessionaires are subject to a special gaming tax of 35% of gross gaming revenue, and must also make an annual contribution of up to 5% of gross gaming revenue (Wynn Macau, S.A. must pay 4% under its concession agreement) for the promotion of public interests, infrastructure and tourism. Concessionaires also are obligated to withhold, subject to partial exemption, a 5% tax from any commissions paid to junket representatives. A junket representative is a person who, for the purpose of promoting casino gaming activity, arranges customer transportation, accommodations, food and beverage services and entertainment in exchange for commissions or other compensation from a concessionaire.

 

Subconcessionaires are subject to the same conditions as the concessionaires including, but not limited to the evaluation of suitability, financial capacity, business experience and reputation. As with concessionaires, sub-concessionaires must appoint a permanent resident as executive director holding 10% of the capital stock and must pay to the government of Macau, the special gaming tax of 35% of gross revenue. The transfer or encumbering of interest in the subconcessionaire is subject to prior approval of the government of Macau.

 

Macau law provides that junket representatives must be licensed by the Macau government in order to do business with and receive compensation from concessionaires. For a license to be obtained, direct and indirect stockholders of 5% or more of a junket representative’s equity securities (where applicable), its directors and its key employees must be found suitable. Applicants are required to pay the cost of license investigations, and are required to maintain suitability standards during the period of licensure. The term of a junket representative license is one year, and licenses can be renewed for additional periods upon the submission of renewal applications. Natural person junket representative licensees are subject to a suitability verification process every three years and business entity licensees are subject to the same requirement every six years.

 

Under Macau law, licensed junket representatives must identify outside contractors who assist them in junket activity. Such contractors are subject to disapproval by the Macau government. Changes in the management structure of business entity junket representative licensees must be reported to the Macau government and any transfer or the encumbering of interests in such licensees is void without prior government approval. To conduct junket activity, junket representative licensees must be registered with one or more concessionaires and must have written contracts with such concessionaires, copies of which must be submitted to the Macau government.

 

Macau law further provides that concessionaires are jointly responsible with their junket representatives for the activities of such representatives and their employees and contractors in the concessionaires’ casinos, and for their compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Concessionaires must submit annual lists of their junket representatives for the following year, and must update such lists on a quarterly basis. The Macau government may designate a maximum number of junket representatives and specify the junket representatives a concessionaire is permitted to engage. Concessionaires are subject to periodic reporting requirements with respect to commissions paid to their junket representatives and are required to oversee their activities and report instances of non-compliance or unlawful activity.

 

The government of Macau may assume temporary custody and control over the operation of a concession in certain circumstances. During any such period, the costs of operations must be borne by the concessionaire. The government of Macau also may redeem a concession starting at an established date after the entering into of a concession. The government of Macau also may terminate a concession for cause, including, without limitation, failure of the concessionaire to fulfill its obligations under law or the concession contract.

 

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Concession Agreement.    The concession agreement between Wynn Macau S.A. and the Macau government requires Wynn Macau, S.A. to construct and operate one or more casino gaming properties in Macau, including, at a minimum, one full-service casino resort by the end of December 2006, and invest not less than a total of 4 billion patacas (approximately US$500 million) in Macau-related projects by June 2009. If Wynn Macau does not invest 4 billion patacas in casino projects by June 2009, it is obligated to invest the remaining amount in projects related to its gaming operations in Macau that the Macau government approves, or in projects of public interest designated by the Macau government.

 

Wynn Macau, S.A. was also obligated, and did obtain, a 700 million pataca (approximately $87.5 million) bank guarantee from Banco National Ultramarino, S.A. (“BNU”) that is effective until March 31, 2007. The amount of this required guarantee will be reduced to 300 million patacas (approximately $37.5 million) for the period from April 1, 2007 until 180 days after the end of the term of the concession agreement. This guarantee, which is for the benefit of the Macau government, assures Wynn Macau, S.A.’s performance under the casino concession agreement, including the payment of premiums, fines and indemnity for any material failure to perform the concession agreement. As part of the security for the guarantee, Wynn Macau, S.A. has deposited with BNU, $50.0 million from equity funds provided by Wynn Resorts for the Wynn Macau project. This guarantee collateral will be drawn upon by Wynn Macau, S.A., after the remaining base equity financing set aside by us has been spent. Wynn Macau, S.A. is obligated to promptly, upon demand by BNU, repay any claim made on the guarantee by the Macau government. BNU will be paid an annual fee for the guarantee of not to exceed 12,250,000 patacas (approximately US$1.5 million).

 

The concession agreement requires Wynn Macau, S.A. to adhere to an agreed-upon construction schedule for the completion of Wynn Macau, but the agreement provides that the deadlines in the construction schedule may be extended with governmental approval. The government of Macau may suspend construction of a casino if it determines that Wynn Macau, S.A. has failed to adequately implement the construction plans or violated the concession agreement or applicable law.

 

The government of Macau may redeem the concession beginning on June 24, 2017, and in such event Wynn Macau, S.A. shall be entitled to fair compensation or indemnity. The amount of such compensation or indemnity will be determined based on the amount of revenue generated during the tax year prior to the redemption.

 

The government of Macau may unilaterally rescind the concession if Wynn Macau, S.A. fails to fulfill its fundamental obligations under the concession agreement. The concession agreement expressly provides that the government of Macau may unilaterally rescind the concession agreement if Wynn Macau, S.A.:

 

    conducts unauthorized games or activities that are excluded from its corporate purpose;

 

    suspends gaming operations in Macau for more than seven consecutive days without justification;

 

    defaults in payment of taxes, premiums, contributions or other required amounts;

 

    does not comply with government inspections or supervision;

 

    systematically fails to observe its obligations under the concession system;

 

    fails to maintain bank guarantees or bonds satisfactory to the government;

 

    is the subject of bankruptcy proceedings or becomes insolvent;

 

    engages in serious fraudulent activity, damaging to the public interest; or

 

    repeatedly violates applicable gaming laws.

 

If the government of Macau unilaterally rescinds the concession agreement, Wynn Macau, S.A. will be required to compensate the government in accordance with applicable law, and the areas defined as casino under Macau law and all of the gaming equipment pertaining to the gaming operations of Wynn Macau will be transferred to the government without compensation. In addition, the government of Macau may, in the public

 

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interest, unilaterally terminate the concession at any time, in which case Wynn Macau, S.A. would be entitled to reasonable compensation.

 

The government of Macau enacted legislation, effective July 1, 2004, that enables casinos operating in Macau to lawfully extend credit to gaming customers and enforce gaming debts. We continue to pursue certain favorable determinations relating to Macau’s tax regulations, however, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain the desired determinations. The government of Macau is currently considering various proposed changes to its laws and regulations relating to the regulation and control of casino gaming. Such changes could affect the profitability of contemplated casino operations in Macau. In addition, some of the laws and regulations summarized above have not yet been applied by the government of Macau to an operating concessionaire. Therefore, the effectiveness, reasonableness and fairness of the regulatory system cannot be fully assessed at this time.

 

Seasonality

 

After Wynn Las Vegas opens on April 28, 2005, we may experience fluctuations in revenues and cash flows from month to month, however, we do not expect that our business will be unusually impacted by seasonality.

 

Employees

 

We have undertaken a major recruiting effort to staff Wynn Las Vegas. We have received nearly 90,000 applications for positions at Wynn Las Vegas and believe that we will be able to attract and retain a sufficient number of qualified individuals to open and operate Wynn Las Vegas. When Wynn Las Vegas opens, we expect to employ approximately 10,000 people in the U.S. Currently we have approximately 1,800 employees in the U.S. and have extended offers or selected candidates for the majority of the remaining open positions. Those employees will officially begin their employment in staggered groups to facilitate appropriate training for the opening of Wynn Las Vegas on April 28, 2005.

 

Unions may seek to organize the workers at Wynn Las Vegas. Unionization could increase our labor costs. Wynn Las Vegas recently entered into an agreement with the Culinary and Bartenders Union local which allows the union to seek recognition as the exclusive bargaining agent of certain employees. If the union is successful in obtaining authorization cards from a majority of employees working in classifications customarily represented by it, then Wynn Las Vegas will be obligated to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the union.

 

A training and recruiting program similar to Wynn Las Vegas’ will be used to staff Wynn Macau. This program will accelerate as the construction and development of Wynn Macau progresses. We expect that Wynn Macau, S.A. will employ approximately 3,700 employees by the opening of Wynn Macau. Currently, we employ approximately 50 persons in Macau.

 

Intellectual Property

 

Our most important marks are our WYNN-related trademarks and service marks. Wynn Resorts has filed applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”), to register a variety of the WYNN-related trademarks and service marks in connection with a variety of goods and services. These marks include “WYNN RESORTS,” “WYNN DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT,” “WYNN LAS VEGAS,” and “WYNN MACAU.” Some of the applications are based upon ongoing use and others are based upon a bona fide intent to use the marks in the future.

 

A common element of these marks is the use of the surname, “WYNN.” As a general rule, a surname (or a mark primarily constituting a surname) is not registrable unless the surname has acquired “secondary meaning.” To date, Wynn Resorts has been successful in demonstrating to the PTO such secondary meaning for the Wynn name in certain of the applications based upon Mr. Wynn’s prominence as a resort developer, but we cannot assure you that Wynn Resorts will be successful with the other pending applications.

 

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Even if Wynn Resorts is able to obtain registration of the WYNN-related marks, such federal registrations are not completely dispositive of the right to such marks. Third parties who claim prior rights with respect to similar marks may nonetheless challenge our right to obtain registrations or our use of the marks and seek to overcome the presumptions afforded by such registrations.

 

On August 6, 2004, Wynn Resorts Holdings, LLC entered into agreements with Mr. Wynn that confirm and clarify Wynn Resorts’ and its affiliates’ rights to use the “Wynn” name and Mr. Wynn’s persona in connection with its casino resorts. Under the parties’ Surname Rights Agreement, Mr. Wynn granted Wynn Resorts Holdings, LLC an exclusive, fully paid-up, perpetual, worldwide license to use, and to own and register trademarks and service marks incorporating, the “Wynn” name for casino resorts and related businesses, together with the right to sublicense the name and marks to its affiliates. Under the parties’ Rights of Publicity License, Mr. Wynn granted Wynn Resorts Holdings, LLC the exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide right to use his full name, persona and related rights of publicity for casino resorts and related businesses, together with the ability to sublicense the persona and publicity rights to its affiliates, until October 24, 2017.

 

Furthermore, Wynn Resorts Holdings, LLC has entered into sublicense agreements with Wynn Las Vegas, LLC and Wynn Macau, S.A. relating to their respective uses of Mr. Wynn’s name and persona, as well as other intellectual property.

 

Risk Factors

 

The following risk factors, among others, could cause our financial performance to differ significantly from the goals, plans, objectives, intentions and expectations expressed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If any of the following risks and uncertainties or other risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or not currently considered to be material actually occur, our business, financial condition or operating results could be harmed substantially.

 

General Risks Associated with Our Business

 

We have no operating history.

 

We were formed principally to develop and operate Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau and will not have revenue or earnings until Wynn Las Vegas opens on April 28, 2005. Wynn Las Vegas is a new development with no history of operations. Wynn Macau is currently under construction with an expected opening date in the third quarter of 2006. We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract a sufficient number of hotel guests, gaming customers and other visitors to either Wynn Las Vegas or Wynn Macau to make our operations profitable.

 

Our operations will be subject to the significant business, economic, regulatory and competitive uncertainties and contingencies frequently encountered by new businesses in competitive environments, many of which are beyond our control. Because we have no operating history, it may be more difficult for us to prepare for and respond to these types of risks and the risks described elsewhere in this offering memorandum than for a company with an established business and operating cash flow. If we are not able to manage these risks successfully, it could negatively impact our operations.

 

There are significant risks associated with major construction projects that may prevent completion of Wynn Las Vegas, Encore and/or Wynn Macau on schedule and within budget.

 

Major construction projects of the scope and scale of Wynn Las Vegas, Encore and Wynn Macau entail significant risks, including:

 

    shortages of materials or skilled labor;

 

    unforeseen engineering, environmental and/or geological problems;

 

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    work stoppages;

 

    weather interference;

 

    unanticipated cost increases; and

 

    unavailability of construction equipment.

 

Construction, equipment or staffing problems or difficulties in obtaining any of the requisite licenses, permits and authorizations from regulatory authorities could increase the total cost, delay or prevent the construction or opening or otherwise affect the design and features of Wynn Las Vegas, Encore and/or Wynn Macau.

 

We anticipate that only some of the subcontractors engaged for these projects will post bonds guaranteeing timely completion of a subcontractor’s work and payment for all of that subcontractor’s labor and materials. We cannot assure you that these bonds will be adequate to ensure completion of the work.

 

We have not yet hired a general contractor or any trade contractors with respect to the construction of Encore. We cannot assure you that we will agree with general or trade contractors on financial and other terms that will meet our forecasted cost budget and schedule.

 

We cannot assure you that Wynn Las Vegas, Encore and/or Wynn Macau will commence operations on schedule or that construction costs for these projects will not exceed budgeted amounts. Failure to complete any of these projects on schedule or within budget may have a significant negative effect on us and on our ability to make payments on the debt of Wynn Las Vegas, LLC or Wynn Macau, S.A.

 

The loss of Stephen A. Wynn could significantly harm our business.

 

Our ability to maintain our competitive position is dependent to a large degree on the efforts and skills of Stephen A. Wynn, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and one of the principal stockholders of Wynn Resorts. On August 6, 2004, we extended the term of Mr. Wynn’s employment agreement until October 2017. However, we cannot assure you that Mr. Wynn will remain with us. If we lose the services of Mr. Wynn, or if he is unable to devote sufficient attention to our operations for any other reason, our business may be significantly impaired. In addition, if Mr. Wynn is no longer either employed by us as Chief Executive Officer or serving as Chairman of the Board, other than as a result of death or disability or other limited circumstances, it would constitute a change of control that would require Wynn Las Vegas to offer to repay the First Mortgage Notes and would constitute an event of default under our its credit facilities and Wynn Macau, S.A.’s credit facilities.

 

The casino, hotel, convention and other facilities at Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau will face intense competition.

 

Competition for Wynn Las Vegas.    The casino/hotel industry is highly competitive. Resorts located on or near the Las Vegas Strip compete with other Las Vegas Strip hotels and with other hotel casinos in Las Vegas on the basis of overall atmosphere, range of amenities, level of service, price, location, entertainment, theme and size. Wynn Las Vegas also will compete with a large number of other hotels and motels located in and near Las Vegas, as well as other resort destinations. Many of our competitors have established gaming operations, are subsidiaries or divisions of large public companies and may have greater financial and other resources than we do.

 

According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, there were approximately 131,503 hotel rooms in Las Vegas as of December 2004. Competitors of Wynn Las Vegas will include resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, among which are Bally’s Las Vegas, the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, The Mirage, Monte

 

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Carlo Hotel and Casino, New York-New York Hotel and Casino, Paris Las Vegas, Treasure Island at The Mirage and The Venetian, and resorts off the Las Vegas Strip, such as Las Vegas Hilton, The Palms Casino Resort and Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. In June 2003, the Venetian completed and opened an expansion consisting of a 1,013-room hotel tower and approximately 150,000 square feet of additional meeting and conference space. In addition, in December 2003, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino opened a 1,117-room, all-suite tower connected to the pre-existing hotel casino resort and a new convention, meeting and retail complex. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace also completed a 175,000 square foot expansion project in October 2004. Also, in December 2004, MGM Mirage opened an approximately 925-room “spa tower” addition to the Bellagio, as well as an expansion of the Bellagio’s spa and salon, meeting space and retail space. Furthermore, Caesars Palace has begun construction of a 949-room tower addition, which is expected to open in the second half of 2005 and the Venetian Resort and Casino’s expansion named “Palazzo” will open on the Las Vegas Strip adjacent to the existing property in the first quarter of 2007. It is also anticipated that the New Frontier and the Stardust, located on the Las Vegas Strip just north of Wynn Las Vegas, may be replaced by newer properties which would, if constructed, provide additional competition.

 

We cannot assure you that the Las Vegas market will continue to grow or that hotel casino resorts will continue to be popular. A decline or leveling off of the growth or popularity of hotel casino resorts or the appeal of the features offered by Wynn Las Vegas would impair our financial condition and future results of operations.

