Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 27, 202026, 2021
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             .
Commission File Number: 1-9444
CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 34-1560655
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(419) 626-0830
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Depositary Units (Representing Limited Partner Interests)FUNNew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   x Yes  ☐ No  ☐   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes  x Yes  ☐ No  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x  Accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer   Smaller reporting company 
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes   NoYes  x No  
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


Table of Contents
Title of Class Units Outstanding as of October 30, 202029, 2021
Depositary Units (Representing Limited Partner Interests) 56,706,33856,842,303

Page 1 of 3533 pages


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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
FORM 10-Q CONTENTS
 
  
   
   
   
   
  
 
   
  


Table of Contents
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
September 27, 2020December 31, 2019September 29, 2019 September 26, 2021December 31, 2020September 27, 2020
ASSETSASSETSASSETS
Current Assets:Current Assets:Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$225,470 $182,252 $258,116 Cash and cash equivalents$562,661 $376,736 $225,470 
ReceivablesReceivables40,305 63,106 68,754 Receivables61,749 34,445 40,305 
InventoriesInventories50,733 32,902 37,734 Inventories36,861 47,479 50,733 
Current income tax receivableCurrent income tax receivable63,178 69,104 6,208 
Other current assetsOther current assets24,002 15,921 20,196 Other current assets23,922 26,747 17,794 
340,510 294,181 384,800 748,371 554,511 340,510 
Property and Equipment:Property and Equipment:Property and Equipment:
LandLand438,893 441,038 439,309 Land443,001 442,708 438,893 
Land improvementsLand improvements463,838 460,534 451,269 Land improvements485,435 467,176 463,838 
BuildingsBuildings832,067 816,780 801,175 Buildings857,610 849,404 832,067 
Rides and equipmentRides and equipment1,954,787 1,907,544 1,900,910 Rides and equipment1,994,977 1,962,324 1,954,787 
Construction in progressConstruction in progress83,472 70,731 69,050 Construction in progress44,415 75,507 83,472 
3,773,057 3,696,627 3,661,713 3,825,438 3,797,119 3,773,057 
Less accumulated depreciationLess accumulated depreciation(1,959,443)(1,855,019)(1,829,382)Less accumulated depreciation(2,095,666)(1,995,138)(1,959,443)
1,813,614 1,841,608 1,832,331 1,729,772 1,801,981 1,813,614 
GoodwillGoodwill263,860 359,654 358,451 Goodwill267,216 266,961 263,860 
Other Intangibles, netOther Intangibles, net49,717 59,899 59,693 Other Intangibles, net50,127 50,288 49,717 
Right-of-Use AssetRight-of-Use Asset13,021 14,324 11,067 Right-of-Use Asset14,061 13,527 13,021 
Other AssetsOther Assets20,796 11,479 11,669 Other Assets4,940 6,144 20,796 
$2,501,518 $2,581,145 $2,658,011 $2,814,487 $2,693,412 $2,501,518 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:Current Liabilities:Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt$$7,500 $7,500 
Accounts payableAccounts payable16,305 29,344 32,928 Accounts payable$49,085 $14,272 $16,305 
Deferred revenueDeferred revenue156,488 151,377 130,265 Deferred revenue186,526 183,354 156,488 
Accrued interestAccrued interest50,666 21,442 30,181 Accrued interest58,919 33,718 50,666 
Accrued taxesAccrued taxes13,307 39,237 48,265 Accrued taxes14,706 10,775 13,307 
Accrued salaries, wages and benefitsAccrued salaries, wages and benefits20,696 29,549 39,206 Accrued salaries, wages and benefits63,641 24,975 20,696 
Self-insurance reservesSelf-insurance reserves22,037 24,665 23,837 Self-insurance reserves24,286 22,322 22,037 
Other accrued liabilitiesOther accrued liabilities17,864 21,024 17,297 Other accrued liabilities19,440 10,565 17,864 
297,363 324,138 329,479 416,603 299,981 297,363 
Deferred Tax LiabilityDeferred Tax Liability2,525 82,046 82,658 Deferred Tax Liability47,538 39,595 2,525 
Derivative LiabilityDerivative Liability38,713 18,108 27,773 Derivative Liability28,504 39,086 38,713 
Lease LiabilityLease Liability9,873 10,600 7,440 Lease Liability11,146 10,483 9,873 
Non-Current Deferred Revenue (See Note 4)
36,180 9,401 18,205 
Non-Current Deferred RevenueNon-Current Deferred Revenue24,037 10,508 36,180 
Other LiabilitiesOther Liabilities6,260 935 761 Other Liabilities5,261 5,952 6,260 
Long-Term Debt:Long-Term Debt:Long-Term Debt:
Term debtTerm debt256,358 714,150 717,364 Term debt257,559 255,025 256,358 
NotesNotes2,405,576 1,431,733 1,431,612 Notes2,706,484 2,699,219 2,405,576 
2,661,934 2,145,883 2,148,976 2,964,043 2,954,244 2,661,934 
Partners’ (Deficit) Equity:
Partners’ DeficitPartners’ Deficit
Special L.P. interestsSpecial L.P. interests5,290 5,290 5,290 Special L.P. interests5,290 5,290 5,290 
General partnerGeneral partner(6)(1)(1)General partner(7)(7)(6)
Limited partners, 56,706, 56,666 and 56,596 units outstanding as of September 27, 2020, December 31, 2019 and September 29, 2019, respectively(570,922)(25,001)21,276 
Limited partners, 56,842, 56,706 and 56,706 units outstanding as of September 26, 2021, December 31, 2020 and September 27, 2020, respectivelyLimited partners, 56,842, 56,706 and 56,706 units outstanding as of September 26, 2021, December 31, 2020 and September 27, 2020, respectively(689,662)(674,319)(570,922)
Accumulated other comprehensive incomeAccumulated other comprehensive income14,308 9,746 16,154 Accumulated other comprehensive income1,734 2,599 14,308 
(551,330)(9,966)42,719 (682,645)(666,437)(551,330)
$2,501,518 $2,581,145 $2,658,011 $2,814,487 $2,693,412 $2,501,518 
    
The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) INCOME
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)
Three months endedNine months ended Three months endedNine months ended
September 27, 2020September 29, 2019September 27, 2020September 29, 2019 September 26, 2021September 27, 2020September 26, 2021September 27, 2020
Net revenues:Net revenues:Net revenues:
AdmissionsAdmissions$33,411 $382,776 $60,728 $645,715 Admissions$381,777 $33,411 $480,849 $60,728 
Food, merchandise and gamesFood, merchandise and games34,462 224,444 57,269 399,525 Food, merchandise and games235,619 34,462 326,810 57,269 
Accommodations, extra-charge products and otherAccommodations, extra-charge products and other19,584 107,292 29,681 172,439 Accommodations, extra-charge products and other136,008 19,584 179,624 29,681 
87,457 714,512 147,678 1,217,679 753,404 87,457 987,283 147,678 
Costs and expenses:Costs and expenses:Costs and expenses:
Cost of food, merchandise, and games revenuesCost of food, merchandise, and games revenues11,638 58,475 20,028 105,932 Cost of food, merchandise, and games revenues59,502 11,638 85,438 20,028 
Operating expensesOperating expenses100,818 227,625 274,169 503,601 Operating expenses273,426 100,818 495,525 274,169 
Selling, general and administrativeSelling, general and administrative28,145 83,080 76,681 174,527 Selling, general and administrative90,863 28,145 168,279 76,681 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization67,436 68,335 127,447 137,828 Depreciation and amortization77,461 67,436 112,906 127,447 
Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, netLoss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net727 1,675 8,530 3,781 Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net2,397 727 5,873 8,530 
Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangiblesLoss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles15,818 103,999 Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles— 15,818 — 103,999 
Gain on sale of investmentGain on sale of investment(11)(11)(617)Gain on sale of investment— (11)(2)(11)
224,571 439,190 610,843 925,052 503,649 224,571 868,019 610,843 
Operating (loss) income(137,114)275,322 (463,165)292,627 
Operating income (loss)Operating income (loss)249,755 (137,114)119,264 (463,165)
Interest expenseInterest expense40,376 27,967 104,341 71,814 Interest expense46,270 40,376 136,371 104,341 
Net effect of swapsNet effect of swaps(1,558)3,910 19,780 21,068 Net effect of swaps(3,186)(1,558)(10,582)19,780 
Loss on early debt extinguishmentLoss on early debt extinguishment317 2,013 Loss on early debt extinguishment— 317 2,013 
(Gain) loss on foreign currency(9,567)5,608 11,984 (12,533)
Loss (gain) on foreign currencyLoss (gain) on foreign currency15,163 (9,567)(1,741)11,984 
Other incomeOther income(28)(933)(337)(808)Other income(243)(28)(348)(337)
(Loss) income before taxes(166,654)238,770 (600,946)213,086 
(Benefit) provision for taxes(30,393)48,815 (116,156)43,506 
Net (loss) income(136,261)189,955 (484,790)169,580 
Net (loss) income allocated to general partner(1)(5)
Net (loss) income allocated to limited partners$(136,260)$189,953 $(484,785)$169,578 
Income (loss) before taxesIncome (loss) before taxes191,751 (166,654)(4,440)(600,946)
Provision (benefit) for taxesProvision (benefit) for taxes43,764 (30,393)16,859 (116,156)
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)147,987 (136,261)(21,299)(484,790)
Net income (loss) allocated to general partnerNet income (loss) allocated to general partner(1)— (5)
Net income (loss) allocated to limited partnersNet income (loss) allocated to limited partners$147,985 $(136,260)$(21,299)$(484,785)
Net (loss) income$(136,261)$189,955 $(484,790)$169,580 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, (net of tax):
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$147,987 $(136,261)$(21,299)$(484,790)
Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax):Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax):
Foreign currency translation adjustmentForeign currency translation adjustment(4,820)2,554 4,562 (5,128)Foreign currency translation adjustment7,912 (4,820)(865)4,562 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, (net of tax)(4,820)2,554 4,562 (5,128)
Total comprehensive (loss) income$(141,081)$192,509 $(480,228)$164,452 
Basic (loss) income per limited partner unit:
Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax)Other comprehensive income (loss), (net of tax)7,912 (4,820)(865)4,562 
Total comprehensive income (loss)Total comprehensive income (loss)$155,899 $(141,081)$(22,164)$(480,228)
Basic income (loss) per limited partner unit:Basic income (loss) per limited partner unit:
Weighted average limited partner units outstandingWeighted average limited partner units outstanding56,497 56,519 56,469 56,344 Weighted average limited partner units outstanding56,628 56,497 56,601 56,469 
Net (loss) income per limited partner unit$(2.41)$3.36 $(8.58)$3.01 
Diluted (loss) income per limited partner unit:
Net income (loss) per limited partner unitNet income (loss) per limited partner unit$2.61 $(2.41)$(0.38)$(8.58)
Diluted income (loss) per limited partner unit:Diluted income (loss) per limited partner unit:
Weighted average limited partner units outstandingWeighted average limited partner units outstanding56,497 56,931 56,469 56,816 Weighted average limited partner units outstanding57,009 56,497 56,601 56,469 
Net (loss) income per limited partner unit$(2.41)$3.34 $(8.58)$2.98 
Net income (loss) per limited partner unitNet income (loss) per limited partner unit$2.60 $(2.41)$(0.38)$(8.58)
The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITYDEFICIT
(In thousands)
For the three months endedFor the three months endedLimited Partnership Units OutstandingLimited Partners’ EquityGeneral Partner’s EquitySpecial L.P. InterestsAccumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeTotal Partners’
(Deficit) Equity
For the three months endedLimited Partnership Units OutstandingLimited Partners’ DeficitGeneral Partner’s DeficitSpecial L.P. InterestsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total Partners’
Deficit
Balance as of June 30, 201956,597 $(119,088)$(2)$5,290 $13,600 $(100,200)
Net income— 189,953 — — 189,955 
Partnership distribution declared ($0.925 per unit)— (52,358)(1)— — (52,359)
Issuance of limited partnership units related to compensation(1)2,823 — — — 2,823 
Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions— (54)— — — (54)
Foreign currency translation adjustment,
net of tax $478
— — — — 2,554 2,554 
Balance as of September 29, 201956,596 $21,276 $(1)$5,290 $16,154 $42,719 
Balance as of June 28, 2020Balance as of June 28, 202056,707 $(436,275)$(5)$5,290 $19,128 $(411,862)Balance as of June 28, 202056,707 $(436,275)$(5)$5,290 $19,128 $(411,862)
Net lossNet loss— (136,260)(1)— — (136,261)Net loss— (136,260)(1)— — (136,261)
Partnership distribution declaredPartnership distribution declared— — — — Partnership distribution declared— — — — 
Issuance of limited partnership units related to compensation(1)1,612 — — — 1,612 
Limited partnership units related to equity-based compensationLimited partnership units related to equity-based compensation(1)1,612 — — — 1,612 
Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactionsTax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions— (1)— — — (1)Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions— (1)— — — (1)
Foreign currency translation adjustment,
net of tax $(711)
Foreign currency translation adjustment,
net of tax $(711)
— — — — (4,820)(4,820)
Foreign currency translation adjustment,
net of tax $(711)
— — — — (4,820)(4,820)
Balance as of September 27, 2020Balance as of September 27, 202056,706 $(570,922)$(6)$5,290 $14,308 $(551,330)Balance as of September 27, 202056,706 $(570,922)$(6)$5,290 $14,308 $(551,330)
Balance as of June 27, 2021Balance as of June 27, 202156,829 $(840,663)$(9)$5,290 $(6,178)$(841,560)
Net incomeNet income— 147,985 — — 147,987 
Limited partnership units related to equity-based compensationLimited partnership units related to equity-based compensation13 3,096 — — — 3,096 
Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactionsTax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions— (80)— — — (80)
Foreign currency translation adjustment,
net of tax $1,083
Foreign currency translation adjustment,
net of tax $1,083
— — — — 7,912 7,912 
Balance as of September 26, 2021Balance as of September 26, 202156,842 $(689,662)$(7)$5,290 $1,734 $(682,645)
For the nine months endedFor the nine months endedLimited Partnership Units OutstandingLimited Partners’ EquityGeneral Partner’s EquitySpecial L.P. InterestsAccumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeTotal Partners’
(Deficit) Equity
For the nine months endedLimited Partnership Units OutstandingLimited Partners’ DeficitGeneral Partner’s DeficitSpecial L.P. InterestsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total Partners’
Deficit
Balance as of December 31, 201856,564 $5,845 $(1)$5,290 $21,282 $32,416 
Net income— 169,578 — — 169,580 
Partnership distribution declared ($2.775 per unit)— (157,043)(2)— — (157,045)
Issuance of limited partnership units related to compensation32 4,511 — — — 4,511 
Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions— (1,615)— — — (1,615)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax $(1,142)— — — — (5,128)(5,128)
Balance as of September 29, 201956,596 $21,276 $(1)$5,290 $16,154 $42,719 
Balance as of December 31, 2019Balance as of December 31, 201956,666 $(25,001)$(1)$5,290 $9,746 $(9,966)Balance as of December 31, 201956,666 $(25,001)$(1)$5,290 $9,746 $(9,966)
Net lossNet loss— (484,785)(5)— — (484,790)Net loss— (484,785)(5)— — (484,790)
Partnership distribution declared ($0.935 per unit)Partnership distribution declared ($0.935 per unit)— (53,020)— — — (53,020)Partnership distribution declared ($0.935 per unit)— (53,020)— — — (53,020)
Issuance of limited partnership units related to compensation40 (6,354)— — — (6,354)
Limited partnership units related to equity-based compensationLimited partnership units related to equity-based compensation40 (6,354)— — — (6,354)
Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactionsTax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions— (1,762)— — — (1,762)Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions— (1,762)— — — (1,762)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax $1,201Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax $1,201— — — — 4,562 4,562 Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax $1,201— — — — 4,562 4,562 
Balance as of September 27, 2020Balance as of September 27, 202056,706 $(570,922)$(6)$5,290 $14,308 $(551,330)Balance as of September 27, 202056,706 $(570,922)$(6)$5,290 $14,308 $(551,330)
Balance as of December 31, 2020Balance as of December 31, 202056,706 $(674,319)$(7)$5,290 $2,599 $(666,437)
Net lossNet loss— (21,299)— — — (21,299)
Limited partnership units related to equity-based compensationLimited partnership units related to equity-based compensation136 7,597 — — — 7,597 
Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactionsTax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions— (1,641)— — — (1,641)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax $(145)Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax $(145)— — — — (865)(865)
Balance as of September 26, 2021Balance as of September 26, 202156,842 $(689,662)$(7)$5,290 $1,734 $(682,645)
The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Nine months ended Nine months ended
September 27, 2020September 29, 2019 September 26, 2021September 27, 2020
CASH FLOWS (FOR) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) income$(484,790)$169,580 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (for) from operating activities:
CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIESCASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net lossNet loss$(21,299)$(484,790)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash from (for) operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash from (for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization127,447 137,828 Depreciation and amortization112,906 127,447 
Loss on early debt extinguishmentLoss on early debt extinguishment2,013 Loss on early debt extinguishment2,013 
Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangiblesLoss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles103,999 Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles— 103,999 
Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain) on debt13,647 (13,406)
Non-cash equity based compensation expense(1,842)8,236 
Non-cash deferred income tax benefit(78,296)(220)
Non-cash foreign currency (gain) loss on debtNon-cash foreign currency (gain) loss on debt(1,930)13,647 
Non-cash equity based compensation expense (benefit)Non-cash equity based compensation expense (benefit)11,910 (1,842)
Non-cash deferred income tax provision (benefit)Non-cash deferred income tax provision (benefit)7,779 (78,296)
Net effect of swapsNet effect of swaps19,780 21,068 Net effect of swaps(10,582)19,780 
Other non-cash expensesOther non-cash expenses12,408 5,530 Other non-cash expenses13,873 12,408 
Changes in assets and liabilities:Changes in assets and liabilities:Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables(Increase) decrease in receivables22,712 (13,830)(Increase) decrease in receivables(27,292)22,712 
(Increase) decrease in inventories(Increase) decrease in inventories(17,950)(5,094)(Increase) decrease in inventories10,634 (17,950)
(increase) decrease in other assets(18,858)(10,261)
(Increase) decrease in tax receivable(Increase) decrease in tax receivable9,908 (41,993)
(Increase) decrease in other assets(Increase) decrease in other assets2,374 (2,727)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payableIncrease (decrease) in accounts payable(3,499)8,269 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable31,313 (3,499)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenueIncrease (decrease) in deferred revenue32,235 24,286 Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue16,631 32,235 
Increase (decrease) in accrued interestIncrease (decrease) in accrued interest29,380 22,109 Increase (decrease) in accrued interest25,181 29,380 
Increase (decrease) in accrued taxes(25,862)17,819 
Increase (decrease) in accrued salaries, wages and benefitsIncrease (decrease) in accrued salaries, wages and benefits38,659 (8,796)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilitiesIncrease (decrease) in other liabilities(7,976)17,225 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities10,059 820 
Net cash (for) from operating activities(275,452)389,139 
Net cash from (for) operating activitiesNet cash from (for) operating activities230,128 (275,452)
CASH FLOWS FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIESCASH FLOWS FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIESCASH FLOWS FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expendituresCapital expenditures(120,883)(296,616)Capital expenditures(39,548)(120,883)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(270,171)
Proceeds from sale of investmentProceeds from sale of investment2,109 617 Proceeds from sale of investment1,405 2,109 
Net cash for investing activitiesNet cash for investing activities(118,774)(566,170)Net cash for investing activities(38,143)(118,774)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
CASH FLOWS (FOR) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIESCASH FLOWS (FOR) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Note borrowingsNote borrowings1,000,000 500,000 Note borrowings— 1,000,000 
Term debt paymentsTerm debt payments(465,125)(1,875)Term debt payments— (465,125)
Distributions paid to partnersDistributions paid to partners(53,020)(157,045)Distributions paid to partners— (53,020)
Payment of debt issuance costsPayment of debt issuance costs(35,738)(7,812)Payment of debt issuance costs(132)(35,738)
Exercise of limited partnership unit options112 
Tax effect of units involved in treasury unit transactions(1,762)(1,615)
Payments related to tax withholding for equity compensationPayments related to tax withholding for equity compensation(4,624)(4,249)Payments related to tax withholding for equity compensation(4,583)(4,624)
Net cash from financing activities439,843 327,404 
OtherOther(1,371)(1,650)
Net cash (for) from financing activitiesNet cash (for) from financing activities(6,086)439,843 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTSEFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(2,399)2,394 EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS26 (2,399)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTSCASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTSCASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Net increase for the periodNet increase for the period43,218 152,767 Net increase for the period185,925 43,218 
Balance, beginning of periodBalance, beginning of period182,252 105,349 Balance, beginning of period376,736 182,252 
Balance, end of periodBalance, end of period$225,470 $258,116 Balance, end of period$562,661 $225,470 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIONSUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIONSUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Cash payments for interest expenseCash payments for interest expense$69,780 $49,001 Cash payments for interest expense$102,682 $69,780 
Interest capitalizedInterest capitalized1,961 2,524 Interest capitalized1,457 1,961 
Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds7,533 30,604 
Net cash payments for income taxesNet cash payments for income taxes5,578 7,533 
Capital expenditures in accounts payableCapital expenditures in accounts payable1,146 3,703 Capital expenditures in accounts payable6,560 1,146 
The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
INDEX FOR NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared from the financial records of Cedar Fair, L.P. (the "Partnership," "we," "us," or "our") without audit and reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the results of the interim periods covered in this report. Due to the seasonal nature of our amusement and water park operations, the results for any interim period may not be indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year.

