Six Flags Entertainment (FUN) 10-Q2024 Q3 Quarterly report

On July 1, 2024 (the “Closing Date”), Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (formerly known as CopperSteel HoldCo, Inc.) (the “Combined Company”) completed the previously announced merger of equals transaction contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 2, 2023 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the Combined Company (then, CopperSteel HoldCo, Inc.), Cedar Fair, L.P. (“Cedar Fair”), Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (“Former Six Flags”) and CopperSteel Merger Sub, LLC (“Copper Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, (i) Copper Merger Sub was merged with and into Cedar Fair (the “Cedar Fair First Merger”), with Cedar Fair continuing as the surviving entity (the “Cedar Fair Surviving Entity”) and a direct subsidiary of the Combined Company, (ii) the Cedar Fair Surviving Entity was subsequently merged with and into the Combined Company (the “Cedar Fair Second Merger” and together with the Cedar Fair First Merger, the “Cedar Fair Mergers”), with the Combined Company continuing as the surviving corporation, and (iii) Former Six Flags merged with and into the Combined Company (the “Six Flags Merger” and together with the Cedar Fair Mergers, the “Mergers”), with the Combined Company continuing as the surviving corporation. Upon the consummation of the Mergers, the separate legal existences of each of Copper Merger Sub, Cedar Fair and Former Six Flags ceased, and the Combined Company changed its name to “Six Flags Entertainment Corporation”. The Combined Company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FUN".

For purposes of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, references to the "Combined Company" and the "Company" are to Cedar Fair, Former Six Flags and Copper Merger Sub after giving effect to the Mergers. References to "Cedar Fair," "Former Cedar Fair," or "the "Partnership" are to Cedar Fair prior to the Mergers.

 

To assure that these seasonal operations will not result in misleading comparisons of current and subsequent interim periods, management has adopted the following accounting procedures: (a) revenues from multi-use products are recognized over the estimated number of uses expected for each type of product; and the estimated number of uses is reviewed and may be updated periodically during the operating season prior to the ticket or product expiration, which generally occurs no later than the close of the operating season associated with each product; (b) certain seasonal operating costs are expensed over each park’s operating season, including some costs incurred prior to the season, which are deferred and amortized over the season; and (c) all other costs are expensed as incurred or ratably over the entire year.

During the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed may be recorded with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the measurement period's conclusion or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income. Acquisition-related expenses are recognized separately from the business combination and expensed as incurred.

This change in interim depreciation method led to a decrease in depreciation expense of approximately $19 million resulting in an increase in income from continuing operations and a tax effected impact on net income of approximately $14 million ($0.14 per share) for the three months ended September 29, 2024. The change in interim depreciation method will have no impact on annual operating income or net income.

In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures ("ASU 2023-09"). ASU 2023-09 requires additional income tax disclosures, including amendments to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disclosure. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis, but retrospective application is permitted. Management is in the process of evaluating the effect this standard will have on the consolidated financial statement disclosures.

Upon completion of the Mergers, subject to certain exceptions, (i) each issued and outstanding unit of limited partnership interest in Cedar Fair, including limited partnership interests underlying depositary units representing limited partnership interests on deposit (each a “Cedar Fair Unit” and collectively, the “Cedar Fair Units”) (excluding any (a) units held in the treasury of Cedar Fair or owned by Cedar Fair Management, Inc., the general partner of Cedar Fair (“Cedar Fair General Partner”) and (b) restricted units of Cedar Fair, which were converted into restricted shares of Combined Company Common Stock based on the

Cedar Fair Exchange Ratio, as further described below), was converted into the right to receive one (1) share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Combined Company (the “Combined Company Common Stock”) (the “Cedar Fair Exchange Ratio”), together with cash in lieu of fractional shares of Combined Company Common Stock, without interest and (ii) each issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.025 per share of Former Six Flags (the “Six Flags Common Stock”) (excluding any (a) shares of Six Flags Common Stock held in treasury of Former Six Flags and (b) restricted shares of Former Six Flags, which were converted into restricted shares of Combined Company Common Stock based on the Former Six Flags Exchange Ratio, as further described below), was converted into the right to receive 0.5800 shares of Combined Company Common Stock (the “Six Flags Exchange Ratio”), together with cash in lieu of fractional shares of Combined Company Common Stock, without interest. Following the close of the transaction, the holders of the Cedar Fair Units immediately prior to the closing owned approximately 51.2% of the outstanding shares of the Combined Company Common Stock and the holders of the Six Flags Common Stock immediately prior to the closing owned approximately 48.8% of the outstanding shares of the Combined Company Common Stock. At the time of the Cedar Fair First Merger when each Cedar Fair Unit was converted into Combined Company Common Stock, the transaction gave rise to certain deferred tax assets which were accounted for as equity because management concluded the transaction to be amongst shareholders. The adjustment to equity was recorded within "Additional-Paid-in-Capital" and totaled $328.6 million.

