UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016
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: 001-31775
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland | 86-1062192 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (IRS employer identification number) | |
14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100 | ||
Dallas, Texas | 75254 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) |
(972) 490-9600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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. þ Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). þ Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
Large accelerated filer | þ | Accelerated filer | ¨ | |
Non-accelerated filer | ¨ | Smaller reporting company | ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨ Yes þ No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share | 95,686,492 | |
(Class) | Outstanding at May 6, 2016 |
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited, in thousands, except share amounts)
March 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | ||||||
Assets | |||||||
Investments in hotel properties, net | $ | 4,393,701 | $ | 4,419,684 | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | 226,877 | 215,078 | |||||
Restricted cash | 162,146 | 153,680 | |||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $724 and $715, respectively | 55,367 | 40,438 | |||||
Inventories | 4,785 | 4,810 | |||||
Note receivable, net of allowance of $6,971 and $7,083, respectively | 3,797 | 3,746 | |||||
Investment in unconsolidated entities | 60,983 | 62,568 | |||||
Deferred costs, net | 3,642 | 3,847 | |||||
Prepaid expenses | 22,693 | 12,458 | |||||
Derivative assets, net | 10,833 | 3,435 | |||||
Other assets | 12,303 | 10,647 | |||||
Intangible assets, net | 11,294 | 11,343 | |||||
Due from Ashford Prime OP, net | 13 | 528 | |||||
Due from related party, net | 1,865 | — | |||||
Due from third-party hotel managers | 17,783 | 22,869 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 4,988,082 | $ | 4,965,131 | |||
Liabilities and Equity | |||||||
Liabilities: | |||||||
Indebtedness, net | $ | 3,879,225 | $ | 3,840,617 | |||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 140,473 | 123,444 | |||||
Dividends and distributions payable | 22,890 | 22,678 | |||||
Unfavorable management contract liabilities | 2,861 | 3,355 | |||||
Due to Ashford Inc., net | 11,080 | 9,856 | |||||
Due to related party, net | — | 1,339 | |||||
Due to third-party hotel managers | 2,555 | 2,504 | |||||
Intangible liabilities, net | 16,396 | 16,494 | |||||
Other liabilities | 17,020 | 14,539 | |||||
Total liabilities | 4,092,500 | 4,034,826 | |||||
Commitments and contingencies (note 13) | |||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership | 125,162 | 118,449 | |||||
Equity: | |||||||
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized: | |||||||
Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock, 1,657,206 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 | 17 | 17 | |||||
Series D Cumulative Preferred Stock, 9,468,706 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 | 95 | 95 | |||||
Series E Cumulative Preferred Stock, 4,630,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 | 46 | 46 | |||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 95,686,492 and 95,470,903 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively | 957 | 955 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 1,597,087 | 1,597,194 | |||||
Accumulated deficit | (828,514 | ) | (787,221 | ) | |||
Total stockholders’ equity of the Company | 769,688 | 811,086 | |||||
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities | 732 | 770 | |||||
Total equity | 770,420 | 811,856 | |||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 4,988,082 | $ | 4,965,131 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Revenue | |||||||
Rooms | $ | 290,615 | $ | 200,990 | |||
Food and beverage | 63,055 | 39,553 | |||||
Other hotel revenue | 13,709 | 8,832 | |||||
Total hotel revenue | 367,379 | 249,375 | |||||
Other | 393 | 860 | |||||
Total revenue | 367,772 | 250,235 | |||||
Expenses | |||||||
Hotel operating expenses: | |||||||
Rooms | 63,102 | 43,153 | |||||
Food and beverage | 43,101 | 26,280 | |||||
Other expenses | 113,137 | 74,782 | |||||
Management fees | 13,695 | 9,657 | |||||
Total hotel expenses | 233,035 | 153,872 | |||||
Property taxes, insurance, and other | 18,612 | 11,594 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 62,162 | 37,864 | |||||
Impairment charges | (111 | ) | (106 | ) | |||
Transaction costs | 95 | 499 | |||||
Advisory services fee | 10,903 | 9,567 | |||||
Corporate, general, and administrative | 1,673 | 4,840 | |||||
Total expenses | 326,369 | 218,130 | |||||
Operating income | 41,403 | 32,105 | |||||
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities | (3,585 | ) | (6,622 | ) | |||
Interest income | 63 | 16 | |||||
Gain (loss) on acquisition of PIM Highland JV and sale of hotel properties | (114 | ) | 380,705 | ||||
Other income (expense) | (252 | ) | 4,330 | ||||
Interest expense and amortization of premiums and loan costs | (55,943 | ) | (34,635 | ) | |||
Write-off of loan costs and exit fees | — | (4,767 | ) | ||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | — | (1,802 | ) | ||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives | 6,918 | (1,698 | ) | ||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | (11,510 | ) | 367,632 | ||||
Income tax expense | (629 | ) | (825 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) | (12,139 | ) | 366,807 | ||||
Loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interest | 38 | 25 | |||||
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership | 2,112 | (45,336 | ) | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company | (9,989 | ) | 321,496 | ||||
Preferred dividends | (8,490 | ) | (8,490 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (18,479 | ) | $ | 313,006 | ||
Income (loss) per share - basic and diluted: | |||||||
Basic: | |||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | 3.25 | ||
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic | 94,136 | 95,539 | |||||
Diluted: | |||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | 3.13 | ||
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted | 94,136 | 113,912 | |||||
Dividends declared per common share | $ | 0.12 | $ | 0.12 | |||
Amounts attributable to common stockholders: | |||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax | $ | (9,989 | ) | $ | 321,496 | ||
Preferred dividends | (8,490 | ) | (8,490 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (18,479 | ) | $ | 313,006 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited, in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (12,139 | ) | $ | 366,807 | ||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: | |||||||
Total other comprehensive income | — | — | |||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | (12,139 | ) | 366,807 | ||||
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated entities | 38 | 25 | |||||
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership | 2,112 | (45,336 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company | $ | (9,989 | ) | $ | 321,496 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(unaudited, in thousands)
Preferred Stock | Additional Paid In Capital | Noncontrolling Interests In Consolidated Entities | Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Series A | Series D | Series E | Common Stock | Accumulated Deficit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2016 | 1,657 | $ | 17 | 9,469 | $ | 95 | 4,630 | $ | 46 | 95,471 | $ | 955 | $ | 1,597,194 | $ | (787,221 | ) | $ | 770 | $ | 811,856 | $ | 118,449 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of common shares | — | — | — | — | — | — | (124 | ) | (1 | ) | (740 | ) | — | — | (741 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 636 | — | — | 636 | 348 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forfeitures of restricted shares | — | — | — | — | — | — | (11 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted shares/units | — | — | — | — | — | — | 350 | 3 | (3 | ) | — | — | — | 61 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared - common shares | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (11,521 | ) | — | (11,521 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared - preferred shares- Series A | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (886 | ) | — | (886 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared - preferred shares- Series D | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (5,000 | ) | — | (5,000 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared – preferred shares- Series E | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (2,604 | ) | — | (2,604 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (2,877 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Redemption value adjustment | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (11,293 | ) | — | (11,293 | ) | 11,293 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (9,989 | ) | (38 | ) | (10,027 | ) | (2,112 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2016 | 1,657 | $ | 17 | 9,469 | $ | 95 | 4,630 | $ | 46 | 95,686 | $ | 957 | $ | 1,597,087 | $ | (828,514 | ) | $ | 732 | $ | 770,420 | $ | 125,162 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited, in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (12,139 | ) | $ | 366,807 | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 62,162 | 37,864 | |||||
Impairment charges | (111 | ) | (106 | ) | |||
Amortization of intangibles | (49 | ) | — | ||||
Bad debt expense | 183 | 152 | |||||
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities | 3,585 | 6,622 | |||||
Distribution of earnings from unconsolidated entities | — | 249 | |||||
(Gain) loss on acquisition of PIM Highland JV and sale of properties, net | 114 | (380,705 | ) | ||||
Realized and unrealized gain on trading securities | — | (2,275 | ) | ||||
Purchases of marketable securities | — | (64,346 | ) | ||||
Sales of marketable securities | — | 64,036 | |||||
Net settlement of trading derivatives | (176 | ) | (1,367 | ) | |||
Payments for derivatives | (231 | ) | — | ||||
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives | (6,918 | ) | 1,698 | ||||
Amortization of loan costs and write-off of loan costs and exit fees | 5,657 | 7,646 | |||||
Equity-based compensation | 984 | 171 | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, exclusive of effect of hotel acquisitions and dispositions of hotel properties: | |||||||
Restricted cash | (5,260 | ) | 3,003 | ||||
Accounts receivable and inventories | (13,709 | ) | (10,405 | ) | |||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | (11,891 | ) | (6,690 | ) | |||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 17,527 | 13,780 | |||||
Due to/from affiliates | — | 3,473 | |||||
Due to/from related party | (3,256 | ) | (6,315 | ) | |||
Due to/from third-party hotel managers | 5,137 | (8,295 | ) | ||||
Due to/from Ashford Prime OP, net | 515 | 561 | |||||
Due to/from Ashford Inc., net | 484 | 918 | |||||
Other liabilities | 2,116 | 3,851 | |||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 44,724 | 30,327 | |||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities | |||||||
Investment in unconsolidated entity | (2,000 | ) | — | ||||
Proceeds from sale/payments of note receivable | 60 | 60 | |||||
Acquisition of hotel properties, net of cash acquired | — | (287,618 | ) | ||||
Change in restricted cash related to improvements and additions to hotel properties | (3,206 | ) | 49,703 | ||||
Improvements and additions to hotel properties | (40,688 | ) | (28,812 | ) | |||
Net proceeds from sales of assets/properties | 2,484 | 7,502 | |||||
Payments for initial franchise fees | (30 | ) | (175 | ) | |||
Proceeds from property insurance | 33 | 282 | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (43,347 | ) | (259,058 | ) | |||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |||||||
Borrowings on indebtedness | 37,500 | 1,581,032 | |||||
Repayments of indebtedness | (3,625 | ) | (1,267,467 | ) | |||
Payments of loan costs and exit fees | (764 | ) | (31,558 | ) | |||
Payments of dividends and distributions | (22,676 | ) | (21,888 | ) | |||
Repurchases of common shares | (1 | ) | (446 | ) | |||
Payments for derivatives | (73 | ) | (1,250 | ) | |||
Proceeds from common stock offering | — | 110,939 | |||||
Other | 61 | 33 | |||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 10,422 | 369,395 | |||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 11,799 | 140,664 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 215,078 | 215,063 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 226,877 | $ | 355,727 | |||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information | |||||||
Interest paid | $ | 48,809 | $ | 26,543 | |||
Income taxes paid | 305 | 197 | |||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activity | |||||||
Accrued but unpaid capital expenditures | $ | 7,026 | $ | 6,522 | |||
Dividend receivable from Ashford Prime OP | — | 249 | |||||
Dividends and distributions declared but not paid | 22,890 | 23,346 | |||||
Common stock repurchase accrued but not paid | 740 | — |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
1. Organization and Description of Business
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“Ashford Trust”), is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) focused on investing in full service hotels in the upscale and upper-upscale segments in domestic and international markets that have revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) generally less than twice the national average, and in all methods including direct real estate, equity, and debt. Other than Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.’s investment in Ashford Inc. common stock, we own our lodging investments and conduct our business through Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership (“Ashford Trust OP”), our operating partnership. Ashford OP General Partner LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashford Trust, serves as the sole general partner of our operating partnership. In this report, terms such as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. and all entities included in its consolidated financial statements.
We are advised by Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC (“Ashford LLC”), a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., through an advisory agreement. All of the hotels in our portfolio are currently asset-managed by Ashford LLC. We do not have any employees. All of the services that might be provided by employees are provided to us by Ashford LLC.
As of March 31, 2016, we owned interests in the following assets:
• | 132 consolidated hotel properties, including 130 directly owned and two owned through a majority-owned investment in a consolidated entity, which represent 27,977 total rooms (or 27,950 net rooms excluding those attributable to our partners); |
• | 85 hotel condominium units at WorldQuest Resort in Orlando, Florida; |
• | a 29.8% ownership in Ashford Inc. common stock with a carrying value of $6.1 million; |
• | a 52.4% ownership in Ashford Quantitative Alternatives (U.S.), LP (the “AQUA U.S. Fund”) previously named AIM Real Estate Hedged Equity (U.S.) Fund, LP (the “REHE Fund”) with a carrying value of $52.9 million and |
• | a mezzanine loan with a carrying value of $3.8 million. |
For federal income tax purposes, we have elected to be treated as a REIT, which imposes limitations related to operating hotels. As of March 31, 2016, our 132 hotel properties were leased or owned by our wholly owned subsidiaries that are treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries for federal income tax purposes (collectively, these subsidiaries are referred to as “Ashford TRS”). Ashford TRS then engages third-party or affiliated hotel management companies to operate the hotels under management contracts. Hotel operating results related to these properties are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
As of March 31, 2016, Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, together with its affiliates (“Remington Lodging”), which is beneficially wholly owned by Mr. Monty J. Bennett, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., our Chairman Emeritus, managed 89 of our 132 hotel properties and WorldQuest Resort. Third-party management companies managed the remaining hotel properties. On September 17, 2015, Remington Lodging and Ashford Inc. entered into an agreement pursuant to which Ashford Inc. will acquire all of the general partner interest and eighty percent of the limited partner interests in Remington Lodging. On April 12, 2016, Ashford Inc.’s stockholders approved the acquisition. The acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of various conditions, and if completed, will not impact our management agreements with Remington Lodging.
7
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation—The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., its majority-owned subsidiaries, and its majority-owned entities in which it has a controlling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated in these consolidated financial statements. We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements. We believe the disclosures made herein are adequate to prevent the information presented from being misleading. However, the financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2015 Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 29, 2016, and March 15, 2016, respectively.
Ashford Trust OP is considered to be a variable interest entity (“VIE”), as defined by authoritative accounting guidance. A VIE must be consolidated by a reporting entity if the reporting entity is the primary beneficiary because it has (i) the power to direct the VIE’s activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, (ii) an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that a VIE operates as designed, and (iii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. All major decisions related to Ashford Trust OP that most significantly impact its economic performance, including but not limited to operating procedures with respect to business affairs and any acquisitions, dispositions, financings, restructurings or other transactions with sellers, purchasers, lenders, brokers, agents and other applicable representatives, are subject to the approval of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Ashford Trust OP General Partner LLC, its general partner. As such, we consolidate Ashford Trust OP.