(1) Description of the Business and Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies:
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Due to theThe novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had a material impact on our business in 2020, had a continuing negative impact in 2021 and may have a longer-term negative effect. On March 13,14, 2020, we announced the closure of certain parks and the decision to delay the opening of other parksclosed our properties in response to the federalspread of COVID-19 and local recommendations and restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Beginning late in the second quarter of 2020, wegovernment mandates. We ultimately resumed only partial operations at many10 of our parks on a staggered basis13 properties in accordance with local and state guidelines. Parks that reopened and their respective reopening dates follow:
Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort New Braunfels, which opened on June 13, 2020
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston, which opened on June 13, 2020
Worlds of Fun, which opened on June 22, 2020
Kings Island, which opened on July 2, 2020
Dorney Park, which opened on July 8, 2020
Cedar Point, which opened on July 9, 2020
Michigan's Adventure, which opened on July 16, 2020
Attendance2020. Due to soft demand trends upon reopening was below original expectations. The timing of park openings from mid-June through mid-July coincided with growing concerns about rising COVID-19 cases. Due to the soft demand trends,in 2020, park operating calendars were adjusted, for the remainder of 2020, including reduced operating days per week and operating hours within each operating day. Following March 14, 2020, Knott's Berry Farm's partial operations in 2020 were limited to culinary festivals.

In addition,May 2021, we opened all of our U.S. properties for the 2021 operating season on a staggered basis with capacity restrictions, guest reservations, and other operating protocols in place. Our 2021 operating calendars were designed to align with anticipated capacity restrictions, guest demand and labor availability, including fewer operating days in July and August at some of our reopened parks closed earlier thansmaller properties and additional operating days in September. As vaccination distribution efforts continued during the park's typical operating calendar. Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort New Braunfels, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston, Worldssecond quarter of Fun2021 and Dorney Park closed following the Labor Day holiday on September 7, 2020. Kings Island closed following the fall season on November 1, 2020. Cedar Pointwe were able to secure additional labor, we removed most capacity restrictions, guest reservation requirements and Michigan's Adventure closed as they traditionally would following the fall season on November 1, 2020 and on Labor Day, respectively. Additionally,other protocols at our U.S. properties beginning in July 2021. We were able to alleviate social distancing concerns, Cedar Point and Kings Island changed their fall entertainment programming to allow for better management and maintenance of social distancing and limited park capacity requirements.

Knott's Berry Farm,open our Canadian property, Canada's Wonderland, Carowinds, Kings Dominion, California's Great America and Valleyfair remain closed, with the exception of limited attractions, such as hotel properties and special outdoor events. Of these parks, Knott's Berry Farm andin July 2021. Canada's Wonderland remainis operating with capacity restrictions, guest reservations, and other operating protocols in a state of readinessplace. We adjusted and may continue to adjust our 2021 operating calendars as parks continue their dialogue with governmentwe respond to changes in guest demand, labor availability and health authorities about the possibility of opening. On August 4, 2020, we announced the remaining parks (other than Knott's Berry Farm and Canada's Wonderland) will not reopen in 2020 due to the diminishing number of calendar days left in 2020, as well as limited visibility fromany state and local officials as to when park openingsrestrictions. Our future operations are possible. However, during the fourth quarter of 2020, we received approval from local authorities to open Carowinds. As a result, Carowinds will open for approximately 12 operating days for a winter themed event during November and December.

Given the uncertainty around the timing of the parks reopening, and in order to ensure our season pass holders receive a full season of access to our parks, in April 2020, we extended the usage privileges of 2020 season passes through the 2021 season and paused collections of guest payments on installment purchase products in recognition of the pandemic related restrictions that impacted the opening of the parks in the current year. We are resuming collections of guest payments on installment purchase products at each park as it opens. For those parks that we have announced will not reopen in 2020, we will also provide our season pass holders a loyalty reward to be used on purchases within the park during the 2021 operating season.

Even after all of our parks are able to reopen and our parks are able to return to full capacity with traditional park operating calendars, there may be longer-term negative impacts to our business, results of operations and financial condition as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These impacts may include changes in consumer behavior and preferences causing significant volatility or reductions in demand for, or interest in, our parks, damage to our brand and reputation, increases in operating expenses to comply with additional hygiene-related protocols, limitations on our ability to recruit and train sufficient employees to staff our parks, limitations on our employees' ability to work and travel, and significant changes in the economic or political conditions in areas in which we operate. Despite our efforts to manage these impacts, their ultimate impact may be material, and will dependdependent on factors beyondoutside of our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its public health effects.

Following our March 13, 2020 announcement, we took steps to secure additional liquidity and to obtain relief from certain financial covenants, in the event that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continued. On April 27, 2020, we issued $1.0 billion
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of senior secured notes and further amended the Amended 2017 Credit Agreement, including expanding our senior secured revolving credit facility capacity and revising certain financial covenants. See the Long-Term Debt footnote at Note 7 for further details. In addition, during the second quarter of 2020, we reduced operating expenses, including labor costs, suspended capital expenditures, and suspended quarterly distribution payments. Following the opening of the parks listed above, we resumed paying full salaries and incurred seasonal and part-time labor expenses, park-level operating expenses and advertising expenses to correspond with lower than typical attendance levels and abbreviated park operating calendars at our open parks.

Following the third quarter of 2020 and in response to the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we issued an additional $300 million of senior unsecured notes and further amended the Second Amended 2017 Credit Agreement (as defined below) to further suspend and revise certain of the financial covenants. The credit agreement amendment will also extend the maturity of and adjust the terms that apply to a portion of our senior secured revolving credit facility upon completion of certain customary closing conditions. See the Subsequent Event footnote at Note 12 for further details.

Management Furthermore, management has made significant estimates and assumptions to determine our liquidity requirements and estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, including financial results in the near and long-term. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates.estimates depending on the ultimate extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies
Except for the changes described below, our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q report have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, which were included in the Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2020.19, 2021. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Form 10-K referred to above.
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASC 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. We adopted ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2020. The standard did not have an effect on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
NewAdopted Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12"). ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing specific exceptions and clarifying and amending existing guidance under Topic 740, Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, but all amendments must be adopted in the same period. The allowable adoption methods differ under the various amendments. We are in the processadopted ASU 2019-12 as of evaluating theJanuary 1, 2021. The standard did not have an effect this standard will have on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

New Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04"). ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. We are in the process of evaluating the effect this standard will have on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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(2) Interim Reporting:
We are one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world with 13 properties in our portfolio consisting of amusement parks, water parks and complementary resort facilities. Our parks operate seasonally except for Knott's Berry Farm.Farm, which is typically open daily on a year-round basis. Our seasonal parks are generally open during weekends beginning in April or May, and then daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day. After Labor Day, our seasonal parks are open during select weekends in September and, in most cases, in the fourth quarter for Halloween and winter events. As a result, a substantial portion of our revenues from these seasonal parks typically are generated during an approximate 130- to 140-day operating season with the major portion concentrated in the third quarter during the peak vacation months of July and August. Knott's Berry Farm is open daily on a year-round basis. COVID-19 has impacted our parks' operating calendars in 2020 and 2021 as described within Note 1.

To assure that these highly seasonal operations will not result in misleading comparisons of current and subsequent interim periods, we have adopted the following accounting and reporting 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; (b) depreciation, certain advertising and 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. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on our parks' 2020 operating calendars, we are recognizing depreciation and certain otherFor those operating costs whichthat are typically expensed over each park's operating season, and which will still be incurred,we recognize expense over each park's planned operating days. In 2020, pre-COVID-19 budgeted operating days for 2020. This change in accounting procedurerepresented each park's planned operating days. Pre-COVID-19 budgeted operating days more accurately reflectsreflected incurred expense, and resultsresulted in greater consistency between parks and with historical results.results, and was more consistent with our interim reporting accounting procedures compared with updating our procedures to recognize expense over the much fewer actual operating days in 2020.

(3) Acquisitions:
On July 1, 2019, we completed the acquisition of 2 water parks and 1 resort in Texas, the Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort New Braunfels and the Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston ("Schlitterbahn parks"), for a cash purchase price of $257.7 million. The acquisition increased our presence in growing and attractive markets and further diversified our portfolio of properties. The Schlitterbahn parks are included within our single reportable segment of amusement/water parks with accompanying resort facilities.

The purchase price was allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon management's estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. To the extent the purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, such excess was allocated to goodwill. Based on the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, goodwill of $178.0 million, property and equipment of $58.1 million, an indefinite-lived trade name of $23.2 million, covenants not to compete of $0.2 million and a net working capital deficit of $3.3 million were recorded. We also assumed a lease commitment for the land on which Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston is located. This land lease resulted in the recognition of an additional right-of-use asset totaling $6.8 million and an additional corresponding lease liability totaling $5.3 million. All goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our expected future operating results, we tested the long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets of the Schlitterbahn parks for impairment as of March 29, 2020 and as of September 27, 2020. This resulted in impairment charges at the Schlitterbahn parks of $2.7 million for long-lived assets, $73.6 million for goodwill and $7.9 million for the Schlitterbahn trade name as of March 29, 2020, and $11.3 million for goodwill and $2.2 million for the Schlitterbahn trade name as of September 27, 2020 (see Note 5 and Note 6).

The results of the Schlitterbahn parks' operations, including $10.7 million and $41.5 million of net revenues and $117.5 million of net loss and $20.2 million of net income, are included within the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for the nine months ended September 27, 2020 and September 29, 2019, respectively. If we had acquired the Schlitterbahn parks on January 1, 2019, our results for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 would have included net revenues of approximately $68 million, and net income of approximately $20 million, respectively. Related acquisition transaction costs totaled $7.0 million for the third and fourth quarter of 2019 and were included within Selling, general and administrative expenses.

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(4) Revenue Recognition:
As disclosed within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) income,, revenues are generated from sales of (1) admission to our amusement parks and water parks, (2) food, merchandise and games both inside and outside the parks, and (3) accommodations, extra-charge products, and other revenue sources. Admission revenues include amounts paid to gain admission into our parks, including parking fees. Revenues related to extra-charge products, including premium benefit offerings such as front-of-line products, and online transaction fees charged to customers are included in "Accommodations, extra-charge products and other".

The following table presents net revenues disaggregated by revenues generated within the parks and revenues generated from out-of-park operations less amounts remitted to outside parties under concessionaire arrangements for the periods presented:presented. The amounts are not comparable due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three months endedNine months endedThree months endedNine months ended
(In thousands)(In thousands)September 27, 2020September 29, 2019September 27, 2020September 29, 2019(In thousands)September 26, 2021September 27, 2020September 26, 2021September 27, 2020
In-park revenuesIn-park revenues$61,764 $658,645 $106,008 $1,114,240 In-park revenues$692,013 $61,764 $882,679 $106,008 
Out-of-park revenuesOut-of-park revenues29,051 76,347 46,705 140,452 Out-of-park revenues83,074 29,051 134,054 46,705 
Concessionaire remittanceConcessionaire remittance(3,358)(20,480)(5,035)(37,013)Concessionaire remittance(21,683)(3,358)(29,450)(5,035)
Net revenuesNet revenues$87,457 $714,512 $147,678 $1,217,679 Net revenues$753,404 $87,457 $987,283 $147,678 
Due to our highly seasonal operations, a substantial portion of our revenues typically are generated during an approximate 130- to 140-day operating season. Most revenues are recognized on a daily basis based on actual guest spend at our properties. Revenues from multi-use products, including season-long products for admission, dining, beverage and other products, are recognized over the estimated number of uses expected for each type of product. 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. The number of uses is estimated based on historical usage adjusted for current period trends. For any bundled products that include multiple performance obligations, revenue is allocated using the retail price of each distinct performance obligation and any inherent discounts are allocated based on the gross margin and expected redemption of each performance obligation. We do not typically provide for refunds or returns.

In some instances, we arrange with outside parties ("concessionaires") to provide goods to guests, typically food and merchandise, and we act as an agent, resulting in net revenues recorded within the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Concessionaire arrangement revenues are recognized over the operating season and are variable. Sponsorship revenues and marina revenues, which are classified as "Accommodations, extra-charge products and other," are recognized over the park operating season which represents the period in which the performance obligations are satisfied. Sponsorship revenues are typically fixed. However, some sponsorship revenues are variable based on achievement of specified operating metrics. We estimate variable revenues and perform a constraint analysis using both historical information and current trends to determine the amount of revenue that is not probable of a significant reversal.

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 at the beginning of the calendar year following the close of our parks' operating seasons, as well as at the end of the third quarter after the peak summer season and at the beginning of the selling season for the next year's products.seasons. Season-long products represent most of the deferred revenue balance in any given period.

Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we extended the validity of our 2020 season-long products through the 2021 operating season in order to ensure our season pass holders received a full season of access to our parks. In addition, four of our parks provided their season pass holders a loyalty reward to be used on purchases within the park during the 2021 operating season. We identified the loyalty reward as a separate performance obligation and allocated revenue to the season pass and loyalty reward in a manner consistent with other bundled products. The extended validity of the 2020 season-long products, and
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to a much lesser extent the loyalty reward offering, resulted in a significant amount of revenue being deferred into 2021. In the first quarter of 2021 and in addition to the extended validity through 2021, Knott's Berry Farm also offered a day-for-day extension into calendar year 2022 for 2020 and 2021 season-long products for every day the park was closed in 2021, as well as a further extension for out-of-state season pass holders due to more restrictive state guidelines for out-of-state visitors. In the second quarter of 2021, Canada's Wonderland extended its 2020 and 2021 season passes through September 5, 2022. No other parks offered similar plans. We expect deferred revenue related to our outstanding 2020 and 2021 season-long products to be realized within 12 months from the balance sheet date. In order to calculate revenue recognized on 2020 season-long products, management made significant estimates regarding the estimated number of uses expected for these season-long products for admission, dining, beverage and other products for the 2021 and 2022 operating seasons. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates depending on the ultimate extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the $151.4$183.4 million of current deferred revenue recorded as of January 1, 2020, 91%2021, 90% was related to season-long products. The remainder was related to deferred online transaction fees charged to customers, advanced ticket sales, marina deposits, advanced resort reservations, and other deferred revenue. During the nine months ended September 27, 2020, approximately $20Approximately $141 million of the current deferred revenue balance as of January 1, 20202021 was recognized.recognized during the nine months ended September 26, 2021. We also had recorded $10.5 million of non-current deferred revenue as of January 1, 2021 which largely represented prepaid lease payments for a portion of the California's Great America parking lot. The prepaid lease payments are being recognized through 2039.

Most deferred revenue from contracts with customers is classified as current within the balance sheet. However, a portion of deferred revenue from contracts with customers 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. We estimate the number of uses expected outside of the next twelve months for each type of product and classify the related deferred revenue as non-current within "Non-Current Deferred Revenue" in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

As of September 26, 2021, $13.9 million of the total non-current deferred revenue balance represented estimated fourth quarter 2022 usage of 2022 season-long products. As of September 27, 2020 we classified $36.2 million of total deferred revenue as non-current. Dueand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we extendedextension of the validity of ourthe 2020 season-long products through theinto 2021, operating season in order to ensure our season pass holders receive a full season of access to our parks. As a result, $27.1 million of the total non-current deferred revenue balance as of September 27, 2020 represented estimated fourth quarter 2021 usage of both 2020 and 2021 season-long products. The remainder of the non-current deferred revenue balance as of September 27, 2020in both periods was largely attributable to the lease of a portion of the California's Great America parking lot to the Santa Clara Stadium Authority during Levi's Stadium events. The
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lease is effective through the life of the stadium, or approximately 25 years, from the opening of the stadium through 2039. The lease payments were prepaid, and the corresponding revenue is being recognized over the life of the stadium.lot.

Payment is due immediately on the transaction date for most products. Our receivable balance includes outstanding amounts on installment purchase plans which are offered for season-long products (and other select products for specific time periods), and includes sales to retailers, group sales and catering activities which are billed. Installment purchase plans vary in length from 3 monthly installments to 12 monthly installments. Payment terms for billings are typically net 30 days. Receivables are typically highest in the peak summer months and the lowest in the winter months. We are not exposed to a significant concentration of customer credit risk. As of September 26, 2021, December 31, 2020 and September 27, 2020, December 31, 2019 and September 29, 2019, we recorded an $8.5a $14.4 million, $3.4$8.7 million and $11.3$8.5 million allowance for doubtful accounts, respectively, representing estimated defaults on installment purchase plans. The default estimate is calculated using the historical default raterates adjusted for current period trends, including an adjustment for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers' ability to pay based on collection rates since March 2020. 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. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and given the uncertainty around the timing of the reopening of our parks, reopening, we paused collections on our installment purchase plans in April 2020. For those parks which opened during the summer of 2020, and are resumingwe resumed collections atof guest payments on installment purchase products as each park as it opens.of these parks opened for the 2020 operating season. For those parks which did not open during the summer of 2020, we resumed collections of guest payments in April 2021, except for Canada's Wonderland where we resumed collections in June 2021.