 

Wynn Las Vegas will be different from many other Las Vegas resorts in that it will not focus on a highly themed experience. Instead, Wynn Las Vegas will offer an environment having a sophisticated, casually elegant ambience. Wynn Las Vegas’ environment may not appeal to customers. In addition, customer preferences and trends can change, often without warning, and we may not be able to predict or respond to changes in customer preferences in time to adapt Wynn Las Vegas and the attractions and amenities it offers to address new trends.

 

Las Vegas casinos also compete, to some extent, with other hotel/casino facilities in Nevada and in Atlantic City, riverboat gaming facilities in other states, hotel/casino facilities elsewhere in the world, state lotteries, Internet gaming and other forms of gaming. In addition, certain states have legalized, and others may or are likely to legalize, casino gaming in specific areas. Passage of the Tribal Government Gaming and Economic Self-Sufficiency Act in 1988 has led to rapid increases in Native American gaming operations. Also, in March 2000, California voters approved an amendment to the California Constitution allowing federally recognized Native American tribes to conduct and operate slot machines, lottery games and banked and percentage card games on Native American land in California. As a result, casino-style gaming on tribal lands is growing and could become a significant competitive force. The proliferation of Native American gaming in California could have a negative impact on our operations. The proliferation of gaming activities in other areas could significantly harm our business as well. In particular, the legalization of casino gaming in or near metropolitan areas, such as New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston, from which we intend to attract customers, could have a substantial negative effect on our business. In addition, new or renovated casinos in Macau or elsewhere in Asia could draw Asian gaming customers, including high-rollers, away from Las Vegas.

 

Wynn Las Vegas will also compete, to some extent, with other forms of gaming on both a local and national level, including state-sponsored lotteries, on- and off-track pari-mutuel wagering and card parlors. The expansion of legalized gaming to new jurisdictions throughout the United States will also increase the competition we face and will continue to do so in the future.

 

Competition for Wynn Macau.    The Macau government has granted concessions to operate casinos to three companies. One sub-concession has also been granted. The three concessionaires and one sub-concessionaire currently operate 17 casinos in Macau. Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (“SJM”) is one of the concessionaires and operates 15 of the 17 casinos. SJM is controlled by Stanley Ho, who through another entity controlled the monopoly concession to conduct gaming operations in Macau for more than 40 years. Most of SJM’s casinos are relatively small facilities which are offered as amenities in hotels; however, a few are substantial operations enjoying recognition by gaming customers. Three of the largest casinos in Macau are the Hotel Lisboa, The

 

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Greek Mythology Casino (formerly the New Century Casino), and Pharaoh’s Palace. Eleven of SJM’s casinos are located in hotels. In addition, an affiliate of Mr. Ho owns substantially all of the water ferry services and the helicopter shuttle service that link Macau to Hong Kong.

 

SJM, which recently opened the Greek Mythology Casino and is currently constructing a resort opposite the rear entrance of the Hotel Lisboa, was obligated under its June 2002 concession agreement with the Macau government to invest at least approximately 4.7 billion patacas (approximately US $587.5 million) by December 2004. SJM also has announced that it will operate the casino in the new Park Hyatt hotel on the island of Taipa, which is being developed by a joint venture consisting of Melco, a Hong Kong-listed associated company of SJM, and Publishing and Broadcasting, Ltd., an Australian casino operator. In addition, MGM MIRAGE has announced that it is in negotiations with Stanley Ho’s daughter, Pansy Ho Chiu-king, to form a joint venture to build and operate a major hotel-casino resort in Macau, subject to entering into an approved sub-concession with SJM.

 

Galaxy Casino Company Limited, referred to herein as Galaxy, also was awarded a casino concession in June 2002. Galaxy is a company headed by Hong Kong businessman Lui Chi-woo and a group of Hong Kong investors. In 2004, Galaxy opened the Waldo Hotel/Casino, which has become a major casino destination, and is currently constructing the Galaxy Star hotel casino immediately adjacent to the Wynn Macau site. Las Vegas Sands Corp., the owner and operator of The Venetian casino resort in Las Vegas and a former partner of Galaxy, has entered into a sub-concession agreement with Galaxy which allows it to independently develop and operate casinos in Macau. In May 2004, Las Vegas Sands Corp. opened the Sands Macao, the first Las Vegas-style casino to open in Macau. Each of Galaxy Waldo and Sands Macao have captured a significant share of the casino gaming market in Macau. Both Galaxy and Las Vegas Sands Corp. also have announced their intention to build major casino resorts in an area known as Cotai, which consists of reclaimed land connecting the islands of Coloane and Taipa. Together, Galaxy and its sub-concessionaire are obligated to invest at least 8.8 billion patacas (approximately US $1.1 billion) by June 2012 under Galaxy’s casino concession agreement.

 

Wynn Macau, S.A. was awarded the third casino concession. Wynn Macau’s gaming and hotel businesses will compete with the casinos and casino hotels currently operated, under development and to be developed by the two other casino concessionaires and their respective sub-concessionaires in Macau. Wynn Macau, S.A.’s casino concession agreement also permits the government to grant additional concessions for the operation of casinos after April 1, 2009. If the government of Macau awards additional concessions or permits additional sub-concessionaires, Wynn Macau will face increased competition from casino operators in Macau.

 

Wynn Macau will also face competition from casinos located in other areas of Asia, such as Genting Highlands Resort, a major gaming and resort destination located outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and casinos in South Korea and the Philippines, as well as pachinko and pachislot parlors in Japan. Wynn Macau also will encounter competition from other major gaming centers located around the world, such as Australia and Las Vegas, cruise ships in Asia that offer gaming, and illegal casinos throughout Asia. Further, if current efforts to legalize gaming in Singapore, Thailand or Penghu, Taiwan are successful or if the reported large-scale new casino entertainment complex proposed in Manila, Philippines is developed, Wynn Macau will face additional regional competition.

 

Because we will be entirely dependent upon one property for all of our cash flow for some time, we will be subject to greater risks than a gaming company with more operating properties.

 

We do not expect to have material assets or operations other than Wynn Las Vegas until the opening of Wynn Macau in the third quarter of 2006. As a result, we will be entirely dependent upon Wynn Las Vegas for all of our cash flow for some time.

 

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Given that our operations initially will only focus on one property in Las Vegas, we will be subject to a greater degree of risk than a gaming company with more operating properties. The risks to which we will have a greater degree of exposure include the following:

 

    local economic and competitive conditions;

 

    changes in local and state governmental laws and regulations, including gaming laws and regulations;

 

    natural and other disasters;

 

    an increase in the cost of electric power for Wynn Las Vegas as a result of, among other things, power shortages in California or other western states with which Nevada shares a single regional power grid;

 

    a decline in the number of visitors to Las Vegas; and

 

    a decrease in gaming and non-gaming activities at Wynn Las Vegas.

 

Any of the factors outlined above could negatively affect our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to make payments on the First Mortgage Notes, on borrowings under the new credit facilities or with respect to our other debt.

 

Terrorism and the uncertainty of military conflicts, as well as other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending, may harm our operating results.

 

The strength and profitability of our business will depend on consumer demand for hotel casino resorts in general and for the type of luxury amenities Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau will offer. Changes in consumer preferences or discretionary consumer spending could harm our business. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, other terrorist activities in the United States and elsewhere, military conflicts in Iraq and in the Middle East and past outbreaks of SARS have had negative impacts on travel and leisure expenditures, including lodging, gaming and tourism. We cannot predict the extent to which similar events and conditions may continue to affect us, directly or indirectly, in the future. An extended period of reduced discretionary spending and/or disruptions or declines in airline travel and business conventions could significantly harm our operations. In particular, because we expect that our business will rely heavily upon high-end customers, particularly international customers, factors resulting in a decreased propensity to travel internationally could have a negative impact on our operations.

 

In addition to terrorist activities, military conflicts, the outbreak of infectious diseases or the impact of a natural disaster such as a tsunami or typhoon, other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending, including general economic conditions, disposable consumer income, fears of recession and reduced consumer confidence in the economy, may negatively impact our business. Negative changes in factors affecting discretionary spending could reduce customer demand for the products and services we will offer, thus imposing practical limits on pricing and harming our operations.

 

Our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all possible losses that Wynn Las Vegas or Wynn Macau could suffer, and our insurance costs may increase.

 

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have substantially affected the availability of insurance coverage for certain types of damages or occurrences. We currently have insurance coverage for occurrences of terrorist acts with respect to Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau for up to $500.0 million and $100.0 million, respectively, of losses that could result from these acts. However, these types of acts could expose us to losses that exceed our coverage and could have a significant negative impact on our operations.

 

In addition, insurance premiums have increased on available coverage, and we may not have sufficient insurance coverage in the event of a catastrophic property or casualty loss. We may also suffer disruption of our business in the event of a terrorist attack or other catastrophic property or casualty loss or be subject to claims by

 

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third parties injured or harmed. While we currently carry general liability insurance and intend to carry business interruption insurance when we are operational, such insurance may not be adequate to cover all losses in such event. In the event that insurance premiums continue to increase, we may not be able to maintain the insurance coverages we currently have or otherwise be able to maintain adequate insurance protection.

 

Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau will be subject to extensive state and local regulation, and licensing and gaming authorities have significant control over our operations, which could have a negative effect on our business.

 

General.    The opening and operation of Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau will be contingent upon our receipt and maintenance of all regulatory licenses, permits, approvals, registrations, findings of suitability, orders and authorizations. The laws, regulations and ordinances requiring these licenses, permits and other approvals generally relate to the responsibility, financial stability and character of the owners and managers of gaming operations, as well as persons financially interested or involved in gaming operations. The scope of the approvals required to open and operate a facility is extensive. Failure to obtain or maintain the necessary approvals could prevent or delay the completion or opening of all or part of the facilities or otherwise affect the design and features of Wynn Las Vegas or Wynn Macau.

 

Wynn Las Vegas.    Although we have filed the requisite applications, we do not currently hold any state and local licenses and related approvals necessary to conduct our planned gaming operations in Nevada, and we cannot be certain that we will obtain at all, or on a timely basis, all required approvals and licenses. Failure to obtain or maintain any of the required gaming approvals and licenses could significantly impair our financial position and results of operations.

 

The Nevada Gaming Commission may, in its discretion, require the holder of any securities we issue to file applications, be investigated and be found suitable to own Wynn Resorts’ securities if it has reason to believe that the security ownership would be inconsistent with the declared policies of the State of Nevada.

 

Nevada regulatory authorities have broad powers to request detailed financial and other information, to limit, condition, suspend or revoke a registration, gaming license or related approval and to approve changes in our operations. Substantial fines or forfeiture of assets for violations of gaming laws or regulations may be levied. The suspension or revocation of any license which may be granted to us or the levy of substantial fines or forfeiture of assets could significantly harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, compliance costs associated with gaming laws, regulations and licenses are significant. Any change in the laws, regulations or licenses applicable to our business or a violation of any current or future laws or regulations applicable to our business or gaming licenses could require us to make substantial expenditures or could otherwise negatively affect our gaming operations.

 

Wynn Resorts’ articles of incorporation provide that, to the extent a gaming authority makes a determination of unsuitability or to the extent deemed necessary or advisable by the board of directors, Wynn Resorts may redeem shares of its capital stock that are owned or controlled by an unsuitable person or its affiliates. The redemption price may be paid in cash, by promissory note, or both, as required, and pursuant to the terms established by, the applicable gaming authority and, if not, as Wynn Resorts elects.

 

Wynn Macau.    Wynn Macau’s operations will be subject to unique risks, including risks related to Macau’s developing regulatory framework. In light of the developing regulatory framework, Wynn Macau may need to develop operating procedures which are different from those used in United States casinos. Failure to adapt to the regulatory and gaming environment in Macau could result in the revocation of Wynn Macau, S.A.’s concession or otherwise negatively affect its operations in Macau. Moreover, we would be subject to the risk that Macau’s gaming regulatory framework will not develop in a way that would permit us, as the parent entity of a United States gaming operator, to have its affiliates conduct operations in Macau in a manner consistent with the way in which we intend, or the Nevada gaming authorities require us, to conduct our operations in the United States.

 

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Our business will rely on high-end, international customers to whom we may extend credit, and we may not be able to collect gaming receivables from our credit players.

 

General.    We expect that a significant portion of our table game revenue at Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau will be attributable to the play of a limited number of international customers. The loss or a reduction in the play of the most significant of these customers could have a substantial negative effect on our future operating results. A downturn in economic conditions in the countries in which these customers reside could cause a reduction in the frequency of visits by and revenue generated from these customers.

 

We will conduct our gaming activities on a credit as well as a cash basis. This credit will be unsecured. Table games players typically will be extended more credit than slot players, and high-stakes players typically will be extended more credit than patrons who tend to wager lower amounts. High-end gaming is more volatile than other forms of gaming, and variances in win-loss results attributable to high-end gaming may have a positive or negative impact on cash flow and earnings in a particular quarter.

 

In addition, the collectibility of receivables from international customers could be negatively affected by future business or economic trends or by significant events in the countries in which these customers reside. We will extend credit to those customers whose level of play and financial resources warrant, in the opinion of management, such an extension.

 

Wynn Las Vegas.    While gaming debts evidenced by a credit instrument, including what is commonly referred to as a “marker,” and judgments on gaming debts are enforceable under the current laws of Nevada, and judgments on gaming debts are enforceable in all states under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the United States Constitution, other jurisdictions may determine that direct or indirect enforcement of gaming debts is against public policy. Although courts of some foreign nations will enforce gaming debts directly and the assets in the United States of foreign debtors may be reached to satisfy a judgment, judgments on gaming debts from U.S. courts are not binding on the courts of many foreign nations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to collect the full amount of gaming debts owed to us, even in jurisdictions that enforce gaming debts. Our inability to collect gaming debts could have a significant negative impact on our operating results.

 

Wynn Macau.    Although the law in Macau was changed to permit casino operators to extend credit to gaming customers, Wynn Macau may not be able to collect all of its gaming receivables from its credit players. We expect that Wynn Macau will be able to enforce these obligations only in a limited number of jurisdictions, including Macau. To the extent that gaming customers of Wynn Macau are expected to be visitors from other jurisdictions, Wynn Macau may not have access to a forum in which it will be able to collect all of its gaming receivables because, among other reasons, courts of many jurisdictions do not enforce gaming debts and Wynn Macau may encounter forums that will refuse to enforce such debts. Wynn Macau’s inability to collect gaming debts could have a significant negative impact on its operating results.

 

Currently, the gaming tax in Macau is calculated as a percentage of gross gaming revenue. However, unlike Nevada, the gross gaming revenue calculation in Macau does not include deductions for credit losses. As a result, if we extend credit to our customers in Macau and are unable to collect on the related receivables from them, we would have to pay taxes on our winnings from these customers even though we were unable to collect on the related receivables from them. If the laws are not changed, our business in Macau may not be able to realize the full benefits of extending credit to our customers. Although there are proposals to revise the gaming tax laws in Macau, there can be no assurance that the laws will be changed.

 

Because we own real property, we are subject to extensive environmental regulation, which creates uncertainty regarding future environmental expenditures and liabilities.

 

We have incurred costs and expended funds to comply with environmental requirements, such as those relating to discharges to air, water and land, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste and the cleanup of properties affected by hazardous substances. Under these and other environmental requirements we

 

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may be required to investigate and clean up hazardous or toxic substances or chemical releases at that property. As an owner or operator, we could also be held responsible to a governmental entity or third parties for property damage, personal injury and investigation and cleanup costs incurred by them in connection with any contamination.

 

These laws typically impose cleanup responsibility and liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of or caused the presence of the contaminants. The liability under those laws has been interpreted to be joint and several unless the harm is divisible and there is a reasonable basis for allocation of the responsibility. The costs of investigation, remediation or removal of those substances may be substantial, and the presence of those substances, or the failure to remediate a property properly, may impair our ability to use our property.

 

We believe that we have remediated all material environmental risks of which we are currently aware. In connection with the demolition of the existing buildings situated on the 20-acre parcel where we intend to construct Encore, we discovered a small amount of asbestos which we incurred costs to dispose of appropriately. We may be required to incur costs to remediate other potential environmental hazards or to mitigate environmental risks in the future.

 

If a third party successfully challenges our ownership of, or right to use, the Wynn-related service marks, our business or results of operations could be harmed.

 

We have filed applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”), to register a variety of WYNN-related trademarks and service marks in connection with a variety of goods and services. These marks include “WYNN LAS VEGAS.” Some of the applications are based upon ongoing use and others are based upon a bona fide intent to use the marks in the future.

