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Ashford Inc. - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

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 September 30, 2017
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: 001-36400

ASHFORD INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
 
46-5292553
(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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “small reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
¨
 
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
þ
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
þ
    
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) if the Exchange Act. þ

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
 
2,092,721
(Class)
 
Outstanding at November 6, 2017


ASHFORD INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
44,561

 
$
84,091

Restricted cash
11,109

 
9,752

Investments in securities
—

 
91

Prepaid expenses and other
1,073

 
1,305

Receivables
518

 
16

Due from Ashford Trust OP
11,705

 
12,179

Due from Ashford Prime OP
1,065

 
3,817

Other assets
128

 
—

Total current assets
70,159

 
111,251

Investments in unconsolidated entities
500

 
500

Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net
11,753

 
12,044

Deferred tax assets
630

 
6,002

Goodwill
813

 
—

Intangible assets, net
157

 
—

Total assets
$
84,012

 
$
129,797

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
12,059

 
$
11,314

Due to affiliate
2,071

 
933

Due to Ashford Prime OP from AQUA U.S. Fund
—

 
2,289

Deferred compensation plan
202

 
144

Notes payable
340

 
—

Other liabilities
11,109

 
9,752

Total current liabilities
25,781

 
24,432

Accrued expenses
68

 
287

Deferred income
11,488

 
4,515

Deferred compensation plan
12,397

 
8,934

Notes payable
20

 
—

Total liabilities
49,754

 
38,168

Commitments and contingencies (note 8)


 


Redeemable noncontrolling interests
251

 
179

Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock
1,685

 
1,301

Equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized:
 
 
 
Series A cumulative preferred stock, no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
—

 
—

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 2,022,403 and 2,015,589 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
20

 
20

Additional paid-in capital
242,830

 
237,796

Accumulated deficit
(210,988
)
 
(200,439
)
Total stockholders’ equity of the Company
31,862

 
37,377

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities
460

 
52,772

Total equity
32,322

 
90,149

Total liabilities and equity
$
84,012

 
$
129,797

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2

ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
REVENUE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advisory services
$
17,357

 
$
16,427

 
$
47,960

 
$
47,820

Other
1,898

 
111

 
3,947

 
279

Total revenue
19,255

 
16,538

 
51,907

 
48,099

EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and benefits
16,750

 
12,964

 
39,146

 
38,156

Depreciation and amortization
581

 
271

 
1,636

 
815

General and administrative
3,897

 
3,438

 
12,493

 
11,967

Impairment
—

 
—

 
1,072

 
—

Other
367

 
—

 
618

 
—

Total expenses
21,595

 
16,673

 
54,965

 
50,938

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
(2,340
)
 
(135
)
 
(3,058
)
 
(2,839
)
Realized gain (loss) on investment in unconsolidated entity
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3,601
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment in unconsolidated entity
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,141

Interest expense and amortization of loan costs
(20
)
 
—

 
(35
)
 
—

Interest income
82

 
21

 
153

 
44

Dividend income
—

 
33

 
93

 
79

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments
—

 
287

 
203

 
1,182

Realized gain (loss) on investments
—

 
(728
)
 
(294
)
 
(7,071
)
Other income (expense)
(5
)
 
5

 
(26
)
 
(144
)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
(2,283
)
 
(517
)
 
(2,964
)
 
(10,209
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
25

 
(575
)
 
(9,248
)
 
(560
)
NET INCOME (LOSS)
(2,258
)
 
(1,092
)
 
(12,212
)
 
(10,769
)
(Income) loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interests
102

 
486

 
267

 
6,852

Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
4

 
(1
)
 
4

 
6

Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock
296

 
322

 
991

 
788

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY
$
(1,856
)
 
$
(285
)
 
$
(10,950
)
 
$
(3,123
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY
$
(1,856
)
 
$
(285
)
 
$
(10,950
)
 
$
(3,123
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC AND DILUTED
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
(0.92
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(5.42
)
 
$
(1.55
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
2,022

 
2,014

 
2,019

 
2,011

Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
(1.05
)
 
$
(0.49
)
 
$
(5.82
)
 
$
(2.33
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
2,054

 
2,262

 
2,052

 
2,188

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(unaudited, in thousands)
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Accumulated
 Deficit
 
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Entities
 
Total
 
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
 
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary Common Stock
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2017
2,016

 
$
20

 
$
237,796

 
$
(200,439
)
 
$
52,772

 
$
90,149

 
$
179

 
$
1,301

Purchases of common stock
—

 
—

 
(24
)
 
—

 
—

 
(24
)
 
—

 
—

Equity-based compensation
4

 
—

 
5,658

 
684

 
28

 
6,370

 
—

 
—

OpenKey warrant issuance
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
28

 
28

 
—

 
—

Deferred compensation plan distribution
2

 
—

 
152

 
—

 
—

 
152

 
—

 
—

Employee advances
—

 
—

 
(71
)
 
—

 
—

 
(71
)
 
—

 
—

Distributions to consolidated noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
(19
)
 
(221
)
 
(240
)
 
—

 
—

Contributions from noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
983

 
983

 
—

 
—

Acquisition of Pure Rooms
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
425

 
425

 
—

 
—

Reallocation of carrying value
—

 
—

 
(681
)
 
—

 
(506
)
 
(1,187
)
 
—

 
1,187

Redemption of noncontrolling interest holder in AQUA U.S. Fund
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(52,782
)
 
(52,782
)
 
—

 
—

Redemption value adjustment
—

 
—

 
—

 
(264
)
 
—

 
(264
)
 
76

 
188

Net income (loss)
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10,950
)
 
(267
)
 
(11,217
)
 
(4
)
 
(991
)
Balance at September 30, 2017
2,022

 
$
20

 
$
242,830

 
$
(210,988
)
 
$
460

 
$
32,322

 
$
251

 
$
1,685

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


4

ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited, in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(12,212
)
 
$
(10,769
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
1,650

 
815

Change in fair value of deferred compensation plan
3,673

 
(1,178
)
Realized and unrealized (gain) loss on investment in unconsolidated entity, net
—

 
1,460

Equity-based compensation
6,370

 
8,769

Excess tax (benefit) deficiency on equity-based compensation
—

 
314

Deferred tax expense (benefit)
5,372

 
(1,026
)
Impairment
1,072

 
—

(Gain) loss on sale of furniture, fixtures and equipment
8

 
—

Amortization of loan costs
24

 
—

Realized and unrealized (gain) loss on investments, net
91

 
5,889

Purchases of investments in securities
—

 
(95,560
)
Sales of investments in securities
—

 
162,607

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, exclusive of the effect of acquisitions:
 
 
 
Prepaid expenses and other
245

 
964

Receivables
(211
)
 
232

Due from Ashford Trust OP
339

 
(390
)
Due from Ashford Prime OP
2,752

 
(82
)
Other assets
(68
)
 
—

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
374

 
(358
)
Due to affiliates
690

 
(338
)
Other liabilities
1,357

 
4,407

Deferred income
6,522

 
3,020

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
18,048

 
78,776

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
 
Additions to furniture, fixtures and equipment
(1,818
)
 
(4,158
)
Proceeds from disposal of furniture, fixtures and equipment, net
15

 
—

Cash acquired in acquisition of Pure Rooms
129

 
—

Redemption of investment in unconsolidated entity
—

 
1,375

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(1,674
)
 
(2,783
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
Payments on note payable
(96
)
 
—

Payments of loan costs
(28
)
 
—

Excess tax benefit (deficiency) on equity-based compensation
—

 
(314
)
Purchases of common stock
(24
)
 
(20
)
Employee advances
(71
)
 
143

Contributions from noncontrolling interest
983

 
2,051

Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities
(55,311
)
 
(44,116
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(54,547
)
 
(42,256
)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(38,173
)
 
33,737

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
93,843

 
55,956

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
55,670

 
$
89,693

 
 
 
 

5

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
9

 
$
134

Income taxes paid
3,793

 
1,359

Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities
 
 
 
Distribution from deferred compensation plan
152

 
—

Capital expenditures accrued but not paid
1,068

 
1,133

Accrued but unpaid redemption of AQUA U.S. Fund
—

 
2,311

Subsidiary equity consideration for Pure Rooms acquisition
425

 
—

Assumption of debt associated with Pure Rooms acquisition
475

 
—

Issuance of OpenKey warrant
28

 
—

 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
$
84,091

 
$
50,272

Restricted cash at beginning of period
9,752

 
5,684

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
$
93,843

 
$
55,956

 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
44,561

 
$
79,602

Restricted cash at end of period
11,109

 
10,091

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
55,670

 
$
89,693

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6
Table of Contents
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)



1. Organization and Description of Business
Ashford Inc. is a Maryland corporation formed on April 2, 2014 that provides asset management and advisory services to Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (“Ashford Trust”) and Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. (“Ashford Prime”). Ashford Trust commenced operating in August 2003 and is focused on investing in full service hotels in the upscale and upper-upscale segments in the U.S. that have revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) generally less than twice the national average. Ashford Prime invests primarily in luxury hotels and resorts with RevPAR of at least twice the U.S. national average. Ashford Prime became a publicly traded company in November 2013 upon the completion of its spin-off from Ashford Trust. Each of Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, and the common stock of each of Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime is traded on the NYSE. The common stock of Ashford Inc. is listed on the NYSE American Exchange. Ashford Trust holds approximately 598,000 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock for the benefit of its common stockholders, which represents an approximate 30% ownership interest in Ashford Inc. Ashford Prime holds approximately 195,000 shares, which represents an approximate 9.6% ownership interest in Ashford Inc.
On April 6, 2017, Ashford Inc. entered into the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “Amended and Restated LLC Agreement”) of Ashford Hospitality Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a subsidiary of the Company (“Ashford Holdings”), in connection with the merger (the “Merger”) of Ashford Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, with and into Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the operating company of the Company (“Ashford LLC”), with Ashford LLC surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashford Holdings. Ashford Holdings is owned 99.8% by Ashford Inc. and 0.2% by noncontrolling interest holders. The terms of the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement are consistent with the terms of the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Advisors. The Merger was effectuated in order to facilitate the acquisition by the Company of certain ancillary service businesses.
Ashford Investment Management, LLC (“AIM”) is an indirect subsidiary of the Company, established to serve as an investment adviser to any private securities funds sponsored by us or our affiliates (the “Funds”) and is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). AIM REHE Funds GP, LP (“AIM GP”), or an affiliate of AIM GP, serves as the general partner of any Funds. AIM Management Holdco, LLC (“Management Holdco”) owns 100% of AIM. We, through Ashford LLC, own 100% of Management Holdco. AIM Performance Holdco, LP (“Performance Holdco”) owns 99.99% of AIM GP with the remaining 0.01% general partner interest owned by our wholly-owned subsidiary, AIM General Partner, LLC. We, through Ashford LLC and our 100% ownership interest in AIM General Partner, LLC, own approximately 60% of Performance Holdco, and Mr. Monty J. Bennett, our chief executive officer and chairman of our board of directors, and Mr. J. Robison Hays, III, our chief strategy officer and a member of our board of directors, own, in the aggregate, 40% of Performance Holdco. AIM, AIM GP, Management Holdco, Performance Holdco and AIM General Partner, LLC are all consolidated by Ashford Inc. as it has control.
During the first quarter of 2017, AIM served as investment adviser to Ashford Quantitative Alternative Master Fund, L.P. (the “AQUA Master Fund”), an investment partnership formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands and commenced operations on January 15, 2015. The Master Fund was organized for the purpose of purchasing, selling (including short sales), investing and trading in investments and engaging in financial transactions, including borrowing, financing, pledging, hedging and other derivative transactions. The Master Fund had one limited partner: Ashford Quantitative Alternatives (U.S.), LP (the “AQUA U.S. Fund”), a U.S. investment limited partnership. The AQUA U.S. Fund invested substantially all of its assets in the Master Fund. The Master Fund was managed by AIM GP and AIM. The AQUA Master Fund and the AQUA U.S. Fund are collectively known as the “AQUA Fund.”
AIM was entitled to receive an investment management fee equal to 1.5% to 2.0% of the beginning quarterly capital account balance of certain limited partners. AIM GP serves as the general partner to the AQUA U.S. Fund and the AQUA Master Fund. As such, it was entitled to receive a performance allocation, which was earned annually and equaled 15% to 20% of positive changes in the capital account balance of certain of its limited partners. Ashford Trust and other limited partners were not obligated to pay any portion of the management fee or the performance allocation to AIM or AIM GP, as applicable, but do share pro rata in all other applicable expenses.
On March 7, 2017, AIM GP, the general partner of the AQUA U.S. Fund, provided written notice to the AQUA U.S. Fund's limited partners of its election to dissolve the AQUA U.S. Fund pursuant to Section 6.1(a) of the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the AQUA U.S. Fund as of March 31, 2017 (the “Dissolution Date”). In connection with the dissolution of the AQUA U.S. Fund, the AQUA Master Fund was liquidated in accordance with the laws of the Cayman Islands.