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

Non-operating assets are evaluated forWe concluded indicators of impairment did not exist during the first nine months of 2021. We based our conclusion on changes in marketour financial performance projections, as well as an updated analysis of macroeconomic and industry-specific conditions. When changes in market conditions are observed, impairment is estimated using a market-based approach. IfDuring the estimated fair valuefirst and third quarters of the non-operating assets is less than their carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

Due2020 and due to the negative impacteffects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our expected future operating results, we tested our long-lived assets for impairment as of March 29, 2020 and September 27, 2020. As of March 29, 2020, weimpairment. We concluded the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the usefair values of the long-lived assets at the Schlitterbahn parksWaterpark & Resort New Braunfels and Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston (collectively "the Schlitterbahn parks") no longer exceeded the related carrying values.values during the first quarter of 2020. Therefore, we recorded a $2.7 million impairment charge equal to the difference between the fair value and the carrying amounts of the assets in "Loss on impairment /
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retirement of fixed assets" within the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) incomeloss during the first quarter of 2020. The fair value of ourthe long-lived assets was determined using a real and personal property appraisal which was performed in accordance with ASC 820 - Fair Value Measurement. We performed additional impairment testing asduring the third quarter of September 27, 2020 due to a further decline in our financial performance projections. Our impairment testing asduring the third quarter of September 27, 2020 resulted in no further impairment of our long-lived assets. Management made significant estimates in performing the impairment tests, including the anticipated time frame to re-open our parks and the related anticipated demand upon re-opening our parks. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates depending on the ultimate extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DuringRemaining acreage from the third quarter of 2016, we ceased operations of 1 of ourformer WildWater Kingdom, a separately gated outdoor water parks, Wildwater Kingdom, locatedpark near Cleveland in Aurora, Ohio. At the date that Wildwater Kingdom ceased operations, the only remaining long-lived assetOhio, was approximately 670 acres of land. The Wildwater Kingdom acreage, reduced by acreage sold, is recorded within "Other Assets" in the prior period unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets ($7.52.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and $7.5 million as of September 27, 2020 and $9.0 million as2020). All remaining acreage from this property was sold during the second quarter of December 31, 2019 and September 29, 2019).2021.

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(6)(5) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:
Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, including trade names, are reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. DueDuring the first nine months of 2021, we concluded indicators of impairment did not exist. We based our conclusion on our financial performance projections, as well as an updated analysis of macroeconomic and industry-specific conditions. During the first and third quarters of 2020 and due to the negative impacteffects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our expected future operating results, we tested our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment as of March 29, 2020 and September 27, 2020. As of March 29, 2020 and September 27, 2020, weimpairment. We concluded the estimated fair value of goodwill at the Schlitterbahn parks and Dorney Park reporting units, and the estimated fair value of the Schlitterbahn trade name no longer exceeded their carrying values. Therefore, we recorded a $73.6 million, $6.8 million and $7.9 million impairment of goodwill at the Schlitterbahn parks, goodwill at Dorney Park, and the Schlitterbahn trade name, respectively, during the first quarter of 2020. We also recorded an $11.3 million, $2.3 million and $2.2 million impairment of goodwill at the Schlitterbahn parks, goodwill at Dorney Park, and the Schlitterbahn trade name, respectively, during the third quarter of 2020. The impairment charges were equal to the amount by which the carrying amounts exceeded the assets' fair value and were recorded in "Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles" within the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.loss.

The fair value of our reporting units was established using a combination of an income (discounted cash flow) approach and market approach. The income approach used each reporting unit's projection of estimated operating results and discounted cash flows using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflected current market conditions. Estimated operating results were established using our 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, the anticipated time frame to re-open our parks, following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the related anticipated demand upon re-opening our parks following the COVID-19 pandemic.parks. Other significant estimates and assumptions included terminal value growth rates, future estimates of capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements. The market approach estimated fair value by applying cash flow multiples to each reporting unit's operating performance. The multiples were derived from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics of the reporting units. The impairment charges recognized were for the amount by which the reporting unit's carrying amount exceeded its fair value.

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names. The fair value of our trade names was calculated using a relief-from-royalty model. The impairment charges recognized were for the amount by which the trade name's carrying amount exceeded its fair value.

Management made significant estimates calculating the fair value of our reporting units and trade names. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates.estimates depending on the ultimate extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the nine months ended September 27, 202026, 2021 and September 29, 201927, 2020 were:
(In thousands)Goodwill
Balance as of December 31, 2020$266,961 
Foreign currency translation255 
Balance as of September 26, 2021$267,216 
Balance as of December 31, 2019$359,654 
Impairment(93,929)
Foreign currency translation(1,865)
Balance as of September 27, 2020$263,860 
Balance as of December 31, 2018$178,719 
Acquisition177,994 
Foreign currency translation1,738 
Balance as of September 29, 2019$358,451 

Goodwill included $93.1 million and $178.0 million as of September 27, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, of goodwill related to the Schlitterbahn parks which were acquired on July 1, 2019, see Note 3.

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As of September 27, 2020,26, 2021, December 31, 2019,2020, and September 29, 2019,27, 2020, other intangible assets consisted of the following:
(In thousands)Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Value
September 27, 2020
Other intangible assets:
Trade names$48,764 $— $48,764 
License / franchise agreements4,257 (3,304)953 
Total other intangible assets$53,021 $(3,304)$49,717 
December 31, 2019
Other intangible assets:
Trade names$59,249 $— $59,249 
License / franchise agreements3,583 (2,933)650 
Total other intangible assets$62,832 $(2,933)$59,899 
September 29, 2019
Other intangible assets:
Trade names$58,981 $— $58,981 
License / franchise agreements3,509 (2,797)712 
Total other intangible assets$62,490 $(2,797)$59,693 

Other intangible assets included $13.1 million and $23.2 million as of September 27, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, for the Schlitterbahn trade name acquired on July 1, 2019, see Note 3. The Schlitterbahn trade name is an indefinite-lived intangible asset. Amortization expense of finite-lived other intangible assets is expected to continue to be immaterial going forward.
(In thousands)Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Value
September 26, 2021
Other intangible assets:
Trade names$49,511 $— $49,511 
License / franchise agreements4,262 (3,646)616 
Total other intangible assets$53,773 $(3,646)$50,127 
December 31, 2020
Other intangible assets:
Trade names$49,454 $— $49,454 
License / franchise agreements4,259 (3,425)834 
Total other intangible assets$53,713 $(3,425)$50,288 
September 27, 2020
Other intangible assets:
Trade names$48,764 $— $48,764 
License / franchise agreements4,257 (3,304)953 
Total other intangible assets$53,021 $(3,304)$49,717 

(7)(6) Long-Term Debt:
Long-term debt as of September 27, 2020,26, 2021, December 31, 2019,2020, and September 29, 201927, 2020 consisted of the following:
(In thousands)September 27, 2020December 31, 2019September 29, 2019
U.S. term loan averaging 2.85% YTD 2020; 4.01% in 2019; 4.16% YTD 2019 (due 2017-2024) (1)$264,250 $729,375 $733,125 
Notes
2024 U.S. fixed rate notes at 5.375%450,000 450,000 450,000 
2025 U.S. fixed rate notes at 5.500%1,000,000 
2027 U.S. fixed rate notes at 5.375%500,000 500,000 500,000 
2029 U.S. fixed rate notes at 5.250%500,000 500,000 500,000 
2,714,250 2,179,375 2,183,125 
Less current portion(7,500)(7,500)
2,714,250 2,171,875 2,175,625 
Less debt issuance costs and original issue discount(52,316)(25,992)(26,649)
$2,661,934 $2,145,883 $2,148,976 
(In thousands)September 26, 2021December 31, 2020September 27, 2020
U.S. term loan averaging 1.86% YTD 2021; 2.70% in 2020; 2.85% YTD 2020 (1)$264,250 $264,250 $264,250 
Notes
2024 U.S. fixed rate senior unsecured notes at 5.375%450,000 450,000 450,000 
2025 U.S. fixed rate senior secured notes at 5.500%1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 
2027 U.S. fixed rate senior unsecured notes at 5.375%500,000 500,000 500,000 
2028 U.S. fixed rate senior unsecured notes at 6.500%300,000 300,000 — 
2029 U.S. fixed rate senior unsecured notes at 5.250%500,000 500,000 500,000 
3,014,250 3,014,250 2,714,250 
Less debt issuance costs and original issue discount(50,207)(60,006)(52,316)
$2,964,043 $2,954,244 $2,661,934 
(1)     The average interest rates do not reflect the effect of interest rate swap agreements (see Note 87).

Term Debt and Revolving Credit Facilities
In April 2017, we amended and restated our existing credit agreement (the "2017 Credit Agreement") which includes our senior secured term loan facility and senior secured revolving credit facility. The $750 million senior secured term loan facility under the 2017 Credit Agreement matures on April 15, 2024 and, following an amendment in March 2018, bears interest at London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 175 basis points (bps). The pricing terms for the March 2018 amendment reflected $0.9 million of Original Issue Discount ("OID"). In April 2020, as a result of the anticipated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we further amended the 2017 Credit Agreement (subsequently referred to as the "Second Amended 2017 Credit Agreement" or the(the "Second Amendment") to suspend and revise certain financial covenants, and to adjust the interest rate on and reflect additional commitments and capacity for our revolving credit facility. In conjunction with the Second Amendment, we prepaid $463.3 million of our outstanding senior secured term loan facility. Following the prepayment, we do not have any required remaining scheduled quarterly payments on our senior secured term loan facility. In September 2020, in response to the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we further amended the 2017 Credit Agreement (subsequently referred to as the "Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement" or "Third Amendment") to further suspend and revise certain of the financial covenants and extend the maturity of and adjust the terms that apply to a portion of our senior secured revolving credit facility. The facilities provided under the SecondThird Amended 2017 Credit Agreement are collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Partnership.
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In connection with the Second Amendment, we received additional commitments under the U.S. senior secured revolving credit facility of $100.0$100 million bringing our total senior secured revolving credit facility capacity under the Second Amended 2017 Credit Agreement to $375
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million with a Canadian sub-limit of $15 million. Senior secured revolving credit facility borrowings underfollowing the Second Amended 2017 Credit AgreementAmendment bore interest at LIBOR plus 300 bps or Canadian Dollar Offered Rate ("CDOR") plus 200 bps.bps and required the payment of a 37.5 bps commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility was scheduled to mature in April 2022 under the Second Amendment. In September 2020, the Third Amendment extended the maturity date of $300 million of the $375 million senior secured revolving credit facility to December 2023 (which portion of the facility is subsequently referred to as the "2023 Revolving Credit Facility Capacity"). Under the Third Amendment, the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility Capacity bears interest at LIBOR plus 350 bps or CDOR plus 250 bps and requires the payment of a 62.5 bps commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility Capacity, in each case without any step-downs. The terms of the remaining $75 million available under the senior secured revolving credit facility remain unchanged from the Second Amendment. Prior to the Second Amendment and Third Amendment, our senior secured revolving credit facility had a combined limit of $275 million with a Canadian sub-limit of $15 million and bore interest at LIBOR or Canadian Dollar Offered Rate ("CDOR")CDOR plus 200 bps. The revolving credit facility was scheduled to mature in April 2022 under the Second Amendment. The SecondThird Amended 2017 Credit Agreement also provides for the issuance of documentary and standby letters of credit. As of September 27, 2020, 026, 2021, no borrowings were outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The Second Amended 2017 Credit Agreement required the payment of a 37.5 bps commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the credit facilities.

Subsequent to September 27, 2020, we further amended the Second Amended 2017 Credit Agreement in response to the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. See the Subsequent Events footnote at Note 12 for further details.

Notes
In April 2020, as a result of the anticipated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and in connection with the Second Amendment, to the 2017 Credit Agreement, we issued $1.0 billion of 5.500% senior secured notes due 2025 ("2025 senior notes") in a private placement. Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company ("Cedar Canada"), Magnum Management Corporation ("Magnum"), and Millennium Operations LLC ("Millennium") are the co-issuers of the 2025 senior notes. The 2025 senior notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by each 100% owned subsidiary of Cedar Fair (other than Cedar Canada, Magnum and Millennium). The 2025 senior notes and the related guarantees are secured by first-priority liens on the issuers' and the guarantors' assets that secure all the obligations under our credit facilities. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2025 senior notes were used to repay $463.3 million of our then-outstanding senior secured term loan facility. The remaining amount is to be used for general corporate and working capital purposes, including fees and expenses related to the transaction.

The 2025 senior notes pay interest semi-annually in May and November, beginning November 1, 2020, with the principal due in full on May 1, 2025. Prior to May 1, 2022, up to 35% of the 2025 senior notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 105.500% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any. The 2025 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to May 1, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a "make-whole" premium together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the 2025 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed.

In June 2014, we issued $450 million of 5.375% senior unsecured notes due 2024 ("2024 senior notes"). The 2024 senior notes pay interest semi-annually in June and December, with the principal due in full on June 1, 2024. The 2024 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed.

In April 2017, we issued $500 million of 5.375% senior unsecured notes due 2027 ("2027 senior notes"). The 2027 senior notes pay interest semi-annually in April and October, with the principal due in full on April 15, 2027. The 2027 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to April 15, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a "make-whole" premium together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the 2027 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed.

In June 2019, in conjunction with the acquisition of the Schlitterbahn parks (see Note 3), we issued $500 million of 5.250% senior unsecured notes maturing indue 2029 ("2029 senior notes"). The net proceeds from the offering of the 2029 senior notes were used to complete the acquisition, complete the purchase of land at California's Great America, to pay transaction fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes and repayment of the revolving credit facility.

The 2029 senior notes pay interest semi-annually in January and July, with the principal due in full on July 15, 2029. Prior to July 15, 2022, up to 35% of the 2029 senior notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 105.250% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any. The 2029 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to July 15, 2024 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a "make-whole" premium together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the 2029 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed.

In October 2020, in response to the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we issued $300 million of 6.500% senior unsecured notes due 2028 ("2028 senior notes"). The net proceeds from the offering of the 2028 senior notes is to be used for general corporate and working capital purposes, including fees and expenses related to the transaction. The 2028 senior notes pay interest semi-annually in April and October with the principal due in full on October 1, 2028. Prior to October 1, 2023, up to 35% of the 2028 senior notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 106.500% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The 2028 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to October 1, 2023 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a "make-whole" premium together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the 2028 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed.

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

Subsequent to September 27, 2020, we issued $300 million of 6.500% senior unsecured notes due 2028 in response to the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. See the Subsequent Events footnote at Note 12 for further details.

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Covenants
The Second Amendment to theThird Amended 2017 Credit Agreement suspended and revised certain financial covenants including:includes: (i) suspended testing of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (which was previously set at a maximum of 5.50x Consolidated Total Debt-to-Consolidated EBITDA) after the first quarter of 2020, (ii) replaced such Consolidated Leverage Ratio testing with a Senior Secured Leverage Ratio of 4.00x4.50x Total First Lien Senior Secured Debt-to-Consolidated EBITDA to be tested quarterly starting with the first quarter of 2021,2022, which would have steppedwill step down to 4.00x in the second quarter of 2023 and which will step down further to 3.75x in the fourththird quarter of 2021,2023, with the covenant calculations for the first, second, and third quarters in 20212022 to include Consolidated EBITDA from the second, third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 in lieu of the Consolidated EBITDA for the corresponding quarters in 20202021 ("Deemed EBITDA Quarters"), (iii) added; (ii) a requirement that we maintain a minimum liquidity level of at least $125.0$125 million, tested at all times, until the earlier of December 31, 20212022 or the termination of the Additional Restrictions Period (which generally would have includedincludes the period from the effective date of the Second Amendment until the delivery of the compliance certificate for the fourth quarter of 2021), (iv) suspended2022); and (iii) a suspension of certain restricted payments, including partnership distributions, certain payments in respect of senior unsecured debt, cash mergers and/or acquisition investments and the incurrence of incremental loans and commitments under the SecondThird Amended 2017 Credit Agreement until the termination of the Additional Restrictions Period, and (v) permitted the incurrence of the portion of the 2025 senior notes that were issued and were not applied to repay a portion of the senior secured term loan facility. Under the Second Amendment, we had the ability toPeriod. We may terminate the Additional Restrictions Period prior to December 31, 20212022 by achieving compliance with the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio covenant as of the end of a fiscal quarter without giving effect to Deemed EBITDA Quarters for any fiscal quarter. As of September 27, 2020, weWe were in compliance with the financial condition covenants under the Second Amended 2017 Credit Agreement.

See the Subsequent Events footnote at Note 12 for a discussion of changes to ourapplicable financial covenants under the SecondThird Amended 2017 Credit Agreement followingduring the third quarter of 2020.nine months ended September 26, 2021.

Our fixed rate note agreements also include Restricted Payment provisions, which could limit our ability to pay partnership distributions. Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2024 senior notes, which includes the most restrictive of these Restricted Payments provisions under our fixed rate note agreements, if our pro forma Total-Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow Ratio is greater than 5.00x, we can still make Restricted Payments of $60 million annually so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing. If our pro forma Total-Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow Ratio is less than or equal to 5.00x, we can make Restricted Payments up to our Restricted Payment pool. Our pro forma Total-Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow Ratio was greater than 5.00x as of September 27, 2020.26, 2021.

(8)(7) Derivative Financial Instruments:
Derivative financial instruments are used within our overall risk management program to manage certain interest rate and foreign currency risks. By utilizing a derivative instrument to hedge exposure to LIBOR rate changes, we are exposed to counterparty credit risk, in particular the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. To mitigate this risk, hedging instruments are placed with a counterparty that we believe poses minimal credit risk. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

We have 4 interest rate swap agreements with a notional value of $500 million that mature onconvert one-month variable rate LIBOR to a fixed rate of 2.88% through December 31, 2023. This results in a 4.63% fixed interest rate for borrowings under our senior secured term loan facility after the impact of interest rate swap agreements. As of September 27, 2020, and convert $500 million of variable-rate debt to a rate of 4.39%. We also havewe had 4 additional interest rate swap agreements that convertmatured on December 31, 2020 and converted the same notional amount of one-month variable rate LIBOR to a fixed rate of 4.63% for the period December 31, 2020 through December 31, 2023. None2.64%. NaN of the interest rate swap agreements are designated as hedging instruments. The fair market value of our swap portfolio, including the location within the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, for the periods presented were as follows:
(In thousands)(In thousands)Balance Sheet LocationSeptember 27, 2020December 31, 2019September 29, 2019(In thousands)Balance Sheet LocationSeptember 26, 2021December 31, 2020September 27, 2020
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest Rate SwapsInterest Rate SwapsOther accrued liabilities$(4,303)$(5,129)$Interest Rate SwapsOther accrued liabilities$— $— $(4,303)
Derivative Liability(38,713)(18,108)(27,773)Derivative Liability(28,504)(39,086)(38,713)
$(43,016)$(23,237)$(27,773)$(28,504)$(39,086)$(43,016)
Instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting or were de-designated are prospectively adjusted to fair value each reporting period through "Net effect of swaps" within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) income..

