Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2014
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             .
Commission file number 1-9444
CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
 
34-1560655
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Cedar Point Drive
 
 
Sandusky, Ohio
 
44870-5259
(Address of principal executive office)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (419) 626-0830
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Depositary Units (Representing Limited Partner Interests)
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x

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 o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of 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. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
 
x
  
Accelerated filer
 
o
Non-accelerated filer
 
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
Smaller reporting company
 
o

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


Table of Contents

    
The aggregate market value of Depositary Units held by non-affiliates of the Registrant based on the closing price of such units on June 27, 2014 of $52.95 per unit was approximately $2,918,425,559.

Number of Depositary Units representing limited partner interests outstanding as of February 13, 2015 : 55,830,195

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III of this Form 10-K incorporates by reference certain information from the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be used in connection with its annual meeting of unitholders to be held in June.
************
The Exhibit Index is located on page 68
Page 1 of 103 pages


Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
INDEX
 
 
 
 
 
  
PAGE
 
 
 
 
  
3

 
 
 
 
  
7

 
 
 
 
  
11

 
 
 
 
  
11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
13

 
 
 
 
  
15

 
 
 
 
  
16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
63

 
 
 
 
 
  
67

 
 
  
68

 
 
 
 
 
Consent
 
 
 
100

 
 
 
 
 
Certifications
 
 
101





Table of Contents

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

Introduction

Cedar Fair, L.P. (together with its affiliated companies, the "Partnership") is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership formed in 1987 and managed by Cedar Fair Management, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the "General Partner"), whose shares are held by an Ohio trust. The Partnership is one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world and owns eleven amusement parks, three outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels.

In 2014, the Partnership entertained more than 23 million visitors. All of the Partnership's parks are family-oriented, with recreational facilities for people of all ages, and provide clean and attractive environments with exciting rides and entertainment. The amusement parks include: Cedar Point, located on Lake Erie between Cleveland and Toledo in Sandusky, Ohio; Kings Island near Cincinnati, Ohio; Canada's Wonderland near Toronto, Canada; Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom (“Dorney Park”), located near Allentown in South Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania; Valleyfair, located near Minneapolis/St. Paul in Shakopee, Minnesota; Michigan's Adventure located near Muskegon, Michigan; Kings Dominion near Richmond, Virginia; Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina; Worlds of Fun located in Kansas City, Missouri; Knott's Berry Farm, located near Los Angeles in Buena Park, California; and California's Great America (“Great America”) located in Santa Clara, California. Additionally, the Partnership has a contract to manage and operate Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California.

The Partnership also owns and operates the Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, and three separately gated outdoor water parks. Two of the outdoor water parks are located adjacent to Cedar Point and Knott's Berry Farm, and the third is Wildwater Kingdom located near Cleveland in Aurora, Ohio. With limited exceptions, all rides and attractions at the amusement and water parks are owned and operated by the Partnership.

The Partnership's seasonal amusement parks are generally open during weekends beginning in April or May, and then daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day, after which they are open during weekends in September and, in most cases, October. The three outdoor water parks also operate seasonally, generally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, plus some additional weekends before and after this period. As a result, virtually all of the operating revenues of these parks are generated during an approximately 130- to 140-day operating season. Knott's Berry Farm is open daily on a year-round basis. Castaway Bay is generally open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, plus a limited daily schedule for the balance of the year. Each park charges a basic daily admission price, which allows unlimited use of most rides and attractions.

The demographic groups that are most important to the parks are young people ages 12 through 24 and families. Families are believed to be attracted by a combination of rides, live entertainment and the clean, wholesome atmosphere. Young people are believed to be attracted by the action-packed rides. During their operating season, the parks conduct active television, radio, newspaper and internet advertising campaigns in their major market areas geared toward these two groups.


Description of Parks

Cedar Point

Cedar Fair's flagship park, Cedar Point, was first developed as a recreational area in 1870. Located on a peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio bordered by Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay, the park is approximately 60 miles west of Cleveland and 100 miles southeast of Detroit. Cedar Point is believed to be the largest seasonal amusement park in the United States, measured by the number of rides and attractions and the hourly ride capacity. Attractive to both families and thrill-seekers, the park features 15 world-class roller coasters, including many record-breakers, and four children's areas.  Cedar Point serves a six-state region which includes nearly all of Ohio and Michigan, western Pennsylvania and New York, northern West Virginia and Indiana, as well as southwestern Ontario, Canada. The park's total market area includes approximately 26 million people, and the major areas of dominant influence (Cleveland, Detroit, Toledo, Akron, Columbus, Grand Rapids, Flint and Lansing) include approximately 15 million people.

Located adjacent to the park is Soak City, a separately gated water park that features more than 20 water rides and attractions, as well as Challenge Park, which features several extra-charge attractions including a 18-hole themed miniature golf course and two go-kart tracks.

Wildwater Kingdom, located near Cleveland, Ohio, is a seasonal water-park that is operated as a division of Cedar Point. The park offers many water rides and attractions, including numerous water slides, a giant wave pool, a lazy river inner tube ride and two children's areas, as well as various food and merchandise shops.

Cedar Point also owns and operates four hotels. The park's only year-round hotel is Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort, which is located at the Causeway entrance to the park. Castaway Bay features a tropical Caribbean theme hotel rooms centered around an indoor water park. The park's largest hotel, the historic Hotel Breakers, has various dining and lounge facilities, a private beach, lake swimming, a conference/meeting center, an indoor pool and two outdoor pools. Located near the Causeway entrance to the park, Breakers Express is a limited-service seasonal hotel. In addition to Hotel Breakers and Breakers Express, Cedar Point offers the lake-front Sandcastle Suites Hotel, which features suites, a courtyard pool, tennis courts and a contemporary waterfront restaurant.

3

Table of Contents

Cedar Point also owns and operates the Cedar Point Marina, Castaway Bay Marina and Camper Village. Cedar Point Marina is one of the largest full-service marinas on the Great Lakes and provides dock facilities, including floating docks and full guest amenities. In addition, Cedar Point Marina features two restaurants accessible by the general public. Castaway Bay Marina is a full-service marina. Camper Village includes RV campsites and Lighthouse Point, which offers lake-front cottages, cabins and full-service RV campsites.
The Partnership, through a wholly owned subsidiary, owns and operates the Cedar Point Causeway across Sandusky Bay. This Causeway is a major access route to Cedar Point. The Partnership also owns dormitory facilities located near the park that housed approximately 4,300 of the park's seasonal and part-time employees.

Knott's Berry Farm

Knott's Berry Farm, located near Los Angeles in Buena Park, California, first opened in 1920 and was acquired by the Partnership in late 1997. The park is one of several year-round theme parks in Southern California and serves a total market area of approximately 20 million people centered in Orange County with a large national and international tourism population.
The park is renowned for its seasonal events, including a special Christmas promotion, “Knott's Merry Farm,” and a Halloween event called “Knott's Scary Farm,” which has been held for more than 40 years and is annually rated one of the best Halloween events in the industry by Amusement Today's international survey.
Adjacent to Knott's Berry Farm is “Knott's Soak City-Orange County,” a separately gated seasonal water park that features more than 20 water rides and attractions.
The Partnership also owns and operates the Knott's Berry Farm Hotel, a full-service hotel located adjacent to Knott's Berry Farm, which features a pool, tennis courts and meeting/banquet facilities.
Canada's Wonderland

Canada's Wonderland, a combination amusement and water park located near Toronto in Vaughan, Ontario, first opened in 1981 and was acquired by the Partnership in June of 2006. It contains more than 200 attractions, including 16 roller coasters, and is one of the most attended regional amusement parks in North America. Canada's Wonderland is in a culturally diverse metropolitan market with large populations of different ethnicities and national origins. Each year the park showcases an extensive entertainment and special event line-up, which includes cultural festivals featuring renowned music artists from around the world. The park's total market area includes approximately 9 million people.

Kings Island

Kings Island, a combination amusement and water park located near Cincinnati, Ohio, first opened in 1972 and was acquired by the Partnership in June of 2006. Kings Island is one of the largest seasonal amusement parks in the United States, measured by the number of rides and attractions and the hourly ride capacity. The park features a children's area that has been consistently named the "Best Kids' Area in the World" by Amusement Today.

The park's total market area includes approximately 15 million people, and the major areas of dominant influence in this market area, which are Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus, Ohio, Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky, and Indianapolis, Indiana, include approximately 8 million people.

Dorney Park

Dorney Park, a combination amusement and water park located near Allentown, in South Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, was first developed as a summer resort area in 1884 and was acquired by the Partnership in 1992. Dorney Park is one of the largest amusement parks in the Northeastern United States and serves a total market area of approximately 35 million people. The park's major markets include Philadelphia, Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, New York City, and New Jersey.

Kings Dominion

Kings Dominion, a combination amusement and water park located near Richmond, Virginia, first opened in 1975 and was acquired by the Partnership in June of 2006. The park's total market area includes approximately 19 million people and the major areas of dominant influence in this market area, which are Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia, Raleigh, North Carolina, Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C, include approximately 12 million people.

Additionally, the park offers Kings Dominion Campground, a camping area featuring luxury cabins, a swimming pool, playground, volleyball courts, miniature golf, and laundry facilities. The campground also offers a free shuttle service between the campground and amusement park.

The Partnership also owns a dormitory facility located adjacent to Kings Dominion that houses up to 300 of the park's seasonal employees.


4

Table of Contents

Carowinds

Carowinds, a combination amusement and water park located in Charlotte, North Carolina, first opened in 1973 and was acquired by the Partnership in June of 2006. Carowinds' major markets include Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, North Carolina as well as Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina. The park's total market area includes approximately 14 million people.

The park also offers Camp Wilderness Resort, a camping area that features a convenience and merchandise store, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool. The campground features RV sites, tent and pop-up sites, and luxury cabins. The campground also offers a free shuttle service between the campground and amusement park.

Great America

Great America, a combination amusement and water park located in Santa Clara, California, first opened in 1976 and was acquired by the Partnership in June of 2006. The park's total market area includes approximately 13 million people and draws its visitors primarily from San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, Modesto and Monterey, among other cities in northern California.

Valleyfair

Valleyfair, which opened in 1976 and was acquired by the Partnership's predecessor in 1978, is a combination amusement and water park located near Minneapolis-St. Paul in Shakopee, Minnesota. It is the largest amusement park in Minnesota. Valleyfair's market area is centered in Minneapolis-St. Paul, which has a population of approximately 3 million, but the park also draws visitors from other areas in Minnesota and surrounding states with a combined population base of 9 million people.

The Partnership also owns a dormitory facility located adjacent to Valleyfair that houses approximately 250 of the park's seasonal employees.

Worlds of Fun

Worlds of Fun, which opened in 1973 and was acquired by the Partnership in 1995, is a combination amusement and water park located in Kansas City, Missouri. Worlds of Fun serves a total market area of approximately 7 million people centered in Kansas City, as well as most of Missouri and portions of Kansas and Nebraska.

Worlds of Fun also features Worlds of Fun Village, an upscale camping area that offers overnight guest accommodations next to the park with wood-side cottages, log cabins and deluxe RV sites. Included within the Village is a clubhouse with a swimming pool and arcade games.

Michigan's Adventure

Michigan's Adventure, which was acquired by the Partnership in 2001, is the largest amusement park in Michigan. The combination amusement and water park located near Muskegon, Michigan serves a total market area of approximately 5 million people, principally from central and western Michigan and eastern Indiana.


CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND WORKING CAPITAL

The Partnership believes that annual park attendance is influenced by the investment in new attractions from year to year. Capital expenditures are planned on a seasonal basis with the majority of such capital expenditures made in the period from October through May, prior to the beginning of the peak operating season. Capital expenditures made in a calendar year may differ materially from amounts identified with a particular operating season because of timing considerations such as weather conditions, site preparation requirements and availability of ride components, which may result in accelerated or delayed expenditures around calendar year-end.

During the operating season, the Partnership carries significant receivables and inventories of food and merchandise, as well as payables and payroll-related accruals. Amounts are substantially reduced in non-operating periods. Seasonal working capital needs are funded with revolving credit facilities, which are established at levels sufficient to accommodate the Partnership's peak borrowing requirements in April and May as the seasonal parks complete preparations for opening. Revolving credit borrowings are reduced daily with the Partnership's positive cash flow during the seasonal operating period.


COMPETITION

In general, the Partnership competes for discretionary spending with all aspects of the recreation industry within its primary market areas, including several destination and regional amusement parks. The Partnership also competes with other forms of entertainment and recreational activities, including movies, sports events, restaurants and vacation travel.

The principal competitive factors in the amusement park industry include the uniqueness and perceived quality of the rides and attractions in a particular park, its proximity to metropolitan areas, the atmosphere and cleanliness of the park, and the quality and variety of the food and

5

Table of Contents

entertainment available. The Partnership believes that its amusement parks feature a sufficient quality and variety of rides and attractions, restaurants, gift shops and family atmosphere to make them highly competitive with other parks and forms of entertainment.


GOVERNMENT REGULATION

The Partnership's properties and operations are subject to a variety of federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. Currently, the Partnership believes it is in substantial compliance with applicable requirements under these laws and regulations. However, such requirements have generally become more strict over time, and there can be no assurance that new requirements, changes in enforcement policies or newly discovered conditions relating to its properties or operations will not require significant expenditures in the future.

All rides are operated and inspected daily by both the Partnership's maintenance and ride operations personnel before being put into operation. The parks are also periodically inspected by the Partnership's insurance carrier and, at all parks except Valleyfair, Worlds of Fun, and Carowinds' South Carolina rides, by state or county ride-safety inspectors. Valleyfair, Worlds of Fun and Carowinds each contract with a third party to inspect its rides pursuant to Minnesota, Missouri, and South Carolina law, respectively, and submit the third-party report to the respective state agency. Additionally, all parks have added ride maintenance and operation inspections done by third party qualified inspectors to make sure our standards are being maintained.
 

EMPLOYEES

The Partnership has approximately 2,000 full-time employees. During the operating season, the Partnership employs in aggregate approximately 42,100 seasonal and part-time employees, many of whom are high school and college students. Approximately 4,300 of Cedar Point's seasonal employees, 250 of Valleyfair's seasonal employees, and 300 of Kings Dominion's seasonal employees live in dormitories owned by the Partnership. The Partnership maintains training programs for all new employees and believes that its relations with its employees are good.


AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Copies of the Partnership's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as filed or furnished with the SEC are available without charge upon written request to the Partnership's Investor Relations Office or through its website ( www.cedarfair.com ).

We use our website www.cedarfair.com as a channel of distribution of the Partnership's information. The information we post through this channel may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor this channel, in addition to following our news releases, SEC filings, and public conference calls and webcasts. The contents of our website shall not be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference.

You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains the Partnership's reports, proxy statements and other information.

See Item 6 for Selected Financial Data, including net revenues, net income (loss) and total assets.



6

Table of Contents

SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM. Executive Officers of Cedar Fair

Name
 
Age
 
Position(s)
 
 
 
 
 
Matthew A. Ouimet
 
56

 
Matt Ouimet has served as Chief Executive Officer since January 2012 and as President since June 2011. Before joining Cedar Fair, Matt served in multiple roles from 2009 through 2010 at Corinthian Colleges, including President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Corinthian Colleges, he served as President, Hotel Group for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide from 2006 through 2008.
Richard A. Zimmerman
 
54

 
Richard Zimmerman has served as Chief Operating Officer since October 2011. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President since November 2010, previously serving as Regional Vice President since June 2007 and has been with Cedar Fair since 2006. Richard served as Vice President and General Manager of Kings Dominion from 1998 through 2006.
Brian C. Witherow
 
48

 
Brian Witherow has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2012. Prior to that, Brian served as Vice President and Corporate Controller beginning in July 2005. Brian has been with Cedar Fair in various other positions since 1995.
H. Philip Bender
 
59

 
Phil Bender has served as Executive Vice President, Operations, since November 2010, previously serving as Regional Vice President beginning in June 2006. Prior to being promoted to a corporate executive, he served as Vice President and General Manager of Worlds of Fun / Oceans of Fun from 2000 through 2006.
Robert A. Decker
 
54

 
Rob Decker was promoted to Senior Vice President of Planning & Design in January 2015. Prior to that, Rob served as Corporate Vice President of Planning & Design since the end of 2002, and he has been with Cedar Fair since 1999. Prior to joining Cedar Fair, Rob served as Design Director at Jack Rouse Associates, Inc., a consultant firm to the entertainment industry, from 1989 through 1999.
Craig J. Freeman
 
61

 
Craig Freeman was promoted to Senior Vice President of Administration in January 2015. Prior to that, he served as Corporate Vice President of Administration since September 2005. Craig served as Vice President and General Manager of Knott’s Camp Snoopy at the Mall of America from 1996 through 2005.
Duffield E. Milkie
 
49

 
Duff Milkie was promoted to Executive Vice President and General Counsel in January 2015 and has served as Corporate Secretary since February 2012. He served as Corporate Vice President and General Counsel from February 2008 to February 2012. Prior to joining Cedar Fair, Duff was a partner in the law firm of Wickens, Herzer, Panza, Cook, & Batista from 1998 through 2008.
David R. Hoffman
 
46

 
Dave Hoffman has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer since January 2012. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Finance and Corporate Tax since November 2010. He served as Vice President of Corporate Tax from October 2006 until November 2010. Prior to joining Cedar Fair, Dave served as a business advisor with Ernst & Young from 2002 through 2006.
Kelley Semmelroth
 
50

 
Kelley Semmelroth has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer since February 2012. Prior to joining Cedar Fair, Kelley served as Senior Vice President, Marketing Planning Director for TD Bank from 2010 through 2012. Prior to joining TD Bank, she served as Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy and Management at Bank of America from 2005 through 2010.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

We compete for discretionary spending and discretionary free-time with many other entertainment alternatives and are subject to factors that generally affect the recreation and leisure industry, including general economic conditions.
Our parks compete for discretionary spending and discretionary free-time with other amusement, water and theme parks and with other types of recreational activities and forms of entertainment, including movies, sporting events, restaurants and vacation travel. Our business is also subject to factors that generally affect the recreation and leisure industries and are not within our control. Such factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, including relative fuel prices, and changes in consumer tastes and spending habits. Uncertainty regarding regional economic conditions and deterioration in the economy generally may adversely impact attendance figures and guest spending patterns at our parks, and disproportionately affect different demographics of our target customers within our core markets. For example, group sales and season-pass sales, which represent a significant portion of our revenues, are disproportionately affected by general economic conditions. Both attendance and guest per capita spending at our parks are key drivers of our revenues and profitability, and reductions in either can directly and negatively affect revenues and profitability.

Uncertain economic conditions, such as unemployment rates, affect our guests' levels of discretionary spending. A decrease in discretionary spending due to decreases in consumer confidence in the economy, an economic slowdown or deterioration in the economy could adversely affect the frequency with which our guests choose to attend our amusement parks and the amount that our guests spend on our products when they visit. The materialization of these risks could lead to a decrease in our revenues, operating income and cash flows.


7

Table of Contents

The operating season at most of our parks is of limited duration, which can magnify the impact of adverse conditions or events occurring within that operating season.
Ten of our amusement parks are seasonal, generally operating during a portion of April or May, then daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and during weekends in September and, in most cases, October. Our outdoor water parks also operate seasonally, generally from Memorial Day through Labor Day and during some additional weekends before and after that period. Most of our revenues are generated during this 130- to 140-day annual operating season. As a result, when conditions or events described as risk factors occur during the operating season, particularly during the peak vacation months of July and August or the important fall season, there is only a limited period of time during which the impact of those conditions or events can be mitigated. Accordingly, the timing of such conditions or events may have a disproportionate adverse effect upon our revenues.

Bad or extreme weather conditions can adversely impact attendance at our parks, which in turn would reduce our revenues.
Because most of the attractions at our parks are outdoors, attendance at our parks can be adversely affected by continuous bad or extreme weather and by forecasts of bad or mixed weather conditions, which would negatively affect our revenues. We believe that our ownership of many parks in different geographic locations reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the effect that adverse weather can have on our consolidated results.

The high fixed cost structure of amusement park operations can result in significantly lower margins if revenues decline.
A large portion of our expenses is relatively fixed because the costs for full-time employees, maintenance, utilities, advertising and insurance do not vary significantly with attendance. These fixed costs may increase at a greater rate than our revenues and may not be able to be reduced at the same rate as declining revenues. If cost-cutting efforts are insufficient to offset declines in revenues or are impractical, we could experience a material decline in margins, revenues, profitability and cash flows. Such effects can be especially pronounced during periods of economic contraction or slow economic growth.

Our business depends on our ability to meet our workforce needs.
Our success depends on our ability to attract, motivate and retain qualified employees to keep pace with our needs. If we are unable to do so, our results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected. In addition, we employ a significant seasonal workforce. We recruit year-round to fill thousands of seasonal staffing positions each season and work to manage seasonal wages and the timing of the hiring process to ensure the appropriate workforce is in place. There is no assurance that we will be able to recruit and hire adequate seasonal personnel as the business requires or that we will not experience material increases in the cost of securing our seasonal workforce in the future.

Increased costs of labor and employee health and welfare benefits may impact our results of operations.
Labor is a primary component in the cost of operating our business. Increased labor costs, due to competition, increased minimum wage or employee benefit costs, including health care costs, or otherwise, could adversely impact our operating expenses. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 contains provisions which could impact our future health-care costs. Continued increases to minimum wage rates could also materially impact our future seasonal labor rates. It is possible that these changes could significantly increase our labor costs, which would adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.

If we lose key personnel, our business may be adversely affected.
Our success depends in part upon a number of key employees, including our senior management team, whose members have been involved in the leisure and hospitality industries for an average of more than 20 years. The loss of the services of our key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our growth strategy may not achieve the anticipated results.
Our future success will depend on our ability to grow our business, including capital investments to improve our parks through new rides and attractions, as well as in-park product offerings and product offerings outside of our parks. Our growth and innovation strategies require significant commitments of management resources and capital investments and may not grow our revenues at the rate we expect or at all. As a result, we may not be able to recover the costs incurred in developing our new projects and initiatives or to realize their intended or projected benefits, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Cyber-security risks and the failure to maintain the integrity of internal or customer data could result in damages to our reputation and/or subject us to costs, fines or lawsuits.
In the normal course of business, we collect and retain large volumes of internal and customer data, including credit card numbers and other personally identifiable information, which is used for target marketing and promotional purposes, and our various information technology systems enter, process, summarize and report such data. We also maintain personally identifiable information about our employees. The integrity and protection of such data is critical to our business, and our guests and employees have a high expectation that we will adequately protect their personal information. The regulatory environment, as well as the requirements imposed on us by the credit card industry, governing information, security and privacy laws is increasingly demanding and continues to evolve. Maintaining compliance with applicable security and privacy regulations may increase our operating costs and/or adversely impact our ability to market our parks, products and services to our guests. Furthermore, if a person is able to circumvent our security measures, he or she could destroy or steal valuable information or disrupt our operations.  Any security breach could expose us to risks of data loss, which could harm our reputation and result in remedial and other costs, fines or lawsuits. Although we carry liability insurance to cover this risk, there can be no assurance that our coverage will be adequate to cover liabilities, or that we will be able to obtain adequate coverage should a catastrophic incident occur.

There is a risk of accidents occurring at amusement parks, which may reduce attendance and negatively impact our revenues.
The safety of our guests and employees is one of our top priorities. All of our amusement parks feature thrill rides. There are inherent risks involved with these attractions, and an accident or a serious injury at any of our amusement parks may result in negative publicity and could

8

Table of Contents

reduce attendance and result in decreased revenues. In addition, accidents or injuries at parks operated by our competitors could influence the general attitudes of amusement park patrons and adversely affect attendance at our amusement parks.

Unanticipated construction delays in completing capital improvement projects in our parks and resort facilities, or significant ride downtime, can adversely affect our revenues.
A principal competitive factor for an amusement park is the uniqueness and perceived quality of its rides and attractions in a particular market area. Accordingly, the regular addition of new rides and attractions is important, and a key element of our revenue growth is strategic capital spending on new rides and attractions. Any construction delays or ride down-time can adversely affect our attendance and our ability to realize revenue growth.

Instability in general economic conditions could impact our profitability and liquidity while increasing our exposure to counter-party risk.
Unfavorable general economic conditions, such as high unemployment rates, a constrained credit market, and higher prices for consumer goods, may hinder the ability of those with which we do business, including vendors, concessionaires and customers, to satisfy their obligations to us. Our exposure to credit losses will depend on the financial condition of our vendors, concessionaires and customers and other factors beyond our control, such as deteriorating conditions in the world economy or in the theme/amusement park industry. Market turmoil, coupled with a reduction of business activity, generally increases our risks related to our status as an unsecured creditor of most of our vendors, concessionaires and customers. Credit losses, if significant, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, these issues could also increase the counter-party risk inherent in our business, including with our suppliers, vendors and financial institutions with which we enter into hedging agreements and long-term debt agreements, such as our credit facilities. The soundness of these counter-parties could adversely affect us. Our credit evaluations may be inaccurate and we cannot assure you that credit performance will not be materially worse than anticipated, and, as a result, materially and adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

Our debt agreements contain restrictions that could limit our flexibility in operating our business.
Our credit agreement and the indentures governing our notes contain, and any future indebtedness of ours will likely contain, a number of covenants that could impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions on our and our subsidiaries' ability to, among other things:
pay distributions on or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or units or make other restricted payments;
incur additional debt or issue certain preferred equity;
make certain investments;
sell certain assets;
create restrictions on distributions from restricted subsidiaries;
create liens on certain assets to secure debt;
consolidate, merge, amalgamate, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;
enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and
designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.

The 2013 Amended Credit Agreement requires the Partnership to maintain specified financial ratios, which if breached for any reason could result in an event of default under the agreement. The most restrictive of these ratios is the Consolidated Leverage Ratio. As of December 31, 2014 the Partnership was required to maintain a 6.00 x Consolidated Total Debt (excluding the revolving debt)-to-Consolidated EBITDA ratio. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership’s Consolidated Total Debt (excluding revolving debt)-to-Consolidated EBITDA (as defined) ratio was 3.61 x and 3.59x, providing $171.5 million and $180.1 million of Consolidated EBITDA cushion on the Consolidated Leverage ratios, respectively. The Partnership was in compliance with all other covenants as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The 2013 Credit Agreement allows restricted payments of up to $60 million annually so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing. Additional restricted payments are allowed to be made based on an excess-cash-flow formula, should our pro-forma Consolidated Leverage Ratio be less than or equal to 5.0x.

The indentures governing our notes also include annual restricted payment limitations and additional permitted payment formulas. We can make restricted payments of $60 million annually so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing. Our ability to make additional restricted payments is permitted should our pro forma trailing-twelve-month Total Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow ratio be less than or equal to 5.00x. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership’s Total Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow (as defined) ratio were both 3.65x, providing $116.0 million and $98.2 million of Consolidated Cash Flow cushion on the Consolidated-Cash-Flow ratios, respectively. The Partnership was in compliance with all other covenants as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Variable rate indebtedness subjects us to the risk of higher interest rates, which could cause our future debt service obligations to increase.
As of December 31, 2014, after giving consideration to current outstanding interest-rate swap arrangements, all of our indebtedness under our term loan facility accrues interest that is either fixed or swapped to a fixed rate. After the expiration of outstanding interest-rate swap agreements, certain of our borrowings may be at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our annual debt service obligations on any variable-rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income would decrease.


9

Table of Contents

The amount of our indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our debt agreements.
We had $1,575.2 million of outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2014 (after giving effect to $16.3 million of outstanding letters of credit under our revolving credit facility.
The amount of our indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it could:
limit our ability to borrow money for our working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, strategic initiatives or other purposes;
limit our flexibility in planning or reacting to changes in business and future business operations; and
make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, and any failure to comply with the obligations of any of our debt instruments, including restrictive covenants and borrowing conditions, could result in an event of default under the agreements governing other indebtedness.

In addition, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or be able to draw under our revolving credit facility or otherwise, in an amount sufficient to fund our liquidity needs, including the payment of principal and interest on our debt obligations. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to service our indebtedness, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt in the future will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. In addition, the terms of our existing or future debt agreements, including our credit agreement and the indenture governing our notes, may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions for fair market value or at all. Furthermore, any proceeds that we could realize from any such dispositions may not be adequate to meet our debt service obligations then due.

Despite the amount of our indebtedness, we may be able to incur significant additional amounts of debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with the amount of our indebtedness.

Our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all possible losses that we could suffer, and our insurance costs may increase.
Companies engaged in the amusement park business may be sued for substantial damages in the event of an actual or alleged accident. An accident occurring at our parks or at competing parks could reduce attendance, increase insurance premiums, and negatively impact our operating results. Although we carry liability insurance to cover this risk, there can be no assurance that our coverage will be adequate to cover liabilities, or that we will be able to obtain adequate coverage should a catastrophic incident occur.
Our tax treatment is dependent on our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. If the tax laws were to treat us as a corporation or we become subject to a material amount of entity-level taxation, it may substantially reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
We are a limited partnership under Delaware law and are treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. A change in current tax law may cause us to be taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject us to taxation as an entity. If we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, we would pay federal income tax on our entire taxable income at the corporate tax rate, rather than only on the taxable income from our corporate subsidiaries, and may be subject to additional state taxes at varying rates. Further, unitholder distributions would generally be taxed again as corporate distributions or dividends and no income, gains, losses, or deductions would flow through to unitholders. Because additional entity level taxes would be imposed upon us as a corporation, our cash available for distribution could be substantially reduced. Although we are not currently aware of any legislative proposal that would adversely impact our treatment as a partnership, we are unable to predict whether any changes or other proposals will ultimately be enacted.

Our operations, our workforce and our ownership of property subject us to various laws and regulatory compliance, which may create uncertainty regarding future expenditures and liabilities .
We may be required to incur costs to comply with regulatory requirements, such as those relating to employment practices, environmental requirements, and other regulatory matters, and the costs of compliance, investigation, remediation, litigation, and resolution of regulatory matters could be substantial. We are subject to extensive federal and state employment laws and regulations, including wage and hour laws and other pay practices and employee record-keeping requirements. We periodically may have to defend against lawsuits asserting non-compliance such as the ongoing class action lawsuit in California. Such lawsuits can be costly, time consuming and distract management, and adverse rulings in these types of claims could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results.