7
Table of Contents
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


The balance of all limited partners' capital accounts in the AQUA U.S. Fund, less an audit hold-back of 5%, was distributed to limited partners in cash on the Dissolution Date, and thereafter limited partners ceased to be a limited partner of the AQUA U.S. Fund. The remaining hold-back amounts were paid during the second quarter of 2017. As of September 30, 2017, AQUA U.S. Fund has been fully dissolved.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the operations of our asset and investment management business including the AQUA Fund (through March 31, 2017, the date of its dissolution) and entities that we consolidate. Our asset and investment management business provides asset and investment management, accounting and legal services to Ashford Trust, Ashford Prime and the AQUA Fund. In this report, the terms the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refers to Ashford Inc. and all entities included in its condensed consolidated financial statements.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation and Combination—The accompanying historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with 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 condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ashford Inc., its majority-owned subsidiaries and entities which it controls. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions between these entities have been eliminated in these historical condensed consolidated financial statements. The AQUA Funds are investment companies and follow the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Boards (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946. We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. We believe the disclosures made herein are adequate to prevent the information presented from being misleading. However, the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2017.
A variable interest entity (“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.
As of September 30, 2017, we held a variable interest in OpenKey, Inc. (“OpenKey”), a consolidated VIE in which the redeemable noncontrolling interest holder held a 39.59% interest and the noncontrolling interest holders held a 16.51% interest. As we meet the conditions discussed above, we are considered the primary beneficiary of OpenKey and therefore we consolidate it. As of September 30, 2017, OpenKey held approximately $2.1 million of total assets that primarily consisted of cash and cash equivalents and other assets that can only be used to settle its obligations. Additionally, as of September 30, 2017, OpenKey had accounts payable and accrued expenses of approximately $787,000 for which creditors do not have recourse to Ashford Inc., and also had not drawn on its available line of credit.
As of December 31, 2016, we held a variable interest in OpenKey, in which the redeemable noncontrolling interest holder held a 46.31% interest and the noncontrolling interest holders held a 13.63% interest. As of December 31, 2016, OpenKey held approximately $960,000 of total assets that primarily consisted of cash and cash equivalents and other assets that could only be used to settle its obligations. Additionally, as of December 31, 2016, OpenKey had accounts payable and accrued expenses of approximately $256,000 for which creditors did not have recourse to Ashford Inc.
As of September 30, 2017, we held a variable interest in PRE Opco, LLC (“Pure Rooms”), a consolidated VIE in which the noncontrolling interest holders held a 30% interest. As we meet the conditions discussed above, we are considered the primary beneficiary of Pure Rooms and therefore we consolidate it. As of September 30, 2017, Pure Rooms held approximately $772,000 of total assets that primarily consisted of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and other assets that can only be used to settle its obligations. As of September 30, 2017, Pure Rooms had accounts payable and accrued expenses of approximately $1.2 million for which creditors do not have recourse to Ashford Inc. Additionally, as of September 30, 2017, Pure Rooms had a $279,000 term loan and a $100,000 outstanding balance on a line of credit, for which creditors do not have recourse to Ashford Inc.
Use of Estimates—The preparation of these condensed 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 condensed consolidated financial

8
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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Restricted Cash—Restricted cash represents reserves for casualty insurance claims and the associated ancillary costs. At the beginning of each year, Ashford Inc.’s Risk Management department collects funds, from the Ashford Trust/Prime properties and their respective management companies, of an amount equal to the actuarial forecast of that year’s expected casualty claims and associated fees. These funds are deposited into restricted cash and used to pay casualty claims throughout the year as they are incurred. The offset to restricted cash amounts is included in other liabilities. We early adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash effective January 1, 2017. See discussion in “Recently Adopted Accounting Standards” below.
Impairment of Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, net-Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net, which includes capitalized software implementation costs, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the asset is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of the asset 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 asset. If our analysis indicates that the carrying value of the asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, we recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the asset net book value exceeds its estimated fair value, or fair value, less cost to sell. In evaluating impairment of assets, 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 transactions and third-party appraisals, where considered necessary. Assets not yet placed into service are also reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that all or a portion of the assets will not be placed into service. We recorded impairment charges of $0 and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, offset by recognition of deferred income from reimbursable expenses related to capitalized software implementation costs. The impairment was recognized upon determination that a portion of the software will not be placed into service. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. No impairment charges were recorded for furniture, fixtures and equipment, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.
Noncontrolling Interests—Redeemable noncontrolling interests represent the members’ proportionate share of equity in earnings/losses of Ashford Holdings, which is an allocation of net income/loss attributable to the common unit holders based on the weighted average ownership percentage of these members’ interest. The redeemable noncontrolling interests is classified in the mezzanine section of the condensed consolidated balance sheets as these redeemable operating units do not meet the requirements for equity classification prescribed by the applicable accounting guidance because each common unit of membership interest may be redeemed by the holder for cash or registered shares in certain cases outside the Company’s control. The carrying value of the noncontrolling interests is based on the greater of the accumulated historical cost or the redemption value.
The redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiary common stock as of September 30, 2017, represented the 39.59% ownership interest in a consolidated VIE, OpenKey. The redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock is included in the mezzanine section of our condensed consolidated balance sheet as it is redeemable outside of the Company’s control. The carrying value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiary common stock is based on the accumulated historical cost adjusted to reflect the excess of redemption value over the accumulated historical cost.
As of September 30, 2017, noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities represented noncontrolling ownership interests of 40% in Performance Holdco, 16.51% in OpenKey and 30% in Pure Rooms. As of December 31, 2016, noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities represented noncontrolling ownership interests of 40% in Performance Holdco, 100% in the AQUA Fund and 13.63% in OpenKey.
Revenue Recognition—Revenues primarily consist of advisory and investment management fees and expense reimbursements that are recognized when services have been rendered. Advisory fees consist of base fees and incentive fees. The quarterly base fee ranges from 0.70% to 0.50% per annum of the total market capitalization ranges from less than $6.0 billion to greater than $10.0 billion of Ashford Trust’s total market capitalization plus the Key Money Asset Management Fee, as defined in the respective advisory agreement, subject to certain minimums. Similarly, the Ashford Prime base fee is fixed at 0.70% of Ashford Prime’s total market capitalization plus the Key Money Asset Management Fee, as defined in the respective advisory agreement, subject to certain minimums. Reimbursements for overhead, travel expenses, risk management and internal audit services are recognized when services have been rendered. We also record advisory revenue for equity grants of Ashford Prime and Ashford Trust common stock and Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) units awarded to our officers and employees 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, as well an offsetting expense in an equal amount included in “salaries and benefits.” Incentive advisory fees are earned annually in each year

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


that Ashford Prime’s and/or Ashford Trust’s annual total stockholder return exceeds the average annual total stockholder return for each company’s respective peer group, subject to the FCCR Condition, as defined in the advisory agreements. Incentive advisory fees are paid over a three-year period and each payment is subject to the FCCR Condition. Accordingly, incentive advisory fee revenue is recognized only when the amount earned is fixed and determinable and the FCCR Condition has been met. As incentive advisory fees are earned annually, we recognize revenue quarterly based on the amount that would be due pursuant to the applicable advisory agreement as of the interim balance sheet date in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance. Debt placement fees include revenues earned through provision of mortgage placement services and are recognized based on a stated percentage of the loan amount when services have been rendered.
Certain of our consolidated entities enter into multiple element arrangements with customers. For such arrangements, we determine whether each of the individual deliverables in the arrangement qualify as a separate unit of accounting, which requires that the deliverable have standalone value upon delivery. We allocate arrangement consideration to the separate units of accounting using the relative selling price method, in which allocation of consideration is based on vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”), or if VSOE and TPE are not available, management’s best estimate of a standalone selling price for the units of accounting. We limit the amount of arrangement consideration to amounts that are fixed or determinable. The arrangement consideration is recognized as revenue as the deliverables are provided to the customer, which is either up front for deliverables that have standalone value upon delivery, or ratably over the period of delivery.
Equity-Based Compensation—Equity-based compensation included in “salaries and benefits” is accounted for at fair value based on the market price of the shares/options on the date of grant in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The fair value is charged to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the shares/options. Grants of restricted stock to independent directors are recorded at fair value based on the market price of our shares at grant date, and this amount is fully expensed in “general and administrative” expense as the grants of stock are fully vested on the date of grant. In connection with providing advisory services, our officers and employees are granted common stock and LTIP units from Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime, which result in expense equal to the fair value of the award, included in “salaries and benefits” in proportion to the requisite service period satisfied during the period, as well as offsetting revenue in an equal amount included in “advisory services” revenue.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)—As there are no transactions requiring presentation in other comprehensive income (loss), but not in net income (loss), the Company’s net income (loss) equates to other comprehensive income (loss).
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities—We hold an investment in an unconsolidated entity with a carrying value of $500,000 at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, which we account for under the cost method of accounting as we do not exercise significant influence over the entity. We review the investments in 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 in earnings/loss in unconsolidated entities. No such impairment was recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 or September 30, 2016.
Income Taxes—The Company is subject to federal and state corporate income taxes. In accordance with authoritative accounting guidance, we account for income taxes using the asset and liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized.
Our effective tax rates on income (loss) before income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 were 1.0% and (111.2)%, and (312.0)% and (5.5)%, respectively. The rates reflect the effects of permanent differences, changes in the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, and losses attributable to noncontrolling interests in partnerships and LLC’s taxed as partnerships for which taxes are not the responsibility of the Company. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the rates also reflect the effect of a 0% effective tax rate on the net losses of certain consolidated VIEs due to it being more likely than not that the related deferred tax assets will not be realized primarily because of each entity’s history of losses. The portion of equity-based compensation expense related to LTIP units granted to Ashford Trust employees prior to the spin-off is not deductible for income tax purposes and is accounted for as a permanent difference.
We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. We assess whether valuation allowances should be established against deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” standard. The analysis utilized in determining the valuation allowance involves considerable judgment and assumptions. After consideration of all evidence, we concluded that it is not more likely than not that we will realize a substantial portion of our deferred tax assets. This conclusion was primarily

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


due to our historical pretax losses and the inability to carry back our deferred tax assets to historical taxable income after the organizational structure of our tax paying entities changed from the Merger described in note 1. Accordingly, at September 30, 2017, we recorded a deferred tax asset, net of $600,000, which was comprised of $31.3 million of net deferred tax assets offset by a $30.7 million valuation allowance. If our operating performance improves on a sustained basis, our conclusion regarding the need for a valuation allowance could change, resulting in the reversal of some or all of the valuation allowance in the future.
The “Income Taxes” Topic of the FASB ASC addresses the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. The guidance requires us to determine whether tax positions we have taken or expect to take in a tax return are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority based on the technical merits of the positions. Tax positions that do not meet the more likely than not threshold would be recorded as additional tax expense in the current period. We analyze all open tax years, as defined by the statute of limitations for each jurisdiction, which includes the federal jurisdiction and various states. We classify interest and penalties related to underpayment of income taxes as income tax expense. We and our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and cities. Tax years 2013 through 2016 remain subject to potential examination by certain federal and state taxing authorities.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting (“ASU 2016-07”). The new standard requires an investor to apply the equity method of accounting only from the date it qualifies for that method, i.e., the date the investor obtains significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. ASU 2016-07 eliminates the previous requirement to retroactively adjust the investment and record a cumulative catch up for the periods that the investment had been held, but did not qualify for the equity method of accounting. ASU 2016-07 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2016-07 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”) as part of the FASB simplification initiative. The new standard requires all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies (including tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards) to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit on the income statement. The tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. An entity also should recognize excess tax benefits, and assess the need for a valuation allowance, regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period. ASU 2016-09 also requires excess tax benefits to be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. In addition, ASU 2016-09 increases the tax withholding requirements threshold to qualify for equity classification. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies that cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity. ASU 2016-09 provides an optional accounting policy election to be applied on an entity-wide basis to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any entity in any interim or annual period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. We have adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017, and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”), which clarifies the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statements of cash flows. Under ASU 2016-18 restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statements of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017 on a retrospective basis. The adoption of this standard resulted in the inclusion of restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statements of cash flows for all periods presented. As a result net cash provided by operating activities increased $4.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Our beginning-of-period cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased $9.8 million and $5.7 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


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. An entity is required to (a) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (b) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (c) determine the transaction price, (d) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (e) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In determining the transaction price, an entity may include variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. ASU 2014-09 also specifies the accounting for certain costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. In addition, the new guidance requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The update will replace most existing revenue recognition 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, including interim periods within that reporting period. The FASB has also issued additional updates that further clarify the requirements of Topic 606 and provide implementation guidance. The standard permits the use of either the full retrospective or cumulative effect (modified retrospective) transition method.
Upon adoption of ASU 2014-09, the guidance currently applied by the Company in which it recognizes incentive fee income on an assumed liquidation basis at each reporting date will no longer be permitted. The Company expects the recognition of incentive fees, which are a form of variable consideration, to be tied to a performance obligation and deferred until such fees are probable of not being subject to significant reversal. We are currently in process of quantifying the impact on our financial statements, if any.
The Company is currently in the process of implementing the standard. The Company engaged a third party expert to assist in its implementation efforts and in selecting a transition method. The Company is continuing to evaluate the effect this guidance will have on other revenue streams, including principal versus agent considerations for reporting reimbursable revenue items gross versus net. In addition, the Company is evaluating the disclosure requirements under these standards while also identifying and preparing to implement changes to its accounting policies, practices and controls to support the new standards. The Company will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2018.
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 do not expect that ASU 2016-01 will have a material impact on our condensed 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 an 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. The new standard requires a lessor to classify leases as either sales-type, finance or operating. A lease will be treated as a sale if it transfers all of the risks and rewards, as well as control of the underlying asset, to the lessee. If risks and rewards are conveyed without the transfer of control, the lease is treated as a financing. If the lessor doesn’t convey risks and rewards or control, an operating lease results. 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 as well as for lessors for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The accounting for leases where we are the lessor remains largely unchanged. While we are currently in the initial stages of assessing the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements, we expect the primary impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements upon adoption will be the recognition, on a discounted basis, of any future minimum rentals due under noncancelable leases on our balance sheets resulting in the recording of right of use assets and lease obligations.

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 sets forth an “expected credit loss” impairment model to replace the current “incurred loss” method of recognizing credit losses. The standard requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for most financial assets held. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-13 will have on the condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments - a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU 2016-15”). The new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. Certain issues addressed in this guidance include - Debt payments or debt extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, distributions received from equity method investments and beneficial interests in securitization transactions. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-15 will have on our financial statements and related disclosures.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”), which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether a transaction should be accounted for as an acquisition (or disposal) of an asset or a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact that ASU 2017-01 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”), which removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. As a result, under ASU 2017-04, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. However, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, ASU 2017-04 clarifies that an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are evaluating the impact that ASU 2017-04 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
3. Acquisitions
Pure Rooms
On April 6, 2017, Ashford Hospitality Services LLC (“AHS”), a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., entered into an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) with PRE Opco, LLC (“Pure Rooms”), pursuant to which AHS became the sole owner of the common equity, or Series A Units, of Pure Rooms. In conjunction with the LLC Agreement, AHS contributed $97,000 cash to Pure Rooms. Pursuant to the Asset and Liability Contribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”), by and among Pure Rooms (as contributee) and PAFR, LLC, the members of PAFR, LLC and Brault Enterprises, LLC (collectively, the “Sellers”), the Sellers contributed liabilities, net of assets, with a net fair value of $563,000 (see purchase price allocation below) of the predecessor operating company, Pure Rooms NA, LLC, in exchange for certain equity interests in Pure Rooms, including 30% of the Series A Units, 100% of the Series B-1 Units, and 50% of the Series B-2 Units. The fair value of the remaining equity consideration included $42,000 of Series A Units, $181,000 of Series B-1 Units, and $202,000 of Series B-2 Units. As a result of the Contribution Agreement, our equity interest in Pure Rooms was 70%.
Per the LLC Agreement, the Series A Units are voting units and have the voting rights set forth in the Contribution Agreement but do not have management participation rights. The Series B-1 Units and Series B-2 Units are non-voting units and do not have voting or management participation rights. The distribution waterfall provides seniority as follows: Series B-1, Series B-2, then Series A. There is no coupon or other preference associated with the Series B-1 and B-2 unit classes.
The acquisition of Pure Rooms has been recorded using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with the authoritative guidance for business combinations, and the purchase price allocation is based on our valuation of the fair value of

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. We have completed our preliminary valuation to determine the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The fair values of the assets acquired were determined using various valuation techniques, including an income approach. The fair value measurements were primarily based on significant inputs that are not directly observable in the market and are considered Level 3 under the fair value measurements and disclosure framework. Key assumptions include cash flow projections of Pure Rooms and the discount rate applied to those cash flows. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill.
We have allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on a preliminary basis using estimated fair value information currently available. We are in the process of evaluating the values assigned to working capital balances, furniture, fixtures and equipment, goodwill, intangibles and notes payable. This valuation is considered a Level 3 valuation technique. Thus, the balances reflected below are subject to change, and any such changes could result in adjustments to the allocation. Any change to the amounts recorded within working capital balances, furniture, fixtures and equipment, goodwill, intangibles and notes payable could also impact depreciation, amortization and interest expense.
The purchase price and allocation of the purchase price is as follows (in thousands):
Equity consideration
 
$
425

Debt assumed - note payable
 
375

Debt assumed - line of credit
 
100

Purchase price
 
$
900

 
 
Fair Value
 
Estimated Useful Life
Cash
 
$
129

 
 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
 
170

 
3 years
Line of credit
 
(100
)
 
 
Note payable
 
(375
)
 
 
Other assumed liabilities, net of assets acquired
 
(387
)
 
 
Total assumed liabilities, net of assets acquired
 
(563
)
 
 
Customer relationships
 
175

 
5 years
Goodwill
 
813

 
 
Fair value of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary
 
$
425

 
 
Results of Pure Rooms
The results of operations of Pure Rooms have been included in our results of operations since the acquisition date. Results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, include total revenues of $828,000 and $1.5 million, respectively. In addition, our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, include net income of $58,000 and a net loss of $116,000, respectively. The unaudited pro forma results of operations as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2016 are included below under “Pro Forma Financial Results.”