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(9)(8) Fair Value Measurements:
The table below presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 27, 2020,26, 2021, December 31, 2019,2020, and September 29, 201927, 2020 on a recurring basis as well as the fair values of other financial instruments, including their locations within the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets:
(In thousands)(In thousands)Balance Sheet LocationFair Value Hierarchy LevelSeptember 27, 2020December 31, 2019September 29, 2019(In thousands)Balance Sheet LocationFair Value Hierarchy LevelSeptember 26, 2021December 31, 2020September 27, 2020
Carrying ValueFair 
Value
Carrying ValueFair 
Value
Carrying ValueFair 
Value
Carrying ValueFair 
Value
Carrying ValueFair 
Value
Carrying ValueFair 
Value
Financial assets (liabilities) measured on a recurring basis:Financial assets (liabilities) measured on a recurring basis:Financial assets (liabilities) measured on a recurring basis:
Short-term investmentsShort-term investmentsOther current assetsLevel 1$163 $163 $275 $275 $476 $476 Short-term investmentsOther current assetsLevel 1$561 $561 $280 $280 $163 $163 
Interest rate swapsInterest rate swaps
Derivative Liability (1)
Level 2$(43,016)$(43,016)$(23,237)$(23,237)$(27,773)$(27,773)Interest rate swaps
Derivative Liability (1)
Level 2$(28,504)$(28,504)$(39,086)$(39,086)$(43,016)$(43,016)
Other financial assets (liabilities):Other financial assets (liabilities):Other financial assets (liabilities):
Term debtTerm debt
Long-Term Debt (2)
Level 2$(264,250)$(244,431)$(721,875)$(725,484)$(725,625)$(727,439)Term debt
Long-Term Debt (2)
Level 2$(264,250)$(258,965)$(264,250)$(253,680)$(264,250)$(244,431)
2024 senior notes2024 senior notes
Long-Term Debt (2)
Level 1$(450,000)$(433,125)$(450,000)$(462,375)$(450,000)$(462,938)2024 senior notes
Long-Term Debt (2)
Level 1$(450,000)$(454,500)$(450,000)$(451,125)$(450,000)$(433,125)
2025 senior notes2025 senior notes
Long-Term Debt (2)
Level 2$(1,000,000)$(1,010,000)2025 senior notes
Long-Term Debt (2)
Level 2$(1,000,000)$(1,040,000)$(1,000,000)$(1,043,750)$(1,000,000)$(1,010,000)
2027 senior notes2027 senior notes
Long-Term Debt (2)
Level 1$(500,000)$(487,500)$(500,000)$(535,000)$(500,000)$(535,000)2027 senior notes
Long-Term Debt (2)
Level 1$(500,000)$(514,375)$(500,000)$(507,500)$(500,000)$(487,500)
2028 senior notes2028 senior notes
Long-Term Debt (2)
Level 1 (3)
$(300,000)$(322,500)$(300,000)$(318,000)— — 
2029 senior notes2029 senior notes
Long-Term Debt (2)
Level 1 (3)
$(500,000)$(476,250)$(500,000)$(539,375)$(500,000)$(533,750)2029 senior notes
Long-Term Debt (2)
Level 1$(500,000)$(512,500)$(500,000)$(505,625)$(500,000)$(476,250)
(1)As of September 27, 2020, and December 31, 2019, $4.3 million and $5.1 million of the fair value of our swap portfolio respectively, was classified as current and recorded in "Other accrued liabilities".
(2)Carrying values of long-term debt balances are before reductions for debt issuance costs and original issue discount of $52.3$50.2 million, $26.0$60.0 million, and $26.6$52.3 million as of September 27, 2020,26, 2021, December 31, 2019,2020, and September 29, 2019,27, 2020, respectively.
(3)The 20292028 senior notes were based on Level 1 inputs as of September 27, 202026, 2021 and Level 2 inputs as of December 31, 2019 and September 29, 2019.2020.

Fair values of the interest rate swap agreements are determined using significant inputs, including the LIBOR forward curves, which are considered Level 2 observable market inputs.

Due to the negative impacteffects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our expected future operating results, we tested our long-lived assets, goodwill, and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment asduring the first and third quarters of March 29, 2020 and September 27, 2020. We concluded the estimated fair value of goodwill and long-lived assets at the Schlitterbahn parks reporting unit and the Schlitterbahn trade name, and the estimated fair value of goodwill at the Dorney Park reporting unit no longer exceeded their carrying values. As of March 29, 2020, we also concluded the estimated fair value of the long-lived assets of the Schlitterbahn parks no longer exceeded their carrying values. Therefore, as of March 29, 2020 and September 27, 2020, these assets were measured at fair value. We recorded a $2.7 million, $73.6 million and $7.9 million impairment charge to long-lived assets, goodwill and the trade name at the Schlitterbahn parks, respectively, and a $6.8 million impairment charge to goodwill at Dorney Park during the first quarter of 2020. We also recorded an $11.3 million and $2.2 million impairment charge to goodwill and the trade name at the Schlitterbahn parks, respectively, and a $2.3 million impairment charge to goodwill at Dorney Park during the third quarter of 2020. The long-lived asset impairment charge was recorded in "Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets", and the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges were recorded in "Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles" within the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.loss.

The fair value determination for our long-lived assets, reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets included numerous assumptions based on Level 3 inputs. The fair value of our long-lived assets was determined using a real and personal property appraisal of which the principal assumptions included the principal market and market participants upon sale. The primary assumptions used to determine the fair value of our reporting units included growth rates in revenues and costs, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins and cash expenditures, the anticipated time frame to re-open our parks, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the related anticipated demand upon re-opening our parks, following the COVID-19 pandemic, terminal value growth rates, future estimates of capital expenditures, changes in future capital requirements, and a weighted-average cost of capital that reflected current market conditions. The fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets was determined using a relief-from-royalty method of which the principal assumptions included royalty rates, growth rates in revenues, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins, the anticipated time frame to re-open our parks, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the related anticipated demand upon re-opening our parks, following the COVID-19 pandemic, terminal value growth rates, and a discount rate based on a weighted-average cost of capital that reflected current market conditions.

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, revolving credit loans, accounts receivable, current portion of term debt, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. There were no other assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 27, 2020,26, 2021, December 31, 20192020 or September 29, 2019.27, 2020.

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(10) Earnings(9) Income (Loss) per Unit:
Net income (loss) income per limited partner unit was calculated based on the following unit amounts:
Three months endedNine months ended Three months endedNine months ended
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)(In thousands, except per unit amounts)September 27, 2020September 29, 2019September 27, 2020September 29, 2019(In thousands, except per unit amounts)September 26, 2021September 27, 2020September 26, 2021September 27, 2020
Basic weighted average units outstandingBasic weighted average units outstanding56,497 56,519 56,469 56,344 Basic weighted average units outstanding56,628 56,497 56,601 56,469 
Effect of dilutive units:Effect of dilutive units:Effect of dilutive units:
Deferred unitsDeferred units48 51 Deferred units46 — — — 
Performance unitsPerformance units33 Performance units92 — — — 
Restricted unitsRestricted units239 263 Restricted units217 — — — 
Unit optionsUnit options125 125 Unit options26 — — — 
Diluted weighted average units outstandingDiluted weighted average units outstanding56,497 56,931 56,469 56,816 Diluted weighted average units outstanding57,009 56,497 56,601 56,469 
Net (loss) income per unit - basic$(2.41)$3.36 $(8.58)$3.01 
Net (loss) income per unit - diluted$(2.41)$3.34 $(8.58)$2.98 
Net income (loss) per unit - basicNet income (loss) per unit - basic$2.61 $(2.41)$(0.38)$(8.58)
Net income (loss) per unit - dilutedNet income (loss) per unit - diluted$2.60 $(2.41)$(0.38)$(8.58)

There were approximately 0.3 million potentially dilutive units excluded from the computation of diluted loss per limited partner unit for the three months ended September 27, 2020 as their effect would have been anti-dilutive due to the net loss in the period. There were approximately 0.7 million and 0.4 million potentially dilutive units excluded for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 and September 27, 2020, respectively, as their effect would also have been anti-dilutive due to the net loss in each period.

(11)(10) Income and Partnership Taxes:
We are subject to publicly traded partnership tax (PTP tax) on certain partnership level gross income (net revenues less cost of food, merchandise, and games revenues), state and local income taxes on partnership income, U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on income from our corporate subsidiaries and foreign income taxes on our foreign subsidiary. As such, the total provision (benefit) for taxes includes amounts for the PTP gross income tax and federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. Under applicable accounting rules, the total provision (benefit) for income taxes includes the amount of taxes payable for the current year and the impact of deferred tax assets and liabilities, which represents future tax consequences of events that are recognized in different periods in the financial statements than for tax purposes.

The total tax provision (benefit) for interim periods is determined by applying an estimated annual effective tax rate to the applicable quarterly income (loss). Our consolidated estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to state, local and foreign income taxes, certain partnership level income not being subject to federal tax and beneficial rate differences on loss carry backs allowed by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act"), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020.

The CARES Act resulted in various changes to the U.S. tax law, including, among other things, allowing net operating losses arising in tax years 2018 through 2020 to be carried back to the preceding five taxable years and removing the limitation that such losses only offset 80% of taxable income. As a result of these changes, we expect to recognize two benefits. First, we expect to carry back tax year 2020 losses incurred by our corporate subsidiaries, which will result in the refund of a portion of federal income taxes paid during the carryback period of approximately $79.7 million. Second, as of September 26, 2021, the annual effective tax rate included a net benefit of $2.3 million from carrying back the projected tax year 2020 losses of the corporate subsidiaries. This tax benefit represents an estimated incremental benefit of tax loss carrybacks for periods when the federal income tax rate was greater than the current 21% rate. The overall benefit of the carryback of losses was decreased by $7.2 million for a projected valuation allowance on foreign tax credits originally utilized during the carryback period which would be released as a result of the loss carryback but which are not expected to be utilized.

As of September 26, 2021, $79.7 million in tax refunds attributable to the net operating loss in tax year 2020 being carried back to prior years in the United States, and an additional $9.5 million in tax refunds attributable to the net operating loss of our Canadian corporate subsidiary being carried back to prior years in Canada, were recorded within "Current income tax receivable" in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. We anticipate receiving these tax refunds in the fourth quarter of 2021. These amounts were offset by accrued tax payments within the same jurisdictions for tax year 2021.

Additional benefits from the CARES Act included an $8.2 million deferral of the employer's share of Social Security taxes due in 50% increments in the fourth quarter of 2021 and the fourth quarter of 2022. As of September 26, 2021, the current portion was recorded in "Accrued salaries, wages and benefits" and the non-current portion was recorded in "Other Liabilities" within the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

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

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(12) Subsequent Events:
In response to the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, on September 28, 2020, we further amended the Second Amended 2017 Credit Agreement (subsequently referred to as the "Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement" or the "Third Amendment") to, among other things: (i) extend the suspension of testing of the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio through 2021, (ii) modify the quarterly testing of the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio to 4.50x Total First Lien Senior Secured Debt-to-Consolidated EBITDA in the first quarter of 2022, which will step down to 4.00x in the second quarter of 2023 and which will step down further to 3.75x in the third quarter of 2023, with the covenant calculations for the first, second, and third quarters in 2022 to include Consolidated EBITDA from the second, third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 in lieu of the Consolidated EBITDA for the corresponding quarters in 2021 ("revised Deemed EBITDA Quarters"), (iii) extend the requirement that we maintain a minimum liquidity level of at least $125.0 million, tested at all times, until the earlier of December 31, 2022 or the termination of the revised Additional Restrictions Period (which generally includes the period from the effective date of the Second Amendment until the delivery of the compliance certificate for the fourth quarter of 2022), (iv) extend the suspension of certain restricted payments, including partnership distributions, certain payments in respect of senior unsecured debt, cash mergers and/or acquisition investments and the incurrence of incremental loans and commitments under the Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement until the termination of the revised Additional Restrictions Period, and (v) permit the incurrence of the 2028 senior notes described below. We have the ability to terminate the revised Additional Restrictions Period prior to December 31, 2022 by achieving compliance with the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio covenant as of the end of a fiscal quarter without giving effect to revised Deemed EBITDA Quarters for any fiscal quarter.

In addition to suspending and revising certain financial covenants, the Third Amendment, upon completion of certain customary closing conditions, will extend the maturity date of $300 million of the $375 million senior secured revolving credit facility to December 2023 (which the portion of the facility is subsequently referred to as the "2023 Revolving Credit Facility Capacity"). Under the Third Amendment, the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility Capacity will bear interest at LIBOR plus 350 bps or Canadian Dollar Offered Rate plus 250 bps and will require the payment of a 62.5 bps commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility Capacity, in each case without any step-downs. The terms of the remaining $75 million available under the senior secured revolving credit facility (the "2022 Revolving Credit Facility Capacity") will remain unchanged from the Second Amended 2017 Credit Agreement.

Following the Third Amendment, on October 7, 2020, we issued $300 million of 6.500% senior unsecured notes due 2028 ("2028 senior notes") in a private placement. Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company ("Cedar Canada"), Magnum Management Corporation ("Magnum"), and Millennium Operations LLC ("Millennium") are the co-issuers of the 2028 senior notes. The 2028 senior notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by each 100% owned subsidiary of Cedar Fair (other than Cedar Canada, Magnum and Millennium). The net proceeds from the offering of the 2028 senior notes will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes, including fees and expenses related to the transaction.

The 2028 senior notes pay interest semi-annually in April and October, beginning April 1, 2021, with the principal due in full on October 1, 2028. Prior to October 1, 2023, up to 35% of the 2028 senior notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 106.500% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to October 1, 2023 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a "make-whole" premium together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the note may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Business Overview:
We generate our revenues from sales of (1) admission to our amusement parks and water parks, (2) food, merchandise and games both inside and outside our parks, and (3) accommodations, extra-charge products, and other revenue sources. Our principal costs and expenses, which include salaries and wages, operating supplies, maintenance, advertising, utilities and insurance,property taxes, are relatively fixed for a typical operating season and do not vary significantly with attendance.

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

Along with attendance and in-park per capita spending statistics, discrete financial information and operating results are prepared at the individual park level for use by the CEO, who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), as well as by the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, Regional Vice Presidents and the general managers.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Due to theThe novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had a material impact on our business in 2020, had a continuing negative impact in 2021 and may have a longer-term negative effect. On March 13,14, 2020, we announced the closure of certain parks and the decision to delay the opening of other parksclosed our properties in response to the federalspread of COVID-19 and local recommendations and restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Beginning late in the second quarter of 2020, wegovernment mandates. We ultimately resumed only partial operations at many10 of our parks on a staggered basis13 properties in accordance with local and state guidelines. Parks that reopened and their respective reopening dates follow:
Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort New Braunfels, which opened on June 13, 2020
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston, which opened on June 13, 2020
Worlds of Fun, which opened on June 22, 2020
Kings Island, which opened on July 2, 2020
Dorney Park, which opened on July 8, 2020
Cedar Point, which opened on July 9, 2020
Michigan's Adventure, which opened on July 16, 2020
Attendance2020. Due to soft demand trends upon reopening was below original expectations. The timing of park openings from mid-June through mid-July coincided with growing concerns about rising COVID-19 cases. Due to the soft demand trends,in 2020, park operating calendars were adjusted, for the remainder of 2020, including reduced operating days per week and operating hours within each operating day. Following March 14, 2020, Knott's Berry Farm's partial operations in 2020 were limited to culinary festivals.

In addition,May 2021, we opened all of our U.S. properties for the 2021 operating season on a staggered basis with capacity restrictions, guest reservations, and other operating protocols in place. Our 2021 operating calendars were designed to align with anticipated capacity restrictions, guest demand and labor availability, including fewer operating days in July and August at some of our reopened parks closed earlier thansmaller properties and additional operating days in September. As vaccination distribution efforts continued during the park's typical operating calendar. Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort New Braunfels, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston, Worldssecond quarter of Fun2021 and Dorney Park closed following the Labor Day holiday on September 7, 2020. Kings Island closed following the fall season on November 1, 2020. Cedar Pointwe were able to secure additional labor, we removed most capacity restrictions, guest reservation requirements and Michigan's Adventure closed as they traditionally would following the fall season on November 1, 2020 and on Labor Day, respectively. Additionally,other protocols at our U.S. properties beginning in July 2021. We were able to alleviate social distancing concerns, Cedar Point and Kings Island changed their fall entertainment programming to allow for better management and maintenance of social distancing and limited park capacity requirements.

Knott's Berry Farm,open our Canadian property, Canada's Wonderland, Carowinds, Kings Dominion, California's Great America and Valleyfair remain closed, with the exception of limited attractions, such as hotel properties and special outdoor events. Of these parks, Knott's Berry Farm andin July 2021. Canada's Wonderland remainis operating with capacity restrictions, guest reservations, and other operating protocols in a state of readinessplace. We adjusted and may continue to adjust our 2021 operating calendars as parks continue their dialogue with governmentwe respond to changes in guest demand, labor availability and health authorities about the possibility of opening. On August 4, 2020, we announced the remaining parks (other than Knott's Berry Farm and Canada's Wonderland) will not reopen in 2020 due to the diminishing number of calendar days left in 2020, as well as limited visibility fromany state and local officials as to when park openingsrestrictions. Our future operations are possible. However, during the fourth quarter of 2020, we received approval from local authorities to open Carowinds. As a result, Carowinds will open for approximately 12 operating days for a winter themed event during November and December.

Given the uncertainty around the timing of the parks reopening, and in order to ensure our season pass holders receive a full season of access to our parks, in April 2020, we extended the usage privileges of 2020 season passes through the 2021 season and paused collections of guest payments on installment purchase products in recognition of the pandemic related restrictions that impacted the opening of the parks in the current year. We are resuming collections of guest payments on installment purchase products at each park as it opens. For those parks that we have announced will not reopen in 2020, we will also provide our season pass holders a loyalty reward to be used on purchases within the park during the 2021 operating season.

Even after all of our parks are able to reopen and our parks are able to return to full capacity with traditional park operating calendars, there may be longer-term negative impacts to our business, results of operations and financial condition as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These impacts may include changes in consumer behavior and preferences causing significant volatility or reductions in demand for, or interest in, our parks, damage to our brand and reputation, increases in operating expenses to comply with additional hygiene-related protocols, limitations on our ability to recruit and train sufficient employees to staff our parks, limitations on our employees' ability to work and travel, and significant changes in the economic or political conditions in areas in which we operate. Despite our efforts to manage these impacts, their ultimate impact may be material, and
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will dependdependent on factors beyondoutside of our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its public health effects. See Risk Factors within Part II for additional detail.

Following our March 13, 2020 announcement, we took steps to secure additional liquidity and to obtain relief from certain financial covenants, in the event that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continued.

On April 27, 2020, we issued $1.0 billion of 5.500% senior secured notes due 2025 and further amended the Amended 2017 Credit Agreement to suspend and revise certain financial covenants, and to adjust the interest rate on and reflect additional commitments and capacity for our revolving credit facility. Financial covenant revisions included suspending testing of the leverage ratio for the remainder of 2020 and allowing for modified testing of the leverage ratio in 2021. See the Long-Term Debt footnote at Note 7 for further details.

