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MGM Growth Properties LLC – ‘DEF 14A’ for 5/5/21

On:  Friday, 3/26/21, at 4:18pm ET   ·   For:  5/5/21   ·   Accession #:  1140361-21-10238   ·   File #:  1-37733

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  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size             Issuer                      Filing Agent

 3/26/21  MGM Growth Properties LLC         DEF 14A     5/05/21    1:5.7M                                   Edgarfilings Ltd.

Definitive Proxy Statement   —   Sch. 14A
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: DEF 14A     Definitive Proxy Statement                          HTML    986K 


Document Table of Contents

Page (sequential)   (alphabetic) Top
 
11st Page  –  Filing Submission
"Table of Contents
"2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
"Your Vote is Important
"How to Vote -- Shareholder of Record
"Voting Rights and Outstanding Shares
"Quorum and Votes Required
"Adjournment
"How to Revoke or Change Your Vote
"How the Votes will be Counted and Who Will Certify the Results
"Costs of and Participants in Solicitation
"Copies of Proxy Materials
"Delivery to a Single Household to Reduce Duplicate Mailings
"Governance Highlights
"Corporate Governance
"Governance Guidelines
"Code of Conduct
"Director Independence
"Director Share Ownership Guidelines
"Information Regarding the Board and Board Committees
"NYSE Controlled Company
"Audit Committee
"Compensation Committee
"Conflicts Committee
"Board Member Criteria and Election
"Board Leadership Structure
"Director Continuing Education
"Risk Oversight
"Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
"Board Diversity
"Controlling Shareholder
"Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
"Shareholder and Interested Parties Communications with Directors
"Director Compensation
"2020 Director Compensation
"Director Compensation Structure
"Principal Shareholders
"Security Ownership of Management in Parent Company
"Certain Relationships and Transactions With Related Persons
"Conflicts of Interest
"No Fiduciary Duties
"Lease Between Subsidiary of MGM and Entity Owned by Mr. Irving
"Distributions Under Operating Agreement
"MGP BREIT Venture Transaction
"Redemption of Operating Partnership Units
"Agreements with Affiliates in Connection with our Formation Transactions
"Master Contribution Agreement
"MGM-MGP Master Lease
"Corporate Services Agreement
"IPO Registration Rights Agreement
"IP License Agreement
"Proposals Requiring Your Vote
"Proposal No. 1 Election of Directors
"Information Concerning the Board's Nominees
"Proposal No. 2 Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
"Audit and Non-Audit Fees
"Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
"Audit Committee Report
"Proposal No. 3 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation
"Executive Compensation
"Compensation practices at a glance
"Executive Summary
"Elements of our Executive Compensation Program
"Results from 2020 Say-on-Pay Vote
"Best Practices
"Compensation Discussion and Analysis
"Objectives of Our Compensation Program
"Executive Compensation Process
"Roles in Establishing NEO Compensation
"Role of the Compensation Committee
"Outside Consultants
"Assessing Compensation Competitiveness
"Elements of Compensation
"Annual Base Salary
"Annual Incentive Bonus
"2021 Annual Incentive Program
"Long-Term Equity Incentives
"PSUs
"RSUs
"Bonus Deferred RSUs
"Award Summary
"Deferred Compensation Opportunities For Employees
"Perquisites and Other Benefits
"Share Ownership Guidelines
"Prohibition on Short Sales, Derivatives Trading and Pledging and Hedging of Company Securities
"Other Compensation Matters
"Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m)
"Compensation Committee Report
"Compensation Tables
"Summary Compensation Table
"Grants of Plan-Based Awards
"Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
"Stock Vested
"Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
"Estimated Benefits upon Termination
"Employment Agreements with Named Executive Officers
"Stewart Employment Agreement
"Chien Employment Agreement
"Change of Control Benefits
"Ceo Pay Ratio Disclosure
"Notice Concerning Shareholder Proposals and Nominations

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.  )
Filed by the Registrant
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
Check the appropriate box:
Preliminary Proxy Statement
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
Definitive Proxy Statement
Definitive Additional Materials
Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12
MGM Growth Properties LLC
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
 
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
No fee required.
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
 
(1)
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
 
 
 
 
(2)
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
 
 
 
(3)
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
 
 
 
 
(4)
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
 
 
 
 
(5)
Total fee paid:
 
 
 
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
 
(1)
Amount Previously Paid:
 
 
 
 
(2)
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
 
 
 
 
(3)
Filing Party:
 
 
 
 
(4)
Date Filed:
 
 
 
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS


VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING
This year’s Annual Meeting will be online and a completely virtual meeting of shareholders. You may attend and vote during the Annual Meeting via live audio webcast on the Internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/MGP2021.
You will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person. There will be no physical location for shareholders to attend.
As described in proxy materials for the Annual Meeting, you are entitled to virtually attend the Annual Meeting, vote and submit questions online by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/MGP2021. You may also submit questions in advance of the meeting until 11:59pm on May 4, 2021 by going to www.proxyvote.com and logging in with your control number. We will endeavor to answer as many shareholder-submitted questions as time permits that comply with the Annual Meeting rules of conduct. We reserve the right to exclude questions regarding topics that are not pertinent to meeting matters or Company business. If we receive substantially similar questions, we may group such questions together and provide a single response to avoid repetition. You will need your control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or proxy card (if you receive a printed copy of the proxy materials) in order to be able to submit questions and vote during the Annual Meeting. We encourage you to access the Annual Meeting webcast prior to the start time. Online check-in will begin at 9:45 a.m., Pacific Time, and you should allow ample time for the check-in procedures.
We will have technicians ready to assist you with any technical difficulties you may have accessing the virtual meeting or submitting questions. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the Annual Meeting log in page.
ANNUAL MEETING PROPOSALS
1 ELECTION
2 RATIFICATION
3 APPROVAL
OTHER BUSINESS
to elect a Board of Directors
to ratify the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021
to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers
to consider the transaction of any other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof
PROXY VOTING
Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 12, 2021 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. A complete list of such shareholders will be available for examination by any shareholder during ordinary business hours at our executive offices, located at 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Suite 750, Las Vegas, Nevada 89135, for a period of 10 days prior to the date of the Annual Meeting. Shareholders are requested to join the Annual Meeting on time and, with respect to shareholders whose shares are held in “street name” by a broker, provide recent evidence of share ownership as of the record date. There will be no admittance once the Annual Meeting has begun.
Your vote is important. Please be sure to vote your shares in favor of the Board of Directors’ recommendations in time for our May 5, 2021 meeting date.
Your attention is directed to the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice for a more complete statement of the matters to be considered at the meeting.
Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” each nominee for director listed in Proposal 1 and “FOR” Proposals 2 and 3.
By Order of the Board of Directors,

James C. Stewart
Chief Executive Officer
PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD OR SUBMIT YOUR PROXY USING
THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE.
Use of the enclosed envelope requires no postage for mailing in the United States.
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Statements in this Proxy Statement that are not historical facts are “forward-looking” statements and “safe harbor statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other related laws that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including risks and/or uncertainties described in the Company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company has based forward-looking statements on management’s current expectations and assumptions and not on historical facts. Examples of these statements include, but are not limited to, statements the Company makes regarding the resiliency of the gaming industry and its ability to execute on its business strategy. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include risks related to the Company’s ability to receive, or delays in obtaining, any regulatory approvals required to own its properties, or other delays or impediments to completing the Company’s planned acquisitions or projects, including any acquisitions of properties from MGM Resorts International; the ultimate timing and outcome of any planned acquisitions or projects; the Company’s ability to maintain its status as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”); the availability of, and the ability to identify, suitable and attractive acquisition and development opportunities and the ability to acquire and lease those properties on favorable terms; the Company’s ability to access capital through debt and equity markets in amounts and at rates and costs acceptable to the Company; changes in the U.S. tax law and other state, federal or local laws, whether or not specific to REITs or to the gaming or lodging industries; and other factors described in the Company’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports (including all amendments to those reports). In providing forward-looking statements, the Company is not undertaking any duty or obligation to update these statements publicly as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. If the Company updates one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those other forward-looking statements.
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2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
The form of proxy accompanying this Proxy Statement and the persons named therein as proxies have been approved by, and this solicitation is made on behalf of, the Board of Directors of MGM Growth Properties LLC (the “Board”) in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of MGM Growth Properties LLC (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at the following date, time and place, and at any postponements or adjournments thereof:
10:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Via live audio webcast on the Internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/MGP2021
MGM Growth Properties LLC, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to herein as the “Company,” “MGP,” “we” or “us,” unless the context indicates otherwise. Matters to be considered and acted upon at the Annual Meeting are set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting accompanying this Proxy Statement and are more fully outlined herein. On or about March 26, 2021, we will mail and/or make available this Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy to each shareholder entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Shareholders are requested to join the Annual Meeting on time, as there will be no admittance once the Annual Meeting has begun. Our Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2020 accompanies this Proxy Statement.
This year’s Annual Meeting will be online and a completely virtual meeting of shareholders. You may attend, submit questions and vote during the Annual Meeting via live audio webcast on the Internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/MGP2021. You may also submit questions in advance of the meeting until 11:59 p.m. on May 4, 2021 by going to www.proxyvote.com and logging in with your control number. You will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person. There will be no physical location for shareholders to attend. We expect that in future years we will continue to host a virtual meeting only, which we believe provides our shareholders with expanded access and improved communication while saving the Company time and money and reducing its environmental impact.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to be Held on May 5, 2021. The Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Annual Report are available for review online at www.proxyvote.com.
How to Vote - Shareholder of Record

Voting Rights and Outstanding Shares
Only record holders of our Class A shares and Class B share (collectively the “shares”) as of March 12, 2021 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on March 12, 2021, there were 131,473,880 Class A shares outstanding and entitled to vote, and one Class B share outstanding and entitled to vote. Class A shares and the Class B share must vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote or for the consent of the members of the Company, including the election of directors. Each shareholder of record of our Class A shares is entitled to one vote for each share held on that date on all matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting. MGM Resorts International (“MGM”), the owner of our Class B share, is entitled to an amount of votes representing a majority of the total voting power of our shares and, as a result, controls the Company through its majority voting rights. MGM has indicated that it intends to vote in accordance with the Board’s recommendations on the proposals submitted to vote at the Annual Meeting.
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You may vote by attending the Annual Meeting virtually, by completing and returning a proxy by mail or by using the internet or telephone. For shareholders who have requested paper copies of our proxy materials, you may submit your proxy by mail by marking your vote on the enclosed proxy card (the “Proxy Card”), then following the mailing instructions on the Proxy Card. To submit your proxy using the internet or by telephone, see the instructions on the Proxy Card and have the Notice of Internet Availability or Proxy Card available when you access the internet website or place your telephone call. You may vote by internet or telephone until 8:59 p.m., Pacific Time, on May 4, 2021.
If you are a shareholder of record and wish to virtually attend the Annual Meeting and vote online by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/MGP2021, you may do so. You will need your control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or proxy card (if you receive a printed copy of the proxy materials) in order to be able to vote during the Annual Meeting. If you vote by proxy prior to the Annual Meeting and also virtually attend the annual meeting, there is no need to vote again at the annual meeting unless you wish to change your vote. If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” by a broker and wish to virtually attend the Annual Meeting and vote online at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a proxy from the bank, brokerage or other institution holding your shares and bring such proxy with you to hand in with your ballot.
All shares represented by properly submitted proxies will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the directions on the proxies, unless such proxies have previously been revoked. If you are a shareholder of record and submit a Proxy Card with no voting direction indicated, the shares will be voted as the Board recommends, which is as follows:
PROPOSAL ROADMAP
PAGE
RECOMMENDATION
Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors
FOR the election of each of the nominees to the Board listed in this Proxy Statement and on the Proxy Card.
Proposal No. 2 Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
FOR the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.
Proposal No. 3 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation
FOR the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers.
By returning a signed Proxy Card by mail or by duly submitting a proxy by internet or telephone, you will confer discretionary authority on the named proxies to vote on any other business that properly comes before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof for which discretionary authority is permitted. The persons named on the Proxy Card as proxies or their substitutes will vote or act in their discretion with respect to such other matters. Any such matters shall be determined by a majority of votes cast virtually or by proxy.
Quorum and Votes Required
The presence, virtually or by proxy, of the holders of at least a majority of the total voting power of the outstanding voting shares is necessary to constitute a quorum at the meeting. Generally, at all meetings of shareholders, all questions, except certain amendments to our operating agreement, the election of directors, and all such other questions, the manner of deciding of which is specially regulated by any applicable law or regulation, shall be determined by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares present virtually or represented by proxy.
If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” by a broker, your broker, as the record holder of the shares, must vote those shares in accordance with your instructions. In accordance with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), certain matters submitted to a vote of shareholders are considered by the NYSE to be “routine” items upon which brokerage firms may vote in their discretion on behalf of their customers if such customers have not furnished voting instructions within a specified period prior to the meeting. The ratification of the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm as our
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independent auditor for 2021 is considered the only routine matter for which brokerage firms may vote shares for which they have not received instructions. The remaining matters are considered to be “non-routine,” and brokerage firms that have not received instructions from their customers do not have discretion to vote on these matters.
The below table summarizes the voting requirements to elect directors and to approve each of the proposals in this Proxy Statement:
PROPOSAL
VOTE REQUIRED
BROKER DISCRETIONARY VOTING ALLOWED
1.
Election of directors
Majority of votes cast
No
2.
Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP
Majority of votes represented at meeting virtually or by proxy and entitled to vote
Yes
3.
Approval of executive compensation on an advisory basis
Majority of votes represented at meeting virtually or by proxy and entitled to vote
No
Each director shall be elected by a majority of votes cast to hold office until the next annual meeting, unless the election is contested, in which case, directors shall be elected by a plurality of votes properly cast. An election shall be contested if, as determined by the Board, the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected. A majority of votes cast means that the number of votes properly cast “for” a director nominee exceeds the number of votes properly cast “against” such director nominee. Abstentions do not count as votes “against” and have no effect with respect to the election of directors. Any current director who does not meet this standard is subject to the Board’s policy regarding resignations by directors who do not receive a majority of votes cast, which is set forth in our Governance Guidelines (as defined below). With respect to Proposal 2 and Proposal 3, a properly executed proxy marked “ABSTAIN,” although counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum, will not be voted, and accordingly, an abstention will have the same effect as a vote cast against each of these proposals. Broker non-votes are not counted as votes cast and will therefore have no effect on the outcome of the vote on a proposal.
Adjournment
In accordance with the Company’s Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (our “LLC Agreement”), the Chairman of the Annual Meeting has the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the Annual Meeting. For more detail regarding adjournment procedures and the conduct of the Company’s shareholder meetings generally, please see our LLC Agreement, which was filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the LLC Agreement, which was filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
How to Revoke or Change Your Vote
Any proxy may be changed or revoked at any time prior to the Annual Meeting by submitting a new proxy with a later date, by a later telephone or internet vote (subject to the telephone or internet voting deadline), by voting virtually at the Annual Meeting or by submitting a revocation in writing. Written revocations must be directed to: Company Secretary, MGM Growth Properties LLC, 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 500, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118; and they must be received by the Company Secretary no later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on May 4, 2021.
How the Votes will be Counted and Who Will Certify the Results
A representative of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) will act as the independent Inspector of Elections to count the votes, determine whether a quorum is present, evaluate the validity of proxies and ballots, and certify the results. The final voting results will be reported by us on a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) within four business days following the Annual Meeting.
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Costs of and Participants in Solicitation
Your proxy is being solicited by the Board on behalf of the Company and, as such, we will pay the costs of soliciting proxies. Proxies may be solicited on behalf of the Company by our directors, officers, employees or agents in person or by mail, internet (including by email, the use of our investor relations website and other online channels of communication), telephone, facsimile, town hall meetings, personal interviews, press releases, press interviews, advertisements and investor presentations. We will also reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries, upon request, for their reasonable expenses incurred in sending proxies and proxy materials to beneficial owners of our shares. We have not retained an outside proxy solicitation firm to assist us with the solicitation of proxies.
Copies of Proxy Materials
As permitted by the SEC, we are furnishing to shareholders our Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Annual Report primarily over the internet. On or about March 26, 2021, we will mail to each of our shareholders (other than those who previously requested electronic or paper delivery) a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access and review the proxy materials via the internet, and how to access the Proxy Card to vote on the Internet or by telephone. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials also contains instructions on how to receive, free of charge, paper copies of the proxy materials. If you received the notice, then you will not receive a paper copy of the proxy materials unless you request one.
Shareholders of Record. If your shares are registered in your own name, you may request paper copies of the proxy materials by following the instructions contained in the notice. Shareholders who have already made a permanent election to receive paper copies of the proxy materials will receive a full set of the proxy documents in the mail.
Beneficial Shareholders. If your shares are not registered in your name, you should receive written instructions on how to request paper copies of the proxy materials from your bank or broker. We recommend that you contact your bank or broker if you do not receive these instructions. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your bank, broker or other holder of record how to vote your shares by using the voting instructions you received.
Delivery to a Single Household to Reduce Duplicate Mailings
Many shareholders hold our shares in multiple accounts, which may result in duplicate mailings of the Notice of Internet Availability (or proxy materials) to shareholders who share the same address. Shareholders can avoid receiving duplicate mailings and save us the cost of producing and mailing duplicate documents as follows:
Shareholders of Record. If your shares are registered in your own name and you are interested in consenting to the delivery of a single Notice of Internet Availability (or copy of proxy materials other than proxy cards), go directly to the website at www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions therein.
Beneficial Shareholders. If your shares are not registered in your own name, your broker, bank, trust or other nominee that holds your shares may have asked you to consent to the delivery of a single Notice of Internet Availability (or copy of proxy materials other than proxy cards) if there are other shareholders who share an address with you. If you currently receive more than one copy of proxy materials at your household and would like to receive only one copy in the future, you should contact your nominee.
Right to Request Separate Copies. If you consent to the delivery of a single Notice of Internet Availability (or copy of proxy materials) but later decide that you would prefer to receive a separate Notice of Internet Availability (or copy of proxy materials) for each account at your address, then please notify us at the following address: Company Secretary, MGM Growth Properties LLC, 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 500, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, Attention: Shareholder Communications, or your nominee, as applicable, and we or your nominee will promptly deliver such additional proxy materials. If you wish to receive a separate copy of the proxy materials for each account at your address in the future, you may contact Broadridge by calling toll-free 1-866-540-7095 or by writing to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood NY, 11717.
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Governance Highlights
We have elected to be treated as a “controlled company” under NYSE listing standards because MGM holds more than 50% of our voting power. Accordingly, we are exempt from certain requirements of the NYSE corporate governance rules, including the requirement that we have a majority of independent directors on our Board and the requirement of having independent compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees of the Board.
In keeping with good corporate governance practices, we maintain a comprehensive set of corporate governance initiatives that include the following:
An Audit Committee comprised solely of independent directors
Adopting stock ownership guidelines for our named executive officers and for compensated directors
 