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Approximately $813,000 of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill. We expect substantially all of the goodwill to be deductible for income tax purposes. The qualitative factors that make up the recorded goodwill include value associated with an assembled workforce and value attributable to expanding Pure Rooms’ operations through our relationships with Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime.
The net carrying amounts of intangible assets other than goodwill are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
September 30, 2017
Customer relationships
 
$
175

Accumulated amortization
 
(18
)
Customer relationships, net
 
$
157

Amortization expense of these intangible assets over the remaining 2017 period and the next five years is expected to be the following (in thousands):
Year
 
Aggregate Amortization Expense
October 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017
 
$
8

2018
 
35

2019
 
35

2020
 
35

2021
 
35

2022
 
9

 
 
$
157

Impairment Testing
The Company conducts impairment tests on goodwill annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We did not identify any circumstances that indicated that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable as of September 30, 2017.
Pro Forma Financial Results
The following table reflects the unaudited pro forma results of operations as if the Pure Rooms acquisition had occurred and the applicable indebtedness was incurred on January 1, 2016, and the removal of $0 and $202,000 of non-recurring transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisitions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Total revenue
$
19,255

 
$
17,045

 
$
52,613

 
$
49,641

Net income (loss)
(2,258
)
 
(1,049
)
 
(12,040
)
 
(10,986
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
(1,856
)
 
(255
)
 
(10,782
)
 
(3,273
)
Pro forma income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(0.92
)
 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
(5.34
)
 
$
(1.63
)
Diluted
$
(1.05
)
 
$
(0.47
)
 
$
(5.74
)
 
$
(2.39
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
2,022

 
2,014

 
2,019

 
2,011

Diluted
2,054

 
2,262

 
2,052

 
2,188


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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


4. Notes Payable, net
Notes payable, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
Indebtedness
 
Subsidiary
 
Collateral
 
Maturity
 
Interest Rate
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Revolving credit facility
 
OpenKey
 
None (2)
 
October 2018
 
Prime Rate (1) + 2.75%
 
$
—

 
$
—

Revolving credit facility
 
Pure Rooms
 
None
 
On demand
 
Prime Rate (1) + 1.00%
 
100

 
—

Term loan
 
Pure Rooms
 
None
 
October 2018
 
5.00%
 
279

 
—

Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
379

 
—

Less: current portion
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
340

 
—

Notes payable, gross - non-current
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
39

 
—

Deferred loan costs, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(19
)
 
—

Notes payable, net non-current
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
20

 
$
—

__________________
(1) 
Prime Rate was 4.25% at September 30, 2017.
(2) 
Creditors do not have recourse to Ashford Inc. The line of credit is secured by all of OpenKey's assets.
On April 6, 2017, in connection with the acquired controlling interest, Pure Rooms entered into a term loan of $375,000 and a line of credit of $100,000. The term loan has a fixed interest rate of 5.0% per annum with a stated maturity date of October 2018. The line of credit has a variable interest rate of the Prime Rate plus 1.0%. There is no stated maturity date related to the line of credit as it is payable on demand; accordingly, the balance has been classified as current.
On April 13, 2017, OpenKey entered into a Loan and Security Agreement ("Loan Agreement") for a line of credit in the amount of $1.5 million with Comerica Bank. The line of credit is secured by all of OpenKey's assets and matures on October 31, 2018 with an interest rate of Prime Rate plus 2.75%. At September 30, 2017, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Loan Agreement. In connection with the line of credit, OpenKey granted Comerica a 10-year warrant to purchase approximately 28,000 shares of OpenKey's preferred stock at $1.61 per share. The fair value of the warrants, estimated to be $28,000, was recorded in “noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities” and debt issuance costs, which will be amortized over the term of the line of credit.
5. Derivative Contracts
As of December 31, 2016, the volume of the AQUA U.S. Fund’s option derivative activities based on their notional amounts, which are the fair values of the underlying shares as if the options were exercised at December 31, 2016, was 8,000 long exposure contracts with a notional amount of $0 and no short exposure contracts. As of September 30, 2017, the AQUA U.S. Fund has been dissolved.
Options on Futures Contracts—During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we purchased no options on Eurodollar futures. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we purchased options on Eurodollar futures for total costs of $94,000 and a maturity date of June 2017. These options were not designated as cash flow hedges. The carrying value of these options on futures contract is included in “investments in securities” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
6. Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Hierarchy—Our financial instruments measured at fair value, either on a recurring or a non-recurring basis, are classified in a hierarchy for disclosure purposes consisting of three levels based on the observability of 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.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


•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.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following tables present 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)
 
Total
 
September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan
 
$
(12,599
)
 
$
—

 
$
(12,599
)
 
Total
 
$
(12,599
)
 
$
—

 
$
(12,599
)
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices (Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Total
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options on futures contracts
 
$
91

 
$
—

 
$
91

 
Total
 
91

 
—

 
91

(1) 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan
 
(9,078
)
 
—

 
(9,078
)
 
Total
 
(9,078
)
 
—

 
(9,078
)
 
Net
 
$
(8,987
)
 
$
—

 
$
(8,987
)
 
__________________
(1) 
Reported as “investments in securities” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


Effect of Fair Value Measured Assets and Liabilities on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table summarizes the effect of fair value measured assets and liabilities on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity put options
$
—

 
$
(1,609
)
 
$
—

 
$
(2,079
)
 
Equity call options
—

 
251

 
—

 
2,132

 
Options on futures contracts
—

 
(106
)
 
(91
)
 
(153
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
—

 
52

 
—

 
(6,013
)
 
U.S. treasury securities
—

 
19

 
—

 
696

 
Total
—

 
(1,393
)
 
(91
)
 
(5,417
)
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short equity put options
—

 
1,355

 
—

 
1,529

 
Short equity call options
—

 
(403
)
 
—

 
(1,841
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
—

 
—

 
—

 
(160
)
 
Deferred compensation plan
(2,006
)
 
494

 
(3,673
)
 
1,178

 
Total
(2,006
)
 
1,446

 
(3,673
)
 
706

 
Net
$
(2,006
)
 
$
53

 
$
(3,764
)
 
$
(4,711
)
 
Total combined
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments
$
—

 
$
287

 
$
203

 
$
1,182

 
Realized gain (loss) on investments
—

 
(728
)
 
(294
)
 
(7,071
)
 
Deferred compensation plan
(2,006
)
(1) 
494

(1) 
(3,673
)
(1) 
1,178

(1) 
Net
$
(2,006
)
 
$
53

 
$
(3,764
)
 
$
(4,711
)
 
________
(1) 
Reported as a component of “salaries and benefits” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


7. Summary of Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Certain of our financial instruments are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts at which these instruments could be purchased, sold or settled. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
Financial assets measured at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments in securities
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
91

 
$
91

Financial liabilities measured at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan
 
$
12,599

 
$
12,599

 
$
9,078

 
$
9,078

Financial assets not measured at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
44,561

 
$
44,561

 
$
84,091

 
$
84,091

Restricted cash
 
11,109

 
11,109

 
9,752

 
9,752

Receivables
 
518

 
518

 
16

 
16

Due from Ashford Trust OP
 
11,705

 
11,705

 
12,179

 
12,179

Due from Ashford Prime OP
 
1,065

 
1,065

 
3,817

 
3,817

Financial liabilities not measured at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
12,127

 
$
12,127

 
$
11,601

 
$
11,601

Due to affiliate
 
2,071

 
2,071

 
933

 
933

Due to Ashford Prime OP from AQUA U.S. Fund
 
—

 
—

 
2,289

 
2,289

Other liabilities
 
11,109

 
11,109

 
9,752

 
9,752

Notes payable
 
379

 
379

 
—

 
—

Investments in securities. Investment securities consist of U.S. treasury securities, publicly traded equity securities, equity put and call options on certain publicly traded equity securities and futures contracts. Liabilities associated with investments in securities consist of a margin account balance and short equity put and call options. The fair value of these investments is based on quoted market closing prices at the balance sheet dates in active and inactive markets. This is considered either a Level 1 or Level 2 valuation technique. See notes 5 and 6 for a complete description of the methodology and assumptions utilized in determining fair values.
Deferred compensation plan. The liability resulting from the deferred compensation plan is carried at fair value based on the closing prices of the underlying investments. This is considered a Level 1 valuation technique.
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. These financial assets bear interest at market rates and have maturities of less than 90 days. The carrying values approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. This is considered a Level 1 valuation technique.
Receivables, due from Ashford Trust OP, due from Ashford Prime OP, accounts payable and accrued expenses, due to affiliates, due to Ashford Prime OP from AQUA U.S. Fund and other liabilities. The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due primarily to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. This is considered a Level 1 valuation technique.
Notes payable. We estimate that the carrying value of notes payable of $379,000 at September 30, 2017 approximates fair value given the recent nature of the financing. This is considered a Level 2 valuation technique.
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation—On December 11, 2015, a purported stockholder class action and derivative complaint challenging the Remington acquisition was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and styled as Campbell v. Bennett et al., Case No. 11796. The complaint names as defendants each of the members of the Company's board of directors, Archie Bennett, Jr., Mark A. Sharkey, MJB Investments GP, LLC and Remington Holdings GP, as well as the Company as a nominal defendant. The complaint alleges that the members of the Company’s board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company’s stockholders in connection

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


with the Remington acquisition and that Monty Bennett, Archie Bennett, Jr., Mark A. Sharkey, MJB Investments GP, LLC and Remington Holdings GP aided and abetted the purported breaches of fiduciary duty. In support of these claims, the complaint alleges, among other things, that the Company’s board of directors engaged in an unfair process with Remington Lodging and the Bennetts and as a result the Company overpaid for the 80% limited partnership and 100% general partnership interests in Remington Lodging. The complaint also alleges that the proxy statement filed with the SEC contains certain materially false and/or misleading statements. The action seeks injunctive relief, including enjoining the special meeting of stockholders and any vote on the contribution or the stock issuances or rescinding the Remington acquisition if they are consummated, or in the alternative an award of damages, as well as unspecified attorneys' and other fees and costs, in addition to any other relief the court may deem proper. Since the filing of the complaint, the special meeting of stockholders and related vote occurred with the stockholders approving the acquisition. On March 24, 2017, the Remington acquisition was terminated and therefore this action is moot. On April 13, 2017, the Court of Chancery entered an order dismissing the action with prejudice as to the named plaintiff, and without prejudice as to all other members of the class. Pursuant to the order, the Court of Chancery retained jurisdiction solely for the purpose of determining the plaintiff’s anticipated application for an award of mootness fees and reimbursement of expenses. After negotiations, and to eliminate any risk associated with the plaintiff’s fee petition, the Company agreed to pay fees and expenses in the amount of $150,000 within five (5) days of the entry of an order closing the case in the second quarter of 2017. Accordingly, this amount was recorded within “general and administrative” expenses on our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Court of Chancery has not and will not pass any judgment on the fee payment. On July 17, 2017, the Court of Chancery entered a stipulation and order closing the case.
Jesse Small v. Monty J. Bennett, et al., Case No. 24-C-16006020 (Md. Cir. Ct.) On November 16, 2016, Jesse Small, a purported shareholder of Ashford Prime, commenced a derivative action in Maryland Circuit Court for Baltimore City asserting causes of action for breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste, and declaratory relief against the members of the Ashford Prime board of directors, David Brooks (collectively, the “Individual Defendants”), Ashford Inc. and Ashford LLC. Ashford Prime is named as a nominal defendant. The complaint alleges that the Individual Defendants breached their fiduciary duties to Ashford Prime by negotiating and approving the termination fee provision set forth in Ashford Prime’s advisory agreement with Ashford LLC, that Ashford Inc. and Ashford LLC aided and abetted the Individual Defendants’ fiduciary duty breaches, and that the Ashford Prime board of directors committed corporate waste in connection with Ashford Prime’s purchase of 175,000 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock. The complaint seeks monetary damages and declaratory and injunctive relief, including a declaration that the termination fee provision is unenforceable. The defendants filed motions to dismiss the complaint on March 24, 2017. On June 6, 2017, the plaintiff notified the court that the plaintiff intends to dismiss the action as moot and seek a mootness fee and costs. On July 25, 2017, the action was dismissed with prejudice as to the plaintiff. A hearing on the plaintiff’s fee petition was held on October 25, 2017. A ruling from the court is currently pending. It is not possible to accurately predict the outcome of this remaining action or the range of any potential loss.
The Company is engaged in other various legal proceedings which have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. The likelihood of loss for 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 upon the financial position or results of operations of the Company. However, the final results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty and if the Company failed to prevail in one or more of these legal matters, and the associated realized losses were to exceed the Company’s current estimates of the range of potential losses, the Company’s financial position or results of operations could be materially adversely affected in future periods.
9. Equity
Preferred Stock—In accordance with Ashford Inc.’s charter, we are authorized to issue 50 million shares of preferred stock which currently includes up to 2 million shares of series A cumulative preferred stock. The holders of series A cumulative preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends in preference to holders of shares of any class or series of stock ranking junior to it, equal to 1,000 multiplied by the aggregate per share amount of all dividends of common stock. Each share of series A cumulative preferred stock shall entitle the holder to 1,000 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of Ashford Inc. No shares of series A cumulative preferred stock are currently outstanding.
Shareholder Rights Plan—On November 16, 2014, our board of directors adopted a shareholder rights plan (the “2014 Rights Plan”). The 2014 Rights Plan is intended to improve the bargaining position of our board of directors in the event of an unsolicited offer to acquire our outstanding shares of common stock. Pursuant to the 2014 Rights Plan, our board of directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) payable on November 27, 2014, for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Shares”), outstanding on November 27, 2014 (the “Record Date”) to the stockholders