The following table illustrates the computation of the preliminary estimated fair value of consideration transferred. As part of the Mergers, Cedar Fair paid $205.2 million of outstanding borrowings under Former Six Flags' revolving credit facility, inclusive of interest and fees, and paid the $128.2 million Former Six Flags Special Dividend, which is further described below.

Merger Consideration was allocated to tangible and identified intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Mergers:

Goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies from combining the operations of Former Cedar Fair and Former Six Flags, as well as intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. The majority of Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill has been allocated to the Company's single reportable segment.

The fair values of assets acquired includes accounts receivable of $84.9 million that are not purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The Combined Company did not recognize an allowance with a corresponding credit loss expense for the acquired receivables during the period ended September 29, 2024. The allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded as a reduction of deferred revenue to the extent revenue has not been recognized on the corresponding season-long products.

Former Six Flags contributed net revenues of $558.0 million and net income of $27.5 million to the Combined Company from the Closing Date, July 1, 2024, through September 29, 2024.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents combined results of operations for each of the periods presented, as if the Mergers had occurred as of January 1, 2023, prepared in accordance with ASC 805. The information below reflects pro forma adjustments based on available information and certain assumptions that management believes are factual and supportable. The unaudited pro forma information includes adjustments primarily related to stock-based compensation expense, interest expense for transaction financing, amortization of deferred assets and liabilities, and depreciation of property, plant and equipment acquired, along with the consequential tax effects, and accounting policy alignments.

The unaudited pro forma information presented below is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations of the combined business had the Mergers actually occurred as of January 1, 2023, or of the results of future operations of the combined business.

During the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, $55.5 million and $69.2 million, respectively, of merger transaction related costs were incurred. During the three and nine months ended September 24, 2023, $5.0 million of merger transaction related costs were incurred. These amounts included third-party legal and consulting costs related to the transaction and were recorded within "Selling, general and administrative" in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.

Each Cedar Fair Unit held (i) in the treasury of Cedar Fair or (ii) by the Cedar Fair General Partner, in each case, immediately prior to the Cedar Fair First Merger Effective Time, was canceled and retired and ceases to exist, and no consideration was delivered in exchange therefor.

At the Closing Effective Time, generally and other than as provided in certain employment agreements entered into in connection with the Mergers, each Former Six Flags equity award was converted into a corresponding award relating to shares of Combined Company Common Stock, with the number of shares of Combined Company Common Stock subject to such converted award based on the Six Flags Exchange Ratio. The converted Former Six Flags equity awards remain outstanding and subject to the same terms and conditions as applied under the Former Six Flags Long Term Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreements immediately prior to the Closing Effective Time (except that (i) performance-based awards were converted based on the higher of target and actual performance and will not be subject to future performance-based vesting conditions (but remain subject to service-based vesting conditions) and (ii) all converted awards are subject to vesting protections for qualifying terminations that occur within a period of 24 months following the Closing). Any Former Six Flags Deferred Share Unit Awards were settled at the time of the Closing Effective Time in shares of Combined Company Common Stock based on the Six Flags Exchange Ratio. Former Six Flags equity awards were eligible for payment of the Special Dividend; provided, that such amount will not be paid until such time as the underlying Former Six Flags equity award, as converted, becomes vested or settled pursuant to its terms (if at all).

Each share of Six Flags Common Stock held in the treasury of Six Flags immediately prior to the Closing Effective Time, was canceled and retired and ceases to exist, and no consideration was delivered in exchange therefor.