 
 
Maintaining a written charter for our Audit Committee
Maintaining limits on the number of other public company boards and audit committees on which our directors may serve
 
 
 
Annual director elections
Conducting annual Board and Audit Committee evaluations
 
 
 
Annual election of a Lead Independent Director by the Board
Annual review of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Conflict of Interest Policy
 
 
 
An independent ad hoc conflicts committee formed from time to time to evaluate related party transactions
 
 
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
The Board has adopted governance guidelines (the “Governance Guidelines”) to assist the Board in the exercise of its responsibilities and to serve our interests and those of our shareholders. The Governance Guidelines set forth the general principles governing the conduct of our business and the role, functions, duties and responsibilities of the Board, including, but not limited to, such matters as (i) Board composition and membership criteria, (ii) compensation, (iii) director orientation and continuing education, (iv) Board committees, (v) Board leadership, (vi) director access to officers, employees and independent advisors, (vii) management succession, (viii) annual performance evaluations of the Board and its committees and (ix) conflicts of interest and recusal. We believe that these guidelines are in compliance with the applicable listing standards adopted by the NYSE. The Corporate Governance Guidelines are posted and maintained on our website at www.mgmgrowthproperties.com/governance-documents under the caption “Governance Guidelines.” The inclusion of our website address here and elsewhere in this Proxy Statement does not include or incorporate by reference the information on our website into this Proxy Statement. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of this Proxy Statement.
Effective March 14, 2019, the Board approved a modification to its resignation policy in the Corporate Governance Guidelines. Under the new policy, directors are required to tender irrevocable letters of resignation in connection with their election to the Board, which will automatically become effective upon the director’s failure to receive the requisite vote at a shareholder meeting or a substantial change in the director’s principal occupation or business (including if the director ceases to be employed by or serve on the board of directors of MGM and which change must promptly be noticed to the Board) and, in either case, the determination by the Board (other than the resigning director) to accept the director’s resignation. Existing directors are also required to tender their irrevocable letters of resignation in accordance with the new policy. Previously, the Board required that the letters of resignation be tendered to the Board upon the failure to receive the requisite vote at a shareholder meeting or the occurrence of the substantial change and were also subject to the Board’s acceptance of the resignation.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy (the “Code of Conduct”) that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE. The Code of Conduct is posted on our website at www.mgmgrowthproperties.com/governance-documents under the caption “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy/MGM Growth Properties LLC Securities Trading Policy.” Any waivers of the provisions of the Code of Conduct are required to be disclosed in accordance with applicable law or regulation.
The Code of Conduct is made available to all of our employees in various formats. It is specifically provided to new directors, officers and key employees and is covered annually with all of our directors, officers and key employees, each of whom is required to acknowledge his or her understanding of the Code of Conduct and agree to adhere to the principles contained therein. Additionally, we will provide a copy of the Code of Conduct, free of charge, to any shareholder who requests it in writing to: Company Secretary, MGM Growth Properties LLC, 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 500, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, Attention: Shareholder Communications.
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
We have elected to avail ourselves of the “controlled company” exemption available under the listing rules of the NYSE and therefore are permitted not to have a majority of independent directors. Should we no longer qualify as a controlled company within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards, we will be required, in accordance with the transition provisions of these standards, to have a majority of independent directors who, in each case, the Board has determined does not have any direct or indirect material relationships with the Company. The Board has established guidelines to assist in determining director independence, which meet, and in some respects exceed the independence requirements established by the NYSE’s listing standards. These guidelines are set forth in Section II of our Corporate Governance Guidelines.
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The Board determined Ms. Coleman and Messrs. Taylor, Salem, Irving and Roberts are independent directors as defined in the Corporate Governance Guidelines. Mr. Irving was not considered “independent” for NYSE and other corporate governance purposes at the time he was appointed to the Board, but he has since been determined by the Board to be an independent director.
All members of the Audit Committee must be independent directors as defined in the Corporate Governance Guidelines. For the purposes of determining whether a director who is a member of the Audit Committee is independent, the Board applies additional independence standards, including those of the SEC set forth in Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the corporate governance rules of the NYSE applicable to audit committee composition. The Board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee are independent and satisfy the relevant Company, NYSE and SEC additional requirements for the members of such committee.
DIRECTOR SHARE OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
We recognize the importance of aligning our Board’s interests with those of our shareholders. As a result, the Board has established share ownership guidelines for all of our directors who receive compensation for their service on the Board. Under these guidelines, each of these directors is expected to accumulate, by the fifth year following his or her initial election to the Board, equity having a fair market value equal to three times such director’s annual base cash retainer. The guidelines provide that (i) 50% of net after-tax shares received upon restricted share unit (“RSU”) vesting are expected to be retained until the guideline is met and (ii) shares held in trust, retirement or deferred compensation accounts, and RSUs, count toward the ownership guideline. Directors may accumulate RSUs as equity compensation on a tax-deferred basis, in which case the pre-tax number of shares count toward the ownership guidelines. As of December 31, 2020, all directors who were serving as of such date were in compliance with these guidelines or on track to comply with these guidelines within the specified time period. The Board also adopted share ownership guidelines for executive officers, which are described in “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Executive Summary.”
INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD AND BOARD COMMITTEES
Following our annual meeting in 2020, the Board consisted of five directors until Kathryn Coleman and Charles Irving were appointed on July 1, 2020. Accordingly, our Board of Directors currently consists of seven members. In 2020, the Board met seven times and had seven Audit Committee meetings, four conflicts committee meetings and two Compensation Committee meetings.
During 2020, each member of the Board attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings held by the Board and the total number of meetings held by the committees on which he or she served. Directors are expected to attend each annual meeting of shareholders.
NYSE CONTROLLED COMPANY
We have elected to avail ourselves of the “controlled company” exemption available under the listing rules of the NYSE and therefore are not required to have a compensation committee or a nominating and governance committee. Our Board performs the functions of a nominating and governance committee and, prior to August 2020, performed the functions of a compensation committee. Although not required, in August 2020 the Board determined it was appropriate to form a standing Compensation Committee, and delegated certain authorities to the Compensation Committee, as described below. Should we no longer qualify as a controlled company within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards, we would be required, in accordance with the transition provisions of these standards, to have both a compensation committee and a nominating and governance committee.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee’s responsibilities are described in a written charter adopted by the Board. The charter is posted on our website at www.mgmgrowthproperties.com/governance-documents under the caption “Audit Committee Charter.” The Audit Committee is comprised of Ms. Coleman and Messrs. Roberts and Taylor, with Mr. Roberts serving as the Chair. Mr. Roberts also serves as the Lead Independent Director.
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The Audit Committee meets regularly with our management, independent registered public accounting firm and internal auditors, and reports its findings to the Board.
In 2020, the Audit Committee consisted of Messrs. Rietbrock, Roberts and Smith prior to May 6, 2020 and, following May 6, 2020 until July 1, 2020 consisted of Messrs. Roberts, Salem and Taylor. On July 1, 2020, Ms. Coleman replaced Mr. Salem on the Audit Committee. As a result, the Audit Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Roberts and Taylor and Ms. Coleman.
The Board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee qualify as “financially literate” and that all members qualify as “audit committee financial experts,” as defined in the NYSE’s listing standards and the SEC’s regulations. Our board has determined that Messrs. Roberts and Taylor and Ms. Coleman meet the independence requirements applicable to audit committee members under applicable SEC rules, including Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act), and the corporate governance rules of the NYSE applicable to audit committee composition. Our Board relied upon Rule 10A-3(b)(iv)(B), which allows an Audit Committee member that sits on the board of directors of an affiliate of the Company to also serve on the Company’s Audit Committee, in determining the independence of Messrs. Salem (for the period of time in which he served on the Audit Committee prior to Ms. Coleman being appointed to the Audit Committee) and Taylor, as both are Directors of MGM. The Board does not believe its reliance on the exemption materially adversely affected the Audit Committee’s ability to act independently and satisfy the other requirements of Rule 10A-3.
The Audit Committee assists our Board in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee, among other matters, the integrity of our financial statements, our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, our independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, and the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors.
The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include (i) reviewing and assessing at least annually the adequacy of the Audit Committee Charter in light of NYSE rules and federal securities laws, (ii) preparing the Audit Committee Report in connection with this proxy statement, (iii) preparing and reviewing, along with the Board, an annual performance evaluation of the Audit Committee, (iv) determining appropriate funding for payment of certain compensation and administrative expenses, (v) reviewing and, if appropriate, approving and ratifying certain transactions involving the Company and its officers, (vi) appointing the independent registered public accounting firm and reviewing with such firm the plan, scope and results of the audit, as well as the fees for the services performed, and (vii) making the ultimate determination as to whether a material impairment has occurred for the purposes of Item 2.06 of Form 8-K required disclosures. To the extent the Audit Committee deems it necessary or appropriate, the Audit Committee is empowered to retain or obtain the advice of consultants, outside legal counsel and other advisors and consultants to assist it in the performance of its functions.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
In light of the continued growth of the Company and the desire to provide a more focused forum for executive compensation decision making, in August 2020, the Board formed a standing Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities are described in a written charter adopted by the Board. The charter is posted on our website at www.mgmgrowthproperties.com/governance-documents under the caption “Compensation Committee Charter.” The Compensation Committee is currently comprised of Ms. Coleman and Messrs. Irving, McManus and Taylor, with Mr. Taylor serving as Chair.
Because we are a controlled company, it is not required that all members of the Compensation Committee satisfy the independence requirements otherwise applicable under the NYSE corporate governance standards. At the time the Compensation Committee was formed, only Ms. Coleman and Mr. Taylor satisfied the independence requirements otherwise applicable under the NYSE corporate governance standards; however, the Board has determined that, in addition to Ms. Coleman and Mr. Taylor, Mr. Irving currently satisfies the NYSE independence requirements. The Board was mindful of the fact that Mr. McManus and Mr. Irving were not considered “independent” for NYSE and other corporate governance purposes at the time the Compensation Committee was formed, and properly accounted for this when taking formal action regarding compensation matters, and continues to properly account for this with respect to Mr. McManus’ independence.
The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities include (i) ensuring that the compensation program for our executives is effective in attracting and retaining key employees, (ii) reviewing and approving corporate goals
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and objectives relevant to the company’s executive officers, (iii) reviewing and authorizing any employment, compensation, benefit or severance agreements with any executive officer, (iv) reviewing, approving and recommending to the Board the adoption of any equity-based compensation plan for employees of or consultants to the company and modifications to such plans, (v) reviewing at least annually the company’s compensation policies and practices for executives, management employees and employees generally as they relate to the Company’s risk management practices and (vi) conducting annual self-evaluations. To the extent the Compensation Committee deems it necessary or appropriate, the Compensation Committee is empowered to retain or obtain the advice of compensation consultants, outside legal counsel and other advisors and consultants to assist it in the performance of its functions.
CONFLICTS COMMITTEE
Our operating agreement provides that whenever a potential conflict of interest exists or arises between us and our affiliates, a resolution of such conflict will be deemed fair and reasonable to us if the Board directs that a conflicts committee be formed to evaluate the potential conflict of interest. Members of such conflicts committees must meet the independence standards established by the NYSE and the Exchange Act to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors, along with other requirements in our operating agreement. In addition, the members of our conflicts committee may not own any interest in MGM or its affiliates (other than shares of MGM common stock with an aggregate value of up to 1% of such member’s net worth as of the date of determination (as determined by our Board in good faith)). Any matters approved by the conflicts committee will be conclusively deemed to be approved by us and not a breach by our Board of any duties it may owe us or our shareholders.
Our Board directed on November 22, 2019 that a temporary conflicts committee be formed with Messrs. Rietbrock, Roberts and Smith to evaluate matters related to the proposed formation of a joint venture with a third party sponsor to acquire the real estate assets associated with the MGM Grand Las Vegas from a subsidiary of MGM, which transaction would include the contribution of the real property of Mandalay Bay by us and a limited waiver of our right under the operating agreement governing the Operating Partnership (the “Operating Partnership Agreement”) to issue Class A shares, in lieu of cash, to MGM in connection with MGM exercising its right under the Operating Partnership Agreement to require the Operating Partnership to redeem Operating Partnership units it holds over the 24 months following the closing of any transaction. Our Board determined that Messrs. Rietbrock, Roberts and Smith met the independence requirements applicable to conflicts committee as set forth in our operating agreement.
In March 2021, in accordance with the Operating Partnership's partnership agreement, the Operating Partnership formed a conflicts committee to determine the mix of consideration that it would provide to subsidiaries of MGM for the redemption of approximately 37.1 million Operating Partnership units. The conflicts committee determined that the Operating Partnership would redeem approximately 15.3 million Operating Partnership units for cash and the remaining 21.9 million Operating Partnership units would be redeemed using the proceeds, net of the underwriters' discount, from an offering of MGP's Class A shares.
BOARD MEMBER CRITERIA AND ELECTION
The Board selects candidates for nomination to the Board and welcomes recommendations for Board candidates from shareholders.
In determining the criteria for Board membership, the Board considers the appropriate range of skills, backgrounds and personal characteristics required in light of the then-current makeup of the Board and in the context of the perceived needs of the Company at the time, including, among other things, the following experience and personal attributes: leadership abilities; financial acumen; general and special business experience and expertise; industry knowledge; other public company directorships; high ethical standards; independence; sound judgment; interpersonal skills; overall effectiveness; and ability to contribute to the diversity of backgrounds represented on the Board.
The Company has not adopted a mandatory retirement age or term limits for its Board members because it recognizes that each individual is different and such limitations may result in individuals who distinguish themselves in their board service being precluded from serving on the Board. However, the Board recognizes that economic, social and political factors affecting our business are continually changing and the skills of our
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Board members need to keep pace. Accordingly, in re-nominating incumbent members to the Board, the Board takes into account the need to regularly refresh the composition of the Board to ensure the Board has the appropriate complement of expertise and recent experience to address the Company’s current and anticipated circumstances and needs.
The Board may receive recommendations for Board candidates from various sources, including our shareholders. Pursuant to our LLC Agreement, eligible shareholders meeting specified eligibility requirements and who provide required information in a timely manner may also nominate individuals for election to be included in our proxy statement for an annual meeting. In addition, the Board may engage an independent search firm to assist in identifying qualified candidates. The Board will review all recommended candidates in the same manner regardless of the source of the recommendation. Recommendations from shareholders should be in writing and addressed to: Company Secretary, MGM Growth Properties LLC, 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 500, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, Attention: Shareholder Communications, and must include the proposed candidate’s name, address, age and qualifications together with the information required under federal securities laws and regulations. Shareholder nominations must be received in a timely manner and in accordance with our LLC Agreement, and must include the recommending shareholder’s name, address, number of shares beneficially owned, and the length of time such shares have been held. See “Notice Concerning Shareholder Proposals and Nominations” below.
BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
Our Governance Guidelines provide that the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer may be filled by the same or different individuals, which gives the Board the flexibility to determine whether these roles should be combined or separated based on the Company’s circumstances and needs at any given time. The Board has no formal policy regarding whether to combine or separate the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Currently, Mr. Stewart serves as our Chief Executive Officer. In 2019, Mr. Murren served as the Chairman of the Board. On March 24, 2020, following Mr. Murren’s resignation from the Board, Mr. Salem was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Board. The Board believes that separating the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer roles is appropriate. Mr. Salem is able to focus on managing the operations of the Board and providing his expertise in a manner that is consistent with the Board’s oversight role, while Mr. Stewart is able to manage the business and facilitate strong day-to-day executive leadership.
Mr. Roberts is our Lead Independent Director. Among other things, the Lead Independent Director is responsible for convening, chairing and setting the agenda for executive sessions of the independent directors, acting as a liaison between directors and management, consulting with the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board regarding the agenda of Board meetings and, on behalf of and at the discretion of the Board, meeting with shareholders and speaking on behalf of the Board in circumstances where it is appropriate for the Board to have a voice distinct from that of management. The Board has established a process for shareholders and other interested parties to communicate with the Lead Independent Director, which is set forth in “Shareholder and Interested Parties Communications with Directors” below.
All of our directors are non-management directors. Our directors meet at least once a year in an executive session without the presence of management. The independent directors meet at least once every year in an independent director executive session without management or non-independent directors present. Executive sessions of the independent directors are chaired by the Lead Independent Director.
DIRECTOR CONTINUING EDUCATION
We are committed to ensuring that our directors remain informed with respect to best practices in corporate governance and engage outside counsel to provide periodic training to our directors on this topic. Each new Director receives background material on the Company, including copies of the Company’s guidelines and policies. In addition, each Director is afforded the opportunity to meet with members of the senior management of the Company, visit the Company’s facilities and consult with independent advisors as necessary or appropriate. Directors are expected to undertake continuing education to properly perform their responsibilities.
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RISK OVERSIGHT
Our Board has overall responsibility for overseeing the management of the most significant risks facing the Company. As part of its decision-making processes and meetings, our Board engages in regular discussions regarding risk related to the enterprise and management, focusing particularly on the areas of financial risk, regulatory and compliance risk and operational and strategic risk. Our management’s assessment of material risks facing the Company is presented by our officers and our legal counsel to the Board at our regularly scheduled Board meetings for the Board’s discussion and consideration in its oversight of the Company. When necessary, our Board convenes for special meetings to discuss important decisions facing the Company. The Board considers short-term and long-term risks when providing direction to the Company in connection with these important decisions, and risk planning is a central part of the calculus in all of the Board’s decision making.
While the Board has the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, the Audit Committee of the Board also shares in such responsibility. Furthermore, a majority of the Board may, from time to time, direct that a conflicts committee be formed to evaluate certain transactions and resolutions of conflicts of interest. As part of its delegated areas of responsibility, the Audit Committee reviews and discusses in more detail specific risk topics under its area of responsibility consistent with its charter and such other responsibilities as may be delegated to it by the Board from time to time. In particular, the Audit Committee focuses on significant risk exposures faced by the Company, including general business risk, financial risk, internal controls, regulatory and compliance matters, and material litigation and potential disputes, and assesses the steps and processes management has implemented to monitor, control and/or minimize such exposures. In addition, the Compensation Committee, as part of its delegated areas of responsibility, reviews at least annually our compensation policies and practices for executives, management employees and employees generally as they relate to our risk management practices, including the incentives established for risk-taking and the manner in which risks arising out of our compensation policies and practices are monitored and mitigated and any adjustments of compensation policies and practices that should be made to address changes in our risk profile.
The Board has the responsibility to review our corporate governance practices, including Board composition and succession planning, and regularly assess our preparation to address risks related to these areas as well as the other areas under its responsibility.
DELINQUENT SECTION 16(A) REPORTS
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our shares, to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the SEC. The reporting officers, directors and 10% shareholders are also required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. Based solely upon a review of these filings and written representations from such directors and officers, we believe that all required Section 16(a) reports were timely filed during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, except that one Form 4 for Mr. Chien reporting the acquisition of shares related to the reinvestment of dividends was filed late. We have a program to oversee the compliance of our executive officers and directors in their reporting obligations.
BOARD DIVERSITY
The Board considers diversity when assessing the appropriateness of Board membership. Though diversity is not defined in the Governance Guidelines, which can be found under the caption “Governance Guidelines” at www.mgmgrowthproperties.com/governance-documents, diversity is broadly interpreted by the Board to include viewpoints, background, experience, industry knowledge and geography, as well as more traditional characteristics of diversity, such as race and gender.
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Leadership
Experience
Financial
Experience
Industry
Experience
Public Company
Directorship
Experience
Kathryn Coleman
Charles Irving
John M. McManus
Thomas Roberts
Paul Salem
Corey Sanders
Daniel J. Taylor
CONTROLLING SHAREHOLDER
MGM holds a controlling interest in us through its ownership of our Class B share. The Class B share is a non-economic interest in the Company that does not provide its holder any rights to profits or losses or any rights to receive distributions from our operations or upon liquidation of the Company. Under our LLC Agreement, the Class A shares and Class B share must vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote or for the consent of the members of the company, including the election of directors. Each record holder of our Class A shares is entitled to one vote per Class A share held by such holder. As the holder of our Class B share, MGM is entitled to a number of votes (rounded up to the nearest whole number) that is equal to the product of (x) the total number of votes held by the holders of Class A shares plus any other class of Shares (other than the Class B share), in each case, outstanding as of the record date and (y) 1.025. At the close of business on March 12, 2021, the record date, there were 131,473,880 votes held by the holders of outstanding Class A shares. Accordingly, MGM is entitled to 134,760,727 votes at the Annual Meeting.
Should the holder of the Class B share and its permitted transferees (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) cease to own, in the aggregate, Class A shares and Operating Partnership Units representing at least 30% of the sum of (A) the Class A shares outstanding at such time and (B) the Operating Partnership Units outstanding at such time (other than Operating Partnership Units owned by the Company and its Subsidiaries), the holder of the Class B share will no longer have any voting rights in its capacity as a holder of the Class B share, and the Class B share will cease to be entitled to any voting rights hereunder.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During 2020 and as of the date of this Proxy Statement, none of the members of the Compensation Committee was or is an officer or employee of the Company, and no executive officer of the Company served or serves on the compensation committee or board of any company that employed or employs any member of the Company’s Compensation Committee or Board. Mr. Irving owns a company from which a subsidiary of MGM leases certain property. The lease provides for an annual payment of $80,000, with a 6% increase each 5 years during the lease term, and the total estimated payments (inclusive of rent and administrative costs) through the end of the lease term in 2032 are expected to be approximately $1.08 million.
SHAREHOLDER AND INTERESTED PARTIES COMMUNICATIONS WITH DIRECTORS
The Board has established a process for shareholders and other interested parties to communicate with members of the Board, the independent directors as a group and the Lead Independent Director. All such communications should be in writing and should be addressed to the Company Secretary, MGM Growth Properties LLC, 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 500, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, Attention: Shareholder Communications. All inquiries are reviewed by the Company Secretary, who forwards to the Board, the independent directors or the Lead Independent Director, as applicable, a summary of all such correspondence and copies of all communications that the Company Secretary determines are appropriate and consistent with our operations and policies. Matters relevant to our other departments are directed to such departments with appropriate follow-up to ensure that appropriate inquiries are responded to in a timely manner. Matters relating to accounting, auditing and/or internal controls are referred to the Chair of the Audit Committee and included in the report to the Board, together with a report of any action taken to address the matter. The Board or the Audit Committee, as the case may be, may direct such further action deemed necessary or appropriate.
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WHERE TO FIND OUR CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS
 