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


of record on that date. Each Right initially entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one thousandth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Shares”), of the Company, at a price of $275 per one one thousandth of a Preferred Share represented by a Right (the “Purchase Price”), subject to adjustment. The Rights become exercisable upon certain conditions, as defined in the rights agreement. At any time prior to the time any person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, as defined in the rights agreement, the board of directors of the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.001 per Right. The value of the rights is de minimis. The rights are set to expire February 25, 2018.
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Entities—As of September 30, 2017, noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities represented noncontrolling ownership interests of 40% in Performance Holdco, 16.51% in OpenKey and 30% in Pure Rooms. As of December 31, 2016, noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities represented noncontrolling ownership interests of 40% in Performance Holdco, 100% in the AQUA Fund and 13.63% in OpenKey. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities had a total carrying value of $460,000 and $52.8 million, respectively. Income (loss) from consolidated entities attributable to these noncontrolling interests was loss of $102,000 and $267,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and loss of $486,000 and $6.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.
10. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests—Redeemable noncontrolling interests represent certain members’ proportionate share of equity and their allocable share of equity in earnings/loss of Ashford Holdings, which is an allocation of net income/loss attributable to the members based on the weighted average ownership percentage of these members’ interest. Beginning one year after issuance, each common unit of membership interest may be redeemed by the holder, for cash or registered shares in certain cases outside the Company’s control. Prior to April 6, 2017, the noncontrolling interests represented certain members’ proportionate share of equity and their allocable share of equity in earnings/loss of Ashford LLC. See note 1.
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in Ashford Holdings as of September 30, 2017 and Ashford LLC as of December 31, 2016, were $251,000 and $179,000, respectively, which represented ownership of approximately 0.2% as of each date. The carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, included adjustments of $210,000 and $134,000, respectively, to reflect the excess of redemption value over the accumulated historical cost. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, net loss of $4,000 and $4,000, respectively, were allocated to these redeemable noncontrolling interests. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, net income of $1,000 and net loss of $6,000, respectively, was allocated to these redeemable noncontrolling interests.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary Common Stock—Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock represented a 39.59% and 46.31% ownership interest in OpenKey, a consolidated VIE, at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiary common stock as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, was $1.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The carrying value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest included adjustments of $1.2 million and $975,000 to reflect the excess of redemption value over the accumulated historical cost. The redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock is included in the “mezzanine” section of our condensed consolidated balance sheet as it may be redeemed by the holder for cash in certain circumstances outside of the Company’s control. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, net loss of $296,000 and $991,000 was allocated to the redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, net loss of $322,000 was allocated to the redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock. For the period from March 8, 2016 through September 30, 2016, net loss of $788,000 was allocated to the redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock.

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


11. Equity-Based Compensation
Equity-based compensation expense is primarily recorded in “salaries and benefits expense” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The components of equity-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, are presented below by award type (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Equity-based compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock option amortization (1)
$
1,899

 
$
1,627

 
$
5,436

 
$
4,196

Director equity grants expense (2)
—

 
—

 
250

 
250

Pre-spin equity grants expense (3)
—

 
1,125

 
684

 
4,323

Total equity-based compensation (4)
$
1,899

 
$
2,752

 
$
6,370

 
$
8,769

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other equity-based compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REIT equity-based compensation (5)
$
3,443

 
$
3,021

 
$
5,449

 
$
7,755

 
$
5,342

 
$
5,773

 
$
11,819

 
$
16,524

________
(1) As of September 30, 2017, the Company had approximately $7.9 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options that will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, stock option amortization included $12,000 and $28,000 of amortization related to OpenKey stock options issued under OpenKey’s stock plan.
(2) Grants of restricted stock to independent directors are recorded at fair value based on the market price of our shares at grant date, and this amount is fully expensed in “general and administrative” expense as the grants of stock are fully vested on the date of grant. See Equity-based Compensation in note 2.
(3) As a result of the spin-off, we assumed all of the unrecognized equity-based compensation associated with prior Ashford Trust equity grants of common stock and LTIP units. We recognized the equity-based compensation expense related to these assumed Ashford Trust equity grants through the April 2017 final vesting date. As of September 30, 2017, these equity grants were fully vested.
(4) Additionally, equity-based compensation associated with employees of an affiliate was included in “general and administrative” expense in the amount of $0 and $2,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively and $2,000 and $7,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, these equity grants were fully vested. See note 13.
(5) REIT equity-based compensation expense is associated with equity grants of Ashford Trust’s and Ashford Prime’s common stock and LTIP units awarded to officers and employees of Ashford Inc. See notes 2 and 13.
12. Deferred Compensation Plan
We administer a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (“DCP”) for certain executive officers. The plan allows participants to defer up to 100% of their base salary and bonus and select an investment fund for measurement of the deferred compensation obligation. For the periods the DCP was administered by Ashford Trust, the participants elected Ashford Trust common stock as their investment option. In accordance with the applicable authoritative accounting guidance, the deferred amounts and any dividends earned received equity treatment and were included in additional paid-in capital. In connection with our spin-off and the assumption of the DCP obligation by the Company, the DCP was modified to give the participants various investment options, including Ashford Inc. common stock, for measurement that can be changed by the participant at any time. These modifications resulted in the DCP obligation being recorded as a liability in accordance with the applicable authoritative accounting guidance. Distributions under the DCP are made in cash, unless the participant has elected Ashford Inc. common stock as the investment option, in which case any such distributions would be made in Ashford Inc. common stock. Additionally, the DCP obligation is carried at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in “salaries and benefits” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


The following table summarizes the DCP activity (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Change in fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss)
$
(2,006
)
 
$
494

 
$
(3,673
)
 
$
1,178

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value (1)
$
39

 
$
—

 
$
152

 
$
—

Shares (1)
1

 
—

 
2

 
—

________
(1) Distributions made to one participant.
As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 the carrying value of the DCP liability was $12.6 million and $9.1 million, respectively.
13. Related Party Transactions
We are a party to an amended and restated advisory agreement with Ashford Trust OP. The quarterly base fee is based on a declining sliding scale percentage of Ashford Trust’s total market capitalization plus the Key Money Asset Management Fee (defined in our advisory agreement as the aggregate gross asset value of all key money assets multiplied by 0.70%), subject to a minimum quarterly base fee, as payment for managing its day-to-day operations in accordance with its investment guidelines. Total market capitalization includes the aggregate principal amount of its consolidated indebtedness (including its proportionate share of debt of any entity that is not consolidated but excluding its joint venture partners’ proportionate share of consolidated debt). The range of base fees on the scale are between 0.70% and 0.50% per annum for total market capitalization that ranges from less than $6.0 billion to greater than $10.0 billion. At September 30, 2017, the quarterly base fee was 0.70% per annum. Reimbursement for overhead, internal audit, insurance claims advisory and asset management services, including compensation, benefits and travel expense reimbursements, are billed quarterly to Ashford Trust based on a pro rata allocation as determined by the ratio of Ashford Trust’s net investment in hotel properties in relation to the total net investment in hotel properties for both Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime. We also record advisory revenue for equity grants of Ashford Trust common stock and LTIP units awarded to our officers and employees 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, as well as an offsetting expense in an equal amount included in “salaries and benefits.” We are also entitled to an incentive advisory fee that is earned annually in each year that Ashford Trust’s annual total stockholder return exceeds the average annual total stockholder return for Ashford Trust’s peer group, subject to the FCCR Condition, as defined in the advisory agreement.

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


The following table summarizes the revenue from Ashford Trust OP (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Advisory services revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Base advisory fee
$
8,568

 
$
8,576

 
$
26,020

 
$
25,842

Reimbursable expenses (1)
1,673

 
1,515

 
5,902

 
4,641

Equity-based compensation (2)
4,392

 
1,887

 
7,748

 
4,535

Incentive advisory fee (3)
452

 
—

 
1,356

 
—

Total advisory services revenue
$
15,085

 
$
11,978

 
$
41,026

 
$
35,018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment management reimbursements (4)
$
522

 
$
—

 
$
1,482

 
$
—

Lease revenue (5)
168

 
—

 
391

 
—

Other services (6)
479

 
6

 
705

 
6

Total other revenue
$
1,169

 
$
6

 
$
2,578

 
$
6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenue
$
16,254

 
$
11,984

 
$
43,604

 
$
35,024

________
(1) 
Reimbursable expenses include overhead, internal audit, insurance claims advisory and asset management services. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recognized $202,000 and $1.5 million, respectively, of deferred income from reimbursable expenses related to software implementation costs, which was partially offset by the impairment of the related capitalized software, as mentioned in note 2, in the amount of $0 and $1.1 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
(2) 
Equity-based compensation revenue is associated with equity grants of Ashford Trust’s common stock and LTIP units awarded to officers and employees of Ashford Inc.
(3) 
Incentive advisory fee includes the pro-rata portion of the second year installment of the 2016 incentive advisory fee in the amount of $452,000 and $1,356,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, for which the payment is due January 2018 subject to the FCCR Condition as of December 31, 2017, as defined in our advisory agreement with Ashford Trust.
(4) 
Investment management reimbursements include AIM’s management of all or a portion of Ashford Trust’s excess cash under the Investment Management Agreement. AIM is not compensated for its services but is reimbursed for all costs and expenses.
(5) 
In connection with our key money transaction with Ashford Trust, we lease furniture, fixtures and equipment to Ashford Trust at no cost. A portion of the base advisory fee is allocated to lease revenue each period equal to the estimated fair value of the lease payments that would have been made.
(6) 
Other services revenue is associated with Pure Rooms and OpenKey that provide other hotel services to Ashford Trust.
At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had a net receivable of $11.7 million and $12.2 million, respectively, from Ashford Trust OP associated primarily with the advisory services fee and other fees, as discussed above. The net receivables due from Ashford Trust OP as of September 30, 2017 included $248,000 and $29,000 of receivables held by Pure Rooms and OpenKey, respectively.
We are also a party to an amended and restated advisory agreement with Ashford Prime OP. Through June 20, 2017, the quarterly base fee was based on a declining sliding scale percentage of Ashford Prime's total market capitalization plus the Key Money Asset Management Fee (defined in our advisory agreement as the aggregate gross asset value of all key money assets multiplied by 0.70%), subject to a minimum quarterly base fee, as payment for managing its day-to-day operations in accordance with its investment guidelines. Total market capitalization includes the aggregate principal amount of its consolidated indebtedness (including its proportionate share of debt of any entity that is not consolidated but excluding its joint venture partners’ proportionate share of consolidated debt). Prior to the effectiveness of the amended and restated advisory agreement discussed below, the range of base fees on the scale was between 0.70% to 0.50% per annum for total market capitalization that ranges from less than $6.0

24
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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


billion to greater than $10.0 billion. Upon effectiveness of the amended and restated advisory agreement discussed below, the quarterly base fee was fixed at 0.70% per annum. Reimbursement for overhead, internal audit, insurance claims advisory and asset management services, including compensation, benefits and travel expense reimbursements, are billed quarterly to Ashford Prime based on a pro rata allocation as determined by the ratio of Ashford Prime’s net investment in hotel properties in relation to the total net investment in hotel properties for both Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime. We also record advisory revenue for equity grants of Ashford Prime common stock and LTIP units awarded to our officers and employees 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, as well as an offsetting expense in an equal amount included in “salaries and benefits.” We are also entitled to an incentive advisory fee that is earned annually in each year that Ashford Prime’s annual total stockholder return exceeds the average annual total stockholder return for Ashford Prime’s peer group, subject to the FCCR Condition, as defined in the advisory agreement.
On January 24, 2017, we entered into an amended and restated advisory agreement with Ashford Prime (the “Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement”) that amended and restated the advisory agreement with Ashford Prime discussed herein. On June 9, 2017, Ashford Prime’s stockholders approved the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement, which became effective on June 21, 2017. The material terms of the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory agreement include:
•
Ashford Prime made a cash payment to us of $5.0 million on June 21, 2017, which is included in “deferred income” on our condensed consolidated balance sheet, which is being recognized over the initial ten-year term of the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement. The revenue recognized is included in “other advisory revenue” on our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss);
•
the termination fee payable to us under the advisory agreement has been amended by eliminating the 1.1x multiplier and tax gross up components of the fee;
•
we will disclose publicly the revenues and expenses used to calculate “Net Earnings” on a quarterly basis, which is used to calculate the termination fee; we will retain an accounting firm to provide a quarterly report to Ashford Prime on the reasonableness of our determination of expenses, which will be binding on the parties;
•
our right under the advisory agreement to appoint a “Designated CEO” has been eliminated;
•
our right to terminate the advisory agreement due to a change in a majority of the “Company Incumbent Board” (as defined in the advisory agreement) has been eliminated;
•
Ashford Prime will be incentivized to grow its assets under a “growth covenant” in the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement under which Ashford Prime will receive a deemed credit against a base amount of $45.0 million for 3.75% of the total purchase price of each hotel acquired after the date of the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement that was recommended by us, netted against 3.75% of the total sale price of each hotel sold after the date of the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement. The difference between $45.0 million and this net credit, if any, is referred to as the “Uninvested Amount.” If the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement is terminated, other than due to certain acts by us, Ashford Prime must pay us the Uninvested Amount, in addition to any other fees payable under the Amended Agreement;
•
the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement requires Ashford Prime to maintain a net worth of not less than $390 million plus 75% of the equity proceeds from the sale of securities by Ashford Prime after December 31, 2016 and a covenant prohibiting Ashford Prime from paying dividends except as required to maintain its REIT status if paying the dividend would reduce Ashford Prime’s net worth below the required minimum net worth;
•
the initial term of the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement ends on the 10th anniversary of its effective date, subject to renewal by us for up to seven additional successive 10-year terms;
•
the base management fee payable to us will be fixed at 0.70%, and the fee will be payable on a monthly basis;
•
reimbursements of expenses to us will be made monthly in advance, based on an annual expense budget, with a quarterly true-up for actual expenses;
•
the right of Ashford Prime to terminate the advisory agreement due to a change of control experienced by us has been eliminated;
•
the rights of Ashford Prime to terminate the advisory agreement at the end of each term upon payment of the termination fee based on the parties being unable to agree on new market-based fees or our performance have been eliminated; however, the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement provides a mechanism for the parties to renegotiate the fees payable to us at the end of each term based on then prevailing market conditions, subject to floors and caps on the changes;

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


•
if a Change of Control (as defined in the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement) is pending, Ashford Prime has agreed to deposit not less than 50%, and in certain cases 100%, of the applicable termination fee in escrow, with the payment of any remaining amounts owed to us secured by a letter of credit or first priority lien on certain assets;
•
Ashford Prime’s ability to terminate the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement due to a material default by us is limited to instances where a court finally determines that the default had a material adverse effect on Ashford Prime and we fail to pay monetary damages in accordance with the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement; and
•
if Ashford Prime repudiates the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement, through actions or omissions that constitute a repudiation as determined by a final non-appealable order from a court of competent jurisdiction, Ashford Prime will be liable to us for a liquidated damages amount.
The following table summarizes the revenue from Ashford Prime OP (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Advisory services revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Base advisory fee
$
2,300

