Ashford Inc. - Quarter Report: 2020 June (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☑ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020
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)
Nevada | 84-2331507 | |
(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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). 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,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☑ |
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☑ |
Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes þ No
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
Common Stock | AINC | NYSE American LLC | ||
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights | NYSE American LLC |
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share | 2,510,521 | |
(Class) | Outstanding at August 5, 2020 |
ASHFORD INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2020
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)
June 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 65,518 | $ | 35,349 | |||
Restricted cash | 37,175 | 17,900 | |||||
Restricted investment | 374 | 1,195 | |||||
Accounts receivable, net | 4,331 | 7,241 | |||||
Due from affiliates | 307 | 357 | |||||
Due from Ashford Trust | — | 4,805 | |||||
Due from Braemar | 846 | 1,591 | |||||
Inventories | 1,564 | 1,642 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 6,158 | 7,212 | |||||
Total current assets | 116,273 | 77,292 | |||||
Investments in unconsolidated entities | 3,729 | 3,476 | |||||
Property and equipment, net | 108,122 | 116,190 | |||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 32,267 | 31,699 | |||||
Goodwill | 66,834 | 205,606 | |||||
Intangible assets, net | 285,745 | 347,961 | |||||
Other assets | 3,037 | 276 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 616,007 | $ | 782,500 | |||
LIABILITIES | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 35,987 | $ | 39,160 | |||
Dividends payable | 11,877 | 4,725 | |||||
Due to affiliates | 1,047 | 1,011 | |||||
Due to Ashford Trust | 516 | — | |||||
Deferred income | 10,303 | 233 | |||||
Deferred compensation plan | 24 | 35 | |||||
Notes payable, net | 57,411 | 3,550 | |||||
Finance lease liabilities | 578 | 572 | |||||
Operating lease liabilities | 3,632 | 3,207 | |||||
Other liabilities | 34,884 | 19,066 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 156,259 | 71,559 | |||||
Deferred income | 9,934 | 13,047 | |||||
Deferred tax liability, net | 51,560 | 69,521 | |||||
Deferred compensation plan | 2,002 | 4,694 | |||||
Notes payable, net | 4,559 | 33,033 | |||||
Finance lease liabilities | 42,845 | 41,482 | |||||
Operating lease liabilities | 28,664 | 28,519 | |||||
Other liabilities | — | 430 | |||||
Total liabilities | 295,823 | 262,285 | |||||
Commitments and contingencies (note 9) | |||||||
MEZZANINE EQUITY | |||||||
Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, 19,120,000 shares issued and outstanding, net of discount, as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 | 475,665 | 474,060 | |||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 3,682 | 4,131 | |||||
EQUITY (DEFICIT) | |||||||
Common stock, 100,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, 2,504,588 and 2,202,580 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively | 3 | 2 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 288,774 | 285,825 | |||||
Accumulated deficit | (447,649 | ) | (244,084 | ) | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (114 | ) | (216 | ) | |||
Treasury stock, at cost, 30,943 and 1,638 shares at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively | (428 | ) | (131 | ) | |||
Total equity (deficit) of the Company | (159,414 | ) | 41,396 | ||||
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities | 251 | 628 | |||||
Total equity (deficit) | (159,163 | ) | 42,024 | ||||
Total liabilities and equity (deficit) | $ | 616,007 | $ | 782,500 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
REVENUE | |||||||||||||||
Advisory services | $ | 11,430 | $ | 11,489 | $ | 23,266 | $ | 22,409 | |||||||
Hotel management | 3,691 | — | 9,815 | — | |||||||||||
Project management fees | 2,052 | 6,430 | 5,990 | 12,872 | |||||||||||
Audio visual | 970 | 30,127 | 30,644 | 61,102 | |||||||||||
Other | 3,337 | 4,083 | 10,028 | 9,093 | |||||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue | 24,118 | 11,337 | 99,697 | 21,310 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | 45,598 | 63,466 | 179,440 | 126,786 | |||||||||||
EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||
Salaries and benefits | 13,677 | 10,979 | 29,987 | 27,193 | |||||||||||
Cost of revenues for project management | 878 | 1,442 | 2,329 | 2,915 | |||||||||||
Cost of revenues for audio visual | 2,316 | 22,229 | 22,746 | 43,668 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 10,109 | 4,515 | 20,078 | 8,623 | |||||||||||
General and administrative | 4,341 | 8,989 | 10,524 | 15,443 | |||||||||||
Impairment | — | — | 178,213 | — | |||||||||||
Other | 1,361 | 3,138 | 5,587 | 4,477 | |||||||||||
Reimbursed expenses | 24,055 | 11,231 | 99,566 | 20,982 | |||||||||||
Total expenses | 56,737 | 62,523 | 369,030 | 123,301 | |||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | (11,139 | ) | 943 | (189,590 | ) | 3,485 | |||||||||
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities | 17 | (298 | ) | 253 | (573 | ) | |||||||||
Interest expense | (1,246 | ) | (445 | ) | (2,422 | ) | (742 | ) | |||||||
Amortization of loan costs | (90 | ) | (70 | ) | (156 | ) | (139 | ) | |||||||
Interest income | 1 | 9 | 29 | 29 | |||||||||||
Realized gain (loss) on investments | (11 | ) | — | (386 | ) | — | |||||||||
Other income (expense) | 66 | (42 | ) | (455 | ) | (95 | ) | ||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | (12,402 | ) | 97 | (192,727 | ) | 1,965 | |||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | 3,484 | (426 | ) | 5,569 | (1,726 | ) | |||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | (8,918 | ) | (329 | ) | (187,158 | ) | 239 | ||||||||
(Income) loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interests | 278 | 131 | 438 | 294 | |||||||||||
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 644 | 310 | 1,084 | 289 | |||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY | (7,996 | ) | 112 | (185,636 | ) | 822 | |||||||||
Preferred dividends, declared and undeclared | (7,940 | ) | (2,791 | ) | (15,815 | ) | (5,583 | ) | |||||||
Amortization of preferred stock discount | (795 | ) | (484 | ) | (1,605 | ) | (975 | ) | |||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS | $ | (16,731 | ) | $ | (3,163 | ) | $ | (203,056 | ) | $ | (5,736 | ) | |||
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC AND DILUTED | |||||||||||||||
Basic: | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (7.37 | ) | $ | (1.28 | ) | $ | (90.81 | ) | $ | (2.35 | ) | |||
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 2,269 | 2,462 | 2,236 | 2,441 | |||||||||||
Diluted: | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (7.37 | ) | $ | (3.00 | ) | $ | (90.81 | ) | $ | (3.94 | ) | |||
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 2,269 | 2,717 | 2,236 | 2,583 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited, in thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | (8,918 | ) | $ | (329 | ) | $ | (187,158 | ) | $ | 239 | ||||
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 147 | 204 | 586 | 234 | |||||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on restricted investment | 56 | — | (800 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Less reclassification for realized (gain) loss on restricted investment included in net income | 11 | — | 386 | — | |||||||||||
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | (8,704 | ) | (125 | ) | (186,986 | ) | 473 | ||||||||
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 278 | 131 | 438 | 294 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 625 | 294 | 1,014 | 259 | |||||||||||
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY | $ | (7,801 | ) | $ | 300 | $ | (185,534 | ) | $ | 1,026 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(unaudited, in thousands)
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Treasury Stock | Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Entities | Total | Convertible Preferred Stock | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2020 | 2,460 | $ | 2 | $ | 288,114 | $ | (430,731 | ) | $ | (309 | ) | (4 | ) | $ | (149 | ) | $ | 529 | $ | (142,544 | ) | 19,120 | $ | 474,870 | $ | 4,120 | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity-based compensation | 73 | 1 | 403 | — | — | — | — | — | 404 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forfeiture of restricted common shares | (27 | ) | — | 267 | — | — | (26 | ) | (267 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock | (2 | ) | — | — | — | — | (1 | ) | (12 | ) | — | (12 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of preferred stock discount | — | — | — | (795 | ) | — | — | — | — | (795 | ) | — | 795 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared and undeclared - preferred stock | — | — | — | (7,940 | ) | — | — | — | — | (7,940 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation plan distribution | 1 | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee advances | — | — | (14 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | (14 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Redemption value adjustment | — | — | — | (187 | ) | — | — | — | — | (187 | ) | — | — | 187 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | — | — | — | 128 | — | — | — | 128 | — | — | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities | — | — | — | — | 56 | — | — | — | 56 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification for realized loss (gain) on available for sale securities | — | — | — | — | 11 | — | — | — | 11 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | — | — | — | (7,996 | ) | — | — | — | (278 | ) | (8,274 | ) | — | — | (644 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2020 | 2,505 | $ | 3 | $ | 288,774 | $ | (447,649 | ) | $ | (114 | ) | (31 | ) | $ | (428 | ) | $ | 251 | $ | (159,163 | ) | 19,120 | $ | 475,665 | $ | 3,682 |
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Treasury Stock | Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Entities | Total | Convertible Preferred Stock | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2019 | 2,203 | $ | 2 | $ | 285,825 | $ | (244,084 | ) | $ | (216 | ) | (2 | ) | $ | (131 | ) | $ | 628 | $ | 42,024 | 19,120 | $ | 474,060 | $ | 4,131 | |||||||||||||||||||
Equity-based compensation | 330 | 1 | 2,590 | — | — | — | — | 3 | 2,594 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forfeiture of restricted common shares | (27 | ) | — | 280 | — | — | (27 | ) | (280 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock | (2 | ) | — | — | — | — | (2 | ) | (17 | ) | — | (17 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of preferred stock discount | — | — | — | (1,605 | ) | — | — | — | — | (1,605 | ) | — | 1,605 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared and undeclared - preferred stock | — | — | — | (15,815 | ) | — | — | — | — | (15,815 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation plan distribution | 1 | — | 6 | — | — | — | — | — | 6 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee advances | — | — | 110 | — | — | — | — | — | 110 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contributions from noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 77 | 77 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reallocation of carrying value | — | — | (37 | ) | — | — | — | — | (19 | ) | (56 | ) | — | — | 56 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Redemption value adjustment | — | — | — | (509 | ) | — | — | — | — | (509 | ) | — | — | 509 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | — | — | — | 516 | — | — | — | 516 | — | — | 70 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities | — | — | — | — | (800 | ) | — | — | — | (800 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification for realized loss (gain) on available for sale securities | — | — | — | — | 386 | — | — | — | 386 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | — | — | — | (185,636 | ) | — | — | — | (438 | ) | (186,074 | ) | — | — | (1,084 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2020 | 2,505 | $ | 3 | $ | 288,774 | $ | (447,649 | ) | $ | (114 | ) | (31 | ) | $ | (428 | ) | $ | 251 | $ | (159,163 | ) | 19,120 | $ | 475,665 | $ | 3,682 |