We encourage you to view our corporate governance materials on our website, http://mgmgrowthproperties.com/governance-documents.
Audit Committee
Charter
Governance Guidelines
 
 
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Policy
 
 
Compensation Committee Charter
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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
2020 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Director compensation is currently comprised of a cash component as well as an opportunity to participate in our future growth prospects through equity incentive awards. Board members who are employees of MGM do not receive compensation for their service on the Board. In general, Board members (i) who are nominated to the Board pursuant to a contractual right or agreement, (ii) who are an officer or employee of, or a person who performs responsibilities of a similar nature for, the nominating entity or person, as the case may be, or an affiliate thereof, and (iii) who are determined not to be independent because of conflicting interests between the Company and the nominating entity or person or its affiliates, do not receive compensation for their service on the Board. For 2020, Daniel J. Taylor and Paul Salem, who serve as members of the board of MGM, received compensation for their role as a member of the Board. Each director is eligible to receive reimbursement of all reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board and any committees on which he or she serves.
The Company believes that director compensation should be reasonable in light of what is customary for companies of similar size, scope and complexity. In connection with determining director compensation, the Board received a report from Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“F.W. Cook”) assessing levels of director compensation at peer companies (see page 38 of the “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for a discussion of the Company’s peer group), and determined not to increase compensation to directors in 2020 since current pay levels were competitive, the director compensation program is well structured and in light of market conditions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION STRUCTURE
The following table sets forth information regarding director compensation for 2020:
NAME
FEES EARNED OR
PAID IN CASH
SHARE
AWARDS(A)(B)
ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION
TOTAL
Kathryn Coleman
$57,500(C)
$135,000(C)
$—
$192,500
Charles Irving
52,500(C)
135,000(C)
187,500
Michael Rietbrock
52,500
52,500
Thomas Roberts
155,000
135,000(C)
290,000
Paul Salem
115,000(C)
243,750(C)(D)
358,750
Robert Smith
52,500(C)
52,500
Daniel J. Taylor
115,000
135,000
250,000
(A)
The amount reflected in this column is the grant date fair value of 2020 RSU awards, computed in accordance with FASB ASC 718. Mr. Roberts, Mr. Salem, and Mr. Taylor received a grant of 5,616 RSUs in May 2020, and Ms. Coleman and Mr. Irving received a grant of 4,950 RSUs in July 2020. Each of these awards had a grant date fair value of $135,000 and will vest on May 5, 2021.
(B)
At December 31, 2020, each director listed in the table above held the following RSUs, which were granted in 2020, and as of December 31, 2020 were not fully vested, and deferred stock units (including dividend equivalent rights associated with these awards): Ms. Coleman, 6,983; Mr. Irving, 6,813; Mr. Rietbrock, 0; Mr. Roberts, 45,708; Mr. Salem, 15,293; Mr. Smith, 0; and Mr. Taylor, 34,858.
(C)
All or a portion of these amounts were deferred pursuant to the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
(D)
Includes a pro-rata grant of 1,771 RSUs with a grant date fair value equal to $33,750 on March 24, 2020 when Mr. Salem was appointed by the Board to serve as Chairman of the Board. That award vested on May 6, 2020 in connection with the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders. Additionally, Mr. Salem received an award of 3,120 RSUs having a grant date fair value of $75,000 granted in May 2020 as his additional retainer for his role as Chairman.
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For 2020, members of the Board who were determined to be eligible to receive compensation received the following, with cash retainers paid in equal quarterly installments. Annually, we expect that equity will be issued following the annual shareholder meeting:
Annual Board Cash Retainer
$95,000
Additional Annual Cash Retainer for Chairman
$75,000*
Committee Member Retainer
$10,000
Additional Annual Cash Retainer for Lead Independent Director
$30,000
Additional Annual Cash Retainer for Chair of Audit Committee
$20,000
Additional Annual Cash Retainer for Chair of the Compensation Committee
$15,000
Annual Equity
$135,000 in RSUs, vesting at the earlier of the first anniversary of grant or the next annual meeting
Deferred Compensation Plan
Cash retainers and RSU awards may be voluntarily deferred for later payment
Share Ownership Guidelines/Retention Requirements
Ownership guideline equal to 3x the annual board cash retainer, with a 5-year compliance period from initial election to the Board
Per-Meeting Compensation
None
*
In 2020, the fee for service as Chairman of the Board was paid in a one-time RSU grant.
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PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The table below shows the number of Class A shares beneficially owned as of the close of business on March 12, 2021 by each of our directors and named executive officers, as well as the number of shares beneficially owned by all of our directors and executive officers as a group, based on 131,473,880 shares of our Class A shares outstanding as of March 12, 2021.
NAME(A)
CLASS A
SHARES(B)
OPTIONS/SARs/
RSUs
EXERCISABLE
OR VESTING
WITHIN 60 DAYS(C)(D)
TOTAL SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED(C)(D)
PERCENT
OF CLASS
DEFERRED
SHARE
UNITS(D)(E)
Andy H. Chien
58,996
24,585
83,581
*
Kathryn Coleman
7,077
Charles Irving
1,000
1,000
*
6,907
John M. McManus
27,582
27,582
*
Thomas Roberts
5,228
5,228
*
46,432
Paul Salem
15,522
Corey I. Sanders
235,741(F)
235,741
*
James C. Stewart
131,394
53,177
184,571
*
Daniel J. Taylor
5,909
5,909
*
29,502
All directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons)
459,941
83,671
543,612
*
105,440
*
Less than 1%
(A)
The address for the persons listed in this column is 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Suite 750, Las Vegas, Nevada 89135.
(B)
All Class A shares represent limited liability company interests.
(C)
Deferred share units are excluded from shares beneficially owned. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property and similar laws, the persons listed as beneficial owners of the shares have sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares.
(D)
Does not include dividend equivalents that will be credited to the holders’ account on April 15, 2021 with the number of additional dividend equivalents based on the closing price of MGP’s Class A shares on April 15, 2021.
(E)
Represents deferred share units under the MGM Growth Properties LLC 2016 Deferred Compensation Plan for non-employee directors. Each deferred share unit is the economic equivalent of one Class A share. The deferred share units become payable upon termination of service as a director.
(F)
Includes 128,200 held in trust and 100,000 in family partnership.
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Based on filings made under Sections 13(d) and 13(g) of the Exchange Act, as of March 12, 2021, the only persons known by us to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of our Class A Shares were as follows based on 131,473,880 shares of our Class A Shares outstanding as of March 12, 2021:
NAME AND ADDRESS
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED(A)
PERCENT
OF CLASS
MGM Resorts International
3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South
1(B)
100%
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC
2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor
12,743,655 (C)(D)
9.69%
Capital Research Global Investors
333 South Hope Street
11,294,502(C)(E)
8.59%
The Vanguard Group
100 Vanguard Boulevard
7,570,606(C)(F)
5.76%
(A)
Except as otherwise indicated, the persons listed as beneficial owners of the shares have sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares.
(B)
Class B share.
(C)
Class A shares.
(D)
Based upon a Schedule 13G filed by Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC with the SEC on February 11, 2021. Reflects sole voting power of 11,143,023 shares and sole dispositive power of 12,743,655 shares. Reflects shared voting power of 1,600,632 shares.
(E)
Based upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by Capital Research Global Investors with the SEC on February 16, 2021. Reflects sole voting power and sole dispositive power of 11,294,502 shares. Capital Research Global Investors is a division of Capital Research and Management Company.
(F)
Based upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by The Vanguard Group with the SEC on February 10, 2021. Reflects sole dispositive power of 7,475,117 shares. Reflects shared voting power of 39,779 shares and shared dispositive power of 95,489 shares.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT IN PARENT COMPANY
The table below shows the number of shares of MGM’s common stock beneficially owned as of the close of business on March 12, 2021 by each of our directors and named executive officers, as well as the number of MGM shares beneficially owned by all of our directors and executive officers as a group based on 495,004,321 shares of MGM Common Stock outstanding as of March 12, 2021.
NAME(A)
COMMON
STOCK
OPTIONS/
SARs/
RSUs
EXERCISABLE
OR VESTING
WITHIN 60 DAYS(B)
TOTAL SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED(B)
PERCENT
OF CLASS
DEFERRED
STOCK
UNITS(C)
Andy H. Chien
Kathryn Coleman
Charles Irving
John M. McManus
35,047
6,527
41,574
*
Thomas Roberts
Paul Salem
1,517,000
1,517,000
*
49,732
Corey I. Sanders
438,076(D)
8,853
446,929
*
James C. Stewart
456
456
*
Daniel J. Taylor
16,600
16,600
*
79,439
All directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons)
1,990,579
31,980
2,022,559
*
129,171
*
Less than 1%.
(A)
The address for the persons listed in this column is 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Suite 750, Las Vegas, Nevada 89135.
(B)
Deferred stock units are excluded from shares beneficially owned. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property and similar laws, the persons listed as beneficial owners of the shares have sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares. Does not include dividend equivalents in respect of RSUs that were credited to holder’s account on March 15, 2021 with the number of additional RSUs based on the closing price of MGM’s shares on March 15, 2021.
(C)
All deferred stock units previously held and RSUs to be deferred within 60 days by Non-Employee Directors, including deferral RSUs as of March 7, 2019. Deferred stock units are payable either in a lump sum or installments, at the director’s election, with the lump sum or first installment payable within 90 days of the first day of the month following the director’s separation from the Board. Does not include dividend equivalents in respect of RSUs that were credited to holders account on March 15, 2021 with the number of additional RSUs based on the closing price of MGM’s shares on March 15, 2021.
(D)
Includes 36,465 shares held in trust.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS
Related person transactions covered by Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K requiring review by the Audit Committee are referred to the Audit Committee for approval, ratification or other action. Based on its consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances, the Audit Committee decides whether or not to approve such transactions and approves only those transactions that are deemed to be in the best interests of the Company, including consideration of the factors set forth in our written guidelines under our Code of Conduct for the reporting, review and approval of potential conflicts of interest: the size of the transaction or investment, the nature of the investment or transaction, the nature of the relationship between the third party and the Company, the nature of the relationship between the third party and the director or employee, the net worth of the employee or director, and any other factors the Committee deems appropriate. If the Company becomes aware of an existing transaction with a related person that has not been approved under the foregoing procedures, then the matter is referred to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee then evaluates all options available, including ratification, revision or termination of such transaction.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Conflicts of interest may arise as a result of MGM’s ownership of our single outstanding Class B share, which represents a majority of the voting power of our shares. MGM’s interests may differ from or conflict with the interests of our other shareholders. MGM has the ability to exercise control over our affairs, including control over the outcome of all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including the election of directors and significant transactions. MGM also has the power to prevent or cause a change in control as a result of its beneficial ownership of our Class B share, which could, among other things, discourage a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of us in a manner that provides a control premium to any shareholders other than MGM. As a result, unless and until MGM and its controlled affiliates’ (excluding us and our subsidiaries) aggregate beneficial ownership of the combined economic interests in the Company and Operating Partnership falls below 30%, MGM will effectively control us.
We have adopted the Governance Guidelines to assist our Board of Directors in the exercise of its responsibilities and to serve our interests and those of our shareholders.
NO FIDUCIARY DUTIES
Duties owed to us and our shareholders by our Board are prescribed by law and our LLC Agreement. The Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (the “LLC Act”), with the stated purpose of giving the maximum effect to the principle of freedom of contract and to the enforceability of limited liability company agreements, provides that Delaware limited liability companies may, in their operating agreements, limit or eliminate any and all liabilities for breach of contract and breach of duties (including fiduciary duties) of a member, manager or other person to a limited liability company or to another member or manager or to another person that is a party to or is otherwise bound by a limited liability company agreement.
We have duties and obligations to our Operating Partnership and its limited partners under Delaware law as modified by the partnership agreement of our Operating Partnership in connection with the management of our Operating Partnership through our wholly owned subsidiary that serves as the sole general partner. Our duties and obligations to our Operating Partnership and its limited partners, as modified by the partnership agreement of our Operating Partnership, may come into conflict with the duties of our directors and officers to our company and our shareholders, as modified by our LLC Agreement. In particular, the consummation of certain business combinations, the sale of any properties or a reduction of indebtedness could have adverse tax consequences to holders of common units in our Operating Partnership, which would make those transactions less desirable to them.
Our LLC Agreement provides that our Board is entitled to consider only such interests and factors as they desire, including MGM’s interests, and has no duty or obligation (fiduciary or otherwise) to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting us and is not subject to any different standards imposed by
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the LLC Act or under any other law, rule or regulation or in equity. Similarly, our LLC Agreement provides that our officers, MGM and its affiliates and any other persons eligible for indemnification under the terms of our LLC Agreement do not have any duties or liabilities, including fiduciary duties, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to us, any shareholder or any other person.
For 2020, we have the following related party transactions to report:
LEASE BETWEEN SUBSIDIARY OF MGM AND ENTITY OWNED BY MR. IRVING
In connection with his appointment as a Director, Mr. Irving informed the Board that he owns a company from which a subsidiary of MGM leases certain property. The lease provides for an annual payment of $80,000, with a 6% increase each 5 years during the lease term, and the total estimated payments (inclusive of rent and administrative costs) through the end of the lease term in 2032 are expected to be approximately $1.08 million.
DISTRIBUTIONS UNDER OPERATING AGREEMENT
MGM owns, directly and indirectly through its subsidiaries, partnership units (“Operating Partnership Units”) of the Operating Partnership and is entitled to receive a pro rata share of any distributions made by the Operating Partnership. As of December 31, 2020, MGM owned 148,506,880 Operating Partnership Units, representing 53%, and we owned 131,459,651 Operating Partnership Units, representing 47%.
