International casino resort company MGM Resorts (NYSE: MGM) had a strong 2016, riding the wave of optimism about the future of the industry. MGM Resorts stock climbed 27% for the year, and some investors have made predictions that 2017 could be even stronger for the company’s earnings. Even though some cyclical trends are starting to move in a more favorable direction, the owner of the MGM Grand and Mirage casinos in Las Vegas still has to overcome intense competition to make the most of its opportunities.