We suspended $75-100 million of capital projects planned for the 2020 and 2021 operating seasons. As we prepare our properties for the 2021 operating season, we reactivated certain capital projects and may continue to reactivate other capital projects over the next twelve months resulting in capital spending that could vary from our earlier estimate. We estimate $120-125 million in capital expenditures for 2020, reflecting savings of approximately $60-65 million from our initial budget.

We suspended the quarterly distribution. The Board is committed to reinstituting a quarterly distribution when it is appropriate to do so and it is permissible under the Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement and our other debt covenants.

We took the following proactive measures to reduce operating expenses and cash outflows:
Eliminated nearly all of our seasonal and part-time labor costs until our parks prepared to reopen,
Suspended all advertising and marketing expenses, and reduced general and administrative expenses and other park-level operating expenses to better align with the disruption in operations while still remaining in readiness position to reopen parks,
Reduced the CEO’s base salary by 40% and the base salaries of all other executives by 25%, effective April 27, 2020,
Deferred base salaries for all other salaried employees by 25%, subject to minimum thresholds or other statutory limitations,
Reduced scheduled hours for full-time hourly employees by 25% to 30 hours per week, and
Suspended cash retainer fees for our Board of Directors until business conditions improved.

Effective July 20, 2020, following the opening of the parks listed above, we resumed paying full base salaries to our CEO, other executives and all other salaried employees. We also increased scheduled hours for full-time hourly employees to 40 hours per week, and resumed cash retainer fees to our Board of Directors. For those parks operating, we incurred seasonal and part-time labor expenses, park-level operating expenses and advertising expenses to correspond with lower than typical attendance levels and abbreviated park operating calendars.

Following the third quarter of 2020 and in response to the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we issued an additional $300 million of 6.500% senior unsecured notes due 2028 and further amended the Second Amended 2017 Credit Agreement to further suspend and revise certain of the financial covenants. The credit agreement amendment also will extend the maturity of and adjust the terms that apply to a portion of our senior secured revolving credit facility upon completion of certain customary closing conditions. See the Subsequent Event footnote at Note 12 for further details. As a result of the events and steps described above, we have concluded that we will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy our obligations and remain in compliance with our debt covenants through the end of 2021.

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Critical Accounting Policies:
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions during the normal course of business that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Beyond estimates in the normal course of business, management has also made significant estimates and assumptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic to determine our liquidity requirements and estimate the impact on our business, including financial results in the near and long-term. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

Management believes that judgment and estimates related to the following critical accounting policies could materially affect our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements:
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Accounting for Business Combinations
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Self-Insurance Reserves
Revenue Recognition
Income Taxes
In the third quarter of 2020,2021, there were no changes in the above critical accounting policies from those previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020.

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Adjusted EBITDA:
We believe that Adjusted EBITDA (earningsrepresents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, other non-cash items, and adjustments as defined in the SecondThird Amended 2017 Credit Agreement and prior credit agreements)agreements. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of operating performance computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and should not be considered as a substitute for operating income, net income or cash flows from operating activities computed in accordance with GAAP. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure as it is widely used by analysts, investors and comparable companies in our industry to evaluate our operating performance on a consistent basis, as well as more easily compare our results with those of other companies in our industry. Further, management believes Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of park-level operating profitability and we use it for measuring returns on capital investments, evaluating potential acquisitions, determining awards under incentive compensation plans, and calculating compliance with certain loan covenants. Adjusted EBITDA is provided in the discussion of results of operations that follows as a supplemental measure of our operating results and is not intended to be a substitute for operating income, net income or cash flows from operating activities as defined under generally accepted accounting principles.GAAP. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

The table below sets forth a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) income for the three and nine month periods ended September 26, 2021, September 27, 2020 and September 29, 2019. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our 2020 results, we included comparisons to 2019 in addition to comparisons to 2020 within the Results of Operations.
Three months endedNine months ended Three months endedNine months ended
(In thousands)(In thousands)September 27, 2020September 29, 2019September 27, 2020September 29, 2019(In thousands)September 26, 2021September 27, 2020September 29, 2019September 26, 2021September 27, 2020September 29, 2019
Net (loss) income$(136,261)$189,955 $(484,790)$169,580 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$147,987 $(136,261)$189,955 $(21,299)$(484,790)$169,580 
Interest expenseInterest expense40,376 27,967 104,341 71,814 Interest expense46,270 40,376 27,967 136,371 104,341 71,814 
Interest incomeInterest income(25)(807)(449)(1,121)Interest income(35)(25)(807)(66)(449)(1,121)
(Benefit) provision for taxes(30,393)48,815 (116,156)43,506 
Provision (benefit) for taxesProvision (benefit) for taxes43,764 (30,393)48,815 16,859 (116,156)43,506 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization67,436 68,335 127,447 137,828 Depreciation and amortization77,461 67,436 68,335 112,906 127,447 137,828 
EBITDAEBITDA(58,867)334,265 (369,607)421,607 EBITDA315,447 (58,867)334,265 244,771 (369,607)421,607 
Loss on early debt extinguishmentLoss on early debt extinguishment317 — 2,013 — Loss on early debt extinguishment— 317 — 2,013 — 
Net effect of swapsNet effect of swaps(1,558)3,910 19,780 21,068 Net effect of swaps(3,186)(1,558)3,910 (10,582)19,780 21,068 
Non-cash foreign currency (gain) loss(9,561)5,617 12,127 (12,528)
Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain)Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain)15,157 (9,561)5,617 (1,665)12,127 (12,528)
Non-cash equity compensation expenseNon-cash equity compensation expense1,618 2,930 (1,842)8,760 Non-cash equity compensation expense2,903 1,618 2,930 11,910 (1,842)8,760 
Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, netLoss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net727 1,675 8,530 3,781 Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net2,397 727 1,675 5,873 8,530 3,781 
Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangiblesLoss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles15,818 — 103,999 — Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles— 15,818 — — 103,999 — 
Gain on sale of investmentGain on sale of investment(11)— (11)(617)Gain on sale of investment— (11)— (2)(11)(617)
Acquisition-related costsAcquisition-related costs— 6,292 16 7,238 Acquisition-related costs— — 6,292 — 16 7,238 
Other (1)
Other (1)
29 499 183 782 
Other (1)
650 29 499 1,157 183 782 
Adjusted EBITDAAdjusted EBITDA$(51,488)$355,188 $(224,812)$450,091 Adjusted EBITDA$333,368 $(51,488)$355,188 $251,466 $(224,812)$450,091 

(1)    Consists of certain costs as defined in our SecondThird Amended 2017 Credit Agreement and prior credit agreements. These items are excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and have included certain legal expenses and severance expenses. This balance also includes unrealized gains and losses on short-term investments.
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Results of Operations:
We believe the following are key operational measures in our managerial and operational reporting, and they are used as major factors in significant operational decisions as they are primary drivers of our financial and operational performance:
Attendance is defined as the number of guest visits to our amusement parks and separately gated outdoor water parks.
In-park per capita spending is calculated as revenues generated within our amusement parks and separately gated outdoor water parks along with related tolls and parking revenues (in-park revenues), divided by total attendance.
Out-of-park revenues are defined as revenues from resort, out-of-park food and retail locations, marina, sponsorship, online transaction fees charged to customers and all other out-of-park operations.
Net revenues consist of in-park revenues and out-of-park revenues less amounts remitted to outside parties under concessionaire arrangements (see Note 43).

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Nine months ended September 26, 2021 vs. Nine months ended September 27, 2020
TheDue to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the results for the fiscal nine-month periodnine months ended September 27, 2020 are26, 2021 were not directly comparable with the results for the fiscalnine months ended September 27, 2020. The current nine-month period included 1,381 operating days compared with a total of 443 operating days for the nine-month period ended September 29, 201927, 2020.

In the current period and due to park closures and operating calendar changes associated withthe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, (the "COVID-19 disruption"), as well aswe postponed the inclusionopening of the resultsour parks for the six months ended June 28, 20202021 operating season to May 2021, when all of our properties opened on a staggered basis except for our Canadian property, Canada's Wonderland, which opened in July 2021. Upon opening in 2021, park operating calendars were reduced, guest reservations were required, and some operating restrictions were in place. We removed most capacity restrictions, guest reservation requirements and other protocols at our U.S. properties beginning in July 2021. Operating restrictions remained in place at our Canadian property throughout the Schlitterbahn parks which were acquired onthird quarter of 2021. We adjusted our 2021 operating calendars to reflect anticipated changes in guest demand, labor availability and state and local restrictions by including fewer operating days in July 1, 2019. In responseand August at some of our smaller properties and by including additional operating days in September. The current period also included results prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, fiveMay 2021 opening of our 13 properties did not open forparks from limited out-of-park operations, including the 2020 operating season, with the exceptionoperation of limited attractions classified as out-of-park revenues, such assome of our hotel properties and special outdoor events.a culinary festival at Knott's Berry Farm our only year-round property, closed infrom March 2020, and similarly, has only been able to reopen limited attractions. Our remaining seven properties opened beginning late in5, 2021 through May 2, 2021.

For the second quarter of 2020 with abbreviated operating calendars. As a result of the COVID-19 disruption, the fiscal nine-month period ended September 27, 2020 included a total of 443 operating days compared with 1,862 operating days for the prior period, or 1,419 fewer operating days. There was a net 14 additional operating days in the current nine-month periodand due to the inclusioneffects of the COVID-19 pandemic, our properties closed on March 14, 2020. Eight of our 13 properties resumed partial operations on a staggered basis during the third quarter of 2020 with opening dates beginning in mid-June and continuing through mid-July. During this time, we also reopened operations at some of our out-of-park operations, such as hotel operations. Following March 14, 2020, Knott's Berry Farm's partial operations were limited to culinary festivals which were classified as out-of-park revenues. The 2020 results also included daily operations at Knott's Berry Farm and 16 operating days at the Schlitterbahn parks offset byprior to the impactMarch 14, 2020 closure of the COVID-19 disruption on the Schlitterbahn parks.our properties.

The following table presents key financial information for the nine months ended September 27, 202026, 2021 and September 29, 2019:27, 2020:
Nine months endedIncrease (Decrease) Nine months endedIncrease (Decrease)
September 27, 2020September 29, 2019$%September 26, 2021September 27, 2020$%
(Amounts in thousands) (Amounts in thousands, except per capita and operating days)
Net revenuesNet revenues$147,678 $1,217,679 $(1,070,001)(87.9)%Net revenues$987,283 $147,678 $839,605 N/M
Operating costs and expensesOperating costs and expenses370,878 784,060 (413,182)(52.7)%Operating costs and expenses749,242 370,878 378,364 102.0 %
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization127,447 137,828 (10,381)(7.5)%Depreciation and amortization112,906 127,447 (14,541)(11.4)%
Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, netLoss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net8,530 3,781 4,749 N/MLoss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net5,873 8,530 (2,657)N/M
Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangiblesLoss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles103,999 — 103,999 N/MLoss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles— 103,999 (103,999)N/M
Gain on sale of investmentGain on sale of investment(11)(617)606 N/MGain on sale of investment(2)(11)N/M
Operating (loss) income$(463,165)$292,627 $(755,792)N/M
N/M - Not meaningful
Operating income (loss)Operating income (loss)$119,264 $(463,165)$582,429 125.7 %
Other Data:Other Data:Other Data:
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
$(224,812)$450,091 $(674,903)N/M
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
$251,466 $(224,812)$476,278 N/M
AttendanceAttendance2,280 22,864 (20,584)(90.0)%Attendance14,178 2,280 11,898 N/M
In-park per capita spendingIn-park per capita spending$46.49 $48.73 $(2.24)(4.6)%In-park per capita spending$62.26 $46.49 $15.77 33.9 %
Out-of-park revenuesOut-of-park revenues$46,705 $140,452 $(93,747)(66.7)%Out-of-park revenues$134,054 $46,705 $87,349 187.0 %
Operating daysOperating days1,381 443 938 N/M

N/M        Not meaningful either due to the nature of the expense line-item or due to minimal operations in the prior period
(1)        For additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, including how we define and use Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a reconciliation to net income (loss) income,, see page 22.18.
For the nine months ended September 27, 2020,26, 2021, net revenues decreased 87.9% tototaled $987.3 million compared with $147.7 million from $1.2 billion for the nine months ended September 29, 2019.27, 2020. The decrease reflectedincrease in net revenues was attributable to the impact of a 20.6938 operating day increase in the current period resulting in an 11.9 million-visit decreaseincrease in attendance a $2.24 decreaseand an $87.3 million increase in in-parkout-of-park revenues. In-park per capita spending and a $93.7 million decrease in out-of-park revenues, all of which were heavily impacted by the COVID-19 disruption. The decrease in attendance was due to the aforementioned park closures and operating calendar changes, as well as soft initial demand upon re-opening seven of our parks in mid-June through mid-July. Following re-opening, demand steadily increased throughout the third quarter. The decrease in in-park per capita spending was the result of less guest spending on extra-charge products, specifically front-of-line products, and admission attributable to a higher season pass mix. Guest spending on food, merchandise and games increased compared with the prior nine-month period. The decrease in out-of-park revenues was primarily attributable to a decline in accommodations revenue related to a decrease in occupancy due to the COVID-19 disruption. The Schlitterbahn parks contributed $2.1 million of net revenues during the six months ended June 28, 2020 and were not included in the prior year period until the July 1, 2019 acquisition date. The Schlitterbahn parks were
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included within the current and prior period third quarter results. Net revenues for the nine months were not materially impactedended September 26, 2021 increased 34% to $62.26, which represented higher levels of guest spending across all key revenue categories, particularly admissions and extra-charge attractions, including front-of-line FastLane products, and was driven by increases in pricing and volume. The increase in net revenues included a $4.7 million favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates.rates at our Canadian park.

Operating costs and expenses for the nine months ended September 27, 2020 decreased 52.7%26, 2021 increased to $370.9$749.2 million from $784.1$370.9 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2019.27, 2020. This was the result of an $85.9a $65.4 million decreaseincrease in cost of goods sold, a $229.4$221.4 million decreaseincrease in operating expenses and a $97.8$91.6 million decreaseincrease in SG&A expense. The decreaseexpense, all of which were largely the result of the 938 operating day increase in costthe current period. While the majority of goods sold was due to the decline in sales volume from the COVID-19 disruption and soft initial demand at our open parks. The $229.4$221.4 million decreaseincrease in operating expenses was attributable to $135.7 million ofthe increase in operating days, there was also a meaningful increase in seasonal labor savings,rate in order to recruit
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employees in a challenging labor market, as well as reductions in operating supplies, maintenance supplies, utilities, entertainment-related fees and insurance attributable to closed properties, abbreviated operating calendars and fewer offerings at our parks. In addition,higher full-time wages, decreased due to a decline in anticipated payout ofincluding accrued bonus plans and cost saving initiatives duringplans. Similarly, the second quarter of 2020. The $97.8$91.6 million decreaseincrease in SG&A expense was attributable to $45.6 million of advertisingdriven by resumed park operations in 2021. However, the increase in SG&A expense savings,was also driven by an increase in full-time wages, particularly for accrued bonus plans and equity-based compensation plans, as well as current period consulting fees incurred as a reductionresult of a business optimization program. The increase in transaction fees due to the decline in online sales volume, a decline in the anticipated payout of outstanding equity-based compensation and bonus plans, and prior period acquisition-related costs. The Schlitterbahn parks incurred $14.2 million of operating costs and expenses for the six months ended June 28, 2020 and were not included in the prior period until the July 1, 2019 acquisition date. The Schlitterbahn parks were included within the current and prior period third quarter results. Operating costs and expenses were not materially impacted bya $2.4 million unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates.rates at our Canadian park.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 27, 202026, 2021 decreased $10.4$14.5 million compared with the nine months ended September 29, 201927, 2020 due primarily due to the prior period change in estimatedfull depreciation of 15-year useful life of a long-lived asset at Kings Dominion. Depreciationlived property and amortization expense is being recognized over pre-COVID-19 budgeted operating days for 2020.equipment from our 2006 acquisition. The loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets for the nine months ended September 27, 202026, 2021 was $8.5$5.9 million compared with $3.8$8.5 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2019.27, 2020. The current period included retirements of assets in the normal course of business. The nine months ended September 27, 2020 included a $2.7 million impairment charge with respect to the Schlitterbahn parks' long-lived assets triggered by the anticipated impactsnegative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic during the first quarter of 2020 (see Note 54), as well as the impairment of two specific assets during the first quarter of 2020.. Similarly triggered by the anticipated impactsnegative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles for the nine months ended September 27, 2020 included aimpairment charges of $73.6 million, $6.8 million and $7.9 million during the first quarter of 2020, as well as impairment charges of $11.3 million, $2.3 million and $2.2 million during the third quarter of 2020 attributable to impairment of goodwill at the Schlitterbahn parks, goodwill at Dorney Park, and the Schlitterbahn trade name, respectively during the first quarter of 2020, and an $11.3 million, $2.3 million and $2.2 million impairment of goodwill at the Schlitterbahn parks, goodwill at Dorney Park, and the Schlitterbahn trade name, respectively, during the third quarter of 2020 (see Note 65). During the first quarter of 2019, a $0.6 million gain on sale of investment was recognized for additional proceeds from the liquidation of a preferred equity investment.

After the items above, operating income for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 totaled $119.3 million compared with an operating loss of $463.2 million for the nine months ended September 27, 2020 totaled $463.2 million compared with $292.6 million of operating income for the nine months ended September 29, 2019.2020.

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 27, 202026, 2021 increased $32.5$32.0 million due to interest incurred on the 2025 senior notes issued in April 2020 and the 20292028 senior notes issued in June 2019, which was somewhat offset by less interest incurred on term debt and revolver borrowings.October 2020. The net effect of our swaps resulted in a chargebenefit to earnings of $19.8$10.6 million for the nine months ended September 27, 202026, 2021 compared with a $21.1$19.8 million charge to earnings for the nine months ended September 29, 2019.27, 2020. The difference was attributable to the change in fair market value movements in our swap portfolio. We recognized a $2.0 million loss on early debt extinguishment related to our April 2020 refinancing during the first nine months of 2020 (see Note 7).2020. During the current period, we also recognized a $12.0$1.7 million net chargebenefit to earnings for foreign currency gains and losses compared with a $12.5$12.0 million net benefitcharge to earnings for the nine months ended September 29, 2019.27, 2020. Both amounts primarily representrepresented remeasurement of the U.S.-dollar denominated debt recorded at our Canadian entity from the U.S.-dollar to the legal entity's functional currency.