MGP BREIT VENTURE TRANSACTION
On February 14, 2020, the Operating Partnership and MGM completed a series of transactions (collectively the “MGP BREIT Venture Transaction”) pursuant to which the real estate assets of MGM Grand Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay (including Mandalay Place) were contributed to a newly formed entity (“MGP BREIT Venture”), which, following the transactions, is owned 50.1% by the Operating Partnership and 49.9% by a subsidiary of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. (“BREIT”). In exchange for the contribution of the Mandalay Bay real estate assets, the Operating Partnership received consideration of $2.1 billion, which was comprised of $1.3 billion of the Operating Partnership’s secured indebtedness assumed by MGP BREIT Venture, the Operating Partnership’s 50.1% equity interest in the MGP BREIT Venture, and the remainder in cash. In addition, MGM received $2.4 billion of cash distributed from the MGP BREIT Venture as consideration for its contribution of the MGM Grand Las Vegas real estate assets, and, additionally, the Operating Partnership issued 2.6 million Operating Partnership units to MGM representing 5% of the equity value of MGP BREIT Venture.
In connection with the transactions, MGP BREIT Venture entered into a lease with a subsidiary of MGM for the real estate assets of Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand Las Vegas. The lease (the “MGP BREIT Venture Lease”) provides for a term of thirty years with two ten-year renewal options and has an initial annual base rent of $292 million, escalating annually at a rate of 2% per annum for the first fifteen years and thereafter equal to the greater of 2% and the CPI increase during the prior year subject to a cap of 3%. In addition, the lease obligates the tenant to spend a specified percentage of net revenues at the properties on capital expenditures and that the tenant and MGM to comply with certain financial covenants, which, if not met, would require the tenant to maintain cash security or provide one or more letters of credit in favor of the landlord in an amount equal to the rent for the succeeding one-year period. MGM provides a guarantee of the tenant’s obligations under the lease.
In connection with the MGP BREIT Venture Transaction, the MGM-MGP Master Lease was modified to remove the Mandalay Bay property and the annual cash rent under the MGM-MGP Master Lease was reduced by $133 million.
Also, on January 14, 2020, the Operating Partnership, MGP, and MGM entered into an agreement for the Operating Partnership to waive its right to issue MGP Class A shares, in lieu of cash, to MGM in connection with MGM exercising its right to require the Operating Partnership to redeem the Operating Partnership units it holds. The waiver provided that the units would be purchased at a price per unit equal to a 3% discount to the applicable cash amount as calculated in accordance with the operating agreement. The waiver was effective upon closing of the transaction on February 14, 2020 and scheduled to terminate on the earlier of February 14, 2022 and MGM receiving cash proceeds of $1.4 billion as consideration for the redemption of its Operating Partnership units. On May 18, 2020, the Operating Partnership redeemed 30.3 million units from MGM for
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$700 million, or $23.10 per unit, and, on December 2, 2020, the Operating Partnership redeemed another approximately 23.5 million of MGM’s units for $700 million, or $29.78 per unit, which represented the remaining amount under the waiver agreement. As a result, the waiver terminated in accordance with its terms.
REDEMPTION OF OPERATING PARTNERSHIP UNITS
In March 2021, subsidiaries of MGM exercised their right to require the Operating Partnership to redeem approximately 37.1 million Operating Partnership units that they held in accordance with the terms of the Operating Partnership’s partnership agreement. In accordance with the terms of such agreement, upon receipt of the notice of redemption, the Operating Partnership formed a conflicts committee to determine the mix of consideration that it would provide for the Operating Partnership units. The conflicts committee determined that the Operating Partnership would redeem approximately 15.3 million Operating Partnership units for cash and the remaining 21.9 million Operating Partnership units would be redeemed using the proceeds, net of the underwriters’ discount, from an offering of MGP’s Class A shares. The redemption closed in March 2021 and MGM received aggregate cash proceeds for the redemption of approximately $1.2 billion.
AGREEMENTS WITH AFFILIATES IN CONNECTION WITH OUR FORMATION TRANSACTIONS
In connection with our formation transactions and initial public offering, we entered into various documents and agreements with MGM and its affiliates. While MGM endeavored to have these agreements reflect customary, arm’s-length commercial terms and conditions, these agreements are not the result of arm’s-length negotiations, and consequently, there can be no assurance that the terms of these agreements are as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties. Because some of these agreements relate to formation transactions that, by their nature, would not occur in a third-party situation, it is not possible to determine what the differences would be.
Master Contribution Agreement
On April 25, 2016, we entered into a master contribution agreement (the “Master Contribution Agreement”) with MGM and the Operating Partnership, which provides for, among other things, the Company’s responsibility for liabilities relating to its business and the responsibility of MGM for liabilities unrelated to our business, our agreements with MGM and the Operating Partnership regarding the principal transactions necessary to effect the transfer by MGM of certain assets to us or our subsidiaries, the assumption by us or our subsidiaries of certain liabilities in connection with that transfer, the assumption by us or our subsidiaries of the bridge facilities entered into by MGM and certain of its subsidiaries in connection with our formation transactions and other agreements that govern various aspects of our relationship with MGM after the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Master Contribution Agreement. The Master Contribution Agreement also contains indemnification obligations and ongoing commitments of the Company, the Operating Partnership and MGM.
MGM-MGP Master Lease
On April 25, 2016, a subsidiary of the Company (the “Landlord”) entered into a long-term triple-net master lease agreement (the “MGM-MGP Master Lease”) with a subsidiary of MGM (the “Tenant”) pursuant to which all of our real estate assets (each a “Property” and collectively the “Properties”) were leased to the Tenant. The lease was amended on August 1, 2016 in connection with the acquisition of the real estate of Borgata, October 5, 2017 in connection with the acquisition of the real estate of MGM National Harbor, January 29, 2019 in connection with the acquisition of the developed real property associated with the Empire City Casino (“Empire City”), March 7, 2019 in connection with improvements made by MGM related to the rebranding of the Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, April 1, 2019 in connection with the transfer of membership interests of Northfield Park to MGM, with the Company retaining the real estate assets of Northfield Park, and on February 14, 2020 in connection with the MGP BREIT Venture Transaction. The lease has an initial lease term of ten years with the potential to extend the term for four additional five-year terms thereafter at the option of the Tenant. The lease provides that any extension of its term must apply to all of the Properties under the lease at the time of the extension. The initial term of the lease with respect to MGM National Harbor ends on August 31, 2024. Thereafter, the initial term of the lease with respect to MGM National Harbor may be renewed at the option of the Tenant for an initial renewal period lasting until the earlier of the end of the then-current term of the lease or the next renewal term (depending on whether MGM elects to renew the other properties under the lease in connection with the expiration of the initial ten-year term). If, however, the Tenant chooses
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not to renew the lease with respect to MGM National Harbor after the initial MGM National Harbor term under the lease, the Tenant would also lose the right to renew the lease with respect to the rest of the properties when the initial ten-year lease term related to the rest of the properties ends in 2026.
The lease has a triple-net structure, which requires the Tenant to pay substantially all costs associated with each Property, including real estate taxes, insurance, utilities and routine maintenance, in addition to the base rent and the percentage rent. Additionally, the lease provides the Company with a right of first offer with respect to MGM Springfield and with respect to any future gaming development by MGM on the undeveloped land adjacent to Empire City, which we may exercise should MGM elect to sell either property in the future.
In connection with the commencement of the fifth lease year on April 1, 2020, the rent under the lease decreased to $827.8 million from $946.1 million at the start of the fourth lease year, driven by the decrease of $133.0 million related to the removal of the Mandalay Bay property from the lease on February 13, 2020, partially offset by the fourth 2.0% fixed annual rent escalator that went into effect on April 1, 2020. Rent under the lease consists of a “base rent” component and a “percentage rent” component. As of December 31, 2020, the Base Rent represents approximately 91% of the rent payments due under the lease, and the Percentage Rent represents approximately 9% of the rent payments due under the lease. The Base Rent includes a fixed annual rent escalator of 2.0% for the second through the sixth lease years (as defined in the MGM-MGP Master Lease). Thereafter, beginning on April 1, 2022, the annual escalator of 2.0% will be subject to the Tenant and, without duplication, the operating subtenants, collectively meeting an adjusted net revenue to rent ratio of 6.25:1.00 based on their adjusted net revenue from the leased properties subject to the lease (as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, adjusted to exclude net revenue attributable to certain scheduled subleases and, at the Tenant’s option, reimbursed cost revenue). The percentage rent will initially be a fixed amount for approximately the first six years and will then be adjusted every five years based on the average annual adjusted net revenues of the Tenant and, without duplication, the operating subtenants from the leased properties (calculated in accordance with the terms of the lease). The lease includes covenants that impose ongoing reporting obligations on the Tenant relating to MGM’s financial statements. The lease also requires MGM, on a consolidated basis with the Tenant, to maintain an EBITDAR to rent ratio (as described in the Master Lease) of 1.10:1.00; provided that the tenant will not be in default of this requirement in the event there is an unavoidable delay (as such term is defined in the lease).
Corporate Services Agreement
On April 25, 2016, the Operating Partnership entered into a corporate services agreement with MGM (the “Corporate Services Agreement”), pursuant to which MGM provides the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries with financial, administrative and operational support services, including accounting and finance support, human resources support, legal and regulatory compliance support, insurance advisory services, internal audit services, governmental affairs monitoring and reporting services, information technology support, construction services, and various other support services. The Corporate Services Agreement provides that the Operating Partnership will reimburse MGM for all costs MGM incurs directly related to providing the services thereunder. The Operating Partnership incurred expenses pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $3.5 million.
IPO Registration Rights Agreement
On October 5, 2017, the Company entered into an amended and restated registration rights agreement (as amended, the “IPO Registration Rights Agreement) with operating subsidiaries of MGM that hold Operating Partnership Units. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, MGM and certain of its subsidiaries have the right to require the Company to file and cause to become effective a registration statement to register the issuance and resale of Class A shares upon exchange of Operating Partnership Units beneficially owned by MGM. The IPO Registration Rights Agreement also provides for, among other things, demand registration rights and piggyback registration rights for the operating subsidiaries of MGM that hold Operating Partnership Units.
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IP License Agreement
On April 25, 2016, we entered into a royalty-free intellectual property rights license agreement with MGM (the “IP License Agreement”), pursuant to which we will have the right to use “MGM” in the corporate names of the Company and our subsidiaries for up to 50 years. Pursuant to the IP License Agreement, we will also have the right to use the “MGM” mark and the “MGM” logo in the Company’s advertising materials without royalties for up to 50 years.
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PROPOSALS REQUIRING YOUR VOTE
PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Annual Meeting, our shareholders are being asked to elect directors, each of whom will serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until his or her respective successor has been elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. All of the Company’s nominees on the Proxy Card were elected as directors at the last annual meeting of shareholders other than Ms. Coleman and Messr. Irving who were appointed to the Board on July 1, 2020. If any of the following nominees should be unavailable to serve as director, which contingency is not presently anticipated, it is the intention of the persons designated as proxies to select and cast their votes for the election of such other person or persons as the Board may designate.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the nominees to the Board.
Information Concerning the Board’s Nominees
The Board seeks nominees who have substantial professional accomplishments and who are leaders in the companies or institutions with which they are affiliated. Nominees should be persons who are capable of applying independent judgment and undertaking analytical inquiries and who exhibit high integrity, practical wisdom and mature judgment. The Board evaluates each individual in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of recommending a group that will best perpetuate the success of the business and represent shareholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment, based on diverse experiences. The Board reviews on an annual basis the composition of the Board to determine whether the Board includes the right mix and balance of skill sets, financial acumen, general and special business experience and expertise, industry knowledge, diversity, leadership abilities, high ethical standards, independence, sound judgment, interpersonal skills, overall effectiveness and other desired qualities. Director candidates also must meet the approval of certain state regulatory authorities.
We identify and describe below the key experience, qualifications and skills, in addition to those discussed above, that the directors bring to the Board and that are important in light of our business.
Leadership experience. Directors with experience in significant leadership positions demonstrate a practical understanding of organizations, processes, strategy, risk management and the methods to drive change and growth. Thus, their service as top leaders at other organizations also benefits us.
Finance experience. An understanding of finance and financial reporting is important for our directors, as we measure our operating and strategic performance by reference to financial targets.
Industry experience. We seek to have directors with experience as executives, as directors or in other leadership positions in the gaming and real estate industries.
Public company directorship experience. We seek directors with experience as directors of other public companies, as we believe these individuals will have been exposed to the various types of financial, governance and operational matters that companies such as ours consider from time to time.
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The following sets forth, for each nominee, his or her name, age as of the date of the Annual Meeting, principal occupation for at least the past five years and certain other matters. The respective experiences, qualifications and skills the Board considered in determining whether to recommend each director nominated for election are also set forth below for each nominee.
 