 

A common element of these marks is the use of the surname, “WYNN.” As a general rule, a surname (or a mark primarily constituting a surname) is not registrable unless the surname has acquired “secondary meaning.” To date, we have been successful in demonstrating to the PTO such secondary meaning for the Wynn name, in certain of the applications, based upon Mr. Wynn’s prominence as a resort developer, but we cannot assure you that we will be successful with the other pending applications.

 

Even if we are able to obtain registration of the WYNN-related marks, such federal registrations are not completely dispositive of the right to such marks. Third parties who claim prior rights with respect to similar marks may nonetheless challenge our right to obtain registrations or our use of the marks and seek to overcome the presumptions afforded by such registrations.

 

If a third party asserts other forms of intellectual property claims against us, our business or results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Historically, trademarks and service marks have been the principal form of intellectual property right of relevance to the gaming industry. However, due to the increased use of technology in computerized gaming machines and in business operations generally, other forms of intellectual property rights (such as patents and copyrights) are becoming of increased relevance. It is possible that, in the future, third parties might assert superior intellectual property rights or allege that their intellectual property rights cover some aspect of our operations. The defense of such allegations may result in substantial expenses, and, if such allegations should be true, may have a material impact on our business.

 

We will need to recruit a substantial number of new employees before our casino resorts open and the Wynn Las Vegas employees may seek unionization.

 

We will need to recruit a substantial number of new employees before our casino resorts open and the employees in Las Vegas may seek union representation. We cannot be certain that we will be able to recruit a

 

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sufficient number of qualified employees for either of our resorts. In addition, Unions may seek to organize the workers at Wynn Las Vegas. Unionization, pressure to unionize or other forms of collective bargaining could increase our labor costs.

 

A downturn in general economic conditions may adversely affect our results of operations.

 

Our business operations will be affected by international, national and local economic conditions. A recession or downturn in the general economy, or in a region constituting a significant source of customers for our property, could result in fewer customers visiting our property, which would adversely affect our revenues.

 

Our officers, directors and substantial stockholders are able to exert significant control over our future direction.

 

Mr. Wynn and Aruze USA, Inc. each own approximately 25% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, Mr. Wynn and Aruze USA, Inc., to the extent they vote their shares in a similar manner, effectively are able to control all matters requiring our stockholders’ approval, including the approval of significant corporate transactions.

 

In addition, Mr. Wynn and Aruze USA, Inc., together with Baron Asset Fund, have entered into a stockholders’ agreement. Under the stockholders’ agreement, Mr. Wynn and Aruze USA, Inc., have agreed to vote their shares of our common stock for a slate of directors, a majority of which will be designated by Mr. Wynn, of which at least two will be independent directors, and the remaining members of which will be designated by Aruze USA, Inc. As a result of this voting arrangement, Mr. Wynn, as a practical matter, controls the slate of directors to be elected to our board of directors.

 

Simultaneous construction of our Wynn Las Vegas, Wynn Macau and Encore Projects may stretch management time and resources.

 

Wynn Las Vegas will open on April 28, 2005, and our subsidiary Wynn Macau, S.A. is constructing Wynn Macau in the same time period. Furthermore, development and preconstruction efforts for Encore continue. Since there is significant overlap of the development and construction of these projects, members of our senior management are simultaneously involved in planning and developing these three projects. Constructing Wynn Macau simultaneously with finalizing the construction and opening of Wynn Las Vegas and the planned development and construction of Encore may divert management resources from the construction and/or opening of any one project. Management’s inability to devote sufficient time and attention to any one project may delay the construction or opening of any, or all of the projects. Any delay caused by such circumstances could have a negative effect on our business and operations.

 

In addition, although we intend to construct Encore with minimal impact on Wynn Las Vegas, we cannot assure you that the construction will not disrupt the operations of Wynn Las Vegas or that it will be implemented as planned. Therefore, the construction of Encore may adversely impact the business, operations and revenues of Wynn Las Vegas.

 

Risks Associated with the Development of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore

 

There are conditions precedent to the funding of the remaining components of the financing for Wynn Las Vegas and Encore.

 

As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately $677.6 million in remaining net proceeds from the recent offering of our First Mortgage Notes held in a notes proceeds account, and availability under our new credit facilities, which we intend to use to fund completion of construction of Wynn Las Vegas.

 

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We expect that the portion of the proceeds from the sale of the First Mortgage Notes remaining after completion of Wynn Las Vegas, together with availability under the new credit facilities and cash flow from the operations of Wynn Las Vegas, will be sufficient to fund Encore project costs of up to $1.4 billion without incurring additional debt or receiving additional capital contributions from Wynn Resorts.

 

We have entered into a disbursement agreement with the agent under the new credit facilities and the trustee under the indenture for the First Mortgage Notes, which sets forth the sequence of funding and establish conditions for the disbursement of funds for the Wynn Las Vegas and Encore projects. Our ability to borrow, from time to time, under the new credit facilities and receive advances from the notes proceeds account is subject to various conditions precedent set forth in the disbursement agreement.

 

We cannot assure you that we will be able to satisfy the conditions to funding at the time drawdowns are required to make payments of our construction costs. Satisfaction of various conditions is subject to the discretion of the disbursement agent and the lenders under the new credit facilities and/or their consultants and agent and may therefore be beyond our control. Failure to satisfy the conditions to the drawdowns under the new credit facilities could impact our ability to complete Wynn Las Vegas as scheduled or to develop and construct Encore. We may not have access to alternative sources of funds necessary to develop and construct Encore on satisfactory terms or at all.

 

The development costs of Wynn Las Vegas are estimates only, and actual development costs may be higher than expected.

 

We expect the total development cost of Wynn Las Vegas to be approximately $2.7 billion, including the budgeted design and construction costs, cost of the land, capitalized interest, pre-opening expenses and all financing fees. This amount has increased from our initial anticipated cost of $2.4 billion as a result of various enhancements to the design of Wynn Las Vegas, which we have already implemented. The required cash interest payments and commitment fees on the new credit facilities, the notes and any of our other indebtedness and obligations which will become due through the estimated commencement date of operations of Wynn Las Vegas have been included in our estimate of the total development cost.

 

While we believe that the overall budget for the development costs for Wynn Las Vegas is reasonable, these development costs are estimates and the actual development costs may be higher than expected. Although we have certain owners’ contingencies plus a $50.0 million completion guarantee and a $30.0 million liquidity reserve account to cover cost overruns, these contingencies may not be sufficient to cover the full amount of such overruns. If these contingencies are not sufficient to cover these costs, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC may not have the funds required to pay the excess costs and would be dependent upon Wynn Resorts, which is not a guarantor of the Wynn Las Vegas debt, to contribute capital to Wynn Las Vegas, LLC to complete the project.

 

Not all of the construction costs of Wynn Las Vegas are covered by our amended guaranteed maximum price construction contract, and we will be responsible for any cost overruns of these excluded items.

 

We have entered into an amended guaranteed maximum price construction contract for the construction of Wynn Las Vegas with Marnell Corrao Associates, Inc. (“Marnell Corrao”), covering approximately $1.1 billion of the budgeted $1.6 billion design and construction costs for Wynn Las Vegas. The contract does not include items such as the costs to complete construction of the golf course, parking garage, and interior design costs and related furniture, fixtures and equipment. We are responsible for cost overruns with respect to the budgeted components that are not part of the amended guaranteed maximum price contract.

 

The amended guaranteed maximum price under the Marnell Corrao construction contract may increase, and we would be responsible for the amount of any increase.

 

Although we have an amended $1.1 billion guaranteed maximum price construction contract with Marnell Corrao for the construction of Wynn Las Vegas, it provides that the guaranteed maximum price will be

 

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appropriately increased (as it has increased from its original amount of $901.9 million), and the deadline for the contractor’s obligation to complete construction will be appropriately adjusted, on account of, among other things:

 

    changes in the architect-prepared design documents or deficiencies in the design documents;

 

    changes requested or directed by us in the scope of the work to be performed pursuant to the construction contract;

 

    changes in legal requirements;

 

    natural disasters, unavoidable casualties, industry-wide labor disputes affecting the general Las Vegas area and not limited to the project and other force majeure events that are unforeseeable and beyond the reasonable control of Marnell Corrao; and

 

    delays caused by us.

 

If any of these events occurs and the guaranteed maximum price is increased, we may not be able to complete Wynn Las Vegas within the amount budgeted.

 

The liquidated damages provision in our amended guaranteed maximum price construction contract likely will not be sufficient to protect us against exposure to actual damages we may suffer for delay in completion of the project.

 

Under the Wynn Las Vegas amended guaranteed maximum price construction contract, the guaranteed date of substantial completion is April 28, 2005. The contract provides for liquidated damages in the amount of $300,000 per day to be imposed on Marnell Corrao, up to a maximum of 30 days, for a maximum amount of $9.0 million, if all work required by the construction contract is not substantially completed by the deadline, following a five-day grace period and subject to force majeure and other permitted extensions. If completion of the construction were delayed beyond the grace period, our actual damages would likely exceed $300,000 per day. In addition, if Marnell Corrao defaults under the Wynn Las Vegas construction contract, we may be unable to complete Wynn Las Vegas on schedule or within the amount budgeted.

 

We expect to enter into a guaranteed maximum price construction contract for the construction of Encore. If the contractor under such contract defaults in its obligations, we may be unable to complete Encore on schedule or within the amount budgeted. Failure to complete construction of either Wynn Las Vegas or Encore on schedule may have a significant negative impact on our operations, financial condition and Wynn Las Vegas’ ability to satisfy its obligations under the First Mortgage Notes.

 

The financial resources of our contractor may be insufficient to fund cost overruns or liquidated damages for which it is responsible under the amended guaranteed maximum price contract.

 

Under the terms of the amended guaranteed maximum price construction contract, Marnell Corrao is, subject to specific conditions and limitations, responsible for all construction costs covered by the construction contract that exceed the approximately $1.1 billion guaranteed maximum price contained in the contract.

 

Austi, Inc. (“Austi”), the parent company of the contractor, which is a private company controlled by the Anthony A. Marnell II family, has agreed to provide a continuing guaranty by which Austi guarantees Marnell Corrao’s full performance under the construction contract until final payment under that contract. In addition, Marnell Corrao has provided a $150.0 million contractor performance and payment bond.

 

We cannot assure you that Marnell Corrao and Austi will have sufficient financial resources to fund any cost overruns or liquidated damages for which Marnell Corrao is responsible under the guaranteed maximum price contract. Furthermore, neither Marnell Corrao nor Austi is contractually obligated to maintain its financial resources to cover cost overruns. If Marnell Corrao and Austi do not have the resources to meet their obligations

 

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and we are unable to obtain funds under the performance and payment bond in a timely manner, or if the performance and payment bond is insufficient to cover any shortfall, we may need to pay these excess costs in order to complete construction of Wynn Las Vegas.

 

Certain provisions in the construction contract with Marnell Corrao for construction of Wynn Las Vegas may be unenforceable.

 

Certain Nevada statutes have substantially impaired, and in some cases eliminated, an owner’s ability to withhold funds from a contractor or subcontractor, even when there may be defective work or a dispute about amounts owed. These laws also limit an owner’s ability to terminate, suspend or interrupt the construction, and in several circumstances, entitle the contractor and subcontractor to payment of their full unearned fee, following a brief notice period, if the owner suspends, terminates or interrupts the construction or fails to make payment or withholds amounts claimed to be due. In addition, Nevada law permits contractors and subcontractors to terminate construction contracts upon very short notice periods if any payments are not timely made to the contractors. The construction contract with Marnell Corrao contains provisions that provide us with rights and protections that in some circumstances may be inconsistent with these laws. While it appears that some of these laws can be waived, others expressly prohibit waiver. The effect of these laws on the provisions of the construction contract is not completely clear. Therefore, while we have negotiated with Marnell Corrao for specific rights and obligations, including with respect to damages, termination and suspension of construction, those provisions of the construction contract may not be enforceable to the extent they conflict with non-waivable provisions of applicable laws. If the provisions of the construction contract are not enforceable, delays or suspensions in the work initiated by the owner or other events may expose us to increased costs. We cannot assure you that we will have sufficient funds to pay these increased costs.

 

Availability under our new credit facilities will be reduced by $550.0 million if the Encore Budget, Plans and Specs are not approved by June 30, 2005.

 

Our new credit facilities provide that a majority of the arrangers or a majority of the lenders under the credit facilities must approve the Encore Budget, Plans and Specs on or before June 30, 2005. If the Encore Budget, Plans and Specs are not approved by such date, availability under the new credit facilities is reduced by $550.0 million.

 

Once we have finalized the scope and plans for Encore, we will seek necessary consents and approvals from our lenders and noteholders, which are expected to include an extension of time for approval of the Encore Budget, Plans and Specs. We cannot assure you that the Encore Budget, Plans and Specs will be satisfactory to the arrangers or lenders under our new credit facilities, or that we will be able to amend the credit agreement and the indenture governing the First Mortgage Notes to accommodate the increased scope and any necessary changes in the dates for delivery of the Encore Budget, Plans and Specs or the commencement and outside completion of construction. Such decisions are subject to lender and noteholder discretion and are beyond our control. If we do not have this availability under the new credit facilities or are unable to obtain the required consents, we may not have access to alternative sources of funds necessary to develop and construct Encore on satisfactory terms or at all.

 

We intend to fund a substantial portion of the development costs of Encore and our substantial debt service and other obligations (including the First Mortgage Notes) with anticipated cash flows generated at Wynn Las Vegas, which may not be sufficient to fund such development costs and debt service obligations.

 

Before the opening of Wynn Las Vegas on April 28, 2005, we will have no material operations. Consequently, we will be dependent on the proceeds of our existing cash on hand, proceeds from the sale of the First Mortgage Notes and borrowings under the new credit facilities to meet all of our construction, debt service and other obligations.

 

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After Wynn Las Vegas opens, our ability to fund a substantial portion of the development costs of Encore, and to make interest payments under the new credit facilities, the notes and any other indebtedness, will depend on our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations. We cannot assure you that Wynn Las Vegas will begin operations by the scheduled opening date, or that it will be able to generate sufficient cash flow to fund such development costs and make the interest payments under the new credit facilities, the First Mortgage Notes and any other indebtedness. Our ability to generate cash flow will depend upon many factors, including:

 

    our future operating performance;

 

    the demand for services that we provide;

 

    general economic conditions and economic conditions affecting Nevada or the hotel/casino industry in particular;

 

    our ability to hire and retain employees at a reasonable cost;

 

    competition; and

 

    legislative and regulatory factors affecting our operations and business.

 

Some of these factors are beyond our control. Any inability to generate sufficient cash flows to fund the development of Encore or meet our debt service obligations would have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. In addition, the financing documents for our Wynn Macau project contain restrictions on the distribution to Wynn Resorts of any cash flow generated by the Wynn Macau casino. Thus, any cash flow generated by Wynn Macau may not be available to fund development costs of Encore or service our debt.

 

Risks Associated with the Development of Wynn Macau

 

There are conditions precedent to the funding of the senior secured bank facility for Wynn Macau.

 

We have approximately $133.3 million in cash balances, the full $397.0 million availability under our Wynn Macau senior bank facility and another $122.0 million of expected intercompany funding, which we intend to use to fund construction of Wynn Macau. Agreements governing the senior bank facility set forth the sequence of funding and establish conditions for the disbursement of funds for the Wynn Macau project. Our ability to borrow, from time to time, under the senior bank facility is subject to various conditions precedent set forth in the governing agreements which specify that, among other things, a majority of the cash balances set aside for Wynn Macau must be used prior to borrowing under the senior bank facility.

 

We cannot assure you that we will be able to satisfy the conditions to funding at the time drawdowns are required to make payments of our construction costs. Satisfaction of various conditions is subject to the discretion of the lenders under the debt facilities and/or their consultants and agents and may therefore be beyond our control. Failure to satisfy the conditions to the drawdowns could impact our ability to complete Wynn Macau as scheduled. We may not have access to alternative sources of funds necessary to develop and construct Wynn Macau on satisfactory terms or at all.

 

The development costs of Wynn Macau are estimates only, and actual development costs may be higher than expected.

 

We expect the total development costs of Wynn Macau to be approximately $704.0 million, including the budgeted design and construction costs, cost of the land payments (through opening), capitalized interest, pre-opening expenses and all financing fees. The required cash interest payments and commitment fees on the bank facility which will become due through the estimated commencement date of operations of Wynn Macau have been included in our estimate of the total development costs.