The following items affect reporting comparability related to our consolidated financial statements:
• | Historical seasonality patterns at some of our properties cause fluctuations in our overall operating results. Consequently, operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2016, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016. |
• | On February 6, 2015, we acquired the Lakeway Resort & Spa, on February 25, 2015, we acquired the Memphis Marriott East hotel, on April 29, 2015, we acquired the Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville, on June 3, 2015, we acquired the Le Pavillon Hotel, on June 17, 2015, we acquired a 9 hotel portfolio, on July 1, 2015, we acquired the W Atlanta Downtown hotel, on July 23, 2015, we acquired the Le Meridien Minneapolis, on August 5, 2015, we acquired the Hilton Garden Inn - Wisconsin Dells, on October 15, 2015, we acquired the Hotel Indigo, on November 10, 2015, we acquired the W Minneapolis Foshay. The results of these hotels are included in our results of operations as of their respective acquisition dates. |
• | On March 6, 2015, we acquired the remaining approximate 28.26% interest in the 28 hotels of the PIM Highland JV. For the period from January 1, 2015 through March 5, 2015, the results of the PIM Highland JV are included in equity in loss of unconsolidated entities. Beginning March 6, 2015, we consolidated the results of operations of these hotels. |
Use of Estimates—The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Impairment of Investments in Hotel Properties—Hotel properties are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the hotel is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of the hotel to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, which take into account current market conditions and our intent with respect to holding or disposing of the hotel. If our analysis indicates that the carrying value of the hotel is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, we recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the property’s net book value exceeds its estimated fair value, or fair value, less cost to sell. In evaluating impairment of hotel properties, we make many assumptions and estimates, including projected cash flows, expected holding period, and expected useful life. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including internally developed discounted cash flow models, comparable market
8
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
transactions and third-party appraisals, where considered necessary. No impairment charges were recorded for investments in hotel properties for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities—Investments in entities in which we have ownership interests ranging from 12.2% to 52.4% are accounted for under the equity method of accounting by recording the initial investment and our percentage of interest in the entities’ net income/loss. We review the investments in our unconsolidated entities for impairment in each reporting period pursuant to the applicable authoritative accounting guidance. An investment is impaired when its estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of our investment. Any impairment is recorded in equity loss in unconsolidated entities. No such impairment was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
Our investments in certain unconsolidated entities are considered to be variable interests in the underlying entities. VIE’s, as defined by authoritative accounting guidance, must be consolidated by a reporting entity if the reporting entity is the primary beneficiary because it has (i) the power to direct the VIE’s activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, (ii) an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that a VIE operates as designed, and (iii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. Because we do not have the power and financial responsibility to direct the unconsolidated entities’ activities and operations, we are not considered to be the primary beneficiary of these entities on an ongoing basis and therefore such entities should not be consolidated. In evaluating VIEs, our analysis involves considerable management judgment and assumptions.
Marketable Securities—Prior to our investment in the AQUA U.S. Fund, we held marketable securities. Marketable securities, included U.S. treasury bills, publicly traded equity securities and stocks, and put and call options on certain publicly traded securities. All of these investments were recorded at fair value. Put and call options were considered derivatives. The fair value of these investments was based on the closing price as of the balance sheet date. The cost of securities sold was determined by using the high cost method. Net investment income, including interest income (expense), dividends, realized gains or losses and costs of investment, was reported as a component of “other income (expense).” Unrealized gains and losses on these investments were reported as “unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities” in the consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition—Hotel revenues, including room, food, beverage, and ancillary revenues such as long-distance telephone service, laundry, parking and space rentals, are recognized when services have been rendered. Taxes collected from customers and submitted to taxing authorities are not recorded in revenue. Interest income (including accretion of discounts on the mezzanine loan using the effective interest method) is recognized when earned. We discontinue recording interest and amortizing discounts/premiums when the contractual payment of interest and/or principal is not received when contractually due. We were reimbursed by PIM Highland JV for costs associated with managing its day-to-day operations and providing corporate administrative services such as accounting, insurance, marketing support, asset management and other services. These reimbursements were recorded as “other” revenue. As of March 6, 2015, we acquired the remaining approximate 28.26% of the PIM Highland JV which discontinued the aforementioned reimbursements.
Equity-Based Compensation—Stock/unit-based compensation for non-employees is accounted for at fair value based on the market price of the shares at period end in accordance with applicable authoritative accounting guidance that results in recording expense, included in “advisory services fee,” and “management fees” equal to the fair value of the award in proportion to the requisite service period satisfied during the period. Performance stock units (“PSUs”) and performance-based Long-Term Incentive Plan (“Performance LTIP”) units granted to certain executive officers are accounted for at fair value at period end based on a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model that results in recording expense, included in “advisory services fee,” equal to the fair value of the award in proportion to the requisite service period satisfied during the period. Stock/unit grants to independent directors are recorded at fair value based on the market price of the shares at grant date, which amount is fully expensed as the grants of stock/units are fully vested on the date of grant.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). The ASU amends the consolidation guidance for VIEs and general partners’ investments in limited partnerships and modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We have adopted this standard effective January 1, 2016, and the adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model, which requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The update will replace most existing revenue recognition
9
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date to fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Principal Versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross Versus Net), which clarifies the principal versus agent implementation guidance. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”), to provide guidance on management's responsibility to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 also requires certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 applies to all entities and is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this standard will have an impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”), which requires an entity to: (i) measure equity investments at fair value through net income, with certain exceptions; (ii) present in OCI the changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option; (iii) present financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; (iv) calculate the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes based on an exit price and; (v) assess a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses of AFS debt securities in combination with other deferred tax assets. ASU 2016-01 provides an election to subsequently measure certain nonmarketable equity investments at cost less any impairment and adjusted for certain observable price changes. It also requires a qualitative impairment assessment of such equity investments and amends certain fair value disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Certain provisions of ASU 2016-01 are eligible for early adoption. We are evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-01 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. We are evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
3. Investments in Hotel Properties, net
Investments in hotel properties, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
March 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | ||||||
Land | $ | 701,934 | $ | 704,534 | |||
Buildings and improvements | 4,042,970 | 4,026,857 | |||||
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment | 419,181 | 406,893 | |||||
Construction in progress | 21,640 | 31,235 | |||||
Condominium properties | 11,703 | 11,947 | |||||
Total cost | 5,197,428 | 5,181,466 | |||||
Accumulated depreciation | (803,727 | ) | (761,782 | ) | |||
Investments in hotel properties, net | $ | 4,393,701 | $ | 4,419,684 |
10
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Final Purchase Price Allocation
Hotel Indigo - Atlanta
On October 15, 2015, we acquired a 100% interest in the Hotel Indigo (“Indigo Atlanta”) in Atlanta, Georgia for total consideration of $26.9 million. As part of the transaction, we assumed a mortgage loan with a fair value of $16.6 million. See note 6. The remaining purchase price was funded in cash. We prepared a purchase price allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The final purchase price allocation was completed with the assistance of a third party appraisal firm. This valuation is considered a Level 3 valuation technique.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition (in thousands):
Land | $ | 3,230 | |
Buildings and improvements | 22,135 | ||
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment | 1,576 | ||
26,941 | |||
Indebtedness | (16,581 | ) | |
Net other assets and liabilities | 425 |
4. Note Receivable
At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had one mezzanine loan receivable with a net carrying value of $3.8 million and $3.7 million, respectively, net of a valuation allowance of $7.0 million and $7.1 million, respectively. This note is secured by one hotel property, bears interest at a rate of 6.09%, and matures in 2017. All required payments on this loan are current. No impairment charges were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. Valuation adjustments of $111,000 and $106,000 were credited to impairment charges during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Ongoing payments are treated as reductions of carrying value with related valuation allowance adjustments recorded as credits to impairment charges.
11
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
5. Investment in Unconsolidated Entities
Ashford Inc.
We hold approximately 598,000 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock, which represented an approximate 29.8% ownership interest in Ashford Inc. as of March 31, 2016, with a fair value of $27.3 million.
The following tables summarize the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 of Ashford Inc. (in thousands):
Ashford Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
March 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 164,799 | $ | 166,991 | |||
Total liabilities | 31,997 | 30,115 | |||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 1,119 | 240 | |||||
Total stockholders’ equity of Ashford Inc. | 30,565 | 32,165 | |||||
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities | 101,118 | 104,471 | |||||
Total equity | 131,683 | 136,636 | |||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 164,799 | $ | 166,991 | |||
Our ownership interest in Ashford Inc. | $ | 6,097 | $ | 6,616 |
Ashford Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Total revenue | $ | 13,409 | $ | 13,118 | |||
Total operating expenses | (13,921 | ) | (21,752 | ) | |||
Operating loss | (512 | ) | (8,634 | ) | |||
Realized and unrealized loss on investment in unconsolidated entity, net | (1,460 | ) | — | ||||
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net | (5,684 | ) | 45 | ||||
Other | (102 | ) | 7 | ||||
Income tax expense | (640 | ) | (231 | ) | |||
Net loss | (8,398 | ) | (8,813 | ) | |||
Loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interests | 6,548 | 961 | |||||
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 118 | 18 | |||||
Net loss attributable to Ashford Inc. | $ | (1,732 | ) | $ | (7,834 | ) | |
Our equity in loss of Ashford Inc. | $ | (519 | ) | $ | (2,741 | ) |
12
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
AQUA U.S. Fund
In June 2015, for consideration of certain marketable securities, we obtained a 52.4% ownership interest in the AQUA U.S. Fund, previously named the REHE Fund. The AQUA U.S. Fund, is managed by Ashford Investment Management, LLC (“AIM”), an indirect subsidiary of Ashford Inc. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and for the three months ended March 31, 2016, the AQUA U.S. Fund was consolidated by Ashford Inc. The AQUA U.S. Fund invests substantially all of its assets in the Ashford Quantitative Alternatives Master Fund, LP (the “Master Fund”), previously named the AIM Real Estate Hedged Equity Master Fund, LP, and as a consequence of our investment in the AQUA U.S. Fund, we obtained an indirect interest in the Master Fund. Our maximum exposure of loss is limited to our investment in the AQUA U.S. Fund.
The following tables summarize the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 of the AQUA U.S. Fund (in thousands):
Ashford Quantitative Alternatives (U.S.), LP
Condensed Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
March 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 100,938 | $ | 106,792 | ||||
Partners’ capital | 100,938 | 106,792 | ||||||
Total liabilities and partners’ capital | $ | 100,938 | $ | 106,792 | ||||
Our ownership interest in the AQUA U.S. Fund | $ | 52,886 | $ | 55,952 |
Ashford Quantitative Alternatives (U.S.), LP
Condensed Statement of Operations
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 | |||
Total investment income | $ | 18 | |
Net expenses | (189 | ) | |
Net investment income | (171 | ) | |
Net unrealized gain on investments | 1,118 | ||
Net realized loss on investments | (6,801 | ) | |
Net loss attributable to the AQUA U.S. Fund | $ | (5,854 | ) |
Our equity in loss of the AQUA U.S. Fund | $ | (3,066 | ) |
The Master Fund generally invests in publicly traded equity securities and put and call options on publicly traded equity securities. The AQUA U.S. Fund records its investment in the Master Fund at its proportionate share of net assets. Income (loss) and distributions are allocated to the AQUA U.S. Fund’s partners based on their ownership percentage of the AQUA U.S. Fund. Our equity in loss in the AQUA U.S. Fund represents our share of the AQUA U.S. Fund’s loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016. We generally may redeem our investment in the AQUA U.S. Fund on the last business day of the month after providing written notice. As of March 31, 2016, we have no unfunded commitments. We are not obligated to pay any portion of the management fee or the performance allocation in favor of the AQUA U.S. Fund’s investment manager and general partner, respectively, but do share pro rata in all other applicable expenses of the AQUA U.S. Fund. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we owned an approximate 52.4% ownership interest in the AQUA U.S. Fund.
Other
In March 2016, the Company invested $2.0 million in an unconsolidated entity that is controlled and consolidated by Ashford Inc., for a 12.2% ownership interest. Our investment is recorded as a component of investment in unconsolidated entities in our consolidated balance sheet and is accounted for under the equity method of accounting as we have been deemed to have significant influence over the entity under the applicable accounting guidance. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, our equity in the loss in the unconsolidated entity was immaterial.
13
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
As of December 31, 2015, we held a 14.4% subordinated beneficial interest in a trust that holds the Four Seasons property in Nevis, which had a carrying value of zero. In February 2016, the Four Seasons hotel property in Nevis, was sold. No gain or loss was recognized associated with our 14.4% subordinated beneficial interest. As a result of the sale, we have no ownership interest in the hotel property as of March 31, 2016.
14
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
6. Indebtedness
Indebtedness consisted of the following (in thousands):
____________________________________
Indebtedness | Collateral | Maturity | Interest Rate | March 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (3) | 7 hotels | August 2016 | LIBOR (1) + 4.35% | $ | 301,000 | $ | 301,000 | |||||||
Mortgage loan (3) | 5 hotels | August 2016 | LIBOR (1) + 4.38% | 62,900 | 62,900 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (3) | 1 hotel | August 2016 | LIBOR (1) + 4.20% | 37,500 | 37,500 | |||||||||
Secured revolving credit facility (4) | None | October 2016 | Base Rate (2) + 2.00% or LIBOR (1) + 3.00% | — | — | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (3) | 8 hotels | January 2017 | LIBOR (1) + 4.95% | 376,800 | 376,800 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (5) | 5 hotels | February 2017 | LIBOR (1) + 4.75% | 200,000 | 200,000 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (6) | 24 hotels | April 2017 | LIBOR (1) + 4.39% | 1,070,560 | 1,070,560 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (3) | 1 hotel | April 2017 | LIBOR (1) + 4.95% | 33,300 | 33,300 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 5 hotels | April 2017 | 5.95% | 109,892 | 110,302 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 5 hotels | April 2017 | 5.95% | 98,775 | 99,144 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 5 hotels | April 2017 | 5.95% | 150,297 | 150,860 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 7 hotels | April 2017 | 5.95% | 120,221 | 120,671 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (3) | 1 hotel | May 2017 | LIBOR (1) + 5.10% | 25,100 | 25,100 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (3) | 1 hotel | June 2017 | LIBOR (1) + 5.10% | 43,750 | 43,750 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 1 hotel | June 2017 | 5.98% | 15,934 | 16,002 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (3) | 8 hotels | July 2017 | LIBOR (1) + 4.09% | 144,000 | 144,000 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (3) | 1 hotel | July 2017 | LIBOR (1) + 4.15% | 35,200 | 35,200 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (3) | 1 hotel | July 2017 | LIBOR (1) + 5.10% | 40,500 | 40,500 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (6) (9) | 17 hotels | December 2017 | LIBOR (1) + 5.52% | 412,500 | 375,000 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 1 hotel | January 2018 | 4.38% | 97,556 | 98,016 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 2 hotels | January 2018 | 4.44% | 106,713 | 107,054 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (7) | 1 hotel | July 2018 | LIBOR (1) + 4.50% | 21,200 | 21,200 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (7) | 1 hotel | August 2018 | LIBOR (1) + 4.95% | 12,000 | 12,000 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan (8) | 1 hotel | July 2019 | LIBOR (1) + 3.75% | 5,524 | 5,524 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 1 hotel | November 2020 | 6.26% | 98,035 | 98,420 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 1 hotel | May 2023 | 5.46% | 55,314 | 55,524 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 1 hotel | January 2024 | 5.49% | 10,491 | 10,529 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 1 hotel | January 2024 | 5.49% | 7,188 | 7,214 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 1 hotel | May 2024 | 4.99% | 6,719 | 6,745 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 3 hotels | August 2024 | 5.20% | 67,520 | 67,520 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 2 hotels | August 2024 | 4.85% | 12,500 | 12,500 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 3 hotels | August 2024 | 4.90% | 24,980 | 24,980 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 3 hotels | February 2025 | 4.45% | 53,957 | 54,110 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 2 hotels | February 2025 | 4.45% | 24,079 | 24,147 | |||||||||
Mortgage loan | 2 hotels | February 2025 | 4.45% | 20,861 | 20,919 | |||||||||
3,902,866 | 3,868,991 | |||||||||||||
Premiums, net | 5,105 | 5,626 | ||||||||||||
Deferred loan costs, net | (28,746 | ) | (34,000 | ) | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,879,225 | $ | 3,840,617 |
(1) LIBOR rates were 0.437% and 0.430% at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
(2) Base Rate, as defined in the secured revolving credit facility agreement is the greater of (i) the prime rate set by Bank of America, (ii) federal funds rate + 0.5% or (iii) LIBOR + 1.0%.