5
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Entities | Total | Convertible Preferred Stock | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2019 | 2,470 | $ | 25 | $ | 287,129 | $ | (216,703 | ) | $ | (483 | ) | $ | 627 | $ | 70,595 | 8,120 | $ | 201,338 | $ | 3,810 | |||||||||||||||||
Equity-based compensation | 5 | — | 2,681 | — | — | (27 | ) | 2,654 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of BAV Services | — | — | (7 | ) | — | — | — | (7 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in Real Estate Advisory Holdings LLC | — | — | (113 | ) | — | — | — | (113 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of preferred stock discount | — | — | — | (484 | ) | — | — | (484 | ) | — | 484 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared - preferred stock | — | — | — | (2,791 | ) | — | — | (2,791 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation plan distribution | 1 | — | 27 | — | — | — | 27 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee advances | — | — | 104 | — | — | — | 104 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Redemption value adjustment | — | — | — | (99 | ) | — | — | (99 | ) | — | — | 99 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions to consolidated noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | (59 | ) | (59 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | — | — | — | 190 | — | 190 | — | — | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | — | — | — | 112 | — | (131 | ) | (19 | ) | — | — | (310 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2019 | 2,476 | $ | 25 | $ | 289,821 | $ | (219,965 | ) | $ | (293 | ) | $ | 410 | $ | 69,998 | 8,120 | $ | 201,822 | $ | 3,615 |
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Entities | Total | Convertible Preferred Stock | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2018 | 2,392 | $ | 24 | $ | 280,159 | $ | (214,242 | ) | $ | (498 | ) | $ | 458 | $ | 65,901 | 8,120 | $ | 200,847 | $ | 3,531 | |||||||||||||||||
Equity-based compensation | 5 | — | 4,836 | — | — | (24 | ) | 4,812 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of BAV Services | 60 | 1 | 3,747 | — | — | — | 3,748 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in Real Estate Advisory Holdings LLC | 17 | — | 887 | — | — | — | 887 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of preferred stock discount | — | — | — | (975 | ) | — | — | (975 | ) | — | 975 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared - preferred stock | — | — | — | (5,583 | ) | — | — | (5,583 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation plan distribution | 2 | — | 73 | — | — | — | 73 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee advances | — | — | 353 | — | — | — | 353 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contributions from noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | 455 | 455 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reallocation of carrying value | — | — | (234 | ) | — | — | (122 | ) | (356 | ) | — | — | 356 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Redemption value adjustment | — | — | — | 13 | — | — | 13 | — | — | (13 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions to consolidated noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | (63 | ) | (63 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | — | — | — | 205 | — | 205 | — | — | 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | — | — | — | 822 | — | (294 | ) | 528 | — | — | (289 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2019 | 2,476 | $ | 25 | $ | 289,821 | $ | (219,965 | ) | $ | (293 | ) | $ | 410 | $ | 69,998 | 8,120 | $ | 201,822 | $ | 3,615 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited, in thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (187,158 | ) | $ | 239 | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities: | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 22,869 | 11,835 | |||||
Change in fair value of deferred compensation plan | (2,697 | ) | (4,077 | ) | |||
Equity-based compensation | 2,313 | 4,862 | |||||
Equity in (earnings) loss in unconsolidated entities | (253 | ) | 573 | ||||
Deferred tax expense (benefit) | (8,097 | ) | 244 | ||||
Change in fair value of contingent consideration | 617 | 1,639 | |||||
Impairment | 178,213 | — | |||||
(Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment | 33 | 48 | |||||
Amortization of other assets | 652 | — | |||||
Amortization of loan costs | 156 | 139 | |||||
Realized loss on restricted investments | 386 | — | |||||
Write off of deferred loan costs | 62 | — | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, exclusive of the effect of acquisitions: | |||||||
Accounts receivable | 2,785 | (3,578 | ) | ||||
Due from affiliates | 50 | (48 | ) | ||||
Due from Ashford Trust | 4,805 | 421 | |||||
Due from Braemar | 745 | 166 | |||||
Inventories | 60 | (301 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 828 | 58 | |||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 1,932 | 874 | |||||
Other assets | (58 | ) | 3 | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (2,149 | ) | 799 | ||||
Due to affiliates | 37 | (1,236 | ) | ||||
Due to Ashford Trust | 516 | — | |||||
Other liabilities | 16,028 | 5,011 | |||||
Operating lease liabilities | (1,930 | ) | (859 | ) | |||
Deferred income | 7,041 | (2,319 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 37,786 | 14,493 | |||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities | |||||||
Purchases of furniture, fixtures and equipment under the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement | — | (13,089 | ) | ||||
Purchases of furniture, fixtures and equipment under the Braemar ERFP Agreement | — | (1,420 | ) | ||||
Additions to property and equipment | (2,146 | ) | (3,665 | ) | |||
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment, net | 4 | 58 | |||||
Additional purchase price paid for Remington working capital adjustment | (1,293 | ) | — | ||||
Acquisition of BAV | — | (4,267 | ) | ||||
Investment in REA Holdings | — | (2,176 | ) | ||||
Acquisition of assets related to RED | (548 | ) | (988 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (3,983 | ) | (25,547 | ) | |||
(Continued) |
7
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |||||||
Payments for dividends on preferred stock | (8,663 | ) | (2,791 | ) | |||
Payments on revolving credit facilities | (11,348 | ) | (16,256 | ) | |||
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities | 8,884 | 17,245 | |||||
Proceeds from notes payable | 44,797 | 7,336 | |||||
Payments on notes payable | (16,591 | ) | (974 | ) | |||
Payments on finance lease liabilities | (476 | ) | (323 | ) | |||
Payments of loan costs | (290 | ) | (41 | ) | |||
Purchase of treasury stock | (17 | ) | — | ||||
Employee advances | 110 | 353 | |||||
Payment of contingent consideration | (1,384 | ) | — | ||||
Contributions from noncontrolling interest | 77 | 455 | |||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities | — | (63 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 15,099 | 4,941 | |||||
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 542 | (15 | ) | ||||
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 49,444 | (6,128 | ) | ||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 53,249 | 59,443 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 102,693 | $ | 53,315 | |||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information | |||||||
Interest paid | $ | 2,016 | $ | 610 | |||
Income taxes paid (refunded), net | (14 | ) | 1,344 | ||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities | |||||||
Ashford Inc. common stock consideration for BAV acquisition | $ | — | $ | 3,748 | |||
Ashford Inc. common stock consideration for investment in REA Holdings | — | 887 | |||||
Distribution from deferred compensation plan | 6 | 73 | |||||
Capital expenditures accrued but not paid | 781 | 632 | |||||
Finance lease additions | 1,864 | 69 | |||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $ | 35,349 | $ | 51,529 | |||
Restricted cash at beginning of period | 17,900 | 7,914 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | $ | 53,249 | $ | 59,443 | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 65,518 | $ | 40,039 | |||
Restricted cash at end of period | 37,175 | 13,276 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 102,693 | $ | 53,315 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
8
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
1. Organization and Description of Business
Ashford Inc. (the “Company”) is a Nevada corporation that provides products and services primarily to clients in the hospitality industry, including Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (“Ashford Trust”) and Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. (“Braemar”). We became a public company in November 2014, and our common stock is listed on the NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American”). Unless the context otherwise requires, references to the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “Ashford Inc.” for the period before August 8, 2018 refer to Old Ashford (as defined below), for the period from and including August 8, 2018 through November 6, 2019 refer to Maryland Ashford (as defined below), and for the period beginning on and including November 6, 2019, and thereafter refer to Ashford Inc., a Nevada corporation.
We provide: (i) advisory services; (ii) asset management services; (iii) hotel management services; (iv) project management services; (v) event technology and creative communications solutions; (vi) mobile room keys and keyless entry solutions; (vii) watersports activities and other travel, concierge and transportation services; (viii) hypoallergenic premium room products and services; (ix) debt placement and related services; (x) real estate advisory and brokerage services; and (xi) wholesaler, dealer manager and other broker-dealer services. We conduct these activities and own substantially all of our assets primarily through Ashford Hospitality Advisors, LLC (“Ashford LLC”), Ashford Hospitality Services, LLC (“Ashford Services”) and their respective subsidiaries.
We are currently the advisor to Ashford Trust and Braemar. In our capacity as the advisor to Ashford Trust and Braemar, we are responsible for implementing the investment strategies and managing the day-to-day operations of Ashford Trust and Braemar from an ownership perspective, in each case subject to the supervision and oversight of the respective board of directors of Ashford Trust and Braemar. Ashford Trust 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. Braemar invests primarily in luxury hotels and resorts with RevPAR of at least twice the U.S. national average. Each of Ashford Trust and Braemar is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), and the common stock of each of Ashford Trust and Braemar is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”).