 
$
2,103

 
$
6,579

 
$
6,334

Reimbursable expenses (1)
470

 
731

 
1,552

 
2,035

Equity-based compensation (2)
(949
)
 
1,134

 
(2,299
)
 
3,220

Incentive advisory fee (3)
319

 
481

 
956

 
1,213

Other advisory revenue(4)
132

 
—

 
146

 
—

Total advisory services revenue
$
2,272

 
$
4,449

 
$
6,934

 
$
12,802

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt placement fees (5)
$
225

 
$
—

 
$
225

 
$
—

Lease revenue (6)
83

 
84

 
251

 
252

Other services (7)
26

 
—

 
26

 
—

Total other revenue
$
334

 
$
84

 
$
502

 
$
252

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenue
$
2,606

 
$
4,533

 
$
7,436

 
$
13,054

________
(1) 
Reimbursable expenses include overhead, internal audit, insurance claims advisory and asset management services. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recognized $15,000 and $110,000, respectively, of deferred income from reimbursable expenses related to software implementation costs, which was partially offset by the impairment of the related capitalized software, as mentioned in note 2, in the amount of $0 and $1.1 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
(2) 
Equity-based compensation revenue is associated with equity grants of Ashford Prime’s common stock and LTIP units awarded to officers and employees of Ashford Inc.
(3) 
Incentive advisory fee includes the pro-rata portion of the third year installment of the 2015 incentive advisory fee in the amount of $319,000 and $956,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, for which the payment is due January 2018 subject to meeting the FCCR Condition at December 31, 2017, as defined in our advisory agreement with Ashford Prime. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the incentive advisory fee includes the pro-rata portion of the second year installment of the 2015 incentive advisory fee in the amount of $319,000 and $956,000, respectively, for which the payment was made in January 2017 as well as the first year installment of the 2016 incentive fee in the amount of $162,000 and $257,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, which was subject to Ashford Prime’s annual total stockholder return exceeding the average annual total stockholder return of Ashford Prime’s peer group as of December 31, 2016 and the FCCR Condition as of December 31, 2016, as defined in our advisory agreement with Ashford Prime.

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


(4) 
In connection with our Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement, a $5.0 million cash payment was made by Ashford Prime upon approval by Ashford Prime’s stockholders, which will be recognized over the 10 year initial term.
(5) 
Debt placement fees include revenues earned through provision of mortgage placement services.
(6) 
In connection with our key money transactions with Ashford Prime, we lease furniture, fixtures and equipment to Ashford Prime at no cost. A portion of the base advisory fee is allocated to lease revenue each period equal to the estimated fair value of the lease payments that would have been made.
(7) 
Other services revenue is associated with Pure Rooms and OpenKey that provide other hotel services to Ashford Prime.
At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had receivables of $1.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively, from Ashford Prime OP associated with the advisory service fee and other fees, as discussed above. The net receivables due from Ashford Prime OP as of September 30, 2017 included $4,000 of receivables held by OpenKey.
Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime have management agreements with Remington Holdings L.P. and its subsidiaries (“Remington Lodging”), which is beneficially owned by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Ashford Trust’s Chairman Emeritus. Transactions related to these agreements are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. Under the agreements, we pay Remington Lodging general and administrative expense reimbursements, approved by the independent directors of Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime, including rent, payroll, office supplies, travel and accounting. These charges are allocated based on various methodologies, including headcount and actual amounts incurred, which are then rebilled to Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime. These reimbursements are included in “general and administrative” expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The charges totaled $1.2 million and $3.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and $1.2 million and $4.4 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The amounts due under these arrangements as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, are included in “due to affiliates” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
On March 7, 2017, AIM GP, the general partner of the AQUA U.S. Fund, provided written notice to the AQUA U.S. Fund's limited partners of its election to dissolve the AQUA U.S. Fund pursuant to Section 6.1(a) of the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the AQUA U.S. Fund as of March 31, 2017 (the “Dissolution Date”). In connection with the dissolution of the AQUA U.S. Fund, the AQUA Master Fund was liquidated in accordance with the laws of the Cayman Islands.
The balance of all limited partners' capital accounts in the AQUA U.S. Fund, less an audit hold-back of 5%, was distributed to limited partners in cash on the Dissolution Date, and thereafter limited partners ceased to be a limited partner of the AQUA U.S. Fund. The remaining hold-back amounts were paid during the second quarter of 2017. As of September 30, 2017, AQUA U.S. Fund has been fully dissolved.
Certain employees of Remington Lodging who perform work on behalf of Ashford Trust were granted shares of restricted stock under the Ashford Trust Stock Plan prior to our spin-off. These share grants were accounted for under the applicable accounting guidance related to share-based payments granted to non-employees and were recorded in “general and administrative” expense. Expense was recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) in the amount of $0 and $2,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and $2,000 and $7,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, these equity grants were fully vested.
On June 11, 2015, we announced that we are providing a total of $6.0 million in key money consideration to our managed REITs for two acquisitions. In connection with our engagement to provide hotel advisory services to Ashford Trust, we provided $4.0 million of key money consideration to purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment related to Ashford Trust’s $62.5 million acquisition of the 226-room Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, which closed in June 2015. As of December 31, 2016, we provided substantially all of the $4.0 million key money consideration as investments in furniture, fixtures and equipment on behalf of Ashford Trust. In 2017, Ashford Trust leased the assets from Ashford Inc. at no cost for a term of five years. Separately, in connection with our engagement to provide hotel advisory services to Ashford Prime, we have also provided $2.0 million of key money consideration comprised of $206,000 in cash and the issuance of 19,897 shares of our common stock to purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment related to Ashford Prime’s $85.0 million acquisition of the 62-room Bardessono Hotel and Spa in Yountville, California, which closed in July 2015.

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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


The hotel advisory services and the lease are considered a multiple element arrangement, in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance. As such, a portion of the base advisory fee should be allocated to lease revenue equal to the estimated fair value of the lease payments that would have been made. As a result, advisory revenue was allocated to lease revenue in the amount of $251,000 and $642,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively and $84,000 and $252,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Lease revenue is included in “other” revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
14. Income (Loss) Per Share
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 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company
$
(1,856
)
 
$
(285
)
 
$
(10,950
)
 
$
(3,123
)
Undistributed net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders
(1,856
)
 
(285
)
 
(10,950
)
 
(3,123
)
Distributed and undistributed net income (loss) - basic
$
(1,856
)
 
$
(285
)
 
$
(10,950
)
 
$
(3,123
)
Effect of deferred compensation plan
—

 
(494
)
 
—

 
(1,178
)
Effect of contingently issuable shares
(296
)
 
(322
)
 
(991
)
 
(788
)
Distributed and undistributed net income (loss) - diluted
$
(2,152
)
 
$
(1,101
)
 
$
(11,941
)
 
$
(5,089
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
2,022

 
2,014

 
2,019

 
2,011

Effect of deferred compensation plan shares
—

 
210

 
—

 
140

Effect of contingently issuable shares
32

 
38

 
33

 
37

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
2,054

 
2,262

 
2,052

 
2,188

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) per share – basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders per share
$
(0.92
)
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(5.42
)
 
$
(1.55
)
Income (loss) per share – diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders per share
$
(1.05
)
 
$
(0.49
)
 
$
(5.82
)
 
$
(2.33
)

28
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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


Due to their anti-dilutive effect, the computation of diluted income (loss) per share does not reflect the adjustments for the following items (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders is not adjusted for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in Ashford LLC
$
4

 
$
1

 
$
4

 
$
(6
)
Total
$
4

 
$
1

 
$
4

 
$
(6
)
Weighted average diluted shares are not adjusted for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of unvested restricted shares
—

 
1

 
—

 
1

Effect of assumed conversion of Ashford LLC units
4

 
5

 
4

 
5

Total
4

 
6

 
4

 
6

15. Segment Reporting
We have one reportable business segment: REIT Advisory, which provides asset management and advisory services to other entities. Our Pure Rooms and OpenKey operating segments do not individually meet the accounting criteria for separate disclosure as reportable segments. Accordingly, we combine the operating results of Pure Rooms and OpenKey into an “all other” category, which we refer to as “Corporate and Other.”
The REIT Advisory segment primarily earns revenue by providing asset management and advisory services on a fee basis by managing the day-to-day operations of Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime and their respective subsidiaries, in conformity with each entity's investment guidelines. Corporate and Other includes a portion of our revenue and operating expenses that are not directly attributable to the REIT Advisory segment. The revenue in this category primarily consists of income generated by Pure Rooms and OpenKey by providing services to hotels. As of September 30, 2017, all of our business was transacted in the United States and all of our revenues were generated domestically.
Our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) uses multiple measures of segment profitability for assessing performance of our business. Our reported measure of segment profitability is net income, although the CODM also focuses on adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income, which exclude certain gains, losses and charges, to assess performance and allocate resources. Our CODM currently reviews assets at the corporate (consolidated) level and does not currently review segment assets to make key decisions on resource allocations.

29
Table of Contents
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


The following tables reconcile our segment results to our consolidated results of operations (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
REIT Advisory
 
Corporate and Other
 
Ashford Inc. Consolidated
 
REIT Advisory
 
Corporate and Other
 
Ashford Inc. Consolidated
REVENUE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advisory services
$
17,357

 
$
—

 
$
17,357

 
$
16,427

 
$
—

 
$
16,427

Other
998

 
900

 
1,898

 
84

 
27

 
111

Total revenue
18,355

 
900

 
19,255

 
16,511

 
27

 
16,538

EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
185

 
396

 
581

 
—

 
271

 
271

Other operating expenses (a)
5,586

 
15,428

 
21,014

 
5,267

 
11,135

 
16,402

Total expenses
5,771

 
15,824

 
21,595

 
5,267

 
11,406

 
16,673

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
12,584

 
(14,924
)
 
(2,340
)
 
11,244

 
(11,379
)
 
(135
)
Interest expense
—

 
(20
)
 
(20
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Interest income
—

 
82

 
82

 
—

 
21

 
21

Other income (expense) (b)
—

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
 
(30
)
 
(373
)
 
(403
)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
12,584

 
(14,867
)
 
(2,283
)
 
11,214

 
(11,731
)
 
(517
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
(4,543
)
 
4,568

 
25

 
(4,051
)
 
3,476

 
(575
)
NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
8,041

 
$
(10,299
)
 
$
(2,258
)
 
$
7,163

 
$
(8,255
)
 
$
(1,092
)
________
(a)
Other operating expenses includes salaries and benefits and general and administrative expenses. REIT Advisory amounts represent expenses for which there is a direct offsetting amount included in revenues, including REIT equity-based compensation expense and reimbursable expenses.
(b)
Other income (expense) primarily includes the realized gain (loss) on investment in unconsolidated entity, the unrealized gain (loss) on investment in unconsolidated entity, dividend income, the realized gain (loss) on investments and the unrealized gain (loss) on investments.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
REIT Advisory
 
Corporate and Other
 
Ashford Inc. Consolidated
 
REIT Advisory
 
Corporate and Other
 
Ashford Inc. Consolidated
REVENUE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advisory services
$
47,960

 
$
—

 
$
47,960

 
$
47,820

 
$
—

 
$
47,820

Other
2,349

 
1,598

 
3,947

 
252

 
27

 
279

Total revenue
50,309

 
1,598

 
51,907

 
48,072

 
27

 
48,099

EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
438

 
1,198

 
1,636

 
—

 
815

 
815

Impairment
1,041

 
31

 
1,072

 
—

 
—

 
—

Other operating expenses (a)
12,903

 
39,354

 
52,257

 
14,431

 
35,692

 
50,123

Total expenses
14,382

 
40,583

 
54,965

 
14,431

 
36,507

 
50,938

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
35,927

 
(38,985
)
 
(3,058
)
 
33,641

 
(36,480
)
 
(2,839
)
Interest expense
—

 
(35
)
 
(35
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Interest income
—

 
153

 
153

 
—

 
44

 
44

Other income (expense) (b)
(309
)
 
285

 
(24
)
 
(75
)
 
(7,339
)
 
(7,414
)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
35,618

 
(38,582
)
 
(2,964
)
 
33,566

 
(43,775
)
 
(10,209
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
(12,895
)
 
3,647

 
(9,248
)
 
(12,133
)
 
11,573

 
(560
)
NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
22,723

 
$
(34,935
)
 
$
(12,212
)
 
$
21,433

 
$
(32,202
)
 
$
(10,769
)
________
(a)
Other operating expenses includes salaries and benefits and general and administrative expenses. REIT Advisory amounts represent expenses for which there is a direct offsetting amount included in revenues, including REIT equity-based compensation expense and reimbursable expenses.
(b)
Other income (expense) primarily includes the realized gain (loss) on investment in unconsolidated entity, the unrealized gain (loss) on investment in unconsolidated entity, dividend income, the realized gain (loss) on investments and the unrealized gain (loss) on investments.

30
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ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)


16. Subsequent Event
On November 1, 2017, we acquired an 85% controlling interest in a privately held company that conducts the business of J&S Audio Visual in the United States, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic (“J&S”) for approximately $9.2 million in cash, $4.3 million of common stock, and $9.5 million in assumed debt (excluding transaction costs, working capital adjustments, and contingent consideration). The results of operations of J&S will be included in our condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition beginning in the fourth quarter of 2017. We are in the process of evaluating the fair value of the net assets acquired through internal studies and third-party valuations and expect to complete a preliminary purchase price allocation in the fourth quarter of 2017. It is impracticable to provide pro forma results that include the impact of J&S due to the recency of the acquisition.