We also are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations such as those relating to water resources; discharges to air, water and land; the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste; and the cleanup of properties affected by regulated materials. Under these laws and regulations, we may be required to investigate and clean up hazardous or toxic substances or chemical releases from current or formerly owned or operated facilities or to mitigate potential environmental risks. Environmental laws typically impose cleanup responsibility and liability without regard to whether the relevant entity knew of or caused the presence of the contaminants. The costs of investigation, remediation or removal of regulated materials may be substantial, and the presence of those substances, or the failure to remediate a property properly, may impair our ability to use, transfer or obtain financing regarding our property.


10

Table of Contents

Other factors, including local events, natural disasters and terrorist activities, can adversely impact park attendance and our revenues.
Lower attendance may result from various local events, natural disasters or terrorist activities, all of which are outside of our control.


ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

Cedar Point and Soak City are located on approximately 365 acres, virtually all of which have been developed, on the Cedar Point peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio. Wildwater Kingdom, located near Cleveland, Ohio, is situated on approximately 670 total acres, of which 65 acres have been developed and are in use at the water park and an additional 65 acres are available for future expansion. The remaining acreage is available for sale.

The Partnership also owns approximately 100 acres of property on the mainland adjoining the approach to the Cedar Point Causeway. The Breakers Express hotel, the Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort and an adjoining restaurant, Castaway Bay Marina and two seasonal-employee housing complexes are located on this property.

The Partnership controls, through ownership or an easement, a six-mile public highway and owns approximately 40 acres of vacant land adjacent to this highway, which is a secondary access route to Cedar Point and serves about 250 private residences. The roadway is maintained by the Partnership pursuant to deed provisions. The Cedar Point Causeway, a four-lane roadway across Sandusky Bay, is the principal access road to Cedar Point and is owned by a subsidiary of the Partnership.

Knott's Berry Farm and Knott's Soak City-Orange County, located in California, are situated on approximately 170 acres, virtually all of which have been developed.

Kings Island, located in Ohio, is situated on approximately 680 acres, of which 330 acres have been developed and 350 acres remain available for future expansion.

Canada's Wonderland, located near Toronto in Vaughn, Ontario, is situated on approximately 295 acres, virtually all of which have been developed.

Kings Dominion, located in Virginia, is situated on approximately 740 acres, of which 280 acres have been developed and 460 acres remain available for future expansion.

Dorney Park, located in Pennsylvania, is situated on approximately 210 acres, of which 180 acres have been developed and 30 acres remain available for future expansion.

Carowinds, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is situated on approximately 400 acres, of which 300 acres have been developed and 100 acres remain available for future expansion.

Valleyfair, located in Minnesota, is situated on approximately 190 acres, of which 110 acres have been developed and approximately 80 additional acres remain available for future expansion.

Worlds of Fun/ Oceans of Fun, located in Missouri, is situated on approximately 350 acres, of which 250 acres have been developed and 100 acres remain available for future expansion or other uses.

Great America, located in California, is situated on approximately 165 acres, virtually all of which have been developed.

Michigan's Adventure, located in Michigan, is situated on approximately 260 acres, of which 120 acres have been developed and 140 acres remain available for future expansion.

All of the Partnership's property is owned in fee simple, with the exception of Great America in Santa Clara, California, and is encumbered by the Partnership's credit agreement. The Partnership leases the land at Great America from the City of Santa Clara through a long-term lease agreement that is renewable in 2039 with options to terminate at the Partnership's discretion. The Partnership considers its properties to be well maintained, in good condition and adequate for its present uses and business requirements.



11

Table of Contents

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Jacob T. Falfas vs. Cedar Fair, L.P.

On July 23, 2010, Jacob T. (Jack) Falfas, the former Chief Operating Officer, filed a demand for private arbitration as provided by his employment agreement.  In that demand, Mr. Falfas disputed the Partnership's position that he had resigned in June 2010, alleging instead that his employment with the Partnership was terminated without cause.

That dispute went to private arbitration, and on February 28, 2011, an arbitration panel ruled 2-to-1 in favor of Mr. Falfas finding that he did not resign but was terminated without cause.  Both the Partnership and Mr. Falfas filed actions in Erie County Court of Common Pleas concerning the enforceability of the award.   The Erie County Common Pleas Court issued a ruling declaring that Mr. Falfas was not entitled to reinstatement of his employment but was entitled to certain back pay and other benefits .   Both parties appealed the common pleas court decision to the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals in Toledo, Ohio.  The Court of Appeals issued a ruling reversing the Erie County Common Pleas Court's order regarding the reinstatement of Mr. Falfas' employment and affirming the order regarding back pay and other benefits. The Partnership filed a Notice of Appeal and Memorandum in Support of Jurisdiction with the Ohio Supreme Court related to the Court of Appeals decision.  The Supreme Court of Ohio accepted the appeal on the issue of specific performance as a remedy for a personal services contract under Ohio law .   On September 18, 2014 the Ohio Supreme Court issued its ruling reversing the Court of Appeals and holding that Mr. Falfas was not entitled to reinstatement.  In its decision, the Supreme Court further observed that, because the arbitration panel found that Mr. Falfas was terminated for reasons other than cause, he is entitled to his base salary for either one year or the remaining term of his employment agreement, a result that is consistent with section 7 of that agreement.  The matter has been remanded to the Erie County Common Pleas Court for further proceedings. The Partnership believes the liability recorded as of December 31, 2014 is adequate and does not expect the arbitration ruling, the court order, or the outcome of future proceedings to materially affect its financial results in future periods.

Ortegon, et al vs. Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management Company, et al

The Partnership and Cedar Fair Management, Inc. are defendants in a class action lawsuit filed in Superior Court of the State of California for Santa Clara County on October 3, 2013 by Frank Ortegon-Ramirez seeking damages and injunctive relief for claims related to certain employment and pay practices at our parks in California, including those related to certain check-out, time reporting, discharge and pay statement practices. The defendants filed an answer on November 21, 2013 denying the allegations in the complaint and requesting a dismissal of all claims. The class has not been certified. On November 12, 2014, the Partnership participated in a mediation relating to the claims alleged in the lawsuit. Following this mediation, the Partnership negotiated a $4.75 million settlement with the named Plaintiff on a class wide basis which is subject to final court approval. The Partnership and the named Plaintiff are required to file a brief in support of the settlement with the court. The hearing to approve the final settlement is not expected to occur until the second quarter of 2015. Based upon the information available, the Partnership believes the liability recorded as of December 31, 2014 is adequate and does not expect the terms of the negotiated settlement or final briefing to materially affect its financial results in future periods.


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.



12

Table of Contents

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S DEPOSITARY UNITS, RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF DEPOSITARY UNITS.

Cedar Fair, L.P. Depositary Units representing limited partner interests are listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FUN.” As of January 31, 2015, there were approximately 6,100 registered holders of Cedar Fair, L.P. Depositary Units, representing limited partner interests. Attention is directed to Item 12 in this Form 10-K for information regarding the Partnership's equity incentive plans, which information is incorporated herein by reference. The cash distributions declared and the high and low prices of the Partnership's units for each quarter of the past two years are shown in the table below:

2014
Distribution
 
High
 
Low
4th quarter
$
0.75

 
$
48.25

 
$
42.75

3rd quarter
0.70

 
53.15

 
45.05

2nd quarter
0.70

 
55.77

 
48.84

1st quarter
0.70

 
54.70

 
47.21

 
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
4th quarter
$
0.70

 
$
50.16

 
$
42.67

3rd quarter
0.63

 
44.49

 
41.11

2nd quarter
0.63

 
44.29

 
38.28

1st quarter
0.63

 
39.90

 
33.95


The Partnership's credit agreement includes provisions that allow the Partnership to make restricted payments up to $60 million annually at the discretion of the Board of Directors, so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing. Additional restricted payments are allowed to be made based on an Excess-Cash-Flow formula, should the Partnership’s pro-forma Consolidated Leverage Ratio be less than or equal to 5.0x as measured quarterly utilizing trailing twelve month information.
 
Under the indentures governing our notes, the Partnership can make restricted payments of $60 million annually so long as no default or event of event of default has occurred and is continuing, and additional restricted payments may be made if the Partnership's pro-forma trailing-twelve-month Total Indebtedness-to-consolidated-Cash-Flow ratio would be less than or equal to 5.00x.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table presents information about repurchases of Cedar Fair, L.P. Depositary Units representing limited partner interests made by the Partnership during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014:








Period
 
(a)






Total Number of Units Purchased (1)
 
(b)






Average Price Paid per Unit
 
(c)



Total Number of Units Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
(d)

Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Units that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
September 29 - October 28
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

October 29 - November 28
 

 

 

 

November 29 - December 31
 
35,991

 
48.40

 

 

 
 
$
35,991

 
$
48.40

 
$

 
$


(1)
All of the units reported as purchased are attributable to units that were disposed of back to us in satisfaction of tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted units which were granted under the Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan.


13

Table of Contents

Unitholder Return Performance Graph

The graph below shows a comparison of the five-year cumulative total return (assuming all distributions/dividends reinvested) on Cedar Fair, L.P. limited partnership units, the S&P 500 Index, the S&P 400 Index and the S&P - Movies and Entertainment Index, assuming investment of $100 on December 31, 2009.
 
 
 
Base Period
 
 
Return
 
 
 
2009
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
Cedar Fair, L.P.
 
 
$
100.00

 
 
$
135.12

 
$
200.83

 
$
328.87

 
$
517.23

 
$
547.87

S&P 500
 
 
100.00

 
 
115.05

 
117.48

 
133.23

 
172.67

 
192.34

S&P 400
 
 
100.00

 
 
126.64

 
124.45

 
144.45

 
190.04

 
205.60

S&P Movies and Entertainment
 
 
100.00

 
 
83.26

 
92.70

 
124.81

 
194.17

 
228.77



14

Table of Contents

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

 
 
2014 (1)
 
2013 (2)
 
2012 (3)
 
2011
 
2010 (4)
 
 
(In thousands, except per unit and per capita amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
 
$
1,159,605

 
$
1,134,572

 
$
1,068,454

 
$
1,028,472

 
$
977,592

Operating income
 
278,332

 
301,761

 
233,675

 
227,946

 
151,669

Income (loss) before taxes
 
114,100

 
128,447

 
133,614

 
73,173

 
(30,382
)
Net income (loss)
 
104,215

 
108,204

 
101,857

 
65,296

 
(33,052
)
Net income (loss) per unit - basic
 
1.88

 
1.95

 
1.83

 
1.18

 
(0.60
)
Net income (loss) per unit - diluted
 
1.86

 
1.94

 
1.82

 
1.17

 
(0.60
)
Balance Sheet Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets  
 
$
2,038,319

 
$
2,014,627

 
$
2,019,865

 
$
2,047,168

 
$
2,065,877

Working capital (deficit)
 
5,498

 
27,698

 
2,904

 
(104,928
)
 
(98,518
)
Long-term debt
 
1,558,850

 
1,520,632

 
1,532,180

 
1,556,379

 
1,579,703

Partners' equity  
 
96,217

 
139,131

 
154,451

 
136,350

 
121,628

Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Declared per limited partner unit
 
$
2.85

 
$
2.58

 
$
1.60

 
$
1.00

 
$
0.25

Paid per limited partner unit
 
2.85

 
2.58

 
1.60

 
1.00

 
0.25

Other Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization  
 
$
124,286

 
$
122,487

 
$
126,306

 
$
125,837

 
$
128,856

Adjusted EBITDA  (5)
 
431,280

 
425,430

 
390,954

 
374,576

 
359,231

Capital expenditures
 
166,719

 
120,488

 
96,232

 
90,190

 
71,706

Combined attendance (6)
 
23,305

 
23,519

 
23,300

 
23,386

 
22,794

Combined in-park guest per capita spending (7)
 
$
45.54

 
$
44.15

 
$
41.95

 
$
40.03

 
$
39.21


(1)
Operating results for 2014 include a charge of $29.3 million for the loss on early debt extinguishment and a non-cash charge of $2.4 million for the impairment of long-lived assets at Wildwater Kingdom.
(2)
Operating results for 2013 include a non-cash charge of $34.6 million for the loss on early debt extinguishment.
(3)
Operating results for 2012 include a non-cash charge of $25.0 million for the impairment of long-lived assets at Wildwater Kingdom.
(4)
Operating results for 2010 include a non-cash charge of $35.3 million for the loss on debt extinguishment and a non-cash charge of $62.0 million for the impairment of long-lived assets at Great America, the majority of which were originally recorded with the Paramount Parks acquisition.
(5)
Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, other non-cash items, and adjustments as defined in our current credit agreement. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of operating performance computed in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for operating income, net income or cash flows from operating activities computed in accordance with GAAP. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of park-level operating profitability and we use it for measuring returns on capital investments, evaluating potential acquisitions, determining awards under incentive compensation plans, and calculating compliance with certain loan covenants. Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. A reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA is provided below.
(6)
Combined attendance includes attendance figures from the eleven amusement parks and all separately gated outdoor water parks.
(7)
Combined in-park guest per capita spending ("per capita spending") includes all amusement park, outdoor water park, causeway tolls and parking revenues for the amusement park and water park operating seasons. Revenues from indoor water park, hotel, campground, marina and other out-of-park operations are excluded from per capita statistics.











15

Table of Contents


We believe that Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, other non-cash items, and adjustments as defined in the 2010, 2011, and 2013 Credit Agreements) is a meaningful measure of park-level operating profitability because we use it for measuring returns on capital investments, evaluating potential acquisitions, determining awards under incentive compensation plans, and calculating compliance with certain loan covenants. Adjusted EBITDA is provided in the discussion of results of operations that follows as a supplemental measure of our operating results and is not intended to be a substitute for operating income, net income or cash flows from operating activities as defined under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA:
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(In thousands )
Net income (loss)
 
$
104,215

 
$
108,204

 
$
101,857

 
$
65,296

 
$
(33,052
)
Interest expense
 
96,286

 
103,071

 
110,619

 
157,185

 
150,285

Interest income
 
(126
)
 
(154
)
 
(68
)
 
(157
)
 
(1,154
)
Provision for taxes
 
9,885

 
20,243

 
31,757

 
7,877

 
2,670

Depreciation and amortization
 
124,286

 
122,487

 
126,306

 
125,837

 
128,856

EBITDA
 
334,546

 
353,851

 
370,471

 
356,038

 
247,605

Loss on early debt extinguishment
 
29,261

 
34,573

 

 

 
35,289

Net effect of swaps
 
(2,062
)
 
6,883

 
(1,492
)
 
(13,119
)
 
18,194

Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss
 
40,883

 
29,085

 
(9,181
)
 
9,830

 
(17,464
)
Equity-based compensation
 
12,536

 
5,535

 
3,265

 
(239
)
 
(89
)
Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles
 

 

 

 

 
2,293

Loss on impairment/retirement of fixed assets, net
 
9,757

 
2,539

 
30,336

 
11,355

 
62,752

Gain on sale of other assets
 
(921
)
 
(8,743
)
 
(6,625
)
 

 

Terminated merger costs
 

 

 

 
230

 
10,375

Refinancing costs
 

 

 

 
955

 

Class action settlement costs
 
4,953

 

 

 

 
276

Other non-recurring costs (1)
 
2,327

 
1,707

 
4,180

 
9,526

 

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
431,280

 
$
425,430

 
$
390,954

 
$
374,576

 
$
359,231

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
The Company's 2010, 2011, and 2013 Credit Agreements reference certain costs as non-recurring or unusual. These items are excluded in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and have included litigation expenses and costs for SEC compliance matters related to Special Meeting requests, costs associated with certain unusual ride abandonment and relocation expenses, and costs associated with the transition to a new advertising agency.


ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Business Overview

We generate our revenues primarily from sales of (1) admission to our parks, (2) food, merchandise and games inside our parks, and (3) hotel rooms, food and other attractions outside our parks. Our principal costs and expenses, which include salaries and wages, advertising, maintenance, operating supplies, utilities and insurance, are relatively fixed and do not vary significantly with attendance.

Each of our properties is overseen by a park general manager and operates autonomously. Management reviews operating results, evaluates performance and makes operating decisions, including the allocation of resources, on a property-by-property basis.

Discrete financial information and operating results are prepared at the individual park level for use by the CEO, who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), as well as by the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Vice President of Operations, and the park general managers.






16

Table of Contents


The following table presents certain financial data expressed as a percent of total net revenues and selective statistical information for the periods indicated.
For the years ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
( amounts in millions, except attendance, per capita spending and percentages)
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Admissions
 
 
$
661.5

 
57.0
 %
 
$
647.0

 
57.0
 %
 
$
612.1

 
57.3
 %
Food, merchandise and games
 
 
365.5

 
31.5
 %
 
356.1

 
31.4
 %
 
342.2

 
32.0
 %
Accommodations and other
 
 
132.6

 
11.4
 %
 
131.5

 
11.6
 %
 
114.1

 
10.7
 %
Net revenues
 
 
1,159.6

 
100.0
 %
 
1,134.6

 
100.0
 %
 
1,068.4

 
100.0
 %
Operating costs and expenses
 
 
748.1

 
64.5
 %
 
716.5

 
63.2
 %
 
684.7

 
64.1
 %
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
124.2

 
10.7
 %
 
122.5

 
10.8
 %
 
126.3

 
11.8
 %
Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets
 
9.8

 
0.8
 %
 
2.5

 
0.2
 %
 
30.3

 
2.8
 %
Gain on sale of other assets
 
 
(0.9
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
(8.7
)
 
(0.8
)%
 
(6.6
)
 
(0.6
)%
Operating income
 
 
278.4

 
24.0
 %
 
301.8

 
26.6
 %
 
233.7

 
21.9
 %
Interest and other expense, net
 
 
96.2

 
8.3
 %
 
102.9

 
9.0
 %
 
110.6

 
10.3
 %
Net effect of swaps
 
 
(2.1
)
 
(0.2
)%
 
6.9

 
0.6
 %
 
(1.5
)
 
(0.1
)%
Loss on early debt extinguishment
 
 
29.3

 
2.5
 %
 
34.6

 
3.0
 %
 

 
 %
Unrealized / realized foreign currency (gain) loss
 
40.9

 
3.5
 %
 
28.9

 
2.5
 %
 
(9.0
)
 
(0.8
)%
Provision for taxes
 
 
9.9

 
0.9
 %
 
20.3

 
1.8
 %
 
31.7

 
3.0
 %
Net income
 
 
$
104.2

 
9.0
 %
 
$
108.2

 
9.5
 %
 
$
101.9

 
9.5
 %
Other data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Combined attendance (in thousands)
 
23,305

 
 
 
23,519

 
 
 
23,300

 
 
Combined in-park guest per capita spending
 
$
45.54

 
 
 
$
44.15

 
 
 
$
41.95

 
 


Critical Accounting Policies

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions during the normal course of business that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes. The following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and operating results or involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity (see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies). Application of the critical accounting policies described below involves the exercise of judgment and the use of assumptions as to future uncertainties, and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The carrying values of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, are reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss may be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets, including disposition, are less than the carrying value of the assets. The measurement of the impairment loss to be recognized is based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying amounts of the assets. Fair value is generally determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis. In order to determine if an asset has been impaired, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable, independent cash flows are available.

The determination of both undiscounted and discounted cash flows requires management to make significant estimates and consider an anticipated course of action as of the balance sheet date. Subsequent changes in estimated undiscounted and discounted cash flows arising from changes in anticipated actions could impact the determination of whether impairment exists, the amount of the impairment charge recorded and whether the effects could materially impact the consolidated financial statements.

At the end of the fourth quarter of 2014, the Partnership concluded based on 2014 operating results and updated forecasts for the coming years, that a review of the carrying value of operating long-lived assets at Wildwater Kingdom was warranted. After performing its review, the Partnership determined that the park's fixed assets were impaired by $2.4 million . This amount was recorded in "Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net" on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.

17

Table of Contents


There was no impairment of any long-lived assets in 2013. At the end of the third quarter of 2012, we concluded based on 2012 operating results through the third quarter and updated forecasts, that a review of the carrying value of operating long-lived assets at Wildwater Kingdom was warranted. After performing our review, we determined that a portion of the park's fixed assets were impaired. Also, at the end of the third quarter of 2012, we concluded that market conditions had changed on the adjacent non-operating land of Wildwater Kingdom. After performing a review of the updated market value of the land, we determined the land was impaired. Accordingly, we recognized a total of $25.0 million of fixed-asset impairment for operating and non-operating assets during the third quarter of 2012.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, including trade-names, are reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in equity price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition; the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and slower growth rates. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

An impairment loss may be recognized if the carrying value of the reporting unit is higher than its fair value, which is estimated using both an income (discounted cash flow) and market approach. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. Goodwill and trade-names have been assigned at the reporting unit, or park level, for purposes of impairment testing.

We completed the review of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles as of December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and determined the goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles were not impaired at these balance sheet dates.

It is possible that our assumptions about future performance, as well as the economic outlook and related conclusions regarding the valuation of our reporting units (parks), could change adversely, which may result in additional impairment that would have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations in future periods. At December 31, 2014, all reporting units with goodwill had fair values in excess of their carrying values by greater than 10%.

Self-Insurance Reserves

Reserves are recorded for the estimated amounts of guest and employee claims and expenses incurred each period that are not covered by insurance. Reserves are established for both identified claims and incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims. Such amounts are accrued for when claim amounts become probable and estimable. Reserves for identified claims are based upon our own historical claims experience and third-party estimates of settlement costs. Reserves for IBNR claims, which are not material to our consolidated financial statements, are based upon our own claims data history. All reserves are periodically reviewed for changes in facts and circumstances and adjustments are made as necessary.
 
Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative financial instruments are used within our overall risk management program to manage certain interest rate and foreign currency risks. By utilizing a derivative instrument to hedge our exposure to LIBOR rate changes, we are exposed to credit risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. To mitigate this risk, hedging instruments are placed with a counterparty that we believe poses minimal credit risk.

We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Derivative financial instruments used in hedging transactions are assessed both at inception and quarterly thereafter to ensure they are effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the related underlying exposures. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify as effective hedging activities are reported as “Net effect of swaps” in the consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, the “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” related to interest rate swaps that become ineffective is amortized over the remaining life of the interest rate swap, and reported as a component of “Net effect of swaps” in the consolidated statements of operations.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues on multi-use tickets are recognized over the estimated number of uses expected for each type of ticket, and are adjusted periodically during the season. Other revenues are recognized on a daily basis based on actual guest spending at our facilities, or over the park operating season in the case of certain marina revenues and certain sponsorship revenues. Revenues on multi-use tickets for the next operating season are deferred in the year received and recognized as revenue in the following operating season.

Admission revenues include amounts paid to gain admission into our parks including parking fees. Revenues related to extra-charge attractions, including our premium benefit offerings, are included in Accommodations and other revenue.

18

Table of Contents

Income Taxes

Our legal structure includes both partnerships and corporate subsidiaries. As a publicly traded partnership, we are subject to an entity-level tax (the "PTP tax"). Accordingly, the partnership itself is not subject to corporate income taxes; rather, the partnership's tax attributes (except those of the corporate subsidiaries) are included in the tax returns of our partners. Our corporate subsidiaries are subject to entity-level income taxes. Our "Provision for taxes" includes both the PTP tax and the income taxes from the corporate subsidiaries.

Our corporate subsidiaries account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future book and tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using enacted tax rate expected to apply in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

We record a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Through December 31, 2013, we had recorded a $6.8 million valuation allowance related to a $24.3 million deferred tax asset for foreign tax credit carryforwards. The need for this allowance was based on several factors including the ten-year carryforward period allowed for excess foreign tax credits, experience to date of foreign tax credit limitations, and management's long term estimates of domestic and foreign source income.

During 2014, we reduced the valuation allowance recorded by $1.1 million related to $7.5 million of foreign tax credits utilized.  Further, we updated our long term estimates of domestic and foreign source income and believe based on these updated estimates no additional adjustments to the valuation allowance are warranted.  As of December 31, 2014, we had $16.8 million of deferred tax assets associated with the foreign tax credit carryforwards and a related $5.7 million valuation allowance.

There is inherent uncertainty in the estimates used to project the amount of foreign tax credit carryforwards that are more likely than not to be realized. It is possible that our future income projections, as well as the economic outlook and related conclusions regarding the valuation allowance could change, which may result in additional valuation allowance being recorded or may result in additional valuation allowance reductions, and which may have a material negative or positive effect on our reported financial position and results of operations in future periods.


Results of Operations

2014 vs. 2013

The following table presents key operating and financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands, except per capita spending and percentages):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
 
12/31/14
 
12/31/13
 
$
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
 
$
1,159,605

 
$
1,134,572

 
$
25,033

 
2.2
 %
Operating costs and expenses
 
748,151

 
716,528

 
31,623

 
4.4
 %
Depreciation and amortization
 
124,286

 
122,487

 
1,799

 
1.5
 %
Loss on impairment/retirement of fixed assets
 
9,757

 
2,539

 
7,218

 
N/M

Gain on sale of other assets
 
(921
)
 
(8,743
)
 
7,822

 
N/M

Operating income
 
$
278,332

 
$
301,761

 
$
(23,429
)
 
(7.8
)%
Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
 
$
431,280

 
$
425,430

 
$
5,850

 
1.4
 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin (2)
 
37.2
%
 
37.5
%
 

 
(0.3
)%
Attendance
 
23,305

 
23,519

 
(214
)
 
(0.9
)%
Per capita spending
 
$
45.54

 
$
44.15

 
$
1.39

 
3.1
 %
Out-of-park revenues
 
$
127,156

 
$
124,164

 
$
2,992

 
2.4
 %
N/M - Not meaningful
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) for additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, including how we define and use Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a reconciliation from net income, see Item 6, "Selected Financial Data," on pages 15-16.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA margin (Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenues) is not a measurement computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") or a substitute for measures computed in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The Partnership provides Adjusted EBITDA margin because it believes the measure provides a meaningful metric of operating profitability.


19


Consolidated net revenues totaled $1,159.6 million in 2014, increasing $25.0 million , from $1,134.6 million in 2013. The 2.2% increase in revenues reflects a 3.1% , or $1.39 , increase in average in-park guest per capita spending compared with a year ago, partially offset by less than a 1.0%, or 0.2 million visits, decrease in attendance. The increase in net revenues is net of a negative impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $6.1 million. In-park guest per capita spending represents the amount spent per attendee to gain admission to a park, plus all amounts spent while inside the park gates. The increase in per capita spending was largely the result of enhancements made to the overall guest experience, including improvements in food and beverage programs, resulting in increased spending and capture rates across most categories of our business. The slight decrease in attendance during the year was largely due the sale of a non-core, stand-alone water park in August 2013. Attendance on a comparable-park basis decreased less than 0.5%, or 60,000 visits. This decrease in comparable visits can be partially attributed to unfavorable weather that the parks experienced during the second and third quarters of 2014, offset somewhat by more favorable weather experienced during the fourth quarter of 2014. Out-of-park revenues increased over 2.4% , or $3.0 million . Out-of-park revenues include the sale of hotel rooms, food, merchandise and other complementary activities located outside of the park gates, as well as transaction fees from on-line product sales. In 2014, this amount also includes $2.3 million of proceeds from a business interruption insurance claim relating to a water main break at Cedar Point that occurred during the second quarter. Adjusting for these insurance proceeds, out-of-park revenue would have increased less than 1.0% period-over-period.

Operating costs and expenses in 2014 increased $31.6 million , or 4.4% , to $748.1 million versus $716.5 million for 2013 and were in line with expectations. The increase in costs and expenses was the result of a $3.4 million increase in cost of goods sold, a $23.7 million increase in operating expenses, and a $4.5 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs ("SG&A"). The increase in operating costs and expenses is net of a positive impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $4.0 million. The $3.4 million increase in cost of goods sold is mainly related to increases in volume. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues was comparable for both periods. Operating expenses increased $23.7 million due to several factors. First, costs related to labor increased during the period due to staffing, benefits, hourly wages, and employment litigation matters. Second, show and attraction expenses were higher due to the introduction of new shows and attractions at several of our parks. Third, operating supplies and expenses increased due to consulting and information technology expenses related to infrastructure improvements, transaction based fees, and costs associated with guest experience improvement initiatives. Finally, utility costs increased due to inclement winter weather and rate increases. SG&A increased $4.5 million due to two main factors. First, costs related to labor increased due to staffing, benefits, hourly wages, and incentive compensation. Second, advertising expenses increased due to increased media, production, and local advertising costs.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the period increased 1.5% , or $1.8 million . For 2014, the loss on impairment/retirement of fixed assets was $9.8 million , reflecting the impairment of the assets of the Wildwater Kingdom (as discussed in detail in Note 3) and the retirement of assets during the period at several of our properties, as compared to $2.5 million in 2013 for retirement of assets. Additionally, excess land was sold in 2014 for a $0.9 million gain, compared to an $8.7 million gain in 2013 related to the sale of a non-core water park. After depreciation, amortization, loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, gain on the sale of other assets, and all other non-cash costs, operating income for the period decreased $23.4 million to $278.3 million for 2014 from operating income of $301.8 million for 2013.

Interest expense for 2014 was $96.3 million, a decrease of $6.8 million compared to 2013. The decrease in interest expense was due to a lower interest rate on our debt, a decrease in non-cash amortization expense resulting from the write-off of loan fees related to our prior credit agreement, and a decrease in revolver interest in the period due to lower borrowings, and was partially offset by the overlap of one month of interest on our July 2010 and June 2014 notes and the impact of a higher balance of our June 2014 notes.