We provide the personnel and services that we believe are necessary for each of Ashford Trust and Braemar to conduct their respective businesses. We may also perform similar functions for new or additional platforms. In our capacity as an advisor, we are not responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the individual hotel properties owned by either Ashford Trust or Braemar, which duties are, and will continue to be, the responsibility of the hotel management companies that operate the hotel properties owned by Ashford Trust and Braemar. As described further below, Remington, which we acquired on November 6, 2019, operates certain of the hotel properties owned by Ashford Trust and Braemar.
Shareholder Rights Plan
On March 13, 2020, we adopted a shareholder rights plan by entering into a Rights Agreement, dated March 13, 2020, with ComputerShare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent (the “Rights Agreement”). We intend for the shareholder rights plan 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. Our board of directors implemented the rights plan by declaring a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) that was paid on March 23, 2020, for each outstanding share of our common stock on March 23, 2020 (the “Record Date”), to our stockholders of record on that date. Each of those Rights becomes exercisable on the Distribution Date (defined below) and entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of our Series E Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a price of $275 per one one-thousandth of a share of our Series E Preferred Stock represented by such a right, subject to adjustment. The Rights will expire on February 13, 2021 unless the expiration date is extended or unless the Rights are earlier redeemed by the Company.
Initially, the Rights will be attached to all certificates representing our common stock, and no separate certificates evidencing the Rights (the “Rights Certificates”) will be issued. The Rights Agreement provides that, until the date on which the Rights separate and begin trading separately from our common stock (which we refer to as the “Distribution Date”) or earlier expiration or redemption of the Rights: (i) the Rights will be transferred with and only with the shares of our common stock; (ii) new certificates representing shares of our common stock issued after the Record Date or upon transfer or new issuance of shares of our common stock will contain a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference; and (iii) the surrender for transfer of any certificates for shares of our common stock outstanding as of the Record Date, even without such notation or a copy of the Summary of Rights (as defined in the Rights Agreement) being attached thereto, will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the shares of our common stock represented by such certificate. The Distribution Date will occur, and the Rights would separate and begin
9
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
trading separately from the shares of our common stock, and Rights Certificates will be caused to evidence the Rights on the earlier to occur of:
i. | 10 business days following a public announcement, or the public disclosure of facts indicating, that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired Beneficial Ownership (as defined in the Rights Agreement) of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock (referred to, subject to certain exceptions, as “Acquiring Persons”) (or, in the event an exchange of the Rights for shares of our common stock is effected in accordance with certain provisions of the Rights Agreement and our board of directors determines that a later date is advisable, then such later date that is not more than 20 days after such public announcement); or |
ii. | 10 business days (or such later date as may be determined by action of our board of directors prior to such time as any person becomes an Acquiring Person) following the commencement of, or announcement of an intention to make, a tender offer or exchange offer, the consummation of which would result in the Beneficial Ownership by a person or group of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock. |
The Rights also become exercisable if a person or group that already beneficially owns 10% or more of our common stock acquires any additional shares of our common stock without the approval of our board of directors, except that the Distribution Date will not occur as a result of our company, one of our subsidiaries, one of our employee benefit plans or a trustee for one of those plans, or Mr. Monty J. Bennett and certain of his affiliates and associates acquiring additional shares of our common stock, and those persons will not be Acquiring Persons.
If a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person at any time after the date of the Rights Agreement, with certain limited exceptions, the Rights will become exercisable for shares of our common stock (or, in certain circumstances, shares of our Series E Preferred Stock or other of our securities that are similar) having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right. From and after the announcement that any person has become an Acquiring Person, if the Rights evidenced by a Rights Certificate are or were at any time on or after the earlier of: (i) the date of such announcement; or (ii) the Distribution Date acquired or beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person or an associate or affiliate of an Acquiring Person, such Rights shall become void, and any holder of such Rights shall thereafter have no right to exercise such Rights. In addition, if, at any time after a person becomes an Acquiring Person: (i) we consolidate with, or merge with and into, any other person; (ii) any person consolidates with us, or merges with and into us and we are the continuing or surviving corporation of such merger and, in connection with such merger, all or part of the shares of our common stock are or will be changed into or exchanged for stock or other securities of any other person (or of ours) or cash or any other property; or (iii) 50% or more of our consolidated assets or Earning Power (as defined in the Rights Agreement) are sold, then proper provision will be made so that each holder of a right will thereafter have the right to receive, upon the exercise of a right at the then current exercise price of the right, that number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company which at the time of such transaction will have a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. Upon the occurrence of an event of the type described in this paragraph, if our board of directors so elects, we will deliver upon payment of the exercise price of a right an amount of cash or securities equivalent in value to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of a right. If we fail to meet that obligation within 30 days following of the announcement that a person has become an Acquiring Person, we must deliver, upon exercise of a right but without requiring payment of the exercise price then in effect, shares of our common stock (to the extent available) and cash equal in value to the difference between the value of the shares of our common stock otherwise issuable upon the exercise of a right and the exercise price then in effect. Our board of directors may extend the 30-day period described above for up to an additional 60 days to permit the taking of action that may be necessary to authorize sufficient additional shares of our Common Stock to permit the issuance of such shares of our Common Stock upon the exercise in full of the Rights.
COVID-19, Management’s Plans and Liquidity
In December 2019, COVID-19 was identified in Wuhan, China, which subsequently spread to other regions of the world, and has resulted in significant travel restrictions and extended shutdown of numerous businesses in every state in the United States. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic. Our clients Ashford Trust and Braemar have reported that the negative impact on room demand within their respective portfolios stemming from COVID-19 is significant, which has resulted and is expected to result in significantly reduced occupancy and RevPAR. Furthermore, the prolonged presence of the virus has resulted in health and other government authorities imposing widespread restrictions on travel and other businesses. The hotel industry has experienced postponement or cancellation of a significant number of business conferences and similar events. Following the government mandates and health official orders, the Company dramatically reduced staffing and expenses at its products and services businesses and at our corporate office. COVID-19 has had a significant negative impact on the Company’s operations and financial results to date. The Company expects that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant negative impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flow in 2020 and beyond. As a result, in March 2020, the
10
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Company declared 50% of the cumulative preferred dividend which was due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020, reduced the cash compensation of its board of directors, executive officers and other employees, amended payment terms pursuant to certain hotel management agreements to better manage corporate working capital, reduced planned capital expenditures, and significantly reduced operating expenses. The Company adopted a remote-work policy at its corporate office in an effort to protect the health and safety of its employees and does not anticipate these policies to have any adverse impact on its ability to continue to operate its business.
We are required to maintain certain financial ratios under various debt and related agreements. If we violate covenants in any debt or related agreement, we could be required to repay all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity at a time when we might be unable to arrange financing for such repayment on attractive terms, if at all. Violations of certain debt covenants may result in the inability of our subsidiaries to borrow unused amounts under their respective lines of credit, even if repayment of some or all of their borrowings is not required. As of June 30, 2020, we were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our $35 million Term Loan Agreement, as amended. As of June 30, 2020, Presentation Technologies LLC (“JSAV”) was not in compliance with certain debt covenants pursuant to existing debt agreements which have no recourse to Ashford Inc., including the leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios, which constituted an “Event of Default” as such term is defined under the applicable loan agreements. Following an Event of Default, JSAV’s lender can generally elect to accelerate all principal and accrued interest payments that remain outstanding under the applicable loan agreements. JSAV is actively negotiating the terms for a waiver with its lender; however, no assurances can be given that a waiver will be obtained on acceptable terms or at all. As a result, JSAV’s outstanding debt balance of $20.0 million has been classified as a current liability within our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020. As of June 30, 2020, Pure Wellness and RED were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our debt and related agreements as amended. However, there can be no guarantee that our subsidiaries’ will remain in compliance for the remainder of the fiscal year. Due to the significant negative impact of COVID-19 on the operations of our subsidiaries, we expect that within the next twelve months, our RED subsidiary will violate debt covenants pursuant to certain existing loan agreements which have no recourse to Ashford Inc. As a result, RED may be required to immediately repay a debt balance of $2.6 million which has therefore been classified as a current liability within our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020. The JSAV and RED subsidiary loans are secured by the respective subsidiary’s tangible assets. None of our subsidiaries’ debt has recourse to Ashford Inc. with the exception of $3.8 million of debt held by the entity that conducts RED’s legacy U.S. Virgin Islands operations which is currently not expected to violate debt covenants. See notes 2 and 6.
The Company has determined that there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for at least one year after the date the financial statements are issued. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require that in making this determination, the Company cannot consider any remedies that are outside of the Company’s control and have not been fully implemented. As a result, the Company could not consider future potential fundraising activities, whether through equity or debt offerings, disposition of assets or the likelihood of obtaining debt waivers as we could not conclude they were probable of being effectively implemented. Further, the Company could not consider continued cash payment of advisory fees and other revenue from Ashford Trust and Braemar, two of the Company's key customers, due to the uncertainty of future payment of such fees because each of Ashford Trust and Braemar currently exhibits conditions that create substantial doubt about the ability for each to continue as a going concern. Also, the continued cash payment of such advisory fees and other revenue remains subject to the discretion of the independent board members of each of Ashford Trust and Braemar, which is not within the Company's control. As such, the Company’s ability to remain in compliance with the financial covenants related to our Term Loan Agreement, as amended, for the next twelve months is outside of management’s control. Accordingly, the Company has classified the entire $35.0 million outstanding under our Term Loan Agreement, as amended, as a current liability on our condensed consolidated balance sheet which resulted in a negative $40.0 million working capital position as of June 30, 2020.