(3) This mortgage loan has three one-year extension options subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.
(4) Our borrowing capacity under our secured revolving credit facility is $100.0 million.
(5) This mortgage loan has three one-year extension options subject to satisfaction of certain conditions and a LIBOR floor of 0.20%. The first one-year extension period began in February 2016.
(6) This mortgage loan has four one-year extension options subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.
(7) This mortgage loan has two one-year extension options subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.
(8) This mortgage loan provides for an interest rate of LIBOR + 3.75% with a 0.25% LIBOR floor for the first 18 months. Beginning February 2016, the interest rate is fixed at 4.0%.
15
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
(9) These mortgage loans are collateralized by the same properties.
On December 2, 2015, we refinanced three mortgage loans totaling $273.5 million. The initial amount of the new loan was $375.0 million. On March 1, 2016, we increased the loan amount by $37.5 million. The loan balance is now $412.5 million, which is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 5.52%. The stated maturity is December 2017, with four one-year extension options. The new loan is secured by 17 hotel properties. The SpringHill Suites in Jacksonville, Florida is now unencumbered.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we recognized premium amortization of $521,000 and $127,000, respectively. The amortization of the premium is computed using the effective interest method, which is included in interest expense and amortization of premiums and loan costs in the consolidated statements of operations.
We are required to maintain certain financial ratios under various debt and related agreements. If we violate covenants in any debt or related agreement, we could be required to repay all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity at a time when we might be unable to arrange financing for such repayment on attractive terms, if at all. The assets of certain of our subsidiaries are pledged under non-recourse indebtedness and are not available to satisfy the debts and other obligations of Ashford Trust or Ashford Trust OP, our operating partnership, and the liabilities of such subsidiaries do not constitute the obligations of Ashford Trust or Ashford Trust OP. Presently, our existing financial covenants are non-recourse and primarily relate to maintaining minimum debt coverage ratios, maintaining an overall minimum net worth, maintaining a maximum loan to value ratio, and maintaining an overall minimum total assets. As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our debt and related agreements as amended.
7. Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic income (loss) per common share is calculated using the two-class method by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per common share is calculated using the two-class method, or treasury stock method if more dilutive, and reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised or converted into common shares, whereby such exercise or conversion would result in lower income per share.
16
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
The following table reconciles the amounts used in calculating basic and diluted income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Income (loss) allocated to common stockholders: | |||||||
Income (loss) attributable to the Company | $ | (9,989 | ) | $ | 321,496 | ||
Less: Dividends on preferred stock | (8,490 | ) | (8,490 | ) | |||
Less: Dividends on common stock | (11,333 | ) | (11,964 | ) | |||
Less: Dividends on unvested performance stock units | (40 | ) | — | ||||
Less: Dividends on unvested restricted shares | (148 | ) | (165 | ) | |||
Less: Undistributed income allocated to unvested shares | — | (2,035 | ) | ||||
Undistributed income (loss) | (30,000 | ) | 298,842 | ||||
Add back: Dividends on common stock | 11,333 | 11,964 | |||||
Distributed and undistributed income (loss) - basic | $ | (18,667 | ) | $ | 310,806 | ||
Add back: Income allocated to operating partnership units | — | 45,336 | |||||
Distributed and undistributed net income (loss) - diluted | $ | (18,667 | ) | $ | 356,142 | ||
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 94,136 | 95,539 | |||||
Effect of assumed conversion of operating partnership units | — | 18,373 | |||||
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted | 94,136 | 113,912 | |||||
Basic income (loss) per share: | |||||||
Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders per share | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | 3.25 | ||
Diluted income (loss) per share: | |||||||
Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders per share | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | 3.13 |
Due to the anti-dilutive effect, the computation of diluted income (loss) per share does not reflect adjustments for the following items (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Income (loss) allocated to common stockholders is not adjusted for: | |||||||
Income allocated to unvested restricted shares | $ | 148 | $ | 2,200 | |||
Income allocated to unvested performance stock units | 40 | — | |||||
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in operating partnership units | (2,112 | ) | — | ||||
Total | $ | (1,924 | ) | $ | 2,200 | ||
Weighted average diluted shares are not adjusted for: | |||||||
Effect of unvested restricted shares | 127 | 432 | |||||
Effect of assumed conversion of operating partnership units | 19,043 | — | |||||
Total | 19,170 | 432 |
17
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
8. Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Interest Rate Derivatives—We are exposed to risks arising from our business operations, economic conditions and financial markets. To manage these risks, we primarily use interest rate derivatives and interest rate floors to hedge our debt and our cash flows. The interest rate derivatives currently include interest rate caps and interest rate floors. These derivatives are subject to master netting settlement arrangements. As of March 31, 2016, maturities on these instruments range from August 2016 to July 2020. To mitigate the nonperformance risk, we routinely use a third party’s analysis of the creditworthiness of the counterparties, which supports our belief that the counterparties’ nonperformance risk is limited. All derivatives are recorded at fair value.
In 2016, we entered into interest rate caps with notional amounts totaling $237.5 million and strike rates ranging from 2.25% to 4.50%. These interest rate caps had effective dates from February 2016 to March 2016, and maturity dates from February 2017 to December 2017, and a total cost of $73,000. These instruments were not designated as cash flow hedges. These instruments cap the interest rates on our mortgage loans with principal balances of $237.5 million and maturity dates from February 2017 to December 2017.
In 2015, we entered into interest rate caps with notional amounts totaling $1.5 billion and strike rates ranging from 2.50% to 3.00%. These interest rate caps had effective dates from January 2015 to March 2015, and maturity dates from January 2017 to April 2017, for a total cost of $1.3 million. These instruments were not designated as cash flow hedges. At March 31, 2015, we had instruments capping the interest rates on our mortgage loans with principal balances totaling $1.5 billion and maturity dates from January 2017 to April 2017. We also entered into interest rate floors with notional amounts totaling $6.0 billion and strike rates ranging from (0.25)% to zero percent. These interest rate floors had effective dates from April 2015 to July 2015, and maturity dates from April 2020 to July 2020, for a total cost of $9.4 million.
Credit Default Swap Derivatives—A credit default swap is a derivative contract that functions like an insurance policy against the credit risk of an entity or obligation. The seller of protection assumes the credit risk of the reference obligation from the buyer (us) of protection in exchange for annual premium payments. If a default or a loss, as defined in the credit default swap agreements, occurs on the underlying bonds, then the buyer of protection is protected against those losses. The only liability for us, the buyer, is the annual premium and any change in value of the underlying CMBX index (if the trade is terminated prior to maturity). For all CMBX trades completed to date, we were the buyer of protection. Credit default swaps are subject to master-netting settlement arrangements and credit support annexes. Assuming the underlying bonds pay off at par over their remaining average life, our total exposure for these trades was approximately $4.7 million as of March 31, 2016. Cash collateral is posted by us as well as our counterparties. We offset the fair value of the derivative and the obligation/right to return/reclaim cash collateral. The change in market value of credit default swaps is settled net through posting cash collateral or reclaiming cash collateral between us and our counterparties when the change in market value is over $250,000.
Options on Futures Contracts—In March 2016, we purchased an option on Eurodollar futures for upfront costs of $250,000, including commissions of $20,000, and a maturity date of June 2017.
9. Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Hierarchy—For disclosure purposes, financial instruments, whether measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis or not measured at fair value, are classified in a hierarchy consisting of three levels based on the observability of valuation inputs in the market place as discussed below:
• | Level 1: Fair value measurements that are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that we have the ability to access for identical assets or liabilities. Market price data generally is obtained from exchange or dealer markets. |
• | Level 2: Fair value measurements based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. |
• | Level 3: Fair value measurements based on valuation techniques that use significant inputs that are unobservable. The circumstances for using these measurements include those in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. |
Fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts/payments and the discounted expected variable cash payments/receipts. Fair values of interest rate caps, floors, flooridors, and corridors are determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates fell below the strike rates of the floors or rise above the strike rates of the caps. Variable
18
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts and payments on the swaps, caps, and floors are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves (LIBOR forward curves) and volatilities (Level 2 inputs). We also incorporate credit valuation adjustments (Level 3 inputs) to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk.
Fair values of credit default swaps are obtained from a third party who publishes various information including the index composition and price data (Level 2 inputs). The fair value of credit default swaps does not contain credit-risk-related adjustments as the change in fair value is settled net through posting cash collateral or reclaiming cash collateral between us and our counterparty.
Fair values of interest rate floors are determined by obtaining the last market bid prices from several counterparties for a similar investment as of the measurement date. The bids (the Level 2 inputs) used in the calculation of fair value are reviewed across each counterparty and are accessed individually to determine the relevant fair value of each floor.
Fair value of options on futures contracts is determined based on the last reported settlement price as of the measurement date (Level 1 inputs). These exchange-traded options are centrally cleared, and a clearinghouse stands in between all trades to ensure that the obligations involved in the trades are satisfied.
Fair values of marketable securities and liabilities associated with marketable securities, including public equity securities, equity put and call options, and other investments, are based on their quoted market closing prices (Level 1 inputs).
When a majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. However, when valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by us and our counterparties, which we consider significant (10% or more) to the overall valuation of our derivatives, the derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Transfers of inputs between levels are determined at the end of each reporting period. In determining the fair values of our derivatives at March 31, 2016, the LIBOR interest rate forward curve (Level 2 inputs) assumed an uptrend from 0.437% to 0.990% for the remaining term of our derivatives. Credit spreads (Level 3 inputs) used in determining the fair values of hedge and non-hedge designated derivatives assumed an uptrend in nonperformance risk for us and all of our counterparties through the maturity dates.
19
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis aggregated by the level within which measurements fall in the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
Quoted Market Prices (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Counterparty and Cash Collateral Netting(1) | Total | |||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2016: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate derivatives - floors | $ | — | $ | 9,447 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 9,447 | (2) | ||||||||||
Interest rate derivatives - caps | — | 97 | — | — | 97 | (2) | |||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps | — | 4,666 | — | (3,882 | ) | 784 | (2) | ||||||||||||||
Options on futures contracts | 505 | — | — | — | 505 | (2) | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 505 | $ | 14,210 | $ | — | $ | (3,882 | ) | $ | 10,833 | ||||||||||
December 31, 2015: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate derivatives - floors | $ | — | $ | 1,747 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,747 | (2) | ||||||||||
Interest rate derivatives - caps | — | 361 | — | — | 361 | (2) | |||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps | — | 5,152 | — | (4,059 | ) | 1,093 | (2) | ||||||||||||||
Options on futures contracts | 234 | — | — | — | 234 | (2) | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 234 | $ | 7,260 | $ | — | $ | (4,059 | ) | $ | 3,435 |
____________________________________
(1) Represents cash collateral posted by our counterparty.
(2) Reported net as “derivative assets, net” in the consolidated balance sheets.
20
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Effect of Fair-Value-Measured Assets and Liabilities on Consolidated Statements of Operations
The following tables summarize the effect of fair-value-measured assets and liabilities on the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income | ||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Derivative assets: | ||||||||
Interest rate derivatives - floors | $ | 7,701 | $ | (1,018 | ) | |||
Interest rate derivatives - caps | (337 | ) | — | |||||
Credit default swaps | (485 | ) | (5) | (737 | ) | |||
Options on futures contracts | 39 | — | ||||||
Equity put options | — | (1,290 | ) | |||||
Equity call options | — | 80 | ||||||
Non-derivative assets: | ||||||||
Equity - American Depositary Receipt | — | (65 | ) | |||||
Equity | — | 2,063 | ||||||
U.S. Treasury | — | 406 | ||||||
Total | 6,918 | (561 | ) | |||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Derivative liabilities: | ||||||||
Short equity put options | $ | — | $ | 595 | ||||
Short equity call options | — | 579 | ||||||
Non-derivative liabilities: | ||||||||
Short equity securities | — | (36 | ) | |||||
Total | — | 1,138 | ||||||
Net | $ | 6,918 | $ | 577 | ||||
Total combined | ||||||||
Interest rate derivatives - floors | $ | 7,701 | $ | (1,018 | ) | |||
Interest rate derivatives - caps | (337 | ) | — | |||||
Credit default swaps | (485 | ) | (680 | ) | ||||
Options on futures contracts | 39 | — | ||||||
Total derivatives | 6,918 | (1) | (1,698 | ) | (1) | |||
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities | — | (1,802 | ) | (3) | ||||
Realized gain on marketable securities | — | 4,077 | (2) (4) | |||||
Net | $ | 6,918 | $ | 577 | ||||
____________________________________
(1) Reported as “unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives” in the consolidated statements of operations.
(2) Included in “other income (expense)” in the consolidated statements of operations.
(3) Reported as “unrealized loss on marketable securities” in the consolidated statements of operations.
(4) Includes costs of $57 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, associated with credit default swaps.
(5)Excludes costs of $190, included in “other income (expense)” for the three months ended March 31, 2016, associated with credit default swaps.
21
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
10. Summary of Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Determining estimated fair values of our financial instruments such as notes receivable and indebtedness requires considerable judgment to interpret market data. Market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies used may have a material effect on estimated fair value amounts. Accordingly, estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of amounts at which these instruments could be purchased, sold, or settled. Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments, for periods indicated, were as follows (in thousands):
March 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||
Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value: | |||||||||||||||
Derivative assets, net | $ | 10,833 | $ | 10,833 | $ | 3,435 | $ | 3,435 | |||||||
Financial assets not measured at fair value: | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 226,877 | $ | 226,877 | $ | 215,078 | $ | 215,078 | |||||||
Restricted cash | 162,146 | 162,146 | 153,680 | 153,680 | |||||||||||
Accounts receivable, net | 55,367 | 55,367 | 40,438 | 40,438 | |||||||||||
Note receivable, net | 3,797 | 3,423 to 3,783 | 3,746 | 3,344 to 3,696 | |||||||||||
Due from Ashford Prime OP, net | 13 | 13 | 528 | 528 | |||||||||||
Due from related party, net | 1,865 | 1,865 | — | — | |||||||||||
Due from third-party hotel managers | 17,783 | 17,783 | 22,869 | 22,869 | |||||||||||
Financial liabilities not measured at fair value: | |||||||||||||||
Indebtedness | $ | 3,907,971 | $3,707,908 to $4,098,218 | $ | 3,874,617 | $3,683,196 to $4,070,904 | |||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 140,473 | 140,473 | 123,444 | 123,444 | |||||||||||
Dividends payable | 22,890 | 22,890 | 22,678 | 22,678 | |||||||||||
Due to Ashford Inc., net | 11,080 | 11,080 | 9,856 | 9,856 | |||||||||||
Due to related party, net | — | — | 1,339 | 1,339 | |||||||||||
Due to third-party hotel managers | 2,555 | 2,555 | 2,504 | 2,504 |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. These financial assets bear interest at market rates and have maturities of less than 90 days. The carrying value approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. This is considered a Level 1 valuation technique.