The net effect of our swaps resulted in a non-cash benefit to earnings of $2.1 million for 2014 compared with a $6.9 million non-cash charge to earnings for 2013. The difference reflects a write off of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income related to de-designated interest rate swaps during 2013. During 2014, we also recognized a $40.9 million net charge to earnings for unrealized/realized foreign currency losses compared with a $28.9 million net charge to earnings in 2013. Both amounts are primarily attributable to foreign currency losses on the U.S.-dollar denominated debt held at our Canadian property. Due to our June 2014 bond financing, loan fees related to the July 2010 notes were written off. Additionally, a "make-whole" premium, as prescribed in the July 2010 Indenture, was paid to redeem the July 2010 notes. Together, these amounts resulted in a charge to earnings totaling $29.3 million in 2014. For 2013, as a result of the March 2013 refinancing, loan fees related to our 2010 and 2011 financings were written off, resulting in a $34.6 million non-cash charge to earnings for the year.

During 2014, a provision for taxes of $9.9 million was recorded to account for publicly traded partnership (“PTP”) taxes and for income taxes related to our corporate subsidiaries. During 2013, a provision for taxes of $20.2 million was recorded. The reduction in provision for taxes relates largely to the impact of currency exchange rates on corporate pre-tax income. Cash taxes paid during 2014 was $11.2 million compared to $14.8 million in 2013. Cash taxes paid or payable in 2015 are estimated to range from $20 million to $25 million due primarily to the prior utilization of tax attribute carryforwards including net operating losses.

After the above items, net income for 2014 totaled $104.2 million , or $1.86 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with net income for 2013 of $108.2 million, or $1.94 per diluted unit.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of our operating results. For additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, including how we define and use Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a reconciliation from net income, see Note 5 in Item 6, “Selected Financial Data,” on pages 15-16. For 2014, Adjusted EBITDA increased to $431.3 million compared with $425.4 million for 2013. Over this same period, our Adjusted EBITDA margin (Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenues) decreased 0.3% to 37.2% from 37.5% for 2013. This decrease is primarily the result of a shift in the mix of earnings from higher margin properties to lower margin properties as well as continued investment as part of our longer term growth initiatives.


20


Results of Operations

2013 vs. 2012

The following table presents key operating and financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands, except per capita spending and percentages):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
 
12/31/13
 
12/31/12
 
$
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
 
$
1,134,572

 
$
1,068,454

 
$
66,118

 
6.2
 %
Operating costs and expenses
 
716,528

 
684,762

 
31,766

 
4.6
 %
Depreciation and amortization
 
122,487

 
126,306

 
(3,819
)
 
(3.0
)%
Loss on impairment/retirement of fixed assets
 
2,539

 
30,336

 
(27,797
)
 
N/M

Gain on sale of other assets
 
(8,743
)
 
(6,625
)
 
(2,118
)
 
N/M

Operating income
 
$
301,761

 
$
233,675

 
$
68,086

 
29.1
 %
Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
 
$
425,430

 
$
390,954

 
$
34,476

 
8.8
 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin (2)
 
37.5
%
 
36.6
%
 

 
0.9
 %
Attendance
 
23,519

 
23,300

 
219

 
0.9
 %
Per capita spending
 
$
44.15

 
$
41.95

 
$
2.20

 
5.2
 %
Out-of-park revenues
 
$
124,164

 
$
116,767

 
$
7,397

 
6.3
 %
N/M - Not meaningful
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) for additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, including how we define and use Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a reconciliation from net income, see Item 6, "Selected Financial Data," on pages 15-16.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA margin (Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenues) is not a measurement computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") or a substitute for measures computed in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The Partnership provides Adjusted EBITDA margin because it believes the measure provides a meaningful metric of operating profitability.

Consolidated net revenues totaled $1,134.6 million in 2013, increasing $66.1 million, from $1,068.5 million in 2012. The 6% increase in revenues reflects a 5% , or $2.20 , increase in average in-park guest per capita spending compared with a year ago, a 6%, or $7.4 million, increase in out-of-park revenues, and a 1%, or 0.2 million -visit, increase in attendance. The increase in net revenues is net of a negative impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $4.1 million. In-park guest per capita spending represents the amount spent per attendee to gain admission to a park, plus all amounts spent while inside the park gates. The increase in per capita spending was primarily due to increases in admissions pricing, strong returns from investments in our food and beverage programs, and results of premium benefit offerings. Out-of-park revenues include the sale of hotel rooms, food, merchandise, and other complementary activities located outside of the park gates, as well as transaction fees from on-line product sales. The increase in out-of-park revenues was primarily driven by the strong performance of our resort properties, which drove higher average daily room rates and occupancy rates. The 1% increase in attendance for 2013 compared to 2012 was due largely to the continued success of our season pass programs, which grew in terms of both number of passes sold and number of total visits. Excluding the sale of two of our water parks in 2013 and 2012, attendance would have increased 2%, or approximately 0.5 million visits.

Operating costs and expenses increased $31.7 million, or 5%, to $716.5 million versus $684.8 million for 2012. The increase in costs and expenses was the result of a $3.2 million decrease in cost of goods sold, a $20.9 million increase in operating expenses, and a $14.1 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs. The increase in operating costs and expenses is net of a positive impact of foreign currency exchange rates of $1.7 million. As a percent of net revenues, operating expenses decreased by 61 basis points year-over-year. The 3% decrease in cost of goods sold was primarily driven by food and beverage efficiency initiatives. Operating expenses increased primarily due to higher normal operating and maintenance expenses, enhancements to park infrastructure, and increased employment related costs including performance bonuses. The increase in selling, general and administrative costs was primarily due to increases in full time labor and benefits costs including incentive compensation, and advertising agency and consumer relationship management database development costs.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $3.8 million due to several significant assets being fully depreciated at the end of 2012. The $8.7 million gain on sale of other assets relates to the sale of one of our non-core water parks during 2013. Loss on impairment/retirement of fixed assets in 2013 totaled $2.5 million for the retirement of assets at several of our properties. During 2012, two non-core assets were sold at a total gain of $6.6 million, which was recorded in gain on sale of other assets. Loss on impairment/retirement of fixed assets for 2012 totaled $30.3 million, which reflected a non-cash charge of $25.0 million for the partial impairment of operating and non-operating assets at Wildwater Kingdom, along with retirements at several of our properties. After depreciation, amortization, gain on sale of other assets, loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, and all other non-cash costs, operating income for 2013 increased $68.1 million to $301.8 million compared with operating income for 2012 of $233.7 million.


21


Interest expense for 2013 decreased $7.5 million to $103.1 million from $110.6 million in the prior year. The decrease in interest expense was due to the settlement of our Canadian cross-currency swaps in the first quarter of 2012, a decrease in non-cash amortization expense resulting from the write-off of loan fees related to our prior credit agreement, a decrease in revolver interest due to lower average borrowings and a lower effective interest rate from the March 2013 refinancing.

During 2013, the net effect of our swaps was recorded as a charge to earnings of $6.9 million compared to a benefit to earnings of $1.5 million in 2012. The difference reflects the regularly scheduled amortization of amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") and the write-off of amounts related to de-designated swaps, which were partially offset by gains from marking the ineffective and de-designated swaps to market during the year. During 2013, we also recognized a $28.9 million charge to earnings for unrealized/realized foreign currency losses, which included a $29.1 million unrealized foreign currency loss on the U.S.-dollar denominated debt held at our Canadian property. Additionally, due to our March 2013 refinancing, loan fees related to our 2010 and 2011 financings were written off, resulting in a $34.6 million charge to earnings in 2013.

A provision for taxes of $20.2 million was recorded in 2013, consisting of a provision for income taxes of $10.6 million and a provision for PTP taxes of $9.6 million. This compares with a provision for taxes of $31.7 million in 2012, consisting of a provision for income taxes of $23.0 million and a provision for PTP taxes of $8.8 million. The change in provision for income taxes was primarily due to the impact of currency exchange rates on pre-tax income.

After the above items, net income for 2013 totaled $108.2 million, or $1.94 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with net income of $101.9 million, or $1.82 per diluted limited partner unit, for 2012.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of our operating results. For additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, including how we define and use Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a reconciliation from net income, see Note 5 in Item 6, “Selected Financial Data,” on pages 15-16. In 2013, Adjusted EBITDA increased $34.5 million, or 9%, to $425.4 million, with our Adjusted EBITDA margin (Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenues) increasing 90 bps to 37.5% from 36.6% in 2012. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the success of high-margin revenue initiatives during the year, such as growth in our premium-benefit offerings and our admission pricing, combined with another year of growth in our season pass base and a continued focus on controlling operating costs at the park level.


Financial Condition

With respect to both liquidity and cash flow, we ended 2014 in sound condition. The working capital ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of 1.0 at December 31, 2014 compares to the working capital ratio of 1.2 at December 31, 2013. Receivables and inventories are at normally low seasonal levels and cash and credit facilities are in place to fund current liabilities, capital expenditures, partnership distributions, and pre-opening expenses as required.

Operating Activities

Net cash from operating activities in 2014 increased $12.6 million to $337.1 million from $324.5 million in 2013. The increase in operating cash flows between years was primarily attributable to the increase in the operating results of our parks in 2014 over 2013.

Net cash from operating activities in 2013 increased $38.5 million to $324.5 million from $285.9 million in 2012. The increase in operating cash flows between years was primarily attributable to the increase in the operating results of our parks in 2013 over 2012 and a positive change in working capital.

Investing Activities

Investing activities consist principally of capital investments we make in our parks and resort properties. During 2014, cash spent on capital expenditures totaled $166.7 million as we continued to reinvest in our properties and expand our capital program. During the year we also sold a non-core asset for net proceeds of $1.4 million. During 2013, cash spent on capital expenditures totaled $120.4 million and we sold a non-core asset for net proceeds of $15.3 million.

Historically, we have been able to improve our revenues and profitability by continuing to make substantial capital investments in our park and resort facilities. This has enabled us to maintain or increase attendance levels, as well as to generate increases in guest per capita spending and revenues from guest accommodations. For the 2015 operating season, we will be investing approximately $170 million in capital investments across our properties. Highlights of the 2015 program include Fury 325, the world’s longest Giga Coaster at the entrance to Carowinds; Rougarou, a newly retrofitted, floorless coaster at Cedar Point; and Voyage to the Iron Reef, the second-generation of our Amusement Dark attractions delivering reprogrammable digital entertainment to scale at Knott's Berry Farm. Further, there will be major waterpark expansions at Valleyfair and Kings Dominion, new family rides at California’s Great America and Kings Island, and additional entertainment offerings and guest amenities at all of our parks. Additional infrastructure upgrades across our properties will include the complete renovation of our Cedar Point beachfront hotel (the historic Breakers Hotel), the group and catering pavilions at Cedar Point, and the second phase of FunTV providing guest information and entertainment at all of our parks.


22


Financing Activities

Net cash utilized for financing activities in 2014 totaled $155.2 million, compared with $178.3 million in 2013. This decrease in net cash utilized for financing activities is due to an increase in borrowings on notes and lower debt issuance costs, partially offset by an increase in distributions in 2014.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In June of 2014, the Partnership issued $450 million of 5.375% senior unsecured notes ("June 2014 notes"), maturing in 2024, in a private placement. The net proceeds from the offering of the June 2014 notes were used to redeem in full all of the Partnership’s $405 million of 9.125% senior unsecured notes that were scheduled to mature in 2018, to satisfy and discharge the indenture governing the notes that were redeemed and for general corporate purposes.

The Partnership's June 2014 notes pay interest semi-annually in June and December, with the principal due in full on June 1, 2024. The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to June 1, 2019 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a “make-whole” premium together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed. Prior to June 1, 2017, up to 35% of the notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 105.375% together with accrued and unpaid interest.

In March 2013, the Partnership issued $500 million of 5.25% senior unsecured notes ("March 2013 notes"), maturing in 2021, in a private placement.

Concurrently with the March 2013 offering, we entered into a new $885 million agreement (as amended, the "2013 Credit Agreement"), which included a $630 million senior secured term loan facility and a $255 million senior secured revolving credit facility. The terms of the senior secured term loan facility include a maturity date of March 6, 2020 and bear an interest rate at a rate of LIBOR ("London Interbank Borrowing Rate") plus 250 bps with a LIBOR floor of 75 bps. The term loan amortizes at $6.3 million annually and allows interest to be paid on a 30-, 60-, or 90-day basis. The Partnership is currently paying interest on a 30-day basis. The net proceeds from the notes and borrowings under the 2013 Credit Agreement were used to repay in full all amounts outstanding under the previous credit facilities. The facilities provided under the 2013 Credit agreement are collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Partnership.

The Partnership's March 2013 notes pay interest semi-annually in March and September, with the principal due in full on March 15, 2021 . The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to March 15, 2016 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a “make-whole” premium together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed. Prior to March 15, 2016 , up to 35% of the notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 105.25% , together with accrued and unpaid interest.

Terms of the 2013 Credit Agreement include a revolving credit facility of a combined $255 million . The Canadian portion of the revolving credit facility has a sub-limit of $15 million . U.S. denominated and Canadian denominated loans made under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 225 bps (with no LIBOR floor). The revolving credit facility is scheduled to mature in March 2018 and also provides for the issuance of documentary and standby letters of credit. The 2013 Credit Agreement requires the Partnership to pay a commitment fee of 38 bps per annum on the unused portion of the credit facilities.
On December 31, 2014 , we had $608.9 million of variable-rate term debt, $950.0 million of outstanding fixed-rate notes, and no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility. After letters of credit, which totaled $16.3 million at December 31, 2014 , we had $238.7 million of available borrowings under our revolving credit facility. The maximum outstanding balance under our revolving credit facility during 2014 was $85.0 million. During the fourth quarter of 2014, $10.0 million of term debt was prepaid, which results in no amortizing amounts being due until the third quarter of 2016.
We have entered into several interest rate swaps that effectively fix all of our variable rate debt payments. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had $800 million of variable-rate debt to fixed rates swaps that mature in December 2015 and fix LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.38%. These swaps have been de-designated as cash flow hedges. During the third quarter and fourth quarter of 2013, we entered into four forward-starting interest rate swap agreements that will effectively convert $500 million of variable-rate debt to fixed rates beginning in December of 2015. These swaps, which were designated as cash flow hedges, mature on December 31, 2018 and fix LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.94%. Additional detail regarding our swap arrangements is provided in Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In comparison, on December 31, 2013, we had $618.9 million of variable-rate term debt, $901.8 million of outstanding fixed-rate notes, and no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility. After letters of credit, which totaled $16.3 million at December 31, 2013, we had $238.7 million of available borrowings under our revolving credit facility. The maximum outstanding balance under our revolving credit facility during 2013 was $123.0 million. During the fourth quarter of 2013, $8.0 million of term debt was prepaid.
On December 31, 2014, the fair market value of the current and long-term portions of our swap portfolio were $11.8 million and $14.6 million, respectively. On December 31, 2013, the liability was all long-term and totaled $26.7 million. The current and long-term amounts for 2014 and 2013 were recorded in "Current Derivative Liability" and "Derivative Liability," respectively. Additional detail regarding our current and historical swap arrangements is provided in Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.


23


The 2013 Credit Agreement requires the Partnership to maintain specified financial ratios, which if breached for any reason could result in an event of default under the agreement. The most restrictive of these ratios is the Consolidated Leverage Ratio. This ratio was set at a maximum of 6.00 x Consolidated Total Debt (excluding the revolving debt)-to-Consolidated EBITDA as of December 31, 2014 and was set at a maximum of 6.25x as of December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership’s Consolidated Total Debt (excluding revolving debt)-to-Consolidated EBITDA (as defined) ratio was 3.61 x and 3.59x, providing $171.5 million and $180.1 million of Consolidated EBITDA cushion on the Consolidated Leverage Ratios, respectively. The maximum permitted Consolidated Leverage Ratio will decrease 0.25x each second quarter until it reaches 5.25x. The Partnership was in compliance with all other credit agreement covenants as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The 2013 Credit Agreement allows restricted payments of up to $60 million annually so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing and so long as the Partnership would be in compliance with certain financial ratios after giving effect to the payments. Additional restricted payments are allowed to be made based on an excess-cash-flow formula, should our pro-forma Consolidated Leverage Ratio be less than or equal to 5.0x.

The indentures governing our notes also include annual restricted payment limitations and additional permitted payment formulas. We can make restricted payments of $60 million annually so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing. Our ability to make additional restricted payments is permitted should our pro forma trailing-twelve-month Total Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow Ratio be less than or equal to 5.00x. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership’s Total Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow (as defined) ratio were both 3.65x, providing $116.0 million and $98.2 million of Consolidated Cash Flow cushion on the Consolidated-Cash-Flow Ratios, respectively. The Partnership was in compliance with all other indenture covenants as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
As market conditions warrant, we may from time to time repurchase debt securities issued by us, in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, by tender offer or otherwise.
In accordance with these debt provisions, on November 6, 2014, we announced the declaration of a distribution of $0.75 per limited partner unit, which was paid on December 15, 2014, and on February 25, 2015 we announced the declaration of a distribution of $0.75 per limited partner unit, payable March 25, 2015.
Existing credit facilities and cash flows from operations are expected to be sufficient to meet working capital needs, debt service, partnership distributions and planned capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes certain obligations (on an undiscounted basis) at December 31, 2014 (in millions):

 
Payments Due by Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020 -
 
Total
 
2015
 
2016-2017
 
2018-2019
 
Thereafter
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt  (1)
$
2,117,345

 
$
89,565

 
$
172,804

 
$
164,099

 
$
1,690,877

Capital expenditures (2)
172,071

 
158,375

 
13,696

 

 

Lease & other obligations (3)
157,212

 
21,469

 
15,692

 
13,008

 
107,043

Total
$
2,446,628

 
$
269,409

 
$
202,192

 
$
177,107

 
$
1,797,920


(1)
Represents maturities and mandatory prepayments on long-term debt obligations, fixed interest on senior notes, variable interest on term debt assuming current LIBOR interest rates, and the impact of our various derivative contracts. See Note 5 in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.
(2)
Represents contractual obligations in place at year-end for the purchase of new rides, facilities, and attractions. Obligations not denominated in U.S. dollars have been converted based on the currency exchange rates as of December 31, 2014 .
(3)
Represents contractual lease and purchase obligations in place at year-end.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had $16.3 million of letters of credit, which are primarily in place to backstop insurance arrangements, outstanding on our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2014 . We have no other significant off-balance sheet financing arrangements.



24


Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks from fluctuations in interest rates and to currency exchange rates on our operations in Canada, and from time to time, on imported rides and equipment. The objective of our financial risk management is to reduce the potential negative impact of interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations to acceptable levels. We do not acquire market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.
We manage interest rate risk through the use of a combination of fixed-rate long-term debt and interest rate swaps to fix some or all of our variable-rate long-term debt. Translation exposures with regard to our Canadian operations are not hedged.
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify as effective hedging activities are reported as “Net effect of swaps” in the consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, the “Other comprehensive income (loss)” related to interest rate swaps that become ineffective is amortized over the remaining life of the interest rate swap and reported as a component of “Net effect of swaps” in the consolidated statement of operations.
After considering the impact of interest rate swap agreements, as of December 31, 2014 , virtually all of our outstanding long-term debt represents fixed-rate debt. Assuming an average balance on our revolving credit borrowings of approximately $18 million, a hypothetical 100 bps increase in 30-day LIBOR on our variable-rate debt (not considering the impact of our interest rate swaps) would lead to an increase of approximately $5.3 million in annual cash interest costs.
Assuming a hypothetical 100 bps increase in 30-day LIBOR, the amount of net cash interest paid on our derivative portfolio would decrease by $6.8 million over the next year.
A uniform 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar would result in a $3.4 million decrease in annual operating income.


Impact of Inflation

Substantial increases in costs and expenses could impact our operating results to the extent such increases could not be passed along to our guests. In particular, increases in labor, supplies, taxes, and utility expenses could have an impact on our operating results. The majority of our employees are seasonal and are paid hourly rates which are consistent with federal and state minimum wage laws. Historically, we have been able to pass along cost increases to guests through increases in admission, food, merchandise and other prices, and we believe that we will continue to have the ability to do so over the long term. We believe that the effects of inflation, if any, on our operating results and financial condition have been and will continue to be minor.


Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this report (including the “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section) that are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements as to our expectations, beliefs and strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements may involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Important factors, including those listed under Item 1A in this Form 10-K could adversely affect our future financial performance and cause actual results, or our beliefs or strategies, to differ materially from our expectations. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the filing date of this document.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The information appearing under the subheading “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” under the heading “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” on page 25 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.



25

Table of Contents

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Quarterly operating results for 2014 and 2013 are presented in the table below (in thousands, except per unit amounts):

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(loss) per
 
(loss) per
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
Net income
 
limited partner
 
limited partner
(Unaudited)
 
Net revenues
 
(loss)
 
(loss)
 
unit-basic
 
unit-diluted
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1st Quarter
 
$
40,466

 
$
(71,577
)
 
$
(83,540
)
 
$
(1.51
)
 
$
(1.51
)
2nd Quarter (1)
 
363,014

 
91,847

 
43,902

 
0.79

 
0.79

3rd Quarter
 
595,318

 
252,933

 
161,902

 
2.92

 
2.90

4th Quarter (2)
 
160,807

 
5,129

 
(18,049
)
 
(0.32
)
 
(0.32
)
 
 
$
1,159,605

 
$
278,332

 
$
104,215

 
$
1.88

 
$
1.86

2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1st Quarter (3)
 
$
41,799

 
$
(66,320
)
 
$
(109,126
)
 
$
(1.95
)
 
$
(1.95
)
2nd Quarter
 
361,620

 
97,455

 
47,390

 
0.85

 
0.85

3rd Quarter
 
592,076

 
266,723

 
190,424

 
3.43

 
3.41

4th Quarter
 
139,077

 
3,903

 
(20,484
)
 
(0.37
)
 
(0.37
)
 
 
$
1,134,572

 
$
301,761

 
$
108,204

 
$
1.95

 
$
1.94

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
The second quarter of 2014 included a charge of $29.3 million for the loss on early extinguishment of debt due to the June 2014 refinancing.
(2)
The fourth quarter of 2014 included a non-cash charge of $2.4 million for the impairment of long-lived assets at Wildwater Kingdom.
(3)
The first quarter of 2013 included a non-cash charge of $34.6 million for the loss on early extinguishment of debt due to the March 2013 refinancing.

Note:
To assure that our highly seasonal operations will not result in misleading comparisons of interim periods, the Partnership has adopted the following reporting procedures: (a) seasonal operating costs are expensed over the operating season, including some costs incurred prior to the season, which are deferred and amortized over the season, and (b) all other costs are expensed as incurred or ratably over the entire year.

26

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Unitholders of Cedar Fair, L.P.
Sandusky, Ohio

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cedar Fair, L.P. and subsidiaries (the "Partnership") as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, partners' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cedar Fair, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
February 26, 2015









27


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
 
 
12/31/2014
 
12/31/2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
131,840

 
$
118,056

Receivables
 
27,395

 
21,333

Inventories
 
25,883

 
26,080

Current deferred tax asset
 
9,265

 
9,675

Other current assets
 
9,334

 
11,353

 
 
203,717

 
186,497

Property and Equipment:
 
 
 
 
Land
 
276,297

 
283,313

Land improvements
 
366,863

 
350,869

Buildings
 
599,907

 
584,659

Rides and equipment
 
1,535,705

 
1,494,112

Construction in progress
 
70,431

 
44,550

 
 
2,849,203

 
2,757,503

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(1,322,652
)
 
(1,251,740
)
 
 
1,526,551

 
1,505,763

Goodwill
 
228,291

 
238,089

Other Intangibles, net
 
38,191

 
39,471

Other Assets
 
41,569

 
44,807

 
 
$
2,038,319

 
$
2,014,627

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
23,933

 
$
13,222

Deferred revenue
 
61,161

 
44,521

Accrued interest
 
9,916

 
23,201

Accrued taxes
 
21,800

 
19,481

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
 
34,102

 
29,200

Self-insurance reserves
 
23,377

 
23,653

Current derivative liability
 
11,791

 

Other accrued liabilities
 
12,139

 
5,521

 
 
198,219

 
158,799

Deferred Tax Liability
 
152,513

 
158,113

Derivative Liability
 
14,649

 
26,662

Other Liabilities
 
17,871

 
11,290

Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
Term debt
 
608,850

 
618,850

Notes
 
950,000

 
901,782

 
 
1,558,850

 
1,520,632

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
 

 

Partners’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
Special L.P. interests
 
5,290

 
5,290

General partner
 
1

 
2

Limited partners, 55,828, and 55,716 units outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
 
101,556

 
148,847

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(10,630
)
 
(15,008
)
 
 
96,217

 
139,131

 
 
$
2,038,319

 
$
2,014,627

    

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

28

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

For the years ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Admissions
 
$
661,455

 
$
647,007

 
$
612,069

Food, merchandise and games
 
365,528

 
356,105

 
342,214

Accommodations and other
 
132,622

 
131,460

 
114,171

 
 
1,159,605

 
1,134,572

 
1,068,454

Costs and expenses:
 

 
 
 
 
Cost of food, merchandise and games revenues
 
95,208

 
91,772

 
95,048

Operating expenses
 
496,079

 
472,344

 
451,403

Selling, general and administrative
 
156,864

 
152,412

 
138,311

Depreciation and amortization
 
124,286

 
122,487

 
126,306

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
 
9,757

 
2,539

 
30,336

Gain on sale of other assets
 
(921
)
 
(8,743
)
 
(6,625
)
 
 
881,273

 
832,811

 
834,779

Operating income
 
278,332

 
301,761

 
233,675

Interest expense
 
96,286

 
103,071

 
110,619

Net effect of swaps
 
(2,062
)
 
6,883

 
(1,492
)
Loss on early debt extinguishment
 
29,261

 
34,573

 

Unrealized/realized foreign currency (gain) loss
 
40,873

 
28,941

 
(8,998
)
Other income
 
(126
)
 
(154
)
 
(68
)
Income before taxes
 
114,100

 
128,447

 
133,614

Provision for taxes
 
9,885

 
20,243

 
31,757

Net income
 
104,215

 
108,204

 
101,857

Net income allocated to general partner
 
1

 
1

 
1

Net income allocated to limited partners
 
$
104,214

 
$
108,203

 
$
101,856

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
104,215

 
$
108,204

 
$
101,857

Other comprehensive income, (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment
 
5,931

 
2,756

 
369

Unrealized income (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives
 
(1,553
)
 
10,736

 
139

Other comprehensive income, (net of tax)
 
4,378

 
13,492

 
508

Total comprehensive income
 
$
108,593

 
$
121,696

 
$
102,365

Basic earnings per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding
 
55,548

 
55,476

 
55,518

Net income per limited partner unit
 
$
1.88

 
$
1.95

 
$
1.83

Diluted earnings per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding
 
55,992

 
55,825

 
55,895

Net income per limited partner unit
 
$
1.86

 
$
1.94

 
$
1.82



The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

29

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
For the years ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
104,215

 
$
108,204

 
$
101,857

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
124,286

 
122,487

 
126,306

Non-cash equity based compensation expense
 
9,668

 
6,391

 
4,476

Loss on early debt extinguishment
 
29,261

 
34,573

 

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
 
9,757

 
2,539

 
30,336

Gain on sale of other assets
 
(921
)
 
(8,743
)
 
(6,625
)
Net effect of swaps
 
(2,062
)
 
6,883

 
(1,492
)
Amortization of debt issuance costs
 
4,602

 
6,130

 
10,417

Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain) on debt
 
39,088

 
27,786

 
(8,758
)
Non-cash deferred income tax expense (benefit)
 
(2,961
)
 
3,348

 
27,502

Excess tax benefit from unit-based compensation expense
 
(140
)
 
(855
)
 
(1,208
)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Increase) decrease in receivables
 
(6,235
)
 
(6,257
)
 
(10,543
)
(Increase) decrease in inventories
 
46

 
1,535

 
5,251

(Increase) decrease in current assets
 
1,949

 
(317
)
 
3,923

(Increase) decrease in other assets
 
1,072

 
(1,737
)
 
(2,739
)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
 
884

 
174

 
170

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue
 
16,965

 
5,491

 
9,804

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest
 
(12,554
)
 
8,714

 
(587
)
Increase (decrease) in accrued taxes
 
2,319

 
1,690

 
1,883

Increase (decrease) in accrued salaries and wages
 
4,998

 
4,440

 
(8,576
)
Increase (decrease) in self-insurance reserves
 
(133
)
 
(136
)
 
2,625

Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities
 
6,630

 
(386
)
 
(1,986
)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
 
6,369

 
2,503

 
3,897

Net cash from operating activities
 
337,103

 
324,457

 
285,933

CASH FLOWS FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from the sale of other assets
 
1,377

 
15,297

 
16,058

Capital expenditures
 
(166,719
)
 
(120,448
)
 
(96,232
)
Net cash for investing activities
 
(165,342
)
 
(105,151
)
 
(80,174
)
CASH FLOWS FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term debt borrowings
 

 
630,000

 

Note borrowings
 
450,000

 
500,000

 

Derivative settlement
 

 

 
(50,450
)
Term debt payments, including early termination penalties
 
(10,000
)
 
(1,142,250
)
 
(25,000
)
Note payments, including early termination penalties
 
(426,148
)
 

 

Distributions paid to partners
 
(159,432
)
 
(143,457
)
 
(88,813
)
Payment of debt issuance costs
 
(9,795
)
 
(23,532
)
 

Exercise of limited partnership unit options
 

 
52

 
76

Excess tax benefit from unit-based compensation expense
 
140

 
855

 
1,208

Net cash for financing activities
 
(155,235
)
 
(178,332
)
 
(162,979
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
(2,742
)
 
(1,748
)
 
526

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase for the year
 
13,784

 
39,226

 
43,306

Balance, beginning of year
 
118,056

 
78,830

 
35,524

Balance, end of year
 
$
131,840

 
$
118,056

 
$
78,830

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

30

Table of Contents

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the years ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash payments for interest expense
 
$
104,198

 
$
90,834

 
$
101,883

Interest capitalized
 
2,983

 
1,610

 
1,322

Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds
 
11,162

 
14,822

 
1,783

Capital expenditures in accounts payable
 
12,262

 
4,099

 
1,896


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

31

Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)
For the years ended December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited Partnership Units Outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
55,716

 
55,618

 
55,346

Limited partnership unit options exercised
19

 
6

 
16

Limited partnership unit forfeitures
(2
)
 
(1
)
 

Issuance of limited partnership units related to compensation
95

 
93

 
256

 
55,828

 
55,716

 
55,618

Limited Partners’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
148,847

 
$
177,660

 
$
160,068

Net income
104,214

 
108,203

 
101,856

Partnership distribution declared (2014 - $2.85; 2013 - $2.58; 2012 - $1.60)
(159,430
)
 
(143,457
)
 
(88,813
)
Expense recognized for limited partnership unit options
890

 
903

 
345

Cash received for limited partnership unit options exercised

 
52

 
76

Tax effect of units involved in option exercises and treasury unit transactions
140

 
855

 
1,208

Issuance of limited partnership units related to compensation
6,895

 
4,631

 
2,920

 
101,556

 
148,847

 
177,660

General Partner’s Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
2

 
1

 

Partnership distribution declared
(2
)
 

 

Net income
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
2

 
1

Special L.P. Interests
5,290

 
5,290

 
5,290

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment:
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
5

 
(2,751
)
 
(3,120
)
Current year activity, net of tax ($3,410) in 2014, ($1,586) in 2013, ($213) in 2012)
5,931

 
2,756

 
369

 
5,936

 
5

 
(2,751
)
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
(15,013
)
 
(25,749
)
 
(25,888
)
Current year activity, net of tax ($288 in 2014, ($1,745) in 2013, ($210) in 2012)
(1,553
)
 
10,736

 
139

 
(16,566
)
 
(15,013
)
 
(25,749
)
 
(10,630
)
 
(15,008
)
 
(28,500
)
Total Partners’ Equity
$
96,217

 
$
139,131

 
$
154,451

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.