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern and do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Other Developments
On March 13, 2020, the Company entered into the Extension Agreement (the “Extension Agreement”), related to the Ashford Trust Enhanced Return Funding Program (the “Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement”). Under the terms of the Extension Agreement, the remaining ERFP commitment funding deadline under the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement of $11.4 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, has been extended from January 22, 2021 to December 31, 2022. See note 9.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that in light of the uncertainty created by the effects of the COVID-19, effective March 21, 2020, the base salary for its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, will be temporarily reduced by 20% and the base salary for certain other Company officers, including its Chief Financial Officer and its other named executive officers,
11
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
will be temporarily reduced by 15% until the effects of COVID-19 have subsided and it has been determined that the Company is in a healthy financial position. Any amounts relinquished pursuant to the reduction may be paid by the Company in the future.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that in light of the uncertainty created by the effects of COVID-19, the annual cash retainer for each non-employee director serving on the Company’s Board would be temporarily reduced by 25% and would continue in effect until the Board determined in its discretion that the effects of COVID-19 had subsided. The Company also disclosed at that time that any amounts relinquished pursuant to the reduction in fees may be paid in the future, as determined by the Board in its discretion. On August 7, 2020, the Company announced that for fiscal year 2020, the directors will receive the full value of their annual cash retainer (without reduction). However, the full value of such cash retainer will be paid 25% in fully vested common shares and 75% in cash. The remaining quarterly installments of such retainer will be adjusted so that, for fiscal year 2020 in the aggregate, each director will have received 25% of the value of the full annual cash retainer in equity and the remaining 75% in cash. This arrangement does not apply to any additional cash retainers for committee service or service as lead director, which will continue to be paid in cash. The Board currently intends to continue this arrangement through our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, at which time the Board currently intends to re-examine the program.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that the Board had declared and the Company would pay 50% of the dividend which was due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. The declared $3.9 million dividends were paid on April 15, 2020. On June 24, 2020, the Company declared the remaining 50% or approximately $4.0 million of dividends, including compounding dividends, due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020 which were paid on July 14, 2020. The Company did not declare dividends with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2020. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had aggregate undeclared preferred stock dividends of approximately $7.9 million which relates to the second quarter of 2020. All dividends, declared and undeclared, are recorded as an expense in the period incurred in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Unpaid dividends, declared and undeclared, totaling $11.9 million at June 30, 2020, are recorded as a liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as “dividends payable”. See note 11.
On March 20, 2020, Lismore, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement to seek modifications, forbearances or refinancings of Ashford Trust’s loans (the “Ashford Trust Agreement”). Pursuant to the Ashford Trust Agreement, Lismore shall, during the term of the agreement (which commenced on March 20, 2020 and shall end on the date that is twelve months following the commencement date, or upon it being terminated by Ashford Trust on not less than thirty days written notice) negotiate the refinancing, modification or forbearance of the existing mortgage debt on Ashford Trust’s hotels. For the purposes of the Ashford Trust Agreement, financing shall include, without limitation, senior or subordinate loan financing, provided in any single transaction or a combination of transactions, including, mortgage loan financing, mezzanine loan financing, or subordinate loan financing encumbering the applicable hotel or unsecured loan financing.
On July 1, 2020, Lismore and Ashford Trust amended and restated the Ashford Trust Agreement with an effective date of April 6, 2020. Pursuant to the amended and restated agreement, the term of the agreement was extended to 24 months following the commencement date. In connection with the services to be provided by Lismore under the amended and restated agreement, Lismore is entitled to receive a fee of up to $2.6 million in three equal installments of $857,000 per month beginning July 20, 2020, and ending on September 20, 2020. Lismore is also entitled to receive a fee that is calculated and payable as follows: (i) a fee equal to 25 basis points (0.25%) of the amount of a loan, payable upon the acceptance by the applicable lender of any forbearance or extension of such loan, or in the case where a third-party agent or contractor engaged by Ashford Trust has secured an extension of the maturity date equal to or greater than 12 months of any such loan, then the amount payable to Lismore shall be reduced to 10 basis points (0.10%); (ii) a fee equal to 75 basis points (0.75%) of the amount of any principal reduction of a loan upon the acceptance by any lender of any principal reduction of such loan; and (iii) a fee equal to 150 basis points (1.50%) of the implied conversion value (but in any case, no less than 50% of the face value of such loan or loans) of a loan upon the acceptance by any lender of any debt to equity conversion of such loan.
At the time of amendment, Lismore had been paid approximately $8.3 million, in the aggregate, pursuant to the original agreement. Under the amended and restated agreement, Ashford Trust is still entitled, in the event that Ashford Trust does not complete, for any reason, extensions or forbearances during the term of the agreement equal to or greater than approximately $4.1 billion, to offset, against any fees Ashford Trust or its affiliates owe pursuant to the advisory agreement, a portion of the fee previously paid by Ashford Trust to Lismore equal to the product of (x) approximately $4.1 billion minus the amount of extensions or forbearances completed during the term of the agreement multiplied by (y) 0.125%. As of June 30, 2020, the Company has recognized $689,000 as revenue and $7.6 million as deferred income of which $2.8 million is subject to claw back. The deferred income related to the various Lismore fees described above will be recognized over the 24 month term of the agreement on a straight line basis as the service is rendered, only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur.
12
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Constraints relating to variable consideration are resolved generally upon the closing of a transaction or financing event and the resulting change in the transaction price will be adjusted on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period a transaction or financing event closes. See note14.
On March 20, 2020, Lismore entered into an agreement to seek modifications, forbearances or refinancings of Braemar’s loans (the “Braemar Agreement”). Pursuant to the Braemar Agreement, Lismore shall, during the term of the agreement (which commenced on March 20, 2020 and shall end on the date that is twelve months following the commencement date, or upon it being terminated by Braemar on not less than thirty days written notice) negotiate the refinancing, modification or forbearance of the existing mortgage and mezzanine debt on Braemar’s hotels. For the purposes of the Braemar Agreement, financing shall include, without limitation, senior or subordinate loan financing, provided in any single transaction or a combination of transactions, including, mortgage loan financing, mezzanine loan financing, or subordinate loan financing encumbering the applicable hotel or unsecured loan financing.
In connection with the services provided by Lismore, Lismore shall be paid an advisory fee of up to 50 basis points (0.50%) of the aggregate amount of the modifications, forbearances or refinancings, of Braemar’s mortgage and mezzanine debt and Braemar’s secured revolving credit facility (the “Braemar Financings”) calculated and payable as follows: (i) 0.125% of the aggregate amount of potential Braemar Financings upon execution of the Braemar Agreement; (ii) 0.125% payable in six equal installments beginning April 20, 2020 and ending on September 20, 2020; provided, however, in the event Braemar does not complete, for any reason, Braemar Financings during the term of the Braemar Agreement equal to or greater than $1.1 billion, then Braemar shall offset, against any fees owed by Braemar or its affiliates pursuant to the advisory agreement, a portion of the fee paid by Braemar to Lismore pursuant to this section equal to the product of (x) the amount of Braemar Financings completed during the term of the Braemar Agreement minus $1.1 billion multiplied by (y) 0.125%; and (iii) 25 basis points (0.25%) payable upon the acceptance by the applicable lender of any Braemar Financing. As of June 30, 2020, the Company has recognized $646,000 as revenue and $2.3 million as deferred income of which $276,000 is subject to claw back. The deferred income related to the various Lismore fees described above will be recognized over the 12 month term of the agreement on a straight line basis as the service is rendered, only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur. Constraints relating to variable consideration are resolved generally upon the closing of a transaction or financing event and the resulting change in the transaction price will be adjusted on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period a transaction or financing event closes. See note 14.
On May 15, 2020, the Company and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, entered into a letter agreement pursuant to which, effective as of May 15, 2020 and continuing through and including the Company’s last payroll period in 2020, Mr. Monty J. Bennett will accept payment of his base salary (as previously reduced by mutual agreement of the Company and Mr. Monty J. Bennett) in the form of common stock of the Company, issued pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Incentive Plan, as amended. Each issuance of the Company’s common stock will occur on, or as soon as reasonably practicable following, each regular payroll date. The number of shares issued with respect to each payroll date will be equal to the cash salary which would have been paid, less any taxes withheld and benefits deductions, divided by the volume weighted average price per share of the Company’s common stock over all trading days in the period commencing on the first trading date in the applicable payroll period and ending on the last trading date immediately prior to the last day of the payroll period. The Board and Mr. Bennett agreed to effectuate this change to preserve Company liquidity as the Company navigates the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the operations of our advisory and asset management business, hospitality products and services business, and entities that we consolidate. 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—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 intercompany accounts and transactions between these entities have been eliminated in these historical condensed consolidated financial statements. We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP in the accompanying unaudited 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
13
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
statements and notes thereto included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 12, 2020.
In the fourth quarter of 2019, cost reimbursement revenue and reimbursed expenses were reclassified from their previous presentation into aggregated financial statement line items titled “cost reimbursement revenue” and “reimbursed expenses” in our consolidated statements of operations. Our presentation of the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, revenues and operating expense line item amounts have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the fourth quarter of 2019. These reclassifications have no effect on total revenues, total operating expense or net income previously reported.
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, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. We determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE upon our initial involvement with the VIE and we reassess whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE on an ongoing basis. Our determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE is based upon the facts and circumstances for each VIE and requires significant judgment.