During the nine months ended September 27, 2020,26, 2021, a benefitprovision for taxes of $116.2$16.9 million was recorded to account for PTP taxes and federal, state, local and foreign income taxes compared with a provisionbenefit for taxes of $43.5$116.2 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2019.27, 2020. The increasedifference in benefitprovision for taxes was attributable to an increase ina larger prior period pretax loss from our taxable subsidiaries, as well as expected benefits from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act"), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act resulted in various changes to the U.S. tax law, including, among other things, allowing net operating losses arising in tax years 2018 through 2020 to be carried back to the preceding five taxable years and removing the limitation that such losses only offset 80% of taxable income. As a result of this change,these changes, we expect to recognize two benefits. First, we expect to carrybackcarry back the tax year 2020 losses incurred by our corporate subsidiaries, which will result in the refund of a portion of federal income taxes paid during the carryback period of approximately $54.8$79.7 million. Second, as of September 27, 2020,26, 2021, the annual effective tax rate included a net benefit of $16.6$2.3 million from carrying back the projected tax year 2020 losses of the corporate subsidiaries. This tax benefit represents an estimated $32.0 million incremental benefit of tax loss carrybacks for periods when the federal income tax rate was greater than 21% resulting in an additional tax benefit if such losses are used to offset income at the current 21% corporate income tax rate. The estimated $32.0 millionoverall benefit of the carryback of losses was decreased by $15.4$7.2 million for a projected valuation allowance on foreign tax credits originally utilized during the carryback period which would be released as a result of the loss carryback but which are not expected to be utilized.

After the items above, net loss for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 totaled $21.3 million, or $0.38 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with a net loss of $484.8 million, or $8.58 per diluted limited partner unit, for the nine months ended September 27, 2020.

For the nine months ended September 26, 2021, Adjusted EBITDA totaled $251.5 million compared with an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $224.8 million for the nine months ended September 27, 2020. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the impact of COVID-19 related park closures in 2020 and the related improvement in attendance, in-park per capita spending and out-of-park revenues from reopening parks in 2021.

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Nine months ended September 26, 2021 vs. Nine months ended September 29, 2019
As described above, the results for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 were not directly comparable with the results for the nine months ended September 27, 2020 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 were also not directly comparable with the nine months ended September 29, 2019 due to the postponed opening of our parks for the 2021 operating season until May 2021, as well as operating restrictions in place upon opening in 2021, compared with a typical operating season in 2019. The current nine-month period included 1,381 operating days compared with a total of 1,862 operating days for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019. The following table presents key financial information for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 and September 29, 2019:
 Nine months endedIncrease (Decrease)
September 26, 2021September 29, 2019$%
 (Amounts in thousands, except per capita and operating days)
Net revenues$987,283 $1,217,679 $(230,396)(18.9)%
Operating costs and expenses749,242 784,060 (34,818)(4.4)%
Depreciation and amortization112,906 137,828 (24,922)(18.1)%
Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net5,873 3,781 2,092 N/M
Gain on sale of investment(2)(617)615 N/M
Operating income$119,264 $292,627 $(173,363)(59.2)%
Other Data:
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
$251,466 $450,091 $(198,625)(44.1)%
Adjusted EBITDA margin (2)
25.5 %37.0 %(11.5)%
Attendance14,178 22,864 (8,686)(38.0)%
In-park per capita spending (3)
$62.26 $48.73 $13.53 27.8 %
Out-of-park revenues$134,054 $140,452 $(6,398)(4.6)%
Operating days1,381 1,862 (481)(25.8)%

N/M        Not meaningful due to the nature of the expense line-item
(1)    For additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, including how we define and use Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a reconciliation to net income (loss), see page 18.
(2)    Adjusted EBITDA margin (Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenues) is not a measurement computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") or a substitute for measures computed in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. We provide Adjusted EBITDA margin because we believe the measure provides a meaningful measure of operating profitability.
(3)    Net revenues as disclosed within the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) consist of in-park revenues and out-of-park revenues less amounts remitted to outside parties under concessionaire arrangements. In-park per capita spending is calculated as in-park revenues divided by total attendance. In-park revenues and concessionaire remittance totaled $1.1 billion and $37.0 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 29, 2019.
For the nine months ended September 26, 2021, net revenues totaled $987.3 million compared with $1.2 billion for the nine months ended September 29, 2019. The decrease in net revenues reflected the impact of an 8.7 million-visit, or 38.0%, decline in attendance offset by a $13.53, or 28%, increase in in-park per capita spending. The decreases in net revenues and attendance were primarily attributable to 481 fewer operating days in the current period. Out-of-park revenues for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 decreased $6.4 million compared with the nine months ended September 29, 2019. The decrease in out-of-park revenues was attributable to the delayed opening of our parks in 2021 until May 2021, as well as the temporary closure of two hotel properties for renovations, which was somewhat offset by revenues from the Knott's Berry Farm culinary festival in the current period.

Operating costs and expenses for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 decreased $34.8 million compared with the nine months ended September 29, 2019. This was the result of a $20.5 million decrease in cost of goods sold, an $8.1 million decrease in operating expenses and a $6.2 million decrease in SG&A expense, all of which were largely the result of fewer operating days in the current period. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily attributable to less seasonal labor hours, maintenance costs, and entertainment costs due to fewer operating days offset by a meaningful increase in seasonal labor rate in order to recruit employees in a challenging labor market, as well as higher full-time wages attributable to an increase in headcount. The decrease in SG&A expense was primarily due to less advertising expense due to fewer operating days and a more efficient marketing program offset by an increase in full-time wages, particularly for accrued bonus plans and equity-based compensation plans.

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Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 decreased $24.9 million compared with the nine months ended September 29, 2019 due primarily to the full depreciation of 15-year useful lived property and equipment from our 2006 acquisition and the change in estimated useful life of a long-lived asset at Kings Dominion in 2019. The loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 and September 29, 2019 included retirements of assets in the normal course of business.

After the items above, operating income for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 totaled $119.3 million compared with $292.6 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2019.

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 increased $64.6 million compared with the nine months ended September 29, 2019 primarily due to interest incurred on the 2025 senior notes and 2028 senior notes, both of which were issued in 2020. The net effect of our swaps resulted in a benefit to earnings of $10.6 million for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 compared with a $21.1 million charge to earnings for the nine months ended September 29, 2019. The difference was attributable to the change in fair market value movements in our swap portfolio. During the current period, we also recognized a $1.7 million net benefit to earnings for foreign currency gains and losses compared with a $12.5 million net benefit to earnings for the nine months ended September 29, 2019. Both amounts primarily represented remeasurement of the U.S.-dollar denominated debt recorded at our Canadian entity from the U.S.-dollar to the legal entity's functional currency.

During the nine months ended September 26, 2021, a provision for taxes of $16.9 million was recorded to account for PTP taxes and federal, state, local and foreign income taxes compared with a provision for taxes of $43.5 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2019. The decrease in provision for taxes was attributable to a decrease in pretax income from our taxable subsidiaries during the current nine-month period.

After the items above, net loss for the nine months ended September 27, 202026, 2021 totaled $484.8$21.3 million, or $8.58$0.38 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with net income of $169.6 million, or $2.98 per diluted limited partner unit, for the nine months ended September 29, 2019.

For the nine months ended September 27, 2020,26, 2021, Adjusted EBITDA loss totaled $224.8$251.5 million compared with a $450.1 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2019. Similarly, our Adjusted EBITDA margin for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 decreased compared with the Adjusted EBITDA margin for the nine months ended September 29, 2019. The variancedecreases in Adjusted EBITDA wasand Adjusted EBITDA margin were both largely due to decreased net revenues offset somewhat by expense savings attributablethe postponed opening of our parks for the 2021 operating season until May 2021, as well as increased labor costs in the current period due to the COVID-19 disruption.labor rate pressures.

In order to provide a more meaningful comparison of our key operational measures, we have provided comparable same-day statistics for attendance and in-park per capita spending. These supplemental comparisons are being used by management for operational decisions. We believe these supplemental key operational measures provide a more meaningful measure of current demand and guest spending trends due to the material variances in operating days between years.

For attendance and in-park per capita spending, the comparable same-day statistics compare the results from 1,255 operating days for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 with the comparable 1,255 operating days for the nine months ended September 29, 2019. The 1,255 operating days for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 included the 1,381 total operating days for the period less 70 operating days from the Schlitterbahn parks which were acquired on July 1, 2019 and less 56 2021 operating days which did not have equivalent 2019 operating days. As a result, on a comparable same-day basis, we excluded $34.4 million of in-park revenues and 0.6 million visits for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 to exclude the results of 2021 operating days without equivalent 2019 operating days. We also excluded $277.5 million of in-park revenues and 6.1 million visits for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 to exclude the results of 2019 operating days without equivalent 2021 operating days. No adjustments otherwise were made to the daily data from either period, including no adjustments to reflect the impact of fewer operating hours within an operating day or operating restrictions in place in 2021.

Attendance for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 represented approximately 80% of attendance for the first nine months of 2019 on a comparable same-day basis driven by general admission and season pass attendance and offset by an expected slower recovery in group sales attendance. In-park per capita spending for the nine months ended September 26, 2021 represented approximately 120% of in-park per capita spending for the first nine months of 2019 on a comparable same-day basis. The increase in in-park per capita spending on a comparable same-day basis was attributable to increases in all key spending categories, particularly admission and extra-charge attractions, including front-of-line FastLane products. Attendance and in-park per capita spending as a percentage of 2019 results on a comparable same-day basis increased each month from the initial opening of our parks in May 2021 through the end of the third quarter of 2021. Due to the nature of out-of-park revenues, we are not able to produce comparable same-day statistics.

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Three months ended September 26, 2021 vs. Three months ended September 27, 2020
TheDue to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the results for the fiscal three-month periodthree months ended September 27, 2020 are26, 2021 were not directly comparable with the results for the fiscalthree months ended September 27, 2020. The current three-month period included 988 operating days compared with a total of 314 operating days for the three months ended September 29, 201927, 2020.

In the current period, all of our properties were open during the third quarter of 2021, and we removed most capacity restrictions, guest reservation requirements and other protocols at our U.S. properties beginning in July 2021. Operating restrictions remained in place at our Canadian property throughout the third quarter of 2021. We adjusted our third quarter 2021 operating calendars to reflect anticipated changes in guest demand, labor availability and state and local restrictions by including fewer operating days in July and August at some of our smaller properties and by including additional operating days in September.

For the three months ended September 27, 2020 and due to park closures and operating calendar changes associated withthe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, (the "COVID-19 disruption"). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, sixeight of our 13 properties were not openresumed partial operations on a staggered basis during the third quarter of 2020 with the exceptionopening dates beginning in mid-June and continuing through mid-July. During this time, we also reopened operations at some of our out-of-park operations at this time, such as hotel operations. Following March 14, 2020, Knott's Berry Farm's partial operations were limited attractionsto culinary festivals which were classified as out-of-park revenues, such as hotel properties and special outdoor events. The remaining seven properties opened beginning late in the second quarter of 2020 with abbreviated operating calendars. As a result of the COVID-19 disruption, the fiscal three-month period ended September 27, 2020 included a total of 314 operating days compared with 1,035 operating days for the prior period, or 721 fewer operating days.revenues.

The following table presents key financial information for the three months ended September 27, 202026, 2021 and September 29, 2019:27, 2020:
Three months endedIncrease (Decrease) Three months endedIncrease (Decrease)
September 27, 2020September 29, 2019$%September 26, 2021September 27, 2020$%
(Amounts in thousands) (Amounts in thousands, except per capita and operating days)
Net revenuesNet revenues$87,457 $714,512 $(627,055)(87.8)%Net revenues$753,404 $87,457 $665,947 N/M
Operating costs and expensesOperating costs and expenses140,601 369,180 (228,579)(61.9)%Operating costs and expenses423,791 140,601 283,190 N/M
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization67,436 68,335 (899)(1.3)%Depreciation and amortization77,461 67,436 10,025 14.9 %
Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, netLoss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net727 1,675 (948)N/MLoss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net2,397 727 1,670 N/M
Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangiblesLoss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles15,818 — 15,818 N/MLoss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles— 15,818 (15,818)N/M
Gain on sale of investmentGain on sale of investment(11)— (11)N/MGain on sale of investment— (11)11 N/M
Operating (loss) income$(137,114)$275,322 $(412,436)N/M
N/M - Not meaningful
Operating income (loss)Operating income (loss)$249,755 $(137,114)$386,869 N/M
Other Data:Other Data:Other Data:
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
$(51,488)$355,188 $(406,676)N/M
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
$333,368 $(51,488)$384,856 N/M
AttendanceAttendance1,306 13,189 (11,883)(90.1)%Attendance10,769 1,306 9,463 N/M
In-park per capita spendingIn-park per capita spending$47.29 $49.94 $(2.65)(5.3)%In-park per capita spending$64.26 $47.29 $16.97 35.9 %
Out-of-park revenuesOut-of-park revenues$29,051 $76,347 $(47,296)(61.9)%Out-of-park revenues$83,074 $29,051 $54,023 186.0 %
Operating daysOperating days988 314 674 N/M

N/M        Not meaningful either due to minimal operations in the prior period or due to the nature of the expense line-item
(1)    For additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, including how we define and use Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a reconciliation to net income (loss) income,, see page 22.18.
For the three months ended September 27, 2020,26, 2021, net revenues decreased 87.8% tototaled $753.4 million compared with $87.5 million from $714.5 million for the three months ended September 29, 2019.27, 2020. The decrease reflected the impact of an 11.9 million-visit decreaseincrease in attendance, a $2.65 decrease in in-park per capita spending and a $47.3 million decrease in out-of-parknet revenues all of which were heavily impacted by the COVID-19 disruption. The decrease in attendance was attributable to the aforementioned park closures674 operating day increase in the current period resulting in a 9.5 million-visit increase in attendance and operating calendar changes, as well as soft demand upon re-opening seven of our parksa $54.0 million increase in mid-June through mid-July. Following re-opening, demand steadily increased throughout the third quarter. The decrease in in-parkout-of-park revenues. In-park per capita spending was dueincreased 36% to less$64.26 for the three months ended September 26, 2021, which represented higher levels of guest spending, onparticularly admissions and extra-charge products, specificallyattractions, including front-of-line FastLane products, and admission attributable towas driven by increases in pricing and volume. The increase in net revenues included a higher season pass mix. Guest spending on food, merchandise and games increased during the third quarter$2.9 million favorable impact of 2020. The decrease in out-of-park revenues was primarily attributable to a decline in accommodations revenue due to a decrease in occupancy related to the COVID-19 disruption. Net revenues for the quarter were not materially impacted by foreign currency exchange rates.rates at our Canadian park.

Operating costs and expenses for the three months ended September 27, 2020 decreased 61.9%26, 2021 increased to $140.6$423.8 million from $369.2$140.6 million for the three months ended September 29, 2019.27, 2020. This was the result of a $46.8$47.9 million decreaseincrease in cost of goods sold, a $126.8$172.6 million decreaseincrease in operating expenses and a $54.9$62.7 million decreaseincrease in SG&A expense. The decreaseexpense, all of which were largely the result of a 674 operating day increase in costthe current period. While the majority of goods sold was due to the decline in sales volume from the COVID-19 disruption and soft initial demand at our open parks. The $126.8$172.6 million decreaseincrease in operating expenses was attributable to $72.1 million ofthe increase in operating days, there was also a meaningful increase in seasonal labor savings,rate in order to recruit employees in a challenging labor market, as well as reductions in operating supplies, utilities, entertainment-related fees, maintenance supplies and insurancehigher full-time wages attributable to closed properties, abbreviated operating calendarsaccrued bonus plans and fewer offerings at our parks. In addition, full-time wages decreased due to a decline in anticipated payout of bonus plans. The $54.9increased headcount. Similarly, the $62.7 million decreaseincrease in SG&A expense was attributable to $26.9driven by resumed park operations in 2021. However, the increase in SG&A expense was also driven by an increase in full-time wages, particularly for accrued bonus plans and equity-based compensation plans. The increase in operating costs and expenses included a $1.5 million unfavorable impact of advertising expense savings, as well as a reduction in transaction fees due to the decline in online sales volume, a decline in the anticipatedforeign currency exchange rates at our Canadian park.

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payout of bonus plans, and prior period acquisition-related costs. Operating costs and expenses were not materially impacted by foreign currency exchange rates.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended September 27, 2020 was comparable to26, 2021 increased $10.0 million compared with the three months ended September 29, 2019. Depreciation27, 2020 due to a higher percentage of total planned operating days in the third quarter of 2021 compared with the percentage of total planned operating days in the third quarter of 2020. We recognize depreciation and amortization expense is being recognized over pre-COVID-19 budgetedplanned operating days for 2020.days. The loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets for the three months ended September 27, 202026, 2021 was comparable towith the results from the three months ended September 29, 201927, 2020 and was due to retirements of assets in the normal course of business. The loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles for the three months ended September 27, 2020 included animpairment charges of $11.3 million, $2.3 million and $2.2 million during the third quarter of 2020 attributable to impairment of goodwill at the Schlitterbahn parks, goodwill at Dorney Park, and the Schlitterbahn trade name, respectively triggered by the anticipated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic during the third quarter of 2020 (see Note 65).

After the items above, the operating loss for the three months ended September 27, 2020 totaled $137.1 million compared with $275.3 million of operating income for the three months ended September 29, 2019.26, 2021 totaled $249.8 million compared with an operating loss of $137.1 million for the three months ended September 27, 2020.

Interest expense for the three months ended September 27, 202026, 2021 increased $12.4$5.9 million due to interest incurred on the 20252028 senior notes issued in April 2020, which was somewhat offset by less interest incurred on term debt borrowings.October 2020. The net effect of our swaps resulted in a benefit to earnings of $1.6$3.2 million for the three months ended September 27, 202026, 2021 compared with a $3.9$1.6 million chargebenefit to earnings for the three months ended September 29, 2019.27, 2020. The difference was attributable to the change in fair market value movements in our swap portfolio. We recognized a $0.3 million loss on early debt extinguishment related to our April 2020 refinancing during the three months ended September 27, 2020. During the current period,third quarter of 2021, we also recognized a $9.6$15.2 million net benefitcharge to earnings for foreign currency gains and losses compared with a $5.6$9.6 million net chargebenefit to earnings for the three months ended September 29, 2019.27, 2020. Both amounts primarily representrepresented remeasurement of the U.S.-dollar denominated debt recorded at our Canadian entity from the U.S.-dollar to the legal entity's functional currency.

During the three months ended September 27, 2020,26, 2021, a benefitprovision for taxes of $30.4$43.8 million was recorded to account for PTP taxes and federal, state, local and foreign income taxes compared with a provisionbenefit for taxes of $48.8$30.4 million for the three months ended September 29, 2019.27, 2020. The increasedifference in benefitprovision for taxes was attributable to an increasepretax income in the current period compared with a prior period pretax loss from our taxable subsidiaries, as well as expected benefits from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act"), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act resulted in various changes to the U.S. tax law, including, among other things, allowing net operating losses arising in tax years 2018 through 2020 to be carried back to the preceding five taxable years and removing the limitation that such losses only offset 80% of taxable income. As a result of this change,these changes, we expect to recognize two benefits. First, we expect to carrybackcarry back the tax year 2020 losses incurred by our corporate subsidiaries, which will result in the refund of a portion of federal income taxes paid during the carryback period of approximately $54.8$79.7 million. Second, as of September 27, 2020,26, 2021, the annual effective tax rate included a net benefit of $16.6$2.3 million from carrying back the projected tax year 2020 losses of the corporate subsidiaries. This tax benefit represents an estimated $32.0 million incremental benefit of tax loss carrybacks for periods when the federal income tax rate was greater than 21% resulting in an additional tax benefit if such losses are used to offset income at the current 21% corporate income tax rate. The estimated $32.0 millionoverall benefit of the carryback of losses was decreased by $15.4$7.2 million for a projected valuation allowance on foreign tax credits originally utilized during the carryback period which would be released as a result of the loss carryback but which are not expected to be utilized.