32

Table of Contents

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) Partnership Organization:

Cedar Fair, L.P. (together with its affiliated companies, the "Partnership") is a Delaware limited partnership that commenced operations in 1983 when it acquired Cedar Point, Inc., and became a publicly traded partnership in 1987. The Partnership's general partner is Cedar Fair Management, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the “General Partner”), whose shares are held by an Ohio trust. The General Partner owns a 0.001% interest in the Partnership's income, losses and cash distributions, except in defined circumstances, and has full responsibility for management of the Partnership. At December 31, 2014 there were 55,827,658 outstanding limited partnership units listed on The New York Stock Exchange, net of 1,234,325 units held in treasury. At December 31, 2013 , there were 55,716,300 outstanding limited partnership units listed, net of 1,345,683 units held in treasury.

The General Partner may, with the approval of a specified percentage of the limited partners, make additional capital contributions to the Partnership, but is only obligated to do so if the liabilities of the Partnership cannot otherwise be paid or there exists a negative balance in its capital account at the time of its withdrawal from the Partnership. The General Partner, in accordance with the terms of the Partnership Agreement, is required to make regular cash distributions on a quarterly basis of all the Partnership's available cash, as defined in the Partnership Agreement. In accordance with the Partnership agreement and restrictions within the Partnership's 2013 Credit Agreement, the General Partner paid $2.85 per limited partner unit in distributions, or approximately $159.4 million in aggregate, in 2014.


(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

The following policies are used by the Partnership in its preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Foreign Currency     The financial statements of the Partnership's Canadian subsidiary are measured using the Canadian dollar as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at current currency exchange rates, while income and expenses are translated at average monthly currency exchange rates. Translation gains and losses are included as components of accumulated other comprehensive loss in partners' equity.

In 2014, the Partnership recognized a $40.9 million charge to earnings for unrealized/realized foreign currency losses, $39.1 million related to U.S.-dollar denominated debt held at its Canadian property. In 2013, the Partnership recognized a $28.9 million charge to earnings for unrealized/realized foreign currency losses, $27.8 million of which represented an unrealized foreign currency loss on the U.S.-dollar denominated notes held at its Canadian property. In 2012, the Partnership recognized a $9.0 million benefit to earnings for unrealized/realized foreign currency gain, $8.8 million of which represented an unrealized foreign currency gain on the U.S.-dollar denominated notes held at its Canadian property. All other transaction gains and losses included in the 2014, 2013 and 2012 consolidated statements of operations were not material.

Segment Reporting Each of the Partnership's parks operates autonomously, and management reviews operating results, evaluates performance and makes operating decisions, including the allocation of resources, on a property-by-property basis. In addition to reviewing and evaluating performance of the business at the individual park level, the structure of the Partnership's management incentive compensation systems are centered around the operating results of each park as an integrated operating unit. Therefore, each park represents a separate operating segment of the Partnership's business. Although the Partnership manages its parks with a high degree of autonomy, each park offers and markets a similar collection of products and services to similar customers. In addition, the parks all have similar economic characteristics, in that they all show similar long-term growth trends in key industry metrics such as attendance, guest per capita spending, net revenue, operating costs and operating profit. Therefore, the Partnership operates within the single reportable segment of amusement/water parks with accompanying resort facilities.

Estimates     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during each period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents     The Partnership considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventories     The Partnership's inventories primarily consist of purchased products, such as merchandise and food, for sale to its customers. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost methods of accounting at the park level.

Property and Equipment     Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures made to maintain such assets in their original operating condition are expensed as incurred, and improvements and upgrades are generally capitalized. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation expense totaled $124.3 million in 2014, $122.4 million in 2013, and $126.3 million in 2012. In 2014 and 2012, charges for the impairment of assets at Wildwater Kingdom of $2.4 million and $25.0 million were recorded in "Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net" on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income and are discussed in detail in Note 3. In 2014, 2013, and 2012, the remaining amounts recorded for "Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net" related

33


to the retirement of fixed assets during the normal course of business. In 2014, 2013, and 2012, three non-core assets were sold for gains of $0.9 million , $8.7 million , and $6.6 million which were recorded in "Gain on sale of other assets" on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.

The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
Land improvements
Approximately
 
25 years
 
Buildings
25 years
-
40 years
 
Rides
Approximately
 
20 years
 
Equipment
3 years
-
10 years
 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets     Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 360 “Property, Plant, and Equipment” requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss may be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset, including disposition, are less than the carrying value of the asset. The measurement of the impairment loss to be recognized is based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying amounts of the assets. Fair value is generally determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis. In order to determine if an asset has been impaired, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable, independent cash flows are available.

Goodwill     FASB ASC 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” requires that goodwill be tested for impairment. An impairment charge would be recognized for the amount, if any, by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. The fair value of a reporting unit and the related implied fair value of its respective goodwill are established using a combination of an income (discounted cash flow) approach and market approach. Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. All of the Partnership's goodwill is allocated to its reporting units and goodwill impairment tests are performed at the reporting unit level. The Partnership performed its annual goodwill impairment tests as of December 31, 2014 and concluded there was no impairment of the carrying value of the goodwill.

Other Intangible Assets     The Partnership's other intangible assets consist primarily of trade-names and license and franchise agreements. The Partnership assesses the indefinite-lived trade-names for impairment separately from goodwill. After considering the expected use of the trade-names and reviewing any legal, regulatory, contractual, obsolescence, demand, competitive or other economic factors that could limit the useful lives of the trade-names, in accordance with FASB ASC 350, the Partnership determined that the trade-names had indefinite lives. Pursuant to FASB ASC 350, indefinite-lived intangible assets are no longer amortized, but rather are reviewed, along with goodwill, annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. The Partnership's license and franchise agreements are amortized over the life of the agreement, generally ranging from five to twenty years.

Self-Insurance Reserves      Reserves are recorded for the estimated amounts of guest and employee claims and expenses incurred each period that are not covered by insurance. Reserves are established for both identified claims and incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims. Such amounts are accrued for when claim amounts become probable and estimable. Reserves for identified claims are based upon the Partnership's own historical claims experience and third-party estimates of settlement costs. Reserves for IBNR claims, which are not material to our consolidated financial statements, are based upon the Partnership's own claims data history. All reserves are periodically reviewed for changes in facts and circumstances and adjustments are made as necessary. At December 31, 2014 and 2013 the accrued reserves totaled $23.4 million and $23.7 million , respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments     The Partnership is exposed to market risks, primarily resulting from changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. To manage these risks, it may enter into derivative transactions pursuant to its overall financial risk management program. The Partnership does not use them for trading purposes.

The Partnership accounts for the use of derivative financial instruments according to FASB ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”. For derivative instruments that hedge the exposure of variability in short-term rates, designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For the ineffective portion of a derivative, the change in fair value, if any, is reported in “Net effect of swaps” in earnings together with the changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges. Derivative financial instruments used in hedging transactions are assessed both at inception and quarterly thereafter to ensure they are effective in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the related underlying exposures.

Revenue Recognition     Revenues on multi-use tickets are recognized over the estimated number of uses expected for each type of ticket, and are adjusted periodically during the season. Other revenues are recognized on a daily basis based on actual guest spending at our facilities, or over the park operating season in the case of certain marina revenues and certain sponsorship revenues. Revenues on multi-use tickets for the next operating season, are deferred in the year received and recognized as revenue in the following operating season.

Admission revenues include amounts paid to gain admission into our parks, including parking fees. Revenues related to extra-charge attractions, including our premium benefit offerings, are included in Accommodations and other revenue.


34


Advertising Costs     The Partnership expenses all costs associated with its advertising, promotion and marketing programs over each park's operating season, including certain costs incurred prior to the season that are amortized over the season. Advertising expense totaled $58.4 million in 2014, $57.8 million in 2013 and $55.4 million in 2012. Certain prepaid costs incurred through year-end for the following year's advertising programs are included in other current assets.

Unit-Based Compensation     The Partnership accounts for unit-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation” which requires measurement of compensation cost for all equity-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. The Partnership uses a binomial option-pricing model for all grant date estimations of fair value.

Income Taxes     The Partnership's legal entity structure includes both partnerships and corporate subsidiaries. As a publicly traded partnership, the Partnership is subject to an entity-level tax (the "PTP tax"). Accordingly, the Partnership itself is not subject to corporate income taxes; rather, the Partnership's tax attributes (except those of the corporate subsidiaries) are included in the tax returns of its partners. The Partnership's corporate subsidiaries are subject to entity-level income taxes.

Neither the Partnership's financial reporting income, nor the cash distributions to unitholders, can be used as a substitute for the detailed tax calculations that the Partnership must perform annually for its partners. Net income from the Partnership is not treated as “passive income” for federal income tax purposes. As a result, partners subject to the passive activity loss rules are not permitted to offset income from the Partnership with passive losses from other sources.

The Partnership's corporate subsidiaries account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future book and tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income at the time of enactment of such change in tax rates. Any interest or penalties due for payment of income taxes are included in the provision for income taxes. The Partnership's total provision for taxes includes PTP taxes owed (see Note 9).

Earnings Per Unit     For purposes of calculating the basic and diluted earnings per limited partner unit, no adjustments have been made to the reported amounts of net income. The unit amounts used are as follows:

 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
(In thousands except per unit amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average units outstanding
 
55,548

 
55,476

 
55,518

Effect of dilutive units:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred units (Note 7)
 
6

 

 

Performance units (Note 7)
 
31

 

 

Restricted units (Note 7)
 
195

 
103

 
37

Unit options (Note 7)
 
123

 
59

 
6

Phantom units (Note 7)
 
89

 
187

 
334

Diluted weighted average units outstanding
 
55,992

 
55,825

 
55,895

Net income per unit - basic
 
$
1.88

 
$
1.95

 
$
1.83

Net income per unit - diluted
 
$
1.86

 
$
1.94

 
$
1.82

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Weighted average unit options of 0 , 5,000 , and 12,000 were excluded from the diluted earnings per unit calculation as they were anti-dilutive for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Accounting pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, “Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date,” which requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the following:

The amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors.
Any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors.


35


The guidance in this Update also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as other information about those obligations. The amendments in the Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Partnership adopted this guidance in 2014 (see Note 13).

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). The amendments in ASU 2014-09 provide for a single, principles-based model for revenue recognition that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. It permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and early adoption is not permitted. The Partnership has not yet selected a transition method and is in the process of evaluating the effect this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.


(3) Long-Lived Assets:

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. In order to determine if an asset has been impaired, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable, independent cash flows are available. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in equity price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition; and slower growth rates. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

The long-lived asset impairment test involves a two-step process. The first step is a comparison of each asset group's carrying value to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets, including disposition. Projected future cash flows reflect management's best estimates of economic and market conditions over the projected period, including growth rates in revenues and costs, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins and cash expenditures. Other significant estimates and assumptions include terminal value growth rates and future estimates of capital expenditures. If the carrying value of the asset group is higher than its undiscounted future cash flows, there is an indication that impairment exists and the second step must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of the asset group to its carrying value in a manner consistent with the highest and best use of those assets. The Partnership estimates fair value of operating assets using an income (discounted cash flows) approach, which uses an asset group's projection of estimated operating results and cash flows that is discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital reflective of current market conditions. If the implied fair value of the assets is less than their carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

Non-operating assets are evaluated for impairment based on changes in market conditions. When changes in market conditions are observed, impairment is estimated using a market-based approach. If the estimated fair value of the non-operating assets is less than their carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

At the end of the fourth quarter of 2014, the Partnership concluded based on current operating results and updated forecasts, that a review of the carrying value of operating long-lived assets at Wildwater Kingdom was warranted. After performing its review, the Partnership determined that the park's fixed assets were impaired by $2.4 million . A charge for this amount was recorded in "Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net" on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.

There were no fixed assets that were impaired during 2013. At the end of the third quarter of 2012, the Partnership concluded based on 2012 operating results through the third quarter and updated forecasts, that a review of the carrying value of operating long-lived assets at Wildwater Kingdom was warranted. After performing its review, the Partnership determined that a portion of the park's fixed assets were impaired. Also, at the end of the third quarter of 2012, the Partnership concluded that market conditions had changed on the adjacent non-operating land of Wildwater Kingdom. After performing its review of the updated market value of the land, the Partnership determined the land was impaired. The Partnership recognized a total of $25.0 million of non-operating and operating fixed-asset impairment during the third quarter of 2012 which was recorded in "Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net" on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.


(4) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, including trade-names, are reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in equity price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition; the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and slower growth rates. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. The first step is a comparison of each reporting unit's fair value to its carrying value. The Partnership estimates fair value using both an income (discounted cash flows) and market approach. The income approach uses a reporting unit's projection of estimated operating results and cash flows that is discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions. The projection uses management's best estimates of economic and market conditions over the projected period including

36


growth rates in revenues and costs, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins and cash expenditures. Other significant estimates and assumptions include terminal value growth rates, future estimates of capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements. A market approach estimates fair value by applying cash flow multiples to the reporting unit's operating performance. The multiples are derived from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics of the reporting units.

If the carrying value of the reporting unit is higher than its fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist and the second step must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

A relief-from-royalty model is used to determine whether the fair value of trade-names exceed their carrying amounts. The fair value of the trade-names is determined as the present value of fees avoided by owning the respective trade-name.

A summary of changes in the Partnership's carrying value of goodwill is as follows:

 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
Impairment
 
Goodwill
 
 
(gross)
 
Losses
 
(net)
($'s in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2012
 
$
326,089

 
$
(79,868
)
 
$
246,221

Foreign currency exchange translation
 
(8,132
)
 

 
(8,132
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
317,957

 
(79,868
)
 
238,089

Foreign currency exchange translation
 
(9,798
)
 

 
(9,798
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
308,159

 
$
(79,868
)
 
$
228,291



The Partnership's other intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
Gross
 
 
 
Net
 
 
Amortization
 
Carrying
 
Accumulated
 
Carrying
 
 
Period
 
Amount
 
Amortization
 
Value
 
 
($'s in thousands)
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade names
 

 
$
37,683

 
$

 
$
37,683

License / franchise agreements
 
13.5 years

 
818

 
310

 
508

Total other intangible assets
 
13.5 years

 
$
38,501

 
$
310

 
$
38,191

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade names
 

 
$
39,070

 
$

 
$
39,070

License / franchise agreements
 
14.7 years

 
800

 
399

 
401

Total other intangible assets
 
14.7 years

 
$
39,870

 
$
399

 
$
39,471


Amortization expense of other intangible assets for 2014, 2013, and 2012 was immaterial and is expected to be immaterial going forward.









37


(5) Long-Term Debt:

Long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
($'s in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving credit facility (due 2018)
 
$

 
$

Term debt (1)
 
 
 
 
March 2013 U.S. term loan averaging 3.25% at 2013 (due 2013-2020)
 
608,850

 
618,850

Notes
 
 
 
 
June 2014 U.S. fixed rate note at 5.375% (due 2024)
 
450,000

 

March 2013 U.S. fixed rate note at 5.25% (due 2021)
 
500,000

 
500,000

July 2010 U.S. fixed rate note at 9.125% (due 2018)
 

 
401,782

 
 
1,558,850

 
1,520,632

Less: current portion
 

 

 
 
$
1,558,850

 
$
1,520,632

 
 
 
 
 
(1)
These average interest rates do not reflect the effect of interest rate swap agreements entered into on variable-rate term debt (see Note 6).

In July 2010, the Partnership issued $405 million of 9.125% senior unsecured notes, maturing in 2018, in a private placement, including $5.6 million of original issue discount to yield 9.375% . Concurrently with this offering, the Partnership entered into a new $1,435 million credit agreement (the 2010 Credit Agreement), which included a $1,175 million senior secured term loan facility and a $260 million senior secured revolving credit facility.

In February 2011 , the Partnership amended its 2010 Credit Agreement (as so amended, the “Amended 2010 Credit Agreement”) to extend the maturity date of the U.S. term loan portion of the credit facilities by one year. The extended U.S. term loan was scheduled to mature in December 2017 and bore interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 300 bps, with a LIBOR floor of 100 bps.

In March 2013, the Partnership issued $500 million of 5.25% senior unsecured notes, maturing in 2021, in a private placement. Concurrently with this offering, the Partnership entered into a new $885 million credit agreement (as amended, the "2013 Credit Agreement"), which included a $630 million senior secured term loan facility and a $255 million senior secured revolving credit facility. The Partnership has historically used LIBOR as its rate for borrowings. The terms of the senior secured term loan facility include a maturity date of March 6, 2020 and an interest rate of LIBOR plus 250 bps with a LIBOR floor of 75 bps. The term loan amortizes at $6.3 million annually. During the fourth quarter of 2014, $10 million of term debt was prepaid, resulting in no amortizing amounts due until the third quarter of 2016. The net proceeds from the notes issued in March 2013 and borrowings under the 2013 Credit Agreement were used to repay in full all amounts outstanding under the previous credit facilities. The facilities provided under the 2013 Credit Agreement are collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Partnership.

In June of 2014, the Partnership issued $450 million of 5.375% senior unsecured notes ("June 2014 notes"), maturing in 2024, in a private placement. The net proceeds from the offering of the June 2014 notes were used to redeem in full all of the Partnership’s $405 million of 9.125% senior unsecured notes that were scheduled to mature in 2018 (and which included $5.6 million of Original Issue Discount ("OID") to yield 9.375% ), to satisfy and discharge the indenture governing the notes that were redeemed and for general corporate purposes.

Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada’s Wonderland Company ("Cedar Canada"), and Magnum Management Corporation ("Magnum") are the co-issuers of the notes and co-borrowers of the senior secured credit facilities. In December 2014, the Partnership amended its credit agreement in order to add Millennium Operations, LLC, a newly converted wholly-owned limited liability company, as a co-borrower in connection with the Partnership's on-going long term tax planning efforts. The amendment is effective beginning on January 1, 2015. Both the notes and senior secured credit facilities have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by each 100% owned subsidiary of Cedar Fair (other than Cedar Canada and Magnum). There are no non-guarantor subsidiaries.

Revolving Credit Loans     Terms of the 2013 Credit Agreement include a combined $255 million revolving credit facility. Under the agreement, the Canadian portion of the revolving credit facility has a sub-limit of $15 million . U.S. denominated and Canadian denominated loans made under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 225 basis points (bps). The revolving credit facility, which matures in March 2018, also provides for the issuance of documentary and standby letters of credit. As of December 31, 2014, no borrowings under the revolving credit facility were outstanding and standby letters of credit totaled $16.3 million . After letters of credit, the Partnership had $238.7 million of available borrowings under its revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2014. The maximum outstanding balance during 2014 was $85.0 million under the revolving credit facility. The 2013 Credit Agreement requires the Partnership to pay a commitment fee of 38 bps per annum on the unused portion of the credit facilities.

Term Debt     The credit facilities provided under the 2013 Credit Agreement include a $630 million U.S. term loan maturing in March 2020. As of December 31, 2014, the U.S. term loan bore interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 250 bps, with a LIBOR floor of 75 bps.


38


At December 31, 2014, the scheduled annual maturities of term debt were as follows ($'s in thousands):
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
Total
U.S. Term loan maturing in 2020
$

 
$
2,475

 
$
6,300

 
$
6,300

 
$
6,300

 
$
587,475

 
$
608,850

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The fair value of the term debt at December 31, 2014, was approximately $605.8 million , based on borrowing rates available as of that date to the Partnership on long-term debt with similar terms and maturities. The fair value of the outstanding debt at December 31, 2013, was approximately $620.4 million , based on borrowing rates available to the Partnership on long-term debt with similar terms and maturities at December 31, 2013. These borrowing rates used to value the term debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are considered Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 11 for further detail about fair value measurements.

The Partnership may prepay some or all of its term debt maturing in 2020 without premium or penalty at any time.

Notes     The notes issued by the Partnership in March 2013 pay interest semi-annually in March and September, with the principal due in full on March 15, 2021. The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to March 15, 2016 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a “make-whole” premium together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed. Prior to March 15, 2016, up to 35% of the notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 105.25% , together with accrued and unpaid interest.

The notes issued by the Partnership in June 2014 pay interest semi-annually in June and December, with the principal due in full on June 1, 2024. The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to June 1, 2019 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a “make-whole” premium together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed. Prior to June 1, 2017, up to 35% of the notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 105.375% together with accrued and unpaid interest.

As market conditions warrant, the Partnership may from time to time repurchase debt securities issued by the Partnership, in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer, exchange offer or otherwise.

The fair value of the notes at December 31, 2014, was approximately $952.4 million based borrowing rates available to the Partnership as of that date on notes with similar terms and maturities. The fair value of the notes at December 31, 2013, was approximately $933.2 million , based on borrowing rates available to the Partnership as of that date on notes with similar terms and maturities. These borrowing rates used to value the March 2013 and June 2014 notes as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are considered Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 11 for further detail about fair value measurements.

Covenants     The 2013 Credit Agreement requires the Partnership to maintain specified financial ratios, which if breached for any reason could result in an event of default under the agreement. The most restrictive of these ratios is the Consolidated Leverage Ratio. This ratio was set at a maximum of 6.00 x Consolidated Total Debt (excluding the revolving debt)-to-Consolidated EBITDA as of December 31, 2014 and at a maximum of 6.25 x as of December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership’s Consolidated Total Debt (excluding revolving debt)-to-Consolidated EBITDA (as defined) ratio was 3.61 x and 3.59 x, providing $171.5 million and $180.1 million of Consolidated EBITDA cushion on the Consolidated Leverage Ratios, respectively. The Partnership was in compliance with all other credit agreement covenants as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The 2013 Credit Agreement allows restricted payments of up to $60 million annually so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing and subject to compliance with certain financial ratios after giving effect to the payments. Additional restricted payments are allowed to be made based on an excess-cash-flow formula, should our pro-forma Consolidated Leverage Ratio be less than or equal to 5.00 x.

The indentures governing our notes also include annual restricted payment limitations and additional permitted payment formulas. We can make restricted payments of $60 million annually so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing. Our ability to make additional restricted payments is permitted should our pro forma trailing-twelve-month Total Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow ratio be less than or equal to 5.00 x. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership’s Total Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow (as defined) ratio was 3.65 x and 3.65 x, providing $116.0 million and $98.2 million of Consolidated Cash Flow cushion on the Consolidated-Cash-Flow ratios, respectively. The Partnership was in compliance with all other indenture agreement covenants as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The Partnership's policy is to capitalize interest on major construction projects. In 2014, interest payments of $3.0 million were capitalized, as compared to interest of $1.6 million capitalized in 2013 and $1.3 million capitalized in 2012.


(6) Derivative Financial Instruments:

Derivative financial instruments are used within the Partnership’s overall risk management program to manage certain interest rate and foreign currency risks. By utilizing a derivative instrument to hedge our exposure to LIBOR rate changes, the Partnership is exposed to counterparty

39


credit risk. Counterparty credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. To mitigate this risk, hedging instruments are placed with a counterparty that the Partnership believes poses minimal credit risk.
The Partnership does not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
We have entered into several interest rate swaps that fix all of our variable rate term-debt payments. As of December 31, 2014, we have $800 million of variable-rate debt to fixed rates swaps that mature in December 2015 and fix LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.38% . These swaps have been de-designated as cash flow hedges. During the third quarter and fourth quarter of 2013, we entered into four forward-starting interest rate swap agreements that will effectively convert $500 million of variable-rate debt to fixed rates beginning in December of 2015. These swaps, which were designated as cash flow hedges, mature on December 31, 2018 and fix LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.94% .
The fair market value of our swap portfolio was a liability of $26.4 million and $26.7 million , at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and was recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as listed below.

($'s in thousands):
 
Consolidated
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value as of
 
Fair Value as of
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
Derivative Liability
 
$
(14,649
)
 
$
(3,916
)
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
(14,649
)
 
(3,916
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Interest rate swaps
 
Current Derivative Liability
 
(11,791
)
 

     Interest rate swaps
 
Derivative Liability
 

 
(22,746
)
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
(11,791
)
 
(22,746
)
Net derivative liability
 
 
 
$
(26,440
)
 
$
(26,662
)

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Changes in fair value of highly effective hedges are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets. Any ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in income. Amounts recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss are reclassified into earnings in the same period the forecasted transactions affect earnings. As of December 31, 2014 we have no amounts that are forecasted to be reclassified into earnings in the next twelve months.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Certain interest rate swap contracts were deemed ineffective in prior years and no longer qualified for hedge accounting. As a result of discontinued hedge accounting, the instruments are prospectively adjusted to fair value each reporting period through "Net effect of swaps" on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. The amounts that were previously recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss prior to the de-designation are reclassified to earnings and a corresponding realized gain or loss will be recognized when the forecasted cash flow occurs. As of December 31, 2014, approximately $4.9 million of losses remain in accumulated comprehensive loss related to the effective cash flow hedge contracts prior to de-designation. We estimate that losses of $4.9 million will be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months.

40


The following table presents our interest rate swaps, along with their notional amounts and their fixed interest rates which compare to 30 day LIBOR of 0.17% at December 31, 2014.
 
Interest Rate Swaps
($'s in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
Notional Amounts
 
Fixed Rate
 
Notional Amounts
 
Fixed Rate
 
$
200,000

 
3.00
%
 
$
200,000

 
2.27
%
 
100,000

 
3.00
%
 
150,000

 
2.43
%
 
100,000

 
3.00
%
 
75,000

 
2.30
%
 
100,000

 
2.70
%
 
70,000

 
2.54
%
 
 
 
 
 
50,000

 
2.54
%
 
 
 
 
 
50,000

 
2.54
%
 
 
 
 
 
50,000

 
2.43
%
 
 
 
 
 
50,000

 
2.29
%
 
 
 
 
 
50,000

 
2.29
%
 
 
 
 
 
30,000

 
2.54
%
 
 
 
 
 
25,000

 
2.30
%
Total $'s / Average Rate
$
500,000

 
2.94
%
 
$
800,000

 
2.38
%

Effects of Derivative Instruments on Income and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

($'s in thousands):
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
recognized in OCI  on
Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount and Location of (Loss)
Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount and Location of Gain  Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
 
 
Year ended 12/31/14
 
Year ended 12/31/13
 
 
 
Year ended 12/31/14
 
Year ended 12/31/13
 
 
 
Year ended 12/31/14
 
Year ended 12/31/13
Interest rate swaps
 
$
(10,735
)
 
$
(1,650
)
 
Interest Expense
 
$

 
$
(2,797
)
 
Net effect of swaps
 
$

 
$
3,703

 
($ in thousands):
 
Amount and Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Income on Derivatives
 
Derivatives not designated as Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended 12/31/14
 
Year ended 12/31/13
 
Interest rate swaps  
 
Net effect of swaps
 
$
10,958

 
$
3,547

 
 
 
 
 
$
10,958

 
$
3,547

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For 2014, the Partnership recognized $11.0 million in income for the gain on the derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges as noted in the table above, $7.9 million of expense representing the amortization of amounts in AOCI for the swaps and $1.0 million of expense related to the write off of OCI balances on our swaps. The net effect of these amounts resulted in a benefit to earnings for the year of $2.1 million recorded in “Net effect of swaps.”
For 2013, the Partnership recognized $7.2 million of gain in income on the ineffective portion of both designated and not designated derivatives as noted in the table above, $6.3 million of expense representing the amortization of amounts in AOCI for the swaps and $7.8 million of expense related to the write off of OCI balances on our swaps. The net effect of these amounts resulted in a charge to earnings for the year of $6.9 million recorded in “Net effect of swaps.”


(7) Partners' Equity:

Special L.P. Interests      In accordance with the Partnership Agreement, certain partners were allocated $5.3 million of 1987 and 1988 taxable income (without any related cash distributions) for which they received Special L.P. Interests. The Special L.P. Interests do not participate in cash distributions and have no voting rights. However, the holders of Special L.P. Interests will receive in the aggregate $5.3 million upon liquidation of the Partnership.


41


Equity-Based Incentive Plan     The 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan was approved by the Partnership's unitholders in May of 2008 allowing the award of up to 2.5 million unit options and other forms of equity as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors as an element of compensation to senior management and other key employees. The 2008 Omnibus Plan provides an opportunity for officers, directors, and eligible persons to acquire an interest in the growth and performance of our units and provides employees annual and long-term incentive awards as determined by the Board of Directors. Under the 2008 Omnibus Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may grant unit options, unit appreciation rights, restricted units, performance awards, other unit awards, cash incentive awards and long-term incentive awards.