Accounts receivable, net, accounts payable and accrued expenses, dividends payable, due to/from Ashford Prime OP, due to/from related party, due from affiliates, due to/from Ashford Inc. and due to/from third-party hotel managers. The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature. This is considered a Level 1 valuation technique.
Note receivable, net. Fair value of notes receivable is determined using similar loans with similar collateral. We relied on our internal analysis of what we believe a willing buyer would pay for this note. We estimated the fair value of the note receivable to be approximately 9.8% to 0.4% lower than the carrying value of $3.8 million at March 31, 2016 and approximately 10.7% to 1.3% lower than the carrying value of $3.7 million at December 31, 2015. This is considered a Level 2 valuation technique.
Indebtedness. Fair value of indebtedness is determined using future cash flows discounted at current replacement rates for these instruments. Cash flows are determined using a forward interest rate yield curve. Current replacement rates are determined by using the U.S. Treasury yield curve or the index to which these financial instruments are tied and adjusted for credit spreads. Credit spreads take into consideration general market conditions, maturity, and collateral. We estimated the fair value of total indebtedness to be approximately 94.9% to 104.9% of the carrying value of $3.9 billion at March 31, 2016 and approximately 95.1% to 105.1% of the carrying value of $3.9 billion at December 31, 2015. This is considered a Level 2 valuation technique.
Derivative assets, net. Fair value of interest rate derivatives is determined using the net present value of expected cash flows of each derivative based on the market-based interest rate curve and adjusted for credit spreads of us and our counterparties. Fair values of credit default swap derivatives are obtained from a third party who publishes the CMBX index composition and price data. Fair value of interest rate floors is determined by obtaining the last market bid prices from several counterparties for a similar
22
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
investment as of the measurement date. Fair values of options on futures contracts are valued at their last reported settlement price as of the measurement date. See notes 2, 8 and 9 for a complete description of the methodology and assumptions utilized in determining fair values.
11. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in the operating partnership represents the limited partners’ proportionate share of equity in earnings/losses of the operating partnership, which is an allocation of net income/loss attributable to the common unitholders based on the weighted average ownership percentage of these limited partners’ common units of limited partnership interest in the operating partnership (“common units”) and the units issued under our Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP units”) that are vested throughout the period plus distributions paid to the limited partners with regard to the Class B common units. Class B common units have a fixed dividend rate of 7.2% and have priority in payment of cash dividends over common units but otherwise have no preference over common units. Aside from the Class B common units, all other outstanding units represent common units. Beginning one year after issuance, each common unit (including each Class B common unit) may be redeemed for either cash or, at our sole discretion, up to one share of our common stock. Beginning in July 2016, each Class B common unit may be converted into a common unit at either party’s discretion. As a result of the Ashford Inc. spin-off, holders of our common stock were distributed one share of Ashford Inc. common stock for every 87 shares of our common stock, while our unitholders received one common unit of the operating limited liability company subsidiary of Ashford Inc. for each common unit of our operating partnership the holder held, and such holder then had the opportunity to exchange up to 99% of those units for shares of Ashford Inc. common stock at the rate of one share of Ashford Inc. common stock for every 55 common units of the operating limited liability company subsidiary of Ashford Inc. Following the spin-off, Ashford Trust continues to hold 598,000 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock for the benefit of its common stockholders, and all of our remaining lodging investments are owned by Ashford Trust OP. Therefore, each common unit and LTIP unit was worth approximately 95% of one share of our common stock at both March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
LTIP units, which are issued to certain executives and employees of Ashford LLC as compensation, have a vesting period of three years. Additionally, certain independent members of the board of directors have elected to receive LTIP units as part of their compensation, which are fully vested upon grant. Upon reaching economic parity with common units, each vested LTIP unit can be converted by the holder into one common unit which can then be redeemed for cash or, at our election, settled in our common stock. An LTIP unit will achieve parity with the common units upon the sale or deemed sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the operating partnership at a time when our stock is trading at a level in excess of the price it was trading on the date of the LTIP issuance. More specifically, LTIP units will achieve full economic parity with common units in connection with (i) the actual sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the operating partnership or (ii) the hypothetical sale of such assets, which results from a capital account revaluation, as defined in the partnership agreement, for the operating partnership.
On March 31, 2016, the compensation committee of the board of directors of the Company approved Performance LTIP units to certain executive officers. The award agreements provide for the grant of a maximum number of approximately 804,000 Performance LTIP units that will be settled in LTIPs or common units of the Ashford Trust OP, if and when the applicable vesting criteria have been achieved following the end of the performance and service period, which began on January 1, 2016 and ends on December 31, 2018. The actual number of units earned may be adjusted from 0% to 100% based on achievement of a specified relative total stockholder return and specified absolute total stockholder return, based on the formula determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee on the grant date. The performance criteria for the Performance LTIP units are based on market conditions under the relevant literature, and the Performance LTIP units were granted to non-employees. The unamortized fair value of Performance LTIP units of $2.6 million at March 31, 2016 will be expensed over a period of 3.0 years. No compensation expense was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
As of March 31, 2016, we have issued a total of 10.0 million LTIP units (including performance-based LTIP units), all of which, other than approximately 1.2 million and 662,000 issued in March 2016 and March 2015, respectively, have reached full economic parity with, and are convertible into, common units. Expense of $348,000 and $64,000 was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, all of which was associated with LTIP units issued to Ashford LLC’s employees and is included in “advisory services fee” in our consolidated statements of operations. As the LTIP units are issued to non-employees, the compensation expense was determined based on the share price as of the end of the period. The fair value of the unrecognized cost of LTIP units, which was $7.8 million at March 31, 2016, will be expensed over a period of 3.0 years.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, no common units were redeemed. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, 150,000 common units with an aggregate fair value of $1.5 million were redeemed by the holder and, at our election, we issued shares of our common stock to satisfy the redemption price.
23
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, including vested LTIP units, in our operating partnership as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were $125.2 million and $118.4 million, respectively, which represents ownership of our operating partnership of 13.55% and 13.36%, respectively. The carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interests as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 included adjustments of $106.3 million and $95.0 million, respectively, to reflect the excess of the redemption value over the accumulated historical costs. Redeemable noncontrolling interests were allocated net loss of $2.1 million and net income of $45.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We declared aggregate cash distributions to holders of common units and holders of LTIP units of $2.9 million and $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
12. Equity and Equity-Based Compensation
Common Stock Dividends—For each of the 2016 and 2015 quarters, the board of directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.12 per outstanding share of common stock with an annualized target of $0.48 per share for 2016.
Stock-Based Compensation—Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $636,000, which is associated with restricted shares of our common stock issued to Ashford LLC’s employees and certain employees of Remington Lodging and are included in “advisory services fee” and “management fees,” respectively, in our consolidated statements of operations. Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015, was $107,000, which is associated with restricted shares of our common stock issued to Ashford LLC’s employees and are included in “advisory services fee” in our consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the unrecognized cost of restricted shares, which was $9.2 million at March 31, 2016, will be expensed over a period of approximately 3.0 years.
Performance Stock Units—On March 31, 2016, the compensation committee of the board of directors of the Company approved grants of PSUs to certain executive officers. The award agreements provide for the grant of a target number of approximately 336,000 PSUs that will be settled in shares of common stock of the Company, if and when the applicable vesting criteria have been achieved following the end of the performance and service period, which began on January 1, 2016 and ends on December 31, 2018. The target number of PSUs may be adjusted from 0% to 200% based on achievement of a specified relative total stockholder return and specified absolute total stockholder return, based on the formula determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee on the grant date. The performance criteria for the PSUs are based on market conditions under the relevant literature, and the PSUs were granted to non-employees. At March 31, 2016, the outstanding PSUs had an unamortized fair value of $2.2 million. No compensation expense was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Preferred Dividends—During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the board of directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.5344 per share for our 8.55% Series A preferred stock, $0.5281 per share for our 8.45% Series D preferred stock, and $0.5625 per share for our 9.00% Series E preferred stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the board of directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.5344 per share for our 8.55% Series A preferred stock, $0.5281 per share for our 8.45% Series D preferred stock and $0.5625 per share for our 9.00% Series E preferred stock.
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Entities—Our noncontrolling entity partner had an ownership interest of 15% in two hotel properties and a total carrying value of $732,000 and $770,000 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Our ownership interest is reported in equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities were allocated losses of $38,000 and $25,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
13. Commitments and Contingencies
Restricted Cash—Under certain management and debt agreements for our hotel properties existing at March 31, 2016, escrow payments are required for insurance, real estate taxes, and debt service. In addition, for certain properties based on the terms of the underlying debt and management agreements, we escrow 4% to 6% of gross revenues for capital improvements.
Franchise Fees—Under franchise agreements for our hotel properties existing at March 31, 2016, we pay franchisor royalty fees between 2% and 6% of gross rooms revenue and, in some cases, food and beverage revenues. Additionally, we pay fees for marketing, reservations, and other related activities aggregating between 1% and 6% of gross rooms revenue and, in some cases, food and beverage revenues. These franchise agreements expire on varying dates between 2017 and 2040. When a franchise term expires, the franchisor has no obligation to renew the franchise. A franchise termination could have a material adverse effect on the operations or the underlying value of the affected hotel due to loss of associated name recognition, marketing support, and centralized reservation systems provided by the franchisor. A franchise termination could also have a material adverse effect on cash available for distribution to stockholders. In addition, if we breach the franchise agreement and the franchisor terminates a franchise prior to its expiration date, we may be liable for up to three times the average annual fees incurred for that property.
24
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
We incurred franchise fees of $17.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and $11.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Management Fees—Under management agreements for our hotel properties existing at March 31, 2016, we pay a) monthly property management fees equal to the greater of $10,000 (CPI adjusted since 2003) or 3% of gross revenues, or in some cases 1.5% to 7% of gross revenues, as well as annual incentive management fees, if applicable, b) market service fees on approved capital improvements, including project management fees of up to 4% of project costs, for certain hotels, and c) other general fees at current market rates as approved by our independent directors, if required. These management agreements expire from 2017 through 2044, with renewal options. If we terminate a management agreement prior to its expiration, we may be liable for estimated management fees through the remaining term and liquidated damages or, in certain circumstances, we may substitute a new management agreement.
Income Taxes— We and our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the federal jurisdiction and various states. Tax years 2011 through 2015 remain subject to potential examination by certain federal and state taxing authorities.
If we sell or transfer the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington, Virginia prior to July 2016, we will be required to indemnify the entity from which we acquired the property if, as a result of such transactions, such entity would recognize a gain for federal tax purposes. In general, tax indemnities equal the federal, state, and local income tax liabilities the contributor or their specified assignee incurs with respect to the gain allocated to the contributor. The contribution agreements’ terms generally require us to gross up tax indemnity payments for the amount of income taxes due as a result of such tax indemnities.
Potential Pension Liabilities—Upon our 2006 acquisition of a hotel property, certain employees of such hotel were unionized and covered by a multi-employer defined benefit pension plan. At that time, no unfunded pension liabilities existed. Subsequent to our acquisition, a majority of employees, who are employees of the hotel manager, Remington Lodging, petitioned the employer to withdraw recognition of the union. As a result of the decertification petition, Remington Lodging withdrew recognition of the union. At the time of the withdrawal, the National Retirement Fund, the union’s pension fund, indicated unfunded pension liabilities existed. The National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) filed a complaint against Remington Lodging seeking, among other things, that Remington Lodging’s withdrawal of recognition was unlawful. Pending the final determination of the NLRB complaint, including appeals, the pension fund entered into a settlement agreement with Remington Lodging on November 1, 2011, providing that (a) Remington Lodging will continue to make monthly pension fund payments pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement, and (b) if the withdrawal of recognition is ultimately deemed lawful, Remington Lodging will have an unfunded pension liability equal to $1.7 million minus the monthly pension payments made by Remington Lodging since the settlement agreement. To illustrate, if Remington Lodging - as of the date a final determination occurs - has made monthly pension payments equaling $100,000, Remington Lodging’s remaining withdrawal liability shall be the unfunded pension liability of $1.7 million minus $100,000 (or $1.6 million). This remaining unfunded pension liability shall be paid to the pension fund in annual installments of $84,000 (but may be made monthly or quarterly, at Remington Lodging’s election), which shall continue for the remainder of the twenty-(20)-year capped period, unless Remington Lodging elects to pay the unfunded pension liability amount earlier. We agreed to indemnify Remington Lodging for the payment of the unfunded pension liability, if any, as set forth in the settlement agreement.
Litigation—Palm Beach Florida Hotel and Office Building Limited Partnership, et al. v. Nantucket Enterprises, Inc. This litigation involves a landlord tenant dispute from 2008 in which the landlord, Palm Beach Florida Hotel and Office Building Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of the Company, claimed that the tenant had violated various lease provisions of the lease agreement and was therefore in default. The tenant counterclaimed and asserted multiple claims including that it had been wrongfully evicted. The litigation was instituted by the plaintiff in November 2008 in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, in and for Palm Beach County, Florida and proceeded to a jury trial on June 30, 2014. The jury entered its verdict awarding the tenant total claims of $10.8 million and ruling against the landlord on its claim of breach of contract. A final judgment was entered and the landlord filed an appeal with the 4th District Court of Appeals in Florida. Both parties have fully briefed the Appeal and oral argument is scheduled for May 31, 2016.
As a result of the jury verdict, we recorded the $10.8 million judgment, pre-judgment interest of $802,000 and accrued a reasonable estimate of $400,000 of loss related to legal fees during 2014 and 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recorded additional pre-judgment interest of $24,000. Including the judgment, pre-judgment interest and estimated loss of legal expenses, total expenses recorded were $12.0 million through March 31, 2016. The additional charges related to pre-judgment interest are included in “other” hotel expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
We are engaged in other various legal proceedings which have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. The likelihood of loss from these legal proceedings, based on definitions within contingency accounting literature, ranges from remote to reasonably
25
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
possible and to probable. Based on estimates of the range of potential losses associated with these matters, management does not believe the ultimate resolution of these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. However, the final results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty and if we fail to prevail in one or more of these legal matters, and the associated realized losses exceed our current estimates of the range of potential losses, our consolidated financial position or results of operations could be materially adversely affected in future periods.
14. Segment Reporting
We operate in one business segment within the hotel lodging industry: direct hotel investments. Direct hotel investments refer to owning hotels through either acquisition or new development. We report operating results of direct hotel investments on an aggregate basis as substantially all of our hotel investments have similar economic characteristics and exhibit similar long-term financial performance. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, all of our hotel properties were domestically located.
15. Related Party Transactions
Ashford LLC, a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., acts as our advisor, and as a result, we pay advisory fees to Ashford LLC. The advisory agreement was amended in June 2015. We are required to pay Ashford LLC a quarterly base fee that is a percentage of our total market capitalization on a declining sliding scale, subject to a minimum quarterly base fee, as payment for managing our day-to-day operations in accordance with our investment guidelines. We are also required to pay Ashford LLC an incentive fee that is based on our total return performance as compared to our peer group as well as to reimburse Ashford LLC for certain reimbursable overhead and internal audit, insurance claims advisory and asset management services, as specified in the advisory agreement. We also record equity-based compensation expense for equity grants of common stock and LTIP units awarded to our officers and employees of Ashford LLC in connection with providing advisory services equal to the fair value of the award in proportion to the requisite service period satisfied during the period.