After the items above, net income for the three months ended September 26, 2021 totaled $148.0 million, or $2.60 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with a net loss of $136.3 million, or $2.41 per diluted limited partner unit, for the three months ended September 27, 2020.

For the three months ended September 26, 2021, Adjusted EBITDA totaled $333.4 million compared with Adjusted EBITDA loss of $51.5 million for the three months ended September 27, 2020. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the impact of COVID-19 related park closures in 2020 and the related improvement in attendance, in-park per capita spending and out-of-park revenues from reopening parks in 2021.


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Three months ended September 26, 2021 vs. Three months ended September 29, 2019
As described above, the results for the three months ended September 26, 2021 were not directly comparable with the results for the three months ended September 27, 2020 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we also included a comparison to the three months ended September 29, 2019. The current three-month period included 988 operating days compared with a total of 1,035 operating days for the three months ended September 29, 2019. In the current period, all of our properties were open during the third quarter of 2021, and we removed most capacity restrictions, guest reservation requirements and other protocols at our U.S. properties beginning in July 2021. Operating restrictions remained in place at our Canadian property throughout the third quarter of 2021. We adjusted our third quarter 2021 operating calendars to reflect anticipated changes in guest demand, labor availability and state and local restrictions by including fewer operating days in July and August at some of our smaller properties and by including additional operating days in September. The following table presents key financial information for the three months ended September 26, 2021 and September 29, 2019:
 Three months endedIncrease (Decrease)
September 26, 2021September 29, 2019$%
 (Amounts in thousands, except per capita and operating days)
Net revenues$753,404 $714,512 $38,892 5.4 %
Operating costs and expenses423,791 369,180 54,611 14.8 %
Depreciation and amortization77,461 68,335 9,126 13.4 %
Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net2,397 1,675 722 N/M
Operating income$249,755 $275,322 $(25,567)(9.3)%
Other Data:
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
$333,368 $355,188 $(21,820)(6.1)%
Adjusted EBITDA margin (2)
44.2 %49.7 %(5.5)%
Attendance10,769 13,189 (2,420)(18.3)%
In-park per capita spending$64.26 $49.94 $14.32 28.7 %
Out-of-park revenues$83,074 $76,347 $6,727 8.8 %
Operating days988 1,035 (47)(4.5)%

N/M        Not meaningful due to minimal operations in the prior period
(1)    For additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, including how we define and use Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a reconciliation to net income (loss), see page 18.
(2)    Adjusted EBITDA margin (Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenues) is not a measurement computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") or a substitute for measures computed in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. We provide Adjusted EBITDA margin because we believe the measure provides a meaningful measure of operating profitability.
For the three months ended September 26, 2021, net revenues totaled $136.3$753.4 million, increasing $38.9 million compared with the three months ended September 29, 2019. The increase in net revenues reflected the impact of a $14.32, or 29%, increase in in-park per capita spending offset by the impact of a 2.4 million-visit, or 18%, decline in attendance. The increase in in-park per capita spending was driven by higher guest spending across all key revenue categories, particularly admissions spending, and was driven by increases in pricing and fewer visits per season pass. The decrease in attendance was largely due to an expected slower recovery in group sales attendance, as well as operating restrictions during the current quarter. Attendance and in-park per capita spending as a percentage of 2019 results increased each month of the third quarter of 2021. Out-of-park revenues increased $6.7 million compared with the three months ended September 29, 2019. The increase in out-of-park revenues was largely attributable to online transaction fee revenue. Out-of-park revenues were hindered by the temporary closure of two hotel properties for renovations.

Operating costs and expenses for the three months ended September 26, 2021 increased to $423.8 million from $369.2 million for the three months ended September 29, 2019. This was the result of a $1.0 million increase in cost of goods sold, a $45.8 million increase in operating expenses and a $7.8 million increase in SG&A expense. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of food, merchandise and games revenue for the three months ended September 26, 2021 was consistent with the results for the three months ended September 29, 2019. Of the $45.8 million increase in operating expenses, approximately half was attributable to an increase in seasonal labor wages. The increase in seasonal labor wages was entirely due to a meaningful increase in the seasonal labor rate to recruit employees in a challenging labor market. Seasonal labor hours declined compared with the comparable period in 2019 due to abbreviated operating calendars in 2021. The remaining increase in operating expenses was attributable to higher full-time wages attributable to additional head count and higher costs for operating and maintenance supplies. The $7.8 million increase in SG&A expense was largely attributable to an increase in full-time wages, particularly for accrued bonus plans, and operating supplies offset by less advertising expense due to a more efficient marketing program.
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Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended September 26, 2021 increased $9.1 million compared with the three months ended September 29, 2019 due to a higher percentage of total planned operating days in the third quarter of 2021 compared with the percentage of total planned operating days in the third quarter of 2019. We recognize depreciation and amortization expense over planned operating days. The loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets for the three months ended September 26, 2021 was comparable with the results from the three months ended September 29, 2019 and was due to retirements of assets in the normal course of business.

After the items above, operating income for the three months ended September 26, 2021 totaled $249.8 million compared with $275.3 million for the three months ended September 29, 2019.

Interest expense for the three months ended September 26, 2021 increased $18.3 million compared with the three months ended September 29, 2019 primarily due to interest incurred on the 2025 senior notes and 2028 senior notes, both of which were issued in 2020. The net effect of our swaps resulted in a benefit to earnings of $3.2 million for the three months ended September 26, 2021 compared with a $3.9 million charge to earnings for the three months ended September 29, 2019. The difference was attributable to the change in fair market value movements in our swap portfolio. During the third quarter of 2021, we also recognized a $15.2 million net charge to earnings for foreign currency gains and losses compared with a $5.6 million net charge to earnings for the three months ended September 29, 2019. Both amounts primarily represented remeasurement of the U.S.-dollar denominated debt recorded at our Canadian entity from the U.S.-dollar to the legal entity's functional currency.

During the three months ended September 26, 2021, a provision for taxes of $43.8 million was recorded to account for PTP taxes and federal, state, local and foreign income taxes compared with a provision for taxes of $48.8 million for the three months ended September 29, 2019. The decrease in provision for taxes was attributable to a decrease in pretax income from our taxable subsidiaries during the current quarter.

After the items above, net income for the three months ended September 26, 2021 totaled $148.0 million, or $2.41$2.60 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with net income of $190.0 million, or $3.34 per diluted limited partner unit, for the three months ended September 29, 2019.

For the three months ended September 27, 2020,26, 2021, Adjusted EBITDA loss totaled $51.5$333.4 million compared with $355.2 million Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 29, 2019. The variancedecrease in Adjusted EBITDA was largely due to increased labor costs in the current period due to labor rate pressures, as well as the impact of operating restrictions during the third quarter of 2021. Similarly, our Adjusted EBITDA margin for the three months ended September 26, 2021 decreased net revenues offset somewhat by expense savings attributablecompared with the Adjusted EBITDA margin for the three months ended September 29, 2019 due to increased costs in the COVID-19 disruption.current period, particularly due to increases in seasonal labor rates.

October Update
Preliminary net revenues for the ten months ended October 31, 2021 totaled approximately $1.2 billion. Attendance has progressedtotaled 17.3 million visits, in-park per capita spending was $62.73, and out-of-park revenues totaled $153 million. Given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and suspension of park operations in 2020, we compared the results for the five weeks ended October 31, 2021 with the results for the five weeks ended November 3, 2019. For the five weeks ended October 31, 2021, preliminary net revenues totaled approximately $219 million, representing an increase of 42%, or $65 million, compared to the five weeks ended November 3, 2019. The increase was driven by an 8% increase in attendance to 3.2 million visits; a 32% increase in in-park per capita spending to $64.86; and a 33% increase in out-of-park revenues to $19 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:
Our principal sources of liquidity typically include cash from a range of 20%operating activities, funding from our long-term debt obligations and existing cash on hand. Due to 25% of comparable prior year levels upon the initial reopening of sevenseasonality of our parksbusiness, we typically fund pre-opening operations with revolving credit borrowings. Revolving credit borrowings are typically reduced with our positive cash flow during the seasonal operating period. Our primary uses of liquidity typically include operating expenses, partnership distributions, capital expenditures, interest payments and income tax obligations.

Due to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we took steps in late June2020 to secure additional liquidity and early July to 35%obtain relief from certain financial covenants including issuing $1.3 billion of senior notes, amending our term debt and revolving credit agreement, reducing operating expenses, including labor costs, suspending capital expenditures, and suspending quarterly partnership distributions. Due to 40% overlimited open operations, our 2020 and first quarter 2021 liquidity needs were funded from cash on hand from the last three months ending November 1, 2020.recently issued senior notes. We generated positive cash flows from operations during the second and third quarters of 2021. As of September 26, 2021, we had cash on hand of $562.7 million and $359.2 million of available borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Based on this level of liquidity, we have concluded that we will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy our obligations and remain in compliance with our debt covenants at least through the fourth quarter of 2022.

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LiquidityAs restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have largely been lifted and Capital Resources:our properties have mostly been able to resume full operations, management is focused on driving profitable and sustainable growth in the business, as well as reducing the Company's leverage. In 2021, we commenced a business optimization program as part of our long-range strategic plan. Efforts include capturing cost efficiencies and driving incremental revenues through data-driven decision making, as well as enhancements to the guest experience to meet changing consumer behaviors and preferences. The program focuses on reductions in fixed costs that are independent of attendance levels, as well as incremental revenue opportunities and variable cost savings. Also, in the long term, management anticipates returning to historical annual capital expenditure investments of 9-10% of revenues under normal operating conditions. Management is also committed to reinstituting quarterly partnership distributions when it is appropriate to do so and it is permissible under the Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement and our other debt covenants.
The working
For the 2021 operating season, capital ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) was 1.1investments will again be less than pre-COVID historical levels, as many new rides and attractions originally planned for the 2020 operating season were introduced to our guests in 2021. For 2021, we expect to invest between $50 million and $75 million in capital expenditures, roughly equally split between the completion of September 27,select unfinished projects from 2020, including the renovation of some of our resort properties, essential compliance and 1.2 asinfrastructure requirements, and the start of September 29, 2019.projects planned for the 2022 operating season. For 2022, we expect to invest between $175 million and $200 million in capital expenditures. Due to the issuance of $1.3 billion of senior notes in 2020, we anticipate $175 million in annual cash interest in 2021 of which 80% of the payments occur in the second and fourth quarter. We are expecting to receive $79.7 million in tax refunds attributable to the tax year 2020 net operating loss being carried back to prior years in the United States and an additional $9.5 million in tax refunds attributable to net operating losses being carried back to prior years in Canada. We anticipate receiving these tax refunds in the fourth quarter of 2021. Also, in 2021, we anticipate cash payments for income taxes to range from $8 million to $13 million, exclusive of these tax refunds. We anticipate funding our remaining 2021 liquidity needs from cash on hand and cash from operating activities.
Operating Activities
DuringNet cash from operating activities for the nine-month period ended September 27, 2020,first nine months of 2021 totaled $230.1 million, an increase of $505.6 million compared with net cash for operating activities totaled $275.5 million, an increase of $664.6 million compared with net cash from operating activities infor the same period a year ago.in the prior year. The increase in net cash forfrom operating activities was largely attributable to lower earnings as a resultthe opening of the COVID-19 disruption.all of our properties in 2021.
Investing Activities
Net cash for investing activities for the first nine months of 2020 was $118.82021 totaled $38.1 million, a decrease of $447.4 million compared with the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the prior period acquisition of the Schlitterbahn parks and Sawmill Creek Resort which totaled $270.2 million and the prior period purchase of the land at California's Great America for $150.3 million. As mentioned above, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we took proactive steps to reduce our capital spending, including the suspension of $75-100 million of capital projects planned for the 2020 and 2021 operating seasons. As we prepare our properties for the 2021 operating season, we reactivated certain capital projects and may continue to reactivate other capital projects over the next twelve months resulting in capital spending that could vary from our earlier estimate. We estimate $120-125 million in capital expenditures for 2020, reflecting savings of approximately $60-65 million from our initial budget.
Financing Activities
Net cash from financing activities for the first nine months of 2020 was $439.8 million, an increase of $112.4$80.6 million compared with the same period in the prior year. The increasedecrease in net cash for investing activities was primarilydue to a planned reduction in capital spending for 2021.
Financing Activities
Net cash for financing activities for the first nine months of 2021 totaled $6.1 million, a decrease of $445.9 million compared with net cash from financing activities for the same period in the prior year. The decrease was attributable to the net cash proceeds from the April 2020 refinancing in the currentprior period, including the issuance of the 2025 senior notes and prepayment of a portion of our term debt, compared withsomewhat offset by the net cash proceeds from the 2029 senior notes issuance in the prior period.first quarter 2020 partnership distribution.

Contractual Obligations
As of September 27, 2020,26, 2021, our primary contractual obligations consisted of outstanding long-term debt beforeagreements and related derivative agreements. Before reduction for debt issuance costs and original issue discount, our long-term debt agreements consisted of the following:

$264 million of senior secured term debt, maturing in April 2024 under our SecondThird Amended 2017 Credit Agreement. The term debt bears interest at the London InterBank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") plus 175 basis points (bps), under amendments we entered into on March 14, 2018. The pricing terms for the 2018 amendment reflected $0.9 million of Original Issue Discount ("OID"). Following a $463.3 million prepayment during the second quarter of 2020, we do not have any required remaining quarterly payments. Therefore, we had no current maturities as of September 27, 2020.26, 2021.

$1.0 billion of 5.500% senior secured notes, maturing in May 2025, issued at par. The 2025 senior notes and the related guarantees are secured by first-priority liens on the issuers' and the guarantors' assets that secure all the obligations under our credit facilities. Prior to May 1, 2022, up to 35% of the 2025 senior notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 105.500% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any. The 2025 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to May 1, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a "make-whole" premium together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the 2025 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed. The 2025 senior notes pay interest semi-annually in May and November, beginning November 1, 2020.November.

$450 million of 5.375% senior unsecured notes, maturing in June 2024, issued at par. The 2024 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed. The 2024 senior notes pay interest semi-annually in June and December.

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$500 million of 5.375% senior unsecured notes, maturing in April 2027, issued at par. The 2027 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to April 15, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a "make-whole" premium, together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the 2027 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed. The 2027 senior notes pay interest semi-annually in April and October.

$300 million of 6.500% senior unsecured notes, maturing in October 2028, issued at par. Prior to October 1, 2023, up to 35% of the 2028 senior notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 106.500% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any. The 2028 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to October 1, 2023 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a "make-whole" premium together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the 2028 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed. The 2028 senior notes pay interest semi-annually in April and October.

$500 million of 5.250% senior unsecured notes, maturing in July 2029, issued at par. Prior to July 15, 2022, up to 35% of the 2029 senior notes may be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a price equal to 105.250% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any. The 2029 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to July 15, 2024 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus a "make-whole" premium together with accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the redemption date. Thereafter, the 2029 senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at various prices depending on the date redeemed. The 2029 senior notes pay interest semi-annually in January and July.

No borrowings under the $375 million senior secured revolving credit facility under our SecondThird Amended 2017 Credit Agreement with a Canadian sub-limit of $15 million. Borrowings under$300 million of the senior secured revolving credit facility bore
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bears interest at LIBOR plus 300350 bps or Canadian Dollar Offered Rate ("CDOR") plus 200 bps.250 bps and requires the payment of a 62.5 bps commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the credit facilities. The remaining $75 million of the revolving credit facility was scheduled to mature in April 2022bears interest at LIBOR plus 300 bps or CDOR plus 200 bps and also provides for the issuance of documentary and standby letters of credit. The Second Amended 2017 Credit Agreement requiredrequires the payment of a 37.5 bps commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the credit facilities. $300 million of the revolving credit facility is scheduled to mature in December 2023 and $75 million of the revolving credit facility is scheduled to mature in April 2022. The Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement provides for the issuance of documentary and standby letters of credit. After letters of credit, which totaled $15.9$15.8 million as of September 27, 2020,26, 2021, we had $359.1$359.2 million of available borrowings under the revolving credit facility and cash on handfacility. Our letters of $225.5 million.

On September 28, 2020, we further amended the Second Amended 2017 Credit Agreement (subsequently referredcredit are primarily in place to as the "Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement" or the "Third Amendment") to further suspend and revise certain of the financial covenants in response to the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The credit agreement amendment also will extend the maturity of and adjust the terms that apply to a portion of our senior secured revolving credit facility upon completion of certain customary closing conditions. Following the Third Amendment, on October 7, 2020, we issued $300 million of 6.500% senior unsecured notes due 2028. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2028 senior notes will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes, including fees and expenses related to the transaction. See the Subsequent Event footnote at Note 12 for further details.backstop insurance arrangements.

As of September 27, 2020,26, 2021, we have eightfour interest rate swap agreements with a notional value of $500 million that convert $500 million of variable-rate debtone-month variable rate LIBOR to a fixed rate. Fourrate of these agreements fix that variable-rate debt at 4.39% and mature on December 31, 2020. The other four fix the same notional amount of variable-rate debt at 4.63% for the period December 31, 20202.88% through December 31, 2023. This results in a 4.63% fixed interest rate for borrowings under our senior secured term loan facility after the impact of interest rate swap agreements. None of our interest rate swap agreements were designated as cash flow hedges in the periods presented. As of September 27, 2020, $4.3 million of26, 2021, the fair value of our swap portfolio was classified as current and recorded in "Other accrued liabilities", and $38.7 million was classified as long-term and recorded in "Derivative Liability" within the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The Second Amendment to theThird Amended 2017 Credit Agreement suspended and revised certain financial covenants including:includes: (i) suspended testing of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (which was previously set at a maximum of 5.50x Consolidated Total Debt-to-Consolidated EBITDA) after the first quarter of 2020, (ii) replaced such Consolidated Leverage Ratio testing with a Senior Secured Leverage Ratio of 4.00x4.50x Total First Lien Senior Secured Debt-to-Consolidated EBITDA to be tested quarterly starting with the first quarter of 2021,2022, which would have steppedwill step down to 4.00x in the second quarter of 2023 and which will step down further to 3.75x in the fourththird quarter of 2021,2023, with the covenant calculations for the first, second, and third quarters in 20212022 to include Consolidated EBITDA from the second, third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 in lieu of the Consolidated EBITDA for the corresponding quarters in 20202021 ("Deemed EBITDA Quarters"), (iii) added; (ii) a requirement that we maintain a minimum liquidity level of at least $125.0$125 million, tested at all times, until the earlier of December 31, 20212022 or the termination of the Additional Restrictions Period (which generally would have includedincludes the period from the effective date of the Second Amendment until the delivery of the compliance certificate for the fourth quarter of 2021), (iv) suspended2022); and (iii) a suspension of certain restricted payments, including partnership distributions, certain payments in respect of senior unsecured debt, cash mergers and/or acquisition investments and the incurrence of incremental loans and commitments under the SecondThird Amended 2017 Credit Agreement until the termination of the Additional Restrictions Period, and (v) permitted the incurrence of the portion of the 2025 senior notes that were issued and were not applied to repay a portion of the senior secured term loan facility. Under the Second Amendment, we had the ability toPeriod. We may terminate the Additional Restrictions Period prior to December 31, 20212022 by achieving compliance with the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio covenant as of the end of a fiscal quarter without giving effect to Deemed EBITDA Quarters for any fiscal quarter. As of September 27, 2020, weWe were in compliance with the applicable financial condition covenants under the SecondThird Amended 2017 Credit Agreement.