Compensation Awards Settlable in Cash or Equity

Phantom Units
During 2014, no "phantom units" were awarded. Outstanding "phantom unit" awards generally vest over an approximate four thousand -year period and can be paid with cash, limited partnership units, or a combination of both, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The effect of outstanding "phantom unit” awards has been included in the diluted earnings per unit calculation, as a portion of the awards are expected to be settled in limited partnership units. Approximately $1.7 million , $5.0 million and $3.4 million in compensation expense related to liability “phantom unit” awards was recognized in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These amounts are included in “Selling, General and Administrative Expense” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

At December 31, 2014, the Partnership had 81,611 “phantom units” outstanding, 80,580 of which have been accrued for as a liability, at the December 31, 2014 closing price of $47.83 per unit. The aggregate market value of the accrued “phantom units” at year-end has been reflected on the Balance Sheet with the current portion recorded in "Accrued salaries, wages and benefits" and the long-term portion recorded in “Other Liabilities.” At December 31, 2014, the liability was all current and totaled $3.9 million . At December 31, 2013, the current and long-term portions were $4.9 million and $3.2 million , respectively. At December 31, 2014, unamortized compensation related to unvested "phantom unit" awards totaled approximately $0.7 million , which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 0.1 years. The Partnership expects to settle 81,611 of these outstanding "phantom units" upon vesting during 2015.

Performance Units
During 2014, 88,544 "performance units” were awarded at a grant price of $54.10 per unit. The number of "performance units” issuable under these awards are contingently based upon certain performance targets over a three-year period and these awards can be paid with cash, limited partnership units, or a combination of both as determined by the Compensation Committee, after the end of the performance period. The effect of outstanding "performance unit” awards for which the performance condition has been met, has been included in the diluted earnings per unit calculation, as a portion of the awards are expected to be settled in limited partnership units. The effect of outstanding "performance unit” awards which the performance condition has not been met, has been excluded from the diluted earnings per unit calculation. Approximately $5.3 million , $3.6 million and $3.4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were recorded in compensation expense related to these types of “performance units” and are included in “Selling, General and Administrative Expense” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

At December 31, 2014, the Partnership had 264,398 of these types of "performance units” outstanding, 168,844 of which have been accrued for as a liability, at the December 31, 2014 closing price of $47.83 per unit. The estimated aggregate market value of "performance units” contingently issuable under these types of awards at year-end has been reflected on the Balance Sheet, with the current portion being recorded in "Accrued salaries, wages and benefits" and the long-term portion in “Other Liabilities.” At December 31, 2014, the current and long-term portions were $3.6 million and $5.2 million , respectively. At December 31, 2013, the liability was all long-term and totaled $3.6 million . At December 31, 2014, unamortized compensation related to unvested "performance unit” awards of this type totaled approximately $7.5 million , which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years. The Partnership expects to settle 70,692 of these outstanding "performance units" upon vesting during 2015.

Deferred Units
During 2014, 9,588 "deferred units" were awarded at a grant price of $50.07 . Compensation expense related to "deferred units" vest ratably over a 1 -year period and the settlement of these units is deferred until the individual's service to the Partnership ends. The "deferred units" accumulate distribution-equivalents once fully vested, which will be paid when the restriction ends. The effect of outstanding "deferred unit” awards has been included in the diluted earnings per unit calculation, as a portion of the awards are expected to be settled in limited partnership units. Approximately $0.5 million in 2014 was recorded in compensation expense related to "deferred units" and is included in "Selling, General, and Administrative Expense" in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. As of December 31, 2014, no distribution equivalents were accrued for "deferred unit" awards.

At December 31, 2014, the Partnership had 9.588 "deferred units” outstanding and vested, at the December 31, 2014 closing price of $47.83 per unit. The estimated aggregate market value of the "deferred units” at year-end has been reflected as a liability on the Balance Sheet, with the current portion being recorded in "Accrued salaries, wages and benefits" and the long-term portion in “Other Liabilities.” At December 31, 2014, the market value of the current and long-term portions totaled $0.5 million . At December 31, 2014, there is no unamortized compensation related to unvested "deferred unit” awards. The Partnership does not expect to settle any of these outstanding "deferred units" during 2015.


42


Compensation Awards Settlable in Equity

Performance Units
During 2014, 124,234 "performance units” were awarded at a grant price of $50.95 per unit. The number of "performance units” issuable under this award is contingently based upon certain performance targets over a three -year period and this award would be paid out in December of the following two years in limited partnership units and the forfeitable distribution equivalents would be paid in cash. The effect of outstanding "performance unit” awards for which the performance condition has been met, has been included in the diluted earnings per unit calculation. The effect of outstanding "performance unit” awards which the performance condition has not been meet, has been excluded from the diluted earnings per unit calculation. Approximately $1.4 million in 2014 was recorded in compensation expense related to “performance units” under this award and is included in “Selling, General and Administrative Expense” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

At December 31, 2014, the Partnership had 124,234 of these "performance units” outstanding, 27,953 of which have been accrued for within equity. At December 31, 2014, unamortized compensation related to these unvested "performance unit” awards totaled approximately $4.9 million , which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 3.9 years. The Partnership does not expect to settle any of these outstanding "performance units" during 2015.

Restricted Units
During 2014, 66,550 "restricted units" were awarded at a weighted-average grant price of $53.77 . Compensation expense related to restricted units vest ratably over a three -year period and the restrictions on these units lapse upon vesting. During the time of restriction, the units accumulate forfeitable distribution-equivalents, which, when the units are fully vested, will be paid in the form accrued. Approximately $3.7 million , $2.6 million , and $1.2 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, were recorded in compensation expense related to "restricted units" and are included in "Selling, General, and Administrative Expense" in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. As of December 31, 2014, the amount of forfeitable distribution equivalents accrued and recorded on the Balance Sheet in "Other Liabilities" was approximately $1.5 million .

At December 31, 2014, the Partnership had 201,168 "restricted units" outstanding, 122,099 of which have been accrued for within equity. The intrinsic value of "restricted units" for which expense was accrued in 2014 was approximately $0.9 million . At December 31, 2014, unamortized compensation expense related to unvested "restricted unit" awards totaled approximately, $3.6 million , which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. The Partnership expects to settle 157,157 of these outstanding "restricted units" upon vesting during 2015.

Unit Options
The Partnership's "Unit Options" are issued with an exercise price no less than the market closing price of the Partnership's units on the day before the date of grant. The "Unit Options" granted in 2013 and 2012 vest ratably over a three -year period and have a maximum term of ten years. As of December 31, 2014, the Partnership had 622,316 fixed-price "unit options" outstanding under the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

No "unit options" were granted during 2014. During 2013, 413,248 unit options were granted at a fair value of $3.47 .  The significant assumptions used in the Black Scholes model to determine the fair value of these "unit options" include the "unit option" exercise price equal to the grant price, the "unit options" have a maximum term of ten years, the expected volatility is 30.1% , the assumed risk-free interest rate is 1.88% and the units receive an annual distribution of $2.50 per unit. During 2012, 280,672 "unit options" were granted at a fair value of $4.92 .  The significant assumptions used to determine the fair value of these "unit options" include the "unit option" exercise price equals the grant price, the "unit options" have a maximum term of ten years, the expected volatility is 37.2% , the assumed risk-free interest rate is 2.31% and the units receive an annual distribution of $1.60 per unit. Non-cash compensation expense relating to unit options in 2014, 2013, and 2012 totaled $0.9 million , $0.9 million , and $0.3 million , respectively.

A summary of "unit option" activity in 2014 and 2013 is presented below:
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average
 
 
 
Weighted Average
 
 
 
Unit Options
 
Exercise Price
 
Unit Options
 
Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of year
 
684,822

 
$
33.97

 
294,022

 
$
29.45

Granted
 
 

 

 
413,248

 
36.95

Exercised
 
 
(49,656
)
 
32.93

 
(16,278
)
 
28.36

Forfeited
 
 
(12,850
)
 
34.96

 
(6,170
)
 
32.93

Outstanding, end of year
 
622,316

 
$
34.03

 
684,822

 
$
33.97

Options exercisable, end of year
 
476,043

 
$
33.45

 
274,252

 
$
32.61


Cash received from "unit option" exercises totaled approximately $0 in 2014, $52,000 in 2013 and $76,000 in 2012.


43


The following table summarizes information about vested "unit options" outstanding at December 31, 2014:
Vested Options Outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Type
Range of Exercise Prices
 
Unit Options
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at year-end
$
29.53


$
36.95

 
476,043

 
7.7 years
 
$
33.45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aggregate intrinsic value ($'s in thousands)
 
$
6,843

 
 
 
 

A summary of the status of the Partnership's nonvested "unit options" at December 31, 2014 is presented below:
 
 
 
Unit Options
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Nonvested, beginning of year
 
410,570

 
$
34.88

Granted, net of forfeitures
 
 

 

Vested
 
 
(201,791
)
 
34.60

Exercised
 
 
(49,656
)
 
32.93

Forfeited
 
 
(12,850
)
 
$
34.96

Nonvested, end of year
 
146,273

 
$
35.92


The total intrinsic value of "unit options" exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $1.0 million , $0.2 million , and $0.4 million , respectively.

The Partnership had 146,273 unvested "unit options" at December 31, 2014. In addition, the Partnership had $0.5 million of unamortized compensation expense related to unvested "unit options" which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 0.9 years .

The Partnership has a policy of issuing limited partnership units from treasury to satisfy "unit option" exercises and expects its treasury unit balance to be sufficient for 2015, based on estimates of "unit option" exercises for that period.


(8) Retirement Plans:

The Partnership has trusteed, noncontributory retirement plans for the majority of its full-time employees. Contributions are discretionary and amounts accrued were approximately $4.3 million in 2014, $4.4 million in 2013 and $3.9 million in 2012. Additionally, the Partnership has a trusteed, contributory retirement plan for the majority of its full-time employees. This plan permits employees to contribute specified percentages of their salary, matched up to a limit by the Partnership. Matching contributions, net of forfeitures, approximated $2.1 million in 2014, $1.9 million in 2013 and $1.7 million in 2012.

In addition, approximately 219 employees are covered by union-sponsored, multi-employer pension plans for which approximately $1.5 million , $1.3 million and $1.3 million were contributed for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Partnership has no plans to withdraw from any of the multi-employer plans.  The Partnership believes that the liability resulting from any such withdrawal, as defined by the Multi-employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, would not be material.


(9) Income and Partnership Taxes:

Federal and state tax legislation in 1997 provided a permanent income tax exemption to existing publicly traded partnerships (PTP), such as Cedar Fair, L.P., with a PTP tax levied on partnership gross income (net revenues less cost of food, merchandise and games) beginning in 1998. In addition, income taxes are recognized for the amount of taxes payable by the Partnership's corporate subsidiaries for the current year and for the impact of deferred tax assets and liabilities, which represent future tax consequences of events that have been recognized differently in the financial statements than for tax purposes. As such, the Partnership's "Provision for taxes" includes amounts for both the PTP tax and for income taxes on the Partnership's corporate subsidiaries.

The Partnership's 2014 tax provision totals $9.9 million , which consists of an $9.6 million provision for the PTP tax and a $0.3 million provision for income taxes. This compares to the Partnership's 2013 tax provision of $20.2 million , which consisted of a $9.6 million provision for the PTP tax and a $10.6 million provision for income taxes, and the 2012 tax provision of $31.8 million , which consisted of a $8.7 million provision for the PTP tax and a $23.0 million provision for income taxes. The calculation of the provision for taxes involves significant estimates and assumptions and actual results could differ from those estimates.


44


Significant components of income (loss) before taxes are as follows:

    
($'s in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
186,389

 
$
159,256

 
$
113,132

Foreign
 
(72,289
)
 
(30,809
)
 
20,482

 
 
$
114,100

 
$
128,447

 
$
133,614

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of the following:

    
($'s in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current federal
 
$
4,513

 
$
5,398

 
$
(1,081
)
Current state and local
 
1,413

 
1,436

 
743

Current foreign
 
(2,692
)
 
412

 
(4,152
)
Total current
 
3,234

 
7,246

 
(4,490
)
Deferred federal, state and local
 
9,239

 
9,989

 
9,237

Deferred foreign
 
(12,200
)
 
(6,641
)
 
18,265

Total deferred
 
(2,961
)
 
3,348

 
27,502

 
 
$
273

 
$
10,594

 
$
23,012


The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the Partnership's corporate subsidiaries differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% to the Partnership's income (loss) before taxes.

The sources and tax effects of the differences are as follows:
    
($'s in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax provision based on the U.S. federal statutory tax rate
 
$
39,935

 
$
44,956

 
$
46,765

Partnership income not includible in corporate income
 
(39,922
)
 
(31,574
)
 
(21,273
)
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
 
1,786

 
2,459

 
3,486

Valuation allowance
 
(1,112
)
 
(4,460
)
 
(6,030
)
Tax credits
 
(997
)
 
(1,303
)
 
(2,100
)
Nondeductible expenses and other
 
583

 
516

 
2,164

 
 
$
273

 
$
10,594

 
$
23,012


Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.


45


Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

    
($'s in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Options and deferred compensation
 
$
12,476

 
$
11,086

Accrued expenses
 
7,380

 
6,369

Foreign tax credits
 
16,844

 
24,300

Tax attribute carryforwards
 
7,906

 
8,566

Derivatives
 
3,044

 
4,377

Foreign currency
 
2,645

 

Deferred revenue
 
4,841

 
1,383

Other
 
483

 
402

Deferred tax assets
 
55,619

 
56,483

Valuation allowance
 
(5,680
)
 
(6,792
)
Net deferred tax assets
 
49,939

 
49,691

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Property
 
(182,434
)
 
(190,175
)
Intangibles
 
(10,753
)
 
(7,569
)
Foreign currency
 

 
(385
)
Deferred tax liabilities
 
(193,187
)
 
(198,129
)
Net deferred tax liability
 
$
(143,248
)
 
$
(148,438
)

The Partnership records a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Through December 31, 2013, the Partnership had recorded an $6.8 million valuation allowance related to a $24.3 million deferred tax asset for foreign tax credit carryforwards.  The need for this allowance was based on several factors including the ten -year carryforward period allowed for excess foreign tax credits, experience to date of foreign tax credit limitations, and management's long term estimates of domestic and foreign source income.

During 2014, the Partnership reduced the valuation allowance recorded by $1.1 million related to $7.5 million of foreign tax credits utilized.  This compares to the reduction of the valuation allowance of $4.5 million and $6.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Further, the Partnership believes based on its update of long term estimates of domestic and foreign source income that no additional adjustments to the valuation allowance are warranted.  As of December 31, 2014, the Partnership had $16.8 million of deferred tax assets associated with the foreign tax credit carryforwards and a related $5.7 million valuation allowance.

Additionally, as of December 31, 2014, the Partnership had $7.9 million of tax attribute carryforwards consisting of alternative minimum tax credits ( $1.2 million ), general business credits ( $3.2 million ) and the tax effect of state net operating loss carryforwards ( $3.5 million ). Alternative minimum tax credits do not expire. Unused general business credits will begin to expire in 2027. Unused state net operating loss carryforwards will expire from 2018 to 2028. The Partnership expects to fully realize these tax attribute carryforwards. As such, no valuation allowance has been recorded relating to these tax attribute carryforwards.

The net current and non-current components of deferred taxes recognized as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
    
($'s in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
Net current deferred tax asset
$
9,265

 
$
9,675

Net non-current deferred tax liability
(152,513
)
 
(158,113
)
Net deferred tax liability
$
(143,248
)
 
$
(148,438
)
 
 
 
 
 

The Partnership has recorded a deferred tax liability of $4.3 million and a deferred tax liability of $1.2 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to account for the tax effect of derivatives and foreign currency translation adjustments included in Other Comprehensive Income.


46


The Partnership has unrecognized income tax benefits as of December 31, 2014. The following is a reconciliation of beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits:
    
 
 
($'s in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2012
 
$
1,100

Increase from 2013 tax positions

Increase from 2012 tax positions

Decrease from settlements with taxing authority

Decrease from expiration of statute of limitations

Balance at December 31, 2013
 
1,100

Increase from 2014 tax positions

Increase from 2013 tax positions
100

Decrease from settlements with taxing authority

Decrease from expiration of statute of limitations

Balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
1,200


At December 31, 2014 a total of $1.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits was recorded for state and local income tax positions. There were $1.1 million of unrecognized tax positions during 2013 and $1.1 million unrecognized tax positions during 2012. If recognized, the tax benefits would decrease the Partnership taxes by $1.2 million .

The Partnership recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted, the Partnership accrued interest of $0.4 million and penalties of $0.2 million during 2014. The Partnership does not anticipate a significant change to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months.

The Partnership and its corporate subsidiaries are subject to taxation in the U.S., Canada and various state and local jurisdictions. The tax returns of the Partnership are subject to examination by state and federal tax authorities. With few exceptions, the Partnership and its corporate subsidiaries are no longer subject to examination by the major taxing authorities for tax years before 2010.


(10) Operating Lease Commitments and Contingencies:

Operating Lease Commitments
The Partnership has commitments under various operating leases at its parks. Minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 are as follows ($'s in thousands):
    
2015
$
8,823

2016
8,060

2017
7,632

2018
6,937

2019
6,071

Thereafter
107,043

 
$
144,566

 
 

The amount due after 2019 includes the land lease at California's Great America which is renewable in 2039. Lease expense, which includes short-term rentals for equipment and machinery, for 2014, 2013 and 2012 totaled $12.7 million , $12.7 million and $12.0 million , respectively.

Contingencies
The Partnership is also a party to a number of lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, none of these matters, beyond what has been disclosed within this document, are expected to have a material effect in the aggregate on the Partnership's financial statements.


(11) Fair Value Measurements:

The FASB's ASC 820 "Fair Value Measurement" emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions (inputs) that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable, and valuation techniques used to measure fair value should maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accordingly, the FASB’s ASC 820 establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework that ranks the quality and reliability of information used to determine fair values. The hierarchy is associated with the level of pricing observability utilized in measuring fair value and defines three levels

47


of inputs to the fair value measurement process—quoted prices are the most reliable valuation inputs, whereas model values that include inputs based on unobservable data are the least reliable. Each fair value measurement must be assigned to a level corresponding to the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The three broad levels of inputs defined by the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The table below presents the balances of liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 on a recurring basis:

    
($'s in thousands)
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements  (1)
 
$
(14,649
)
 
$

 
$
(14,649
)
 
$

Interest rate swap agreements (2)
 
(11,791
)
 

 
(11,791
)
 

Total
 
$
(26,440
)
 
$

 
$
(26,440
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements  (1)
 
$
(3,916
)
 
$

 
$
(3,916
)
 
$

Interest rate swap agreements (3)
 
(22,746
)
 

 
(22,746
)
 

Total
 
$
(26,662
)
 
$

 
$
(26,662
)
 
$

 
(1)
Designated as hedging instruments and included in "Derivative Liability" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet
(2)
Not designated as hedging instruments and included in "Current Derivative Liability" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet
(3)
Not designated as hedging instruments and included in "Derivative Liability" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet

Fair values of the interest rate swap agreements are determined using significant inputs, including the LIBOR, that are considered Level 2 observable market inputs. In addition, the Partnership considered the effect of its credit and non-performance risk on the fair values provided, and recognized an adjustment decreasing the derivative liabilities by approximately $0.8 million as of December 31, 2014. The Partnership monitors the credit and non-performance risk associated with its derivative counter-parties and believes them to be insignificant and not warranting a credit adjustment at December 31, 2014.

At the end of the fourth quarter of 2014, the Partnership concluded based on 2014 operating results and updated forecasts for the coming years, that a review of the carrying value of operating long-lived assets at Wildwater Kingdom was warranted. After performing its review, the Partnership determined that the park's fixed assets were impaired. Based on Level 3 unobservable valuation assumptions and other market inputs, the assets were marked to a fair value of $17.1 million , resulting in an impairment charge of $2.4 million for operating assets during the quarter. This amount was recorded in "Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net" on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.
At the end of the third quarter in 2012, the Partnership concluded based on operating results, as well as updated forecasts, and changes in market conditions, that a review of the carrying value of long-lived assets at Wildwater Kingdom was warranted. After performing its review, the Partnership determined that a portion of the park's fixed assets were impaired. Based on Level 3 unobservable valuation assumptions and other market inputs, the assets were marked to a fair value of $19.8 million , resulting in an impairment charge of $25.0 million for operating and non-operating assets during the quarter. This amount was recorded in "Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net" on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

A relief-from-royalty model is used to determine whether the fair value of trade-names exceeds their carrying amount. The fair value of the trade-names is determined as the present value of fees avoided by owning the respective trade-name.




48


(12) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"):

The following tables reflect the changes in AOCI related to limited partners' equity for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2014 :

 
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (1)
($'s in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized income
 
Foreign currency
 
 
 
 
 
on cash flow hedges
 
translation adjustment
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
$
(15,013
)
 
$
5

 
$
(15,008
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax $1,630 and $(3,410)
 
(9,105
)
 
5,931

 
(3,174
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax ($1,341) (2)
 
7,552

 

 
7,552

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net current-period other comprehensive income
 
(1,553
)
 
5,931

 
4,378

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
$
(16,566
)
 
$
5,936

 
$
(10,630
)

(1) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
(2) See Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income table below for reclassification details.
 
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (1)
($'s in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized income
 
Foreign currency
 
 
 
 
 
on cash flow hedges
 
translation adjustment
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2012
 
(25,749
)
 
(2,751
)
 
(28,500
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax $405 and ($1,586)
 
(1,246
)
 
2,756

 
1,510

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax ($2,150) (2)
 
11,982

 

 
11,982

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net current-period other comprehensive income
 
10,736

 
2,756

 
13,492

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
(15,013
)
 
5

 
(15,008
)

(1) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
(2) See Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income table below for reclassification details.

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (1)
($' in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
Gains and losses on cash flow hedges
 
12 Months ended 12/31/14
 
12 months ended 12/31/13
 
 
 
 Interest rate swaps
 
$
8,893

 
$
14,132

 
Net effect of swaps
 
 
 
$
8,893

 
$
14,132

 
Total before tax
 
 
 
(1,341
)
 
(2,150
)
 
Provision (benefit) for taxes
 
 
 
$
7,552

 
$
11,982

 
Net of tax

(1) Amounts in parentheses indicate gains.


49


(13) Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantors and Issuers:

Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company ("Cedar Canada"), and Magnum Management Corporation ("Magnum") are the co-issuers of the Partnership's 5.375% and 5.25% notes (see Note 5). The notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by each 100% owned subsidiary of Cedar Fair (other than Cedar Canada and Magnum) that guarantees the Partnership's senior secured credit facilities. There are no non-guarantor subsidiaries.

The following consolidating schedules present condensed financial information for Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Canada, and Magnum, the co-issuers, and each 100% owned subsidiary of Cedar Fair (other than Cedar Canada and Magnum), the guarantors (on a combined basis), as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and for the years ended December 31, 2014 , December 31, 2013 , and December 31, 2012 . In lieu of providing separate audited financial statements for the guarantor subsidiaries, the accompanying condensed consolidating financial statements have been included.

The Partnership adopted ASU 2013-04, “Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date" as of January 1, 2014. The debt disclosed on the consolidating balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 reflect the adoption of this guidance. For the period ended December 31, 2013, the debt disclosed and related items have been adjusted to reflect only the amounts of debt Cedar Fair, L.P, Cedar Canada, and Magnum have recorded on their books.

In addition to making the retrospective adjustments to the balance sheets related to the adoption of ASU 2013-04, the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 have been revised to correct the presentation of certain intercompany transactions previously recorded as cash flows from operating activities and the presentation of an intercompany term debt receipt previously recorded as cash flows from financing activities. A summary of the changes are below:

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As reported - Net cash from (for) operating activities
 
$
304,815

 
$
37,035

 
$
30,786

 
$
45,916

 
$
(94,095
)
 
$
324,457

 
Investment in joint ventures and affiliates
 
(29,812
)
 
(24,552
)
 
(33,113
)
 
(6,618
)
 
94,095

 

 
Intercompany receivables (payments) receipts
 

 
(44,023
)
 

 
55,136

 
(11,113
)
 

 
Intercompany payables (payments) receipts
 
(112,553
)
 
54,236

 
3,117

 
44,087

 
11,113

 

 
Dividends paid
 

 

 
13,173

 

 
(13,173
)
 

 
As corrected - Net cash from (for) operating activities
 
$
162,450

 
$
22,696

 
$
13,963

 
$
138,521

 
$
(13,173
)
 
$
324,457

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
As reported - Net cash from (for) investing activities
 
$
(86,066
)
 
$
(24,552
)
 
$
(42,836
)
 
$
(45,792
)
 
$
94,095

 
$
(105,151
)
 
Investment in joint ventures and affiliates
 
29,812

 
24,552

 
33,113

 
6,618

 
(94,095
)
 

 
Intercompany receivables (payments) receipts
 

 
44,023

 

 
(55,136
)
 
11,113

 

 
As corrected - Net cash from (for) investing activities
 
$
(56,254
)
 
$
44,023

 
$
(9,723
)
 
$
(94,310
)
 
$
11,113

 
$
(105,151
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
As reported - Net cash from (for) financing activities
 
$
(168,749
)
 
$
(8,783
)
 
$
(800
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(178,332
)
 
Dividends paid
 

 

 
(13,173
)
 

 
13,173

 

 
Intercompany payables (payments) receipts
 
112,553

 
(54,236
)
 
(3,117
)
 
(44,087
)
 
(11,113
)
 

 
As corrected - Net cash from (for) financing activities
 
$
(56,196
)
 
$
(63,019
)
 
$
(17,090
)
 
$
(44,087
)
 
$
2,060

 
$
(178,332
)
 


50


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As reported - Net cash from (for) operating activities
 
$
130,043

 
$
30,996

 
$
21,256

 
$
143,489

 
$
(39,851
)
 
$
285,933

 
Investment in joint ventures and affiliates
 
30,855

 
(56,099
)
 
2,172

 
(16,779
)
 
39,851

 

 
Intercompany receivables (payments) receipts
 

 
57,817

 

 
63,524

 
(121,341
)
 

 
Intercompany payables (payments) receipts
 
28,674

 
(108,688
)
 
16,500

 
(57,827
)
 
121,341

 

 
As corrected - Net cash from (for) operating activities
 
$
189,572

 
$
(75,974
)
 
$
39,928

 
$
132,407

 
$

 
$
285,933

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
As reported - Net cash from (for) investing activities
 
$
(1,636
)
 
$
(56,107
)
 
$
(12,379
)
 
$
(49,903
)
 
$
39,851

 
$
(80,174
)
 
Investment in joint ventures and affiliates
 
(30,855
)
 
56,099

 
(2,172
)
 
16,779

 
(39,851
)
 

 
Intercompany receivables (payments) receipts
 

 
(57,817
)
 

 
(63,524
)
 
121,341

 

 
Intercompany debt receipts
 

 
93,845

 

 

 
(93,845
)
 

 
Capital contribution
 

 
(60,000
)
 

 

 
60,000

 

 
As corrected - Net cash from (for) investing activities
 
$
(32,491
)
 
$
(23,980
)
 
$
(14,551
)
 
$
(96,648
)
 
$
87,496

 
$
(80,174
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As reported - Net cash from (for) financing activities
 
$
(103,407
)
 
$
25,043

 
$
9,230

 
$
(93,845
)
 
$

 
$
(162,979
)
 
Intercompany debt payments
 

 
(93,845
)
 

 

 
93,845

 

 
Capital infusion
 

 
60,000

 

 

 
(60,000
)
 

 
Intercompany payables (payments) receipts
 
(28,674
)
 
108,688

 
(16,500
)
 
57,827

 
(121,341
)
 

 
As corrected - Net cash from (for) financing activities
 
$
(132,081
)
 
$
99,886

 
$
(7,270
)
 
$
(36,018
)
 
$
(87,496
)
 
$
(162,979
)
 

These revisions had no effect on the Partnership's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, Statements of Partner's Equity, or Statements of Cash Flows.