KATHRYN COLEMAN
Director Biography and Qualifications


AGE: (61)

DIRECTOR SINCE 2020

PARTNER AT HUGHES,
HUBBARD & REED

 





















Partner at international law firm Hughes Hubbard & Reed since 2009 and Co-Chair of the firm’s Corporate Reorganization & Bankruptcy Practice, where she is responsible for a range of high-stakes matters, including chapter 11 restructurings for public and private companies, out-of-court restructurings, acquisitions and dispositions of distressed businesses, nationwide federal government investigations, and “bet the company litigation.
Previously a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher from 1992 until 2009.
Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy since 2016.
Served on the board of directors of the American Bankruptcy Institute from 2014 through 2020.
Named a 2018 Bankruptcy MVP by Law360 and is ranked by Chambers USA as a leading restructuring lawyer.
Named a “Notable Woman in Law” by Crain's New York Business in December 2020.
Graduated magna cum laude from Pomona College and earned her Juris Doctor, Order of the Coif, from Boalt Hall School of Law (U.C. Berkeley).
Selected to our Board because of her strong transactional background and leadership experience.
Director Qualifications
Leadership experience—Significant leadership experience as a partner at a leading global law firm, including serving as a long-standing member of the executive committee and co-chair of the firm’s corporate reorganization practice.
Finance experience—Over 35 years of experience as a restructuring lawyer, which requires the analysis and understanding of financial statements.
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CHARLES IRVING
Director Biography and Qualifications


AGE: (59)

DIRECTOR SINCE 2020

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
OF DAVENPORT COMPANIES

 



















Founder and President of Davenport Companies, a real estate firm focused on investing in the retail, residential and office sectors and offering strategic real estate advisory work for select clients.
Founder and partner of Great Island Development from 1990 through 2008, which acquired and developed over three million square feet of commercial real estate.
Served as a Project Manager for Cabot, Cabot and Forbes from 1987 through 1989 and as a commercial real estate broker for Cushman and Wakefield from 1985 through 1987.
Serves on the Board of Directors of Harbor Sweets since August 2019, a 30 year old private candy company, and on the real estate advisory team for the Wichita Windstream, a AAA baseball team.
Chairman of Baptism Development Advisory Board, Amman Jordan.
Bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College.
Selected to our Board because of his substantial real estate experience.
Director Qualifications
Leadership experience—Has served in various leadership capacities in his career, including most recently as the Founder and President of Davenport Companies.
Finance experience— Began career at Bank of New England assessing commercial loans, participated in the sale of a $5 billion private company, served as an advisor to a private REIT for five years and served as CEO of his own company for over 20 years.
Industry experience—Active involvement in the real estate industry for over 35 years with significant experience identifying, acquiring and developing real estate projects in the United States.
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JOHN M. MCMANUS
Director Biography and Qualifications


AGE: (54)

DIRECTOR SINCE 2016

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
GENERAL COUNSEL AND
SECRETARY OF MGM

 














Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of MGM since July 2010. Acting General Counsel from December 2009 to July 2010.
Director of MGM China since March 2019.
Director and President of Vineyards Community Association since December 2020.
Senior member of MGM’s corporate legal department from July 2008 to December 2009.
Counsel to various MGM operating subsidiaries from May 2001 to July 2008.
Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University and a Juris Doctor degree from University of Miami.
Selected to our Board because of his substantial experience with and knowledge of gaming regulations, corporate governance and legal matters.
Director Qualifications
Leadership experience—Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of MGM since July 2010, past President of the International Association of Gaming Advisors.
Industry experience—Extensive experience with and knowledge of gaming regulations.
Public company directorship experience—Current director of MGM China, a Hong Kong Stock Exchange listed company.
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COREY SANDERS
Biography and Qualifications


AGE: (57)

DIRECTOR SINCE 2020

CHIEF OPERATING
OFFICER OF MGM

 















Chief Operating Officer of MGM since December 2020.
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of MGM from March 2019 to January 2021.
Chief Operating Officer for MGM from September 2010 through February 2019.
Chief Operating Officer for MGM’s Core Brand and Regional Properties from August 2009 to September 2010.
Executive Vice President—Operations of MGM from August 2007 to August 2009.
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for MGM Grand Resorts from April 2005 to August 2007.
Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from UCLA.
Selected to our Board because of his substantial experience with, and knowledge of, casino operations and the gaming industry as well as his extensive financial expertise.
Director Qualifications
Leadership experience—Served in various leadership roles at MGM, including his most recent role as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
Finance experience—Served in various financial roles at MGM, including his most recent role as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
Industry experience—Served in various leadership positions in entities involved in the gaming and resort industry for many years.
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PAUL SALEM
Director Biography and Qualifications


AGE: (57)

DIRECTOR SINCE 2020
CHAIRMAN OF MGM AND
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMPANY

SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR
EMERITUS AT PROVIDENCE
EQUITY PARTNERS

 
























Chairman of MGM since March 2020.
Senior Managing Director Emeritus, Providence Equity Partners (“Providence”) since 2018, with Providence from 1992 – 2019, which specializes in investing in the media, communications, education and information industries by employing a variety of financing structures and target equity investments and bringing industry, financial, operational and leadership expertise to portfolio companies.
Previously served as a director of Grupo TorreSur, Asurion, Eircom, Madison River Telecom, MetroNet (formerly AT&T Canada), PanAmSat, Tele1 Europe, Verio, Wired Magazine, Education Management Corporation and several other Providence investments.
Prior to joining Providence in 1992, worked for Morgan Stanley in corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions and prior to Morgan Stanley spent four years with Prudential Investment Corporation.
Chairman of Year Up, a national non-profit focused on closing the opportunity divide for urban young adults, and a board member of Edesia Global Nutrition, a non-profit dedicated to treating and preventing malnutrition in the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Serves on the advisory board of the Carney Institute for Brain Science at Brown University.
Director Qualifications
Leadership experience—Current Chairman of MGM and the Company and Senior Managing Director Emeritus at Providence, a premier global asset management firm with approximately $40 billion in assets under management; established the Providence London office in 1999 and helped create Benefit Street Partners, Providence’s credit affiliate that was sold to Franklin Templeton in Q1 2019.
Finance experience—Various progressive roles at Providence Equity since 1992, which specializes in investing in the media, communications, education and information industries by employing a variety of financing structures and target equity investments and bringing industry, financial, operational and leadership expertise to portfolio companies.
Industry experience—Director of MGM since 2018 and Chairman of the Board of MGM since March 2020.
Public company directorship experience—Former director of public company in the education industry and chairman of MGM Growth Properties LLC.
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THOMAS ROBERTS
Director Biography and Qualifications


AGE: (74)

DIRECTOR SINCE 2016

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

 





















Consultant and expert witness with respect to financial, transactional and operational matters. Also serves as an advisory director of M. Klein and Company, a leading global strategic advisory firm providing financial, transactional, strategic, reputational and global guidance to its clients, and as a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of America Media, which among other things publishes America magazine.
Senior Partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP from 1992 to December 2014, where he held numerous senior management and board-level positions, including as one of the leaders responsible for the firm’s strategic redirection and globalization and Chairman of the Corporate Department. Mr. Roberts’ practice primarily involved domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, contested takeovers, as well as advising boards generally and on strategic matters, including matters involving REITs.
Named “Dealmaker of the Year” by The American Lawyer in 2001 and 2012.
Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from Georgetown University.
Selected to our Board because of his significant legal, corporate governance and financial experience, particularly in connection with complex transactions and financings.
Director Qualifications
Leadership experience—Senior Partner at a leading global law firm; former Chairman of the firm’s Corporate Department; advisory director and corporate governance consultant of M. Klein and Company. Member of the Board and Executive Committee of America Media.
Finance experience—has for many years been involved in public and private transactions and financings and the related critical financial analysis, interpretation and presentation.
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DANIEL J. TAYLOR
Director Biography and Qualifications


AGE: (64)

DIRECTOR SINCE 2016

DIRECTOR OF MGM
RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
SINCE 2007
DIRECTOR OF MGM CHINA
SINCE 2020

 
















Employed as an executive of Tracinda from 2007 through 2019.
Director of MGM, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Light Efficient Design, a division of TADD LLC since July 2014, a manufacturer and distributor of LED lighting products, primarily for the retrofit market.
President of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (“MGM Studios”) from April 2005 to January 2006 and Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MGM Studios from June 1998 to April 2005.
Vice President—Taxes at MGM/UA Communications Co., the predecessor company of MGM Studios, from 1985 to 1991.
Tax Manager and CPA specializing in entertainment and gaming practice at Arthur Andersen & Co. from 1978 to 1985.
Director of Inforte Corp. from October 2005 to 2007.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Delta Petroleum Corporation from May 2009 to August 2012 (and a director from February 2008 to August 2012), and a former member of the Audit Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of such company.
Director Qualifications
Leadership experience—Chairman of the Board of a manufacturer and distributor of LED lighting products; former President of a motion picture, television, home video, and theatrical production and distribution company.
Finance experience—Former Chief Financial Officer of a motion picture, television, home video, and theatrical production and distribution company; former Vice President—Taxes of a motion picture, television, home video, and theatrical production and distribution company; former tax manager at a public accounting firm.
Industry experience—Former Tax Manager specializing in the entertainment and gaming practice at Arthur Andersen & Co. and director of MGM.
Public company directorship experience—Former director and board committee member of a public oil and gas company; former director of a management consulting company; current director of MGM and MGM China, a Hong Kong Stock Exchange listed company.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS YOU VOTE
“FOR” THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE BASED UPON THEIR
RESPECTIVE EXPERIENCES, QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS IDENTIFIED ABOVE.
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PROPOSAL NO. 2 RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has selected Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021. For 2020, Deloitte & Touche LLP audited and rendered opinions on our financial statements and internal control over financial reporting.
A representative of Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the shareholders’ meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and to respond to appropriate questions.
We are asking our shareholders to ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. Although ratification is not required by our LLC Agreement or otherwise, the Board is submitting the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP to our shareholders for ratification because we value our shareholders’ views on our independent registered public accounting firm and as a matter of good corporate practice. In the event that our shareholders fail to ratify the selection, it will be considered a recommendation to the Audit Committee to consider the selection of a different firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee may in its discretion select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders.
The Board recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of
Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
The following table sets forth fees paid to our auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, in 2020 and 2019 for audit and non-audit services. All of the services described below were approved in accordance with our pre-approval policy, which is described in the next section.
 
2020
2019
Audit fees
$1,340,000
1,445,000
Audit-related fees
Tax fees
78,000
88,000
All other fees
Total
$1,418,000
1,533,000
The category “Audit fees” includes fees for our annual audit and quarterly reviews of our consolidated financial statements and of our subsidiaries, assistance with SEC filings and fees related to debt and equity offerings. The category “Audit-related fees” includes fees for other assurance services not included in “Audit fees.” The category “Tax fees” includes tax consultation and tax compliance services.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Our Audit Committee has a policy related to pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Pursuant to this policy, the Audit Committee must pre-approve all services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Pre-approvals for classes of services are granted at the start of each fiscal year and are applicable for such year. As provided under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the SEC’s rules, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may delegate to one or more of its members the authority to address certain requests for pre-approval in between regularly scheduled meetings of the Audit Committee, and such pre-approval decisions are reported to the Audit Committee at its next regular meeting. The policy is designed to help ensure that there is no delegation by the Audit Committee of authority or responsibility for pre-approval decisions to management.
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Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management and Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, and management represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The discussions with Deloitte & Touche LLP included the matters required to be discussed under applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) standards. The Audit Committee also received the written disclosures and the letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP its independence.
The Audit Committee also: (i) reviewed and discussed with management, the Company’s internal auditors and Deloitte & Touche LLP the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and (ii) reviewed and discussed with management and Deloitte & Touche LLP their respective assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Based on the Audit Committee’s review of the audited financial statements and the review and discussions described in the foregoing paragraphs, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 for filing with the SEC.
THOMAS A. ROBERTS, Chair
KATHRYN COLEMAN
DANIEL TAYLOR
The foregoing report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and shall not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates such report by reference therein.
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PROPOSAL NO. 3 ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) enables our shareholders to vote to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement in accordance with the SEC’s rules, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and related tables and narrative disclosure (also referred to as “say-on-pay”).
Shareholders are encouraged to read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement for a more detailed discussion of how our compensation programs reflect our overarching compensation philosophy and core principles. We are asking our shareholders to indicate their support for our Named Executive Officer compensation as described in this Proxy Statement. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our Named Executive Officers. Accordingly, we ask our shareholders to vote “FOR” adoption of the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the shareholders of MGM Growth Properties LLC approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed in the Proxy Statement in accordance with Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and related tables and narrative disclosure.”
Although the say-on-pay vote is not binding on the Board, the Board will review the results of the vote and consider the results in future determinations concerning our executive compensation program. At the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the majority of our shareholders voted in favor of holding say-on-pay advisory votes on an annual basis and, in light of this vote, the Board adopted a policy of holding say-on-pay votes annually. Therefore, the next say-on-pay vote will occur at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the advisory vote on executive compensation.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION PRACTICES AT A GLANCE
What We Do
What We Do NOT Do
DO provide a significant portion of named executive officer compensation in the form of performance-based compensation
NO excessive perquisites
 
 
 
DO use a peer group for market comparisons of compensation levels and practices that appropriately reflect our size and industry
NO repricing underwater stock options without shareholder approval
 
 
 
DO maintain a clawback provision in our incentive compensation programs
NO excise tax gross-ups
 
 
 
DO expect our named executive officers to hold significant ownership in us through meaningful stock ownership guidelines
NO pledging or hedging of shares permitted by our directors or executive officers
 
 
 
DO use an independent compensation consultant
NO single trigger change of control agreements
 
 
 