14
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Noncontrolling Interests—The following tables present information about noncontrolling interests in our consolidated subsidiaries, including those related to consolidated VIEs, as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
June 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashford Holdings | JSAV (3) | OpenKey(4) | Pure Wellness (5) | RED (6) | Other | |||||||||||||||
Ashford Inc. ownership interest | 99.84 | % | 88.70 | % | 47.75 | % | 70.00 | % | 84.21 | % | 55.00 | % | ||||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests(1) (2) | 0.16 | % | 11.30 | % | 26.38 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities | — | % | — | % | 25.87 | % | 30.00 | % | 15.79 | % | 45.00 | % | ||||||||
100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | |||||||||
Carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interests | $ | 42 | $ | 2,044 | $ | 1,596 | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||
Redemption value adjustment, year-to-date | 305 | 4 | 200 | n/a | n/a | n/a | ||||||||||||||
Redemption value adjustment, cumulative | 420 | 788 | 2,297 | n/a | n/a | n/a | ||||||||||||||
Carrying value of noncontrolling interests | — | — | 217 | 141 | (118 | ) | 11 | |||||||||||||
Assets, available only to settle subsidiary’s obligations (7) (8) | n/a | 52,553 | 1,339 | 1,371 | 21,961 | 145 | ||||||||||||||
Liabilities (9) | n/a | 44,397 | 670 | 1,265 | 13,795 | 61 | ||||||||||||||
Notes payable (9) | n/a | 20,017 | — | — | 7,686 | — | ||||||||||||||
Revolving credit facility (9) | n/a | — | — | 40 | 246 | — | ||||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashford Holdings | JSAV (3) | OpenKey(4) | Pure Wellness (5) | RED (6) | Other | |||||||||||||||
Ashford Inc. ownership interest | 99.81 | % | 88.20 | % | 47.61 | % | 70.00 | % | 84.21 | % | 55.00 | % | ||||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests(1) (2) | 0.19 | % | 11.80 | % | 26.59 | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities | — | % | — | % | 25.80 | % | 30.00 | % | 15.79 | % | 45.00 | % | ||||||||
100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | |||||||||
Carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interests | $ | 98 | $ | 2,449 | $ | 1,584 | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||
Redemption value adjustment, year-to-date | (63 | ) | 784 | 64 | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||
Redemption value adjustment, cumulative | 115 | 784 | 2,097 | n/a | n/a | n/a | ||||||||||||||
Carrying value of noncontrolling interests | — | — | 395 | 164 | 37 | 32 | ||||||||||||||
Assets, available only to settle subsidiary’s obligations (7) | n/a | 56,824 | 1,881 | 1,852 | 19,277 | 250 | ||||||||||||||
Liabilities (9) | n/a | 44,542 | 510 | 1,671 | 10,652 | 59 | ||||||||||||||
Notes payable (9) | n/a | 17,785 | — | — | 6,275 | — | ||||||||||||||
Revolving credit facility (9) | n/a | 2,599 | — | 45 | 106 | — |
________
(1) | Redeemable noncontrolling interests are included in the “mezzanine” section of our condensed consolidated balance sheets as they may be redeemed by the holder for cash or registered shares in certain circumstances outside of 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, which is generally fair value. |
(2) Redeemable noncontrolling interests in Ashford Holdings represent the members’ proportionate share of equity in earnings/losses of Ashford Holdings. Net income/loss attributable to the common unit holders is allocated based on the weighted average ownership percentage of the members’ interest.
(3) Represents ownership interests in JSAV, which we consolidate under the voting interest model. JSAV provides event technology and creative communications solutions in the hospitality industry. See also notes 1, 10 and 11.
15
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
(4) Represents ownership interests in OpenKey, a VIE for which we are considered the primary beneficiary and therefore we consolidate it. OpenKey is a hospitality focused mobile key platform that provides a universal smartphone app for keyless entry into hotel guest rooms. See also notes 1, 10 and 11.
(5) Represents ownership interests in Pure Wellness, a VIE for which we are considered the primary beneficiary and therefore we consolidate it. Pure Wellness provides hypoallergenic premium rooms in the hospitality industry. See also notes 1 and 10.
(6) Represents ownership interests in RED, a VIE for which we are considered the primary beneficiary and therefore we consolidate it. RED is a provider of watersports activities and other travel and transportation services and includes the entity that conducts RED’s legacy U.S. Virgin Islands operations and Sebago, a leading provider of watersports activities and excursion services based in Key West, Florida which was acquired by RED in 2019. We are provided a preferred return on our investment in RED’s legacy U.S. Virgin Islands operations and Sebago which is accounted for in our income allocation based on the applicable partnership agreement. See also notes 1 and 10.
(7) Total assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, property and equipment and other assets that can only be used to settle the subsidiaries’ obligations.
(8) The assets of Sebago are not available to settle the obligations of the entity that conducts RED’s legacy U.S. Virgin Islands operations.
(9) Liabilities consist primarily of accounts payable, accrued expenses and notes payable for which creditors do not have recourse to Ashford Inc. except in the case of the term loans and line of credit held by RED’s legacy U.S. Virgin Islands operations, for which the creditor has recourse to Ashford Inc.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities—We hold “investments in unconsolidated entities” in our condensed consolidated balance sheets, which are considered to be variable interests and voting interests in the underlying entities. Certain of our investments in variable interests are not consolidated because we have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary. Certain other investments are not consolidated as the underlying entity does not meet the definition of a VIE and we do not control more than 50% of the voting interests. We review our “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. No such impairment was recorded during the three and six months June 30, 2020 and 2019.
We held an investment in an unconsolidated variable interest entity with a carrying value of $500,000 at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. We account for the investment at estimated fair value based on recent observable transactions as we do not exercise significant influence over the entity. No equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities due to a change in fair value of the investment was recognized during the three and six months June 30, 2020 and 2019. In the event that the assumptions used to estimate fair value change in the future, we may be required to record an impairment charge related to this investment.
Effective January 1, 2019, we acquired a 30% noncontrolling ownership interest in Real Estate Advisory Holdings LLC (“REA Holdings”), a real estate advisory firm that provides financing, advisory and property sales services primarily to clients in the hospitality and leisure industry, for a purchase price of approximately $3.0 million which was paid in the form of $2.1 million cash and the issuance of 16,529 shares of our common stock (approximately $890,000) to the seller pursuant to the exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act provided under Section 4(a)(2) thereunder. We have an option to acquire an additional 50% of the ownership interests in REA Holdings for $12.5 million beginning on January 1, 2022. Our investment in REA Holdings is accounted for under the equity method as we have significant influence over the voting interest entity.
16
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
The following table summarizes our carrying value and ownership interest in REA Holdings (in thousands):
June 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |||||
Carrying value of the investment in REA Holdings | $ | 2,915 | 2,662 | |||
Ownership interest in REA Holdings | 30 | % | 30 | % |
The following table summarizes our equity in earnings (loss) in REA Holdings (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
Equity in earnings (loss) in unconsolidated entities | $ | 17 | $ | (298 | ) | $ | 253 | $ | (573 | ) |
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 statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand or held in banks and short-term investments with an initial maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Restricted Cash—As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, restricted cash included $29.2 million and $10.7 million of reserves for insurance claims and the associated ancillary costs. The restricted cash balance increased during the second quarter of 2020 primarily due to a transfer of $11.8 million of cash from Ashford Trust into an insurance claim related Company escrow account. At the beginning of each year, Ashford Inc.’s Risk Management department collects funds from the Ashford Trust and Braemar properties and their respective management companies in 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 claim liability related to the restricted cash balance is included in current “other liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets.
As of June 30, 2020, restricted cash also included $5.7 million of reserves related to cash received from hotel properties under Remington’s management. The cash is funded by the hotel properties and used to pay certain centralized operating expenses as well as hotel employee bonuses. The liability related to the restricted cash balance for centralized billing is primarily included as a payable within “due from Ashford Trust” and “due from Braemar” in our consolidated balance sheets. The liability related to the restricted cash balance for hotel employee bonuses is included in “accounts payable and accrued expenses.” As of June 30, 2020, restricted cash also included $1.5 million of reserves for Remington health insurance claims. Cash is collected primarily from Remington’s managed properties to cover employee health insurance claims. The liability related to this restricted cash balance is included in current “other liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets.
Restricted cash as of June 30, 2020 also includes approximately $800,000 of cash held in an escrow account in accordance with the Marietta lease agreement. These funds are restricted for use only for repair and maintenance or capital improvements associated with the property.
Property and Equipment, net—Property and equipment, including assets acquired under finance leases, is depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives or lease terms if shorter. We record property and equipment at cost. As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, included assets related to our consolidated subsidiary Marietta Leasehold, L.P.’s (“Marietta”) finance lease of $43.5 million and $44.1 million, ERFP assets of $28.9 million and $33.5 million, audio visual equipment at JSAV of $14.4 million and $15.1 million and marine vessels at RED of $10.0 million and $10.1 million, respectively.
Other Liabilities—As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, other liabilities included reserves in the amount of $29.2 million and $10.8 million, respectively, related primarily to Ashford Trust and Braemar properties’ insurance claims and related fees. The liability for casualty insurance claims and related fees is established based upon an analysis of historical data and actuarial estimates. We record the related funds received from Ashford Trust and Braemar in “restricted cash” in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, other liabilities also included $1.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively, of reserves for Remington health insurance claims, $500,000 and $500,000, respectively, of the remaining purchase price due to the sellers of BAV Services (“BAV”) 18 months after the acquisition date, subject to certain conditions, and reserves
17
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
of $3.7 million and $4.6 million, respectively, for the fair value of contingent consideration due to the sellers of BAV. Other liabilities as of December 31, 2019 also included a $1.0 million accrual for contingent consideration due to the sellers of Sebago. See notes 4.
Revenue Recognition—See note 3.
Income Taxes—We are a taxable corporation for federal and state income tax purposes. Income tax expense includes U.S. federal and state income taxes, Mexico and Dominican Republic income taxes and U.S. Virgin Islands 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 our condensed consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized.