51


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 2014
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
80,000

 
$
382

 
$
45,519

 
$
5,939

 
$

 
$
131,840

Receivables
 
8

 
143,931

 
85,838

 
634,112

 
(836,494
)
 
27,395

Inventories
 

 
2,074

 
1,594

 
22,215

 

 
25,883

Current deferred tax asset
 

 
4,547

 
674

 
4,044

 

 
9,265

Other current assets
 
680

 
2,079

 
23,818

 
5,905

 
(23,148
)
 
9,334

 
 
80,688

 
153,013

 
157,443

 
672,215

 
(859,642
)
 
203,717

Property and Equipment, net
 
470,851

 
5,630

 
218,260

 
831,810

 

 
1,526,551

Investment in Park
 
544,340

 
812,549

 
163,904

 
43,659

 
(1,564,452
)
 

Goodwill
 
9,061

 

 
108,012

 
111,218

 

 
228,291

Other Intangibles, net
 

 

 
15,312

 
22,879

 

 
38,191

Deferred Tax Asset
 

 
24,827

 

 

 
(24,827
)
 

Other Assets
 
10,615

 
20,874

 
8,034

 
2,046

 

 
41,569

 
 
$
1,115,555

 
$
1,016,893

 
$
670,965

 
$
1,683,827

 
$
(2,448,921
)
 
$
2,038,319

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
352,518

 
$
203,895

 
$
32,691

 
$
271,323

 
$
(836,494
)
 
$
23,933

Deferred revenue
 

 
60

 
4,592

 
56,509

 

 
61,161

Accrued interest
 
4,637

 
3,223

 
2,056

 

 

 
9,916

Accrued taxes
 
4,309

 

 

 
40,639

 
(23,148
)
 
21,800

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
 

 
25,851

 
1,103

 
7,148

 

 
34,102

Self-insurance reserves
 

 
5,386

 
1,565

 
16,426

 

 
23,377

Current derivative liability
 
7,062

 
4,729

 

 

 

 
11,791

Other accrued liabilities
 
508

 
8,134

 
122

 
3,375

 

 
12,139

 
 
369,034

 
251,278

 
42,129

 
395,420

 
(859,642
)
 
198,219

Deferred Tax Liability
 

 

 
49,695

 
127,645

 
(24,827
)
 
152,513

Derivative Liability
 
8,438

 
6,211

 

 

 

 
14,649

Other Liabilities
 

 
6,105

 

 
11,766

 

 
17,871

Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term debt
 
346,969

 
247,890

 
13,991

 

 

 
608,850

Notes
 
294,897

 
205,103

 
450,000

 

 

 
950,000

 
 
641,866

 
452,993

 
463,991

 

 

 
1,558,850

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
 
96,217

 
300,306

 
115,150

 
1,148,996

 
(1,564,452
)
 
96,217

 
 
$
1,115,555

 
$
1,016,893

 
$
670,965

 
$
1,683,827

 
$
(2,448,921
)
 
$
2,038,319



52


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2013
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
75,000

 
$
4,144

 
$
35,575

 
$
3,337

 
$

 
$
118,056

Receivables
 
6

 
115,972

 
67,829

 
552,633

 
(715,107
)
 
21,333

Inventories
 

 
1,968

 
1,898

 
22,214

 

 
26,080

Current deferred tax asset
 

 
5,430

 
800

 
3,445

 

 
9,675

Other current assets
 
599

 
4,443

 
14,266

 
7,764

 
(15,719
)
 
11,353

 
 
75,605

 
131,957

 
120,368

 
589,393

 
(730,826
)
 
186,497

Property and Equipment, net
 
447,724

 
976

 
243,208

 
813,855

 

 
1,505,763

Investment in Park
 
514,948

 
796,735

 
142,668

 
63,948

 
(1,518,299
)
 

Goodwill
 
9,061

 

 
117,810

 
111,218

 

 
238,089

Other Intangibles, net
 

 

 
16,683

 
22,788

 

 
39,471

Deferred Tax Asset
 

 
31,122

 

 
117

 
(31,239
)
 

Other Assets
 
25,210

 
10,002

 
6,657

 
2,938

 

 
44,807

 
 
$
1,072,548

 
$
970,792

 
$
647,394

 
$
1,604,257

 
$
(2,280,364
)
 
$
2,014,627

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
259,850

 
$
188,818

 
$
17,632

 
$
262,029

 
$
(715,107
)
 
$
13,222

Deferred revenue
 

 

 
2,815

 
41,706

 

 
44,521

Accrued interest
 
4,637

 
3,223

 
15,341

 

 

 
23,201

Accrued taxes
 
4,609

 

 

 
30,591

 
(15,719
)
 
19,481

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
 

 
21,596

 
1,101

 
6,503

 

 
29,200

Self-insurance reserves
 

 
5,757

 
1,742

 
16,154

 

 
23,653

Other accrued liabilities
 
1,146

 
2,993

 
181

 
1,201

 

 
5,521

 
 
270,242

 
222,387

 
38,812

 
358,184

 
(730,826
)
 
158,799

Deferred Tax Liability
 

 

 
57,704

 
131,648

 
(31,239
)
 
158,113

Derivative Liability
 
15,610

 
11,052

 

 

 

 
26,662

Other Liabilities
 

 
7,858

 

 
3,432

 

 
11,290

Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term debt
 
352,668

 
251,961

 
14,221

 

 


 
618,850

Notes
 
294,897

 
205,103

 
401,782

 

 


 
901,782

 
 
647,565

 
457,064

 
416,003

 

 

 
1,520,632

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
 
139,131

 
272,431

 
134,875

 
1,110,993

 
(1,518,299
)
 
139,131

 
 
$
1,072,548

 
$
970,792

 
$
647,394

 
$
1,604,257

 
$
(2,280,364
)
 
$
2,014,627



53


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
 
$
159,454

 
$
295,252

 
$
121,249

 
$
1,034,056

 
$
(450,406
)
 
$
1,159,605

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of food, merchandise and games revenues
 

 
273

 
8,985

 
85,950

 

 
95,208

Operating expenses
 
5,371

 
195,899

 
47,013

 
698,202

 
(450,406
)
 
496,079

Selling, general and administrative
 
5,791

 
102,021

 
11,318

 
37,734

 

 
156,864

Depreciation and amortization
 
38,341

 
294

 
16,910

 
68,741

 

 
124,286

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
 
2,621

 
2,463

 
2,445

 
2,228

 

 
9,757

Gain on sale of other assets
 

 

 

 
(921
)
 

 
(921
)
 
 
52,124

 
300,950

 
86,671

 
891,934

 
(450,406
)
 
881,273

Operating income (loss)
 
107,330

 
(5,698
)
 
34,578

 
142,122

 

 
278,332

Interest expense, net
 
42,440

 
28,718

 
34,249

 
(9,247
)
 

 
96,160

Net effect of swaps
 
(1,595
)
 
(467
)
 

 

 

 
(2,062
)
Loss on early debt extinguishment
 

 

 
29,261

 

 

 
29,261

Unrealized / realized foreign currency loss
 

 

 
40,873

 

 

 
40,873

Other (income) expense
 
750

 
(12,920
)
 
2,482

 
9,688

 

 

(Income) loss from investment in affiliates
 
(48,622
)
 
(12,899
)
 
(21,236
)
 
25,658

 
57,099

 

Income (loss) before taxes
 
114,357

 
(8,130
)
 
(51,051
)
 
116,023

 
(57,099
)
 
114,100

Provision (benefit) for taxes
 
10,142

 
(8,473
)
 
(25,396
)
 
33,612

 

 
9,885

Net income (loss)
 
$
104,215

 
$
343

 
$
(25,655
)
 
$
82,411

 
$
(57,099
)
 
$
104,215

Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment
 
5,931

 

 
5,931

 

 
(5,931
)
 
5,931

Unrealized income on cash flow hedging derivatives
 
(1,553
)
 
(66
)
 

 

 
66

 
(1,553
)
Other comprehensive income, (net of tax)
 
4,378

 
(66
)
 
5,931

 

 
(5,865
)
 
4,378

Total Comprehensive Income
 
$
108,593

 
$
277

 
$
(19,724
)
 
$
82,411

 
$
(62,964
)
 
$
108,593




54


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
 
$
152,469

 
$
296,077

 
$
127,692

 
$
1,006,469

 
$
(448,135
)
 
$
1,134,572

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of food, merchandise and games revenues
 

 

 
9,322

 
82,450

 

 
91,772

Operating expenses
 
6,003

 
183,604

 
47,770

 
683,102

 
(448,135
)
 
472,344

Selling, general and administrative
 
5,717

 
100,825

 
10,984

 
34,886

 

 
152,412

Depreciation and amortization
 
36,807

 
37

 
17,333

 
68,310

 

 
122,487

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
 
424

 

 
479

 
1,636

 

 
2,539

Gain on sale of other assets
 

 

 

 
(8,743
)
 

 
(8,743
)
 
 
48,951

 
284,466

 
85,888

 
861,641

 
(448,135
)
 
832,811

Operating income
 
103,518

 
11,611

 
41,804

 
144,828

 

 
301,761

Interest expense, net
 
42,630

 
28,875

 
39,376

 
(7,964
)
 

 
102,917

Net effect of swaps
 
4,190

 
2,693

 

 

 

 
6,883

Loss on early debt extinguishment
 
21,175

 
12,781

 
617

 

 

 
34,573

Unrealized / realized foreign currency gain
 

 

 
28,941

 

 

 
28,941

Other (income) expense
 
750

 
(11,257
)
 
3,679

 
6,828

 

 

(Income) loss from investment in affiliates
 
(83,557
)
 
(37,520
)
 
(17,438
)
 
2,477

 
136,038

 

Income (loss) before taxes
 
118,330


16,039


(13,371
)

143,487


(136,038
)

128,447

Provision (benefit) for taxes
 
10,126

 
(12,133
)
 
(10,856
)
 
33,106

 

 
20,243

Net income (loss)
 
$
108,204

 
$
28,172

 
$
(2,515
)
 
$
110,381

 
$
(136,038
)
 
$
108,204

Other comprehensive income, (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment
 
2,756

 

 
2,756

 

 
(2,756
)
 
2,756

Unrealized income on cash flow hedging derivatives
 
10,736

 
2,848

 

 

 
(2,848
)
 
10,736

Other comprehensive income, (net of tax)
 
13,492

 
2,848

 
2,756

 

 
(5,604
)
 
13,492

Total Comprehensive Income
 
$
121,696

 
$
31,020

 
$
241

 
$
110,381

 
$
(141,642
)
 
$
121,696























55


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
 
$
145,715

 
$
258,136

 
$
140,418

 
$
927,668

 
$
(403,483
)
 
$
1,068,454

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of food, merchandise and games revenues
 

 

 
10,316

 
84,732

 

 
95,048

Operating expenses
 
5,380

 
176,356

 
47,863

 
625,287

 
(403,483
)
 
451,403

Selling, general and administrative
 
6,495

 
86,615

 
11,135

 
34,066

 

 
138,311

Depreciation and amortization
 
37,660

 
40

 
18,199

 
70,407

 

 
126,306

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net
 
25,997

 

 
6

 
4,333

 

 
30,336

Gain on sale of other assets
 
(862
)
 

 

 
(5,763
)
 

 
(6,625
)
 
 
74,670

 
263,011

 
87,519

 
813,062

 
(403,483
)
 
834,779

Operating income (loss)
 
71,045

 
(4,875
)
 
52,899

 
114,606

 

 
233,675

Interest expense, net
 
48,524

 
29,328

 
40,870

 
(8,171
)
 

 
110,551

Net effect of swaps
 
(138
)
 
121

 
(1,475
)
 

 

 
(1,492
)
Unrealized / realized foreign currency gain
 

 

 
(8,998
)
 

 

 
(8,998
)
Other (income) expense
 
749

 
(9,507
)
 
2,020

 
6,738

 

 

(Income) loss from investment in affiliates
 
(90,022
)
 
(66,150
)
 
(14,597
)
 
(31,759
)
 
202,528

 

Income (loss) before taxes
 
111,932

 
41,333

 
35,079

 
147,798

 
(202,528
)
 
133,614

Provision (benefit) for taxes
 
10,075

 
(9,856
)
 
3,413

 
28,125

 

 
31,757

Net income (loss)
 
$
101,857

 
$
51,189

 
$
31,666

 
$
119,673

 
$
(202,528
)
 
$
101,857

Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment
 
369

 

 
369

 

 
(369
)
 
369

Unrealized income (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives
 
139

 
114

 
21

 

 
(135
)
 
139

Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax)
 
508

 
114

 
390

 

 
(504
)
 
508

Total Comprehensive Income
 
$
102,365

 
$
51,303

 
$
32,056

 
$
119,673

 
$
(203,032
)
 
$
102,365








 


56


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET CASH FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
138,669

 
$
12,384

 
$
9,772

 
$
180,251

 
$
(3,973
)
 
$
337,103

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany receivables (payments) receipts
 

 
13,794

 

 
(79,456
)
 
65,662

 

Sale of other assets
 

 

 

 
1,377

 

 
1,377

(Purchase) sale of subsidiary interest
 
(12,024
)
 
12,024

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures
 
(64,837
)
 
(270
)
 
(16,072
)
 
(85,540
)
 

 
(166,719
)
Net cash for investing activities
 
(76,861
)
 
25,548

 
(16,072
)
 
(163,619
)
 
65,662

 
(165,342
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note borrowings
 

 

 
450,000

 

 

 
450,000

Term debt payments, including early termination penalties
 
(5,698
)
 
(4,072
)
 
(230
)
 

 

 
(10,000
)
Note payments, including amounts paid for early termination
 

 

 
(426,148
)
 

 

 
(426,148
)
Intercompany payables (payments) receipts
 
110,763

 
(37,762
)
 
5,159

 
(14,030
)
 
(64,130
)
 

Distributions (paid) received
 
(161,873
)
 

 

 

 
2,441

 
(159,432
)
Payment of debt issuance costs
 

 

 
(9,795
)
 

 

 
(9,795
)
Excess tax benefit from unit-based compensation expense
 

 
140

 

 

 

 
140

Net cash (for) financing activities
 
(56,808
)
 
(41,694
)
 
18,986

 
(14,030
)
 
(61,689
)
 
(155,235
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
(2,742
)
 

 

 
(2,742
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) for the year
 
5,000

 
(3,762
)
 
9,944

 
2,602

 

 
13,784

Balance, beginning of year
 
75,000

 
4,144

 
35,575

 
3,337

 

 
118,056

Balance, end of year
 
$
80,000

 
$
382

 
$
45,519

 
$
5,939

 
$

 
$
131,840

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

57


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET CASH FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
162,450

 
$
22,696

 
$
13,963

 
$
138,521

 
$
(13,173
)
 
$
324,457

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany receivables (payments) receipts
 

 
44,023

 


 
(55,136
)
 
11,113

 

Sale of other assets
 

 

 

 
15,297

 

 
15,297

Capital expenditures
 
(56,254
)
 

 
(9,723
)
 
(54,471
)
 

 
(120,448
)
Net cash from (for) investing activities
 
(56,254
)
 
44,023

 
(9,723
)
 
(94,310
)
 
11,113

 
(105,151
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term debt borrowings
 
359,022

 
256,500

 
14,478

 

 

 
630,000

Note borrowings
 
294,897

 
205,103

 

 

 

 
500,000

Intercompany payables (payments) receipts
 
112,553

 
(54,236
)
 
(3,117
)
 
(44,087
)
 
(11,113
)
 

Term debt payments, including early termination penalties
 
(661,180
)
 
(466,336
)
 
(14,734
)
 

 

 
(1,142,250
)
Distributions (paid) received
 
(146,953
)
 
3,496

 
(13,173
)
 

 
13,173

 
(143,457
)
Payment of debt issuance costs
 
(14,535
)
 
(8,453
)
 
(544
)
 

 

 
(23,532
)
Exercise of limited partnership unit options
 

 
52

 

 

 

 
52

Excess tax benefit from unit-based compensation expense
 

 
855

 

 

 

 
855

Net cash from (for) financing activities
 
(56,196
)
 
(63,019
)
 
(17,090
)
 
(44,087
)
 
2,060

 
(178,332
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
(1,748
)
 

 

 
(1,748
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) for the year
 
50,000

 
3,700

 
(14,598
)
 
124

 

 
39,226

Balance, beginning of year
 
25,000

 
444

 
50,173

 
3,213

 

 
78,830

Balance, end of year
 
$
75,000

 
$
4,144

 
$
35,575

 
$
3,337

 
$

 
$
118,056


58


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands)
 
 
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Magnum)
 
Co-Issuer Subsidiary (Cedar Canada)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET CASH FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
189,572

 
$
(75,974
)
 
$
39,928

 
$
132,407

 
$

 
$
285,933

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany receivables payments
 

 
(57,817
)
 

 
(63,524
)
 
121,341

 

Intercompany debt receipts
 

 
93,845

 

 

 
(93,845
)
 

Capital contribution
 

 
(60,000
)
 

 

 
60,000

 

Sale of other assets
 
1,173

 

 

 
14,885

 

 
16,058

Capital expenditures
 
(33,664
)
 
(8
)
 
(14,551
)
 
(48,009
)
 

 
(96,232
)
Net cash from (for) investing activities
 
(32,491
)
 
(23,980
)
 
(14,551
)
 
(96,648
)
 
87,496

 
(80,174
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative settlement
 

 

 
(50,450
)
 

 

 
(50,450
)
Term debt borrowings
 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany payable (payments) receipts
 
(28,674
)
 
108,688

 
(16,500
)
 
57,827

 
(121,341
)
 

Intercompany debt payments
 

 

 

 
(93,845
)
 
93,845

 

Term debt payments, including early termination penalties
 
(14,468
)
 
(10,212
)
 
(320
)
 

 

 
(25,000
)
Distributions (paid) received
 
(88,939
)
 
126

 

 

 

 
(88,813
)
Capital infusion
 

 

 
60,000

 

 
(60,000
)
 

Exercise of limited partnership unit options
 

 
76

 

 

 

 
76

Excess tax benefit from unit-based compensation expense
 

 
1,208

 

 

 

 
1,208

Net cash from (for) financing activities
 
(132,081
)
 
99,886

 
(7,270
)
 
(36,018
)
 
(87,496
)
 
(162,979
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 

 

 
526

 

 

 
526

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) for the year
 
25,000

 
(68
)
 
18,633

 
(259
)
 

 
43,306

Balance, beginning of year
 

 
512

 
31,540

 
3,472

 

 
35,524

Balance, end of year
 
$
25,000

 
$
444

 
$
50,173

 
$
3,213

 
$

 
$
78,830




59


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Partnership maintains a system of controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in its reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Partnership's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of December 31, 2014 , the Partnership's management, with the participation of the Partnership's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2014.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Partnership's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Partnership's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Management, with the participation of the Partnership's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 . In making this assessment, it used the criteria described in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. As a result of its assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2014 , the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting was effective. Deloitte & Touche LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting.



60

Table of Contents


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Unitholders of Cedar Fair, L.P.
Sandusky, Ohio

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Cedar Fair, L.P. and subsidiaries (the "Partnership") as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Partnership's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Partnership maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 of the Partnership and our report dated February 26, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
February 26, 2015


61

Table of Contents

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Cedar Fair Management, Inc., an Ohio corporation owned by an Ohio trust, is the General Partner of the Partnership and has full responsibility for the management of the Partnership. For additional information, attention is directed to Note 1 in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 33 of this Report.


A. Identification of Directors:

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the material in our Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the annual meeting of limited partner unitholders to be held in June 2015 (the “Proxy Statement”) under the captions “Proposal One. Election of Directors,” “Board Committees” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”


B. Identification of Executive Officers:

Information regarding executive officers of the Partnership is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Supplemental Item. Executive Officers of Cedar Fair” in Item 1 of Part I and is incorporated herein by reference.


C. Code of Ethics and Certifications:

In accordance with Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Item 406 of Regulation S-K, the Partnership has adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”), which applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Partnership, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer. A copy of the Code is available on the Internet at the Investor Relations section of our web site ( www.cedarfair.com ).

The Partnership submitted an unqualified Section 303A.12(a) Chief Executive Officer certification to the New York Stock Exchange on June 20, 2014, stating that the Partnership was in compliance with the NYSE's Corporate Governance Listing Standards. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certifications under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are included as exhibits to this Form 10-K.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the material in our Proxy Statement under the captions “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” and “Compensation Committee Report.”


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the material in our Proxy Statement under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”


62

Table of Contents

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table sets forth information concerning units authorized or available for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2014.

Plan Category
 


Number of units to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(a)
 


Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)  (1)
 
Number of units remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans
(excluding units
reflected in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by unitholders
 
1,174,975

 
$
34.03

 
612,154

Equity compensation plans not approved by unitholders
 

 

 

Total
 
1,174,975

 
$
34.03

 
612,154

(1) The weighted average price in column (b) represents the weighted average price of 622,316 unit options outstanding.
Attention is directed to Note 7 in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the Partnership's equity incentive plans.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the material in our Proxy Statement under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” “Board of Directors,” and “Board Committees.”

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the material in our Proxy Statement under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Services and Fees.”


PART IV


ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

A. 1. Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant, the notes thereto and the related Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are filed under Item 8 of this Report:

 
 
Page
(i)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
27

(ii)
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2014 and 2013.
28

(iii)
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income - Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
29

(iv)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
30

(v)
Consolidated Statements of Partners' Equity - Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
32

(vi)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
33


A. 2. Financial Statement Schedules

All Schedules are omitted, as the information is not required or is otherwise furnished.



63

Table of Contents

A. 3. Exhibits

The exhibits listed below are incorporated herein by reference to prior SEC filings by Registrant or are included as exhibits in this Form 10-K.

Exhibit Number
Description
 
 
2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger, by and among Siddur Holdings, Ltd., Siddur Merger Sub, LLC, Cedar Fair Management, Inc. and Cedar Fair, L.P., dated as of December 16, 2009. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K (File No. 001-9444) filed on December 17, 2009.
2.2

Termination and Settlement Agreement among Cedar Fair, L.P. and its affiliates, and the Apollo Parties thereto, dated April 5, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 6, 2010.
3.1

Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Cedar Fair, L.P. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q (File No. 001-9444) filed November 4, 2011.
3.2

Regulations of Cedar Fair Management Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed November 4, 2011.
4.1

Indenture, by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company, and Magnum Management Corporation, as issuers, the guarantors named therein, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, dated as of July 29, 2010 (including form of 9.125% Senior Notes due 2018). Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 29, 2010.
4.2

Registration Rights Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company, and Magnum Management Corporation, as issuers, the guarantors named therein, and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as representative of the initial purchasers named therein, dated July 29, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 29, 2010.
4.3

Indenture, by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company, and Magnum Management Corporation, as issuers, the guarantors named therein, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, dated as of March 6, 2013 (including form of 5.25% Senior Note due 2021). Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2013.
4.4

Registration Rights Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company, and Magnum Management Corporation, as issuers, the guarantors named therein, and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as representative of the initial purchasers named therein, dated March 6, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2013.
4.5

Indenture, dated as of June 3, 2014, by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada’s Wonderland Company and Magnum Management Corporation, as issuers, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (including Form of 5.375% Senior Note due 2024). Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 3, 2014.
4.6

Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 3, 2014, by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada’s Wonderland Company and Magnum Management Corporation, as issuers, the guarantors named therein and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, on behalf of itself and as representative of the initial purchasers named therein. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 3, 2014.
10.1

Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Executive Severance Plan dated July 18, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-09444) filed on August 3, 2007. (+)
10.2

Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Program dated July 18, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-09444) filed on August 3, 2007. (+)
10.3

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Supplemental Retirement Program dated February 4, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-09444) filed on February 29, 2008. (+)
10.4

2007 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Richard L. Kinzel. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-09444) filed on August 3, 2007. (+)
10.5

Amendment to the 2007 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Richard L. Kinzel dated January 24, 2011. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2011. (+)
10.6

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan dated as of May 15, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K (File No. 001-09444) filed on May 20, 2008. (+)
10.7

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Form 10-K (File No. 001-09444) filed on March 2, 2009. (+)
10.8

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan 2008-2011 Performance Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Form 10-K (File No. 001-09444) filed on March 2, 2009. (+)








64

Table of Contents




Exhibit Number
Description
 
 
10.9

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Form of Restricted Phantom Unit Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q (File No. 001-09444) filed on May 8, 2009 (+)
10.10

Credit Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P., Magnum Management Corporation and Canada's Wonderland Company as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, Keybank National Association, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., UBS Loan Finance LLC and Fifth Third Bank as co-syndication agents and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent, dated July 29, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 29, 2010.
10.11

Amendment No. 1, dated February 25, 2011, to Credit Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P.,Magnum Management Corporation and Canada's Wonderland Company as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, KeyBank National Association, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., UBS Loan Finance, LLC and Fifth Third Bank as co-syndication agents and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 3, 2011.
10.12

Form of Indemnification Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed November 1, 2011. (+)
10.13

2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Form of Restricted Unit Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed March 28, 2012. (+)
10.14

2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Form of Option Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed March 28, 2012. (+)
10.15

2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Form of Performance Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed March 28, 2012. (+)
10.16

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and David Hoffman, dated April 24, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed April 27, 2012. (+)
10.17

Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Corporation and Brian Witherow, dated December 4, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed December 7, 2012. (+)
10.18

Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Corporation and Kelley Semmelroth, dated December 4, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed December 7, 2012. (+)
10.19

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and Matthew A. Ouimet, dated December 4, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed December 7, 2012. (+)
10.20

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and Richard Zimmerman, dated December 4, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed December 7, 2012. (+)
10.21

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and H. Phillip Bender, dated December 4, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed December 7, 2012. (+)
10.22

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and Duffield Milkie, dated December 4, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed February 26, 2014. (+)
10.23

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and Robert Decker, dated December 10, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed February 26, 2014. (+)
10.24

Credit Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P., Magnum Management Corporation and Canada's Wonderland Company as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent and the other parties thereto, dated March 6, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2013.
10.25

Amendment No. 1, dated September 30, 2013, to Credit Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P., Magnum Management Corporation and Canada's Wonderland Company as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent and the other parties thereto. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2013.
10.26

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and Matthew A. Ouimet, dated October 21, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 21, 2013. (+)
10.27

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Performance Award Agreement, dated March 31, 2014, by and between Magnum Management Corporation and Matthew A. Ouimet. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2014. (+)
 
 

65

Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number
Description
 
 
10.28

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Form of Restricted Unit Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2014. (+)
10.29

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Form of Deferred Unit Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2014. (+)
10.30

Amendment No. 2, dated December 18, 2014, to Credit Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P., Magnum Management Corporation and Canada’s Wonderland Company as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent and the other parties thereto.
10.31

Section 16 Officer Standard Form of Employment Contract (non-CEO) (December 2014). (+)
12.1

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
21

Subsidiaries of Cedar Fair, L.P.
23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101

The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Partners' Equity, and (v) related notes.


(+) Management contracts or compensatory plan or arrangement.

66

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
(Registrant)

DATED:     February 26, 2015        By:    Cedar Fair Management, Inc.
General Partner


/S/ Matthew A. Ouimet
     Matthew A. Ouimet
President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 
Signature
 
Title
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/S/
Matthew A. Ouimet
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
February 26, 2015
 
Matthew A. Ouimet
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
 
/S/
Brian C. Witherow
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
February 26, 2015
 
Brian C. Witherow
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
/S/
David R. Hoffman
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
February 26, 2015
 
David R. Hoffman
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
/S/
Eric L. Affeldt
 
Chairman
February 26, 2015
 
Eric L. Affeldt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/S/
Gina D. France
 
Director
February 26, 2015
 
Gina D. France
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/S/
Daniel J. Hanrahan
 
Director
February 26, 2015
 
Daniel J. Hanrahan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/S/
Tom Klein
 
Director
February 26, 2015
 
Tom Klein
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/S/
D. Scott Olivet
 
Director
February 26, 2015
 
D. Scott Olivet
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/S/
John M. Scott III
 
Director
February 26, 2015
 
John M. Scott III
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/S/
Lauri M. Shanahan
 
Director
February 26, 2015
 
Lauri M. Shanahan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/S/
Debra Smithart-Oglesby
 
Director
February 26, 2015
 
Debra Smithart-Oglesby
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


67

Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
Description
Page
 
 
 
2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger, by and among Siddur Holdings, Ltd., Siddur Merger Sub, LLC, Cedar Fair Management, Inc. and Cedar Fair, L.P., dated as of December 16, 2009. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K (File No. 001-9444) filed on December 17, 2009.
*
2.2

Termination and Settlement Agreement among Cedar Fair, L.P. and its affiliates, and the Apollo Parties thereto, dated April 5, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 6, 2010.
*
3.1

Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Cedar Fair, L.P. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q (File No. 001-9444) filed November 4, 2011.
*
3.2

Regulations of Cedar Fair Management Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed November 4, 2011.
*
4.1

Indenture, by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company, and Magnum Management Corporation, as issuers, the guarantors named therein, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, dated as of July 29, 2010 (including form of 9.125% Senior Notes due 2018). Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 29, 2010.
*
4.2

Registration Rights Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company, and Magnum Management Corporation, as issuers, the guarantors named therein, and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as representative of the initial purchasers named therein, dated July 29, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 29, 2010.
*
4.3

Indenture, by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company, and Magnum Management Corporation, as issuers, the guarantors named therein, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, dated as of March 6, 2013 (including form of 5.25% Senior Note due 2021). Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2013.
*
4.4

Registration Rights Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company, and Magnum Management Corporation, as issuers, the guarantors named therein, and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as representative of the initial purchasers named therein, dated March 6, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2013.
*
4.5

Indenture, dated as of June 3, 2014, by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada’s Wonderland Company and Magnum Management Corporation, as issuers, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (including Form of 5.375% Senior Note due 2024). Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 3, 2014.
*
4.6

Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 3, 2014, by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada’s Wonderland Company and Magnum Management Corporation, as issuers, the guarantors named therein and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, on behalf of itself and as representative of the initial purchasers named therein. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 3, 2014.
*
10.1

Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Executive Severance Plan dated July 18, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-09444) filed on August 3, 2007. (+)
*
10.2

Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Program dated July 18, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-09444) filed on August 3, 2007. (+)
*
10.3

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Supplemental Retirement Program dated February 4, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-09444) filed on February 29, 2008. (+)
*
10.4

2007 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Richard L. Kinzel. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-09444) filed on August 3, 2007. (+)
*
10.5

Amendment to the 2007 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Richard L. Kinzel dated January 24, 2011. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2011. (+)
*
10.6

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan dated as of May 15, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K (File No. 001-09444) filed on May 20, 2008. (+)
*
10.7

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Form 10-K (File No. 001-09444) filed on March 2, 2009. (+)
*
10.8

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan 2008-2011 Performance Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Form 10-K (File No. 001-09444) filed on March 2, 2009. (+)
*






68

Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX (continued)

Exhibit
Number
Description
Page
10.9

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Form of Restricted Phantom Unit Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q (File No. 001-09444) filed on May 8, 2009 (+)
*
10.10

Credit Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P., Magnum Management Corporation and Canada's Wonderland Company as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, Keybank National Association, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., UBS Loan Finance LLC and Fifth Third Bank as co-syndication agents and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent, dated July 29, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 29, 2010.
*
10.11

Amendment No. 1, dated February 25, 2011, to Credit Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P.,Magnum Management Corporation and Canada's Wonderland Company as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, KeyBank National Association, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., UBS Loan Finance, LLC and Fifth Third Bank as co-syndication agents and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 3, 2011.
*
10.12

Form of Indemnification Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed November 1, 2011. (+)
*
10.13

2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Form of Restricted Unit Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed March 28, 2012. (+)
*
10.14

2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Form of Option Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed March 28, 2012. (+)
*
10.15

2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Form of Performance Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed March 28, 2012. (+)
*
10.16

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and David Hoffman, dated April 24, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed April 27, 2012. (+)
*
10.17

Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Corporation and Brian Witherow, dated December 4, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed December 7, 2012. (+)
*
10.18

Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Corporation and Kelley Semmelroth, dated December 4, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed December 7, 2012. (+)
*
10.19

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and Matthew A. Ouimet, dated December 4, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed December 7, 2012. (+)
*
10.20

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and Richard Zimmerman, dated December 4, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed December 7, 2012. (+)
*
10.21

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and H. Phillip Bender, dated December 4, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed December 7, 2012. (+)
*
10.22

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and Duffield Milkie, dated December 4, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed February 26, 2014. (+)
*
10.23

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and Robert Decker, dated December 10, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed February 26, 2014. (+)
*
10.24

Credit Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P., Magnum Management Corporation and Canada's Wonderland Company as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent and the other parties thereto, dated March 6, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2013.
*
10.25

Amendment No. 1, dated September 30, 2013, to Credit Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P., Magnum Management Corporation and Canada's Wonderland Company as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent and the other parties thereto. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2013.
*
10.26

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair Management, Inc., Magnum Management Corporation and Matthew A. Ouimet, dated October 21, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 21, 2013. (+)
*
10.27

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Performance Award Agreement, dated March 31, 2014, by and between Magnum Management Corporation and Matthew A. Ouimet. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2014. (+)
*



69

Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX (continued)
10.28

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Form of Restricted Unit Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2014. (+)
*
10.29

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Form of Deferred Unit Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2014. (+)
*
10.30

Amendment No. 2, dated December 18, 2014, to Credit Agreement, among Cedar Fair, L.P., Magnum Management Corporation and Canada’s Wonderland Company as borrowers, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent and the other parties thereto.
*
10.31

Section 16 Officer Standard Form of Employment Contract (non-CEO) (December 2014). (+)
71
12.1

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
98
21

Subsidiaries of Cedar Fair, L.P.
99
23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
100
31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101
31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
102
32

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
103
101

The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Partners' Equity, and (v) related notes.
*


(+) Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


70
Exhibit 10.31

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated ________________________, is by and between Cedar Fair, L.P., a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, Cedar Fair Management, Inc., an Ohio Corporation (“ Cedar Fair Management ”), Magnum Management Corporation, an Ohio corporation (“ Magnum ”), and _______________________ (the “ Executive ”).
WHEREAS, Cedar Fair, L.P. is affiliated with several corporations and partnerships including, without limitation, Cedar Fair Management and Magnum (collectively, “ Cedar Fair ” or the “ Company ”);
WHEREAS, Cedar Fair Management manages the day-to-day activities of, and establishes the long-term objectives for, Cedar Fair;
WHEREAS, The Board of Directors of Cedar Fair Management (the “Board”) and its Chief Executive Officer have directed Cedar Fair to enter into an employment agreement with Executive to set the terms and conditions of employment.
WHEREAS, the Board and Executive intend and agree that upon the date that this Agreement has been fully executed by all of the parties hereto (the “ Effective Date ”) this Agreement shall supersede and replace all employment agreements between Executive and Cedar Fair that pre-date the Effective Date.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of such employment and the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and Executive agree as follows:
1.
Employment . Magnum hereby agrees to employ Executive, and Executive hereby agrees to accept employment with Magnum, upon the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement. Executive’s employment with Magnum under the terms of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue, subject to earlier termination of such employment pursuant to the terms hereof, until (and including) December 31, ___________________(the “ Employment Period ”). This Agreement shall automatically renew for a period of twenty four (24) months commencing January 1, _____________, and on every twenty four (24) month anniversary of January 1, _______ thereafter unless one of the parties provides written notice of intent to terminate not less than sixty (60) days prior to January 1, __________ or any such twenty four (24) month anniversary thereafter; provided, however, that Cedar Fair shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time, subject to the obligations to provide the benefits and make the payments provided herein. The term of Executive’s employment, as set forth herein and as it may be extended pursuant to this Section 1, is hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Period”.
In the event Executive continues in employment after the expiration of the Employment Period and has not entered into a New Agreement (as defined in Section 6.3 ) as of the expiration of the Employment Period, such employment shall be “at will” employment and may be terminated at any time by either party on written notice. Executive’s at will employment will remain subject to Sections 8 and 9 of this Agreement (and any defined terms set forth in this Agreement referenced


71

Exhibit 10.31

in such sections shall continue to apply); however, no other provisions of this Agreement will remain in effect.
2.      Duties . During the Employment Period, Executive shall serve on a full-time basis and perform services in a capacity and in a manner consistent with Executive’s position for the Company. Executive shall have the title of ___________________________________ commencing as of the Effective Date and shall have such duties, authorities and responsibilities as are consistent with such position, and as the CEO and Board may designate from time to time while the Executive serves as the ____________________ of the Company. Executive will report directly to the CEO and the Board; Executive shall devote substantially all of Executive’s business time and attention and Executive’s best efforts (excepting vacation time, holidays, sick days and periods of disability) to Executive’s employment and service with the Company; provided , that this Section 2 shall not be interpreted as prohibiting Executive from (i) managing Executive’s personal investments (so long as such investment activities are of a passive nature), (ii) engaging in charitable or civic activities, (iii) participating on boards of directors or similar bodies of non-profit organizations, or (iv) subject to approval by the Board in its sole discretion, participating on boards of directors or similar bodies of for-profit organizations, in each case, so long as such activities in the aggregate do not (a) materially interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, (b) create a fiduciary conflict, or (c) with respect to (ii), (iii), and (iv) only, detrimentally affect the Company’s reputation as reasonably determined by the Company in good faith. If requested, Executive shall also serve as an executive officer and/or member of the board of directors of any entity that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, Cedar Fair, L.P. (an “ Affiliate ”) without additional compensation.
3.     Location of Employment . Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the Company’s corporate office, currently located in ____________________, subject to reasonable business travel consistent with Executive’s duties and responsibilities.
4.     Compensation .
4.1     Base Salary .
(a) In consideration of all services rendered by Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) at an annual rate of $___________________ during the Employment Period. Executive’s Base Salary will be reviewed from time to time (but will not decrease, except in the event of an across the board reduction applicable to substantially all senior executives of the Company).
(b) The Base Salary shall be paid in such installments and at such times as the Company pays its regularly salaried employees and shall be subject to all required withholding taxes, including income, FICA, and Medicare contributions, and similar deductions.
4.2     Incentive Compensation . During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to participate in one or more of Cedar Fair’s cash incentive compensation plans and equity incentive plans (awards or compensation under any such plans being referred to as “Incentive Compensation”) including the Company’s 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan (or any successor thereto (the “Company Omnibus Plan”) at a level appropriate to Executive’s position

72

Exhibit 10.31

and performance, as solely determined by the Board. Any cash incentive (‘Annual Cash Incentive”) payable to Executive for a calendar year shall be paid to Executive at the same time that other senior executives of the Company receive bonus payments, but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the calendar year to which such Annual Cash Incentive relates. Executive shall not be paid any Annual Cash Incentive with respect to a calendar year unless Executive is employed with the Company on the last day of the calendar year to which such Annual Cash Incentive relates, except as otherwise set forth in Section 6 hereof.
Any Equity award shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Company Omnibus Plan and an applicable award agreement entered into thereunder, which shall not be inconsistent with the Plan or this Agreement, and to approval of such grant by the Board; provided that upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, Executive shall become immediately vested in any equity award granted to Executive pursuant to the Company Omnibus Plan, in each case, then held by the Executive as of the date of such Change in Control provided further that any equity awards conditioned upon performance criteria, goals or objectives that so vest upon a Change in Control shall be, payable at the level specified in the Company Omnibus Plan or an applicable award agreement or as specified in connection with the grant, where applicable.
4.3     Vacation . Executive shall be entitled to annual paid vacation days, which shall accrue and be useable by Executive in accordance with Company policy, as may be in effect from time to time.
4.4     Benefits . During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to participate in any benefit and compensation plans, including but not limited to medical, disability, and life insurance 401K and deferred compensation plans (but excluding any severance or bonus plans unless specifically referenced in this Agreement) offered by the Company as in effect from time to time (collectively, “ Benefit Plans ”), on the same basis as those generally made available to other senior executives of the Company (other than the CEO), to the extent Executive may be eligible to do so under the terms of any such Benefit Plan; Executive understands that any such Benefit Plans may be terminated or amended from time to time by the Company in its sole discretion.
4.5     Business Expenses. During the Employment Period reasonable travel, entertainment, and other business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties hereunder shall be reimbursed by Cedar Fair in accordance with Cedar Fair’s policies as in effect from time to time.
4.6     Clawback. Executive agrees that the Board may, in appropriate circumstances, require reimbursement of any Incentive Compensation paid or granted to Executive within the preceding twenty four months where: (1) the payment was predicated upon achieving certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a substantial restatement of Company financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (2) the Board determines Executive engaged in intentional misconduct that caused or substantially caused the need for the substantial restatement; and (3) a lower payment would have been made to the Executive based upon the restated financial results. In each such instance, the Company will, to the extent practicable, seek to recover from Executive the amount by which Executive’s

73

Exhibit 10.31

Incentive Compensation for the relevant period exceeded the lower payment that would have been made based on the restated financial results and Executive shall be liable to repay the same.

5.     Termination . Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated as follows:
5.1    Automatically in the event of the death of Executive;
5.2    At the option of the Company, by written notice to Executive or Executive’s personal representative in the event of the Disability of Executive. As used herein, the term “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental incapacity or disability which has rendered, or is likely to render, Executive unable to perform Executive’s material duties for a period of either (i) one hundred eighty (180) days in any twelve- (12-) month period or (ii) ninety (90) consecutive days, as determined by a medical physician selected by the Company;
5.3    At the option of the Company for Cause (as defined in Section 6.5 ), on prior written notice to Executive;
5.4    At the option of the Company, but subject to ten (10) days prior written notice to Executive, at any time without Cause ( provided that the assignment of this Agreement to and assumption of this Agreement by the purchaser of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company shall not be treated as a termination without Cause under this Section 5.4 );
5.5    At the option of Executive for Good Reason (as provided in Section 6.5 ); or
5.6    At the option of Executive for any or no reason, on sixty (60) days prior written notice to the Company (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective as a resignation earlier than the termination date provided in such notice), subject to Section 6.6 to the extent applicable.

6.     Severance Payments .
6.1     Termination Without Cause, Disability or Resignation for Good Reason . If Executive’s employment is terminated at any time during the Employment Period by the Company without Cause (and not for death) or pursuant to Section 5.2 (Disability) or by Executive for Good Reason (as defined in Section 6.5 ), subject to Section 6.6 and Section 12.7 , Executive shall be entitled to:
(c) within thirty (30) days following such termination, (i) payment of Executive’s accrued and unpaid Base Salary, (ii) reimbursement of expenses under Section 7 hereof and (iii) payment for accrued and unused vacation days, in each case accrued as of the date of termination;
(b)      an amount equal to one (1) times Executive’s Base Salary payable at the same time Base Salary would be paid over the twelve- (12) month period following termination if Executive had remained employed with the Company; provided that, subject to Section 6.6 and

74

Exhibit 10.31

12.7, the first payment shall be made on the next regularly scheduled payroll date following the sixtieth (60th) day after Executive’s termination. The first payment shall include payment of any amounts that would otherwise be due prior thereto. To the extent any such termination of employment occurs during the twenty-four- (24) month period following a Change in Control such amount shall be two and one-half (2-1/2) times annual “Cash Compensation” for the year preceding the calendar year in which the Change in Control of Cedar Fair occurred, less one United States dollar (US $1.00); and payment shall be made in a lump sum on the next regularly scheduled payroll date following the sixtieth (60th) day after Executive’s termination; provided further that to the extent any such termination of employment occurs pursuant to Section 5.2 (Disability), monetary payments actually received by the Executive from a bona fide short-term or long-term disability plan maintained by the Company shall be used to reduce any payment made by the Company pursuant to this provision on a dollar for dollar basis; provided that: ( i) the disability plan payments qualify as “disability pay” under Treasury Regulation Section 31.3121(v)(2)-1(b)(4)(iv)(C) (ii) such reduction does not otherwise affect the time of payment of such Base Salary or the provision of benefits; (iii) the disability plan covers a substantial number of employees and, was in effect before Executive became Disabled; and (iv) any subsequent amendment of such plan or any change in the benefits payable under such plan results from actions taken by an independent third party or, if taken by Cedar Fair, that they are generally applicable to a substantial number of other employees.

c)    any Annual Cash Incentive earned with respect to a calendar year ending on or prior to the date of such termination of employment but unpaid as of such date, shall be payable at the same time such payment would be made if Executive continued to be employed by the Company:
(d)    a pro-rata portion of Executive’s Annual Cash Incentive for the calendar year in which Executive’s termination of employment occurs (determined by multiplying the amount of such Annual Cash Incentive, which would be due for the full calendar year by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the calendar year of termination that Executive is employed with the Company and the denominator of which is 365 based on actual performance and payable at the same time that other senior executives of the Company receive bonus payments in respect of the calendar year in which such termination occurs, but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the calendar year to which such Annual Cash Incentive relates; provided , that to the extent Executive's Annual Cash Incentive for the calendar year in which Executive's termination occurs (i) is intended to be "qualified performance-based compensation" (within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (as defined in Section 12.7)), any qualitative performance criteria applicable to such bonus relating to the potential application of "negative discretion" in respect of such bonus shall be deemed satisfied in full and (ii) is not intended to be "qualified performance-based compensation" (within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code), any qualitative performance criteria applicable to such bonus shall be deemed satisfied in full;
(e) subject to Executive’s timely election of continuation coverage under the under Part 6 of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ( “COBRA” ), the Company shall pay to Executive each month an after-tax amount equal to the monthly amount of the COBRA continuation coverage premium under the Company’s group medical plans as in effect from time

75

Exhibit 10.31

to time, less the amount of Executive’s portion of the premium as if Executive were an active employee until the earliest of: (i) twelve (12) months after the date of Executive’s termination of employment; (ii) the date Executive is no longer eligible for benefits under COBRA; or (iii) the date Executive obtains other employment that offers medical benefits, provided that the first payment of any amount described in this Section 6.1(e) shall be paid following Executive’s termination of employment as described in Section 6.6 or Section 12.7 and shall include any amounts due prior thereto; provided , further , that to the extent any such termination occurs during the twenty-four- (24-) month period following a Change in Control, Executive shall have the right to continue medical and dental insurance coverage during the thirty- (30-) month period after the date of such termination pursuant to COBRA, and from the Executive’s termination of employment date through the end of such thirty- (30-) month period Executive shall be required to pay the full cost of the amount for such coverage (both employee and employer) on an after-tax basis and, if permitted under applicable law, as determined in good faith by Cedar Fair, Cedar Fair shall reimburse Executive for the payments on a monthly basis; and
( f)      if such termination is the result of a Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason, then, subject to Executive executing a general release of all claims as set forth in Section 6.6 , Executive shall become fully vested in any equity awards made under the Company’s Omnibus Incentive Plan (or any successor plan), whether such grants were made prior to or following the Effective Date, that are scheduled to vest within the eighteen month period following Executive’s date of termination. Other than as set forth below in the context of options, Executive shall receive payments on the Payment Date as provided in the applicable award agreement as if the Executive were employed by the Company on the relevant Payment Date. All such equity awards shall be paid or vest pursuant to the terms of the original award agreements, but without regard to any continuing employment requirements or proration. Options that vest within the eighteen month post termination period will terminate thirty (30) calendar days after the vesting date unless exercised by the Executive. Equity awards made under the Company’s Omnibus Incentive Plan (or any successor plan), that are scheduled to vest (in whole or in part) after the eighteen month period following Executive’s date of termination as described above under this paragraph (f), shall vest and be paid only in accordance with the terms of the applicable award and the terms of the Omnibus Incentive Plan (or any successor plan).
(g)      Facility of Payments in the Event of Death After Termination of Employment . Severance payments (made by reason of terminations without Cause, for Disability, Resignation for Good Reason, and after a Change in Control) which have not yet commenced (i.e., because of the six month waiting period), or which have commenced, but are unpaid at death of Executive (i.e., during months six to twelve months after termination), will be paid to Executive’s designated beneficiary or legal representative, as applicable; and,

(h) Other Accrued Amounts . All other accrued amounts or accrued benefits due to Executive in accordance with the Company’s benefit plans, programs or policies (other than severance).
6.2     Termination due to Death . Upon the termination of Executive’s employment due to Executive’s death pursuant to Section 5.1 , subject to Section 6.6 hereof, Executive or Executive’s legal representatives shall be entitled to receive the payments and benefits described

76

Exhibit 10.31

under Sections 6.1(a), (c), (d),and (h) hereof. In addition subject to Executive’s spouse and eligible dependents timely election of continuation coverage under the COBRA , the Company shall pay to Executive’s spouse and eligible dependents each month an after-tax amount equal to the monthly amount of the COBRA continuation coverage premium under the Company’s group medical plans as in effect from time to time, less the amount of Executive’s portion of the premium as if Executive were an active employee for a period of up to twelve (12) months after the date of Executive’s death, if permitted under applicable law as determined in good faith by Cedar Fair.
6.3    Company Non-renewal Following Expiration of Employment Period.
(a) If Executive submits timely notice of his intent not to renew as provided under Section 1, his employment with the Company will terminate immediately following the expiration of the Employment Period and Executive will be entitled only to those benefits or payments provided under Section 6.1(a), (c) and (h) or pursuant to relevant law or plan provisions.
(b) If the Company submits timely notice of its intent not to renew as provided under Section 1 and Executive chooses to terminate his employment immediately following the Employment Period, subject to Section 6.6 and Section 12.7 hereof, Executive shall be entitled to receive the payments and benefits described under Sections 6.1(a), (b) (c), (e), (f),(g) & (h) ; provided that, subject to Section 6.6 and Section 12.7 , the first payment shall be made on the next regularly scheduled payroll date following the sixtieth (60th) day after Executive’s termination and shall include payment of any amounts that would otherwise be due prior thereto.
(c) If the Executive continues his employment without a New Agreement following the expiration of the Employment Period, such employment will be at will consistent with Section 1.
6.4     Termination for Any Other Reason. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason not otherwise covered in Sections 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 hereof, Executive or Executive’s legal representatives shall be entitled to receive the payments and benefits described under Sections 6.1(a), (c), and (h) hereof.
6.5     Certain Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement,
(a)    “ Cause ” shall mean:
(i) Executive’s willful and continued failure to perform his duties hereunder or to follow the lawful direction of the CEO or the Board or a material breach of fiduciary duty after written notice specifying the failure or breach;
(ii) theft, fraud, or dishonesty with regard to the Company or in connection with Executive’s duties;
(iii) Executive’s indictment for, conviction of (or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to) a felony or any lesser offense involving fraud, or moral turpitude;
(iv) material violation of the Company’s Code of Conduct or similar written policies after written notice specifying the failure or breach;

77

Exhibit 10.31


(v) willful misconduct unrelated to the Company having, or likely to have, a material negative impact on the Company (economically or its reputation) after written notice specifying the failure or breach;
(vi) an act of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Executive that relates to the affairs of the Company;
(vii) material breach by Executive of any provisions of this Agreement;
(viii) a final, non-appealable determination by a court or other governmental body of competent jurisdiction that a material violation by the Executive of federal or state securities laws has occurred; or
(ix) as provided in Section 12.1 hereof.
(b)    “ Change in Control ” shall mean a “change in the ownership” of the Company, a “change in effective control” of the Company, or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company under Treasury Regulations § 1.409A-3(i)(5), or any successor provision.
(c)    “ Good Reason ” shall mean, without Executive’s express consent:
(i)    any material diminution in Executive’s responsibilities, authorities or duties;
(ii)    any material reduction in (x) Executive’s Base Salary or (y) target Incentive Compensation opportunity (except in the event of an across the board reduction in Base Salary or Incentive Compensation opportunity applicable to substantially all senior executives of the Company);
(iii)    a forced relocation of Executive’s place of employment by the greater of seventy (70) miles or, if greater, the distance constituting a “material change in the geographic location” of Executive’s place of employment within the meaning of Code Section 409A (as defined in Section 12.7 ); or
(iv)    a material breach of this Agreement by the Company;
provided , however , that no event described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) shall constitute Good Reason unless (A) Executive has given the Company written notice of the termination, setting forth the conduct of the Company that is alleged to constitute Good Reason, within sixty (60) days of the first date on which Executive has knowledge of such conduct, and (B) Executive has provided the Company at least thirty (30) days following the date on which such notice is provided to cure such conduct and the Company has failed to do so. Failing such cure, a termination of employment by Executive for Good Reason shall be effective on the day following the expiration of such cure period.
(d) Noncompetition Period ” shall mean during Executive’s employment and during the twelve- (12-) month period following such termination of employment regardless of

78

Exhibit 10.31

reason, plus during any additional period in which Executive receives severance payments from the Company pursuant to Section 6.1(b) or 6.1(f) hereof.
(e) Cash Compensation ” shall mean, with respect to any calendar year, as (i) the total salary payable in such calendar year, (ii) the target Annual Cash Incentive compensation with respect to such calendar year, notwithstanding the fact that a portion of such bonuses may be paid to the Executive by March 15 of the following calendar year in compliance with the short-term deferral rule under Code Section 409A (as defined in Section 12.7 ), and (iii) respect to any multi-year cash bonuses, the amount actually paid in such calendar year. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Cash Compensation does not include payments or benefits to the Executive under any employee benefit or fringe benefit plan, program, or arrangement or awards or payments under the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, or the Cedar Fair, L.P. Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Program, as such plans, programs, or arrangements currently exist or are hereafter amended.
6.6 Conditions to Payment . All payments and benefits due to Executive under this Section 6 which are not otherwise required by law shall be payable only if Executive (or Executive’s beneficiary or estate) delivers to the Company and does not revoke (under the terms of applicable law) a general release of all claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, provided that if necessary, such general release may be updated and revised to comply with applicable law to achieve its intent. Such general release shall be executed and delivered (and no longer subject to revocation) within sixty (60) days following termination and provided further that if the sixty- (60-) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in a second calendar year, payments shall always be made in the second calendar year. Failure to timely execute and return such release or revocation thereof shall be a waiver by Executive of Executive’s right to severance (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any amounts described in Sections 6.1(a), (c) and (h) hereof). In addition, severance shall be conditioned on Executive’s compliance with Section 8 hereof as provided in Section 9 below.
6.7      No Other Severance . Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that, other than the severance payments described in this Section 6 , upon termination of employment Executive shall not be entitled to any other severance under any Company benefit plan or severance policy generally available to the Company’s employees or otherwise.
7.     Reimbursement of Expenses . Subject to Section 6.6 and Section 12.7 , the Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred by Executive directly in connection with the business and affairs of the Company and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder upon presentation of proper receipts or other proof of expenditure and in accordance with the guidelines and limitations established by the Company under the Company’s Travel and Entertainment Policy as in effect from time to time; provided , that Executive shall present all such proper receipts or other proof of expenditure promptly following the date the expense was incurred, but in no event later than one week after the date the expense was incurred, and reimbursement shall be made promptly thereafter.  When traveling for Company business, Executive shall be subject to Company travel policies, including, without limitation, the Company’s Travel and Entertainment Policy, in effect from time to time.

79

Exhibit 10.31

  
8.     Restrictions on Activities of Executive .
8.1     Confidentiality
(a)    Executive acknowledges that it is the policy of the Company to maintain as secret and confidential all “Confidential Information” (as defined herein). The parties hereto recognize that the services to be performed by Executive pursuant to this Agreement are special and unique, and that by reason of his employment by the Company after the Effective Date, Executive will acquire, or may have acquired, Confidential Information. Executive recognizes that all such Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole property of the Company, free of any rights of Executive, and acknowledges that the Company has a vested interest in assuring that all such Confidential Information remains secret and confidential. Therefore, in consideration of Executive’s employment with the Company pursuant to this Agreement, Executive agrees that at all times from and after the Effective Date, he will not, directly or indirectly, disclose to any person, firm, company or other entity (other than the Company) any Confidential Information, except as specifically required in the performance of his duties hereunder, without the prior written consent of the Company, except to the extent that (i) any such Confidential Information becomes generally available to the public, other than as a result of a breach by Executive of this Section 8.1 or by any other executive officer of the Company subject to confidentiality obligations, or (ii) any such Confidential Information becomes available to Executive on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Company, or its executive officers or advisors; provided , that such source is not known by Executive to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with, or other obligation of secrecy to, the Company or another party. In addition, it shall not be a breach of the confidentiality obligations hereof if Executive is required by law to disclose any Confidential Information; provided , that in such case, Executive shall (x) give the Company the earliest notice possible that such disclosure is or may be required and (y) cooperate with the Company, at the Company’s expense, in protecting to the maximum extent legally permitted, the confidential or proprietary nature of the Confidential Information which must be so disclosed. The obligations of Executive under this Section 8.1 shall survive any termination of this Agreement. During the Employment Period Executive shall exercise all due and diligent precautions to protect the integrity of the business plans, customer lists, statistical data and compilation, agreements, contracts, manuals or other documents of the Company which embody the Confidential Information, and upon the expiration or the termination of the Employment Period, Executive agrees that all Confidential Information in his possession, directly or indirectly, that is in writing or other tangible form (together with all duplicates thereof) will forthwith be returned to the Company and will not be retained by Executive or furnished to any person, either by sample, facsimile film, audio or video cassette, electronic data, verbal communication or any other means of communication. Executive agrees that the provisions of this Section 8.1 are reasonably necessary to protect the proprietary rights of the Company in the Confidential Information and its trade secrets, goodwill and reputation.
(b)    For purposes hereof, the term “Confidential Information” means all information developed or used by the Company relating to the “Business” (as herein defined), operations, employees, customers, suppliers and distributors of the Company, including, but not limited to, customer lists, purchase orders, financial data, pricing information and price lists, business plans and market strategies and arrangements and any strategic plan, all books, records, manuals, advertising materials, catalogues, correspondence, mailing lists, production data, sales

80

Exhibit 10.31

materials and records, purchasing materials and records, personnel records, quality control records and procedures included in or relating to the Business or any of the assets of the Company and all trademarks, copyrights and patents, and applications therefore, all trade secrets, inventions, processes, procedures, research records, market surveys and marketing know-how and other technical papers. The term “Confidential Information” also includes any other information heretofore or hereafter acquired by the Company and deemed by it to be confidential. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Business” shall mean: (i) the business of amusement and water parks; (ii) leisure theme parks; (iii) any other business engaged in or being developed (including production of materials used in the Company’s businesses) by the Company, or being considered by the Company, at the time of Executive’s termination, in each case, to the extent such business is primarily related to the business of amusement and water parks or leisure theme parks; and (iv) any joint venture, partnership or agency arrangements relating to the businesses described in (b)(i) through (iii) above provided that , in determining when an entity is in a “Business”, the Board will not act unreasonably in making such determination.
8.2     Non-Competition .
(a)    Executive agrees that, during the Noncompetition Period, Executive will not:
directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, control or participate in the ownership, management or control of, or be connected as an officer, employee, partner, consultant, contractor, director, or otherwise with, or have any financial interest in, or aid, consult, advise, or assist anyone else in the conduct of, any entity or business:         
(x) in which ten percent (10%) or more of whose annual revenues are derived from a Business as defined above; and
(y) which conducts business in any locality or region of the United States or Ontario, Canada (whether or not such competing entity or business is physically located in the United States or Canada), or any other area where Business is being conducted by the Company on the date Executive’s employment is terminated hereunder or in each and every area where the Company intends to conduct such Business as it expresses such intent in the written strategic plan developed by the Company as of the date Executive’s employment is terminated hereunder; and
(i) either personally or by his agent or by letters, circulars or advertisements, and whether for himself or on behalf of any other person, company, firm or other entity, except in his capacity as an executive of the Company, canvass or solicit, or enter into or effect (or cause or authorize to be solicited, entered into, or effected), directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of himself or any other person, any business relating to the services of the type provided by, or orders for business or services similar to those provided by, the Company from any person, company, firm, or other entity who is, or has at any time within two (2) years prior to the date of such action been, a customer or supplier of the Company; provided that the restrictions of Section 8.2(a)(i)(y) above shall also apply to any person, company, firm, or other

81

Exhibit 10.31

entity with whom the Company is specifically seeking to develop a relationship as a customer or supplier of the Company at the date of such action.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, Executive’s ownership of securities of a public company engaged in competition with the Company not in excess of five percent (5%) of any class of such securities shall not be considered a breach of the covenants set forth in this Section 8.1(a) .
(b)    Executive agrees that, at all times from after the Effective Date, Executive will not, either personally or by his agent or by letters, circulars or advertisements, and whether for himself or on behalf of any other person, company, firm, or other entity, except in his capacity as an executive of the Company:
(i)    seek to persuade any employee of the Company to discontinue his or her status or employment therewith or to become employed in a business or activities likely to be competitive with the Business; or
(ii) solicit or employ any such person at any time within twelve (12) months following the date of cessation of employment of such person with the Company, in any locality or region of the United States or Canada and in each and every other area where the Company conducts its Business;
(iii)
provided ; however , that the restrictions set forth in this Section 8.2(b) shall cease upon the expiration of the Noncompetition Period.
8.3     Assignment of Inventions .
(a)    Executive agrees that during employment with the Company, any and all inventions, discoveries, innovations, writings, domain names, improvements, trade secrets, designs, drawings, formulas, business processes, secret processes and know-how, whether or not patentable or a copyright or trademark, which Executive may create, conceive, develop or make, either alone or in conjunction with others and related or in any way connected with the Company’s strategic plans, products, processes or apparatus or the Business (collectively, “ Inventions ”), shall be fully and promptly disclosed to the Company and shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company as against Executive or any of Executive’s assignees. Regardless of the status of Executive’s employment by the Company, Executive and Executive’s heirs, assigns and representatives shall promptly assign to the Company any and all right, title and interest in and to such Inventions made during employment with the Company.
(b)    Whether during or after the Employment Period, Executive further agrees to execute and acknowledge all papers and to do, at the Company’s expense, any and all other things necessary for or incident to the applying for, obtaining and maintaining of such letters patent, copyrights, trademarks or other intellectual property rights, as the case may be, and to execute, on request, all papers necessary to assign and transfer such Inventions, copyrights, patents, patent applications and other intellectual property rights to the Company and its successors and assigns. In the event that the Company is unable, after reasonable efforts and, in any event, after ten (10) business days, to secure Executive’s signature on a written assignment to the Company, of any application for letters patent, trademark registration or to any common law or statutory copyright or other property right therein, whether because of Executive’s

82

Exhibit 10.31

physical or mental incapacity, or for any other reason whatsoever, Executive irrevocably designates and appoints the Secretary of the Company as Executive’s attorney‑in‑fact to act on Executive’s behalf to execute and file any such applications and to do all lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution or issuance of such assignments, letters patent, copyright or trademark.
8.4     Return of Company Property . Within ten (10) days following the date of any termination of Executive’s employment, Executive or Executive’s personal representative shall return all property of the Company in Executive’s possession, including but not limited to all Company-owned computer equipment (hardware and software), telephones, facsimile machines, smart phones, cell phones, tablet computer and other communication devices, credit cards, office keys, security access cards, badges, identification cards and all copies (including drafts) of any documentation or information (however stored) relating to the Business, the Company’s customers and clients or its prospective customers and clients. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, Executive shall be entitled to retain (i) personal papers and other materials of a personal nature, provided that such papers or materials do not include Confidential Information, (ii) information showing Executive’s compensation or relating to reimbursement of expenses, and (iii) copies of plans, programs and agreements relating to Executive’s employment, or termination thereof, with the Company which he received in Executive’s capacity as a participant.
8.5     Resignation as an Officer and Director . Upon any termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned, to the extent applicable as an officer of the Company, a member of the board of directors or similar body of any of Cedar Fair, L.P.’s Affiliates and as a fiduciary of any Company benefit plan. On or immediately following the date of any termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall confirm the foregoing by submitting to the Company in writing a confirmation of Executive’s resignation(s).
8.6     Cooperation . During and following the Employment Period, Executive shall give Executive’s assistance and cooperation willingly, upon reasonable advance notice (which shall include due regard to the extent reasonably feasible for Executive’s employment obligations and prior commitments), in any matter relating to Executive’s position with the Company, or Executive’s knowledge as a result thereof as the Company may reasonably request, including Executive’s attendance and truthful testimony where deemed appropriate by the Company, with respect to any investigation or the Company’s defense or prosecution of any existing or future claims or litigations or other proceeding relating to matters in which he was involved or had knowledge by virtue of Executive’s employment with the Company. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket travel costs and expenses incurred by him (in accordance with Company policy) as a result of providing such assistance, upon the submission of the appropriate documentation to the Company.
8.7     Non-Disparagement . During his employment with the Company and at any time thereafter, Executive agrees not to disparage or encourage or induce others to disparage the Company, any of its respective employees that were employed during Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its respective past and present, officers, directors, products or services (the “ Company Parties ”). For purposes of this Section 8.7 , the term “disparage” includes, without limitation, comments or statements to the press, to the Company’s employees or to any individual or entity with whom the Company has a business relationship (including,

83

Exhibit 10.31

without limitation, any vendor, supplier, customer or distributor), or any public statement, that in each case is intended to, or can be reasonably expected to, materially damage any of the Company Parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 8.7 shall prevent Executive from making any truthful statement to the extent, but only to the extent (A) necessary with respect to any litigation, arbitration or mediation involving this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the enforcement of this Agreement, in the forum in which such litigation, arbitration or mediation properly takes place or (B) required by law, legal process or by any court, arbitrator, mediator or administrative or legislative body (including any committee thereof) with apparent jurisdiction over Executive.
8.8     Tolling . In the event of any violation of the provisions of this Section 8 , Executive acknowledges and agrees that the post-termination restrictions contained in this Section 8 shall be extended by a period of time equal to the period of such violation, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the running of the applicable post-termination restriction period shall be tolled during any period of such violation.
8.9     Survival . This Section 8 and any pertinent definitions of terms contained elsewhere in this Agreement shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement or employment of Executive.