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this Proxy Statement reports on compensation policies applicable to our Named Executive Officers. It covers James C. Stewart, our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), and Andy H. Chien, our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (“CFO”), who were our only executive officers in 2020 (we sometimes refer to both individuals collectively as our “NEOs”).
The Company has no assets or operations outside of its ownership interest in the Operating Partnership and its ownership of the general partner in the Operating Partnership. Pursuant to this arrangement, our NEOs provide the majority of services to the Operating Partnership, but also provide a limited number of services directly to the Company. Our NEOs are parties to employment agreements with the Operating Partnership and serve in their respective positions of CEO and CFO for both the Operating Partnership and the Company. Likewise, at the time that a NEO recognizes taxable income in respect of equity awards granted by the Company, the Operating Partnership will reimburse the Company for the value of any Class A shares issued to our NEOs in respect of the vesting or settlement of such equity awards.
The primary focus of the Company with respect to executive compensation in 2020 was the continued refinement and implementation of the compensation program designed in connection with the Company’s 2016 initial public offering, with the intent that our programs continue to appropriately compensate and motivate the Company’s NEOs. This program reflects the compensation philosophy developed by the Board and, where appropriate, takes into account the compensation practices among publicly traded triple net lease REITs of a size similar to the Company.
During 2020, the annual bonus program was modified in order to structure annual bonus payouts such that 100% of any annual bonus earned for 2020 in excess of the CEO’s target bonus will be paid in the form of deferred restricted stock units (“Bonus Deferred RSUs”), with the remainder paid in cash. The CFO’s annual bonus for 2020 was payable 100% in cash. No Bonus Deferred RSUs were granted in 2021 since the CEO only received 100% of his target bonus amount.
The Company’s compensation program for 2020 includes the following key characteristics:
Elements of our Executive Compensation Program
Base salaries of $850,000 and $450,000 for our CEO and CFO, respectively.
Annual Bonus Program for 2020:
Target bonus opportunities of 150% and 85% of base salary as in effect as of January 1, 2020 for our CEO and CFO, respectively, with 100% of any bonuses earned in excess of target for the CEO paid in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs. Bonus Deferred RSUs are not subject to forfeiture in the case of termination and are not subject to the achievement of additional performance criteria following the date such Bonus Deferred RSUs are granted. The Board determined that this design feature was appropriate given that, by the time the Bonus Deferred RSUs are granted, the executive has already achieved the level of performance necessary in order to earn an annual bonus payout in an amount exceeding his target bonus. Bonus Deferred RSUs are payable over four years in annual installments of 25%.
2020 annual bonus opportunity based on achievement of strategic objectives established for each of our NEOs.
Bonus payout of 100% of target reflects the Board’s conclusion that our NEOs exhibited strong performance with respect to achievement of the 2020 strategic objectives.
Long-Term Incentives pursuant to the Company’s 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “MGP Omnibus Plan”):
Delivered in two forms of equity, designed to both incentivize and retain our NEOs.
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60% delivered in the form of performance share units (“PSUs”), with the ultimate payout in the Company’s Class A shares based on the relative performance of the Company versus the non-mortgage REITs in the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) index measured over a three-year period.
40% delivered in RSUs vesting in 25% equal installments over the four-year period following the grant date.
The Board determined that, for 2020, it was appropriate to adjust the ratio of RSUs and PSUs from prior years to provide a greater portion of long-term equity in the form of time-based RSUs, in order to ensure that the NEOs were sufficiently retained at a time when the value of their performance-based equity may have lost value as a result of elements that were outside management’s control.
Results from 2020 Say-on-Pay Vote
Our 2020 proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the 2019 compensation of our NEOs (i.e., the “say-on-pay” proposal) was approved by 99.8% of the total votes cast. Based on the positive results of the 2020 say-on-pay vote, we believe that our shareholders are generally satisfied with our current executive compensation program and policies. Therefore, although the Board considered the results of the 2020 say-on-pay vote in connection with making certain compensation decisions, it did not make any significant changes to the executive compensation program and policies as a result of the 2020 say-on-pay vote. At the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the majority of votes cast at the meeting were cast in favor of holding a say-on-pay advisory vote on an annual basis, and, in light of this vote, the Board adopted a policy of holding say-on-pay votes annually.
Executive Compensation “Best Practices”
In connection with the development of the Company’s executive compensation programs, policies, and overall philosophy, the Board has identified and implemented a number of “best practices” that are intended to closely align the Company’s executive compensation programs with shareholder interests:
No single trigger arrangements. No executive officer is entitled to so-called “single trigger” change of control benefits.
Clawback policy. Pursuant to the clawback policy, bonus and other incentive compensation paid to participants is subject to clawback (i.e., repayment to the Company or certain of its affiliates, as applicable) if (1) there is a restatement of our financial statements for a fiscal year with respect to which a bonus or other incentive compensation is paid within three years following such fiscal year, other than a restatement due to changes in accounting principles or applicable law or a restatement due to any required change in previously reported results solely as a result of a change in the form of the Company’s ownership interest in any subsidiary, affiliate or joint venture, and (2) the Board determines that a participant received bonus or other incentive compensation for the applicable fiscal year in excess of that which would have been paid based on the restated financial results.
No golden parachute tax gross ups. In the event that there is a change in control that triggers any so-called “golden parachute” excise taxes under Section 280G of the Code, the Company is not obligated to provide tax gross up protection to any of our executive officers.
Prohibition on short sales, derivatives trading and pledging and hedging of Company securities. The Company’s insider trading policy provides that certain executives (including our NEOs) may not enter into short sales of our securities or buy or sell exchange-traded options on our securities. Further, the Company’s insider trading policy prohibits pledging or hedging of the Company’s securities by NEOs, executive officers and directors.
Executive officer share ownership guidelines. We recognize the importance of aligning our executives’ interests with those of our shareholders. As a result, the Board has established share ownership guidelines for our NEOs. Under these guidelines, our NEOs are expected to accumulate Class A shares having a fair market value equal to the assigned multiples of their applicable base salaries (5x for Mr. Stewart and 2x for Mr. Chien).
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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OBJECTIVES OF OUR COMPENSATION PROGRAM
The Board’s primary objectives in setting total compensation and providing certain elements of compensation for our NEOs are to:
attract talented and experienced NEOs and retain their services on a long-term basis;
motivate our NEOs to achieve our annual and long-term operating and strategic goals;
align the interests of our NEOs with the interests of the Company and those of our shareholders; and
encourage our NEOs to balance the management of long-term risks and long-term performance with yearly performance.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROCESS
Roles in Establishing NEO Compensation
As discussed above, we have elected to avail ourselves of the “controlled company” exemption available under the listing rules of NYSE, and therefore are not required to have a compensation committee. Prior to August 2020, all of the Board members collectively remained responsible for establishing, implementing and reviewing the compensation program for our NEOs. In doing so, the Board obtained recommendations from management with respect to the elements of NEO compensation, performance targets and results, legal and regulatory guidance, and market and industry data, all of which may be relevant in determining compensation. In addition, the Board consulted with our CEO regarding our performance goals, and our CEO periodically met with the Board to discuss his performance and that of our other NEO.
In light of the continued growth of the Company and the desire to provide a more focused forum for executive compensation decision making, in August 2020, the Board formally approved the formation of a Compensation Committee and delegated to the Compensation Committee the responsibility to establish, implement and review the compensation program for our NEOs. In doing so, the Compensation Committee now obtains recommendations from management with respect to the elements of NEO compensation, performance results, legal and regulatory guidance, and market and industry data that may be relevant in determining compensation. In addition, the Compensation Committee consults with our CEO regarding our performance goals, and our CEO periodically meets with the Compensation Committee to discuss his performance and that of the other NEO. The Compensation Committee currently consists of Daniel J. Taylor (Chair), Kathryn Coleman, Charles Irving and John M. McManus.
Role of the Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee, among other things, has the authority to determine the compensation of our NEOs, determine the performance criteria and incentive awards to be granted to our NEOs pursuant to our annual incentive programs and administer and approve the granting of equity-based awards under our equity plan. The Compensation Committee’s authority and oversight extends to total compensation, including base salaries, bonuses, non-equity incentive awards, equity-based awards and other forms of compensation.
Our NEOs generally do not participate in determining the amount and type of compensation they are paid other than (i) in connection with negotiating their respective employment agreements; and (ii) with respect to participation by our NEOs in recommending annual equity awards. Instead, the Board’s assessment of the individual performance of our NEOs is based primarily on the Board’s independent observation and judgment of the responsibilities, duties, performance and leadership skills of our NEOs, taking into account the Company’s overall performance.
Outside Consultants
Historically, the Board had the authority to engage the services of independent legal counsel and consultants to assist in analyzing and reviewing compensation policies, elements of compensation, and the aggregate compensation to NEOs. Pursuant to the Compensation Committee charter, the Board has delegated this authority to the Compensation Committee going forward. In 2020, the Board (and, following August 2020, the
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Compensation Committee) received advice from F.W. Cook, an independent compensation consultant to the Board, with respect to executive compensation related matters. F.W. Cook exclusively provides services to the Board and does not provide any services to the Company other than on behalf of the Board.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed an assessment of any potential conflicts of interest raised by F.W. Cook’s work for the Compensation Committee and the independence of F.W. Cook and its consultants from management of the Company. The assessment included the following six factors, among others: (i) the provision of other services to the Company by F.W. Cook; (ii) the amount of fees received from the Company by F.W. Cook, as a percentage of F.W. Cook’s total revenue; (iii) the policies and procedures of F.W. Cook that are designed to prevent conflicts of interest; (iv) any business or personal relationship of the F.W. Cook consultant with a member of the Compensation Committee; (v) any company stock owned by the F.W. Cook consultants; and (vi) any business or personal relationship of the F.W. Cook consultant or F.W. Cook with any of the Company’s executive officers. The Compensation Committee concluded that there are no such conflicts of interest that would prevent F.W. Cook from serving as an independent consultant to the Compensation Committee.
Assessing Compensation Competitiveness
In order to assess whether the compensation awarded to our NEOs is fair and reasonable, the Board periodically gathers and reviews data regarding the compensation practices and policies of other public companies of comparable size in the REIT industry. The peer group compensation data is reviewed by the Board to determine whether the compensation opportunity provided to our NEOs is generally competitive with that provided to the executive officers of our peer group companies, and the Board makes adjustments to compensation levels where appropriate based on this information. The peer group is used as a reference point by the Board in its compensation decisions with respect to NEOs, but the Board does not formally benchmark NEO compensation to any specific level with respect to peer group data.
The current peer group is comprised of 18 publicly traded triple-net lease REITs that were determined to be comparable in size to the Company. For this purpose, the size of the Operating Partnership, rather than the Company, was taken into account, insofar as our NEOs were responsible for the operations of the Operating Partnership. The following table lists these 18 peers and MGP’s relative percentile ranking with respect to them with respect to the key metrics of revenue, total assets, enterprise value, and market capitalization. This data is generally based on SEC filings reflecting results through December 31, 2020.
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Latest Available Four Quarters ($ Millions)
12 Month Avg. Market Capitalization
as of 12/31/20 ($ Millions)
12 Month Avg. Enterprise Value
as of 12/31/20 ($ Millions)
Revenues
Total Assets
Alexandria RE
$1,901
Alexandria RE
$22,828
Realty Income Corp
$21,321
Realty Income Corp
$29,208
Realty Income Corp
$1,652
Realty Income Corp
$20,740
Alexandria RE
$20,352
Alexandria RE
$29,120
W. P. Carey
$1,227
VICI Properties
$17,064
W. P. Carey
$12,075
W. P. Carey
$18,065
VICI Properties
$1,226
W. P. Carey
$14,708
VICI Properties
$11,093
VICI Properties
$16,566
VEREIT
$1,164
VEREIT
$13,324
Gaming & Leisure Props
$8,138
Gaming & Leisure Props
$14,017
Gaming & Leisure Props
$1,153
Kimco Realty
$11,614
Omega Healthcare
$7,472
VEREIT
$13,301
Uniti Group
$1,067
MGP (OP)
$10,600
VEREIT
$7,469
Omega Healthcare
$12,774
Kimco Realty
$1,058
Omega Healthcare
$9,497
Store Capital Corp
$6,747
MGP (OP)
$11,345
Omega Healthcare
$892
Macerich
$9,184
National Retail Properties
$6,743
Kimco Realty
$11,097
MGP (OP)
$793
Gaming & Leisure Props
$9,034
MGP (OP)1
$6,539
Store Capital Corp
$10,238
Macerich
$759
Store Capital Corp
$9,004
Kimco Realty
$5,753
National Retail Properties
$10,060
Store Capital Corp
$697
National Retail Properties
$7,638
Spirit Realty Capital
$3,798
Macerich
$7,361
National Retail Properties
$661
EPR Properties
$6,704
MGP (MGP Only)
$3,588
Uniti Group
$6,908
Sabra Health Care REIT
$601
Spirit Realty Capital
$6,397
Sabra Health Care REIT
$3,193
Spirit Realty Capital
$6,185
iStar
$546
Sabra Health Care REIT
$5,986
EPR Properties
$2,843
EPR Properties
$5,854
Spirit Realty Capital
$483
iStar
$4,862
Lexington Realty Trust
$2,836
Sabra Health Care REIT
$5,648
Retail Properties of Amer.
$430
Uniti Group
$4,732
Uniti Group
$1,824
iStar
$4,497
EPR Properties
$408
Retail Properties of Amer.
$3,637
Macerich
$1,605
Lexington Realty Trust
$4,231
Lexington Realty Trust
$330
Lexington Realty Trust
$3,493
Retail Properties of Amer.
$1,603
Retail Properties of Amer.
$3,402
 
 
 
 
iStar
$912
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
75th Percentile
$1,162
$12,897
$7,971
$13,838
Median
$826
$9,019
$6,248
$10,149
25th Percentile
$560
$6,088
$2,838
$5,936
MGP (OP) Rank
49P
 
68P
 
52P
 
60P
MGP (MGP Only) Rank
 
 
 