 

While we believe that the overall budget for the development costs of Wynn Macau is reasonable, these development costs are estimates and the actual development costs may be higher than expected. Although we

 

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have certain owners’ contingencies, a $30.0 million contingent debt facility and $30.0 million of contingent equity set aside to cover cost overruns, these contingencies may not be sufficient to cover the full amount of such overruns. If these contingencies are not sufficient to cover these costs, we may not have the funds required to pay the excess costs.

 

Not all of the construction costs of Wynn Macau are covered by a guaranteed maximum price construction contract, and we will be responsible for any cost overruns of these excluded items.

 

We have entered into a guaranteed maximum price construction contract for the design and construction of Wynn Macau with Leighton/China State, covering approximately $285.0 million of the budgeted $425.0 million design and construction costs for Wynn Macau. We are responsible for cost overruns with respect to any budgeted components that are not part of the amended guaranteed maximum price contract.

 

The amended guaranteed maximum price under the Leighton/China State construction contract may increase, and we would be responsible for the amount of any increase.

 

Although we have a $285.0 million guaranteed maximum price construction contract with Leighton/China State for the construction of Wynn Macau, it provides that the guaranteed maximum price will be appropriately increased, and the deadline for the contractor’s obligation to complete construction will be appropriately adjusted, on account of scope changes or delays by us and certain other factors, some of which are beyond our control.

 

If any of these events occurs and the guaranteed maximum price is increased, we may not be able to complete Wynn Macau within the amount budgeted.

 

The liquidated damages provision in the guaranteed maximum price construction contract likely will not be sufficient to protect us against exposure to actual damages we may suffer for delay in completion of the project.

 

Under the Wynn Macau guaranteed maximum price construction contract, the guaranteed date of substantial completion is August 27, 2006. The contract provides for liquidated damages in the amount of $300,000 per day to be imposed on Leighton/China State, for a maximum amount of $20.0 million, if all work required by the construction contract is not substantially completed by the deadline, and subject to force majeure and other permitted extensions. If completion of the construction were delayed, our actual damages would likely exceed $300,000 per day. In addition, if Leighton/China State defaults under the Wynn Macau construction contract, we may be unable to complete Wynn Macau on schedule or within the amount budgeted.

 

The financial resources of our contractor may be insufficient to fund cost overruns or liquidated damages for which it is responsible under the amended guaranteed maximum price contract.

 

Under the terms of the guaranteed maximum price construction contract, Leighton/China State is, subject to specific conditions and limitations, responsible for all construction costs covered by the construction contract that exceed the approximately $285.0 million guaranteed maximum price contained in the contract.

 

The parent companies of the contractor have provided a continuing guaranty by which they guarantee the contractor’s full performance under the construction contract until final payment under that contract. We cannot assure you that the contractor or its parent companies will have sufficient financial resources to fund any cost overruns or liquidated damages for which they are responsible under the guaranteed maximum price contract. Furthermore, neither are contractually obligated to maintain the financial resources to cover cost overruns. If they do not have the resources to meet their obligations and we are unable to obtain funds from them in a timely manner we may need to pay these excess costs in order to complete construction of Wynn Macau.

 

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Wynn Macau will be subject to considerable unique risks, including Macau’s developing regulatory framework.

 

Developing Regulatory Framework.    The development of casinos in Macau is subject to a number of uncertainties, including risks associated with doing business in foreign locations and risks associated with Macau’s developing gaming regulatory framework. The Legislative Assembly of Macau enacted legislation, effective July 1, 2004, that enables casinos operating in Macau to lawfully extend credit to gaming customers and enforce gaming debts. Wynn Macau, S.A. continues to pursue certain favorable determinations related to Macau’s tax regulations; however, we cannot ensure that Wynn Macau, S.A. will be able to obtain the desired determinations.

 

Political and Economic Conditions.    The success of Wynn Macau will depend on political and economic conditions in Macau. In December 1999, after approximately 450 years of Portuguese control, Portugal returned Macau to Chinese administration. The People’s Republic of China re-established Macau as a special administrative region. As a result of this change in control, Macau’s legislative, regulatory, legal, economic and cultural institutions are in a period of transition. We cannot predict how these systems and cultural institutions will develop or how developments would affect the business of Wynn Macau.

 

Wynn Macau’s operations will be subject to significant political, economic and social risks inherent in doing business in an emerging market such as China. For example, fiscal decline and civil, domestic or international unrest in Macau, China or the surrounding region could significantly harm Wynn Macau’s business, not only by reducing customer demand for casino resorts of the kind it would operate in Macau, but also by increasing the risk of imposition of taxes and exchange controls or other governmental restrictions that might impede its ability to repatriate funds.

 

Necessity of Expanding Transportation.    Because of additional casino projects which may be developed in the future, the ferry and helicopter services which provide transportation to and from Hong Kong may need to be expanded to service the increased visitation of Macau. If transportation facilities to and from Macau are inadequate to meet the demands of an increased volume of gaming customers visiting Macau, the desirability of Macau as a gaming destination, as well as the results of operations of Wynn Macau, could be negatively impacted.

 

Extreme Weather Conditions.    Macau’s subtropical climate and location on the South China Sea are subject to extreme weather conditions including typhoons and heavy rainstorms. Unfavorable weather conditions could negatively affect the profitability of Wynn Macau by disrupting our ability to timely construct the project and by preventing guests from traveling to Macau.

 

Potential Taxation of Investment in Macau.    Our investment in Macau is owned through a number of wholly owned and partially owned domestic and foreign entities. Although we believe that transfers to these entities of the assets and stock of the Wynn Macau companies were accomplished on a tax-free basis, there is a risk that the Internal Revenue Service could assert that any appreciation in the transferred assets or stock was taxable at the time of such transfers.

 

Currency Exchange Controls and Currency Export Restrictions.    Currency exchange controls and restrictions on the export of currency by certain countries may negatively impact the success of Wynn Macau. For example, there are currently existing currency exchange controls and restrictions on the export of the renminbi, the currency of China. Restrictions on the export of the renminbi may impede the flow of gaming customers from China to Macau, inhibit the growth of gaming in Macau and negatively impact Wynn Macau’s gaming operations.

 

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.    We are subject to regulations imposed by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or the FCPA, which generally prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making improper

 

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payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Any determination that we have violated the FCPA could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

We are required to make substantial additional investments in Macau if we do not build and open Wynn Macau by December 2006.

 

Under our concession agreement, we are obligated to develop and open Wynn Macau by December 2006 and invest, or cause to be invested, at least 4 billion patacas (approximately $500 million) in various development projects in Macau by June 2009. The construction and development costs of Wynn Macau will be applied to the fulfillment of this total investment obligation. We expect that the construction and development costs of Wynn Macau will satisfy this obligation. However, there can be no assurance that either all or a portion of the construction and development costs, particularly soft costs incurred, will be considered qualified investment by the Macau government. If these costs are not qualified investments, we would be required to make additional investments in Macau to fulfill our obligation under the concession. Any additional required investment could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our ability to service our indebtedness.

 

The Macau government can terminate our subconcession under certain circumstances without compensation to us, which would have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

 

The Macau government has the right to unilaterally terminate our concession in the event of material non-compliance by Wynn Macau, S.A. with its basic obligations under the concession and applicable Macau laws. The concession agreement expressly provides that the government of Macau may unilaterally rescind the concession agreement if Wynn Macau, S.A.:

 

    conducts unauthorized games or activities that are excluded from its corporate purpose;

 

    suspends gaming operations in Macau for more than seven consecutive days without justification;

 

    defaults in payment of taxes, premiums, contributions or other required amounts;

 

    does not comply with government inspections or supervision;

 

    systematically fails to observe its obligations under the concession system;

 

    fails to maintain bank guarantees or bonds satisfactory to the government;

 

    is the subject of bankruptcy proceedings or becomes insolvent;

 

    engages in serious fraudulent activity, damaging to the public interest; or

 

    repeatedly violates applicable gaming laws.

 

If the government of Macau unilaterally rescinds the concession agreement, Wynn Macau, S.A. will be required to compensate the government in accordance with applicable law, and the areas defined as casino space under Macau law and all of the gaming equipment pertaining to the gaming operations of Wynn Macau will be transferred to the government without compensation. The loss of our concession would prohibit us from conducting gaming operations in Macau, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

 

We will stop generating any revenues from our Macau gaming operations if we cannot secure an extension of our concession in 2022 or if the Macau government exercises its redemption right in 2017.

 

Our concession agreement expires in June 2022. Unless our concession is extended, on that date, all of our casino operations and related equipment in Macau will be automatically transferred to the Macau government without compensation to us and we will cease to generate any revenues from these operations. Beginning in December 2017, the Macau government may redeem the concession agreement by providing us at least one year

 

40


prior notice. In the event the Macau government exercises this redemption right, we are entitled to fair compensation or indemnity. The amount of such compensation or indemnity will be determined based on the amount of revenue generated during the tax year prior to the redemption. We cannot assure you that we will be able to renew or extend our concession agreement on terms favorable to us or at all. We also cannot assure you that if our concession is redeemed, the compensation paid will be adequate to compensate us for the loss of future revenues.

 

The Macau government could grant additional rights to conduct gaming in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

We hold a concession under one of only three gaming concessions and one sub-concession authorized by the Macau government to operate casinos in Macau, and the Macau government is precluded from granting any additional gaming concessions until 2009. However, we cannot assure you that the laws will not be changed to permit the Macau government to grant additional gaming concessions before 2009. MGM Mirage has announced that its joint venture will be seeking a subconcession under SJM’s existing concession. If the Macau government were to allow additional competitors to operate in Macau through the grant of additional concessions or subconcessions, we would face additional competition, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Certain Nevada gaming laws would apply to Wynn Macau’s planned gaming activities and associations.

 

Certain Nevada gaming laws also apply to gaming activities and associations in jurisdictions outside the State of Nevada. As we develop Wynn Macau, we and our subsidiaries that must be licensed to conduct gaming operations in Nevada will be required to comply with certain reporting requirements concerning gaming activities and associations in Macau proposed to be conducted by our Macau-related subsidiaries. We and our licensed Nevada subsidiaries also will be subject to disciplinary action by the Nevada Gaming Commission if our Macau-related subsidiaries:

 

    knowingly violate any Macau laws relating to their Macau gaming operations;

 

    fail to conduct the Wynn Macau’s operations in accordance with the standards of honesty and integrity required of Nevada gaming operations;

 

    engage in any activity or enter into any association that is unsuitable for us because it poses an unreasonable threat to the control of gaming in Nevada, reflects or tends to reflect discredit or disrepute upon the State of Nevada or gaming in Nevada, or is contrary to Nevada gaming policies;

 

    engage in any activity or enter into any association that interferes with the ability of the State of Nevada to collect gaming taxes and fees; or

 

    employ, contract with or associate with any person in the foreign gaming operation who has been denied a license or a finding of suitability in Nevada on the ground of unsuitability, or who has been found guilty of cheating at gambling.

 

Such disciplinary action could include suspension, conditioning, limitation or revocation of the registration, licenses or approvals held by us and our licensed Nevada subsidiaries, including Wynn Las Vegas, LLC, and the imposition of substantial fines.

 

In addition, if the Nevada State Gaming Control Board determines that any actual or intended activities or associations of our Macau-related subsidiaries may be prohibited pursuant to one or more of the standards described above, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board can require us and our licensed Nevada subsidiaries to file an application with the Nevada Gaming Commission for a finding of suitability of the activity or association. If the Nevada Gaming Commission finds that the activity or association in Macau is unsuitable or prohibited, our Macau-related subsidiaries will either be required to terminate the activity or association, or will be prohibited from undertaking the activity or association. Consequently, should the Nevada Gaming Commission find that our

 

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Macau-related subsidiaries’ gaming activities or associations in Macau are unsuitable, those subsidiaries may be prohibited from undertaking their planned gaming activities or associations in Macau, or be required to divest their investment in Macau, possibly on unfavorable terms.

 

Unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates may increase Wynn Macau’s obligations under the concession agreement and cause fluctuations in the value of our investment in Macau.

 

The currency used in Wynn Macau, S.A.’s concession agreement with the government of Macau is the Macau pataca. The Macau pataca, which is not a freely convertible currency, is linked to the Hong Kong dollar, and in many cases the two are used interchangeably in Macau. The Hong Kong dollar is linked to the U.S. dollar and the exchange rate between these two currencies has remained relatively stable over the past several years. However, the exchange linkages of the Hong Kong dollar and the Macau pataca, and the Hong Kong dollar and the U.S. dollar, are subject to potential changes due to, among other things, changes in Chinese governmental policies and international economic and political developments. Because Wynn Macau, S.A.’s payment and expenditure obligations under the concession agreement are in Macau patacas, in the event of unfavorable Macau pataca or Hong Kong dollar rate changes, Wynn Macau, S.A.’s obligations, as denominated in U.S. dollars, would increase. In addition, because we expect that most of the revenue for any casino that Wynn Macau, S.A. operates in Macau will be in Hong Kong dollars, we are subject to foreign exchange risk with respect to the exchange rate between the Hong Kong dollar and the U.S. dollar.

 

Certain Asian countries have publicly asserted their desire to eliminate the linkage of the Hong Kong dollar and the Chinese renminbi to the U.S. dollar. As a result, we cannot assure you that the Hong Kong dollar, the Chinese renminbi and the Macau pataca will continue to be linked to the U.S. dollar, which may result in severe fluctuations in the exchange rate for these currencies. We also cannot assure you that the current peg rate for these currencies will remain at the same level. Any change in such peg rate could have a material adverse effect on our ability to make payments on certain of our debt instruments. We have not yet determined whether we will engage in hedging activities to protect against foreign currency risk.

 

Risks Related to Our Substantial Indebtedness

 

We are highly leveraged and future cash flow may not be sufficient for us to meet our obligations, and we might have difficulty obtaining more financing.

 

We have a substantial amount of consolidated debt in relation to our equity. We anticipate that we will have total outstanding debt of approximately $2.0 billion by the time Wynn Las Vegas is completed and we begin receiving operating revenues. If the Encore Budget, Plans and Specs are approved in accordance with the disbursement agreement, we will be able to incur up to an additional $550.0 million under our new credit facilities to fund the construction of Encore. In addition to the $550.0 million, which may be available under the new credit facilities for Encore, the new credit agreement will permit us to incur additional indebtedness in connection with potential expansion plans under certain circumstances in the future. Lastly, our credit facilities for the development and construction of Wynn Macau will, subject to certain circumstances, allow us to incur up to $397.0 million of additional debt. Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences. For example:

 

    it could make it more difficult to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness;

 

    if we do not complete construction of Wynn Las Vegas or Wynn Macau by the scheduled completion dates, which may be extended in certain circumstances, but not beyond dates specified in the contracts, or if we fail to meet our payment obligations or otherwise default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, the lenders under those agreements will have the right to accelerate the indebtedness and exercise other rights and remedies against us. These rights and remedies include the rights to:

 

    repossess and foreclose upon the assets that serve as collateral,

 

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    initiate judicial foreclosure against us,

 

    petition a court to appoint a receiver for us or for substantially all of our assets, and

 

    if we are insolvent, initiate involuntary bankruptcy proceedings against us, in each case, subject to procedural restraints and limitations applicable to secured creditors generally and also those imposed by applicable gaming laws, rules and regulations;

 

    once Wynn Las Vegas is operating, we will be required to use a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service and amortize our Wynn Las Vegas indebtedness and to pay development costs of Encore, which will reduce the available cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;

 

    we may have a limited ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions and to withstand competitive pressures, which may affect our financial condition;

 

    we may have a limited ability to obtain additional financing, if needed, to fund development and construction costs of Encore, working capital requirements, capital expenditures, debt service, general corporate or other obligations, including our obligations with respect to the notes;

 

    under the new credit facilities, a portion of the interest rates we pay will fluctuate with market rates and, accordingly, our interest expense will increase if market interest rates increase;

 

    our substantial indebtedness will increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and

 

    we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors who are not as highly leveraged.

 

Under the terms of the documents governing our debt facilities, we will be permitted to incur additional indebtedness, including secured senior and subordinated indebtedness. If we incur additional indebtedness, the risks described above will be exacerbated.

 

The agreements governing our debt facilities contain covenants that restrict our ability to engage in certain transactions and may impair our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions.

