Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. Investments in the 50%-owned joint ventures operating the Ferrari and Maserati automobile dealership and the Brioni mens’ retail clothing store inside Wynn Las Vegas are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements for the previous years have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported net income.

Use of Estimates

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and include both U.S. dollar-denominated and foreign currency-denominated securities. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents of $1,156.3 million and $1,349.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were invested in bank time deposits, money market funds and commercial paper. In addition, the Company held bank deposits and cash on hand of approximately $1,025.9 million and $1,085.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Restricted Cash

The Company had restricted cash of $1.0 million and $199.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Restricted cash at December 31, 2014 consists of cash held in trust in accordance with the Company's majority owned subsidiary's share award plan. Restricted cash at December 31, 2013 consisted of certain proceeds of the Company’s financing activities that were restricted by the agreements governing the Company’s debt instruments for the payment of certain Wynn Palace related construction and development costs. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company applied the restricted cash balances to payment of certain Wynn Palace related construction and development costs.

Investment Securities

Investment securities consist of domestic and foreign short-term and long-term investments in corporate bonds and commercial paper reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in other comprehensive income. Short-term investments have maturities of greater than three months but equal to or less than one year and long-term investments are those with a maturity date greater than one year. The Company’s investment policy limits the amount of exposure to any one issuer with the objective of minimizing the potential risk of principal loss. Management determines the appropriate classification (held-to-maturity/available-for-sale) of its securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Adjustments are made for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity computed under the effective interest method. Such amortization is included in interest income together with realized gains and losses and the stated interest on such securities.

Accounts Receivable and Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of casino accounts receivable. The Company issues credit in the form of “markers” to approved casino customers following investigations of creditworthiness. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately 85% and 86%, respectively, of the Company’s markers were due from customers residing outside the United States, primarily in Asia. Business or economic conditions or other significant events in these countries could affect the collectability of such receivables.

Accounts receivable, including casino and hotel receivables, are typically non-interest bearing and are initially recorded at cost. Accounts are written off when management deems them to be uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when received. An estimated allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained to reduce the Company’s receivables to their carrying amount, which approximates fair value. The allowance is estimated based on historical collection patterns and current collection trends. In addition, the estimate reflects specific review of customer accounts as well as management's experience with collection trends in the casino industry and current economic and business conditions.

During 2014, 2013 and 2012 , the Company recorded adjustments to its reserve estimates for casino accounts receivable based on results of historical collection patterns and current collection trends. The adjustment benefited operating income by $8.7 million and net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited by $6.8 million (or $0.07 per share on a fully diluted basis) for the year ended December 31, 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2013, this adjustment benefited operating income by $14.9 million and net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited by $12.0 million (or $0.12 per share on a fully diluted basis for the year ended December 31, 2013). For the year ended December 31, 2012, this adjustment benefited operating income by $30.9 million and net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited by $23.3 million (or $0.22 per share on a fully diluted basis for the year ended December 31, 2012).

Inventories

Inventories consist of retail merchandise, food and beverage items which are stated at the lower of cost or market value and certain operating supplies. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out, average and specific identification methods.

Property and Equipment

Purchases of property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method as follows:



Buildings and improvements	10 to 45 years
Land improvements	10 to 45 years
Leasehold interest in land	25 years
Airplanes	18 to 20 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 to 20 years

Costs related to improvements are capitalized, while costs of repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. The cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment retired or otherwise disposed of are eliminated from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in property charges and other.

Capitalized Interest

The interest cost associated with major development and construction projects is capitalized and included in the cost of the project. Interest capitalization ceases once a project is substantially complete or no longer undergoing construction activities to prepare it for its intended use. When no debt is specifically identified as being incurred in connection with a construction project, the Company capitalizes interest on amounts expended on the project at the Company’s weighted average cost of borrowed money. Interest of $33.5 million, $10.5 million and $2.0 million, was capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Intangible Assets

The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of water rights acquired as part of the original purchase price of the property on which Wynn Las Vegas is located, and trademarks. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment annually. The Company’s finite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of our Massachusetts gaming license and Macau gaming concession. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over the shorter of their contractual terms or estimated useful lives.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, which are to be held and used, including intangible assets and property and equipment, are periodically reviewed by management for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. If an indicator of impairment exists, the Company compares the estimated future cash flows of the asset, on an undiscounted basis, to the carrying value of the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, then impairment is measured as the difference between fair value and carrying value, with fair value typically based on a discounted cash flow model. If an asset is still under development, future cash flows include remaining construction costs.