 
39P
 
 
Source: Standard & Poor’s Capital IQ.
1
Calculated as MGP’s 12-month average market cap plus the value of noncontrolling interests as reported in MGP’s most-recently filed balance sheet.
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ELEMENTS OF COMPENSATION
In structuring our NEO compensation program, the Board considers how each component motivates performance and promotes retention and sound long-term decision-making. The Board also considers the requirements of our strategic plan and the needs of our business.
Our NEO compensation program consists of the following components, which are designed to achieve the following objectives.
COMPENSATION ELEMENT
OBJECTIVE
Annual base salary
Attract and retain executives by fairly compensating them for performing the fundamental requirements of their positions.
Annual incentive bonus
Motivate executives to achieve specific annual financial and/or operational goals and objectives whose achievements are critical for near-and long-term success; reward executives directly in relationship to the degree those goals are achieved in a given year; and attract executives with an interest in linking their compensation rewards, including greater upside bonus potential, directly to increased corporate performance.
Long-term incentives
Align executives’ long-term interests with shareholders’ interests and drive decision making and goal achievement that will help us remain competitive and thrive in the competitive REIT industry; attract executives with an interest in creating long-term shareholder value; reward executives for building and sustaining shareholder value; and retain executives both through growth in their equity value and the vesting provisions of our share awards.
Deferred compensation opportunities
Promote retention and provide individual tax planning flexibility by providing opportunities to postpone receipt of compensation until the end of covered employment.
Severance and change of control benefits; employment agreements
Attract, retain and provide reasonable security to executives; encourage executives to make sound decisions in the interest of our long-term performance, regardless of personal employment risk.
Perquisites
Provide a competitive level of perquisites.
Annual Base Salary
Our employment agreements with our CEO and CFO currently provide for base salaries of $850,000 and $450,000, respectively, and do not provide for any automatic salary increases.
Annual Incentive Bonus
The employment agreements for our CEO and CFO currently provide for target bonus opportunities of 150% and 85% of base salary. In October of 2020, the Board established and communicated the parameters of the 2020 annual bonus program, which are summarized below:
Mr. Stewart’s target bonus was $1,275,000 and Mr. Chien’s target bonus was $382,500;
The maximum bonus for each NEO was 175% of his target bonus; there was no minimum bonus amount required to be paid, and the Board retained discretion to pay no bonus in the event of poor performance by the NEO or the Company;
100% of any bonus amount earned above the target bonus for the CEO only will be paid in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs that pay out in 25% installments over the four-year period following the grant date; and
Consistent with the prior year, the Board determined that it was in the best interests of the Company to continue to establish the performance goals for 2020 based on accomplishment of strategic goals as opposed to more formulaic financial goals. These goals consisted of: investor relations activity, analyst coverage of MGP, long-term strategic planning, including in partnership with the Board and senior management team of MGM and individual leadership performance. No specific weightings were allocated among these strategic goals.
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In December of 2020, the Board determined that each NEO had earned 100% of his target bonus based on the Board’s determination that both of our NEOs had successfully achieved their respective strategic goals, which resulted in advancements with respect to analyst coverage, transaction opportunities and strategic planning. The Board made this determination after reviewing each of Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Chien’s self-assessment letters, which highlighted their individual contributions in connection with achieving the foregoing strategic initiatives.
Specifically, the Board considered:
Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Chien’s significant contributions in connection with the MGP BREIT Venture Transaction, which was accretive to AFFO per operating partnership unit and resulted in the Company’s acquisition of majority ownership of MGM Grand Las Vegas, a premier asset on the Las Vegas Strip.
Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Chien’s efforts in investor relations, particularly in light of the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to address investor concerns in light of the temporary closures of all of the Company’s properties and concerns regarding the tenant’s liquidity position.
Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Chien’s successful execution of two upsized offerings: the $800 million of 4.625% senior notes due 2025 issued in June, at a time when all of the tenant’s properties were shut down due to the pandemic, and the $750 million of 3.875% senior notes due 2029 issued in November, which is the lowest coupon the Company has achieved in its history.
As a result, the Board determined that each NEO achieved 100% of their target bonus amounts, such that Mr. Stewart’s 2020 annual bonus would be paid in the amount of $1,275,000, and that Mr. Chien’s 2020 annual bonus would be paid in the amount of $382,500, each payable in cash. Such cash payments were made to our NEOs in a lump sum following the end of the 2020 fiscal year.
NEO
APPLICABLE BASE
SALARY
2020 TARGET
BONUS (% OF BASE
SALARY)
2020 TARGET
BONUS
2020 ACTUAL
BONUS
ACTUAL BONUS AS
% OF TARGET
Mr. Stewart
$850,000
150 %
$1,275,000
$1,275,000
100%
Mr. Chien
450,000
85 %
382,500
382,500
100%
2021 Annual Incentive Program
In February of 2021, the Compensation Committee approved the 2021 bonus letter for NEOs, which provides that 2021 NEO bonuses will be calculated based on the Company’s leverage at year end (i.e., pro rata indebtedness divided by pro rata adjusted EBITDA, as these terms are defined in the bonus letter), the dividend level during the fourth quarter, and the achievement of certain strategic objectives (including (a) investor relations activity, (b) analyst coverage, (c) long-term strategic planning in partnership with the senior management team of MGM and (d) individual leadership performance. The Compensation Committee believes that a more objective structure that incentivizes management to grow the business accretively will more appropriately align management incentives with shareholder interests. The leverage and dividend goals will each be weighted 40% and the strategic goals will be weighted at 20%. The Compensation Committee will reserve discretion to adjust the calculated bonuses, up or down, in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Long-Term Equity Incentives
The Company adopted the MGP Omnibus Plan in April 2016, pursuant to which the Company may grant options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, RSUs, performance shares, PSUs and other share-based awards to eligible participants. The MGP Omnibus Plan is designed to advance the interests of the Company and its shareholders by providing key management employees, nonemployee directors and other eligible participants of the Company and its affiliates with innovative financial incentives, through share and performance-based awards, in order to align participants’ interests with the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders, among other things.
For 2020, the Company’s equity incentive program consisted of two types of equity grants: PSUs and RSUs. No Bonus Deferred RSUs were granted to Mr. Stewart in 2021 for his 2020 performance since his actual bonus did not exceed his target bonus. RSUs granted in October 2020 vest over a four-year period and are not
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subject to the achievement of performance criteria. PSU awards granted in October 2020 cliff-vest after a three-year performance period and are based on the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) measured against a select group of comparator companies at the end of the three-year performance period beginning in 2020 and ending in 2023.
Based on review of competitive data and the overall roles held and contributions and efforts put forth by our NEOs, the Board determined that the long-term incentive opportunities of our CEO and the CFO should be $2.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and that approximately 60% of this value should be delivered in PSUs and approximately 40% in RSUs. These long-term incentives were awarded in October 2020.
The Board does not time the issuance or grant of any equity-based awards with the release of material, non-public information, nor do we time the release of material non-public information for the purpose of affecting the value of equity awards.
PSUs
The core PSU concept is that, while an executive is awarded a target number of shares (the “Target PSUs”) to be paid at the end of a performance period of three years (the “Performance Period”), (1) the actual number of shares earned and paid depends on our TSR over the Performance Period, relative to a comparator group of companies, and (2) 100% of the Target PSUs will only be earned and paid if the Company’s TSR is at the 50th percentile of the comparator companies. The comparator companies consisted of the non-mortgage REIT component companies of the NAREIT Index.
Each award of PSUs to our NEOs is eligible to vest at the end of the Performance Period, based on the Company’s TSR over the Performance Period relative to the applicable comparator companies, subject to the NEO’s continued employment with the Operating Partnership or an affiliate through the last day of the Performance Period. Depending on the Company’s TSR relative to the comparator companies at the end of the Performance Period, anywhere from 0% to 160% of the Target PSUs will vest and be paid. No portion of the Target PSUs will vest unless the Company’s TSR relative to the comparator companies is at least at the 30th percentile of comparator companies. Target PSUs are granted together with dividend equivalent rights that are subject to the same vesting and forfeiture terms as the underlying PSUs to which such dividend equivalents relate. Vested PSU awards and associated dividend equivalent rights are paid in the form of Class A shares, less applicable withholding, within 30 days following the last day of the Performance Period. Any fractional shares are paid in cash.
The payout levels range from 50% to 160% of the Target PSUs, based on the following scale (payout is interpolated for results between the levels specified in the table).
PERFORMANCE LEVEL
RELATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER
RETURN PERCENTILE
VESTED % OF
TARGET SHARES
Maximum
90th or greater
160%
80th
145%
70th
130%
60th
115%
Target
50th
100%
40th
75%
30th
50%
Threshold
Below 30th
0%
In general, participants must be employed as of the last day of the Performance Period to receive Class A shares in respect of his or her PSU awards granted in respect of such Performance Period. However, upon termination of a participant’s employment by the Operating Partnership without “good cause” or by the participant with the participant’s “good cause” (as defined in the NEO’s employment agreement), or due to the participant’s death or disability, then the participant will vest in a pro-rated portion of the PSUs that would have otherwise vested but for such termination, with such pro-ration being based on the number of days the participant was employed during the performance period, plus an additional 12 months (or, if shorter, through
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the end of the performance period), subject to the actual level of comparator TSR determined to be achieved at the end of the Performance Period. With respect to PSU awards granted in November 2019 and thereafter, PSUs receive full accelerated vesting upon death/disability, subject to the actual level of comparator TSR achieved at the time of termination.
RSUs
The Board believes that time-based RSUs should comprise a portion of long-term incentives because time-based vesting meaningfully supports retention. Each RSU entitles the holder to receive one Class A share at vesting. While the value of the RSUs fluctuates with the Company’s performance (as reflected in the price of our Class A shares), the RSUs retain some value even in situations where no PSUs are payable due to insufficient TSR over the Performance Period. This structure of providing long-term equity incentive awards in the form of both time-based RSUs and performance-based PSU awards encourages recipients to balance short-term performance considerations with the management of long-term risks and long-term performance. Each award of RSUs to our NEOs vests ratably over the four years following the grant date, subject to the NEO’s continued employment with the Operating Partnership or an affiliate through each applicable vesting date. However, upon termination of employment by the Operating Partnership without “good cause” or by the participant with the participant’s “good cause” (as defined in the NEO’s employment agreement), or due to the participant’s death or disability for awards granted prior to November 2019, then the participant will vest in the number of RSUs that would have become vested (but for such termination) during the 12 months from the date of termination of employment. Once vested, RSUs will be paid in the form of the Company’s Class A shares within 30 days of the applicable vesting date. In connection with death or disability, for awards granted after November 2019, participants will receive accelerated vesting in full of their RSU awards.
Bonus Deferred RSUs
100% of any bonus amount earned in excess of the CEO’s target bonus is paid in Bonus Deferred RSUs that are not subject to the achievement of additional performance criteria and are not subject to forfeiture in the case of termination. The Board considers this design appropriate given that the executive has already achieved the level of performance necessary in order to earn an annual bonus payout in an amount exceeding his or her base salary. Bonus Deferred RSUs vest ratably over the four years following the grant date (subject to earlier payment upon certain specified termination events). No Bonus Deferred RSUs were awarded in connection with 2020 performance.
Award Summary
The Board awarded equity-based compensation to our NEOs in 2020 as follows:
NEO
AWARD
TYPE
GRANT
DATE
UNITS(A)
GRANT DATE FAIR
VALUE OF
AWARDS($)
Mr. Stewart
RSU
10/05/2020
28,399
$ 800,000
PSU
10/05/2020
39,341 (B)
1,200,000
Mr. Chien
RSU
10/05/2020
14,200
400,000
PSU
10/05/2020
19,671 (B)
600,000
(A)
Number of units does not include dividend equivalent rights credited during 2020, because the grant date fair value of awards takes into account the value of quarterly dividends.
(B)
Vesting is subject to satisfaction of relative TSR achievement over the Performance Period, as described above.
Deferred Compensation Opportunities For Employees
Under our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “DCP”), our NEOs may elect to defer up to 50% of their base salary or 75% of the cash portion of their annual bonus on a pre-tax basis and accumulate tax-deferred earnings on their accounts. At the time of making a deferral election, participants designate the time and form of the distribution of deferrals to be made for the year to which that election relates. Distributions may occur earlier upon certain events set forth in the DCP, in all cases subject to certain conditions provided for under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Both of our NEOs are eligible to participate in the DCP, but no deferrals were made by any such individuals under the DCP in 2020. We believe that providing our
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NEOs with this deferral option is a cost-effective way to permit executives to receive the tax benefits associated with delaying the income tax event on the compensation deferred, even though the related deduction for us also is deferred. Our NEOs are also eligible to participate in our retirement savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Perquisites and Other Benefits
We pay premiums and other expenses for group life insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and business travel insurance on behalf of our NEOs.
Share Ownership Guidelines
The Board has adopted share ownership and retention guidelines for our NEOs pursuant to which such individuals are expected to attain minimum levels of share ownership and retain portions of their equity holdings for a certain period of time. Individuals subject to these guidelines have until the fifth anniversary of the guideline’s adoption date to attain the requisite level of ownership. The target ownership level of Company share is expressed as a multiple of base salary.
Specifically, target ownership level is set at 5x base salary for our CEO and 2x base salary for all other NEOs. Until the ownership threshold is achieved, individuals subject to the guidelines are expected to retain 50% of the net number of shares received after the sale or withholding of taxes in connection with the vesting or exercise of shares underlying such awards. All current NEOs are in compliance with these guidelines or on track to comply with these guidelines within the specified time period.
Prohibition on Short Sales, Derivatives Trading and Pledging and Hedging of Company Securities
The Company’s insider trading policy provides that certain executives (including our NEOs) may not enter into short sales of our securities or buy or sell exchange-traded options on our securities. Further, the Company’s insider trading policy prohibits pledging or hedging of the Company’s securities by NEOs, executive officers and directors.
OTHER COMPENSATION MATTERS
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m)
Subject to certain transition rules for binding contracts in effect on November 2, 2017, Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Section 162(m)”) generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for compensation paid in excess of $1 million to “covered employees” as defined under Section 162(m) (generally, such company’s chief executive officer, its chief financial officer and its three other highest paid executive officers). The Board takes into account the tax and accounting implications (including the deduction limits of revised Section 162(m)) when making compensation decisions, but necessarily reserves its right to make compensation decisions based on other factors as well if the Board determines it is in its best interests to do so.
Based on the following considerations, the Board has not historically designed its compensation programs with the intent that such amounts qualify for deduction under Section 162(m). Substantially all of the services rendered by our executive officers are performed on behalf of the Operating Partnership (or its subsidiaries), of which we are the sole general partner. Prior to the issuance of proposed regulations under Section 162(m) on December 20, 2019, which regulations are now final, we had relied upon the issuance by the Internal Revenue Service of a series of private letter rulings which indicated that compensation paid by an operating partnership to executive officers of a REIT that serves as its general partner is not subject to the limitation under Section 162(m) to the extent such compensation is attributable to services rendered to the operating partnership. The final regulations now provide that, with respect to compensation paid after December 18, 2020, a partner’s distributive share of a partnership’s deduction for compensation paid by the partnership for services of a covered employee of the partner is subject to Section 162(m); provided that, there is an exception for written binding contracts in effect on December 20, 2019 that are not materially modified after that date. With these considerations in mind, our Board has reserved its right to provide compensation opportunities that may not be deductible under Section 162(m) to the extent it determines it is appropriate to do so in order to maintain the flexibility it needs to develop the incentive compensation programs applicable to the Company’s executive
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officers. The issuance of the final regulations under Section 162(m) in December 2020 may impact this approach for future tax years. Because we qualify as a REIT under the Code and we generally distribute at least 100% of our REIT taxable income each year, we do not pay federal income tax on our REIT taxable income.
The Board will continue its policy of considering the tax treatment of compensation paid to our executive officers and, to the extent that it is determined that compensation paid to our executive officers is subject to Section 162(m) based on recent IRS guidance, the Board will analyze the impact of this determination on our compensation programs going forward.
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” included in this Proxy Statement with management. Based on the Compensation Committee’s review and discussion with management, the Compensation Committee determined that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
Daniel J. Taylor, Chair of the Compensation Committee
Kathryn Coleman
Charles Irving
John M. McManus
The foregoing report of the Compensation Committee does not constitute soliciting material and shall not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates such report by reference therein.
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COMPENSATION TABLES
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table summarizes the compensation of our NEOs for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018.
NAME AND TITLE
YEAR
SALARY(A)
STOCK
AWARDS(B)
NON-EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLAN
COMPENSATION(C)
ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION(D)
TOTAL
James C. Stewart
Chief Executive Officer
2020
$850,000
$2,000,000
$1,275,000
$44,329
$4,169,329
2019
833,562
2,000,000
1,200,000
43,040
4,076,602
2018
800,000
1,500,000
1,200,000
41,157
3,541,157
Andy H. Chien
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
2020
450,000
1,000,000
382,500
26,630
1,859,130
2019
433,562
1,000,000
340,000
26,511
1,800,073
2018
400,000
700,000
300,000
25,672
1,425,672
(A)
See “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Annual Base Salary.”
(B)
For 2020, consists of RSUs and PSUs granted under the MGP Omnibus Plan. For RSU awards, reflects the grant date value of such awards as determined in accordance FASB ASC 718. For PSU awards, in order for the target number of shares to be paid (the “Target Shares”), MGP’s TSR over a three-year performance period must be at the 50th percentile of the select group of MGP’s peers over the same period. No Class A shares in respect of PSUs are issued unless the TSR is equal to or greater than the 30th percentile of the peer group, and the maximum payout is 160% of the Target Shares, if MGP’s TSR is equal to or greater than the 90th percentile of the peer group over the three-year performance period. The grant date fair value for PSU awards was computed in accordance with FASB ASC 718, using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Assuming the highest level of achievement of the TSR performance criteria that can be achieved, the grant date fair value of the PSU awards were $1.9 million and $1.0 million for Mr. Stewart and Mr. Chien, respectively. See “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Long-Term Equity Incentives.” Mr. Stewart received a Bonus Deferred RSU award in 2020 with a grant date value of $0.3 million in connection with his 2019 performance.
(C)
The amounts reflected in this column are the gross amounts of each NEOs’ annual bonus award earned in respect of the applicable fiscal year. For Mr. Stewart, the amounts shown include the amount earned in excess of his annual base salary for the applicable fiscal year that was paid in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs in respect of 2018 and 2019 performance. For 2018 performance, 33% of the excess amount was paid in Bonus Deferred RSUs (with the remainder paid in cash). For 2019 performance, 67% of any amount earned in between a NEO’s base salary and target bonus was paid in Bonus Deferred RSUs (with remainder paid in cash) and 33% of any bonus amount earned in excess of target was paid in Bonus Deferred RSUs (with the remainder in cash). For 2020 performance, 100% of his annual bonus award was paid in cash since his bonus did not exceed the target bonus. For Mr. Chien, 100% of his annual bonus award was paid in cash for 2018, 2019, and 2020. See “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Annual Incentive Bonus” for more details. The cash-portion of such amounts were each paid in a lump sum in the first quarter of the following fiscal year.
(D)
All other compensation consists of health plan expenses, life insurance premiums and benefits, and 401K match contributions.
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
The table below shows plan-based awards granted during 2020 to our NEOs. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Annual Incentive Bonus” and “—Long-Term Equity Incentives” for a narrative description of these awards.
NAME
GRANT
DATE
ESTIMATED POSSIBLE PAYOUTS
UNDER NON-EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS(A)
ESTIMATED NUMBER OF
SHARES FOR FUTURE PAYOUTS
UNDER EQUITY INCENTIVE
PLAN AWARDS(B)
GRANT DATE
FAIR VALUE
OF STOCK
AWARDS
THRESHOLD
TARGET
MAXIMUM
THRESHOLD
TARGET
MAXIMUM
Mr. Stewart
N/A
$—
$1,275,000
$2,231,250
$
10/5/2020(C)
28,399
800,000
10/5/2020(D)
19,671
39,341
62,946
1,200,000
Mr. Chien
N/A
382,500
669,375
10/5/2020(C)
14,200
400,000
10/5/2020(D)
9,836
19,671
31,474
600,000
(A)
Pursuant to the terms of the Annual Bonus Program for 2020, 100% of any bonus earned in excess of target for the CEO would be paid in the form of Bonus Deferred RSUs. As Mr. Stewart received 100% of his target bonus, he did not receive a Bonus Deferred RSU award in relation to 2020 performance. See “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and AnalysisElements of Compensation—Long-Term Equity Incentives—Bonus Deferred RSUs.”
(B)
See note (B) to the Summary Compensation Table above. Number of units shown does not include dividend equivalent rights credited during 2020, because the grant date fair value of awards takes into account the value of quarterly dividends.
(C)
RSU award granted under the MGP Omnibus Plan.
(D)
PSU award granted under the MGP Omnibus Plan.
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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The table below shows outstanding equity awards held by our NEOs as of December 31, 2020.
 