The Third Amendment suspended testing ofAgreement during the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio until the first quarter of 2022, increased the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio to 4.50x until ultimately stepping down to 3.75x in the third quarter of 2023, extended the minimum liquidity level requirement until the earlier of December 31, 2022 or the termination of the revised Additional Restrictions Period, and extended the suspension of certain restricted payments, including partnership distributions, until the termination of the revised Additional Restrictions Period. See the Subsequent Event footnote at Note 12 for further details.nine months ended September 26, 2021.

Our fixed rate note agreements also include Restricted Payment provisions, which could limit our ability to pay partnership distributions. Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2024 senior notes, which includes the most restrictive of these Restricted Payments provisions under our fixed rate note agreements, if our pro forma Total-Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow Ratio is greater than 5.00x, we can still make Restricted Payments of $60 million annually so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing. If our pro forma Total-Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow Ratio is less than or equal to 5.00x, we can make Restricted Payments up to our Restricted Payment pool. Our pro forma Total-Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow Ratio was greater than 5.00x as of September 27, 2020.26, 2021.

The quarterly distribution remains suspended. The Board is committed to reinstituting a quarterly distribution when it is appropriate to do so and it is permissible under the Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement and our other debt covenants.

As of the date of this Form 10-Q, we anticipate our average cash burn rate will be approximately $40-45 million per month for the six month period including the fourth quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2021. Our anticipated average cash burn rate includes estimated operating expenses, capital expenditures, income tax obligations, and interest payments. The average cash burn rate is net of an estimate of net revenues to be generated from the operations anticipated to be open during the next two quarters as of the date of this Form 10-Q. We have made significant estimates and assumptions to estimate the impact of the COVID-19
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pandemic on our business, including financial results in the near and long-term and our anticipated cash burn rate. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates.

Our previous estimate of average cash burn rate was $30-40 million per month. The average cash burn rate for the six month period including the second and third quarter of 2020 fell within this $30-40 million per month range. The increase in estimated average cash burn rate for the next six month period is largely attributable to the timing of payments on our senior notes, as well as, the seasonality of our business. The first quarter typically results in more cash consumed compared with the balance of the year as we have few properties in operation and parks preparing for opening.

Financial and Non-Financial Disclosure About Issuers and Guarantors of our Registered Senior Notes

As discussed within the Long-Term Debt footnote at Note 7 and the Subsequent Event footnote at Note 126, we have issued five tranches of fixed rate senior notes: the 2024, 2025, 2027, 2028 and 2029 senior notes (“senior notes”). The 2024, 2027, 2028 and 2029 senior notes (the “registered senior notes”) have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The 2025 and 2028 senior notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. Cedar Fair, L.P., Canada's Wonderland Company ("Cedar Canada"), and Magnum Management Corporation ("Magnum") are the co-issuers of the 2024 senior notes. Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Canada, Magnum, and Millennium Operations LLC (“Millennium”) are the co-issuers of the 2027, 2028 and 2029 senior notes. Our senior notes have been irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by each 100%wholly owned subsidiary of Cedar Fair (other than the co-issuers). There are no non-guarantor subsidiaries. that guarantees our credit facilities under the Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement. A full listing of the issuers and guarantors of our registered senior notes can be found within Exhibit 22, and additional information with respect to our registered senior notes and the related guarantees follows.

The 2024, 2027, 2028 and 2029 senior notes each rank equally in right of payment with all of each issuer’s existing and future senior unsecured debt, including the other registered senior notes and the 2028 senior notes. However, the 2024, 2027, 2028 and 2029 senior notes are ranked effectively junior to our secured debt under the Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement and the 2025 senior notes to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt.

In the event that the co-issuers (except for Cedar Fair, L.P.) or any subsidiary guarantor is released from its obligations under our senior secured credit facilities (or the Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement), such entity will also be released from its obligations under the registered senior notes. In addition, the co-issuers (except for Cedar Fair, L.P.) or any subsidiary guarantor can be released from its obligations under the 2024, 2027, 2028 and 2029 senior notes under the following circumstances, assuming the associated transactions are in compliance with the applicable provisions of the indentures governing the 2024, 2027, 2028 and 2029 senior notes: i) any direct or indirect sale, conveyance or other disposition of the capital stock of such entity following which the entity ceases to be a direct or indirect subsidiary of Cedar Fair or a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such entity; ii) if such entity is dissolved or liquidated; iii) if we designate such entity as an Unrestricted Subsidiary; iv) upon transfer of such entity in a qualifying transaction if following such transfer the entity ceases to be a direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of Cedar Fair or is a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a guarantor under any credit facility; or v) in the case of the subsidiary guarantors, upon a discharge of the indenture or upon any legal defeasance or covenant defeasance of the indenture.

The obligations of each guarantor are limited to the extent necessary to prevent such guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under applicable law. This provision may not, however, protect a guarantee from being voided under fraudulent transfer law, or may reduce the applicable guarantor’s obligation to an amount that effectively makes its guarantee worthless. If a guarantee were rendered voidable, it could be subordinated by a court to all other indebtedness of the guarantor, and depending on the amount of such indebtedness, could reduce the guarantee to zero. Each guarantor that makes a payment or distribution under a guarantee is entitled to a pro rata contribution from each other guarantor based on the respective net assets of the guarantors.

The following tables provide summarized financial information for each of our co-issuers and guarantors of the 2024, 2027, 2028 and 2029 senior notes.notes (the "Obligor Group"). We have presented each entity that is a co-issuer of any series of the registered senior notes separately. The subsidiaries that guarantee the 2027, 2028 and 2029 senior notes are presented on a combined basis with intercompany balances and transactions between entities in such guarantor subsidiary group eliminated. Intercompany balances and transactions between the co-issuers and guarantor subsidiaries have not been eliminated. The subsidiaries that guarantee the 2024 senior notes include the guarantor subsidiary group, as well as Millennium. Millennium is a co-issuer under the 2027, 2028 and 2029 senior notes and a guarantor under the 2024 senior notes. ThereCertain subsidiaries of Cedar Fair do not guarantee our credit facilities or senior notes as the assets and results of operations of these subsidiaries are noimmaterial (the "non-guarantor" subsidiaries). The summarized financial information excludes results of the non-guarantor subsidiaries and does not reflect investments of the Obligor Group in the non-guarantor subsidiaries. The Obligor Group's amounts due from, amounts due to, and transactions with the non-guarantor subsidiaries have not been eliminated and included intercompany receivables from non-guarantors of $13.7 million and $11.5 million as of September 26, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

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Summarized Financial Information



(In thousands)
Summarized Financial Information



(In thousands)
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)Magnum
(Co-Issuer Subsidiary)
Cedar Canada
(Co-Issuer Subsidiary)
Millennium
(Co-Issuer 2027 & 2029
Guarantor 2024)
Guarantor Subsidiaries (1)Summarized Financial Information



(In thousands)
Cedar Fair L.P. (Parent)Magnum
(Co-Issuer Subsidiary)
Cedar Canada
(Co-Issuer Subsidiary)
Millennium
(Co-Issuer 2027, 2028 & 2029
Guarantor 2024)
Guarantor Subsidiaries (1)
Balance as of September 27, 2020
Balance as of September 26, 2021Balance as of September 26, 2021
Current AssetsCurrent Assets$669 $1,298 $53,864 $299,844 $1,043,961 Current Assets$823 $41,556 $76,197 $615,795 $1,143,187 
Non-Current AssetsNon-Current Assets99,949 1,111,260 522,508 2,323,598 1,885,896 Non-Current Assets(95,475)1,155,669 540,321 2,350,755 1,744,008 
Current LiabilitiesCurrent Liabilities506,162 589,445 22,530 193,735 44,617 Current Liabilities438,525 758,625 41,623 246,134 46,766 
Non-Current LiabilitiesNon-Current Liabilities145,786 44,713 463,957 2,098,801 103,590 Non-Current Liabilities146,792 33,765 463,777 2,389,869 94,183 
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Balance as of December 31, 2020Balance as of December 31, 2020
Current AssetsCurrent Assets$182 $2,568 $104,993 $198,816 $1,039,345 Current Assets$421 $33,985 $44,465 $464,779 $1,044,779 
Non-Current AssetsNon-Current Assets641,742 1,381,226 551,471 2,344,117 2,071,112 Non-Current Assets(30,651)995,507 528,281 2,311,502 1,820,745 
Current LiabilitiesCurrent Liabilities651,890 454,376 22,974 183,101 63,520 Current Liabilities488,799 573,244 18,235 200,107 40,412 
Non-Current LiabilitiesNon-Current Liabilities— 144,468 463,527 1,583,782 99,504 Non-Current Liabilities146,106 44,778 461,903 2,370,939 91,835 
Nine Months Ended September 27, 2020
Nine Months Ended September 26, 2021Nine Months Ended September 26, 2021
Net revenuesNet revenues$26,951 $275,190 $53,283 $1,079,994 $258,106 
Operating income (loss)Operating income (loss)24,061 (114,564)11,694 100,751 98,186 
Net (loss) incomeNet (loss) income(19,925)(11,333)15,391 — 66,607 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020
Net revenuesNet revenues$— $83 $423 $420,191 $128,103 Net revenues$— $102 $440 $510,077 $150,439 
Operating (loss) incomeOperating (loss) income(159,367)(252,040)(30,701)75,133 (96,190)Operating (loss) income(198,769)(322,420)(37,655)109,688 (121,437)
Net lossNet loss(484,790)(303,058)(64,640)— (143,670)Net loss(588,690)(359,984)(54,046)— (149,704)
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
Net revenues$96,986 $369,633 $149,792 $1,092,584 $398,922 
Operating income (loss)93,795 (67,845)54,294 68,923 160,272 
Net income172,365 119,541 72,209 — 169,281 

(1)    With respect to the 2024 senior notes, if the financial information presented for Millennium was combined with that of the other guarantor subsidiaries that have been presented on a combined basis, the following additional intercompany balances and transactions between Millennium and such other guarantor entities would be eliminated: Non-CurrentCurrent Assets and Current Liabilities - $2,214.8$13.4 million as of September 27, 202026, 2021 and $2,141.8$12.7 million as of December 31, 2019; and Net revenues2020; Non-Current Assets - $110.8$2,239.4 million as of September 27, 202026, 2021 and $121.1$2,201.8 million as of December 31, 2019.2020; and Net revenues - $96.7 million as of September 26, 2021 and $130.3 million as of December 31, 2020. Combined amounts for all guarantors of the 2024 senior notes for all other line items within the table would be computed by adding the amounts in the Millennium and Guarantor Subsidiaries columns.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements:
We had $15.9 million in letters of credit, which are primarily in place to backstop insurance arrangements, outstanding on our revolving credit facility as of September 27, 2020. We have no other significant off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Forward Looking Statements
Some of the statements contained in this report (including the "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section) that are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements as to our expectations, beliefs, goals and strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements may involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.correct, or that our business optimization and growth strategies will achieve the targeted results. Important factors, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, general economic conditions, adverse weather conditions, competition for consumer leisure time and spending, unanticipated construction delays, changes in our capital investment plans and projects and other factors we discuss from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") could affect attendance at our parks, as well as our business optimization program, and could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations or otherwise to fluctuate or decrease. Additional information on risk factors that may affect our business and financial results can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the filings we make from time to time with the SEC, including this Form 10-Q. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the filing date of this document.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risks from fluctuations in interest rates and to a lesser extent on currency exchange rates on our operations in Canada, and from time to time, on imported rides and equipment. The objective of our financial risk management is to reduce the potential negative impact of interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations to acceptable levels. We do not acquire market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

We manage interest rate risk through the use ofusing a combination of fixed-rate long-term debt, interest rate swaps that fix our variable-rate long-term debt, and variable-rate borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Translation exposures with regard to our Canadian operations are not hedged.

None of our interest rate swap agreements are designated as hedging instruments. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting or were de-designated are reported as "Net effect of swaps" in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) income..

As of September 27, 2020,26, 2021, on an adjusted basis after giving effect to the impact of interest rate swap agreements, all of our outstanding long-term debt represented fixed-rate debt except for revolving credit borrowings. Assuming an average balance on ourno revolving credit borrowings, of approximately $14.6 million, a hypothetical 100 bps increase in 30-day LIBOR on our variable-rate debt (not(including term debt and not considering the impact of our interest rate swaps) would lead to an increase of approximately $2.8$2.6 million in annual cash interest costs.costs over the next twelve months.

Assuming a hypothetical 100 bps increase in 30-day LIBOR, the amount of net cash interest paid on our derivative portfolio would decrease by $2.6 million over the next twelve months.

A uniform 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar would result in a $4.1$0.4 million decrease in annual operating income.income for the trailing twelve months ended September 26, 2021.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures - 
We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of September 27, 2020,26, 2021, management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 27, 2020.

26, 2021.

(b)Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting -
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 202026, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our employees continued working from home during the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2020. We are monitoring and assessing the changing business environment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the related effect on our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Except as set forth below, there
There have been no material changes fromto the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

The spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, intensifies certain risks we face, including those discussed in our Form 10-K, has adversely impacted our business and is expected to continue to adversely impact our business. The ultimate extent to which COVID-19 and measures taken in response will impact our business, including our results of operations and financial condition, cannot be predicted due to the ongoing development and fluidity of the COVID-19 situation and its effects.
On March 13, 2020, we announced the closure of certain parks and the decision to delay the opening of other parks in response to the federal and local recommendations and restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Beginning late in the second quarter of 2020, we resumed partial operations at many of our parks on a staggered basis in accordance with local and state guidelines. Because our parks are our primary sources of net income and operating cash flows, our business and financial results and condition have been, and will continue to be, adversely impacted by these closures, delayed openings and other actions taken to contain or reduce the spread of COVID-19. In addition, we have begun and are likely to continue to experience other negative impacts to our business, results of operations and financial condition as a result of COVID-19. Negative impacts may include changes in consumer behavior and preferences causing significant volatility or reductions in demand for, or interest in, our parks, damage to our brand and reputation, increases in operating expenses as we sanitize our parks and implement additional hygiene-related protocols, limitations on our ability to recruit and train employees in sufficient numbers to fully staff our parks, limitations on our employees' ability to work and travel, and significant changes in the economic or political conditions in areas in which we operate. Despite our efforts to manage these impacts, their ultimate effect may be material, and will depend on factors beyond our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of any such outbreak and actions taken to contain the pandemic spread and mitigate public health effects.

A prolonged closure of our parks and resort properties could materially impact our results, operations and financial condition, which would negatively impact our ability to remain in compliance with our debt covenants.
Our parks are the primary sources of net income and operating cash flows which we rely upon to remain in compliance with debt covenants under our senior secured credit agreement and under our senior notes and to meet our obligations when due. As noted above, beginning late in the second quarter of 2020, we resumed partial operations at many of our parks on a staggered basis in accordance with local and state guidelines. Subsequently, we announced on August 4, 2020 that certain of our parks will not reopen in 2020, and certain of our parks will operate on reduced schedules and close earlier than their typical schedules. There is uncertainty as to when we will be able to reopen the remaining two closed parks and there is also uncertainty as to whether additional mandated closures will occur. Because we operate in several different jurisdictions, we have been able to reopen some, but not all, of our parks within a certain time frame. Although we believe we have sufficient resources to fund our temporarily idled operations for a period of time that lasts beyond the currently mandated closures, we have no control over and cannot predict the length of the impact on our parks due to the pandemic, including future mandated closures. If we are unable to generate sufficient revenues from our parks due to a prolonged period of closure, or experience significant declines in business volumes upon reopening, this would negatively impact our ability to remain in compliance with our debt covenants and meet our payment obligations.

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

The Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement includes (i) a Senior Secured Leverage Ratio of 4.50x Total First Lien Senior Secured Debt-to-Consolidated EBITDA starting with the first quarter of 2022, which will step down to 4.00x in the second quarter of 2023 and which will step down further to 3.75x in the third quarter of 2023, with the covenant calculations for the first, second, and third quarters in 2022 to include Consolidated EBITDA from the second, third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 in lieu of the Consolidated EBITDA for the corresponding quarters in 2021 ("revised Deemed EBITDA
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Quarters"), (ii) a requirement that we maintain a minimum liquidity level of at least $125.0 million, tested at all times, until the earlier of December 31, 2022 or the termination of the revised Additional Restrictions Period (which generally includes the period from the effective date of the Second Amendment until the delivery of the compliance certificate for the fourth quarter of 2022), (iii) a suspension of certain restricted payments, including partnership distributions, under the Third Amended 2017 Credit Agreement until the termination of the revised Additional Restrictions Period. We may terminate the revised Additional Restrictions Period prior to December 31, 2022 by achieving compliance with the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio covenant as of the end of a fiscal quarter without giving effect to revised Deemed EBITDA Quarters for any fiscal quarter.

Our fixed rate note agreements also include Restricted Payment provisions, which could limit our ability to pay partnership distributions. Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2024 senior notes, which includes the most restrictive of these Restricted Payments provisions under our fixed rate note agreements, if our pro forma Total-Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow Ratio is greater than 5.00x, we can still make Restricted Payments of $60 million annually so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing. If our pro forma Total-Indebtedness-to-Consolidated-Cash-Flow Ratio is less than or equal to 5.00x, we can make Restricted Payments up to our Restricted Payment pool.2020.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:
The following table summarizes repurchases of Cedar Fair, L.P. Depositary Units representing limited partner interests by the Partnership during the three months ended September 27, 2020:
(a)(b)(c)(d)








Period
Total Number of Units Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per UnitTotal Number of Units Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or ProgramsMaximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Units that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
June 29 - July 28220 $27.49 — $— 
July 29 - August 28— — — — 
August 29 - September 27— — — — 
Total220 $27.49 — $— 

(1)All repurchased units were reacquired by the Partnership in satisfaction of tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted units which were granted under the Partnership's Omnibus Incentive Plan.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
  
  
  
Exhibit (101)  The following materials from the Partnership's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 202026, 2021 formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Income,, (ii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow, (iv) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Partners' (Deficit) Equity,Deficit, and (v) related notes, tagged as blocks of text and including detailed tags.
Exhibit (104)The cover page from the Partnership's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 202026, 2021 formatted in Inline XBRL (included as Exhibit 101).
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
(Registrant)
By Cedar Fair Management, Inc.
General Partner
Date:November 4, 20203, 2021/s/ Richard A. Zimmerman
Richard A. Zimmerman
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date:November 4, 20203, 2021/s/ Brian C. Witherow
Brian C. Witherow
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 
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