Deferred Financing Costs

Direct and incremental costs incurred in obtaining loans or in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the terms of the related debt agreements. Approximately $12.6 million, $11.2 million and $11.0 million were amortized to interest expense during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Debt discounts incurred in connection with the issuance of debt have been capitalized and are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company seeks to manage its market risk, including interest rate risk associated with variable rate borrowings, through balancing fixed-rate and variable-rate borrowings with the use of derivative financial instruments. The fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities at each balance sheet date, with changes in fair value affecting net income as the Company’s current interest rate swaps do not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are presented as an increase (decrease) in swap fair value in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The differentials paid or received on interest rate swap agreements are recognized as adjustments to interest expense.

Redemption Price Promissory Note

The Company recorded the fair value of the Redemption Price Promissory Note (the “Redemption Note”) of approximately $1.94 billion in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. In determining this fair value, the Company estimated the Redemption Note’s present value using discounted cash flows with a probability weighted expected return for redemption assumptions and a discount rate which included time value and non-performance risk adjustments commensurate with risk of the Redemption Note.

Considerations for the redemption assumptions included the stated maturity of the Redemption Note, uncertainty of the related cash flows as well as potential effects of the following: uncertainties surrounding the potential outcome and timing of pending litigation with Aruze USA, Inc. ("Aruze"), Universal Entertainment Corporation and Mr. Kazuo Okada (collectively, the “Okada Parties”) (see Note 17 “Commitments and Contingencies”); the outcome of on-going investigations of Aruze USA, Inc. by the United States Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Nevada Gaming Control Board; and other potential legal and regulatory actions. In addition, in the furtherance of various future business objectives, the Company considered its ability, at its sole option, to prepay the Redemption Note at any time in accordance with its terms without penalty. Accordingly, the Company reasonably determined that the estimated life of the Redemption Note could be less than the contractual life of the Redemption Note.

In determination of the appropriate discount rate to be used in the estimated present value, the Redemption Note’s subordinated position relative to all other debt in the Company’s capital structure and credit ratings associated with the Company’s traded debt were considered. Observable inputs for the risk free rate based on Federal Reserve rates for U.S. Treasury securities and credit risk spread based on a yield curve index of similarly rated debt were used. As a result of this analysis, the Company concluded the Redemption Note's stated rate of 2% approximated a market rate.

Revenue Recognition and Promotional Allowances

The Company recognizes revenues at the time persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the service is provided or the retail goods are sold, prices are fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured.

Casino revenues are measured by the aggregate net difference between gaming wins and losses, with liabilities recognized for funds deposited by customers before gaming play occurs and for chips in the customers’ possession. Cash discounts, other cash incentives related to casino play and commissions rebated through junkets to customers are recorded as a reduction to casino revenue. Hotel, food and beverage, entertainment and other operating revenues are recognized when services are performed. Entertainment, retail and other revenue includes rental income which is recognized on a time proportion basis over the lease term. Contingent rental income is recognized when the right to receive such rental income is established according to the lease agreements. Advance deposits on rooms and advance ticket sales are recorded as customer deposits until services are provided to the customer.

Revenues are recognized net of certain sales incentives which are required to be recorded as a reduction of revenue; consequently, the Company’s casino revenues are reduced by discounts, commissions and points earned by customers from the Company's loyalty programs.

The retail value of accommodations, food and beverage, and other services furnished to guests without charge is included in gross revenues. Such amounts are then deducted as promotional allowances. The estimated cost of providing such promotional allowances is primarily included in casino expenses as follows (in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Rooms	$	54,981	$	52,585	$	53,487
Food and beverage	120,070		112,897		107,882
Entertainment, retail and other	14,977		14,659		17,522
	$	190,028	$	180,141	$	178,891

Customer Loyalty Programs

The Company offers loyalty programs at both its Macau Operations and its Las Vegas Operations. Under the program at its Las Vegas Operations, customers earn points based on their level of slots play which can be redeemed for free play. Under the program at its Macau Operations, customers earn points based on their level of table games and slots play which can be redeemed for free play, gifts and complimentary dining and retail shopping. The points are recognized as a liability and as a separate element of the gaming transaction with allocation of the consideration received between the points and gaming transaction. The initial recognition of the point liability is fair value based on points earned multiplied by redemption value, less an estimate for points not expected to be redeemed. The revenue from the points is recognized when redeemed.

Slot Machine Jackpots

The Company does not accrue a liability for base jackpots because it has the ability to avoid such payment as slot machines can legally be removed from the gaming floor without payment of the base amount. When the Company is unable to avoid payment of the jackpot (i.e., the incremental amount on a progressive slot machine) due to legal requirements, the jackpot is accrued as the obligation becomes unavoidable. This liability is accrued over the time period in which the incremental progressive jackpot amount is generated with a related reduction in casino revenue.