OPTION/SAR AWARDS
SHARE AWARDS (RSUs AND PSUs)
 
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS/SARS
OPTION/
SAR
EXERCISE
PRICE
OPTION/
SAR
EXPIRATION
DATE
SHARES THAT HAVE
NOT
VESTED (RSUs)
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
AWARDS: UNEARNED
SHARES, UNITS OR
OTHER RIGHTS THAT
HAVE NOT VESTED
(PSUs)
NAME
EXERCISABLE
UN-
EXERCISABLE
NUMBER
VALUE(H)
NUMBER
VALUE(H)
Mr. Stewart
4,756(A)
$148,863
8,425(B)
263,703
12,545(C)
392,659
28,399(D)
888,889
43,377(E)
$1,806,292
48,976(F)
2,262,176
39,341(G)
1,299,232
Mr. Chien
2,377(A)
$74,400
4,212(B)
131,836
6,272(C)
196,314
14,200(D)
444,460
19,717(E)
$821,030
24,488(F)
1,131,088
19,671(G)
649,632
(A)
RSU award scheduled to vest on 4/3/21.
(B)
RSU award scheduled to vest in equal installments on each of 4/23/21 and 4/23/22.
(C)
RSU award scheduled to vest in equal installments on each of 11/4/21, 11/4/22, and 11/4/23.
(D)
RSU award scheduled to vest in equal installments on each of 10/5/21, 10/5/22, 10/5/23, and 10/5/24.
(E)
PSU award scheduled to vest on 4/23/21.
(F)
PSU award scheduled to vest on 11/4/22.
(G)
PSU award scheduled to vest on 10/5/23.
(H)
Amounts determined based on the closing price of all Class A Shares at 12/31/2020, which was $31.30. Value of PSUs shown assumes that 12/31/2020 was the end of the performance period.
STOCK VESTED
The following table shows RSU vesting for our NEOs during 2020.
 
STOCK AWARDS (RSUs)
STOCK AWARDS (PSUs)
NAME
NUMBER OF
SHARES
ACQUIRED ON
VESTING(#)
VALUE
REALIZED ON
VESTING(A)
NUMBER OF
SHARES
ACQUIRED ON
VESTING(#)
VALUE
REALIZED ON
VESTING
James C. Stewart
30,223
$495,377
84,093
$1,981,471
Andy H. Chien
9,348
228,108
27,037
598,060
(A)
The value realized on vesting of RSUs is equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the applicable date of vesting, times the number of shares acquired upon vesting. The number of shares and value realized on vesting includes shares that were withheld at the time of vesting to satisfy tax withholding requirements. For Mr. Stewart, the number of shares acquired on vesting includes 10,177 Bonus Deferred RSUs granted to him for 2019 performance (including DEUs that were earned on such award during 2020) that were fully vested on the grant date, but the settlement and receipt of shares has been deferred and will be paid in four equal installments over a four-year period following the grant date. Because no value was realized and no shares were acquired by Mr. Stewart upon vesting of these Bonus Deferred RSUs, no value is reflected for these awards in the table above. As of the grant date, the value of these awards was $0.3 million.
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
None of our NEOs contributed to the Company’s Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan in respect of services performed during 2020. See “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Deferred Compensation Opportunities for Employees” for a narrative description of the DCP.
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ESTIMATED BENEFITS UPON TERMINATION
The following table indicates the estimated amounts that would be payable to each NEO upon a hypothetical termination as of December 31, 2020 under various termination scenarios, pursuant to the applicable employment agreements, policies and equity awards.
 
SEVERANCE(A)
VESTING
OF RSUs(B)(C)
VESTING
OF PSUs(B)(C)(D)
OTHER(F)
TOTAL
Death or Disability
Mr. Stewart
$212,500
$1,562,246
$5,367,700
$
$7,142,446
Mr. Chien
112,500
781,092
2,601,750
3,495,342
Company Terminates Without Good Cause
Mr. Stewart
2,125,000
633,794
3,969,051
68,868
6,796,713
Mr. Chien
832,500
316,881
1,902,416
37,170
3,088,967
NEO Terminates Without Good Cause/Company Terminates With Good Cause
Mr. Stewart
Mr. Chien
NEO Terminates With Good Cause
Mr. Stewart
2,125,000
633,794
3,969,051
68,868
6,796,713
Mr. Chien
832,500
316,881
1,902,416
37,170
3,088,967
Change of Control(E)
Mr. Stewart
4,250,000
1,694,113
5,367,700
85,657
11,397,470
Mr. Chien
1,665,000
847,009
2,601,750
50,260
5,164,019
(A)
This column does not include any unpaid prior year bonuses that were earned prior to the date of termination.
(B)
The value of outstanding RSUs and PSUs (including any accelerated or continued vesting that would occur under each of these termination scenarios) is based on the closing price of our Class A shares on December 31, 2020, which was $31.30.
(C)
For purposes of the calculation of any continued or accelerated vesting in respect of outstanding equity awards, (1) we have assumed that in connection with each NEO’s termination, such NEO was eligible for the maximum post-termination continued and accelerated vesting period applicable to each award, which may not be the case if an actual termination were to occur, and (2) we have treated continued vesting of awards in the same manner as accelerated vesting based on the Class A share price on December 31, 2020.
(D)
Assumes that December 31, 2020 was end of the performance period for PSUs.
(E)
Assumes each NEO’s employment terminates (other than as a result of a termination by the Company for good cause or by the NEO without good cause) in connection with a change of control. In general, no benefits are payable solely as a result of a change of control (i.e., in general, there are no single trigger benefits). The only situation in which change of control benefits are potentially payable absent an executive’s termination is the case of equity awards in the event they are not assumed by the acquirer as part of the change of control. In the event of such a triggering event occurring, the NEO would receive estimated benefits set forth in the columns entitled “Vesting of RSUs” and “Vesting of PSUs.”
(F)
Represents the estimated value of COBRA payments payable in connection with the applicable triggering event.
Employment Agreements with Named Executive Officers
Stewart Employment Agreement
On June 17, 2019, the Operating Partnership entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Stewart, effective as of May 1, 2019. Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement provides for a term until April 30, 2023.
Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement provides a minimum annual base salary of $850,000 and an annual target bonus equal to 150% of his base salary.
In the event of a termination of Mr. Stewart’s employment as the result of his death or a termination by the Operating Partnership due to disability, the Operating Partnership will pay Mr. Stewart three months’ salary payable at regular payroll intervals (less any payments received from an employer-paid short term disability policy).
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In the event of a termination by the Operating Partnership for “no cause” or by Mr. Stewart for “good cause”, in each case, prior to the end of the term of Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement, Mr. Stewart will receive (i) an amount equal to his annual base salary plus his target bonus amount, payable in 12 monthly installments; (ii) any earned but unpaid discretionary bonus due to him; and (iii) a payment equal to 1.5 times the cost of COBRA for a coverage period of 12 months, payable in 12 monthly installments. If the Operating Partnership terminates Mr. Stewart for no cause after the end of the term of his employment agreement (at which time he would be treated as an at-will employee of the Operating Partnership), Mr. Stewart will receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of (i) 26 weeks’ base salary or (ii) two times the amount he would otherwise receive under the Operating Partnership’s then-effective discretionary severance policy. Any such severance payments will be subject to applicable taxes and Mr. Stewart’s execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims.
Mr. Stewart’s employment agreement also contains non-compete and non-solicit covenants generally prohibiting Mr. Stewart from providing services to a competitor or soliciting employees or business contacts for 12 months following his termination of employment or for 12 months following the term of the employment agreement. In addition, the employment agreement mandates that Mr. Stewart’s confidentiality obligations continue even after his termination of employment.
Chien Employment Agreement
On June 17, 2019, the Operating Partnership entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Chien, effective as of May 1, 2019. Mr. Chien’s employment agreement provides for a term until April 30, 2023.
Mr. Chien’s employment agreement provides a minimum annual base salary of $450,000 and an annual target bonus equal to 85% of his base salary. Mr. Chien’s employment agreement also provides Mr. Chien with certain other benefits and perquisites, which are discussed in detail in his employment agreement.
In the event of a termination of Mr. Chien’s employment as the result of his death or a termination by the Operating Partnership due to disability, the Operating Partnership will pay Mr. Chien three months’ salary payable at regular payroll intervals (less any payments received from an employer-paid short term disability policy).
In the event of a termination by the Operating Partnership for no cause or by Mr. Chien for good cause prior to the end of the term of Mr. Chien’s employment agreement, Mr. Chien will receive (i) an amount equal to his annual base salary plus his target bonus amount, payable in 12 monthly installments; (ii) any earned but unpaid discretionary bonus due to him; and (iii) a payment equal to 1.5 times the cost of COBRA for a coverage period of 12 months, payable in 12 monthly installments. If the Operating Partnership terminates Mr. Chien for no cause after the end of the term of his employment agreement (at which time he would be treated as an at-will employee of the Operating Partnership), Mr. Chien will receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of (i) 26 weeks’ base salary or (ii) two times the amount he would otherwise receive under the Operating Partnership’s then-effective discretionary severance policy. Any such severance payments will be subject to applicable taxes and Mr. Chien’s execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims.
Mr. Chien’s employment agreement also contains non-compete and non-solicit covenants generally prohibiting Mr. Chien from providing services to a competitor or soliciting employees or business contacts for 12 months following his termination of employment or for 12 months following the term of the employment agreement. In addition, the employment agreement mandates that Mr. Chien’s confidentiality obligations continue even after his termination of employment.
Change of Control Benefits
The Operating Partnership sponsors a change of control policy in which the NEOs participate (the “Change of Control Policy”). The Change of Control Policy provides a uniform severance policy for the termination of an executive officer by us without “good cause,” or by an executive officer with “good cause” (each term as set forth in the Change of Control Policy), within six months prior to, on or within 12 months following, a “change of control” (as such term is defined in the Change of Control Policy) (a “Qualifying Termination”). The Board believes that that the Change of Control Policy serves as an effective retention tool.
The benefits available under the Change of Control Policy to a covered executive officer in connection with a Qualifying Termination are as follows, provided that the executive officer executes an effective general release
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of claims: (i) 2.0 times the sum of the executive’s base salary and target annual bonus (subject to a $10 million cap in the case of the chief executive officer, and a $4 million cap in the case of all other executive officers); and (ii) a lump-sum payment equal in value to 24 months of continued health and insurance benefits. In addition, any earned but unpaid prior-year annual bonus would remain payable in accordance with the terms of such bonus plan. Severance benefits are subject to forfeiture and clawback in the event the covered executive officer breaches any post-employment restrictive covenants, and may be cut back to the extent they would otherwise be subject to Section 280G or 4999 of the Code.
For purposes of the Change of Control Policy: (1) a “good cause” termination by the Operating Partnership is generally defined as: (i) participant’s failure to reasonably abide by Employer’s policies and procedures, misconduct, insubordination, failure to perform the duties required of participant up to reasonable standards; (ii) the participant’s failure to comply with certain of the Operating Partnership’s licensing requirements; (iii) the Operating Partnership has been directed by an applicable governmental authority to cease business with the participant; (iv) any of the Operating Partnership gaming business licenses are threatened to be, or are, denied, curtailed, suspended or revoked as a result of the participant’s employment by the Operating Partnership or as a result of the participant’s actions; and (2) a “good cause” termination by the participant is generally defined as (i) failure by the Operating Partnership to pay the participant any compensation when due; or (ii) a material reduction in the scope of duties or responsibilities of the participant; or (iii) any reduction in the participant’s annual base salary or target annual bonus.
In the event that a participant holds any equity award (whether issued pursuant to the MGM Growth Properties LLC 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan or otherwise) at the time of a change of control, such award will be eligible to accelerate and vest as and to the extent provided in the applicable plan and/or award agreement governing the terms of such award.
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CEO PAY RATIO DISCLOSURE
As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Act, and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation of our CEO, Mr. Stewart.
As required by the applicable SEC rules, we re-calculated the median employee for 2020 in order to determine this year’s CEO pay ratio. To identify the median of the annual total compensation of all our employees (other than the CEO) for 2020, we took the following steps:
We determined that, as of December 31, 2020, our employee population consisted of 4 individuals, not including our CEO. Our entire employee population is located inside the U.S. and therefore we did not exclude any employees from our calculations in order to identify the median employee. To identify the median employee from this population, we calculated the total annual compensation for each employee by using W-2 compensation for the 2020 calendar year. We determined that W-2 compensation appropriately reflected the overall compensation profile of our employee population and was therefore a reasonable compensation measure to apply in order to identify the median employee. We did not annualize compensation or apply any cost of living adjustments.
Given the even number of employees included in our calculation, we were unable to identify an employee who fell at the actual “median” of the employee population. Once we identified the two employees who fell at the mid-point of our employee population, we calculated all of the elements of both employees’ compensation for the 2020 fiscal year in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K, and took the average of those two numbers in order to calculate the annual total compensation for purposes of calculating the required pay ratio. This resulted in an estimated annual total compensation of $232,046. We believe that averaging resulted in an annual total compensation that appropriately and reasonably portrays the median level of our employees’ overall compensation profile. To calculate the annual total compensation of Mr. Stewart, we used the amount reported in the “Total” column of the 2020 Summary Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement, which was $4,169,329, resulting in a ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to the median of the annual total compensation of our employees of 18 to 1. We believe this pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402 of Regulation S-K.
Because the SEC rules for identifying the median of the annual total compensation of our employees and calculating the pay ratio based on that employee’s annual total compensation allow companies to adopt a variety of methodologies, to apply certain exclusions, and to make reasonable estimates and assumptions that reflect their employee populations and compensation practices, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable to our pay ratio, as other companies have headquarters in different countries, have different employee populations and compensation practices and may utilize different methodologies, exclusions, estimates and assumptions in calculating their pay ratios.
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NOTICE CONCERNING SHAREHOLDER
PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS
We intend to hold our 2022 annual meeting of shareholders in May 2022. Therefore, proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders submitted in accordance with Rule 14a-8 of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act must be received by us on or before November 27, 2021 in order to be considered by the Board for inclusion in the form of proxy and proxy statement to be issued by the Board for that meeting. We expect that the 2022 annual meeting will also be held online and as a virtual meeting only.
Our LLC Agreement requires that any shareholder proposal or director nomination that is not submitted for inclusion in next year’s proxy statement under Rule 14a-8, but is instead sought to be presented directly at the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, must be received by us no earlier than January 6, 2022 and no later than February 5, 2022 and otherwise comply with the requirements in our LLC Agreement. All such shareholder proposals and nominations should be submitted to the Secretary of the Company, by the stated deadline, at the following address: Company Secretary, MGM Growth Properties LLC, 6385 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 500, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, Attention: Shareholder Communications. If we do not receive your proposal or nomination by the appropriate deadline and in accordance with the terms of our LLC Agreement, then it may not properly be brought before the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders. The fact that we may not insist upon compliance with these requirements should not be construed as a waiver by us of our right to do so in the future.
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Dates Referenced Herein   and   Documents Incorporated by Reference

This ‘DEF 14A’ Filing    Date    Other Filings
8/31/24
4/30/23
4/1/22
2/14/22
2/5/22
1/6/22
12/31/2110-K,  10-K/A,  4,  5
11/27/21
For Period end:5/5/214,  8-K
5/4/21
4/15/214,  8-K
Filed on:3/26/21DEFA14A
3/15/218-K
3/12/21424B2
2/16/218-K,  SC 13G/A
2/11/21SC 13G
2/10/218-K,  SC 13G/A
12/31/2010-K,  4
12/18/20
12/2/20
7/1/203,  4,  8-K
5/18/20S-3ASR
5/6/204,  8-K,  DEF 14A,  DEFA14A
4/1/208-K
3/24/203,  4
2/14/208-K,  SC 13G,  SC 13G/A
2/13/20
1/14/20424B5,  8-K
1/1/20
12/31/1910-K,  4
12/20/19
11/22/198-K
6/17/198-K
5/1/194,  8-K,  DEF 14A
4/1/198-K
3/14/19
3/7/198-K
1/29/198-K
12/31/1810-K,  4
11/2/17
10/5/178-K
8/1/168-K,  8-K/A
4/25/164,  8-K
 List all Filings 


5 Subsequent Filings that Reference this Filing

  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size             Issuer                      Filing Agent

 9/23/21  MGM Growth Properties LLC         DEFM14C                1:4M                                     Donnelley … Solutions/FA
 9/23/21  VICI Properties Inc.              424B3                  1:4M                                     Donnelley … Solutions/FA
 9/21/21  VICI Properties Inc.              S-4/A                 11:4.4M                                   Donnelley … Solutions/FA
 9/08/21  VICI Properties Inc.              S-4                    8:4M                                     Donnelley … Solutions/FA
 5/12/21  MGM Growth Properties LLC         424B5                  1:529K                                   Donnelley … Solutions/FA
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