The following table summarizes the advisory services fees incurred (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Advisory services fee | |||||||
Base advisory fee | $ | 8,540 | $ | 8,011 | |||
Reimbursable expenses (1) | 1,463 | 1,385 | |||||
Equity-based compensation (2) | 900 | 171 | |||||
Total advisory services fee | $ | 10,903 | $ | 9,567 |
________
(1) | Reimbursable expenses include overhead, internal audit, insurance claims advisory and asset management services. |
(2) | Equity-based compensation is associated with equity grants of Ashford Trust’s common stock and LTIP units awarded to officers and employees of Ashford LLC. |
In connection with our acquisition of the Le Pavillon and Ashford Inc.’s engagement to provide hotel advisory services to us, Ashford Inc. will be providing $4.0 million of key money consideration to purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment.
At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had a payable of $11.1 million and $9.9 million, respectively, included in due to Ashford Inc., net, associated with the advisory services fee discussed above.
Certain employees of Remington Lodging, who perform work on behalf of Ashford Trust, were granted approximately 147,000 shares of restricted stock under the Ashford Trust Stock Plan on June 30, 2015. These share grants were accounted for under the applicable accounting guidance related to share-based payments granted to non-employees and are recorded as a component of “management fees” in our consolidated statements of operations. Expense of $84,000 was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The unamortized fair value of the grants was $555,000 as of March 31, 2016, which will be amortized over a period of 2.0 years.
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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
16. Subsequent Events
On April 14, 2016, Ashford OP General Partner LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashford Trust, as general partner of Ashford Trust OP, and Ashford OP Limited Partner LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as a limited partner of Ashford Trust OP, entered into that certain Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership (the “Amended Partnership Agreement”). The Amended Partnership Agreement was amended to, among other things:
• | incorporate Amendment No. 1 to the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership dated November 12, 2014, which adjusted the conversion factor used by the Company to determine the number of shares of Company common stock issuable, at the option of the Company, upon the exercise of a redemption right by a limited partner of Ashford Trust OP and related provisions, including definitions (the “Conversion Factor”); |
• | incorporate Amendment No. 2 to the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership dated July 20, 2015, which specifically provided for the distribution of common units of Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership to the common unitholders of Ashford Trust OP; |
• | add a provision regarding new federal income tax partnership audit matters as a result of tax legislation enacted in December 2015; and |
• | clarify the computation of the Conversion Factor. |
On April 18, 2016, the Company announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a 5-hotel, 1,396-room portfolio of select-service hotels for approximately $142.0 million in cash. The portfolio is comprised of the Courtyard Edison in Edison, NJ; the Residence Inn Buckhead in Atlanta, GA; the Courtyard Lake Buena Vista, the Fairfield Inn Lake Buena Vista and the SpringHill Suites Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, FL. The transaction is scheduled to close in the second quarter, subject to certain closing conditions. The carrying value of the land, building and furniture, fixtures and equipment was approximately $117.5 million at March 31, 2016.
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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein. This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (the “Company” or “we” or “our” or “us”) cautions investors that any forward-looking statements presented herein, or which management may express orally or in writing from time to time, are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions at that time.
Throughout this Form 10-Q, we make forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “approximately,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” or other similar words or expressions. Additionally, statements regarding the following subjects are forward-looking by their nature:
• | our business and investment strategy, including our ability to complete proposed business transactions described herein or the expected benefit of any such transactions; |
• | anticipated or expected purchases or sales of assets; |
• | our projected operating results; |
• | completion of any pending transactions; |
• | our ability to obtain future financing arrangements; |
• | our understanding of our competition; |
• | market trends; |
• | projected capital expenditures; and |
• | the impact of technology on our operations and business. |
Such forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance taking into account all information currently known to us. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations can change as a result of many potential events or factors, not all of which are known to us. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and other objectives may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Additionally, the following factors could cause actual results to vary from our forward-looking statements:
• | factors discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2016, including those set forth under the sections titled “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Business,” and “Properties,” as updated in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; |
• | general and economic business conditions affecting the lodging and travel industry; |
• | general volatility of the capital markets and the market price of our common and preferred stock; |
• | changes in our business or investment strategy; |
• | availability, terms, and deployment of capital; |
• | availability of qualified personnel to our advisor; |
• | changes in our industry and the market in which we operate, interest rates, or local economic conditions; |
• | the degree and nature of our competition; |
• | actual and potential conflicts of interest with our advisor, Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, our executive officers and our non-independent directors; |
• | changes in governmental regulations, accounting rules, tax rates and similar matters; |
• | legislative and regulatory changes, including changes to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and related rules, regulations and interpretations governing the taxation of REITs; and |
• | limitations imposed on our business and our ability to satisfy complex rules in order for us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. |
When we use words or phrases such as “will likely result,” “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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Overview
We will continue to seek ways to benefit from the cyclical nature of the hotel industry. We believe that in the prior cycle, hotel values and cash flows, for the most part, peaked in 2007, and the hotel industry recently exceeded these values and cash flows.
Based on our primary business objectives and forecasted operating conditions, our current key priorities and financial strategies include, among other things:
• | acquisition of hotel properties that will be accretive to our portfolio; |
• | disposition of non-core hotel properties; |
• | pursuing capital market activities to enhance long-term stockholder value; |
• | preserving capital, enhancing liquidity, and continuing current cost-saving measures; |
• | implementing selective capital improvements designed to increase profitability; |
• | implementing effective asset management strategies to minimize operating costs and increase revenues; |
• | financing or refinancing hotels on competitive terms; |
• | utilizing hedges and derivatives to mitigate risks; and |
• | making other investments or divestitures that our board of directors deems appropriate. |
In June 2015, our board of directors modified our investment strategy to focus predominantly on full-service hotels in the upscale and upper-upscale segments in domestic and international markets that have revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) generally less than twice the national average. The change in our investment strategy was made in conjunction with our announcement that we plan to sell the vast majority of our select-service hotel portfolio. We believe that as supply, demand, and capital market cycles change, we will be able to shift our investment strategy to take advantage of new lodging-related investment opportunities as they may develop. Our board of directors may change our investment strategy at any time without stockholder approval or notice.
Recent Developments
In February 2016, the Four Seasons hotel property in Nevis, was sold. No gain or loss was recognized associated with our 14.4% subordinated beneficial interest. As a result of the sale, we have no ownership interest in the hotel property as of March 31, 2016.
On December 2, 2015, we refinanced three mortgage loans totaling $273.5 million. The initial amount of the new loan was $375.0 million. On March 1, 2016, we increased the loan amount by $37.5 million. The loan balance is now $412.5 million, which is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 5.52%. The stated maturity is December 2017, with four one-year extension options. The new loan is secured by 17 hotel properties. The SpringHill Suites in Jacksonville, Florida is now unencumbered.
In March 2016, the Company invested $2.0 million in an unconsolidated entity that is controlled and consolidated by Ashford Inc., for a 12.2% ownership interest.
On April 14, 2016, Ashford OP General Partner LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashford Trust, as general partner of Ashford Trust OP, and Ashford OP Limited Partner LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as a limited partner of Ashford Trust OP, entered into that certain Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership (the “Amended Partnership Agreement”). The Amended Partnership Agreement was amended to, among other things:
• | incorporate Amendment No. 1 to the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership dated November 12, 2014, which adjusted the conversion factor used by the Company to determine the number of shares of Company common stock issuable, at the option of the Company, upon the exercise of a redemption right by a limited partner of Ashford Trust OP and related provisions, including definitions (the “Conversion Factor”); |
• | incorporate Amendment No. 2 to the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership dated July 20, 2015, which specifically provided for the distribution of common units of Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership to the common unitholders of Ashford Trust OP; |
• | add a provision regarding new federal income tax partnership audit matters as a result of tax legislation enacted in December 2015; and |
• | clarify the computation of the Conversion Factor. |
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On April 18, 2016, the Company announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a 5-hotel, 1,396-room portfolio of select-service hotels for approximately $142.0 million in cash. The portfolio is comprised of the Courtyard Edison in Edison, NJ; the Residence Inn Buckhead in Atlanta, GA; the Courtyard Lake Buena Vista, the Fairfield Inn Lake Buena Vista and the SpringHill Suites Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, FL. The transaction is scheduled to close in the second quarter, subject to certain closing conditions. The carrying value of the land, building and furniture, fixtures and equipment was approximately $117.5 million at March 31, 2016.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our cash position from operations is affected primarily by macro industry movements in occupancy and rate as well as our ability to control costs. Further, interest rates can greatly affect the cost of our debt service as well as the value of any financial hedges we may put in place. We monitor industry fundamentals and interest rates very closely. Capital expenditures above our reserves will affect cash flow as well.
Certain of our loan agreements contain cash trap provisions that may get triggered if the performance of our hotels decline. When these provisions are triggered, substantially all of the profit generated by our hotels is deposited directly into lockbox accounts and then swept into cash management accounts for the benefit of our various lenders. Cash is distributed to us only after certain items are paid, including deposits into ground lease and maintenance reserves and the payment of debt service, insurance, taxes, operating expenses, and extraordinary capital expenditures and ground lease expenses. This could affect our liquidity and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Also, we have entered into certain customary guaranty agreements pursuant to which we guaranty payment of any recourse liabilities of our subsidiaries or joint ventures that may result from non-recourse carve-outs, which include, but are not limited to fraud, misrepresentation, willful misconduct resulting in waste, misappropriations of rents following an event of default, voluntary bankruptcy filings, unpermitted transfers of collateral, and certain environmental liabilities. Certain of these guarantees represent a guaranty of material amounts, and if we are required to make payments under those guarantees, our liquidity could be adversely affected. In connection with the Ashford Prime Spin-off, we are still jointly and severally liable under certain carve-out guarantees and environmental indemnities associated with three loans. Ashford Prime has indemnified us in the case that any of these guarantees are ever called.
In September 2011, we entered into an at-the-market (“ATM”) program with an investment banking firm, pursuant to which we may issue up to 700,000 shares of 8.55% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock and up to 700,000 shares of 8.45% Series D Cumulative Preferred Stock at market prices up to $30.0 million in total proceeds. While the ATM program remains in effect until such time that either party elects to terminate or the share or dollar thresholds are reached, we cannot issue shares under the ATM program until such time as a new prospectus is filed with the SEC. Through March 31, 2016, we have issued 169,306 shares of 8.55% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of $4.2 million and 501,909 shares of 8.45% Series D Cumulative Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of $12.3 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, no shares were issued under this ATM program.
In May 2015, we entered into an ATM program with an investment banking firm to offer for sale from time to time up to $150.0 million of our common stock at market prices. No shares have been sold under this ATM program since its inception. The ATM program will remain in effect until such time that either party elects to terminate the program or the $150.0 million cap is reached.
On December 2, 2015, we refinanced three mortgage loans totaling $273.5 million. The initial amount of the new loan was $375.0 million. On March 1, 2016, we increased the loan amount by $37.5 million. The loan balance is now $412.5 million, which is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 5.52%. The stated maturity is December 2017, with four one-year extension options. The new loan is secured by 17 hotel properties. The SpringHill Suites in Jacksonville, Florida is now unencumbered.
Secured Revolving Credit Facility
The secured revolving credit facility is provided by Bank of America, N.A., serving as the administrative agent to Ashford Trust OP as the borrower. We and certain of our subsidiaries guarantee the secured revolving credit facility. The secured revolving credit facility is secured by a pledge of 100% of the equity interests we hold in Ashford Trust OP and 100% of the equity interest issued by any guarantor (other than Ashford Trust) or any other subsidiary of ours that is not restricted under its loan documents or organizational documents from having its equity pledged (subject to certain exclusions), all mortgage receivables held by the borrower or any guarantor, and certain deposit accounts and securities accounts held by the borrower and any guarantor. The proceeds of the secured revolving credit facility may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, property acquisitions, and any other lawful purposes.
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The secured revolving credit facility also contains customary terms, covenants, negative covenants, events of default, limitations and other conditions for credit facilities of this type. Subject to certain exceptions, we are subject to restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, mergers and fundamental changes, sales or other dispositions of property, changes in the nature of our business, investments, and capital expenditures. We also are subject to certain financial covenants, as set forth below, which are tested on a consolidated basis (net of the amounts attributable to the non-controlling interest held by our partner in a majority owned consolidated entity) and include, but are not limited to, the following:
• | Total funded indebtedness (less unrestricted cash in excess of $25 million) to EBITDA shall not be greater than 9.0x. Our ratio was 8.8x at March 31, 2016. |
• | Consolidated fixed charge coverage ratios to EBITDA for the previous four consecutive fiscal quarters shall not be less than 1.25x. Our ratio was 1.72x at March 31, 2016. |
• | Consolidated tangible net worth not less than approximately $1.17 billion plus 75% of the net proceeds of any future equity issuances. Our net worth was $1.56 billion at March 31, 2016. |
All financial covenants are tested and certified by the borrower on a quarterly basis. We were in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2016.
The secured revolving credit facility includes customary events of default, and the occurrence of an event of default will permit the lenders to terminate commitments to lend under the secured revolving credit facility and accelerate payment of all amounts outstanding thereunder. If a default occurs and is continuing, we will be precluded from making distributions on our shares of common stock (other than those required to allow us to qualify and maintain our status as a REIT, so long as such default does not arise from a payment default or event of insolvency).
Borrowings under the secured revolving credit facility bear interest, at our option, at either LIBOR plus an applicable margin, or the base rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for borrowings under the secured revolving credit facility for base rate loans are 2.0% per annum and the applicable margin for borrowings under the secured revolving credit facility for LIBOR loans are 3.0% per annum.
The secured revolving credit facility is a one-year interest-only facility with all outstanding principal being due at maturity in October 2016. No amounts were drawn under the secured revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2016.
We intend to repay indebtedness incurred under our secured revolving credit facility from time to time out of net cash provided by operations and from the net proceeds of issuances of additional equity and debt securities, as market conditions permit.
Our principal sources of funds to meet our cash requirements include: cash on hand, positive cash flow from operations, capital market activities, property refinancing proceeds, draws on our secured revolving credit facility and asset sales. Additionally, our principal uses of funds are expected to include possible operating shortfalls, owner-funded capital expenditures, dividends, new investments, and debt interest and principal payments. Items that impacted our cash flow and liquidity during the periods indicated are summarized as follows:
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities. Net cash flows provided by operating activities, pursuant to our consolidated statements of cash flows, which includes changes in balance sheet items, were $44.7 million and $30.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Cash flows from operations were impacted by changes in hotel operations, the operating results of our 2015 hotel acquisitions, as well as changes in restricted cash due to the timing of cash deposits for certain loans as well as the timing of collecting receivables from hotel guests, paying vendors, settling with related parties and settling with hotel managers.