The Compensation Committee approved certain awards of performance stock units ("PSUs") on August 20, 2024 under the 2024 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Each PSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of Combined Company Common Stock. Based on actual results, each executive will be eligible to receive between 0% and 200% of the target number of PSUs. The PSUs will be eligible to vest based on the attainment of specified Adjusted EBITDA performance goals by the Combined Company during the applicable performance period, which ends December 31, 2026, and subject to each executives' continued employment with the Combined Company through the determination date following the performance period.

Many products, including season-long products, are sold to customers in advance, resulting in a contract liability ("deferred revenue"). Deferred revenue is typically at its highest immediately prior to the peak summer season, and at its lowest after the peak summer and important fall seasons. Season-long products, including memberships, represent most of the deferred revenue balance in any given period.

Of the $183.7 million of current deferred revenue recorded as of January 1, 2024, 89% was related to season-long products. The remainder was related to deferred online transaction fees charged to customers, advanced resort reservations, advanced ticket sales, prepaid games cards, marina deposits and other deferred revenue. Approximately $151 million of the current deferred revenue balance as of January 1, 2024 was recognized during the nine months ended September 29, 2024.

As of September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, $28.3 million and $22.0 million of non-current deferred revenue was recorded, respectively. A portion of deferred revenue is typically classified as non-current during the third quarter related to

season-long products sold in the current season for use in the subsequent season. Season-long products are typically sold beginning in August of the year preceding the operating season. Season-long products may subsequently be recognized 12 to 16 months after purchase depending on the date of sale. The number of uses expected outside of the next twelve months for each type of product is estimated, and the related deferred revenue is classified as non-current within "Other Liabilities" in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023, $21.9 million and $13.6 million was recorded, respectively, related to the non-current portion of season-long products purchased for the subsequent operating season. The remaining non-current deferred revenue balances in the periods primarily represented prepaid lease payments for a portion of the California's Great America parking lot. The prepaid lease payments will be recognized through 2027, or through the sale-leaseback period for the land under California's Great America.

Payment is due immediately on the transaction date for most products. The receivable balance includes outstanding amounts on installment purchase plans which are offered for season-long products, including memberships, and includes sales to retailers, group sales and catering activities which are billed. Installment purchase plans vary in length from three monthly installments to 12 monthly installments. Payment terms for billings are typically net 30 days. Receivables in a typical operating year are highest in the peak summer months and lowest in the winter months. The Combined Company is not exposed to a significant concentration of customer credit risk. As of September 29, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 24, 2023, a $25.3 million, $6.3 million and $18.3 million allowance for doubtful accounts was recorded, respectively, representing estimated defaults on installment purchase plans. The default estimate is calculated using historical default rates adjusted for current period trends. The allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded as a reduction of deferred revenue to the extent revenue has not been recognized on the corresponding season-long products.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. In order to determine if an asset has been impaired, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable, independent cash flows are available. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset; a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being used or in its physical condition; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of a long-lived asset; past, current or future operating or cash flow losses that demonstrate continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset; and a current expectation that a long-lived asset will be sold or disposed significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. During the third quarter of 2024, management tested the Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort New Braunfels and the Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston ("Schlitterbahn") long-lived assets for impairment due to a decline in estimated future cash flows as a result of shifting priorities following the Mergers. The analysis resulted in no impairment. Except for those losses on disposals or retirements of fixed assets recorded in the ordinary course of business, management concluded no other indicators of impairment of long-lived assets existed during the first nine months of 2024 and the first nine months of 2023. Management's conclusions were based on updated financial performance projections, as well as an updated analysis of macroeconomic and industry-specific conditions.

The fair value of reporting units is established using a combination of an income (discounted cash flow) approach and market approach. The income approach uses each reporting unit's projection of estimated operating results and discounted cash flows using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions. Estimated operating results are established using best estimates of economic and market conditions over the projected period including growth rates in revenues and costs, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins and cash expenditures. Other significant estimates and assumptions include terminal value growth rates, future estimates of capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements. The market approach estimates fair value by applying cash flow multiples to each reporting unit's operating performance. The multiples are derived from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics of the reporting units. Any impairment charges recognized are for the amount by which the reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The fair value of trade names is calculated using a relief-from-royalty method. Any impairment charges recognized are for the amount by which the trade name's carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Management makes significant estimates calculating the fair value of reporting units and trade names. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates.

Changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the nine months ended September 29, 2024 and September 24, 2023 were:

As of September 29, 2024, December 31, 2023, and September 24, 2023, other intangible assets consisted of the following:

The senior secured term loan facility under the 2024 Credit Agreement, as amended, requires amortization payments of $10.0 million per year, payable in equal quarterly installments; matures on May 1, 2031; and bears interest at Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus a margin of 200 basis points ("bps") per annum or base rate plus a margin of 100 bps per annum.

Following the First Amendment, the revolving credit facility capacity under the 2024 Credit Agreement, as amended, is $850 million with a maturity date of July 1, 2029, subject to a springing maturity date on the date that is 91 days prior to the final maturity of certain indebtedness in an aggregate outstanding principal amount greater than $200 million on such date. The revolving credit facility bears interest at Term SOFR or Term Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average plus a margin of 200 bps per annum, or base rate or Canadian prime rate plus a margin of 100 bps per annum; and requires a commitment fee of 50 bps per annum on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility, which is subject to decrease to 37.5 bps upon achievement of a 3.5x Net First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2024 Credit Agreement, as amended). Prior to the First Amendment, the then-existing revolving credit facility would have matured on February 10, 2028, subject to a springing maturity date on the date that was 91 days prior to the final maturity of certain indebtedness in an aggregate outstanding principal amount greater than $200 million on such date.

There was $156.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility as of September 29, 2024. The 2024 Credit Agreement, as amended, also provides for the issuance of documentary and standby letters of credit. After letters of credit of $40.9 million, the Combined Company had $653.1 million of availability under its revolving credit facility as of September 29, 2024.

The total senior secured revolving credit facility capacity under the 2017 Credit Agreement was $300 million with a Canadian sub-limit of $15 million. The senior secured revolving credit facility bore interest at SOFR plus 350 bps with a SOFR adjustment of 10 bps per annum and a floor of zero, required the payment of a 62.5 bps commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility, in each case without any step-downs, and was collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the

Partnership. Under the 2017 Credit Agreement, the senior secured revolving credit facility would have matured on February 10, 2028, provided that the maturity date would have been (x) January 30, 2025 if at least $200 million of the 2025 senior notes remained outstanding as of that date, or (y) January 14, 2027 if at least $200 million of the 2027 senior notes remained outstanding as of that date. During 2022, Former Cedar Fair fully repaid the term loan facility under the 2017 Credit Agreement.

In June 2019, Former Cedar Fair issued $500 million of 5.250% senior unsecured notes due 2029 ("2029 senior notes"). Interest is payable under the 2029 senior notes semi-annually in January and July, with the principal due in full on July 15, 2029. The 2029 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed.

In October 2020, Former Cedar Fair issued $300 million of 6.500% senior unsecured notes due 2028 ("2028 senior notes"). Interest is payable under the 2028 senior notes semi-annually in April and October with the principal due in full on October 1, 2028. The 2028 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed.

In April 2020, Former Cedar Fair issued $1.0 billion of 5.500% senior secured notes due 2025 ("2025 senior notes") in a private placement. The 2025 senior notes and the related guarantees were secured by first-priority liens on the issuers' and the guarantors' assets that secured all the obligations under the 2017 Credit Agreement. Interest was payable under the 2025 senior notes semi-annually in May and November, with the principal due in full on May 1, 2025. On May 2, 2024, the net proceeds from the new senior secured term loan facility under the 2024 Credit Agreement and cash on hand were used to redeem all of the 2025 senior notes. The redemption price was $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount, plus accrued interest to the redemption date. As a result of the May 2024 refinancing, an $8.0 million loss on early debt extinguishment was recognized, inclusive of the write-off of debt issuance costs and the portion of a consent payment attributable to the 2025 senior notes.

Substantially concurrently with the closing and in connection with the Mergers, the Combined Company entered into supplemental indentures to assume all of Former Cedar Fair's obligations under the indentures governing the 2027 senior notes, 2028 senior notes and 2029 senior notes (collectively, the "Cedar Fair Notes"). In addition, under the supplemental indentures for the Cedar Fair Notes, each of the Former Six Flags subsidiary guarantors under the 2024 Credit Agreement, as amended, agreed to fully and unconditionally guarantee the Cedar Fair Notes.