31


ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless the context otherwise indicates, the references to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” refer to Ashford Inc., a Maryland corporation and, as the context may require, its consolidated subsidiaries, including Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which we refer to as “Ashford LLC” or “our operating company” and Ashford Hospitality Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which we refer to as “Ashford Holdings.” “AIM” refers to Ashford Investment Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. “Ashford Prime” or “AHP” refers to Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and, as the context may require, its consolidated subsidiaries, including Ashford Hospitality Prime Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, which we refer to as “Ashford Prime OP.” “Ashford Trust” or “AHT” refers to Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and, as the context may require, its consolidated subsidiaries, including Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership and Ashford Trust’s operating partnership, which we refer to as “Ashford Trust OP.” “Remington Lodging” refers to Remington Lodging and Hospitality LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and, as the context may require, its consolidated subsidiaries, a property management company owned by Mr. Monty J. Bennett, our chief executive officer and chairman, and his father, Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., chairman emeritus of Ashford Trust.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Form 10-Q contains certain 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;
•
our projected operating results and dividend rates;
•
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.
Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, discuss future expectations, describe future plans and strategies, contain financial and operating projections or state other forward-looking information. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future events, actions, plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, taking into account all information currently available to us, our actual results and performance could differ materially from those set forth in our forward-looking statements. Factors that could have a material adverse effect on our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
•
the factors discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 16, 2017 (the “2016 10-K”), including those set forth under the sections captioned “Item 1. Business,” “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations;”
•
general volatility of the capital markets, the general economy or the hospitality industry, whether the result of market events or otherwise, and the market price of our common stock;
•
availability, terms and deployment of capital;
•
changes in our industry and the market in which we operate, interest rates or the general economy;
•
the degree and nature of our competition;
•
actual and potential conflicts of interest with or between Remington Lodging, Ashford Prime and Ashford Trust, our executive officers and our non-independent directors;
•
availability of qualified personnel;
•
changes in governmental regulations, accounting rules, tax rates and similar matters; and
•
legislative and regulatory changes.
When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements summarized under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our 2016 10-K, the discussion in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations, and elsewhere which could cause our actual results and performance to differ

32


significantly from those contained in our forward-looking statements. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee future results or performance. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements, which reflect our views as of the date of this Form 10-Q. Furthermore, we do not intend to update any of our forward-looking statements after the date of this Form 10-Q to conform these statements to actual results and performance, except as may be required by applicable law.
Overview
Ashford Inc. is a Maryland corporation formed on April 2, 2014, and became a public company on November 12, 2014, when Ashford Trust, a NYSE-listed REIT, completed the spin-off of our company through the distribution of our outstanding common stock to the Ashford Trust stockholders. As of November 6, 2017, Ashford Trust beneficially owned approximately 598,000 shares of our common stock, representing approximately 30% of our company. Ashford Prime holds approximately 195,000 shares, which represents an approximate 9.6% ownership interest in Ashford Inc.
Our principal business objective is to provide asset management and other advisory services to other entities. The Company seeks to grow in three primary areas; (i) expanding its existing platforms accretively and accelerating performance to earn incentive fees; (ii) starting new platforms for additional base and incentive fees; and (iii) investing in or incubating strategic businesses that can achieve accelerated growth through doing business with our existing platforms and by leveraging our deep knowledge and extensive relationships within the hospitality sector. Currently, we, through our operating subsidiary Ashford LLC, act as the advisor to Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime. In our capacity as the advisor to Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime, we are responsible for implementing the investment strategies and managing the day-to-day operations of Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime, in each case subject to the supervision and oversight of the respective board of directors of such entity. We provide the personnel and services necessary to allow each of Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime to conduct its respective business. We may also perform similar functions for new or additional platforms. We are not responsible, but may in the future be responsible, for managing the day-to-day operations of the individual hotel properties owned by either Ashford Trust or Ashford Prime, which duties are, and will continue to be, the responsibility of the property management companies that operate the hotel properties owned by Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime.
As required for disclosure under the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement, for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2017, the total incremental expenses incurred (including all reimbursable expenses), as reasonably determined, in connection with providing services to Ashford Prime under the Fourth Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement was $2.8 million.
Recent Developments
On January 19, 2017, AIM entered into an Investment Management Agreement (the “Agreement”) with AHT SMA, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Client”) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashford Trust to manage all or a portion of Ashford Trust’s excess cash (the “Account”). Pursuant to the Agreement, Client retained and appointed AIM as the investment manager of Client. The Agreement will govern the relationship between Client and AIM, as well as grant AIM certain rights, powers and duties to act on behalf of Client. AIM will not be compensated by Client for its services under the Agreement. Client bears all costs and expenses of the establishment and ongoing maintenance of the Account as well as all costs and expenses of AIM.
On January 24, 2017, we entered into an amended and restated advisory agreement with Ashford Prime (the “Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement”) that amends and restates the advisory agreement with Ashford Prime discussed herein. On June 9, 2017, Ashford Prime’s stockholders approved the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement, which became effective on June 21, 2017. For more information, see note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
On February 20, 2017, Ashford LLC, the operating company of Ashford Inc., and Douglas A. Kessler entered into an employment agreement pursuant to which, effective February 21, 2017, Mr. Kessler as of that date will be employed by Ashford LLC to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Ashford Trust, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, dated June 10, 2015, as amended from time to time, between Ashford Inc., Ashford LLC, Ashford Trust and their respective affiliates, which provides that Ashford LLC is responsible for managing Ashford Trust’s affairs.
On March 3, 2017, Ashford Inc. and Ashford Trust invested an additional $1.3 million and $650,000, respectively, for an additional ownership interest in OpenKey, a consolidated VIE. OpenKey is a hospitality focused mobile key platform that provides a universal smartphone app for keyless entry into hotel guestrooms. On September 12, 2017, Ashford Inc. and Ashford Trust invested an additional $667,000 and $333,000, respectively in OpenKey. See notes 1, 2, 9, 10 and 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

33


On March 7, 2017, AIM GP, the general partner of the AQUA U.S. Fund, provided written notice to the AQUA U.S. Fund's limited partners of its election to dissolve the AQUA U.S. Fund pursuant to Section 6.1(a) of the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the AQUA U.S. Fund as of March 31, 2017 (the “Dissolution Date”). In connection with the dissolution of the AQUA U.S. Fund, the AQUA Master Fund was liquidated in accordance with the laws of the Cayman Islands.
The balance of all limited partners' capital accounts in the AQUA U.S. Fund, less an audit hold-back of 5%, was distributed to limited partners in cash on the Dissolution Date, and thereafter limited partners ceased to be a limited partner of the AQUA U.S. Fund. The remaining hold-back amounts were paid during the second quarter of 2017. As of September 30, 2017, AQUA U.S. Fund has been fully dissolved.
On April 6, 2017, Ashford Inc. entered into the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “Amended and Restated LLC Agreement”) of Ashford Holdings, a subsidiary of the Company, in connection with the merger (the “Merger”) of Ashford Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, with and into Ashford LLC, with Ashford LLC surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashford Holdings. Ashford Holdings is owned 99.8% by Ashford Inc. and 0.2% by noncontrolling interest holders. The terms of the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement are consistent with the terms of the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Advisors. The Merger was effectuated in order to facilitate the acquisition by the Company of certain ancillary service businesses.
On April 6, 2017, Ashford Hospitality Services LLC (“AHS”), a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., entered into an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) with PRE Opco, LLC (“Pure Rooms”), pursuant to which AHS was the sole owner of the common equity, or Series A Units. In conjunction with the LLC Agreement, AHS contributed $97,000 cash to Pure Rooms as required by the LLC Agreement. Pursuant to the Asset and Liability Contribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”), by and among Pure Rooms (as contributee) and PAFR, LLC, the members of PAFR, LLC and Brault Enterprises, LLC (collectively, the “Sellers”), the Sellers contributed the net assets and liabilities of the predecessor operating company, Pure Rooms NA, LLC, with a fair value of $563,000 in exchange for certain equity interests in Pure Rooms, including 30% of the Series A Units, 100% of the Series B-1 Units, and 50% of the Series B-2 Units. The fair value of the remaining equity consideration included $42,000 of Series A Units, $181,000 of Series B-1 Units, and $202,000 of Series B-2 Units. As a result of the Contribution Agreement, our equity interest in Pure Rooms was 70%. See note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Per the LLC Agreement, the Series A Units are voting units and have the voting rights set forth in the Contribution Agreement but do not have management participation rights. The Series B-1 Units and Series B-2 Units are non-voting units and do not have voting or management participation rights. The distribution waterfall provides seniority as follows: Series B-1, Series B-2, then Series A. There is no coupon or other preference associated with the Series B-1 and B-2 unit classes. Pure Rooms’ patented 7-step purification process treats a room’s surfaces, including the air, and removes up to 99% of pollutants. Hotel rooms participating in this program typically achieve between a $20 and $30 premium per night.
On April 13, 2017, OpenKey entered into a $1.5 million line of credit ("LOC") with Comerica Bank that is secured by all of OpenKey's assets. The LOC matures on October 31, 2018 and has an interest rate of prime plus 2.75%. In connection with the LOC, OpenKey granted Comerica a 10-year warrant to purchase approximately 28,000 shares of OpenKey's preferred stock at $1.61 per share. At September 30, 2017, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Loan Agreement. See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
On September 13, 2017, Ashford Inc. and Ashford Hospitality Advisors, LLC, entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with two of the Company’s officers, David Brooks and Deric Eubanks. Also on September 13, 2017, the Company and Ashford LLC entered into an Amendment to Employment Agreement with Monty J. Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
On November 1, 2017, we acquired an 85% controlling interest in a privately held company that conducts the business of J&S Audio Visual in the United States, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic (“J&S”) for approximately $9.2 million in cash, $4.3 million of common stock, and $9.5 million in assumed debt (excluding transaction costs, working capital adjustments, and contingent consideration). The results of operations of J&S will be included in our condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition beginning in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Discussion of Presentation
The discussion below relates to the financial condition and results of operations of Ashford Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries and entities which it controls. The historical financial information is not necessarily indicative of our future results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

34


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our short-term liquidity requirements consist primarily of funds necessary for operating expenses primarily attributable to paying our employees. We expect to meet our short-term liquidity requirements generally through net cash provided by operations, existing cash balances and, if necessary, short-term borrowings under a possible revolving credit facility.
Our long-term liquidity requirements consist primarily of funds necessary to pay for operating expenses attributable to paying our employees, investments to grow our business, key money consideration and certain recent subsidiary financing transactions noted below. We expect to meet our long-term liquidity requirements through various sources of capital, including net cash provided by operations, future equity issuances and availability under our subsidiaries’ revolving credit facilities noted below.
On April 6, 2017, in connection with the acquired controlling interest, Pure Rooms entered into a term loan of $375,000 and a line of credit of $100,000. The term loan has a fixed interest rate of 5.0% per annum with a stated maturity date of October 2018. The line of credit has a variable interest rate of the Prime Rate plus 1.00%. For the period ended September 30, 2017, the interest rate for the line of credit was 5.25%. There is no stated maturity date related to the line of credit as it is payable on demand; accordingly, the balance has been classified as current.
On April 13, 2017, in connection with the acquired controlling interest, OpenKey entered into a Loan and Security Agreement ("Loan Agreement") for a line of credit in the amount of $1.5 million with Comerica Bank. The line of credit is secured by all of OpenKey's assets and matures in October 2018 with an interest rate of the Prime Rate plus 2.75%. At September 30, 2017, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Loan Agreement. In connection with the line of credit, OpenKey granted Comerica a 10-year warrant to purchase approximately 28,000 shares of OpenKey's preferred stock at $1.61 per share. The fair value of the warrants was estimated to be $28,000 and is included in “noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities.”
On November 1, 2017, we acquired an 85% controlling interest in a privately held company that conducts the business of J&S Audio Visual in the United States, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic (“J&S”) for approximately $9.2 million in cash, $4.3 million of common stock, and $9.5 million in assumed debt (excluding transaction costs, working capital adjustments, and contingent consideration).
Sources and Uses of Cash
As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had $44.6 million and $84.1 million of cash and cash equivalents, respectively, and $11.1 million and $9.8 million of restricted cash, respectively. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, cash and cash equivalents included funds associated with the AQUA U.S. Fund in the amounts of $0 and $55.1 million, respectively.
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities. Operating activities provided net cash flows of $18.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and provided net cash flows of $78.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The higher cash flows provided by operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily a result of the liquidation of investments in securities held by the AQUA U.S. Fund during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Cash flows from operations is impacted by the timing of receipt of advisory fees from Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime, the timing of paying vendors and the activity of the AQUA U.S. Fund.
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, investing activities used net cash flows of $1.7 million, which is attributable to purchases of computer software, furniture, fixtures and equipment of $1.8 million, partially offset by proceeds from disposal of furniture, fixtures and equipment, net of $15,000 and $129,000 of cash acquired in the acquisition of Pure Rooms. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, investing activities used net cash flows of $2.8 million, which was attributable to purchases of computer software, furniture, fixtures and equipment of $4.2 million partially offset by a distribution from an investment in an unconsolidated investment entity of $1.4 million.
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net cash flows used in financing activities was $54.5 million. These cash outflows consisted of $55.3 million of distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities, $96,000 of payments on note payable, $28,000 of loan cost payments, $24,000 for the repurchase of common stock and net advances to employees of $71,000 associated with tax withholdings for restricted stock vestings, partially offset by $983,000 of contributions from noncontrolling interests in a consolidated entity. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, net cash flows used in financing activities was $42.3 million, which consisted of $44.1 million of distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities, utilization of excess tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation of $314,000 and $20,000 for the purchase of treasury shares associated with tax withholdings for restricted stock vestings, partially offset by $2.1 million of contributions from noncontrolling interests in a consolidated entity and net repayments in advances to employees of $143,000 associated with tax withholdings for restricted stock vestings.

35


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
The following table summarizes the changes in key line items from our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Favorable (Unfavorable)
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
 
% Change
REVENUE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advisory services
 
$
17,357

 
$
16,427

 
$
930

 
5.7
 %
Other
 
1,898

 
111

 
1,787

 
1,609.9
 %
Total revenue
 
19,255

 
16,538

 
2,717

 
16.4
 %
EXPENSES
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and benefits
 
16,750

 
12,964

 
(3,786
)
 
(29.2
)%
Depreciation and amortization
 
581

 
271

 
(310
)
 
(114.4
)%
General and administrative
 
3,897

 
3,438

 
(459
)
 
(13.4
)%
Impairment
 
—

 
—

 
—

 


Other
 
367

 
—

 
(367
)
 


Total expenses
 
21,595

 
16,673

 
(4,922
)
 
(29.5
)%
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
 
(2,340
)
 
(135
)
 
(2,205
)
 
(1,633.3
)%
Interest expense and amortization of loan costs
 
(20
)
 
—

 
(20
)
 


Interest income
 
82

 
21

 
61

 
290.5
 %
Dividend income
 
—

 
33

 
(33
)
 
(100.0
)%
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments
 
—

 
287

 
(287
)
 
(100.0
)%
Realized gain (loss) on investments
 
—

 
(728
)
 
728

 
100.0
 %
Other income (expense)
 
(5
)
 
5

 
(10
)
 
(200.0
)%
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
 
(2,283
)
 
(517
)
 
(1,766
)
 
(341.6
)%
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
25

 
(575
)
 
600

 
104.3
 %
NET INCOME (LOSS)
 
(2,258
)
 
(1,092
)
 
(1,166
)
 
(106.8
)%
(Income) loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
102

 
486

 
(384
)
 
(79.0
)%
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
4

 
(1
)
 
5

 
500.0
 %
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock
 
296

 
322

 
(26
)
 
(8.1
)%
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY
 
$
(1,856
)
 
$
(285
)
 
$
(1,571
)
 
(551.2
)%
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to the Company. Net loss attributable to the Company increased $1.6 million, or 551.2%, to $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 (the “2017 quarter”) compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016 (the “2016 quarter”). This increased loss for the 2017 quarter as compared to the 2016 quarter was the result of the factors discussed below.