 

The agreements governing our debt facilities contain covenants that restrict our ability to engage in certain transactions and may impair our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions. The debt facilities impose operating and financial restrictions on us and our restricted subsidiaries, including, among other things, limitations on the ability to:

 

    pay dividends or distributions or repurchase equity;

 

    incur additional debt;

 

    make investments;

 

    create liens on assets to secure debt;

 

    enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

    issue stock of, or member’s interests in, subsidiaries;

 

    enter into sale-leaseback transactions;

 

    engage in other businesses;

 

    merge or consolidate with another company;

 

    transfer and sell assets;

 

    issue disqualified stock;

 

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    create dividend and other payment restrictions affecting subsidiaries; and

 

    designate restricted and unrestricted subsidiaries.

 

The debt facilities require us to satisfy various financial covenants, which include minimum interest coverage and total debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. Future indebtedness or other contracts could contain financial or other covenants more restrictive than those applicable to the existing debt facilities.

 

Our ability to comply with these provisions may be affected by general economic conditions, industry conditions, other events beyond our control. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with these covenants. Our failure to comply with the covenants contained in the debt facilities, including failure as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and our financial condition.

 

If there were an event of default under one of our debt instruments, the holders of the defaulted debt could cause all amounts outstanding with respect to that debt to be due and payable immediately. We cannot assure you that our assets or cash flow would be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our outstanding debt instruments if accelerated upon an event of default, or that we would be able to repay, refinance or restructure the payments on those debt securities.

 

Our subsidiaries’ indebtedness is secured by a substantial portion of their assets.

 

Subject to applicable laws, including gaming laws, and certain agreed upon exceptions, our subsidiaries’ debt is secured by liens on substantially all of the assets of our subsidiaries. In the event of a default by any of our subsidiaries under their financing documents, or if certain of our subsidiaries experience insolvency, liquidation, dissolution or reorganization, the holders of our subsidiaries’ secured debt instruments would first be entitled to payment from their collateral security, and only then would holders of our subsidiaries’ unsecured debt be entitled to payment from our remaining assets. Holders of our common stock would only be entitled to receive distributions from our remaining assets after payment in full of holders of our subsidiaries’ debt.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

Las Vegas Land

 

We currently own approximately 235 acres of land on or near the Las Vegas strip including the site of the former Desert Inn Resort & Casino. Wynn Las Vegas, LLC owns a total of approximately 75 acres of land consisting of approximately 55 acres at the northeast corner of the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Sands Avenue and an additional parcel of 20 acres fronting Las Vegas Boulevard next to the Wynn Las Vegas site on which we intend to construct Encore. Wynn Golf, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wynn Las Vegas, LLC owns the approximately 142-acre golf course behind Wynn Las Vegas, which is leased to Wynn Las Vegas, LLC. Wynn Sunrise, LLC, also a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wynn Las Vegas, LLC owns approximately 18 acres located across from the Wynn Las Vegas site at Koval Lane and Sands Avenue, which is currently being used for employee parking.

 

Las Vegas Water Rights

 

We own approximately 934 acre-feet of permitted domestic and recreation water rights through our subsidiary, Wynn Golf, LLC for irrigation of the golf course subject to proof of beneficial use and approval of the State of Nevada Division of Water Resources. We do not use our water rights to provide water to public utility customers.

 

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In addition, we own approximately 52 acre-feet of permitted (and some certificated) quasi-municipal water rights through our subsidiary, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC. This water is used to supply the water for the Wynn Las Vegas lake/mountain feature subject to proof of beneficial use and approval of the State of Nevada Division of Water Resources. There are significant cost savings and conservation benefits associated with using water supplied pursuant to our water rights.

 

Macau Land Lease

 

The government of Macau owns most of the land in Macau and, in most cases, private interests in real property located in Macau are obtained only through long-term leases and other grants of rights to use land from the government. In June 2004, our subsidiary Wynn Macau, S.A., entered into a land concession contract under which Wynn Macau, S.A. leases from the Macau government an approximately 16-acre parcel of land in downtown Macau’s inner harbor area, opposite the Hotel Lisboa, Macau’s largest and best-known hotel casino. The term of the land concession contract is 25 years, and it may be renewed at our option for successive periods. Wynn Macau, S.A. is obligated to pay, in 10 semiannual installments, a total land concession premium of approximately 319.0 million patacas (approximately US $40 million), plus interest at 5%. Annual rents of approximately 2.2 million patacas (approximately US $275,000) for the first two years and 3.2 million patacas (approximately US $395,000) thereafter will also be paid in accordance with the land concession contract. In addition, Wynn Macau, S.A. paid a third party affiliated with Stanley Ho, approximately 160 million patacas (approximately US $18 million) for relinquishing its rights to use a portion of that site.

 

ITEM  3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are occasionally party to lawsuits. As with all litigation, no assurance can be provided as to the outcome of such matters and we note that litigation inherently involves significant costs.

 

ITEM  4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

There were no matters submitted to a vote of our security holders during the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

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PART II

ITEM  5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock began trading on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “WYNN” on October 25, 2002 at a price of $13.00 per share. The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for the indicated periods as reported on the Nasdaq National Market.

 

     High

   Low

Year Ended December 31, 2004

             

First Quarter

   $ 40.26    $ 27.50

Second Quarter

   $ 43.77    $ 34.60

Third Quarter

   $ 52.97    $ 34.18

Fourth Quarter

   $ 72.99    $ 50.51

Year Ended December 31, 2003

             

First Quarter

   $ 15.50    $ 12.76

Second Quarter

   $ 19.11    $ 14.71

Third Quarter

   $ 18.50    $ 14.99

Fourth Quarter

   $ 28.61    $ 18.19

 

Holders

 

There were approximately 18,846 beneficial holders of our common stock as of February 11, 2005.

 

Dividends

 

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on any shares of our common stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future consolidated earnings to fund the development and growth of our business and therefore do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

Wynn Resorts is a holding company and, as a result, its ability to pay dividends is dependent on its subsidiaries’ ability to provide funds to it. Restrictions imposed by Wynn Resorts subsidiaries’ debt instruments significantly restrict certain key subsidiaries holding a majority of our assets, including Wynn Las Vegas, LLC and Wynn Macau, S.A. from making dividends or distributions to Wynn Resorts. Specifically, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC and certain of its subsidiaries are restricted under the indenture governing the First Mortgage Notes from making certain “restricted payments” as defined in the Indenture. These restricted payments include the payment of dividends or distributions to any direct or indirect holders of equity interests of Wynn Las Vegas, LLC. These restricted payments may not be made until Wynn Las Vegas has been completed and certain other financial and non-financial criteria have been satisfied. In addition, the other debt facilities of Wynn Las Vegas, LLC and Wynn Macau, S.A. contain similar restrictions.

 

Use of Proceeds from Sales of Registered Securities

 

Proceeds from our Initial Public Offering of Common Stock

 

As previously disclosed, all of the proceeds of our October 2002 initial public offering of common stock have been spent in the design, development and construction of Wynn Las Vegas, except for $80.0 million deposited in completion guarantee and liquidity reserve accounts and approximately $40.0 million spent on the development and construction of Wynn Macau.

 

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Proceeds from the offering of the 12% Second Mortgage Notes due 2010

 

As previously disclosed, all of the proceeds of the public offering of our 12% Second Mortgage Notes due 2010, except for approximately $28.1 million remaining in the interest reserve account have been spent on the design, development and construction of Wynn Las Vegas.

 

On December 14, 2004, as discussed further in Part II. Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” we refinanced Wynn Las Vegas’ debt structure. In connection therewith, we discharged our obligations under the Second Mortgage Notes and the $28.1 million remaining in the interest reserve account established for the payment of interest on the Second Mortgage Notes was used, along with the proceeds of the offering of $1.3 billion of First Mortgage Notes and other funds, to repay or discharge outstanding debt. Accordingly, all of the Second Mortgage Notes proceeds have been fully utilized as of December 31, 2004.

 

None of the proceeds of either the initial public offering of our common stock or the issuance of the Notes were paid, directly or indirectly, to any of our directors, officers, partners or affiliates or any of their associates, or any persons or entities owning 10% or more of our common stock other than the salaries, bonuses and directors fees associated with the normal performance of their duties in such respective capacity for the development of Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau.

 

ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

Valvino, a development stage company, was formed in April 2000 as a Nevada limited liability company originally to acquire land and design, develop and finance Wynn Las Vegas. On September 24, 2002, Wynn Resorts, a development stage company, became the parent company of Valvino when all the members of Valvino contributed 210,834 shares comprising 100% of the membership interests of Valvino to Wynn Resorts in exchange for 40,000,000 shares of the common stock of Wynn Resorts. The following reflects the selected consolidated financial data of Wynn Resorts and its subsidiaries or its predecessor Valvino and its subsidiaries. This data should be read together with Wynn Resorts’ consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The selected data presented below as of December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the periods from inception (April 21, 2000) through December 31, 2004 and 2000 is derived from the consolidated financial statements of Wynn Resorts or Valvino as its predecessor, which have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors. The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 and the period from inception through December 31, 2004, and the auditors’ report thereon, are included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

     Years Ended December 31,

    Period from Inception to
December 31,


 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    2004

 
     (in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

                                                

Net revenues

   $ 195     $ 643     $ 544     $ 793     $ 77     $ 2,252  

Pre-opening costs

     (81,321 )     (46,744 )     (24,532 )     (12,999 )     (4,199 )     (169,795 )

Operating loss

     (89,798 )     (53,335 )     (34,400 )     (20,060 )     (12,035 )     (209,628 )

Net loss accumulated during the development stage

     (205,586 )     (48,892 )     (31,713 )     (17,726 )     (10,616 )     (314,533 )

Basic and diluted loss per share

   $ (2.37 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.68 )   $ (0.45 )   $ (0.28 )   $ (5.31 )

 

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     As of December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

   2001

   2000

     (in thousands)

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

                                  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 330,261    $ 341,552    $ 109,644    $ 39,268    $ 54,429

Restricted cash and investments[1]

     942,367      400,432      792,877      524      —  

Construction in progress

     1,987,032      570,988      90,189      27,475      8,484

Total assets

     3,464,212      1,733,323      1,398,601      388,543      387,084

Total long-term obligations[2]

     1,660,169      659,319      382,697      326      358

Stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,644,291    $ 1,001,815    $ 991,613    $ 384,230    $ 381,956

[1]   Restricted cash and investments primarily reflects the proceeds of our debt and equity financings that are restricted for the construction of Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau and the development of Encore. These proceeds are primarily in relatively short-term government-backed debt securities.

 

[2]   Includes the current portion of long-term debt amounting to approximately $718,000, $41,000, $38,000, $35,000 and $32,000 as of December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. December 31, 2004 also includes approximately $9.5 million for the current portion of the required contract premium payments under our land concession contract relating to Wynn Macau.

 

ITEM  7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements that are forward-looking, including, but not limited to, statements relating to our business strategy and development activities as well as other capital spending, financing sources, the effects of regulation (including gaming and tax regulations), expectations concerning future operations, margins, profitability and competition. Any statements contained in this Form 10-K that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, conditions precedent to funding under the agreement governing the disbursement of the proceeds of certain of our debt and equity offerings and borrowings under our credit facilities, competition in the casino/hotel and resorts industry, completion of our Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau casino resorts on time and within budget, our intention to fund a substantial portion of the development and construction costs of Encore at Wynn Las Vegas (“Encore”) with anticipated cash flows generated at Wynn Las Vegas, doing business in foreign locations such as Macau (including the risks associated with Macau’s developing gaming regulatory framework), new development and construction activities of competitors, our lack of operating history, our dependence on Stephen A. Wynn and existing management, our dependence on a limited number of properties for all of our cash flow, leverage and debt service (including sensitivity to fluctuations in interest rates), levels of travel, leisure and casino spending, general domestic or international economic conditions, pending or future legal proceedings, changes in federal or state tax laws or the administration of such laws, changes in gaming laws or regulations (including the legalization of gaming in certain jurisdictions), applications for licenses and approvals under applicable jurisdictional laws and regulations (including gaming laws and regulations), the impact that an outbreak of an

 

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infectious disease, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (“SARS”) or the impact of a natural disaster, such as the tsunami which struck southeast Asia in December 2004, may have on the travel and leisure industry, and the consequences of the war in Iraq and other military conflicts in the Middle East and any future security alerts and/or terrorist attacks such as the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Further information on potential factors which could affect our financial condition, results of operations and business are included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to us. We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report.

 

Overview

 

Since inception, we have been primarily a casino resort development company. Our efforts have been devoted principally to the development and construction activities described below with respect to Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau, our casino resorts in Las Vegas, Nevada, and in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the Peoples’ Republic of China (“Macau”), respectively. Wynn Las Vegas will occupy approximately 197 acres of land fronting the Las Vegas Strip and will utilize an additional 18 acres across Sands Avenue for employee parking. In November 2004, we announced plans for Encore, which will occupy approximately 20 acres of land adjacent to Wynn Las Vegas. Wynn Macau will initially utilize approximately 11 acres of the approximately 16 acres of land leased by Wynn Macau, S.A. from the government of Macau in Macau’s inner harbor area.

 

We began construction of Wynn Las Vegas in October 2002 and the project is nearing substantial completion. Wynn Las Vegas will have its grand opening on April 28, 2005. We are developing the budget plans and specifications for Encore. We commenced construction on Wynn Macau in June 2004, and in September 2004 obtained the financing necessary to fund its budgeted development, construction and preopening costs. We expect to open Wynn Macau in the third quarter of 2006. There are significant risks associated with any major construction project, and unexpected developments or delays could occur.

 

Our consolidated financial statements also include results from the ownership and operation of our corporate aircraft and the operation of an art gallery, through May 6, 2004, displaying works from The Wynn Collection, which consists of works of fine art from the personal art collection of Stephen A. and Elaine P. Wynn. Through June 2002, we also operated the golf course located on the site of the former Desert Inn in Las Vegas.

 

Wynn Las Vegas

 

The construction of Wynn Las Vegas is nearing substantial completion and remains within the project budget. The contractor has completed the majority of the work and is currently in the process of completing the exterior site work and interior finishes. In support of our pre-opening efforts, we are currently occupying the following portions of Wynn Las Vegas under a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (“TCO”) issued by the Clark County Building Department:

 

    The Wynn Theater;

 

    Meeting and convention facilities;

 

    Warehouse and receiving;

 

    Engineering and shop areas; and

 

    A portion of the administrative offices.

 

We have been accepting room reservations by telephone since January 2005 and on line since February 2005 (at www.wynnlasvegas.com). We also have been booking conventions for more than a year.

 

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Wynn Las Vegas’ project budget, excluding the incremental cost for Encore, was, as of December 31, 2004, approximately $2.7 billion, including the cost of acquiring approximately 235 acres of land, costs of design and construction, capitalized interest, pre-opening expenses, financing fees and construction contingencies. Through December 31, 2004, we had funded approximately $2.0 billion of project costs for Wynn Las Vegas primarily from a combination of our cash on hand from contributed capital, proceeds from the initial public offering of our common stock, proceeds from the issuance of our recently discharged 12% Second Mortgage Notes due 2010 (the “Second Mortgage Notes”), and a portion of our former credit facilities. We estimated that approximately $670.0 million would be needed as of that date to complete Wynn Las Vegas.

 

In December 2004, we contributed $400.0 million to Wynn Las Vegas,LLC from the proceeds of the November 2004 offering of 7.5 million shares of our common stock. Also, on December 14, 2004, we effected a series of transactions to refinance Wynn Las Vegas’ debt and raise additional funds for Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. These transactions included, among other things, issuance of $1.3 billion of 6.625% First Mortgage Notes due 2014 (the “First Mortgage Notes”), a tender offer for all of the outstanding Second Mortgage Notes, discharge of the remaining Second Mortgage Notes, and replacement of our previous credit facilities with new credit facilities. The new credit facilities bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% on the revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) and LIBOR plus 2.125% on the term loan facility (the “Term Loans”). The refinancing lowered our overall cost of borrowing and provided the financial flexibility to allow for the further development of our real estate assets.

 

The $400.0 million contribution from our common stock offering, a portion of the remaining proceeds of our First Mortgage Notes and availability under our new credit facilities are expected to provide sufficient funds to complete and open Wynn Las Vegas. In addition, we have a $50.0 million completion guarantee balance and a $30.0 million liquidity reserve available for Wynn Las Vegas. Wynn Resorts is not a guarantor of the new financing and is not obligated to apply any of its funds to the Wynn Las Vegas project, although it has more than $300.0 million in cash that can be made available.

 

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

 

The Company continues to refine the scope and design of Encore. Previously, Encore was to include a hotel tower with approximately 1,500 mini-suites, a small amount of ancillary gaming space, restaurants, a spa, swimming pools, additional retail and approximately 30,000 square feet of meeting rooms. It was expected to cost no more than $900 million and to open in the second half of 2007. As initially planned, Encore was an addition to Wynn Las Vegas.