Under the supplemental indenture to the 2032 Six Notes, each of the Cedar Fair co-issuers under the 2024 Credit Agreement became co-issuers of the 2032 Six Notes and each of the Cedar Fair subsidiary guarantors under the 2024 Credit Agreement became guarantors of the 2032 Six Notes. Under the supplemental indentures for all other Former Six Flags Notes, each of the Cedar Fair co-issuers and subsidiary guarantors under the 2024 Credit Agreement became guarantors of the 2024 Six Notes, 2025 Six Notes, 2027 Six Notes, and 2031 Six Notes.

In connection with the execution of the supplemental indentures to the 2025 Six Notes and the 2032 Six Notes, each of the Cedar Fair subsidiary guarantors under the 2024 Credit Agreement (the "Cedar Fair Subsidiary Guarantors") also entered into certain security agreements, pursuant to which the Cedar Fair Subsidiary Guarantors granted a first priority security interest in substantially all of their assets (subject to certain exceptions) to secure the 2025 Six Notes and the 2032 Six Notes.

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

The 2024 Credit Agreement, as amended, and fixed rate note agreements include restricted payment provisions, which could limit the Combined Company's ability to pay dividends. Under the 2024 Credit Agreement, as amended, if the pro forma Net Secured Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2024 Credit Agreement) is less than or equal to 3.00x, the Combined Company can make unlimited restricted payments so long as no event of default has occurred and is continuing. If the pro forma Net Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2024 Credit Agreement) is less than or equal to 5.25x, the Combined Company can make restricted payments up to the then-available Cumulative Credit (as defined in the 2024 Credit Agreement), so long as no event of default has occurred and is continuing. Irrespective of any leverage calculations, the Combined Company can make restricted payments not to exceed the greater of 7.0% of Market Capitalization (as defined in the 2024 Credit Agreement) and $200 million annually.

Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2027 senior notes, which includes the most restrictive of the restricted payments provisions under the terms of the Combined Company's outstanding notes, even if the pro forma Total Indebtedness to Consolidated Cash Flow Ratio (as defined in the indenture governing the 2027 senior notes) is greater than 5.25x, the Combined Company can still make restricted payments of $100 million annually so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing. If the pro forma Total Indebtedness to Consolidated Cash Flow Ratio is less than or equal to 5.25x, the Combined Company can make restricted payments up to its restricted payment pool so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof. The Combined Company's pro forma Total Indebtedness to Consolidated Cash Flow Ratio was less than 5.25x as of September 29, 2024.

On November 9, 2023, Cedar Fair entered into supplemental indentures related to the 2025 senior notes, 2027 senior notes, 2028 senior notes and 2029 senior notes (the "Amendments") following receipt of requisite consents from the holders of the notes. The Amendments enabled Cedar Fair to select November 2, 2023, the date the Merger Agreement with Former Six Flags was entered into, as the testing date for purposes of calculating, with respect to the Mergers and related transactions, any and all ratio tests under those notes, each of which was satisfied when tested on November 2, 2023. To become operative, the Amendments required a payment, which was made upon the consummation of the Mergers. The payment related to the 2025 senior notes was still required despite the redemption of those notes in May 2024.

(ii) Minimum capital expenditures at each of the Partnership Parks during rolling five-year periods, based generally on 6.00% of the Partnership Parks’ revenues. The capital expenditures at the Partnership Parks is expected to be in excess of the minimum required expenditures for 2024 and was in excess of the minimum required expenditures for 2023.

(iii) An annual offer to purchase all outstanding limited partnership units at the Specified Price (defined below) to the extent tendered by the unitholders, which annual offer must remain open from March 31 through late April of each year, and any limited partnership interest tendered during such time period must be fully paid no later than May 15th of that year (the "Partnership

Park Put"). The Combined Company is required to repurchase such limited partnership units through May 15, 2026 in the case of the Georgia Partnership and May 15, 2027 in the case of the Texas Partnership. As the Combined Company purchases additional units, it is entitled to a proportionate increase in its share of the minimum annual distributions. As part of the 2024 annual offering, Former Six Flags purchased 0.269 limited partnership units of the Georgia Partnership for $1.1 million and 0.005 units of the Texas Partnership for a nominal amount.