36


Total Revenue. Total revenue increased $2.7 million, or 16.4%, to $19.3 million for the 2017 quarter compared to the 2016 quarter. The increase was driven by a $1.8 million increase in REIT Advisory revenue and an increase of $873,000 in revenues from Pure Rooms and OpenKey. The changes in total revenue consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
Advisory services revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
Base advisory fee (1)
$
10,868

 
$
10,679

 
$
189

Incentive advisory fee (2)
771

 
481

 
290

Reimbursable expenses (3)
2,143

 
2,246

 
(103
)
Non-cash stock/unit-based compensation (4)
3,443

 
3,021

 
422

Other advisory revenue (5)
132

 
—

 
132

Total advisory services revenue
17,357

 
16,427

 
930

Other revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment management reimbursements (6)
522

 
—

 
522

Debt placement fees (7)
225

 
—

 
225

Lease revenue (8)
251

 
84

 
167

Other services (9)
900

 
27

 
873

Total other revenue
1,898

 
111

 
1,787

Total revenue
$
19,255

 
$
16,538

 
$
2,717

________
(1) 
The increase in base advisory fee is due to lower revenue of $8,000 from Ashford Trust and higher revenue of $197,000 from Ashford Prime. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(2) 
The increase in incentive advisory fee is due to higher revenue of $452,000 from Ashford Trust and lower revenue from Ashford Prime of $162,000. The incentive advisory fee for the three months ended September 30, 2017, includes the pro-rata portion of the second year installment of the Ashford Trust 2016 incentive advisory fee in the amount of $452,000, for which payment is due January 2018, subject to meeting the FCCR Condition as of December 31, 2017, as defined in our advisory agreement with Ashford Trust and the pro-rata portion of the third year installment of the Ashford Prime 2015 incentive advisory fee in the amount of $319,000, for which the payment is due January 2018, subject to meeting the FCCR Condition at December 31, 2017, as defined in our advisory agreement with Ashford Prime. The incentive advisory fee for the three months ended September 30, 2016, included the pro-rata portion of the second year installment of the Ashford Prime 2015 incentive advisory fee in the amount of $319,000, for which payment was made in January 2017 as well as the first year installment of the 2016 incentive fee in the amount of $162,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, which was subject to Ashford Prime’s annual total stockholder return exceeding the average annual total stockholder return of Ashford Prime’s peer group as of December 31, 2016 and the FCCR Condition as of December 31, 2016, as defined in our advisory agreement with Ashford Prime. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(3) 
The decrease in reimbursable expenses revenue is due to higher revenue of $158,000 from Ashford Trust and lower revenue of $261,000 from Ashford Prime. Reimbursable expenses include overhead, internal audit, insurance claims advisory and asset management services. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recognized deferred income from reimbursable expenses related to software implementation costs from Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime of $202,000 and $15,000, respectively.
(4) 
The increase in equity-based compensation revenue is due to higher revenue of $2.5 million from Ashford Trust and lower revenue of $2.1 million from Ashford Prime. Equity-based compensation revenue is associated with equity grants of Ashford Trust’s and Ashford Prime’s common stock and LTIP units awarded to officers and employees of Ashford Inc. for which we recorded an offsetting expense in an equal amount included in “salaries and benefits.” See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(5) 
The increase in other advisory revenue is due to higher revenue of $132,000 from Ashford Prime as a result of the $5.0 million cash payment received upon stockholder approval of the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement. The payment is included in “deferred income” on our condensed consolidated balance sheet and is being recognized over the initial ten-year term of the advisory agreement. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

37


(6) 
The increase in investment management reimbursements is due to higher revenue of $522,000 from Ashford Trust. Investment management reimbursements include AIM’s management of all or a portion of Ashford Trust’s excess cash under the Investment Management Agreement executed in 2017. AIM is not compensated for its services but is reimbursed for all costs and expenses. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(7) 
The increase in debt placement fee revenue is due to higher revenue of $225,000 from Ashford Prime. Debt placement fees include revenues earned through provision of mortgage placement services. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(8) 
The increase in lease revenue is due to higher lease revenue of $168,000 from Ashford Trust and lower lease revenue of $1,000 from Ashford Prime. In connection with our key money transactions, we lease furniture, fixtures and equipment at no cost to Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime. A portion of the base advisory fee is allocated to lease revenue each period equal to the estimated fair value of the lease payments that would have been made. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(9) 
The increase in other services revenue is due to higher revenues of $828,000 earned by Pure Rooms and higher revenues of $45,000 earned by OpenKey. Pure Rooms and OpenKey are both consolidated subsidiaries of Ashford Inc. that provide hotel services to Ashford Trust, Ashford Prime and other non-related parties. See notes 2, 9, 10 and 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Salaries and Benefits Expense. Salaries and benefits expense increased $3.8 million, or 29.2%, to $16.8 million during the 2017 quarter compared to the 2016 quarter. The change in salaries and benefits expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
Cash salaries and benefits:
 
 
 
 

Salary expense
$
5,286

 
$
4,856

 
$
430

Bonus expense
3,467

 
1,983

 
1,484

Benefits related expenses
649

 
846

 
(197
)
Total cash salaries and benefits (1)
9,402

 
7,685

 
1,717

Non-cash equity-based compensation:
 
 
 
 
 
Stock option grants (2)
1,899

 
1,627

 
272

Pre spin-off Ashford Trust equity grants (3)
—

 
1,125

 
(1,125
)
Ashford Trust & Ashford Prime equity grants (4)
3,443

 
3,021

 
422

Total non-cash equity-based compensation
5,342

 
5,773

 
(431
)
Non-cash (gain) loss in deferred compensation plan (5)
2,006

 
(494
)
 
2,500

Total salaries and benefits
$
16,750

 
$
12,964

 
$
3,786

________
(1) 
The change in cash salaries and benefits expense is primarily due to fluctuations in the number of employees, salary and bonus awards, group insurance costs, payroll taxes and employee participation in the benefits offered.
(2) 
The increase in expense is due to additional stock options granted in 2017 with a three year vesting period of which there was no related expense in the three months ended September 30, 2016. See notes 11 and 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(3) 
As a result of the spin-off, we assumed all of the unrecognized equity-based compensation associated with prior Ashford Trust equity grants. As a result, we continued to recognize equity-based compensation expense related to these grants through the final vesting date in April 2017. The expense decreased each year as the Ashford Trust equity grants became fully vested. See notes 11 and 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(4) 
Equity grants of Ashford Trust’s and Ashford Prime’s common stock and LTIP units are awarded to our officers and employees as part of our advisory agreements with each company, for which we record offsetting revenue in an equal amount. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in the fair value of equity grants. See notes 2, 11 and 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(5) 
The DCP obligation is recorded as a liability in accordance with the applicable authoritative accounting guidance. The DCP obligation is carried at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in earnings. The 2017 quarter loss is primarily attributable to an increase in the fair value of the DCP obligation. See note 12 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

38


Depreciation Expense. Depreciation expense increased $310,000, or 114.4%, to $581,000 during the 2017 quarter compared to the 2016 quarter. The increase is primarily the result of furniture, fixtures and equipment additions, including software implementations, since September 30, 2016.
General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expenses increased $459,000, or 13.4%, to $3.9 million during the 2017 quarter compared to the 2016 quarter. The change in general and administrative expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
Professional fees(1)
$
2,023

 
$
1,257

 
$
766

Office expense
863

 
857

 
6

Public company costs
254

 
242

 
12

Director costs
192

 
206

 
(14
)
Travel and other expense
511

 
827

 
(316
)
Non-capitalizable costs - software implementation
54

 
49

 
5

Total general and administrative
$
3,897

 
$
3,438

 
$
459

________
(1) 
The increase in these costs is primarily due to investments in Pure Rooms, OpenKey and J&S. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in legal expense.
Other. Other operating expense was $367,000 and $0 for the 2017 quarter and 2016 quarter, respectively, as a result of the acquisition of Pure Rooms and OpenKey. Other operating expense represents cost of goods sold and royalties.
Interest Expense and Amortization of Loan Costs. Interest expense and amortization of loan costs were $20,000 and $0 for the 2017 quarter and 2016 quarter, respectively, related to the OpenKey and Pure Rooms notes payable and line of credit. See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Interest Income. Interest income was $82,000 and $21,000 for the 2017 quarter and 2016 quarter, respectively.
Dividend Income. Dividend income was $0 and $33,000 for the 2017 quarter and 2016 quarter, respectively, related to investments in the AQUA U.S. Fund.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments. We did not recognize any unrealized gain or loss in the 2017 quarter. We recorded an unrealized gain on investments of $287,000 for the 2016 quarter related to investments in the AQUA U.S. Fund and options on futures contracts. The unrealized gain on investments was based on changes in closing market prices during the period.
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments. We did not recognize any realized gain or loss in the 2017 quarter. We recorded a realized loss of $728,000 for the 2016 quarter. The realized loss on investments was related to investments in the AQUA U.S. Fund and options on futures contracts.
Other Income (Expense). Other expense was $5,000 and other income was $5,000 for the 2017 quarter and 2016 quarter, respectively.
Income Tax Benefit (Expense). Income tax expense decreased $600,000 from an expense of $575,000 in the 2016 quarter to a benefit of $25,000 in the 2017 quarter. The decrease in income tax expense was due to a $630,000 deferred tax benefit recorded during the 2017 quarter to recognize the carryback potential of certain deferred tax assets against taxable income generated after the Company’s change in tax filing structure in April 2017.
(Income) Loss from Consolidated Entities Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. The noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities were allocated losses of $102,000 and $486,000 in the 2017 quarter and 2016 quarter, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities represented noncontrolling ownership interests of 40% in Performance Holdco, 16.51% in OpenKey and 30% in Pure Rooms with a combined total carrying value of $460,000. At September 30, 2016, the noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities represented noncontrolling ownership interests of 40% in AIM, 100% in the AQUA Fund and 12.5% in OpenKey. See notes 1, 2, and 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests. Redeemable noncontrolling interests were allocated a net loss of $4,000 and net income of $1,000 in the 2017 quarter and 2016 quarter, respectively. Redeemable noncontrolling

39


interests represented ownership interests of 0.2% in Ashford Holdings LLC at September 30, 2017 and Ashford LLC at September 30, 2016.
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiary Common Stock. Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock was allocated a net loss of $296,000 in the 2017 quarter. Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock represented an ownership interest of 39.59% in OpenKey common stock at September 30, 2017. Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock was allocated a net loss of $322,000 in the 2016 quarter and represented an ownership interest of 49.13% in subsidiary common stock at September 30, 2016.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
The following table summarizes the changes in key line items from our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Favorable (Unfavorable)
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
 
% Change
REVENUE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advisory services
 
$
47,960

 
$
47,820

 
$
140

 
0.3
 %
Other
 
3,947

 
279

 
3,668

 
1,314.7
 %
Total revenue
 
51,907

 
48,099

 
3,808

 
7.9
 %
EXPENSES
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and benefits
 
39,146

 
38,156

 
(990
)
 
(2.6
)%
Depreciation and amortization
 
1,636

 
815

 
(821
)
 
(100.7
)%
General and administrative
 
12,493

 
11,967

 
(526
)
 
(4.4
)%
Impairment
 
1,072

 
—

 
(1,072
)
 


Other
 
618

 
—

 
(618
)
 


Total expenses
 
54,965

 
50,938

 
(4,027
)
 
(7.9
)%
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
 
(3,058
)
 
(2,839
)
 
(219
)
 
(7.7
)%
Realized gain (loss) on investment in unconsolidated entity
 
—

 
(3,601
)
 
3,601

 
100.0
 %
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment in unconsolidated entity
 
—

 
2,141

 
(2,141
)
 
(100.0
)%
Interest expense and amortization of loan costs
 
(35
)
 
—

 
(35
)
 


Interest income
 
153

 
44

 
109

 
247.7
 %
Dividend income
 
93

 
79

 
14

 
17.7
 %
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments
 
203

 
1,182

 
(979
)
 
(82.8
)%
Realized gain (loss) on investments
 
(294
)
 
(7,071
)
 
6,777

 
95.8
 %
Other income (expense)
 
(26
)
 
(144
)
 
118

 
81.9
 %
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
 
(2,964
)
 
(10,209
)
 
7,245

 
71.0
 %
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
(9,248
)
 
(560
)
 
(8,688
)
 
(1,551.4
)%
NET INCOME (LOSS)
 
(12,212
)
 
(10,769
)
 
(1,443
)
 
(13.4
)%
(Income) loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
267

 
6,852

 
(6,585
)
 
(96.1
)%
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
4

 
6

 
(2
)
 
(33.3
)%
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock
 
991

 
788

 
203

 
25.8
 %
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY
 
$
(10,950
)
 
$
(3,123
)
 
$
(7,827
)
 
(250.6
)%
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to the Company. Net loss attributable to the Company increased $7.8 million, or 250.6%, to $11.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (the “2017 period”) compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 (the “2016 period”). This increased loss for the 2017 period compared to the 2016 period was the result of the factors discussed below.