 

Due to anticipated demand for Wynn Las Vegas, continued strength in the Las Vegas market, and our desire to maximize the potential of our substantial real estate assets, the Company anticipates a significant increase in the scope of Encore, elevating it to the status of a free standing casino resort; one which is integrated with Wynn Las Vegas through its public space. Although the scope and design of the project have not been finalized and remain subject to board of director approval, we now expect that Encore will include approximately 2,000 full suites in its hotel tower—meaning separate living rooms and bedrooms in each unit—as well as significant additional casino, convention and meeting space, additional entertainment venues, restaurants, a spa and salon, swimming pools and retail space. We currently anticipate that Encore will open in the first half of 2008.

 

We expect that the remaining proceeds from Wynn Las Vegas, LLC’s sale of first mortgage notes on December 14, 2004, together with availability under its existing credit facilities and cash flow from the operations of Wynn Las Vegas, will be sufficient to pay for expenditures of up to $1.4 billion on the Encore project without incurring additional debt or receiving additional capital contributions from Wynn Resorts. The availability of notes proceeds and funds under the credit agreement in excess of $100 million is subject to approval of the Encore Budget, Plans and Specifications by the majority of arrangers or lenders. Once we have finalized the scope and plans for Encore, we will seek necessary consents and approvals from our lenders and noteholders.

 

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Wynn Macau

 

We are constructing and will own and operate Wynn Macau, our first hotel and casino resort in Macau, under a 20-year concession agreement with the government of Macau granted in June 2002 to our indirect subsidiary, Wynn Macau, S.A. Although we continue to refine the design of the resort, including potential expansion and improvements, Wynn Macau is currently expected to occupy approximately 11 acres of the approximately 16 acres of land leased by Wynn Macau, S.A., and include approximately 600 hotel rooms, approximately 100,000 square feet of casino gaming space, seven restaurants, approximately 28,000 square feet of retail space, and a spa, salon and entertainment facilities.

 

In September 2004, we acquired all of the 17.5% indirect economic interests in Wynn Macau, S.A. that were formerly held by third parties in exchange for 1,333,333 shares of our common stock. Consequently, we now own 100% of the economic interest and control 90% of the voting interest of Wynn Macau, S.A. indirectly through various subsidiaries. Macau law requires that the position of executive director and at least 10% of the voting shares of Wynn Macau, S.A. be held by a resident of Macau. Mr. Wong Chi Seng, a Macau permanent resident who is the executive director of Wynn Macau, S.A., owns 10% of the voting shares of Wynn Macau, S.A., although he has only nominal (up to 1 Macau pataca) dividend participation rights.

 

Design and construction of Wynn Macau is progressing on schedule and within budget. The resort is expected to open in the third quarter of 2006. Detailed interior design work is continuing, with the majority of architectural and structural design work now complete. Construction is progressing well with piling and other in-ground activities substantially complete. Superstructure works are well underway with the hotel tower reaching the fourth floor level. Construction activities since groundbreaking include the following:

 

    Piling work is complete;

 

    Construction of basement plant and tunnel areas is substantially complete;

 

    The hotel tower structure has reached the fourth floor level;

 

    Structural floor slabs for the main casino area are approximately 90% complete; and

 

    Approximately 1,500 tons of structural steel has been erected in the main casino area and the second floor office area.

 

Wynn Macau’s project budget is approximately $704.0 million. This includes land acquisition costs of approximately $40.6 million, construction and design costs of approximately $425.0 million, plus capitalized interest, preopening expenses, financing fees and construction contingencies, but excludes up to $20.5 million of post-opening land concession payments that are anticipated to be funded from operating cash flows. Through December 31, 2004, we had funded approximately $123.2 million of project costs and estimated that approximately $580.8 million would be required as of that date to complete Wynn Macau. These costs are being, and will continue to be, funded from the existing cash balances of Wynn Resorts and its subsidiaries in the form of capital contributions, intercompany loans (including up to $122.0 million from Wynn Las Vegas, LLC as provided under its existing indebtedness) and/or subordinated funding, as well as the available senior secured credit facility described more fully below.

 

In September 2004, Wynn Macau, S.A. obtained the financing necessary to carry out its development plans and maintain the financial capacity to adequately operate its gaming business in Macau. From a combination of capital contributions and intercompany loans bearing an annual interest rate of 6.25%, we have invested, or will invest, a total of approximately $230.0 million into the Wynn Macau project. In addition, we intend to make an additional subordinated intercompany loan for approximately $122.0 million at an interest rate of 7.5%. The remaining $352.0 million to fund the budgeted project costs will be provided in the form of a base term loan as part of a $397.0 million senior secured bank facility entered into by Wynn Macau, S.A. In addition to the base term loan and to cover any potential owner-generated cost overruns, we have established a $30.0 million contingent equity funding source in the form of an intercompany loan and have available a $30.0 million

 

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contingent debt facility. The senior secured bank facility also includes a working capital facility of $15.0 million. Agreements governing the senior bank facility specify the sequencing of funding sources. Prior to borrowing under the senior bank facility, we must first utilize the majority of the cash balances funded to the Wynn Macau project.

 

Wynn Macau, S.A. is obligated by its casino concession agreement, and has obtained, a 700.0 million pataca (approximately $87.5 million) bank guarantee from Banco National Ultramarino, S.A. (“BNU”) that is effective until March 31, 2007. The amount of this required guarantee will be reduced to 300.0 million patacas (approximately $37.5 million) for the period from April 1, 2007 until 180 days after the end of the term of the concession agreement. This guarantee, which is for the benefit of the Macau government, assures Wynn Macau, S.A.’s performance under the casino concession agreement, including the payment of premiums, fines and indemnity for any material failure to perform the concession agreement. As part of the security for the guarantee, Wynn Macau, S.A. has deposited with BNU, $50.0 million from equity funds provided by Wynn Resorts for the Wynn Macau project. This guarantee collateral will be drawn upon by Wynn Macau, S.A., after the remaining base equity financing set aside by us has been spent. Wynn Macau, S.A. is obligated to promptly, upon demand by BNU, repay any claim made on the guarantee by the Macau government. BNU will be paid an annual fee for the guarantee of not to exceed 12.3 million patacas (approximately US$1.5 million).

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Certain of our accounting policies, including the estimated lives of our depreciable assets, our annual evaluation of assets for impairment and the purchase price allocations made in connection with acquisitions, require that management apply significant judgment in defining the appropriate assumptions integral to financial estimates. Judgments are based on historical experience, terms of existing contracts, industry trends and information available from outside sources, as appropriate. However, by their nature, judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty, and therefore actual results could differ from our estimates. As of, and for the period from inception to December 31, 2004, management does not believe there are any highly uncertain matters or other underlying assumptions that would have a material effect on the statement of financial position or results of operations of the Company if actual results differ from our estimates.

 

Critical accounting policies currently reflected in the consolidated financial statements primarily relate to expensing pre-opening costs as incurred, capitalizing construction costs, including portions of interest attributable to certain qualifying assets, and other policies related to our development stage status.

 

During the period of the construction of Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau, direct costs such as those expected to be incurred for the design and construction of the Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau hotels and casinos, the Wynn Las Vegas championship golf course and the Wynn Las Vegas water-based entertainment production, including interest, are capitalized. Accordingly, the recorded amounts of property and equipment will increase significantly. Depreciation expense related to the capitalized construction costs will not be recognized until the related assets are put in service. Accordingly, upon completion of construction and commencement of operation of Wynn Las Vegas in April 2005 and Wynn Macau in the last half of 2006, depreciation expense recognized based on the estimated useful life of the corresponding asset will have a significant effect on the results of our operations.

 

Results of Operations

 

We will commence operations on April 28, 2005 when Wynn Las Vegas opens to the public. However, we currently are a development stage company. As is customary for a development stage company, revenues are minimal and consequently, we have incurred losses in each period from inception to December 31, 2004. These losses have increased commensurate with increased staff salaries and other pre-opening expenses as the Wynn

 

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Las Vegas and Wynn Macau projects have progressed. The acceleration of these costs was expected and was included in the project budgets. We do not expect that our operating results prior to opening Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau will be indicative of operating results thereafter.

 

Our operations will no longer include water sales revenues because the last customers, the remaining homes along the Desert Inn golf course were acquired by us in the first quarter of 2004, and our water utility was deregulated and dissolved in the last quarter of 2004. Although we ceased operations of our art gallery and the related retail store as of May 6, 2004, we intend to recommence these operations once Wynn Las Vegas opens. We expect that the revenues associated with these ancillary businesses will be immaterial compared to the revenues that will be associated with the lodging, gaming, dining, entertainment, retail and other operations of our casino resorts.

 

Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to the year ended December 31, 2003

 

Our development operations resulted in a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2004, of approximately $205.6 million, a 320% increase over the net loss of approximately $48.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, due to increased development activities, such as increased staffing, and financing activities, such as the loss on early retirement of debt.

 

Our minimal revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004 decreased compared to 2003, primarily as a result of the closure of the art gallery and its related retail shop on May 6, 2004. In 2004, we reclassified the amounts received from certain executive officers for use of our corporate aircraft from revenues into preopening expenses to reflect these amounts as a reduction of the costs to operate our aircraft. These amounts were approximately $375,000, $615,000 and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the period from inception to December 31, 2004. Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2004 increased approximately $36.0 million, or 67%, to $90.0 million, as compared to $54.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Preopening costs increased by $34.5 million to $81.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to $46.8 million for 2003. The increase in pre-opening costs, which consist primarily of salaries and wages and consulting and legal fees, is directly attributable to an increase in pre-opening activities, including staffing increases, as compared to the same period in the prior year. Management expects pre-opening costs to continue to increase as the development of Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau progress. In 2004, we sold our existing corporate aircraft and purchased two other aircraft. The aircraft sale resulted in a loss of approximately $550,000, which is the primary component of the increase in loss on the sale of assets of approximately $643,000. In addition, depreciation expenses increased as a result of the two aircraft purchases. The increased depreciation of approximately $1.2 million for 2004 compared to 2003 and the additional losses on the sale of assets, primarily the former aircraft, are the primary components of the remaining increase in total expenses over the prior year.

 

In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2004, we benefited from certain significant collections of Desert Inn casino marker receivables totaling approximately $4.2 million. The marker receivables were acquired by us as part of the Desert Inn purchase in June 2000. This gain was used to reduce the carrying value of land in 2004. Other than the marker collections, incidental operations relating to certain cellular tower rental income plus the loss from the brief operation of an apartment complex purchased in July 2004 for the future development of a parking facility produced a net loss of approximately $651,000.

 

Other income (expense), net for the year ended December 31, 2004, decreased approximately $118.1 million to an expense of approximately $116.8 million from income of approximately $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, primarily as a result of losses sustained from the early retirement of debt in both the second and fourth quarters of 2004. On June 14, 2004, we recorded a loss of approximately $25.6 million due to the early retirement of a portion of the Second Mortgage Notes. This loss is attributable to the 112% redemption premium and to write-offs of unamortized original issue discount and debt issuance costs. On December 14, 2004, as part of the refinancing discussed below (See Liquidity and Capital Resources—Refinancing), we

 

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recorded an additional loss on the early retirement of debt totaling approximately $97.2 million. This loss reflects the tender price on approximately $237.4 million of Second Mortgage Notes plus the writeoffs of the related unamortized original issue discount and debt issuance costs. Also, during the year ended December 31, 2004 there was a $6.3 million decrease in interest expense, and an approximately $1.7 million decrease in interest income. Lower interest income is primarily attributable to the decrease in average amount of cash from the net proceeds from equity and debt financing activity as the funds were used to construct Wynn Las Vegas, while the interest expense decreased due to increased capitalization of interest expense commensurate with the progress on the construction of Wynn Las Vegas.

 

Comprehensive income decreased from a gain of $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, to a gain of approximately $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, due to the increase and decrease, respectively, in the fair value of our two interest rate swaps entered into during the second quarter of 2003 combined with (for 2004 only) the change in the fair value of two new interest rate swaps that we entered into in connection with the refinancing on December 14, 2004. When we refinanced the Wynn Las Vegas debt structure, we terminated the interest rate swaps associated with our former credit facilities and entered into two new interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk on $400.0 million of term loan borrowings under the new credit facilities. Although we received a cash settlement of approximately $9.6 million on terminating the former swaps, we are amortizing this amount from other comprehensive income into earnings over the original life of the former swap contracts (December 2006). Both our former and our new interest rate swaps have been designated by us as cash flow hedges in accordance with applicable accounting pronouncements. Accordingly, changes in the fair value are charged, to the extent the hedge is effective (as defined in the accounting pronouncements), directly to comprehensive income. The fair value approximates the amount we would pay or receive if these contracts were settled at the valuation dates. Fair value is estimated based upon current, and predictions of future, interest rate levels along a yield curve, the remaining duration of the instruments, and other market conditions, and therefore, is subject to significant estimation and a high degree of variability of fluctuation between periods.

 

Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002

 

Our development operations resulted in a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2003, of approximately $48.9 million, a $17.2 million or 54% increase over the net loss of approximately $31.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, due to increased development activities.

 

In 2004, we reclassified the amounts received from certain executive officers for use of our corporate aircraft from revenues into preopening expenses to reflect these amounts as a reduction of the costs to operate our aircraft. These amounts were approximately $375,000, $615,000 and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the period from inception to December 31, 2004. Consequently, all periods presented were reclassified to conform to this presentation. As a result, the aircraft revenue in 2002 reflects third party charter revenue. The corporate aircraft owned by us subsequent to February 2002, when we sold our first corporate aircraft, have not been licensed for charter services. Accordingly, we no longer have third party charter revenues. Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2003, of approximately $643,000 increased approximately $99,000 or 18% from total revenues of approximately $544,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002, primarily due to increased patronage of the art gallery and related retail store.

 

Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased approximately $19.0 million, or 54%, to $54.0 million, as compared to $34.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, primarily due to an approximately $22.2 million or 90% increase in pre-opening costs to $46.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $24.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, offset by a decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses of approximately $3.2 million from approximately $8.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to approximately $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The increase in pre-opening costs, which consist primarily of salaries and wages, including non-recurring employee separation expenses of approximately $1.4 million, and consulting and legal fees, is directly attributable to an increase in

 

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pre-opening activities as compared to the same period in the prior year. We expect pre-opening costs to continue to increase as development of Wynn Las Vegas, and Wynn Macau pre-development activities, progress. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses is a result of most current buildings and improvements becoming fully depreciated in June of 2003.

 

Other income/(expense)—net for the year ended December 31, 2003, decreased by approximately $507,000 to income of approximately $1.3 million from approximately $1.8 million of income during the year ended December 31, 2002. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased approximately $7.1 million to approximately $9.0 million or 376% over the interest expense of approximately $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, due primarily to the commitment fees related to certain of the unused outstanding debt facilities entered into in October 2002. Offsetting the increase in interest expense is an increase in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2003 of approximately $6.6 million to approximately $10.3 million or 178% over interest income of approximately $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, as a result of the significant increase in invested cash from the net proceeds from equity and debt financing activity.

 

Certain trends that may affect development activities and future results of operations

 

In the near term, our development activities may be impacted by various economic factors, including, among other things, the availability and cost of materials, the availability of labor resources, interest rate levels and, specifically in connection with Wynn Macau, foreign exchange rates and legislative and regulatory issues relating to gaming and taxes. The strength and profitability of our business after our casino resorts open will depend on consumer demand for casino resorts, in general, and for the specific types of luxury amenities that Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau will offer. Adverse changes in consumer preferences, discretionary income and general economic conditions, as well as fears of recession, reduced consumer confidence in the economy, the possibility of continued terrorist activities in the United States and elsewhere, the war in Iraq and other military conflicts in the Middle East, a resurgence of SARS or another infectious disease or a natural disaster such as the Tsunami that struck southeast Asia in December 2004, could reduce customer demand for the products and services we will offer, thus imposing practical limits on pricing and harming our operations.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Capital Resources

 

We have financed each of our development projects separately at the subsidiaries that will own and operate them. As of December 31, 2004, we have corporate management and development overhead and two construction projects: Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau. At December 31, 2004, we had approximately $330.3 million of cash and cash equivalents. In excess of $300 million of these funds are uncommitted and available for general corporate purposes. In addition, we had approximately $942.4 million in restricted cash and investments from the proceeds of our debt and equity financings. The substantial majority of this amount is restricted for the development and construction of Wynn Las Vegas (including Encore) and Wynn Macau, and certain other specific costs in accordance with agreements governing our debt facilities, including but not limited to $698.6 million restricted for the construction, development and preopening expenses of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, $134.1 million restricted for the development, construction and preopening expenses of Wynn Macau (including a $50.0 million performance bond collateral deposit), $80.0 million restricted for a Wynn Las Vegas liquidity reserve and completion guarantee ($30.0 million of which must be retained for Encore for a completion guarantee if the Encore Budget, Plans and Specifications are approved), approximately $29.7 million restricted for the next four semi-annual interest payments through July 15, 2007, on our 6% convertible subordinated debentures due 2015 (the “Debentures”) and small amounts committed for certain sales tax and other deposits. Cash equivalents are comprised of investments in overnight money market funds. Restricted investments are kept in money market funds or relatively short-term, government-backed, marketable debt securities as required by agreements governing the Company’s debt facilities.