9.     Remedies; Scope .
9.1    It is specifically understood and agreed that any breach of the provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement is likely to result in irreparable injury to the Company and that the remedy at law alone will be an inadequate remedy for such breach, and that in addition to any other remedy it may have in the event of a breach or threatened breach of Section 8 above, the Company shall be entitled to enforce the specific performance of this Agreement by Executive and to seek both temporary and permanent injunctive relief (to the extent permitted by law) without bond and without liability should such relief be denied, modified or violated. Furthermore, in the event of any breach of the provisions of Section 8.2 above or a material and willful breach of any other provision in Section 8 above (the “ Forfeiture Criteria ”), the Company shall be entitled to cease making any severance payments being made hereunder, and in the event of a final, non-appealable determination by a federal or state court of competent jurisdiction that a breach of any provision of Section 8 above has occurred, if such breach of Section 8 above satisfies the Forfeiture Criteria and occurs while Executive is receiving severance payments in accordance with Section 6 above (regardless whether the Company discovers such breach during such period of severance payment or anytime thereafter), the Company shall be entitled to recover any severance payments made to Executive.
9.2     Scope . Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon Executive and the rights and remedies conferred upon the Company under Section 8 and Section 9.1 , and hereby acknowledges and agrees that the same are reasonable and necessary in time and territory, are intended to eliminate competition which otherwise would be unfair to the Company, do not stifle the inherent skill and experience of Executive, would not operate as a bar to Executive’s sole means of support, are fully required to protect the business

84

Exhibit 10.31

interests of the Company, and do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment to Executive.
10.     Severable Provisions . The provisions of this Agreement are severable and the invalidity of any one or more provisions shall not affect the validity of any other provision. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is unenforceable in whole or in part because of the duration or scope thereof, the parties hereto agree that said court in making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration and scope of such provision to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, and that the Agreement in its reduced form shall be valid and enforceable to the full extent permitted by law.
11.     Notices . All notices hereunder, to be effective, shall be in writing and shall be deemed effective when delivered by hand or mailed by (a) certified mail, postage and fees prepaid, or (b) nationally recognized overnight express mail service, as follows:
If to the Company:      One Cedar Point Drive
Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259
Attn: General Counsel
        
If to Executive:     The last address shown on records of the Company

or to such other address as a party may notify the other pursuant to a notice given in accordance with this Section 11 .
12.     Miscellaneous .
12.1     Executive Representation . Executive hereby represents to the Company that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Executive and the Company and the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, or be prevented, interfered with or hindered by, the terms of any employment agreement or other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound, and further that Executive is not subject to any limitation on his activities on behalf of the Company as a result of agreements into which Executive has entered except for obligations of confidentiality with former employers. To the extent this representation and warranty is not true and accurate, it shall be treated as a Cause event and the Company may terminate Executive for Cause or not permit Executive to continue employment.



12.2     No Mitigation; Offset .

85

Exhibit 10.31


(a)     No Mitigation . In the event of any termination of Executive’s employment hereunder, Executive shall be under no obligation to seek other employment or otherwise mitigate the obligations of the Company under this Agreement.
(b)     Offset . To the extent that following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, Executive becomes employed by or provides consultation services to any natural person, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, governmental entity, or other entity or organization (each, a “ Person ”) during any period, if any, in which the Company may be obligated, pursuant to Section 6.3 of this Agreement, to pay or provide to Executive compensation or benefits following such termination of employment,
(i)    Executive shall immediately notify the Company of any Person for whom Executive works or provides services;
(ii)    Executive shall promptly provide to the Company copies of all pay statements (or similar statements) received from any such Person, or, if no such statements are available, a true, correct and complete description of any payments Executive is receiving; and
(iii)    in addition to any other rights the Company may have pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, the Company shall be entitled to offset any compensation or benefits, if any, which the Company may be obligated, pursuant to Section 6.3 of this Agreement, to pay or provide to Executive following such termination of employment by the compensation, consultant’s and/or other fees (excluding any such fees received by Executive in connection with his participation on the board of directors of any Person in which Executive is a member of such Person's board of directors as of immediately prior to his termination of employment with the Company) being paid to Executive during the same period; provided , that any such offset shall, in each case, be applied to the next dollars due to Executive from the Company during the applicable period and provided further that such offset is permitted under Code Section 409A and other applicable law.
12.3     Entire Agreement; Amendment . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and as further set forth in the grant agreement of any equity awards, this Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof, superseding all prior understandings, term sheets and agreements, whether written or oral. This Agreement may not be amended or revised except by a writing signed by the parties.
12.4     Assignment and Transfer . The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor in interest to the Company who acquires all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties or obligations of Executive shall be assignable by Executive, nor shall any of the payments required or permitted to be made to Executive by this Agreement be encumbered, transferred or in any way anticipated, except as required by applicable laws. All rights of Executive under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, estates, executors, administrators, heirs and beneficiaries.

86

Exhibit 10.31


12.5     Waiver of Breach . A waiver by either party of any breach of any provision of this Agreement by the other party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach by the other party.
12.6     Reporting and Withholding . The Company shall be entitled to report all income and withhold from any amounts to be paid or benefits provided to Executive hereunder any federal, state, local or foreign income tax withholding, FICA contributions, Medicare contributions, or other taxes, charges or deductions which it is from time to time required to withhold or that Executive has authorized the Company to withhold. The Company shall be entitled to rely on an opinion of counsel if any question as to the amount or requirement of any such withholding shall arise.
12.7     Code Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement:
(a)    The parties agree that this Agreement shall be interpreted to comply with or, to the extent possible, be exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder to the extent applicable (collectively “ Code Section 409A ”), and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A. Except to the extent attributable to a breach of this Agreement by the Company, in no event whatsoever will the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on Executive under Code Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
(b)    A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” if no exemption or exclusion from Section 409 (A) is determined to apply, such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (ii) the date of Executive’s death (the “ Delay Period ”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 12.7(b) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed on the first business day following the expiration of the Delay Period to Executive in a lump sum with interest at the prime rate during the Delay Period, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates and in the normal payment forms specified for them herein.

87

Exhibit 10.31


(c)    With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, to be provided in any other taxable year, provided that this clause (ii) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Internal Revenue Code Section 105(b) solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.
(d)    For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days ( e.g. , “payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company, unless provided otherwise herein.
12.8     Arbitration .
(a)    Executive and Cedar Fair agree that, except as provided in Section 12.8(h) below, any dispute, claim, or controversy between them, including without limitation disputes, claims, or controversies arising out of or relating to this Agreement or Executive’s employment with Cedar Fair or the termination of that employment, shall be settled exclusively by final and binding arbitration. Judgment upon the award of the arbitrators may be entered and enforced in any federal or state court having jurisdiction over the parties. Executive and Cedar Fair expressly acknowledge that this agreement to arbitrate applies without limitation to any disputes, claims or controversies between them, including without limitation claims of unlawful discrimination (including without limitation claims under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and all amendments to those statutes, as well as state anti-discrimination statutes), harassment, whistleblowing, retaliation, wrongful discharge, constructive discharge, claims related to the payment of wages or benefits, contract claims, and tort claims under federal, state, or local law, whether created by statute or the common law. By agreeing to submit any and all claims to arbitration (except as set forth in Section 12.8(h) below), Executive and Cedar Fair expressly waive any right that they may have to resolve any disputes, claims, or controversies through any other means, including a jury trial or bench trial.
(b)    The arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three (3) arbitrators in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) except as provided in this Agreement. Within twenty (20) days after notice from one party to the other of the notifying party’s election to arbitrate, each party shall select one (1) arbitrator. Within twenty (20) days after the selection of the two (2) arbitrators by the parties, said arbitrators shall in turn select a third arbitrator. If the two (2) arbitrators cannot agree upon the selection of a third arbitrator, the parties agree that the third arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA in accordance with AAA’s arbitrator selection procedures, including the provision of a list of potential arbitrators to both parties. Each member of the panel shall be a lawyer admitted to practice law for a minimum of 15 years.

88

Exhibit 10.31

  
(c)    Executive and Cedar Fair waive their right to file any arbitration on a class or collective basis; both Executive and Cedar Fair agree to file any arbitration only on an individual basis and agree not to file any arbitration as a representative of any class or group of others. Therefore, neither Executive nor Cedar Fair will seek to certify a class or collective arbitration or otherwise seek to proceed in arbitration on a representative basis, and the arbitrators shall have no authority to conduct a proceeding as a class or collective action or to award any relief to a class of employees. Nor shall Executive or Cedar Fair participate in any class or collective action involving claims covered by this Agreement, but instead shall arbitrate all claims covered by this Agreement on an individual basis.
(d)    The arbitration panel shall have authority to award any remedy or relief that an Ohio or federal court in Ohio could grant in conformity with applicable law on the basis of the claims actually made in the arbitration. The arbitration panel shall not have the authority either to abridge or change substantive rights available under existing law. Notwithstanding the above, any remedy for an alleged breach of the Agreement, wrongful discharge, or constructive discharge, or claims related to compensation and benefits will be governed solely by the applicable provisions of this Agreement, with no right to compensatory, punitive, or equitable relief. Further notwithstanding the foregoing, given the nature of Executive’s position with Cedar Fair, the arbitrator shall not have the authority to order reinstatement, and Executive waives any right to reinstatement to the full extent permitted by law.
(e)    The arbitrator may award attorneys’ fees and costs to the extent authorized by statute. The arbitration panel shall issue a written award listing the issues submitted by the parties, together with a succinct explanation of the manner in which the panel resolved the issues. The costs of the arbitration panel shall be borne by the parties in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the AAA.
(f) All arbitration proceedings, including the arbitration panel’s decision and award, shall be confidential. Neither party shall disclose any information or evidence adduced by the other in the arbitration proceedings, or the panel’s award except (i) to the extent that the parties agree otherwise in writing; (ii) as necessary in any subsequent proceedings between the parties, such as to enforce the arbitration award; or (iii) as otherwise compelled by law.
(g) The terms of this arbitration Agreement are severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions herein shall not affect the application of any other provisions. This Agreement to arbitrate shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act. The claims, disputes, and controversies submitted to arbitration will be governed by Ohio law and applicable federal law. The arbitrators shall have exclusive jurisdiction to decide questions concerning the interpretation and enforceability of this Agreement to arbitrate, including but not limited to questions of whether the parties have agreed to arbitrate a particular claim, whether a binding contract to arbitrate has been entered into, and whether the Agreement to arbitrate is unconscionable or otherwise unenforceable; provided however, that it is agreed that the arbitrators shall have no authority to decide any questions as to whether the waiver of class and collective actions is valid or enforceable and all questions of the validity or enforceability of the waiver shall be decided by a court, not the arbitrators, and the court shall stay any arbitration that

89

Exhibit 10.31

purports to proceed as a class or collective action or where the claimant in the arbitration seeks to otherwise act in a representative capacity.
(h)      The parties agree and acknowledge that the promises and agreements set forth in Sections 8.1 (Confidentiality ) and 8.2 (Non-Competition) of this Agreement shall not be subject to the arbitration provisions set forth in this Section 12.8 , but rather such claims may be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction. This Agreement to arbitrate does not apply to claims arising under federal statutes that prohibit pre-dispute arbitration agreements. This Agreement to arbitrate does not preclude Executive from filing a claim or charge with a governmental administrative agency, such as the National Labor Relations Board, the Department of Labor, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or from filing a workers’ compensation or unemployment compensation claim in a statutorily-specified forum.
12.9      Code Section 280G. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, Executive and Cedar Fair agree that in no event shall the present value of all payments, distributions and benefits provided to Executive or for Executive’s benefit pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise which constitute a “parachute payment” when aggregated with other payments, distributions, and benefits which constitute “parachute payments,” exceed two hundred ninety-nine percent (299%) of Executive’s “base amount.” As used herein, “parachute payment” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, without regard to Code Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii); and “base amount” has the meaning ascribed to it in Code Section 280G and the regulations thereunder. If the “present value” as defined in Code Sections 280G (d) (4) and 1274(b) (2), of such aggregate “parachute payments” exceeds the 299% limitation set forth herein, such payments, distributions and benefits shall be reduced by Cedar Fair in accordance with the order of priority set forth below so that such reduced amount will result in no portion of the payments, distributions and benefits being subject to excise tax. Such payments, distributions and benefits will be reduced by Cedar Fair in accordance with the following order of priority (A) reduction of cash payments; (B) cancellation of accelerated vesting of unit awards; and (C) reduction of employee benefits. If acceleration of vesting of unit award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of the Executive's unit awards.

12.10     Indemnification; Liability Insurance . To the extent provided in the Company’s Code of Regulations and Certificate of Incorporation, the Company shall indemnify Executive for losses or damages incurred by Executive as a result of all causes of action arising from Executive's performance of duties for the benefit of the Company, whether or not the claim is asserted during the Employment Period. Executive shall be provided with the same level of directors and officers liability insurance coverage provided to other directors and officers of the Company on the same terms and conditions applicable to such other directors and officers.
12.11     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed under and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.

90

Exhibit 10.31

  
12.12     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and shall have the same effect as if the signatures hereto and thereto were on the same instrument.
12.13     Compliance with Dodd-Frank . The Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that it is the intent of both parties that this Agreement comply with all applicable laws, including, without limitation, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.  In accordance with the foregoing sentence, the Company and Executive agree to enter into any amendments to this Agreement from time to time, as may be necessary to comply with all applicable laws, including, without limitation, any incentive compensation policy established from time to time by the Company to comply with Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
    
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

91

Exhibit 10.31



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
Cedar Fair, L.P.

By:      _________________________________
Name:     
Title:     

Cedar Fair Management, Inc.

By:      _________________________________
Name:     
Title:     

Magnum Management Corp.

By:      _________________________________
Name:     
Title:     


EXECUTIVE


_________________________________

92

Exhibit 10.31



Exhibit A
RELEASE AGREEMENT
This RELEASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") dated ________ ___, _____, is made and entered into by and between Cedar Fair, L.P., a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, Cedar Fair Management, Inc., an Ohio Corporation (“ Cedar Fair Management ”), Magnum Management Corporation, an Ohio corporation (“ Magnum ”) and ________________ (the “ Employee ”).
WHEREAS, Cedar Fair, L.P. is affiliated with several corporations and partnerships including, without limitation, Cedar Fair Management and Magnum (collectively, “ Cedar Fair ” or the “ Company ”);
WHEREAS, the Company and the Employee previously entered into an Employment Agreement dated ____________ (the “ Employment Agreement ”); and
WHEREAS, the Employee’s employment with Magnum and the Company has terminated effective _______ __, ____.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements contained herein and in the Employment Agreement, the Company and the Employee agree as follows:
1.
General Release and Waiver of Claims .

a. In consideration of Employee’s right to receive the severance payments and benefits set forth in Sections [6.1(b), (d), and (e)] References to be used in connection with a termination without Cause or for Good Reason or as a result of Disability. /[Sections 6.1(d) and the last sentence of 6.2 ]2 2 References to be used in connection with a termination as a result of death /[Sections 6.1 (e) and 6.3(y)]3 3 References to be used in connection with a termination as a result of application of Section 6.3. of the Employment Agreement, the Employee, on behalf of himself and his heirs, executors, administrators, trustees, legal representatives, successors and assigns (hereinafter collectively referred to for purposes of this Section 1 as “ Employee ”), hereby agrees to irrevocably and unconditionally waive, release and forever discharge the Company and its past, present and future affiliates and related entities, parent and subsidiary corporations, divisions, shareholders, predecessors, current, former and future officers, directors, employees, trustees, fiduciaries, administrators, executives, agents, representatives, successors and assigns (collectively, the “ Company Released Parties ”) from any and all waivable claims, charges, demands, sums of money, actions, rights, promises, agreements, causes of action, obligations and liabilities of any kind or nature whatsoever, at law or in equity, whether known or unknown, existing or contingent, suspected or unsuspected, apparent or concealed, foreign or domestic (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ claims ”) which he has now or in the future may claim to have against any or all of the Company Released Parties based upon or arising out of any facts, acts, conduct, omissions, transactions, occurrences, contracts, claims, events, causes, matters or things of any conceivable kind or character existing or occurring or claimed to exist or to have occurred prior to the date of the Employee’s execution of this Agreement. Such claims include, without limitation, claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq .; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq .; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq .; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq .; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq .; the Equal Pay Act of 1963, 29 U.S.C. § 206(d); Section 806 of the Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. § 1681
_________________________________  
1 References to be used in connection with a termination without Cause or for Good Reason or as a result of Disability.
2 References to be used in connection with a termination as a result of death
3 References to be used in connection with a termination as a result of application of Section 6.3.

93

Exhibit 10.31


et seq .; the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. §1681 et seq .; any other federal, state or local statutory laws relating to employment, discrimination in employment, termination of employment, wages, benefits or otherwise; or any other federal, state or local constitution, statute, rule, or regulation, including, but not limited to, any ordinance addressing fair employment practices; any claims for employment or reemployment by the Company Released Parties; any common law claims, including but not limited to actions in tort, defamation and breach of contract; any claim or damage arising out of Employee’s employment with or separation from the Company Released Parties (including a claim for retaliation) under any common law theory or any federal, state or local statute or ordinance not expressly referenced above; and any and all claims for counsel fees and cost.

b. To the fullest extent permitted by law, and subject to the provisions of Section 1.d and 1.e below, Employee represents and affirms that he has not filed or caused to be filed on his behalf any claim for relief against any of the Company Released Parties or any releasee and, to the best of his knowledge and belief, no outstanding claims for relief have been filed or asserted against the Company Released Parties or any releasee on his behalf. In the event Employee has filed or caused to be filed on his behalf any such claim for relief, he shall promptly withdraw and dismiss such claim with prejudice.

c. In waiving and releasing any and all waivable claims whether or not now known, Employee understands that this means that, if he later discovers facts different from or in addition to those facts currently known by him, or believed by him to be true, the waivers and releases of this Agreement will remain effective in all respects - despite such different or additional facts and his later discovery of such facts, even if he would not have agreed to this Agreement if he had prior knowledge of such facts.

d. Nothing in this Section 1, or elsewhere in this Agreement, prevents or prohibits Employee from filing a claim with a government agency, such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, that is responsible for enforcing a law on behalf of the government. However, Employee understands that, because Employee is waiving and releasing, among other things, any and all claims for monetary damages and any other form of personal relief (per Section 1.a above), Employee may only seek and receive non-monetary forms of relief through any such claim.

e. Nothing in this Section 1, or elsewhere in this Agreement, is intended as, or shall be deemed or operate as, a release by the Employee (i) of any claims for payments to which  the Employee is entitled under the express language of Section 6 of the Employment Agreement, (ii) of any claims for vested benefits (e.g., medical or 401(k) benefits) and (iii) of any right that the Employee had immediately prior to his termination of employment to be indemnified by any Company Released Party or to coverage under any directors and officers insurance policy and any run-off policy thereto.

2.
No Admission of Liability . It is understood that nothing in this Agreement is to be construed as an admission on behalf of the Company Released Parties of any wrongdoing with respect to the Employee, any such wrongdoing being expressly denied.

3.
Acknowledgement of Waiver and Release of Claims Under ADEA .

a. The Employee acknowledges that, pursuant to Section 1 hereof, he is agreeing to waive and release any claims he may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ ADEA ”) and that he is doing so knowingly and voluntarily. The Employee also acknowledges that the consideration given for the ADEA waiver and release under this Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which the Employee was already entitled. The Employee further acknowledges that he has been advised by the Company, as required by the ADEA, that:

i. the ADEA waiver and release contained in this Agreement does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after the date he signs this Agreement;


94

Exhibit 10.31

ii. he should consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement (although he may choose voluntarily not to do so);

iii. he has twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement (although he may choose voluntarily to sign it earlier);

iv. he has seven (7) days following the date he signs this Agreement to revoke this Agreement by delivering a written notice of such revocation to [PERSON/ADDRESS]; and

v. this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the first day following the end of the seven-day revocation period; provided that the Employee has signed, returned and not revoked this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof.

b. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the Employee from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of the ADEA waiver and release contained in this Agreement, nor does it prevent the Employee from filing a charge with the EEOC to enforce the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law.

4.
Miscellaneous .

a. Governing Law . This Agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Ohio without giving effect to its conflict of laws principles.

b. Consent to Jurisdiction . Any action by the parties hereto related to this Agreement may be instituted in any state or federal court having proper subject matter jurisdiction located within the State of Ohio, or in any other court in which jurisdiction is otherwise proper. Accordingly, the Company and the Employee irrevocably and unconditionally (a) submit to the jurisdiction of any such court and (b) waive (i) any objection to the laying of venue of any such action brought in such court and (ii) any claim that any such action brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

c. Prior Agreements .  Unless stated otherwise expressly herein, the terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

d. Construction . There shall be no presumption that any ambiguity in this Agreement should be resolved in favor of one party hereto and against another party hereto. Any controversy concerning the construction of this Agreement shall be decided neutrally without regard to authorship.

e. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed will be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts will, when executed by the parties hereto, together constitute but one agreement. Facsimile and electronic signatures shall be deemed to be the equivalent of manually signed originals.


THE UNDERSIGNED HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT, KNOW THE CONTENTS THEREOF, FULLY UNDERSTAND IT, AND SIGN THE SAME AS HIS OR ITS OWN FREE ACT.

[ Signature page to follow ]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day

95

Exhibit 10.31

and year first set forth above.

Cedar Fair, L.P.

By:      _________________________________
Name:     
Title:     

Cedar Fair Management, Inc.

By:      _________________________________
Name:     
Title:     

Magnum Management Corp.

By:      _________________________________
Name:     
Title:     


EMPLOYEE

_________________________


















Signature Page to ____________________ Release Agreement


96

Schedule to Exhibit 10.31

Named Executive Officer (Non-CEO) Contract Terms

Name
Employment Period
Title
Base Salary Specified in Section 4.1
Brian C. Witherow
Through December 31, 2017;
renewal periods commencing on January 1, 2018 and every 24-month anniversary thereafter subject to termination provisions
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
$416,000
Richard A. Zimmerman
Through December 31, 2017;
renewal periods commencing on January 1, 2018 and every 24-month anniversary thereafter subject to termination provisions
Chief Operating Officer
$550,000
H. Phillip Bender
Through December 31, 2017;
renewal periods commencing on January 1, 2018 and every 24-month anniversary thereafter subject to termination provisions
Executive Vice President, Operations
$361,000
Duffield E. Milkie
Through December 31, 2017;
renewal periods commencing on January 1, 2018 and every 24-month anniversary thereafter subject to termination provisions
Corporate Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
$368,000



97
Exhibit 12.1

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
($'s in thousands)

For the years ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010 (1)
Fixed charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expensed
 
$
96,286

 
$
103,071

 
$
110,619

 
$
157,185

 
$
150,285

 
Interest capitalized
 
2,983

 
1,610

 
1,322

 
1,835

 
1,343

 
Amortization of capitalized debt costs
 
4,602

 
6,130

 
10,417

 
10,000

 
5,671

 
Interest component of rental expense
 
4,220

 
3,142

 
2,970

 
2,419

 
2,327

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total fixed charges
 
$
108,091

 
$
113,953

 
$
125,328

 
$
171,439

 
$
159,626

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
104,215

 
$
108,204

 
$
101,857

 
$
65,296

 
$
(33,052
)
 
Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
9,885

 
20,243

 
31,757

 
7,877

 
2,670

 
Fixed charges
 
108,091

 
113,953

 
125,328

 
171,439

 
159,626

 
Amortization of capitalized interest
 
897

 
830

 
761

 
659

 
581

 
Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest capitalized
 
(2,983
)
 
(1,610
)
 
(1,322
)
 
(1,835
)
 
(1,343
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total earnings
 
$
220,105

 
$
241,620

 
$
258,381

 
$
243,436

 
$
128,482

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of total earnings to total fixed charges
 
2.0x

 
2.1x

 
2.1x

 
1.4x

 
0.8x

Excess
 
 
112,014

 
127,667

 
133,053

 
71,997

 
(31,144
)

(1) Operating results for 2010 include a loss on debt extinguishment of $35.3 million and a non-cash charge of $62.0 million for the impairment of long-lived assets at Great America, the majority of which were originally recorded with the PPI acquisition.

98

Exhibit 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
(As of December 31, 2014)


Name
Jurisdiction of Organization
 
 
Cedar Fair
Ohio
Knott's Berry Farm
California
Magnum Management Corporation
Ohio
Michigan's Adventure, Inc.
Michigan
Cedar Fair Southwest Inc.
Delaware
Kings Island Company
Delaware
Wonderland Company Inc.
Delaware
Canada's Wonderland Company
Canada (Nova Scotia)
Cedar Point Park LLC
Delaware
Valleyfair LLC
Delaware
Worlds of Fun LLC 
Delaware
Dorney Park LLC
Delaware
Knotts Berry Farm LLC
Delaware
Carowinds LLC
Delaware
Kings Dominion LLC
Delaware
Michigans Adventure LLC
Delaware
Kings Island Park LLC 
Delaware
Geauga Lake LLC
Delaware



99

Exhibit 23


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-163503 on Form S-3 and Nos. 333-152818 and 333-99043 on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 26, 2015, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Cedar Fair, L.P. and subsidiaries (the “Partnership”), and the effectiveness of the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Cedar Fair, L.P. for the year ended December 31, 2014.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Cleveland, Ohio
February 26, 2015


100


Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Matthew A. Ouimet, certify that:

1)
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Cedar Fair, L.P.;
2)
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3)
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4)
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5)
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:
February 26, 2015
 
/s/ Matthew A. Ouimet
 
 
 
Matthew A. Ouimet
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer


101
Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION
I, Brian C. Witherow, certify that:

1)
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Cedar Fair, L.P.;
2)
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3)
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4)
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5)
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:
February 26, 2015
 
/s/ Brian C. Witherow
 
 
 
Brian C. Witherow
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


102


Exhibit 32
CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Cedar Fair, L.P. (the “Partnership”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2014 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned officers of the Partnership certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to our knowledge:
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.
 
February 26, 2015
 
/s/ Matthew A. Ouimet
 
Matthew A. Ouimet
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
/s/ Brian C. Witherow
 
Brian C. Witherow
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.


103