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, investing activities used net cash flows of $43.3 million, which consisted of cash outflows of $40.7 million for capital improvements made to various hotel properties, $3.2 million of net deposits to restricted cash for capital expenditures, $2.0 million investment in an unconsolidated entity and $30,000 for initial franchise fees. These outflows were partially offset by inflows of $2.5 million attributable to cash proceeds received from the sale of a vacant lot associated with Le Pavillon, $33,000 of proceeds from property insurance and $60,000 of cash payments received on previously impaired mezzanine loans. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, investing activities used net cash flows of $259.1 million, which primarily consisted of cash outflows of $287.6 million primarily attributable the purchase of the Lakeway Resort, Memphis Marriott and the remaining approximate 28.26% interest in the PIM Highland JV hotel properties, $28.8 million for capital improvements made to various hotel properties and $175,000 for initial franchise fees. These outflows were partially offset by inflows of $49.7 million of reductions in restricted cash for capital expenditures, $7.5 million attributable to cash proceeds received from the sale of the Hampton Inn in Terre Haute, Indiana, $282,000 of proceeds from property insurance and $60,000 of cash payments received on previously impaired mezzanine loans.
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Net Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, net cash flows provided by financing activities were $10.4 million. Cash inflows consisted primarily of $37.5 million in borrowings on indebtedness. Cash inflows were partially offset by cash outlays primarily consisting of $22.7 million dividend payments to common and preferred stockholders and unitholders, $3.6 million for repayments of indebtedness, $764,000 for payments of loan costs and exit fees and $73,000 of payments for derivatives. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, net cash flows provided by financing activities were $369.4 million. Cash inflows consisted primarily of $1.6 billion in borrowings on indebtedness and $110.9 million from issuance of common stock associated with our equity offering. Cash inflows were partially offset by cash outlays primarily consisting of $1.3 billion for repayments of indebtedness, $31.6 million for payments of loan costs and exit fees, $21.9 million for dividend payments to common and preferred stockholders and unitholders, $1.3 million of payments for derivatives and $446,000 for repurchase of common stock.
We are required to maintain certain financial ratios under various debt and derivative agreements. If we violate covenants in any debt or derivative agreement, we could be required to repay all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity at a time when we might be unable to arrange financing for such repayment on attractive terms, if at all. Presently, our existing financial debt covenants primarily relate to maintaining minimum net worth and leverage ratios and liquidity. As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our debt and related agreements.
Mortgage and mezzanine loans are nonrecourse to the borrowers, except for customary exceptions or carve-outs that trigger recourse liability to the borrowers in certain limited instances. Recourse obligations typically include only the payment of costs and liabilities suffered by lenders as a result of the occurrence of certain bad acts on the part of the borrower. However, in certain cases, carve-outs could trigger recourse obligations on the part of the borrower with respect to repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount of the loans. We have entered into customary guaranty agreements pursuant to which we guaranty payment of any recourse liabilities of the borrowers that result from non-recourse carve-outs (which include, but are not limited to, fraud, misrepresentation, willful conduct resulting in waste, misappropriations of rents following an event of default, voluntary bankruptcy filings, unpermitted transfers of collateral, and certain environmental liabilities). In the opinion of management, none of these guaranty agreements, either individually or in the aggregate, are likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Based on our current level of operations, management believes that our cash flow from operations and our existing cash balances will be adequate to meet upcoming anticipated requirements for interest and principal payments on debt, working capital, and capital expenditures for the next 12 months. With respect to upcoming maturities, we will continue to proactively address our 2017 maturities. No assurances can be given that we will obtain additional financings or, if we do, what the amount and terms will be. Our failure to obtain future financing under favorable terms could adversely impact our ability to execute our business strategy. In addition, we may selectively pursue debt financing on individual properties.
We are committed to an investment strategy where we will opportunistically pursue hotel-related investments as suitable situations arise. Funds for future hotel-related investments are expected to be derived, in whole or in part, from cash on hand, future borrowings under a credit facility or other loans, or proceeds from additional issuances of common stock, preferred stock, or other securities, asset sales, and joint ventures. However, we have no formal commitment or understanding to invest in additional assets, and there can be no assurance that we will successfully make additional investments. We may, when conditions are suitable, consider additional capital raising opportunities.
Our existing hotels are mostly located in developed areas with competing hotel properties. Future occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR of any individual hotel could be materially and adversely affected by an increase in the number or quality of competitive hotel properties in its market area. Competition could also affect the quality and quantity of future investment opportunities.
Dividend Policy. During the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the board of directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.12 per outstanding share of common stock. In December 2015, the board of directors approved our 2016 dividend policy which anticipates a quarterly dividend payment of $0.12 per share for the remainder of 2016. However, the adoption of a dividend policy does not commit our board of directors to declare future dividends. The board of directors will continue to review our dividend policy on a quarterly basis. We may incur indebtedness to meet distribution requirements imposed on REITs under the Internal Revenue Code to the extent that working capital and cash flow from our investments are insufficient to fund required distributions. Alternatively, we may elect to pay dividends on our common stock in cash or a combination of cash and shares of securities as permitted under federal income tax laws governing REIT distribution requirements. We may pay dividends in excess of our cash flow.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RevPAR is a commonly used measure within the hotel industry to evaluate hotel operations. RevPAR is defined as the product of the ADR charged and the average daily occupancy achieved. RevPAR does not include revenues from food and beverage or parking, telephone, or other guest services generated by the property. Although RevPAR does not include these ancillary revenues, it is generally considered the leading indicator of core revenues for many hotels. We also use RevPAR to compare the results of our hotels between periods and to analyze results of our comparable hotels (comparable hotels represent hotels we have owned for the entire year). RevPAR improvements attributable to increases in occupancy are generally accompanied by increases in most categories of variable operating costs. RevPAR improvements attributable to increases in ADR are generally accompanied by increases in limited categories of operating costs, such as management fees and franchise fees.
The following table summarizes changes in key line items from our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | Favorable/ (Unfavorable) Change | ||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 367,772 | $ | 250,235 | $ | 117,537 | |||||
Total hotel operating expenses | (233,035 | ) | (153,872 | ) | (79,163 | ) | |||||
Property taxes, insurance, and other | (18,612 | ) | (11,594 | ) | (7,018 | ) | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | (62,162 | ) | (37,864 | ) | (24,298 | ) | |||||
Impairment charges | 111 | 106 | 5 | ||||||||
Transaction costs | (95 | ) | (499 | ) | 404 | ||||||
Advisory services fee | (10,903 | ) | (9,567 | ) | (1,336 | ) | |||||
Corporate, general, and administrative | (1,673 | ) | (4,840 | ) | 3,167 | ||||||
Operating income | 41,403 | 32,105 | 9,298 | ||||||||
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities | (3,585 | ) | (6,622 | ) | 3,037 | ||||||
Interest income | 63 | 16 | 47 | ||||||||
Gain (loss) on acquisition of PIM Highland JV and sale of hotel properties | (114 | ) | 380,705 | (380,819 | ) | ||||||
Other income (expense) | (252 | ) | 4,330 | (4,582 | ) | ||||||
Interest expense and amortization of premiums and loan costs, net | (55,943 | ) | (34,635 | ) | (21,308 | ) | |||||
Write-off of loan costs and exit fees | — | (4,767 | ) | 4,767 | |||||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | — | (1,802 | ) | 1,802 | |||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives | 6,918 | (1,698 | ) | 8,616 | |||||||
Income tax expense | (629 | ) | (825 | ) | 196 | ||||||
Net income (loss) | (12,139 | ) | 366,807 | (378,946 | ) | ||||||
Loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interests | 38 | 25 | 13 | ||||||||
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership | 2,112 | (45,336 | ) | 47,448 | |||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company | $ | (9,989 | ) | $ | 321,496 | $ | (331,485 | ) |
The following table illustrates key performance indicators for our 132 hotel properties for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. The operating results of the Lakeway Resort & Spa (“Lakeway Resort”) in Austin, Texas, which was acquired on February 6, 2015, the Memphis Marriott East (“Memphis Marriott”) hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, which was acquired on February 25, 2015, the Hampton Inn & Suites (“Hampton Inn Gainesville”) in Gainesville, Florida, which was acquired on April 29, 2015, of the Le Pavillon Hotel (“Le Pavillon”) in New Orleans, Louisiana, which was acquired on June 3, 2015, a 9-hotel portfolio (“Rockbridge Portfolio”), which was acquired on June 17, 2015, the W Atlanta Downtown (“W Atlanta”) in Atlanta, Georgia, which was acquired on July 23, 2015, the Le Meridien Chambers Minneapolis (“Le Meridien Minneapolis”) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was acquired on July 23, 2015, the Hilton Garden Inn - Wisconsin Dells in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, which was acquired on August 5, 2015, the operating results of the Hotel Indigo (“Indigo Atlanta”) in Atlanta, Georgia, which was acquired on October 15, 2015, the operating results of the W Minneapolis Foshay (“W Minneapolis”) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was acquired on November 10, 2015 (collectively the “New Hotel Acquisitions”), are included in continuing operations since their respective acquisition dates. The operating results of the PIM Highland JV for the period from January 1, 2015 through March 5, 2015, are included in equity in loss of unconsolidated entities. Beginning March 6, 2015, we consolidate the results of operations of the PIM Highland JV hotels.
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The following table illustrates the key performance indicators of these hotels:
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
RevPar (revenue per available room) | $ | 113.55 | $ | 112.81 | |||
Occupancy | 74.38 | % | 77.01 | % | |||
ADR (average daily rate) | $ | 152.67 | $ | 146.48 |
The following table illustrates the key performance indicators of the 86 hotels that were included for the full three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively:
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
RevPar (revenue per available room) | $ | 115.40 | $ | 110.18 | |||
Occupancy | 77.22 | % | 76.92 | % | |||
ADR (average daily rate) | $ | 149.44 | $ | 143.25 |
Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company. Net income (loss) attributable to the Company decreased $331.5 million, from net income of $321.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (the “2015 quarter”) to net loss of $10.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 (the “2016 quarter”) as a result of the factors discussed below.
Revenue. Rooms revenue from our hotels increased $89.6 million, or 44.6%, to $290.6 million during the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter. We experienced an increase in rooms revenue of $55.3 million as a result of the PIM Highland JV acquisition, $24.5 million associated with the New Hotel Acquisitions, and $9.8 million from our remaining hotels and WorldQuest, which experienced an increase of 30 basis points in occupancy and an increase of 4.3% in room rates. Food and beverage revenue experienced an increase of $23.5 million, or 59.4%, to $63.1 million during the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter. This increase is a result of $19.6 million from the PIM Highland JV acquisition and $4.3 million associated with the New Hotel Acquisitions, offset by a decrease of $416,000 from our remaining hotel properties and WorldQuest. Other hotel revenue, which consists mainly of Internet access, parking, and spa, experienced an increase of $4.9 million, or 55.2%, to $13.7 million during the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter. This increase is a result of $2.8 million from the PIM Highland JV acquisition, $1.9 million associated with the New Hotel Acquisitions and $220,000 from our remaining hotel properties and WorldQuest. Other non-hotel revenue decreased $467,000, or 54.3%, to $393,000 during the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter. The decrease in other non-hotel revenue is primarily attributable to the acquisition of the PIM Highland JV in March 2015. Prior to the acquisition, we received expense reimbursements related to our managing the day-to-day operations and providing corporate administrative services such as accounting, insurance, marketing support, asset management, and other services.
Hotel Operating Expenses. Hotel operating expenses increased $79.2 million, or 51.4%, to��$233.0 million during the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter. Hotel operating expenses consist of direct expenses from departments associated with revenue streams and indirect expenses associated with support departments and management fees. We experienced increases of $38.3 million in direct expenses and $40.8 million in indirect expenses and management fees in the 2016 quarter. The increase in direct expenses was comprised of $26.6 million from the PIM Highland JV acquisition, $9.6 million as a result of the New Hotel Acquisitions and $2.2 million from our remaining hotels and WorldQuest. The increase in indirect expenses was comprised of $26.2 million from the PIM Highland JV acquisition, $11.3 million from the New Hotel Acquisitions and $3.3 million from our remaining hotels and WorldQuest. Direct expenses were 30.4% and 29.4% of total hotel revenue for the 2016 quarter and the 2015 quarter, respectively.
Property Taxes, Insurance, and Other. Property taxes, insurance, and other increased $7.0 million or 60.5%, to $18.6 million during the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter. The increase was primarily due to $4.4 million of property taxes, insurance, and other associated with the PIM Highland JV acquisition, $2.2 million associated with the New Hotel Acquisitions and $371,000 from our remaining hotel properties and WorldQuest.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased $24.3 million or 64.2%, to $62.2 million during the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter. The increase was primarily due to $14.0 million of depreciation and amortization associated with the PIM Highland JV acquisition and $6.6 million associated with the New Hotel Acquisitions. The remaining increase of $3.8 million is attributable to capital expenditures that have occurred since March 31, 2015.
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Impairment Charges. We recorded impairment credits of $111,000 and $106,000 for the 2016 quarter and the 2015 quarter, respectively. The impairment credit related to valuation adjustments on a previously impaired mezzanine loan.
Transaction Costs. Transaction costs were $95,000 in the 2016 quarter compared to $499,000 in the 2015 quarter. The decrease is primarily attributable to costs related to the acquisitions of the PIM Highland JV, Lakeway Resort and Memphis Marriott in the 2015 quarter.
Advisory Services Fee. Advisory services fees increased $1.3 million or 14.0%, to $10.9 million in the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter, which represent fees paid in connection with the advisory agreement between Ashford Inc. and us. For the 2016 quarter, the advisory services fee was comprised of a base advisory fee of $8.5 million, reimbursable overhead and internal audit, insurance claims advisory and asset management services of $1.5 million and equity-based compensation of $900,000 associated with equity grants of our common stock and LTIP units awarded to the officers and employees of Ashford Inc. For the 2015 quarter, the advisory services fee comprised of a base advisory fee of $8.0 million, reimbursable overhead and internal audit, insurance claims advisory and asset management services of $1.4 million and equity-based compensation of $171,000 associated with equity grants of our common stock and LTIP units awarded to the officers and employees of Ashford Inc.
Corporate, General, and Administrative. Corporate, general, and administrative expenses decreased $3.2 million, or 65.4%, to $1.7 million during the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter. The decrease was primarily attributable to $3.4 million of transaction, acquisition and management conversion costs in the 2015 quarter, offset by increases to public company costs, office expenses, professional fees and other miscellaneous expenses totaling approximately $258,000.
Equity in Loss of Unconsolidated Entities. We recorded equity in loss of unconsolidated entities of $3.6 million and $6.6 million for the 2016 quarter and the 2015 quarter, respectively. The 2016 quarter includes equity in loss in Ashford Inc. of $519,000 and $3.1 million in the AQUA U.S. Fund. The 2015 quarter includes equity in loss in PIM Highland JV of $3.8 million, $2.7 million in Ashford Inc. and $45,000 in Ashford Prime.
Interest Income. Interest income was $63,000 and $16,000 for the 2016 quarter and the 2015 quarter, respectively.
Gain (Loss) on Acquisition of PIM Highland JV and Sale of Hotel Properties. Gain (loss) on acquisition of PIM Highland JV and sale of hotel properties was a loss of $114,000 for the 2016 quarter and a gain of $380.7 million for the 2015 quarter. The loss in the 2016 quarter was related to the sale of a vacant lot associated with the Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. The gain in the 2015 quarter primarily related to the acquisition of the remaining interest in the PIM Highland JV in March 2015.