 

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Financing for Wynn Las Vegas and Encore

 

As of December 31, 2004, approximately $2.0 billion of the total Wynn Las Vegas project cost, (including the cost of the land, capitalized interest, pre-opening expenses and all financing fees) had been expended or incurred. This was funded primarily from a combination of our cash on hand from contributed capital, proceeds from the initial public offering of our common stock, proceeds from the issuance of our recently discharged Second Mortgage Notes, and our previous debt facilities. On December 14, 2004, as described in more detail below, we completed a series of transactions that refinanced Wynn Las Vegas’ debt structure and raised the additional funds needed to develop Encore. The closing of the refinancing was the culmination of a series of transactions designed to facilitate the intended expansion of Wynn Las Vegas, lower our overall cost of borrowing, and achieve an enhanced degree of financial maturity. In addition, it provided us with the financial flexibility to continue to develop our real estate assets.

 

In May 2004, we amended documents governing our former credit facilities to release from certain development and other restrictions, the approximately 20 acres on which the remaining buildings of the former Desert Inn Resort and Casino then stood, so that the land would be available for what is to become Encore. The land was then used to collateralize a $143.4 million borrowing (the “Land Loan”) under a credit agreement bearing interest at London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 5.5%. The proceeds of the Land Loan were used to fund a portion of the costs of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore.

 

Later in May 2004, we completed a public offering of seven million shares of our common stock at a price of $38.75 per share, which, after underwriting discounts and commissions, generated net proceeds of approximately $268.2 million. We used a portion of the proceeds to redeem a portion of the Second Mortgage Notes, as discussed below, and the remaining portion of the net proceeds to help finance Wynn Macau.

 

On June 14, 2004, pursuant to the indenture governing the Second Mortgage Notes, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC and Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp. (collectively, the “Issuers”), redeemed approximately $122.4 million of the $370 million in aggregate principal amount of the Second Mortgage Notes outstanding. The total price of the redemption was approximately $138.9 million, equal to 112.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Second Mortgage Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon. In connection with the redemption, we wrote off approximately $7.0 million of the unamortized original issue discount and approximately $3.9 million of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the Second Mortgage Notes. Accordingly, we recognized a loss on the early retirement of debt in the second quarter of 2004 of approximately $25.6 million to reflect the write-offs and the $14.7 million redemption premium.

 

In November and December 2004, we completed the sale of 8,625,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $61.00 per share, which, after underwriting discounts and commissions, generated net proceeds of approximately $521.2 million. Of the net proceeds, $400.0 million was directly contributed to the Wynn Las Vegas project. The remaining amounts will be used for general corporate purposes.

 

During 2004, we continued to borrow available amounts under our former credit facilities. On December 14, 2004, we completed a refinancing of our indebtedness whereby the Issuers:

 

    Issued $1.3 billion of First Mortgage Notes;

 

    Redeemed $237.4 million of the outstanding $247.6 million of Second Mortgage Notes;

 

    Repaid the outstanding $143.4 million balance on the Land Loan described above;

 

    Repaid the outstanding $250.0 million balance of term loans under our previous credit facilities;

 

    Repaid the outstanding $208.6 million balance of revolving credit loans under our previous credit facilities;

 

    Repaid the outstanding $70.3 million balance of loans under our previous furniture, fixtures and equipment loan facility (the “FF& E Facility”);

 

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    Entered into a new $1.0 billion credit facility (See “New Credit Facilities”, below);

 

    Terminated the two former interest rate swap agreements hedging the interest rate risk on a total of $825.0 million of variable rate borrowings under our previous credit facilities; and

 

    Entered into two new interest rate swap agreements to hedge the interest rate risk on $400 million of term loan borrowings under the new credit facilities.

 

In connection with this refinancing, we recorded a loss on the extinguishment of debt of approximately $97.2 million. This loss consists of the Second Mortgage Notes tender premium and associated consent fees of approximately $62.9 million, prepayment penalties on the FF&E Facility of approximately $1.6 million, the writeoff of the tendered portion of the original issue discount relating to the Second Mortgage Notes of approximately $12.6 million and writeoffs of debt issue costs associated with the Second Mortgage Notes and the former debt facilities of approximately $20.1 million. The refinancing lowers our long-term interest expense and also provides the financial flexibility for the further development of our real property assets.

 

Also, in connection with the termination of the two former interest rate swaps noted above, we received a cash settlement of approximately $9.6 million. The gain realized from the former swaps is being amortized out of other comprehensive income into earnings through December 2006 (the life of the original swaps).

 

We will fund the costs to complete Wynn Las Vegas (estimated to be approximately $670.0 million at December 31, 2004) pursuant to the Disbursement Agreement, described below (see “Disbursement Agreement”), that we entered into with the agent for the lenders under the new credit facilities and the trustee under the indenture for the First Mortgage Notes. Under the Disbursement Agreement, we will use funds in the following order of priority:

 

    First, by using any cash on hand, including restricted cash available for this purpose, until exhaustion thereof;

 

    Second, by using any remaining proceeds from the First Mortgage Notes, and the proceeds of borrowings under the new credit facilities, until exhaustion of the First Mortgage Notes proceeds, with amounts funded 66.67% from notes proceeds and 33.33% from the new credit facilities;

 

    Third, by using proceeds of additional borrowings under the new credit facilities; and

 

    Fourth, by using the funds made available to us on a gradual basis from the $50 million completion guarantee deposit account and the $30 million liquidity reserve account.

 

We expect to have sufficient funds from the proceeds of the First Mortgage Notes and availability under our new credit facilities to complete construction of Wynn Las Vegas without using any funds from the completion guarantee or liquidity reserve account. Any construction delays or scope changes with respect to Wynn Las Vegas may result in having to utilize these funds or in our borrowing additional funds under the new credit facilities.

 

Through December 31, 2004, we have funded approximately $26.3 million of costs associated with the design and predevelopment of Encore. Until such time as the Encore Budget, Plans and Specifications have been submitted by us and approved by a majority of the arrangers or a majority of the lenders under the new credit facilities pursuant to the terms of the disbursement agreement, the new disbursement agreement will permit disbursements of up to $100.0 million to pay for development costs for Encore. If the Encore Budget, Plans and Specifications are approved by June 30, 2005, then we expect to fund construction of Encore with remaining proceeds of the First Mortgage Notes, borrowings under our new credit facilities and future cash flows from the operations of Wynn Las Vegas. We will fund the costs of development and construction of Encore pursuant to the disbursement agreement, with funds utilized in the same order of priority as indicated above for Wynn Las Vegas. If the Encore Budget, Plans and Specifications are not approved by June 30, 2005, the amount available under the new credit facilities, and the amount of indebtedness that the indenture for the First Mortgage Notes will permit us to incur for this purpose, will be reduced by $550.0 million.

 

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We seek to manage the interest rate risk associated with our variable rate borrowings, through balancing fixed-rate and variable-rate borrowings and the use of derivative financial instruments. Our two new interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges of $400.0 million of term loan borrowings under our new credit facilities in accordance Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 133”). As of December 31, 2004, we recorded approximately $583,000 in other assets to reflect their fair value. The fair value approximates the amount we would receive if these contracts were settled at December 31, 2004. Fair value is estimated based upon current, and predictions of future, interest rate levels along a yield curve, the remaining duration of the instruments and other market conditions, and therefore, is subject to significant estimation and a high degree of variability of fluctuation between periods.

 

Financing for Wynn Macau

 

As of December 31, 2004, approximately $123.2 million of the total Wynn Macau project cost, (including the cost of the land payments, capitalized interest, pre-opening expenses and all financing fees) had been expended or incurred. This was funded primarily from a combination of our cash on hand from contributed capital and the proceeds from intercompany loans.

 

On September 14, 2004, we completed the financing for the design, development, construction and pre-opening expenses of Wynn Macau. Wynn Macau, S.A. executed a definitive credit agreement (the “Common Terms Agreement” or “CTA”) and related ancillary agreements for a senior secured bank facility of $397.0 million. The senior secured bank facility consists of term loan facilities in the amount of $382.0 million (which will be borrowed in a combination of Hong Kong and US dollars) and a revolving working capital facility of HK$117.0 million (approximately US$15.0 million).

 

As described below, the term loans will not be drawn until previously funded base equity (in the form of intercompany loans bearing 6.25% annual interest) of $230.0 million and scheduled subordinated funding (in the form of an intercompany loans bearing interest at 7.5%) of $122.0 million have been expended for the construction and development of Wynn Macau. Commencing on September 14, 2007, the principal amount of the term loans is required to be repaid in quarterly installments. During the third year of the loan, 3.75% of the principal is due, during the fourth year of the loan, 10.00% of the principal is due, during the fifth year of the loan, 27.00% of the principal is due, during the sixth year of the loan, 29.00% of the principal is due, and during the seventh year of the loan, 30.25% of the principal is due. The term loans will mature on September 14, 2011, with annual interest charged at LIBOR or the Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (“HIBOR”) (as denominated) plus 3.5%. The working capital facility will expire on September 14, 2007 and borrowings under it are charged annual interest at HIBOR plus 2.5%.

 

The loans are secured by a collateral package consisting of a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Wynn Macau, S.A. In addition, certain subsidiaries of Wynn Resorts that are direct or indirect shareholders of Wynn Macau, S.A. have executed a guarantee of the loans and pledged their shares in Wynn Macau, S.A. or upstream intermediate companies, as the case may be, as additional security.

 

Existing cash balances from Wynn Resorts, including amounts spent to date on Wynn Macau and $50 million deposited with Banco National Ultramarino, S.A. (“BNU”) as collateral for a bank guarantee as discussed further below, provide the $230 million of base equity to Wynn Macau, S.A, required under the financing documents. In addition, simultaneously with the loan signing, Wynn Group, Asia, Inc. (“Wynn Asia”), a subsidiary of Wynn Resorts, entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with Wynn Macau, S.A. pursuant to which Wynn Asia will purchase $122 million in subordinated notes to be issued by Wynn Macau, S.A. The subordinated notes will be secured by a third priority security interest in the collateral package. Proceeds of the contributions and loans and the subordinated notes must be expended for Wynn Macau project costs prior to borrowing under the term loans. In addition, Wynn Resorts provided $30 million of contingent funds that is available to pay additional costs of construction, if necessary.

 

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The CTA contains capital spending limits and other affirmative and negative covenants, customary for a limited recourse project financing, as well as restrictions on the use of up-front premia derived from subconcessions (See “Common Terms Agreement for Macau Project” below for further information).

 

In September 2004, in connection with the financing of the Wynn Macau project, Wynn Macau, S.A. entered into a Bank Guarantee Reimbursement Agreement with BNU for a guarantee in the amount of 700.0 million patacas (approximately US$87.5 million). This guarantee, which is for the benefit of the Macau government, assures Wynn Macau, S.A.’s performance under the casino concession agreement, including the payment of premiums, fines and indemnity for any material failure to perform the concession agreement. To secure the guarantee, Wynn Macau, S.A. has deposited $50.0 million of the $230.0 million base equity funding with BNU, which deposit will be drawn upon by Wynn Macau, S.A. after the remainder of its base equity has been spent. From and after repayment of all indebtedness under the senior bank facilities, Wynn Macau, S.A. is obligated, upon demand by BNU, to promptly repay any claim made on the guarantee by the Macau government. The guarantee is further secured by a second priority security interest in the senior lender collateral package. BNU will be paid an annual fee for the guarantee of not to exceed approximately 12.3 million patacas (approximately US$1.5 million).

 

Expected Commercial Commitments

 

The following table summarizes certain information regarding our expected long-term indebtedness and material commercial commitments based upon our best estimate at December 31, 2004 of our expected long-term indebtedness and commercial commitments (amounts in millions):

 

     Payments Due By Period

Long-Term Indebtedness

   Total

   Less Than
1 Year


   1 to 3
Years


   4 to 5
Years


   After 5
Years


First Mortgage Notes

   $ 1,300.0    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 1,300.0

Convertible Subordinated Debentures(1)

     250.0      —        —        —        250.0

Term Loans(2)

     26.6      —        —        —        26.6

Second Mortgage Notes(3)

     10.1      —        10.1      —        —  

Other Long-Term Obligations(4)

     14.9      0.8      1.6      1.6      10.9
    

  

  

  

  

Total long-term indebtedness

     1,601.6      0.8      11.7      1.6      1,587.5
    

  

  

  

  

     Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period

Other Commercial Commitments

   Total
Amounts
Committed


   Less Than
1 Year


   1 to 3
Years


   4 to 5
Years


   After 5
Years


Construction contracts(5)

   $ 805.9    $ 383.8    $ 422.1    $ —      $ —  

Wynn Macau senior bank facility(6)

     397.0      —        22.1      97.0      277.9

Term Loans(2)

     373.4      —        —        —        373.4

Revolver(7)

     —        —        —        —        —  

Employment agreements(8)

     91.8      24.3      37.0      9.2      21.3

Leasehold interest in land(9)

     37.4      9.5      16.3      11.6      —  

Operating leases

     12.3      2.0      1.9      0.7      7.7

Estimated interest payments on long-term debt(10)

     1,244.7      131.9      280.1      274.8      557.9
    

  

  

  

  

Total commercial commitments

   $ 2,962.5    $ 551.5    $ 779.5    $ 393.3    $ 1,238.2
    

  

  

  

  


(1)   Represents the full obligation under the Debentures assuming no conversion to common stock. The Debentures are convertible, at the holders’ option, into a maximum of 10,869,550 shares of our common stock (subject to adjustment as provided in the indenture governing the Debentures), which is equivalent to a conversion price of $23.00 per share.

 

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(2)   As of December 31, 2004, we had borrowed approximately $26.5 million of the available $400.0 million under the Term Loans. We are contractually required to borrow the remaining availability of $373.4 million by March 14, 2005. The Term Loans mature on December 14, 2011.

 

(3)   On December 14, 2004, we deposited in trust with the trustee under the Second Mortgage Notes Indenture, government securities having an aggregate face value of approximately $10.1 million (the amounts necessary to pay when due all interest payments and the redemption price on November 1, 2006), and an additional $3.0 million in cash to discharge amounts payable under the Second Mortgage Notes Indenture.

 

(4)   Represents approximately $14.7 million owing pursuant to loans for one of our corporate aircraft and an annuity issued by ITT Sheraton in connection with the acquisition of a parcel of land in 1994. The aircraft notes bear interest at 5.67% and require monthly principal and interest payments with balloon payments of $9.6 million in 2011. The annuity bears interest at an annual rate of 8% and requires payment of $5,000 per month until February 2009.

 

(5)   Represents obligations under our signed construction contracts with Marnell Corrao, Wadsworth Golf Construction Company, Bomel Construction Company, Inc., Leighton/China State and certain other construction companies in connection with the construction of Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau. We expect to satisfy some of the payment obligations under these contracts using amounts borrowed under the long-term indebtedness shown above. Construction contracts and other related purchase commitments relating to Wynn Macau exceed the requirement to spend 4.0 billion patacas (approximately $500.0 million) by 2009 and consequently are expected to satisfy this obligation.

 

(6)   As of December 31, 2004, we have not borrowed any amounts under Wynn Macau, S.A.’s senior secured bank facility. However, we anticipate that we will borrow the available amounts to construct and open Wynn Macay by the third quarter of 2006. Principal amortization begins in 2007 and the facility matures on September 14, 2011.

 

(7)   As of December 31, 2004, we have not borrowed any amounts under the Revolver. The $600.0 million available under the Revolver may be used for working capital for Wynn Las Vegas or, upon satisfaction of certain conditions, for the construction and development of Encore. The Revolver matures on December 14, 2009.