The “Income Taxes” topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification 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, beginning in 2017, in Mexico and the Dominican Republic and, beginning in 2018, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tax years 2016 through 2019 remain subject to potential examination by certain federal and state taxing authorities.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law and includes certain income tax provisions relevant to the business. The Company is required to recognize the effect on the consolidated financial statements in the period the law was enacted, which is the period ended March 31, 2020. For the period ended March 31, 2020, the CARES Act did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. At this time, the Company does not expect the impact of the CARES Act to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. Subsequent to the financial statement date, the Company filed a claim to carryback the 2018 tax net operating loss to a prior year as provided for by the CARES Act. The Company expects to receive the carryback amount of approximately $1.0 million within the next 12 months.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—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. We adopted ASU 2017-04 effective January 1, 2020. See our Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets accounting policy disclosed in note 5.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). ASU 2018-13 modifies certain disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements including requiring disclosures on changes in unrealized gains and losses in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and a requirement to disclose the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this standard effective January, 1, 2020, and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract (“ASU 2018-15”). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after
18
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We elected to prospectively adopt ASU 2018-15 effective January 1, 2020, in our condensed consolidated financial statements. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 resulted in reclassifying capitalized implementation costs of service contracts incurred in a hosting arrangement from “property and equipment, net” to “other assets” in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of the service contracts will continue to be recorded in “reimbursed expenses” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards—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. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2019-10”). ASU 2019-10 revised the mandatory adoption date for public business entities that meet the definition of a smaller reporting company to be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2019-10 may have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) (“ASU 2020-04”). ASU 2020-04 contains practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, leases, derivatives and other contracts. The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply the elections as applicable as changes in the market occur.
3. Revenues
Revenue Recognition—Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
We determine revenue recognition through the following steps:
•Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer
•Identification of the performance obligations in the contract
•Determination of the transaction price
•Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
•Recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation
In determining the transaction price, we 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.
The following provides detailed information on the recognition of our revenues from contracts with customers:
Advisory Services Revenue
Advisory services revenue is reported within our REIT Advisory segment and primarily consists of advisory fees that are recognized when services have been rendered. Advisory fees consist of base fees and incentive fees. For Ashford Trust, the base fee is paid monthly and ranges from 0.50% to 0.70% per annum of the total market capitalization ranging from less than $6.0 billion to greater than $10.0 billion plus the Net Asset Fee Adjustment, as defined in the amended and restated advisory agreement, as amended, subject to certain minimums. For Braemar, the base fee is paid monthly and is fixed at 0.70% of Braemar’s total market capitalization plus the Net Asset Fee Adjustment, as defined in the advisory agreement, as amended, subject to certain minimums.
Incentive advisory fees are measured annually in each year that Ashford Trust’s and/or Braemar’s annual total stockholder return exceeds the average annual total stockholder return for each company’s respective peer group, subject to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Condition (the “FCCR Condition”), as defined in the respective advisory agreements. Incentive advisory fees are paid over a three-year period and each payment is subject to the FCCR Condition, which relates to the ratio of adjusted EBITDA to fixed charges for Ashford Trust or Braemar, as applicable. Incentive advisory fees are a form of variable consideration and therefore must be (i) deferred until such fees are probable of not being subject to significant reversal, and (ii) tied to a performance obligation in the contract with the customer so that revenue recognition depicts the transfer of the related advisory services to the customer. Accordingly, the Company does not record incentive advisory fee revenue in interim periods prior to the fourth quarter
19
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
of the year in which the incentive fee is measured. The first year installment of incentive advisory fees will generally be recognized only upon measurement in the fourth quarter of the first year of the three year period. The second and third year installments of incentive advisory fees are recognized as revenue on a pro-rata basis each quarter as such amounts are not subject to significant reversal.
Hotel Management Revenue
Hotel management revenue is reported within our Remington segment and primarily consists of base management fees and incentive management fees. Base management fees and incentive management fees are recognized when services have been rendered. Remington receives base management fees of 3% of gross hotel revenue for managing the hotel employees and daily operations of the hotels, pursuant to the amended and restated hotel management agreements, subject to a specified floor (which is subject to increase annually based on increases in the consumer price index). Remington receives an incentive management fee equal to the lesser of 1% of each hotel’s annual gross revenue or the amount by which the respective hotel’s gross operating profit exceeds the hotel’s budgeted gross operating profit.
Project Management Revenue
Project management revenue primarily consists of revenue generated within our Premier segment by providing development and construction, capital improvements, refurbishment, project management, and other services such as purchasing, interior design, architectural services, freight management, and construction management services at properties. Premier receives fees for these services and recognizes revenue over time as services are provided to the customer.
Audio Visual Revenue
Audio visual revenue primarily consists of revenue generated within our JSAV segment by providing event technology services such as audio visual services, audio visual equipment rental, staging and meeting services and event-related communication systems as well as related technical support, to our customers in various venues including hotels and convention centers. Revenue is recognized in the period in which services are provided pursuant to the terms of the contractual arrangements with our customers. We also evaluate whether it is appropriate to present: (i) the gross amount that our customers pay for our services as revenue, and the related commissions paid to the venue as cost of revenue; or (ii) the net amount (gross revenue less the related commissions paid to the venue) as revenue. We are responsible for the delivery of the services, including providing the necessary labor and equipment to perform the services. We are generally subject to inventory risk, have latitude in establishing prices and selecting suppliers and, while in many cases the venue bills the end customer on our behalf, we bear the risk of collection from the customer. The venues’ commissions are not dependent on collections. As a result, our revenue is primarily reported on a gross basis. Cost of revenues for audio visual principally includes commissions paid to venues, direct labor costs, the cost of equipment sub-rentals, depreciation of equipment, amortization of signing bonuses, as well as other costs such as supplies, freight, travel and other overhead from our venue and customer facing operations and any losses on equipment disposal.
Other Revenue
Other revenue includes revenue provided by certain of our hospitality products and service businesses, including RED. RED’s revenue is primarily generated through the provision of watersports activities and ferry and excursion services. The revenue is recognized as services are provided based on contractual customer rates. Debt placement and related fees include revenue earned from providing placement, modifications, forbearances or refinancings of certain mortgage debt by Lismore. For certain agreements, the fees are recognized based on a stated percentage of the loan amount when services have been rendered and the subject loan is closed. For other agreements, deferred income related to the various Lismore fees will be recognized over the term of the agreement on a straight line basis as the service is rendered, only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur. Constraints relating to variable consideration are resolved generally upon the closing of a transaction or financing event and the resulting change in the transaction price will be adjusted on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period a transaction or financing event closes. In connection with our ERFP Agreements and legacy key money transaction with Ashford Trust and legacy key money transaction with Braemar, we lease FF&E to Ashford Trust and Braemar rent-free. Our ERFP leases entered into in 2018 with Ashford Trust commenced on December 31, 2018. Consistent with our accounting treatment prior to adopting ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”), other revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, includes a portion of the base advisory fee for leases commencing prior to our adoption, which is equal to the estimated fair value of the lease payments that would have been made.
20
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Cost Reimbursement Revenue
Cost reimbursement revenue is recognized in the period we incur the related reimbursable costs. Under our advisory agreements, we are entitled to be reimbursed for certain costs we incur on behalf of Ashford Trust and Braemar, with no added mark-up. These costs primarily consist of expenses related to Ashford Securities, overhead, internal audit, risk management advisory services and asset management services, including compensation, benefits and travel expense reimbursements. We record cost reimbursement revenue for equity grants of Ashford Trust and Braemar 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. We additionally are reimbursed by Ashford Trust for expenses incurred by Ashford Investment Management, LLC (“AIM”) for managing 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.
Under our project management agreements and hotel management agreements, we are entitled to be reimbursed for certain costs we incur on behalf of Ashford Trust, Braemar and other hotel owners, with no added mark-up. Project management costs primarily consist of costs for accounting, overhead and project manager services. Hotel management costs primarily consist of the properties’ payroll, payroll taxes and benefits related expenses at managed properties where we are the employer of the employees at the properties as provided for in our contracts with the Ashford Trust, Braemar and other hotel owners.
We recognize revenue within the “cost reimbursement revenue” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations when the amounts may be billed to Ashford Trust, Braemar and other hotel owners, and we recognize expenses within “reimbursed expenses” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as they are incurred. This pattern of recognition results in temporary timing differences between the costs incurred for centralized software programs and the related reimbursements we receive from Ashford Trust and Braemar in our operating and net income. Over the long term, these programs and services are not designed to impact our economics, either positively or negatively.
Certain of our consolidated entities enter into contracts with customers that contain multiple performance obligations. For these contracts, we account for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. We determine the standalone selling prices based on our consolidated entities’ overall pricing objectives taking into consideration market conditions and other factors, including the customer and the nature and value of the performance obligations within the applicable contracts.
Deferred Income and Contract Balances
Deferred income primarily consists of customer billings in advance of revenue being recognized from our advisory agreements and other hospitality products and services contracts. Generally, deferred income that will be recognized within the next twelve months is recorded as current deferred income and the remaining portion is recorded as noncurrent. The increase in the deferred income balance is primarily driven by cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying our performance obligations, offset by revenue recognized that was included in the deferred income balance at the beginning of the period.