(iv) Either (a) purchasing all of the outstanding limited partnership interests in the Partnership Parks through the exercise of a call option upon the earlier of the occurrence of specified events and the end of the term of the partnership that hold the Partnership Parks in 2027 in the case of SFOG and 2028 in the case of SFOT, or (b) causing each of the partnerships that hold the Partnership Parks to have no indebtedness and to meet certain other financial tests as of the end of the term of such partnership.

In January 2027 with respect to the Georgia Partnership and in January 2028 with respect to the Texas Partnership, the Combined Company will have the option (each the "End-of-Term Option") to require the redemption of all the limited partnership units that the Combined Company does not then own in the Partnerships. To exercise the End-of-Term Option, the Combined Company must give the Georgia Partnership notice of its exercise no later than December 31, 2024, and the Combined Company must give the Texas Partnership notice of its exercise no later than December 31, 2025. If the End-of-Term Option is not exercised, the parties may decide to renew and extend the arrangements relating to the Partnership Parks. Alternatively, if the End-of-Term Option is not exercised, the Partnership Park entities may be sold and the proceeds applied to redeem the outstanding interests in the Georgia Partnership and Texas Partnership, as applicable. If the End-of-Term Option is exercised, the price offered, and required to be accepted by the holders' of the limited units that the Combined Company does not then own, is based on the agreed upon value of the partnerships included in the original agreements, multiplied by the change in the Consumer Price Index ("CPI") between the beginning and end of the agreement. The agreements for the Georgia Partnership and Texas Partnership began in 1997 and 1998, respectively. The agreed-upon value for the partnerships when the agreements were executed was $250.0 million and $374.8 million for SFOG and SFOT, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the agreed-upon value, as adjusted for CPI, would be $483.5 million and $712.7 million for SFOG and SFOT, respectively. The agreed-upon values, if determined as of December 31, 2023, multiplied by the 68.5% and 45.9% of units held by the limited partner for SFOG and SFOT respectively, represent $332.6 million and $330.9 million that would be required to be paid to the limited partner of SFOG and SFOT, respectively if the End-of-Option Term were to be exercised. The actual agreed upon value of the End-of-Term Option will be further adjusted by CPI until the end of each respective agreement. The decision to exercise, or not exercise, the End-of-Term Option for either of SFOG or SFOT will ultimately be made based on numerous factors, including prevailing macro-economic and industry conditions and the cost and availability of financing to fund the purchase.

Cash flows from operations at the Partnership Parks are used to satisfy the above requirements before any funds are required from the Combined Company. After the payment of the minimum distribution, the Combined Company is entitled to a management fee equal to 3% of prior year gross revenues and, thereafter, any additional cash is distributed first to any management fee in arrears and then towards the repayment of any interest and principal on intercompany loans. Any additional cash, to the extent available, is distributed 95% to the Combined Company in the case of SFOG and 92.5% to the Combined Company in the case of SFOT. The Partnership Parks generated approximately $16.0 million of cash in 2023, after deduction of capital expenditures and excluding the impact of short-term intercompany advances from or payments to Former Six Flags.

Former Six Flags entered into a Subordinated Indemnity Agreement with certain of the Combined Company's entities, Time Warner, and an affiliate of Time Warner (an indirect subsidiary of AT&T Inc. as a result of a merger in 2018), pursuant to which, among other things, Former Six Flags transferred to Time Warner (which has guaranteed all of the obligations under the Partnership Park arrangements) record title to the corporations that own the entities that purchase limited partnership units of the Partnership Parks, and Former Six Flags received an assignment from Time Warner of all cash flow received on such limited partnership units, and the Combined Company otherwise controls such entities. In addition, Former Six Flags issued preferred stock of the managing partner of the partnerships to Time Warner. In the event of default by the Combined Company under the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement or of the Combined Company's obligations to the partners in the Partnership Parks, these arrangements would permit Time Warner to take full control of both the entities that own limited partnership units and the managing partner. If the Combined Company satisfies all such obligations, Time Warner is required to transfer to the Combined

Company the entire equity interests of these entities at the end of the term, which is 2027 for the Georgia Partnership and 2028 for the Texas Partnership.