 

(8)   We have entered into employment agreements with several executive officers, other members of management, and certain key employees. These agreements generally have three to five year terms, typically indicate a base salary with specified annual increases, and often contain provisions for guaranteed bonuses. If we terminate certain executives without “cause” or if certain executives terminate employment with us for “good reason” following a “change of control” (as these terms are defined in the employment contracts), we will pay the executive a “separation payment” in a lump sum, which typically is equal to the base salary of the remaining term of the employment contract plus foregone bonuses, plus certain other payments. Amounts represent the aggregate contractual salaries and guaranteed bonuses during the periods specified in the agreements.

 

(9)   In June 2004, we entered into a land concession contract with the government of Macau for the 20-year lease of approximately 16 acres of land. At December 31, 2004, we had 10 semi-annual installment payments remaining at 5% interest as specified in the land concession contract.

 

(10)   Amounts for all periods represent our estimated future interest payments on our debt facilities based upon currently existing commitments, anticipated LIBOR rates based upon expected yield curves (including the effect of our interest rate swaps) as well as expected levels of borrowings and the timing of repayments.

 

New Credit Facilities

 

On December 14, 2004, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC entered into a credit agreement (the “New Credit Agreement”) and related ancillary agreements for secured revolving credit and term loan facilities in the

 

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aggregate amount of $1.0 billion. The credit facilities consist of a revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) in the amount of $600.0 million and a term loan facility (the “Term Loans”) in the amount of $400.0 million.

 

The Revolver will terminate and be payable in full on December 14, 2009, and the Term Loans will mature on December 14, 2011. Wynn Las Vegas, LLC is required to draw half of the Term Loans by February 14, 2005 and the remaining half of the Term Loans by March 14, 2005.

 

The amount available under the new credit facilities will be reduced by $550.0 million if the Encore Budget, Plans and Specifications have not been approved by a majority of the arrangers or a majority of the lenders under the New Credit Agreement by June 30, 2005. This may result in a reduction of availability under the Revolver, prepayment of loans under the Term Loans, or any combination of the two.

 

For purposes of calculating interest, loans under the new credit facilities will be designated, at the election of Wynn Las Vegas, LLC, as Eurodollar Loans or, in certain circumstances, Base Rate Loans. Eurodollar Loans under the Revolver and Term Loans are expected to bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% and LIBOR plus 2.125%, respectively. Interest on Eurodollar Loans is payable at the end of the applicable interest period in the case of interest periods of one, two or three months, and every three months in the case of interest periods of six months. Base Rate Loans are expected to bear interest at (a) the greater of (i) the rate most recently announced by Deutsche Bank as its “prime rate,” or (ii) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1% per annum; plus (b) a borrowing margin 1.25% or 1.125% under the Revolver and Term Loans, respectively. Interest on Base Rate Loans is payable quarterly in arrears.

 

After the opening of Wynn Las Vegas or, if Encore qualifies for financing under the Disbursement Agreement, after the opening of Encore, the applicable borrowing margins for revolving loans will be based on Wynn Las Vegas, LLC’s leverage ratio, ranging from 1.25% to 2.5% per annum for Eurodollar Loans and 0.25% to 1.5% per annum for Base Rate Loans. After the opening of Wynn Las Vegas or, if Encore qualifies for financing under the Disbursement Agreement, after the opening of Encore, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC will pay, quarterly in arrears, 0.75% per annum on the daily average of unborrowed availability under the revolving credit facility. After the opening of Wynn Las Vegas or, if Encore qualifies for financing under the Disbursement Agreement, after the opening of Encore, the annual fee that Wynn Las Vegas, LLC will be required to pay for unborrowed availability under the revolving credit facility will be based on Wynn Las Vegas, LLC’s leverage ratio, ranging from 0.25% to 0.50% per annum. For unborrowed amounts under the term loan facility, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC expects to pay, quarterly in arrears, 1.00% per annum on the daily average of the unborrowed amounts under the Term Loans. Letters of credit issued pursuant to the new credit facilities are expected to accrue fees at the borrowing margins payable on Eurodollar Loans as described above, plus a customary fronting fee. In addition, certain fees will be payable on the closing date to certain lenders and other parties to the New Credit Agreement.

 

In addition to scheduled amortization payments, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC will be required to make mandatory prepayments of indebtedness under the new credit facilities from the net proceeds of all debt offerings (other than those constituting certain permitted debt) and, subject to a reinvestment period, asset sale and insurance or condemnation proceeds, in each case with specified exceptions. After the opening of Wynn Las Vegas or, if Encore qualifies for financing under the Disbursement Agreement, after the opening of Encore, Wynn Las Vegas also will be required to make mandatory repayments of indebtedness under the new credit facilities from specified percentages of excess cash flow, which percentages may decrease and/or be eliminated based on Wynn Las Vegas, LLC’s leverage ratio. Mandatory prepayments from asset sales and insurance and condemnation proceeds will be applied to repay the Term Loans and First Mortgage Notes and, in certain events, to repay the Revolver and reduce the revolving credit commitments. Other than with respect to a 1% premium that Wynn Las Vegas, LLC will be required to pay with respect to certain repayments of Term Loans occurring prior to December 14, 2005, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC will have the option to prepay all or any portion of the indebtedness under the new credit facilities at any time without premium or penalty.

 

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Disbursement Agreement

 

The Disbursement Agreement sets forth Wynn Las Vegas, LLC’s material obligations to complete the Wynn Las Vegas hotel and casino resort and, if applicable, develop, construct and complete Encore (collectively, the “Projects”) and establishes mechanics for approval of a line item budget and a schedule for the completion of construction of Wynn Las Vegas and, if and when applicable, the construction of Encore. The Disbursement Agreement also establishes the conditions to, and the relative sequencing of, the making of advances and disbursements under the new credit facilities and from the proceeds of the First Mortgage Notes, and establishes the obligations of the lenders and the administrative agent under the new credit facilities to advance and disburse, respectively, funds under the new credit facilities and the obligation of the First Mortgage Notes Trustee to release funds from the First Mortgage Notes proceeds account upon satisfaction of such conditions. The Disbursement Agreement also sets forth the mechanics for approving change orders and amendments to the construction budgets and the construction schedules for the Projects. The Disbursement Agreement includes certain representations, warranties, covenants and events of default that relate to construction of the Projects.

 

Under the Disbursement Agreement, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC is permitted to use the proceeds of the First Mortgage Notes and borrowings under the new credit facilities to pay for costs related to the development, construction, outfitting and opening of the Projects (including financing costs and interest during construction) and, subject to certain limitations, corporate overhead and related costs (collectively, “Project Costs”). Except as provided in the following paragraph, the proceeds of the new credit facilities and the First Mortgage Notes will not be available to pay Project Costs related to Encore until a majority of the arrangers (by number) or a majority of the lenders under the new credit facilities (in consultation with the construction consultant) have approved, among other things, the Encore Budget, Schedule, Plans and Specifications and certain construction-related agreements (including certain material construction and design contracts), and Wynn Las Vegas, LLC shall have satisfied certain other conditions precedent relating to Encore.

 

Prior to the approval of the Encore Budget, Schedule, Plans and Specifications, as set forth above, the Disbursement Agreement will permit disbursements of up to $100.0 million in the aggregate from the borrowings under the new credit facilities and the proceeds of the First Mortgage Notes to pay for Project Costs related to Encore pursuant to abbreviated disbursement procedures set forth in the Disbursement Agreement. No more than $100.0 million from the proceeds of the new credit facilities and the First Mortgage Notes will be disbursed for application toward Project Costs related to Encore prior to the opening of Wynn Las Vegas. Thereafter, if the Encore Budget, Schedule, Plans and Specifications have been approved, the entire amount of the borrowings under the new credit facilities (subject to exceptions for working capital and other purposes, including amounts necessary for final completion of Wynn Las Vegas) and the remaining proceeds of the First Mortgage Notes will be available for application toward Project Costs related to Encore in accordance with the Disbursement Agreement.

 

The Disbursement Agreement sets forth the order in which funds from the various sources will be made available to Wynn Las Vegas, LLC. Wynn Las Vegas, LLC expects that a significant portion of the funds needed to pay Project Costs in respect of Encore will come from Wynn Las Vegas, LLC’s operating cash flows after opening of Wynn Las Vegas. Wynn Las Vegas, LLC’s failure to achieve operating cash flows, or obtain other funds, sufficient to fund certain of the Project Costs for Encore would prevent Wynn Las Vegas, LLC from obtaining disbursements and may cause an event of default under the Disbursement Agreement and, as a result, under the Indenture and the Credit Agreement.

 

In order to implement the funding of disbursements, the Disbursement Agreement calls for the maintenance of certain accounts, each of which will, subject to certain exceptions, secure Wynn Las Vegas, LLC’s obligations under the new credit facilities and the First Mortgage Notes; provided that the secured account holding the proceeds of the First Mortgage Notes will secure only Wynn Las Vegas, LLC’s obligations under the First Mortgage Notes, and the secured account holding the proceeds of the new credit facilities will secure only Wynn Las Vegas, LLC’s obligations to the lenders under the new credit facilities. The accounts will include a

 

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company’s funds account, a notes proceeds account, a bank proceeds account, a disbursement account, a cash management account, a completion guarantee deposit account and a liquidity reserve account.

 

The Disbursement Agreement obligates Wynn Las Vegas, LLC to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default under the Disbursement Agreement, the lenders under the new credit facilities and the First Mortgage Notes Trustee will be entitled to suspend their respective obligations to make any further disbursements under the Disbursement Agreement. Provisions under the Disbursement Agreement can be amended or waived by the agent for the New Credit Facilities (acting under the Credit Agreement) without the consent of the First Mortgage Notes Trustee.

 

The Disbursement Agreement will terminate after final completion of Wynn Las Vegas or, if the Encore Budget, Schedule, Plans and Specifications have been approved and Wynn Las Vegas, LLC has elected to construct it, after final completion of Encore. The Disbursement Agreement will cease to apply to Wynn Las Vegas after final completion of Wynn Las Vegas. Upon termination of the Disbursement Agreement, all amounts remaining in any Disbursement Agreement accounts other than amounts on deposit in the liquidity reserve account will be released to Wynn Las Vegas, LLC, and the covenants contained in the Disbursement Agreement will cease to apply. Amounts remaining on deposit in the liquidity reserve account at substantial completion will be available to Wynn Las Vegas, LLC under certain circumstances to pay debt service. Upon satisfaction of certain financial tests, amounts remaining in the liquidity reserve account will be applied to repay the revolving loans under the new credit facilities (without a reduction in revolving loan commitments thereunder).

 

Common Terms Agreement for Macau Project

 

On September 14, 2004, Wynn Macau, S.A. executed a definitive credit agreement (the “Common Terms Agreement”) and related ancillary agreements for a senior bank facility of US$397.0 million. The senior bank facility consists of term loan facilities in the amount of US$382.0 million (which will be borrowed in a combination of Hong Kong and US dollars) and a revolving working capital facility of HK$117.0 million (approximately US$15.0 million). Proceeds from draws on the term loan facilities will be used for the design, development, construction and pre-opening expenses of Wynn Macau, S.A.’s destination resort in Macau (the “Project”). Except for certain specified funding obligations (described below), the financing is non-recourse to Wynn Resorts.

 

As described below, the term loans will not be drawn until base equity of US$230.0 million and the subordinated note funding (described below) have been provided to and expended by Wynn Macau, S.A. on the Project, and the other conditions precedent customary for limited recourse project finance construction loans are satisfied. The principal amount of the term loans is required to be repaid in quarterly installments, commencing on September 14, 2007, such that during the third year of the loan, 3.75% of the principal will be due, during the fourth year of the loan, 10.0% of the principal will be due, during the fifth year of the loan, 27.0% of the principal will be due, during the sixth year of the loan, 29.0% of the principal will be due, and during the seventh year of the loan, 30.25% of the principal will be due. The term loans will mature on September 14, 2011 and bear interest at LIBOR or HIBOR plus 3.5% per annum. The working capital facility will expire on September 14, 2007 and borrowings under it will bear interest at HIBOR plus 2.5% per annum. Customary fees and expense were paid by Wynn Macau.

 

Wynn Resorts has provided US$230.0 million of equity funding to be applied to Project costs (including amounts spent to date on the Project and the US$50.0 million deposited with BNU and described below). In addition, simultaneously with the loan signing, Wynn Group, Asia, Inc. (“Wynn Asia”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wynn Resorts, entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with Wynn Macau, S.A. pursuant to which Wynn Asia will purchase US$122.0 million in subordinated notes to be issued by Wynn Macau, S.A. The subordinated notes will be secured by a third priority security interest in the collateral package. Proceeds of the equity funding and subordinated notes must be expended for Project costs prior to funding of the term loans. In addition, Wynn Resorts has provided US$30.0 million of contingent equity that is available to pay additional

 

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costs of construction. Other than the equity, subordinated funding, contingent equity support and clawbacks of certain restricted payments made during the loan term, the financing is non-recourse to Wynn Resorts.

 

Wynn Macau, S.A. is required to make mandatory prepayments of indebtedness under certain circumstances with certain proceeds from equity issuances (at the Wynn Macau, S.A. level), asset sales, eminent domain, excess cash flow, insurance and subconcessions. Additionally, if substantially all of the Project is lost, damaged, destroyed or declared a total loss, the indebtedness may be accelerated.

 

Other Liquidity Matters

 

New business developments or other unforeseen events may occur, resulting in the need to raise additional funds. We continue to explore opportunities to develop additional gaming or related businesses in Las Vegas or other international or domestic markets, whether through acquisition, investment or development. For example, we have submitted a proposal pursuant to a Request for Concept recently solicited by the Singapore government, for an integrated resort development with a casino in that jurisdiction. This or any other development would require us to obtain additional financing, which could be comprised of a combination of debt and equity. We may decide to conduct any such development through Wynn Resorts or through a line of subsidiaries separate from the Las Vegas or Macau-related entities. In addition, Wynn Resorts’ articles of incorporation provide that Wynn Resorts may redeem shares of its capital stock, including its common stock, that are owned or controlled by an unsuitable person or its affiliates to the extent a gaming authority makes a determination of unsuitability and orders the redemption, or to the extent deemed necessary or advisable by the board of directors. The redemption price may be paid in cash, by promissory note or both, as required by the applicable gaming authority and, if not, as we elect. Any promissory note that we issue to an unsuitable person or its affiliate in exchange for its shares could increase our debt to equity ratio and will increase our leverage ratio.

 

Furthermore, if completion of the Wynn Las Vegas or Wynn Macau projects is delayed, then our debt service obligations accruing prior to the actual opening of our respective resorts will increase correspondingly. Following the opening of Wynn Las Vegas, we expect Wynn Las Vegas to fund its operations and capital requirements from operating cash flow and remaining availability under the new credit facilities. We cannot assure you, however, that Wynn Las Vegas will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings available to us under the new credit facilities will be sufficient to enable us to service and repay Wynn Las Vegas, LLC’s indebtedness and to fund its other liquidity needs. Similarly, we expect that Wynn Macau, upon opening, will fund Wynn Macau, S.A.’s debt service obligations with operating cash flow and remaining availability under its senior secured bank facility. However, we cannot ensure that operating cash flows and available borrowings will be sufficient to do so. We may refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of the indebtedness on acceptable terms or at all.

 

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk associated with our debt facilities that bear interest based on floating rates. We attempt to manage interest rate risk by managing the mix of long-term fixed rate borrowings and variable rate borrowings supplemented by hedging activities as considered necessary. We cannot assure you that these risk management strategies will have the desired effect, and interest rate fluctuations could have a negative impact on our results of operations.

 

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The following table provides information about our long-term indebtedness as of December 31, 2004:

 

     Maturity Date

   Face
Amount


   Carrying
Value


   Estimated
Fair Value


     (in thousands)

6.625% Mortgage Notes

   December 2014    $ 1,300,000    $ 1,300,000    $ 1,293,500

6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures

   July 2015      250,000      250,000      764,375

Term Loans, interest at LIBOR plus 2.125%, (approximately 4.575% at December 31, 2004)

   December 2011      26,564      26,564      26,564

12% Second Mortgage Notes(1)

   November 2010      10,142      9,611      11,359

Note payable—airplane; interest at 5.67%

   September 2011      14,659      14,659      14,659

Note payable—land parcel; interest at 8.0%

   February 2009      212      212      212
         

  

  

          $ 1,601,577    $ 1,601,046    $ 2,110,669