Gaming Taxes

The Company is subject to taxes based on gross gaming revenue in the jurisdictions in which it operates, subject to applicable jurisdictional adjustments. These gaming taxes are an assessment on the Company’s gross gaming revenues and are recorded as casino expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. These taxes totaled $1.8 billion, $2.0 billion and $1.8 billion for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs the first time the advertising takes place. Advertising costs incurred in development periods are included in pre-opening costs. Once a project is completed, advertising costs are primarily included in general and administrative expenses. Total advertising costs were $23.3 million, $21.5 million and $23.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Pre-Opening Costs

Pre-opening costs consist primarily of direct salaries and wages, legal and consulting fees, insurance, utilities and advertising, and are expensed as incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred pre-opening costs primarily in connection with the design and construction of Wynn Palace in the Cotai area of Macau.

Income Taxes

The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and other foreign jurisdictions where it operates. Accounting standards require the recognition of deferred tax assets, net of applicable reserves, and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on the income tax provision and deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Accounting standards also require recognition of a future tax benefit to the extent that realization of such benefit is more likely than not. Otherwise, a valuation allowance is applied.

The Company’s income tax returns are subject to examination by the IRS and other tax authorities in the locations where it operates. The Company assesses potentially unfavorable outcomes of such examinations based on accounting standards for uncertain income taxes. The accounting standards prescribe a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.

Uncertain tax position accounting standards apply to all tax positions related to income taxes. These accounting standards utilize a two-step approach for evaluating tax positions. If a tax position, based on its technical merits, is deemed more likely than not to be sustained, then the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement.

As applicable, the Company will recognize accrued penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.

Foreign Currency

Gains or losses from foreign currency remeasurements are included in other income (expense) in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The results of operations and the balance sheet of Wynn Macau, Limited and its subsidiaries are translated from Macau patacas to U.S. dollars. Balance sheet accounts are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each year-end. Income statement accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are charged or credited to other comprehensive income.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes net income and all other non-stockholder changes in equity, or other comprehensive income. Components of the Company’s comprehensive income are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The cumulative balance of other comprehensive income consists solely of currency translation adjustments and unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures certain of its financial assets and liabilities, such as cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities and interest rate swaps, at fair value on a recurring basis pursuant to accounting standards for fair value measurements. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. These accounting standards establish a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The following table presents assets and liabilities carried at fair value (in thousands):



			Fair Value Measurements Using:
	December 31, 2014		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,156,285	$	828	$	1,155,457	—
Interest rate swaps	$	5,915	—		$	5,915	—
Restricted cash	$	977	$	977	—		—
Available-for-sale securities	$	250,313	—		$	250,313	—

Liabilities:
Redemption note	$	1,936,443	—		$	1,936,443	—


			Fair Value Measurements Using:
	December 31, 2013		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	1,349,647	$	220,923	$	1,128,724	—
Interest rate swaps	$	10,308	—		$	10,308	—
Restricted cash	$	199,936	—		$	199,936	—
Available-for-sale securities	$	254,388	—		$	254,388	—

Liabilities:
Redemption note	$	1,936,443	—		$	1,936,443	—

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately 19% and 91% of the Company’s cash equivalents categorized as Level 2 were deposits held in foreign currencies, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS’) is computed by dividing net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if the potential dilutive securities had been issued. Potentially dilutive securities include outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock.

The weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS consisted of the following (in thousands, except per share amount):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Ltd.	$	731,554	$	728,652	$	502,036

Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	100,927		100,540		103,092
Potential dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock	1,004		1,101		1,157
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	101,931		101,641		104,249

Net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Ltd. per common share, basic	$	7.25	$	7.25	$	4.87
Net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Ltd. per common share, diluted	$	7.18	$	7.17	$	4.82

Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	26		92		680

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with accounting standards which require the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. The cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for stock options, and based on the closing share price of the Company's stock on the grant date for nonvested share awards. The cost is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the employee's requisite service period (the vesting period of the award) net of estimated forfeitures. The Company's stock-based employee compensation arrangements are more fully discussed in Note 15 “Stock-Based Compensation”.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update that requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. Substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern exists when relevant conditions and events, consolidated in the aggregate, indicate that it is probable that an entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. Currently, there is no guidance in U.S. GAAP for management's responsibility to perform an evaluation. Under the update, management's evaluation is to be performed when preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period and based on relevant conditions and events that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued. The Company will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period or periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The effective date for this update is for the annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that amends the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and creates a new topic for Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new guidance is expected to clarify the principles for revenue recognition and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP applicable to revenue transactions. This guidance provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. This guidance also provides substantial revision of interim and annual disclosures. The update allows for either full retrospective adoption, meaning the guidance is applied for all periods presented, or modified retrospective adoption, meaning the guidance is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application. The effective date for this update is for the annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. The Company will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that amends the presentation requirements of an unrecognized tax benefit when a loss or other carryforward exists. The update would require the netting of unrecognized tax benefits against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carryforward that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax positions. The effective date for this update is for the annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this standard during the first quarter of 2014. The adoption of this update prospectively resulted in the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits of $29.2 million previously reflected in other long-term liabilities to be classified in long-term deferred income taxes, net, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, at December 31, 2014.