Redeemable non-controlling interests represent the non-affiliated parties’ share of the assets of the Partnership Parks that are less than wholly-owned: SFOG and Six Flags White Water Atlanta, which is owned by the partnership that owns SFOG, and SFOT. As of September 29, 2024, redeemable non-controlling interests of the Georgia Partnership and the Texas Partnership were $291.6 million and $254.1 million, respectively. Changes in the carrying value of redeemable non-controlling interests for the nine months ended September 29, 2024 were:

The redemption value of the non-controlling partnership units of the Georgia Partnership and of the Texas Partnership as of September 29, 2024 was approximately $279.4 million and $241.8 million, respectively.

The total tax provision (benefit) for interim periods is determined by applying an estimated annual effective tax rate to the applicable quarterly income (loss). The consolidated estimated annual effective tax rate differed from the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to state, local and foreign income taxes, certain nondeductible executive compensation and the effect of the partnership distributions for the Six Flags Over Georgia Partnership and Six Flags Over Texas Partnership.

Unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued interest and penalties, were not material in any period presented. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as income tax expense.

Valuation allowances have been recorded on certain deferred tax assets due to uncertainties related to the ability to use some of the deferred tax assets. The valuation is based on estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction and the period over which the deferred tax assets are recoverable. Projected taxable income over the foreseeable future indicates all of the federal net operating loss carryforwards will be able to be used prior to expiration. The majority of the remaining valuation allowance is based on the inability to use foreign tax credits and state deferred tax assets related to net operating losses that were generated in states where the Combined Company no longer does business or where the Combined Company has consistently not generated taxable income. Management does not believe that the Mergers will have a significant effect on the ability to use net operating losses.

Management analyzes its ability to use foreign tax credits based on the most probable outcome for future foreign sourced income. Based on that analysis, management has determined that it is more likely than not that some of the foreign tax credits will not be fully utilized and have established a valuation allowance.

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on August 16, 2022 and created a new 15% corporate alternative minimum tax ("CAMT") based on adjusted financial statement income. The effective date of the provision was January 1, 2023. The Combined Company will not be subject to CAMT as its reported earnings for each of the past three years did not exceed $1 billion.

On June 20, 2024, the Canadian government enacted Pillar Two legislation that includes the Income Inclusion Rule and Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (as defined in the Global Minimum Tax Act). The Pillar Two legislation requires multi-national entities to pay taxes of at least 15% in each jurisdiction in which they have operations. The Canadian legislation is effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024. Management performed an assessment of the potential exposure to Pillar Two income taxes related to the Combined Company. This assessment was based on the most recent information available regarding the financial performance of the constituent entities. Management considered the applicable tax law changes on Pillar Two implementation in the relevant countries, and there was no material impact to the Combined Company tax provision for the nine months ended September 29, 2024. The Combined Company will continue to evaluate the impact of these tax law changes on future reporting periods.

On May 4, 2023, Former Cedar Fair announced that the Board of Directors of its general partner authorized the Partnership to repurchase additional units for an aggregate amount of not more than $250 million. There were 0.3 million units repurchased under the May 2023 repurchase program during the three and nine months ended September 24, 2023 at an average price of $38.27 per limited partner unit for an aggregate amount of $12.0 million. Accordingly, there was a total of 1.7 million units repurchased under the August 2022 and May 2023 repurchase programs during the nine months ended September 24, 2023 at an average price of $42.97 per limited partner unit for an aggregate amount of $74.5 million. There were no units repurchased during the nine months ended September 29, 2024 under either program.

Subject to applicable rules and regulations, Former Cedar Fair could have repurchased units from time-to-time in the open market or by negotiated transactions. The amount and timing of such repurchases were based on a variety of factors, including liquidity, capital needs of the business, market conditions, regulatory requirements, and other business considerations. No limit was placed on the duration of either repurchase program. The Partnership was not obligated to repurchase any minimum dollar amount or specific number of units, and could modify, suspend, or discontinue the program at any time.

There are no repurchase programs outstanding related to the Combined Company following the Mergers.

There were approximately 0.8 million potentially dilutive units excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024 as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.