Other Income (Expense). Other income (expense) changed $4.6 million, or 105.8%, from other income of $4.3 million to other expense of $252,000 during the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter. The change is primarily attributable to the contribution of certain marketable securities in consideration for an ownership interest in the AQUA U.S. Fund. As a result, we no longer have realized gain or loss on marketable securities and dividend income. For the quarter in 2015 prior to our contribution to the AQUA U.S. Fund, we had a realized gain on marketable securities of $4.1 million and dividend income of $165,000.
Interest Expense and Amortization of Loan Costs. Interest expense and amortization of loan costs increased $21.3 million or 61.5%, to $55.9 million during the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter. The increase is primarily due to $12.2 million of interest expense and amortization associated with the PIM Highland JV acquisition and refinance. The remaining increase is associated with higher loan cost amortization and interest expense as a result of new financings on the majority of the New Hotel Acquisitions of $6.3 million and higher loan cost amortization and interest expense as a result of refinances on our remaining hotel properties of $2.9 million. The average LIBOR rates for the 2016 quarter and the 2015 quarter were 0.43% and 0.17%, respectively.
Write-off of Loan Costs and Exit Fees. Write-off of loan costs and exit fees was $4.8 million for the 2015 quarter. For the 2015 quarter, we wrote-off unamortized loan costs of $86,000 and incurred defeasance and other exit fees of $4.7 million. There were no write-off of loan costs and exit fees in the 2016 quarter.
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities. Unrealized loss on marketable securities was $1.8 million for the 2015 quarter, was based on changes in closing market prices during the quarter. There was no unrealized loss on marketable securities in the 2016 quarter as a result of the previously discussed contribution of marketable securities to the AQUA U.S. Fund.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives. Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives changed $8.6 million or 507.4%, from a loss of $1.7 million to a gain of $6.9 million during the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter. The 2016 quarter had an unrealized gain consisting of $7.7 million related to interest rate floors, offset by unrealized losses of $429,000, $337,000 and $17,000, on credit default swaps, interest rate derivatives and options on futures contracts, respectively. In the 2015 quarter, we had losses consisting of $1.0 million and $680,000 related to interest rate derivatives and credit default swaps, respectively. The fair values of interest rate floors and interest rate derivatives are primarily based on movements in the LIBOR forward curve and the passage
35
of time. The fair value of options on futures contracts is determined based on the last reported settlement price as of the measurement date. The fair value of credit default swaps is based on the change in value of CMBX indices.
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense decreased $196,000, or 23.8% to $629,000 during the 2016 quarter compared to the 2015 quarter. The decrease in income tax expense is primarily due to an increase in certain indirect expenses recognized by our TRS entities.
Loss from Consolidated Entities Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. Our noncontrolling interest partner in consolidated entities was allocated losses of $38,000 and $25,000 during the 2016 quarter and the 2015 quarter, respectively.
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership. Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership were allocated a net loss of $2.1 million and net income of $45.3 million in the 2016 quarter and the 2015 quarter, respectively. Redeemable noncontrolling interests represented ownership interests of 13.55% and 13.36% in the operating partnership at March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
SEASONALITY
Our properties’ operations historically have been seasonal as certain properties maintain higher occupancy rates during the summer months, while certain other properties maintain higher occupancy rates during the winter months. This seasonality pattern can cause fluctuations in our quarterly lease revenue under our percentage leases. We anticipate that our cash flows from the operations of our properties and cash on hand will be sufficient to enable us to make quarterly distributions to maintain our REIT status. To the extent that cash flows from operations and cash on hand are insufficient during any quarter due to temporary or seasonal fluctuations in lease revenue, we expect to utilize borrowings to fund required distributions. However, we cannot make any assurances that we will make distributions in the future.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
In the normal course of business, we form partnerships or joint ventures that operate certain hotels. We evaluate each partnership and joint venture to determine whether the entity is a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). If the entity is determined to be a VIE, we assess whether we are the primary beneficiary and need to consolidate the entity. For further discussion of the company’s VIEs, see notes 2 and 5 to our consolidated financial statements.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
There have been no material changes since December 31, 2015, outside of the ordinary course of business, to contractual obligations specified in the table of contractual obligations included in the section “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our 2015 Form 10-K.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our accounting policies that are critical or most important to understanding our financial condition and results of operations and that require management to make the most difficult judgments are described in our 2015 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in these critical accounting policies.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The following non-GAAP presentations of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Funds From Operations (“FFO”) and Adjusted FFO (“AFFO”) are made to assist our investors evaluate our operating performance.
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EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) attributable to the Company before interest expense and amortization of premiums and loan costs, net, interest income other than interest income from mezzanine loans, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and noncontrolling interests in the operating partnership and after adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures. We adjust EBITDA to exclude certain additional items such as gain/loss on acquisition of PIM Highland JV and sale of hotel properties, impairment charges, write-off of loan costs and exit fees, other income/expense, transaction, acquisition and management conversion costs, legal judgment and related legal costs, dead deal costs, and non-cash items such as amortization of unfavorable management contract liabilities, non-cash stock/unit-based compensation, unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities, derivative instruments and the AQUA U.S. Fund, as well as our portion of adjustments to EBITDA of unconsolidated entities. We exclude items from Adjusted EBITDA that are either non-cash or are not part of our core operations in order to provide a period-over-period comparison of our operations. We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because we believe these measurements a) more accurately reflect the ongoing performance of our hotel assets and other investments, b) provide more useful information to investors as indicators of our ability to meet our future debt payment and working capital requirements, and c) provide an overall evaluation of our financial condition. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as calculated by us may not be comparable to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA reported by other companies that do not define EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA exactly as we define the terms. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to a) GAAP net income or loss as an indication of our financial performance or b) GAAP cash flows from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity.
The following table reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (12,139 | ) | $ | 366,807 | ||
Loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interest | 38 | 25 | |||||
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership | 2,112 | (45,336 | ) | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company | (9,989 | ) | 321,496 | ||||
Interest income | (63 | ) | (16 | ) | |||
Interest expense and amortization of premiums and loan costs, net | 55,913 | 34,606 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 62,101 | 37,820 | |||||
Income tax expense | 629 | 825 | |||||
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership | (2,112 | ) | 45,336 | ||||
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities | 519 | 6,622 | |||||
Company's portion of EBITDA of unconsolidated entities (Ashford Inc.) | 115 | (2,278 | ) | ||||
Company's portion of EBITDA of unconsolidated entities (Ashford Prime OP) | — | 2,910 | |||||
Company's portion of EBITDA of unconsolidated entities (PIM Highland JV) | — | 11,982 | |||||
EBITDA available to the Company and OP unitholders | 107,113 | 459,303 | |||||
Amortization of unfavorable management contract liabilities | (494 | ) | (494 | ) | |||
Impairment charges | (111 | ) | (106 | ) | |||
(Gain) loss on acquisition of PIM Highland JV and sale of hotel properties | 114 | (380,705 | ) | ||||
Write-off of loan costs and exit fees | — | 4,767 | |||||
Other (income) expense (1) | 252 | (4,330 | ) | ||||
Transaction, acquisition and management conversion costs | 218 | 3,924 | |||||
Legal judgment | 24 | 24 | |||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | — | 1,802 | |||||
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives | (6,918 | ) | 1,698 | ||||
Dead deal costs | (3 | ) | 55 | ||||
Non-cash stock/unit-based compensation | 984 | 171 | |||||
Company's portion of unrealized loss of AQUA U.S. Fund | 3,066 | — | |||||
Company's portion of adjustments to EBITDA of unconsolidated entities (Ashford Inc.) | 748 | 3,324 | |||||
Company's portion of adjustments to EBITDA of unconsolidated entities (Ashford Prime OP) | — | (82 | ) | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA available to the Company and OP unitholders | $ | 104,993 | $ | 89,351 |
____________________________________
(1) | Other (income) expense, which primarily consists of costs associated with credit default swaps in both periods and net realized gain/loss on marketable securities in 2015, is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. |
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We calculate FFO and AFFO in the following table. FFO is calculated on the basis defined by NAREIT, which is net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains or losses on properties, and extraordinary items as defined by GAAP, plus depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, impairment charges on real estate assets, and after adjustments for unconsolidated entities and noncontrolling interests in the operating partnership. Adjustments for unconsolidated entities are calculated to reflect FFO on the same basis. NAREIT developed FFO as a relative measure of performance of an equity REIT to recognize that income-producing real estate historically has not depreciated on the basis determined by GAAP. Our calculation of AFFO excludes write-off of loan costs and exit fees, other impairment charges, other income/expense, transaction, acquisition and management conversion costs, legal judgment and related legal costs, dead deal costs, and non-cash items such as unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities, derivative instruments and the AQUA U.S. Fund, as well as our portion of adjustments to FFO related to unconsolidated entities. We exclude items from AFFO that are either non-cash or are not part of our core operations in order to provide a period-over-period comparison of our operating results. We consider FFO and AFFO to be appropriate measures of our ongoing normalized operating performance as a REIT. We compute FFO in accordance with our interpretation of standards established by NAREIT, which may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that either do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or interpret the NAREIT definition differently than us. FFO and AFFO do not represent cash generated from operating activities as determined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to a) GAAP net income or loss as an indication of our financial performance or b) GAAP cash flows from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to satisfy our cash needs, including our ability to make cash distributions. However, to facilitate a clear understanding of our historical operating results, we believe that FFO and AFFO should be considered along with our net income or loss and cash flows reported in the consolidated financial statements.
The following table reconciles net income (loss) to FFO and Adjusted FFO (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (12,139 | ) | $ | 366,807 | ||
Loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interest | 38 | 25 | |||||
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership | 2,112 | (45,336 | ) | ||||
Preferred dividends | (8,490 | ) | (8,490 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | (18,479 | ) | 313,006 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization of real estate | 62,101 | 37,820 | |||||
(Gain) loss on acquisition of PIM Highland JV and sale of hotel properties | 114 | (380,705 | ) | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership | (2,112 | ) | 45,336 | ||||
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities | 519 | 6,622 | |||||
Company's portion of FFO of unconsolidated entities (Ashford Inc.) | (155 | ) | (2,747 | ) | |||
Company's portion of FFO of unconsolidated entities (Ashford Prime OP) | — | 1,452 | |||||
Company's portion of FFO of unconsolidated entities (PIM Highland JV) | — | 3,791 | |||||
FFO available to the Company and OP unitholders | 41,988 | 24,575 | |||||
Write-off of loan costs and exit fees | — | 4,767 | |||||
Other impairment charges | (111 | ) | (106 | ) | |||
Transaction, acquisition and management conversion costs | 218 | 3,924 | |||||
Other (income) expense (1) | 252 | (4,330 | ) | ||||
Legal judgment and related legal costs | 24 | 24 | |||||
Unrealized loss on marketable securities | — | 1,802 | |||||
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives | (6,918 | ) | 1,698 | ||||
Dead deal costs | (3 | ) | 55 | ||||
Non-cash stock/unit-based compensation | 984 | 171 | |||||
Company's portion of unrealized loss of AQUA U.S. Fund | 3,066 | — | |||||
Company's portion of adjustments to FFO of unconsolidated entities (Ashford Inc.) | 748 | 1,744 | |||||
Company's portion of adjustments to FFO of unconsolidated entities (Ashford Prime OP) | — | (148 | ) | ||||
Adjusted FFO available to the Company and OP unitholders | $ | 40,248 | $ | 34,176 |
____________________________________
(1) Other (income) expense, which primarily consists of costs associated with credit default swaps in both periods and net realized gain/loss on marketable securities in 2015, is excluded from Adjusted FFO.