40


Total Revenue. Total revenue increased $3.8 million, or 7.9%, to $51.9 million for the 2017 period compared to the 2016 period. The increase was driven by a $2.2 million increase in REIT Advisory revenue and an increase of $1.6 million in revenue from Pure Rooms and OpenKey. The changes in total revenue consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
Advisory services revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
Base advisory fee (1)
$
32,599

 
$
32,176

 
$
423

Incentive advisory fee (2)
2,312

 
1,213

 
1,099

Reimbursable expenses (3)
7,454

 
6,676

 
778

Non-cash stock/unit-based compensation (4)
5,449

 
7,755

 
(2,306
)
Other advisory revenue (5)
146

 
—

 
146

Total advisory services revenue
47,960

 
47,820

 
140

Other revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
Investment management reimbursements (6)
1,482

 
—

 
1,482

Debt placement fees (7)
225

 
—

 
225

Lease revenue (8)
642

 
252

 
390

Other services (9)
1,598

 
27

 
1,571

Total other revenue
3,947

 
279

 
3,668

Total revenue
$
51,907

 
$
48,099

 
$
3,808

________
(1) 
The increase in base advisory fee is due to higher revenue of $178,000 from Ashford Trust and higher revenue of $245,000 from Ashford Prime. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(2) 
The increase in incentive advisory fee is due to higher revenue of $1.4 million from Ashford Trust and lower revenue of $257,000 from Ashford Prime. The incentive advisory fee for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, includes the pro-rata portion of the second year installment of the Ashford Trust 2016 incentive advisory fee in the amount of $1.4 million, for which payment is due January 2018, subject to meeting the FCCR Condition as of December 31, 2017, as defined in our advisory agreement with Ashford Trust and the pro-rata portion of the third year installment of the Ashford Prime 2015 incentive advisory fee in the amount of $956,000, for which the payment is due January 2018, subject to meeting the FCCR Condition at December 31, 2017, as defined in our advisory agreement with Ashford Prime. The incentive advisory fee for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, includes the pro-rata portion of the second year installment of the Ashford Prime 2015 incentive advisory fee in the amount of $956,000, for which payment was made in January 2017 as well as the first year installment of the 2016 incentive fee in the amount of $257,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, which was subject to Ashford Prime’s annual total stockholder return exceeding the average annual total stockholder return of Ashford Prime’s peer group as of December 31, 2016 and the FCCR Condition as of December 31, 2016, as defined in our advisory agreement with Ashford Prime. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(3) 
The increase in reimbursable expenses revenue is due to higher revenue of $1.3 million from Ashford Trust and lower revenue of $483,000 from Ashford Prime. Reimbursable expenses include overhead, internal audit, insurance claims advisory and asset management services. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recognized deferred income from reimbursable expenses related to software implementation costs from Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime of $1.5 million and $110,000, respectively, which was partially offset by the impairment of the related capitalized software, as discussed in note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements, in the amount of $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(4) 
The decrease in equity-based compensation revenue is due to higher revenue of $3.2 million from Ashford Trust and lower revenue of $5.5 million from Ashford Prime. Equity-based compensation revenue is associated with equity grants of Ashford Trust’s and Ashford Prime’s common stock and LTIP units awarded to officers and employees of Ashford Inc. for which we recorded an offsetting expense in an equal amount included in “salaries and benefits.” See notes 11 and 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(5) 
The increase in other advisory revenue is due to higher revenue of $146,000 from Ashford Prime as a result of the $5.0 million cash payment received upon stockholder approval of the Fourth Amended and Restated Ashford Prime Advisory Agreement. The payment is included in “deferred income” on our condensed consolidated balance sheet and is being recognized over the initial ten-year term of the agreement. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

41


(6) 
The increase in investment management reimbursements is due to higher revenue of $1.5 million from Ashford Trust. Investment management reimbursements include AIM’s management of all or a portion of Ashford Trust’s excess cash under the Investment Management Agreement executed in 2017. AIM is not compensated for its services but is reimbursed for all costs and expenses. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(7) 
The increase in debt placement fee revenue is due to higher revenue of $225,000 from Ashford Prime. Debt placement fees include revenues earned through provision of mortgage placement services. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(8) 
The increase in lease revenue is due to higher lease revenue of $391,000 from Ashford Trust and lower lease revenue from Ashford Prime of $1,000. In connection with our key money transactions, we lease furniture, fixtures and equipment at no cost to Ashford Trust and Ashford Prime. A portion of the base advisory fee is allocated to lease revenue each period equal to the estimated fair value of the lease payments that would have been made. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(9) 
The increase in other services revenue is due to higher revenues of $1.5 million earned by Pure Rooms and higher revenues of $113,000 earned by OpenKey. Pure Rooms and OpenKey are both consolidated subsidiaries that provide hotel services to Ashford Trust, Ashford Prime and other non-related parties. See notes 2, 9, 10 and 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

42


Salaries and Benefits Expense. Salaries and benefits expense increased $1.0 million, or 2.6%, to $39.1 million during the 2017 period compared to the 2016 period. The change in salaries and benefits expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
Cash salaries and benefits:
 
 
 
 

Salary expense
$
14,848

 
$
14,331

 
$
517

Bonus expense
6,718

 
5,559

 
1,159

Benefits related expenses
2,338

 
3,170

 
(832
)
Total cash salaries and benefits (1)
23,904

 
23,060

 
844

Non-cash equity-based compensation:
 
 
 
 

Stock option grants (2)
5,436

 
4,196

 
1,240

Pre spin-off Ashford Trust equity grants (3)
684

 
4,323

 
(3,639
)
Ashford Trust & Ashford Prime equity grants (4)
5,449

 
7,755

 
(2,306
)
Total non-cash equity-based compensation
11,569

 
16,274

 
(4,705
)
Non-cash (gain) loss in deferred compensation plan (5)
3,673

 
(1,178
)
 
4,851

Total salaries and benefits
$
39,146

 
$
38,156

 
$
990

________
(1) 
The change in cash salaries and benefits expense is primarily due to fluctuations in the number of employees, salary and bonus awards, group insurance costs, payroll taxes and employee participation in the benefits offered.
(2) 
The increase in expense is due to additional stock options granted in 2017 with a three year vesting period of which there was no related expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. See notes 11 and 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(3) 
As a result of the spin-off, we assumed all of the unrecognized equity-based compensation associated with prior Ashford Trust equity grants. As a result, we continued to recognize equity-based compensation expense related to these grants through the final vesting date in April 2017. The expense decreased each year as the Ashford Trust equity grants became fully vested. See notes 11 and 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(4) 
Equity grants of Ashford Trust’s and Ashford Prime’s common stock and LTIP units are awarded to our officers and employees as part of our advisory agreements with each company, for which we record offsetting revenue in an equal amount. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in the fair value of equity grants. See notes 2, 11 and 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(5) 
The DCP obligation is recorded as a liability in accordance with the applicable authoritative accounting guidance. The DCP obligation is carried at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in earnings. The 2017 period loss is primarily attributable to an increase in the fair value of the DCP obligation. See note 12 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Depreciation Expense. Depreciation expense increased $821,000, or 100.7%, to $1.6 million during the 2017 period compared to the 2016 period. The increase is primarily the result of furniture, fixtures and equipment additions, including software implementations, since September 30, 2016.

43


General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expenses increased $526,000, or 4.4%, to $12.5 million during the 2017 period compared to the 2016 period. The change in general and administrative expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
Professional fees(1)
$
6,546

 
$
4,459

 
$
2,087

Office expense
2,388

 
2,611

 
(223
)
Public company costs
829

 
747

 
82

Director costs
735

 
856

 
(121
)
Travel and other expense
1,847

 
2,340

 
(493
)
Non-capitalizable costs - software implementation(2)
148

 
954

 
(806
)
Total general and administrative
$
12,493

 
$
11,967

 
$
526

________
(1) 
The increase in these costs is primarily due to investments in Pure Rooms, OpenKey and J&S. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in legal expense.
(2) 
The decrease in these costs is primarily due to software project timing.
Impairment. Impairment of capitalized software implementation costs was $1.1 million during the 2017 period compared to $0 for the 2016 period. See notes 2 and 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Other. Other operating expense was $618,000 and $0 for the 2017 period and 2016 period, respectively, as a result of the acquisition of Pure Rooms. Other operating expense represents cost of goods sold and royalties.
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investment in Unconsolidated Entity. We did not recognize any realized gain/loss in the 2017 period. In the 2016 period, we recorded a realized loss of $3.6 million on an investment in an unconsolidated investment fund for which AIM was the investment adviser.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment in Unconsolidated Entity. We did not recognize any unrealized gain/loss in the 2017 period. In the 2016 period, we recorded an unrealized gain of $2.1 million on an investment in an unconsolidated investment fund for which AIM was the investment adviser.
Interest Expense and Amortization of Loan Costs. Interest expense and amortization of loan costs were $35,000 and $0 for the 2017 period and 2016 period, respectively, related to the OpenKey and Pure Rooms notes payable and line of credit. See note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Interest Income. Interest income was $153,000 and $44,000 for the 2017 period and 2016 period, respectively.
Dividend Income. Dividend income was $93,000 and $79,000 for the 2017 period and 2016 period, respectively, related to investments in the AQUA U.S. Fund.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments. We recorded an unrealized gain on investments of $203,000 and $1.2 million for the 2017 period and 2016 period, respectively, related to investments in the AQUA U.S. Fund. The unrealized gain (loss) on investments is based on changes in closing market prices during the period.
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments. Realized loss on investments was $294,000 and $7.1 million for the 2017 period and 2016 period, respectively. The realized gain (loss) on investments is related to investments in the AQUA U.S. Fund and options on futures contracts.
Other Income (Expense). Other expense was $26,000 and $144,000 for the 2017 period and 2016 period, respectively.
Income Tax Benefit (Expense). Income tax expense increased $8.7 million, from an expense of $560,000 in the 2016 period to an expense of $9.2 million in the 2017 period. The increase in income tax expense is primarily due to a restructuring of the Company to facilitate acquisitions that resulted in fully reserved deferred tax assets, thereby increasing the deferred tax expense.
(Income) Loss from Consolidated Entities Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. The noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities were allocated a loss of $267,000 and $6.9 million in the 2017 period and 2016 period, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities represented noncontrolling ownership interests of 40% in Performance Holdco, 16.51% in OpenKey and 30% in Pure Rooms. At September 30, 2016, the noncontrolling interests in

44


consolidated entities represented noncontrolling ownership interests of 40% in AIM, 100% in the AQUA Fund and 12.5% in OpenKey. See notes 1, 2, and 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests. Redeemable noncontrolling interests were allocated a net loss of $4,000 and $6,000 in the 2017 period and 2016 period, respectively. Redeemable noncontrolling interests in Ashford LLC represented ownership interests of 0.2% in Ashford Holdings LLC at September 30, 2017 and Ashford LLC at September 30, 2016.
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiary Common Stock. Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock was allocated a net loss of $991,000 in the 2017 period. Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock represented an ownership interest of 39.59% in subsidiary common stock at September 30, 2017. Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary common stock was allocated a net loss of $788,000 in the 2016 period and represented an ownership interest of 49.13% in subsidiary common stock at September 30, 2016.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of business, we may form or invest in partnerships or joint ventures. We evaluate each partnership and joint venture to determine whether the entity is a 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 see notes 1 and 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
There have been no material changes since December 31, 2016, outside 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 2016 Form 10-K other than the termination of the Remington Lodging acquisition cancellation fee as a result of the termination of the Remington Acquisition Agreement on March 24, 2017 and the assumption of debt. See notes 4 and 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies
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 the section “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our 2016 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in these critical accounting policies.
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 that bear interest at variable rates that fluctuate with market interest rates. To the extent that we acquire assets or conduct operations in an international jurisdiction, we will also have currency exchange risk. We may enter into certain hedging arrangements in order to manage interest rate and currency fluctuations. The analysis below presents the sensitivity of the market value of our financial instruments to selected changes in market interest rates.
At September 30, 2017, our total indebtedness of $379,000 included $100,000 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 September 30, 2017, would be less than $1,000. Interest rate changes will have no impact on the remaining $279,000 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. The information presented above includes those exposures that existed at September 30, 2017, but 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 together with our consolidated subsidiaries do not hold any other financial instruments that subject us to market risk.
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 Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2017. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the evaluation date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective (i) to ensure

45


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.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On December 11, 2015, a purported stockholder class action and derivative complaint challenging the Remington acquisition, described in note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements, was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and styled Campbell v. Bennett et al., Case No. 11796. The complaint names as defendants each of the members of the Company's board of directors, Archie Bennett, Jr., Mark A. Sharkey, MJB Investments GP, LLC and Remington Holdings GP, as well as the Company as a nominal defendant. The complaint alleges that the members of the Company’s board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company’s stockholders in connection with the Remington acquisition and that Monty Bennett, Archie Bennett, Jr., Mark A. Sharkey, MJB Investments GP, LLC and Remington Holdings GP aided and abetted the purported breaches of fiduciary duty. In support of these claims, the complaint alleges, among other things, that the Company’s board of directors engaged in an unfair process with Remington Lodging and the Bennetts and as a result the Company overpaid for the 80% limited partnership and 100% general partnership interests in Remington Lodging. The complaint also alleges that the proxy statement filed with the SEC contains certain materially false and/or misleading statements. The action seeks injunctive relief, including enjoining the special meeting of stockholders and any vote on the contribution or the stock issuances or rescinding the Remington acquisition if they are consummated, or in the alternative an award of damages, as well as unspecified attorneys' and other fees and costs, in addition to any other relief the court may deem proper. Since the filing of the complaint, the special meeting of stockholders and related vote occurred with the stockholders approving the acquisition. On March 24, 2017, the Remington acquisition was terminated and therefore this action is moot. On April 13, 2017, the Court of Chancery entered an order dismissing the action with prejudice as to the named plaintiff, and without prejudice as to all other members of the class. Pursuant to the order, the Court of Chancery retained jurisdiction solely for the purpose of determining the plaintiff’s anticipated application for an award of mootness fees and reimbursement of expenses. After negotiations, and to eliminate any risk associated with the plaintiff’s fee petition, the Company agreed to pay fees and expenses in the amount of $150,000 within five (5) days of the entry of an order closing the case. Accordingly, this amount was recorded within “general and administrative” expenses on our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Court of Chancery has not and will not pass any judgment on the fee payment. On July 17, 2017, the Court of Chancery entered a stipulation and order closing the case.
Jesse Small v. Monty J. Bennett, et al., Case No. 24-C-16006020 (Md. Cir. Ct.) On November 16, 2016, Jesse Small, a purported shareholder of Ashford Prime, commenced a derivative action in Maryland Circuit Court for Baltimore City asserting causes of action for breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste, and declaratory relief against the members of the Ashford Prime board of directors, David Brooks (collectively, the “Individual Defendants”), Ashford Inc. and Ashford LLC. Ashford Prime is named as a nominal defendant. The complaint alleges that the Individual Defendants breached their fiduciary duties to Ashford Prime by negotiating and approving the termination fee provision set forth in Ashford Prime’s advisory agreement with Ashford LLC, that Ashford Inc. and Ashford LLC aided and abetted the Individual Defendants’ fiduciary duty breaches, and that the Ashford Prime board of directors committed corporate waste in connection with Ashford Prime’s purchase of 175,000 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock. The complaint seeks monetary damages and declaratory and injunctive relief, including a declaration that the termination fee provision is unenforceable. The defendants filed motions to dismiss the complaint on March 24, 2017. On June 6, 2017, the plaintiff notified the court that the plaintiff intends to dismiss the action as moot and seek a mootness fee and costs. On July 25, 2017, the action was dismissed with prejudice as to the plaintiff. A hearing on the plaintiff’s fee petition was held on October 25, 2017. A ruling from the court is currently pending. It is not possible to accurately predict the outcome of this remaining action or the range of any potential loss.
The Company is engaged in other various legal proceedings which have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. The likelihood of loss for 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 upon the financial position or results of operations of the Company. However, the final results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty and if the Company failed to prevail in one or more of these legal matters, and the associated realized

46


losses were to exceed the Company’s current estimates of the range of potential losses, the Company’s 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, 2016, 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 September 30, 2017, 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, 2016.
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
None.
ITEM 3.
DEFAULT UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.

47


ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit
 
Description
3.1
 
3.2
 
10.1
 
10.2
 
10.3
 
10.4
 
31.1*
 
31.2*
 
32.1*
 
32.2*
 
 
 
 
 
The following materials from the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, are formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to the Condensed 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.


48


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 INC.
Date:
November 8, 2017
By:
/s/ MONTY J. BENNETT
 
 
 
 
Monty J. Bennett
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 8, 2017
By:
/s/ DERIC S. EUBANKS
 
 
 
 
Deric S. Eubanks
 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 


49