21
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
The following tables summarize our consolidated deferred income activity (in thousands):
Deferred Income | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
Balance as of March 31 | $ | 18,250 | $ | 13,171 | |||
Increases to deferred income | 4,578 | 703 | |||||
Recognition of revenue (1) | (2,591 | ) | (2,648 | ) | |||
Balance as of June 30 | $ | 20,237 | $ | 11,226 |
(1) | Deferred income recognized in the three months ended June 30, 2020, includes (a) $554,000 of advisory revenue primarily related to our advisory agreements with Ashford Trust and Braemar, (b) $219,000 of audio visual revenue, (c) $1.3 million of other revenue related to the Ashford Trust Agreement and the Braemar Agreement with Lismore and (d) $483,000 of “other services” revenue earned by our hospitality products and services companies, excluding Lismore. Deferred income recognized in the three months ended June 30, 2019, includes (a) $656,000 of advisory revenue primarily related to our advisory agreements with Ashford Trust and Braemar, (b) $1.4 million of audio visual revenue and (c) $592,000 of “other services” revenue earned by our hospitality products and services companies. |
Deferred Income | |||||||
2020 | 2019 | ||||||
Balance as of January 1 | $ | 13,280 | $ | 13,544 | |||
Increases to deferred income | 11,656 | 2,749 | |||||
Recognition of revenue (1) | (4,699 | ) | (5,067 | ) | |||
Balance as of June 30 | $ | 20,237 | $ | 11,226 |
(1) | Deferred income recognized in the six months ended June 30, 2020, includes (a) $1.1 million of advisory revenue primarily related to our advisory agreements with Ashford Trust and Braemar, (b) $1.1 million of audio visual revenue, (c) $1.3 million of other revenue related to the Ashford Trust Agreement and the Braemar Agreement with Lismore (see note 14) and (d) $1.1 million of “other services” revenue earned by our hospitality products and services companies, excluding Lismore. Deferred income recognized in the six months ended June 30, 2019, includes (a) $1.4 million of advisory revenue primarily related to our advisory agreements with Ashford Trust and Braemar, (b) $2.4 million of audio visual revenue and (c) $1.2 million of “other services” revenue earned by our hospitality products and services companies. |
We do not disclose information about remaining performance obligations pertaining to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less. The transaction price allocated to remaining unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations with an original expected duration exceeding one year was primarily related to (i) reimbursed software costs that will be recognized evenly over the period the software is used to provide advisory services to Ashford Trust and Braemar, (ii) a $5.0 million cash payment received in June 2017 from Braemar in connection with our Fourth Amended and Restated Braemar Advisory Agreement, which is recognized evenly over the 10-year initial contract period that we are providing Braemar advisory services, and (iii) debt placement and related fees that will be recognized over the term of the agreement on a straight line basis as the service is rendered, only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur. Constraints relating to variable consideration are resolved generally upon the closing of a transaction or financing event and the resulting change in the transaction price will be adjusted on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period a transaction or financing event closes. See notes 1 and 14. Incentive advisory fees that are contingent upon future market performance are excluded as the fees are considered variable and not included in the transaction price at June 30, 2020.
The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of payment by customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to payment and we have an unconditional right to payment. Alternatively, when payment precedes the provision of the related services, we record deferred income until the performance obligations are satisfied. We had receivables related to revenues from contracts with customers of $4.3 million and $7.2 million included in “accounts receivable, net” primarily related to our hospitality products and services segment, $0 and $4.8 million in “due from Ashford Trust”, and $846,000 and $1.6 million included in “due from Braemar” related to REIT advisory services at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. We had no significant impairments related to these receivables during the three and six months June 30, 2020 and 2019.
22
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Disaggregated Revenue
Our revenues were comprised of the following for the three and six months June 30, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
Advisory services revenue: | |||||||||||||||
Base advisory fee | $ | 11,130 | $ | 11,190 | $ | 22,667 | $ | 21,812 | |||||||
Incentive advisory fee | 169 | 169 | 339 | 339 | |||||||||||
Other advisory revenue | 131 | 130 | 260 | 258 | |||||||||||
Total advisory services revenue | 11,430 | 11,489 | 23,266 | 22,409 | |||||||||||
Hotel management: | |||||||||||||||
Base fee | 3,691 | — | 9,815 | — | |||||||||||
Project management revenue | 2,052 | 6,430 | 5,990 | 12,872 | |||||||||||
Audio visual revenue | 970 | 30,127 | 30,644 | 61,102 | |||||||||||
Other revenue: | |||||||||||||||
Debt placement and related fees (2) | 1,335 | 79 | 1,463 | 1,433 | |||||||||||
Claims management services | 72 | 55 | 129 | 96 | |||||||||||
Lease revenue | — | 1,029 | — | 2,059 | |||||||||||
Other services (3) | 1,930 | 2,920 | 8,436 | 5,505 | |||||||||||
Total other revenue | 3,337 | 4,083 | 10,028 | 9,093 | |||||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue | 24,118 | 11,337 | 99,697 | 21,310 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 45,598 | $ | 63,466 | $ | 179,440 | $ | 126,786 | |||||||
REVENUES BY SEGMENT (1) | |||||||||||||||
REIT advisory | $ | 15,550 | $ | 22,641 | $ | 36,507 | $ | 43,257 | |||||||
Remington | 22,459 | — | 92,915 | — | |||||||||||
Premier | 2,744 | 7,700 | 7,896 | 15,490 | |||||||||||
JSAV | 970 | 30,127 | 30,644 | 61,102 | |||||||||||
OpenKey | 292 | 194 | 814 | 451 | |||||||||||
Corporate and other | 3,583 | 2,804 | 10,664 | 6,486 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 45,598 | $ | 63,466 | $ | 179,440 | $ | 126,786 |
________
(1) | We have five reportable segments: REIT Advisory, Remington, Premier, JSAV and OpenKey. We combine the operating results of RED, Marietta, Pure Wellness, Lismore and REA Holdings into an “all other” category, which we refer to as “Corporate and Other.” See note 16 for discussion of segment reporting. |
(2) | Debt placement and related fees are earned by Lismore for providing placement, modification, forbearance or refinancing services to Ashford Trust and Braemar. |
(3) | Other services revenue relates primarily to other hotel services provided by our consolidated subsidiaries OpenKey, RED and Pure Wellness, to Ashford Trust, Braemar and third parties, and the revenue of Marietta, which holds the leasehold rights to a single hotel and convention center property in Marietta, Georgia. |
23
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Geographic Information
Our REIT Advisory, Remington, Premier, OpenKey, and Corporate and Other reporting segments conduct their business within the United States. Our JSAV reporting segment conducts business in the United States, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. The following table presents revenue from our JSAV reporting segment geographically for the three and six months June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
United States | $ | 887 | $ | 24,548 | $ | 22,645 | $ | 47,690 | |||||||
Mexico | 38 | 3,757 | 6,509 | 9,485 | |||||||||||
Dominican Republic | 45 | 1,822 | 1,490 | 3,927 | |||||||||||
$ | 970 | $ | 30,127 | $ | 30,644 | $ | 61,102 |
4. Acquisitions
Remington
On November 6, 2019, we completed the acquisition of Remington Lodging’s hotel management business and Marietta for $275 million in consideration in the form of 11,000,000 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock of Ashford Inc. Remington provides hotel management services primarily to hotels owned by Ashford Trust and Braemar. Hotel management services consist of hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue management, budget oversight, guest service, asset maintenance (not involving capital expenditures) and related services. The results of operations of Remington are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
Marietta leases a single hotel and convention center property in Marietta, Georgia, from the City of Marietta and earns revenue from the operation of this hotel property. The hotel property is managed by Remington as part of the Hilton brand of hotels and offers hotel and conference center services. Marietta’s revenue and operating expenses are included in “other” revenue and “other” operating expenses, respectively, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The lease, which expires on December 31, 2054, was classified as a finance lease. The right-of-use asset was adjusted at the acquisition date by approximately $4.2 million for favorable lease terms compared to market terms. The results of operations of Marietta are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
The acquisition of Remington was 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 the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. 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 Remington 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.
In the first quarter of 2020, we finalized the valuation of the acquired assets and liabilities associated with the acquisition. The final fair value analysis resulted in a $40.9 million adjustment to reduce the value of the acquired management contracts to their estimated fair value and a corresponding increase to goodwill on our consolidated balance sheet during the first quarter of 2020. We also recorded an adjustment of approximately $10.3 million to reduce the deferred tax liability and a corresponding decrease to goodwill. Additionally, the purchase price adjustment related to working capital was finalized and paid in the first quarter of 2020 resulting in a $1.3 million increase in the fair value of the purchase price.
The fair value of the purchase price and final allocation of the purchase price are as follows (in thousands):
Series D Convertible Preferred Stock | $ | 275,000 | ||
Preferred stock discount | (2,550 | ) | ||
Working capital adjustments | 1,341 | |||
Total fair value of purchase price | $ | 273,791 |
24
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Fair Value | Estimated Useful Life | |||||
Current assets including cash | $ | 27,661 | ||||
Assets acquired under finance leases (1) | 44,294 | 35 years | ||||
Property and equipment, net | 466 | |||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 24,649 | |||||
Goodwill | 175,653 | |||||
Trademarks | 10,400 | |||||
Management contracts | 107,600 | 22 years | ||||
Total assets acquired | 390,723 | |||||
Current liabilities | 23,740 | |||||
Finance lease liabilities, current | 331 | |||||
Operating lease liabilities, current | 2,038 | |||||
Deferred tax liability | 28,439 | |||||
Finance lease liabilities, non-current | 39,773 | |||||
Operating lease liabilities, non-current | 22,611 | |||||
Total assumed liabilities | 116,932 | |||||
Net assets acquired | $ | 273,791 |
(1) Assets acquired under finance leases are included in “property and equipment, net.”
We do not expect any of the goodwill balance to be deductible for tax purposes. The qualitative factors that make up the recorded goodwill include value associated with an assembled workforce and value attributable to growth opportunities to expand Remington’s hotel management services to third-party owners in the hospitality industry.
Results of Remington
The results of operations of Remington have been included in our results of operations since the acquisition date. Our condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and six months June 30, 2020 include total revenue from Remington of $22.5 million and $92.9 million, respectively. In addition, our condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and six months June 30, 2020 includes a net loss from Remington of $2.7 million and $129.9 million, respectively. Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2020 includes goodwill impairment of $121.0 million and impairment of trademarks of $5.5 million incurred in the first quarter of 2020. The unaudited pro forma results of operations, as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2019, are included below under “Pro Forma Financial Results.”
Sebago
On July 18, 2019, RED completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Sebago, a leading provider of watersports activities and excursion services based in Key West, Florida. After giving effect to the transaction, Ashford Inc. owns an approximately 84% interest in the common equity of RED.
The purchase price consisted of approximately $2.5 million in cash (excluding transaction costs and working capital adjustments) funded by new RED term loans and $4.5 million in the form of Ashford Inc. common stock consisting of 135,366 shares issued on July 18, 2019, subject to a six month stock consideration collar which the Company settled in the first quarter of 2020 with a cash payment of $1.0 million to the sellers of Sebago. The number of Ashford Inc. shares to be issued was determined using a 30-Day VWAP of $33.24 and had an estimated fair value of approximately $4.5 million as of the acquisition date.