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HOTEL PORTFOLIO
The following table presents certain information related to our hotel properties as of March 31, 2016:
Hotel Property | Location | Service Type | Total Rooms | % Owned | Owned Rooms | ||||||||
Fee Simple Properties | |||||||||||||
Embassy Suites | Austin, TX | Full service | 150 | 100 | % | 150 | |||||||
Embassy Suites | Dallas, TX | Full service | 150 | 100 | 150 | ||||||||
Embassy Suites | Herndon, VA | Full service | 150 | 100 | 150 | ||||||||
Embassy Suites | Las Vegas, NV | Full service | 220 | 100 | 220 | ||||||||
Embassy Suites | Syracuse, NY | Full service | 215 | 100 | 215 | ||||||||
Embassy Suites | Flagstaff, AZ | Full service | 119 | 100 | 119 | ||||||||
Embassy Suites | Houston, TX | Full service | 150 | 100 | 150 | ||||||||
Embassy Suites | West Palm Beach, FL | Full service | 160 | 100 | 160 | ||||||||
Embassy Suites | Philadelphia, PA | Full service | 263 | 100 | 263 | ||||||||
Embassy Suites | Walnut Creek, CA | Full service | 249 | 100 | 249 | ||||||||
Embassy Suites | Arlington, VA | Full service | 267 | 100 | 267 | ||||||||
Embassy Suites | Portland, OR | Full service | 276 | 100 | 276 | ||||||||
Embassy Suites | Santa Clara, CA | Full service | 257 | 100 | 257 | ||||||||
Embassy Suites | Orlando, FL | Full service | 174 | 100 | 174 | ||||||||
Hilton Garden Inn | Jacksonville, FL | Select service | 119 | 100 | 119 | ||||||||
Hilton Garden Inn | Austin, TX | Select service | 254 | 100 | 254 | ||||||||
Hilton Garden Inn | Baltimore, MD | Select service | 158 | 100 | 158 | ||||||||
Hilton Garden Inn | Virginia Beach, VA | Select service | 176 | 100 | 176 | ||||||||
Hilton Garden Inn | Wisconsin Dells, WI | Select service | 128 | 100 | 128 | ||||||||
Hilton | Houston, TX | Full service | 242 | 100 | 242 | ||||||||
Hilton | St. Petersburg, FL | Full service | 333 | 100 | 333 | ||||||||
Hilton | Santa Fe, NM | Full service | 158 | 100 | 158 | ||||||||
Hilton | Bloomington, MN | Full service | 300 | 100 | 300 | ||||||||
Hilton | Costa Mesa, CA | Full service | 486 | 100 | 486 | ||||||||
Hilton | Boston, MA | Full service | 390 | 100 | 390 | ||||||||
Hilton | Parsippany, NJ | Full service | 353 | 100 | 353 | ||||||||
Hilton | Tampa, FL | Full service | 238 | 100 | 238 | ||||||||
Hampton Inn | Lawrenceville, GA | Select service | 85 | 100 | 85 | ||||||||
Hampton Inn | Evansville, IN | Select service | 140 | 100 | 140 | ||||||||
Hampton Inn | Parsippany, NJ | Select service | 152 | 100 | 152 | ||||||||
Hampton Inn | Buford, GA | Select service | 92 | 100 | 92 | ||||||||
Hampton Inn | Phoenix, AZ | Select service | 106 | 100 | 106 | ||||||||
Hampton Inn - Waterfront | Pittsburgh, PA | Select service | 113 | 100 | 113 | ||||||||
Hampton Inn - Washington | Pittsburgh, PA | Select service | 103 | 100 | 103 | ||||||||
Hampton Inn | Columbus, OH | Select service | 145 | 100 | 145 | ||||||||
Hampton Inn | Gainesville, FL | Select service | 124 | 100 | 124 | ||||||||
Marriott | Beverly Hills, CA | Full service | 260 | 100 | 260 | ||||||||
Marriott | Durham, NC | Full service | 225 | 100 | 225 | ||||||||
Marriott | Arlington, VA | Full service | 697 | 100 | 697 | ||||||||
Marriott | Bridgewater, NJ | Full service | 347 | 100 | 347 | ||||||||
Marriott | Dallas, TX | Full service | 265 | 100 | 265 | ||||||||
Marriott | Fremont, CA | Full service | 357 | 100 | 357 | ||||||||
Marriott | Memphis, TN | Full service | 232 | 100 | 232 | ||||||||
Marriott | Irving, TX | Full service | 491 | 100 | 491 |
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Hotel Property | Location | Service Type | Total Rooms | % Owned | Owned Rooms | ||||||||
Marriott | Omaha, NE | Full service | 300 | 100 | 300 | ||||||||
Marriott | San Antonio, TX | Full service | 251 | 100 | 251 | ||||||||
Marriott | Sugarland, TX | Full service | 300 | 100 | 300 | ||||||||
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Jacksonville, FL | Select service | 102 | 100 | 102 | ||||||||
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Baltimore, MD | Select service | 133 | 100 | 133 | ||||||||
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Kennesaw, GA | Select service | 90 | 100 | 90 | ||||||||
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Buford, GA | Select service | 97 | 100 | 97 | ||||||||
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Gaithersburg, MD | Select service | 162 | 100 | 162 | ||||||||
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Centreville, VA | Select service | 136 | 100 | 136 | ||||||||
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Charlotte, NC | Select service | 136 | 100 | 136 | ||||||||
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Durham, NC | Select service | 120 | 100 | 120 | ||||||||
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Orlando, FL | Select service | 400 | 100 | 400 | ||||||||
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Manhattan Beach, CA | Select service | 164 | 100 | 164 | ||||||||
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Plymouth Meeting, PA | Select service | 199 | 100 | 199 | ||||||||
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Glen Allen, VA | Select service | 136 | 100 | 136 | ||||||||
Fairfield Inn by Marriott | Kennesaw, GA | Select service | 86 | 100 | 86 | ||||||||
Fairfield Inn by Marriott | Orlando, FL | Select service | 388 | 100 | 388 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Bloomington, IN | Select service | 117 | 100 | 117 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott - Tremont | Boston, MA | Select service | 315 | 100 | 315 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Columbus, IN | Select service | 90 | 100 | 90 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Denver, CO | Select service | 202 | 100 | 202 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Louisville, KY | Select service | 150 | 100 | 150 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Gaithersburg, MD | Select service | 210 | 100 | 210 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Crystal City, VA | Select service | 272 | 100 | 272 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Select service | 174 | 100 | 174 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Overland Park, KS | Select service | 168 | 100 | 168 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Palm Desert, CA | Select service | 151 | 100 | 151 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Savannah, GA | Select service | 156 | 100 | 156 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Foothill Ranch, CA | Select service | 156 | 100 | 156 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Alpharetta, GA | Select service | 154 | 100 | 154 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Orlando, FL | Select service | 312 | 100 | 312 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Oakland, CA | Select service | 156 | 100 | 156 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Scottsdale, AZ | Select service | 180 | 100 | 180 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Plano, TX | Select service | 153 | 100 | 153 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Edison, NJ | Select service | 146 | 100 | 146 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Newark, CA | Select service | 181 | 100 | 181 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Manchester, CT | Select service | 90 | 85 | 77 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Basking Ridge, NJ | Select service | 235 | 100 | 235 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott | Wichita, KS | Select service | 128 | 100 | 128 | ||||||||
Courtyard by Marriott - Billerica | Boston, MA | Select service | 210 | 100 | 210 | ||||||||
Homewood Suites | Pittsburgh, PA | Select service | 148 | 100 | 148 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Lake Buena Vista, FL | Select service | 210 | 100 | 210 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Evansville, IN | Select service | 78 | 100 | 78 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Orlando, FL | Select service | 350 | 100 | 350 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Falls Church, VA | Select service | 159 | 100 | 159 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | San Diego, CA | Select service | 150 | 100 | 150 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Salt Lake City, UT | Select service | 144 | 100 | 144 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Palm Desert, CA | Select service | 130 | 100 | 130 |
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Hotel Property | Location | Service Type | Total Rooms | % Owned | Owned Rooms | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Las Vegas, NV | Select service | 256 | 100 | 256 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Phoenix, AZ | Select service | 200 | 100 | 200 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Plano, TX | Select service | 126 | 100 | 126 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Newark, CA | Select service | 168 | 100 | 168 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Manchester, CT | Select service | 96 | 85 | 82 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Atlanta, GA | Select service | 150 | 100 | 150 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Jacksonville, FL | Select service | 120 | 100 | 120 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Stillwater, OK | Select service | 101 | 100 | 101 | ||||||||
Marriott Residence Inn | Tampa, FL | Select service | 109 | 100 | 109 | ||||||||
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | Manhattan Beach, CA | Select service | 144 | 100 | 144 | ||||||||
One Ocean | Atlantic Beach, FL | Full service | 193 | 100 | 193 | ||||||||
Sheraton Hotel | Ann Arbor, MI | Full service | 197 | 100 | 197 | ||||||||
Sheraton Hotel | Langhorne, PA | Full service | 186 | 100 | 186 | ||||||||
Sheraton Hotel | Minneapolis, MN | Full service | 220 | 100 | 220 | ||||||||
Sheraton Hotel | Indianapolis, IN | Full service | 378 | 100 | 378 | ||||||||
Sheraton Hotel | Anchorage, AK | Full service | 370 | 100 | 370 | ||||||||
Sheraton Hotel | San Diego, CA | Full service | 260 | 100 | 260 | ||||||||
Hyatt Regency | Coral Gables, FL | Full service | 253 | 100 | 253 | ||||||||
Hyatt Regency | Hauppauge, NY | Full service | 358 | 100 | 358 | ||||||||
Hyatt Regency | Savannah, GA | Full service | 351 | 100 | 351 | ||||||||
Renaissance | Nashville, TN | Full service | 673 | 100 | 673 | ||||||||
Crowne Plaza | Atlanta, GA | Full service | 495 | 100 | 495 | ||||||||
Annapolis Historic Inn | Annapolis, MD | Full service | 124 | 100 | 124 | ||||||||
Lakeway Resort & Spa | Austin, TX | Full service | 168 | 100 | 168 | ||||||||
Silversmith | Chicago, IL | Full service | 144 | 100 | 144 | ||||||||
The Churchill | Washington, DC | Full service | 173 | 100 | 173 | ||||||||
The Melrose | Washington, DC | Full service | 240 | 100 | 240 | ||||||||
Le Pavillon | New Orleans, LA | Full service | 226 | 100 | 226 | ||||||||
The Ashton | Ft. Worth, TX | Select service | 39 | 100 | 39 | ||||||||
Westin | Princeton, NJ | Full service | 296 | 100 | 296 | ||||||||
W | Atlanta, GA | Full service | 237 | 100 | 237 | ||||||||
W | Minneapolis, MN | Full service | 229 | 100 | 229 | ||||||||
Le Meridien | Minneapolis, MN | Full service | 60 | 100 | 60 | ||||||||
Hotel Indigo | Atlanta, GA | Full service | 140 | 100 | 140 | ||||||||
Ground Lease Properties | |||||||||||||
Crown Plaza | Key West, FL | Full service | 160 | 100 | % | 160 | |||||||
Crown Plaza | Annapolis, MD | Full service | 196 | 100 | 196 | ||||||||
Hilton | Ft. Worth, TX | Full service | 294 | 100 | 294 | ||||||||
Renaissance | Palm Springs, CA | Full service | 410 | 100 | 410 | ||||||||
Renaissance | Portsmouth, VA | Full service | 249 | 100 | 249 | ||||||||
Ritz-Carlton | Atlanta, GA | Full service | 444 | 100 | 444 | ||||||||
Total | 27,977 | 27,950 |
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ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Our primary market risk exposure consists of changes in interest rates on borrowings under our debt instruments, our derivatives portfolio and notes receivable that bear interest at variable rates that fluctuate with market interest rates. The analysis below presents the sensitivity of the market value of our financial instruments to selected changes in market interest rates.
At March 31, 2016, our total indebtedness of $3.9 billion included $2.8 billion of variable-rate debt. The impact on our results of operations of a 25-basis point change in interest rate on the outstanding balance of variable-rate debt at March 31, 2016 would be approximately $7.0 million annually. Interest rate changes have no impact on the remaining $1.1 billion of fixed-rate debt. At December 31, 2015, the total consolidated indebtedness of $3.9 billion included $2.8 billion of variable-rate debt. The impact on the results of operations of a 25-basis point change in interest rate on the outstanding balance of variable-rate debt at December 31, 2015 would be approximately $7.0 million per year. Interest rate changes will have no impact on the remaining $1.1 billion of fixed rate debt.
The above amounts were determined based on the impact of hypothetical interest rates on our borrowings and assume no changes in our capital structure. As the information presented above includes only those exposures that existed at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, it does not consider exposures or positions that could arise after that date. Accordingly, the information presented herein has limited predictive value. As a result, the ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to interest rate fluctuations will depend on exposures that arise during the period, the hedging strategies at the time, and the related interest rates.
We have entered into credit default swap transactions for notional amounts totaling $240.0 million, to hedge financial and capital market risk for upfront costs of $11.4 million, that was subsequently returned to us as collateral by our counterparties. A credit default swap is a derivative contract that functions like an insurance policy against the credit risk of an entity or obligation. The seller of protection assumes the credit risk of the reference obligation from the buyer (us) of protection in exchange for annual premium payments. If a default or a loss, as defined in the credit default swap agreements, occurs on the underlying bonds, then the buyer of protection is protected against those losses. The only liability for us, the buyer, is the annual premium and any change in value of the underlying CMBX index (if the trade is terminated prior to maturity). For all CMBX trades completed to date, we were the buyer of protection. Credit default swaps are subject to master-netting settlement arrangements and credit support annexes. Assuming the underlying bonds pay off at par over their remaining average life, our total exposure for these trades was approximately $4.7 million at March 31, 2016.
We have purchased options on Eurodollar futures to hedge our cash flow risk for total upfront costs of $829,000, including commissions of $138,000. Eurodollar futures prices reflect market expectations for interest rates on three month Eurodollar deposits for specific dates in the future, and the final settlement price is determined by three-month LIBOR on the last trading day. Options on Eurodollar futures provide the ability to limit losses while maintaining the possibility of profiting from favorable changes in the futures prices. As the purchaser, our maximum potential loss is limited to the initial premium paid for the Eurodollar option contracts, while our potential gain has no limit. These exchange-traded options are centrally cleared, and a clearinghouse stands in between all trades to ensure that the obligations involved in the trades are fulfilled.
ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of March 31, 2016 (“Evaluation Date”). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective (i) to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms; and (ii) to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
Litigation—Palm Beach Florida Hotel and Office Building Limited Partnership, et al. v. Nantucket Enterprises, Inc. This litigation involves a landlord tenant dispute from 2008 in which the landlord, Palm Beach Florida Hotel and Office Building Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of the Company, claimed that the tenant had violated various lease provisions of the lease agreement and was therefore in default. The tenant counterclaimed and asserted multiple claims including that it had been wrongfully evicted. The litigation was instituted by the plaintiff in November 2008 in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, in and for Palm Beach County, Florida and proceeded to a jury trial on June 30, 2014. The jury entered its verdict awarding the tenant total claims of $10.8 million and ruling against the landlord on its claim of breach of contract. A final judgment was entered and the landlord filed an appeal with the 4th District Court of Appeals in Florida. Both parties have fully briefed the Appeal and oral argument is scheduled for May 31, 2016.
As a result of the jury verdict, we recorded the $10.8 million judgment, pre-judgment interest of $802,000 and accrued a reasonable estimate of $400,000 of loss related to legal fees during 2014 and 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recorded additional pre-judgment interest of $24,000. Including the judgment, pre-judgment interest and estimated loss of legal expenses, total expenses recorded were $12.0 million through March 31, 2016. The additional charges related to pre-judgment interest are included in “other” hotel expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
We are engaged in other various legal proceedings which have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. The likelihood of loss from these legal proceedings, based on definitions within contingency accounting literature, ranges from remote to reasonably possible and to probable. Based on estimates of the range of potential losses associated with these matters, management does not believe the ultimate resolution of these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. However, the final results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty and if we fail to prevail in one or more of these legal matters, and the associated realized losses exceed our current estimates of the range of potential losses, our consolidated financial position or results of operations could be materially adversely affected in future periods.
ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
The discussion of our business and operations should be read together with the risk factors contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which describe various risks and uncertainties to which we are or may become subject. These risks and uncertainties have the potential to affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, strategies, or prospects in a material and adverse manner. At March 31, 2016, there have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2015.
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ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
The following table provides the information with respect to purchases of shares of our common stock during each of the months in the first quarter of 2016:
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan (2) | Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan | ||||||||||
Common stock: | ||||||||||||||
January 1 to January 31 (1) | 1,151 | $ | — | (3) | — | $ | 200,000,000 | |||||||
February 1 to February 29(1) | 2,952 | — | (3) | — | 200,000,000 | |||||||||
March 1 to March 31 (1) | 130,860 | 5.85 | (3) | — | 200,000,000 | |||||||||
Total | 134,963 | $ | 5.85 | — |
____________________
(1) | Includes shares that were repurchased when former employees of Ashford LLC, who held restricted shares of our common stock, forfeited the shares upon termination of employment. |
(2) | In September 2011, our board of directors announced the reinstatement of our 2007 share repurchase program and authorized an increase in repurchase plan authorization from the remaining $58.4 million to $200.0 million. The plan provides for: (i) the repurchase of shares of our common stock, Series A preferred stock, Series D preferred stock and Series E preferred stock, and /or (ii) discounted purchases of outstanding debt obligations, including debt secured by hotel assets. No shares of common or preferred stock have been repurchased under this program since September 2011and none are authorized for purchase without further authorization from our board of directors. |
(3) | There is no cost associated with the repurchase of forfeited restricted shares of our common stock. |
ITEM 3. | DEFAULT UPON SENIOR SECURITIES |
None.
ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES |
None.
ITEM 5. | OTHER INFORMATION |
None.
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ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS |
Exhibit | Description | ||
3.1 | Articles of Amendment and Restatement, as amended by Amendment Number One to Articles of Amendment and Restatement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed May 15, 2015) (File No. 333-204235) | ||
3.2 | Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on October 26, 2014 and by Amendment No. 2 on October 19, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed on October 22, 2015) | ||
12* | Statement Regarding Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends | ||
31.1* | Certifications of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended | ||
31.2* | Certifications of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended | ||
32.1* | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | ||
32.2* | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | ||
The following materials from the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 are formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) Consolidated Statements Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iii) Consolidated Statement of Equity; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with Rule 402 of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing. | |||
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | Submitted electronically with this report. | |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | Submitted electronically with this report. | |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document | Submitted electronically with this report. | |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | Submitted electronically with this report. | |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document. | Submitted electronically with this report. | |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document. | Submitted electronically with this report. |
___________________________________
* Filed herewith.
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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.
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC.
Date: | May 10, 2016 | By: | /s/ MONTY J. BENNETT | |
Monty J. Bennett | ||||
Chief Executive Officer | ||||
Date: | May 10, 2016 | By: | /s/ DERIC S. EUBANKS | |
Deric S. Eubanks | ||||
Chief Financial Officer |
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