The acquisition of Sebago was 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 the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. 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
25
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
framework. Key assumptions include cash flow projections of Sebago 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 marine vessels and intangible assets. Thus, the balances reflected below are subject to change, and any such changes could result in adjustments to the allocation.
The fair value of the purchase price and preliminary allocation of the purchase price is as follows (in thousands):
Cash | $ | 2,500 | ||
Less working capital adjustments | (74 | ) | ||
Fair value of Ashford Inc. common stock issued | 4,547 | |||
Purchase price consideration | $ | 6,973 |
Fair Value | Estimated Useful Life | |||||
Current assets | $ | 76 | ||||
Marine vessels | 2,220 | 20 years | ||||
Property and equipment, net | 1,530 | 20 years | ||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 391 | |||||
Goodwill | 1,235 | |||||
Trademarks | 490 | |||||
Boat slip rights | 3,100 | 20 years | ||||
Total assets acquired | 9,042 | |||||
Current liabilities | 291 | |||||
Noncurrent liabilities | 1,778 | |||||
Total assumed liabilities | 2,069 | |||||
Net assets acquired | $ | 6,973 |
We expect approximately $1.2 million of the goodwill balance to be deductible by Ashford Inc. for tax purposes. The qualitative factors that make up the recorded goodwill include value associated with an assembled workforce and value attributable to expanding Sebago’s operations through our relationship with RED.
Results of Sebago
The results of operations of Sebago have been included in our results of operations since the acquisition date. Our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months June 30, 2020, include total revenue from Sebago of $442,000 and $1.8 million, respectively. In addition, our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months June 30, 2020, include net loss from Sebago of $242,000 and $251,000, respectively. The unaudited pro forma results of operations, as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2019, are included below under “Pro Forma Financial Results.”
BAV
On March 1, 2019, JSAV acquired a privately-held company, BAV. BAV is an audio visual rental, staging, and production company focused on meeting and special event services. As a result of the acquisition, our ownership interest in JSAV, which we consolidate under the voting interest model, increased from 85% to approximately 88%.
Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement, as amended on September 24, 2019, the purchase price consisted of: (i) $5.0 million in cash (excluding working capital adjustments) funded by an existing JSAV term loan; (ii) $3.5 million in the form of Ashford Inc. common stock consisting of 61,387 shares issued on March 1, 2019, which was determined based on a 30-Day VWAP of $57.01 and had an estimated fair value of approximately $3.7 million as of the acquisition date; (iii) $500,000 payable in cash or Ashford Inc. common stock at our sole discretion to be issued 18 months after the acquisition date, subject to certain conditions; and (iv) contingent consideration related to the achievement of certain performance targets with an estimated fair value of
26
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
approximately $1.4 million, payable, if earned, 12 to 18 months after the acquisition date. In the first quarter of 2020, BAV achieved the maximum performance target allowed resulting in a liability of $3.0 million being recorded in “other liabilities” in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the transaction included a stock consideration collar with potential settlements at 12 months, 15 months and 18 months after the acquisition date dependent upon the 30-Day VWAP of Ashford Inc.’s common stock on each respective settlement date. A liability resulting from contingent consideration is remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings within “other” operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. On May 6, 2020, the Company executed the Second Amendment to the Asset Purchase Agreement in which we agreed to immediately pay $1.5 million in cash and modified certain contingent consideration and stock consideration collar payment terms related to the acquisition of BAV to extend remaining payments of cash or stock on various payment dates through March 2021. Pursuant to the agreement, we paid $1.5 million cash to the BAV sellers on May 7, 2020 related to the $3.0 million in contingent consideration earned by the BAV sellers in connection with BAV’s achievement of performance targets during the trailing twelve month period. See note 7 for further discussion of the Company’s liabilities related to acquisition-related contingent consideration.
The acquisition of BAV was 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 the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. 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 BAV 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. In the first quarter of 2020, we finalized the valuation of the acquired assets and liabilities associated with the acquisition.
The fair value of the purchase price and final allocation of the purchase price is as follows (in thousands):
Term loan | $ | 5,000 | ||
Less working capital adjustments | (733 | ) | ||
Fair value of Ashford Inc. common stock issued | 3,748 | |||
Consideration payable | 500 | |||
Fair value of contingent consideration | 1,384 | |||
Purchase price consideration | $ | 9,899 |
Fair Value | Estimated Useful Life | |||||
Current assets | $ | 754 | ||||
Property and equipment, net | 1,983 | 5 years | ||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 165 | |||||
Goodwill | 4,827 | |||||
Trademarks | 440 | |||||
Customer relationships | 2,800 | 15 years | ||||
Total assets acquired | 10,969 | |||||
Current liabilities | 639 | |||||
Noncurrent liabilities | 431 | |||||
Total assumed liabilities | 1,070 | |||||
Net assets acquired | $ | 9,899 |
We expect approximately $4.8 million of the goodwill balance to be deductible by Ashford Inc. for tax purposes. The qualitative factors that make up the recorded goodwill include value associated with an assembled workforce and value attributable to expanding BAV’s operations through our relationship with JSAV.
27
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Results of BAV
The results of operations of BAV have been included in our results of operations since the acquisition date. Our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months June 30, 2020, include total revenue from BAV of $118,000 and $2.9 million, respectively. Our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months June 30, 2019, include total revenue from BAV of $3.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively. In addition, our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months June 30, 2020, include net loss from BAV of $205,000 and net income of $401,000, respectively. Our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months June 30, 2019, include net income from BAV of $619,000 and $947,000, respectively. The unaudited pro forma results of operations, as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2019, are included below under “Pro Forma Financial Results.”
Pro Forma Financial Results
The following table reflects the unaudited pro forma results of operations as if the Remington, Sebago and BAV acquisitions had occurred and the indebtedness associated with those acquisitions was incurred on January 1, 2019, and the removal of $158,000 and $563,000 of transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisitions (net of the incremental tax expense) for the three and six months June 30, 2020 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 45,598 | $ | 147,010 | $ | 179,440 | $ | 293,800 | |||||||
Net income (loss) | (8,800 | ) | 3,040 | (186,634 | ) | 4,125 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | (16,613 | ) | (5,188 | ) | (202,532 | ) | (12,827 | ) |
5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets —During the first quarter of 2020, as a result of our reduced cash flow projections and the significant decline in our market capitalization as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we concluded that sufficient indicators existed to require us to perform an interim quantitative assessment of goodwill and intangible assets. As a result, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $170.6 million and intangible asset impairment charges of $7.6 million. No impairment charges were recorded in the second quarter of 2020.
During the first quarter of 2020, we recognized goodwill impairment charges of $170.6 million, of which $121.0 million related to our Remington segment, and $49.5 million related to our Premier segment. We engaged a third-party valuation expert to assist us in performing an interim quantitative assessment to determine whether it was more likely than not that the carrying value of goodwill in our reporting units was impaired as of March 31, 2020. The fair value estimates for all reporting units were based on a blended analysis of the present value of future discounted cash flows and the market value approach. No impairment charges were recorded in the second quarter of 2020. See note 7.
Based on our quantitative assessment, we determined that the fair values of Remington and Premier were less than the carrying values of these reporting units. The carrying value of Remington was reduced by a $5.5 million impairment of the Remington trademarks prior to assessing goodwill for impairment. The excess carrying value of Remington and Premier over the estimate of fair value was recorded in “impairment” on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. No impairment charges were recorded in the second quarter of 2020. As of June 30, 2020, our Remington segment had $54.6 million goodwill remaining and our Premier segment had no goodwill remaining.
Intangible Assets
During the first quarter of 2020, we engaged a third-party valuation expert to assist in determining the fair value of our indefinite-lived trademarks. We recognized intangible asset impairment charges of $7.6 million related to trademarks within our Remington and JSAV segments which resulted from changes in estimated future revenues. The Remington and JSAV trademarks were written down to $4.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, based on a valuation using the relief-from-royalty method. No impairment charges were recorded in the second quarter of 2020.
28
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2020, are as follows (in thousands):
Remington | Premier | JSAV | Corporate and Other | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | 143,854 | $ | 49,524 | $ | 10,211 | $ | 2,017 | $ | 205,606 | ||||||||||
Changes in goodwill: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Additions (1) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Adjustments (1) | 31,800 | — | — | — | 31,800 | |||||||||||||||
Impairments (2) | (121,048 | ) | (49,524 | ) | — | — | (170,572 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2020 | $ | 54,606 | $ | — | $ | 10,211 | $ | 2,017 | $ | 66,834 |
________
(1) The adjustment to Remington goodwill relates to changes in our final valuation of the acquired assets and liabilities associated with the acquisition of Remington. See note 4.
(2) See explanation of impairment charges above.
Intangible assets, net as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, are as follows (in thousands):
June 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||
Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||||||
Definite-lived intangible assets: | |||||||||||||||||||
Remington management contracts | $ | 107,600 | $ | (9,254 | ) | $ | 98,346 | $ | 148,500 | $ | (2,436 | ) | $ | 146,064 | |||||
Premier management contracts | 194,000 | (23,129 | ) | 170,871 | 194,000 | (16,830 | ) | 177,170 | |||||||||||
JSAV customer relationships | 9,319 | (2,732 | ) | 6,587 | 9,319 | (2,173 | ) | 7,146 | |||||||||||
RED boat slip rights | 3,100 | (148 | ) | 2,952 | 3,100 | (70 | ) | 3,030 | |||||||||||
Pure Wellness customer relationships | 175 | (114 | ) | 61 | 175 | (96 | ) | 79 | |||||||||||
Other | 47 | (9 | ) | 38 | 44 | (3 | ) | 41 | |||||||||||
$ | 314,241 | $ | (35,386 | ) | $ | 278,855 | $ | 355,138 | $ | (21,608 | ) | $ | 333,530 | ||||||
Gross Carrying Amount | Impairment | Net Carrying Amount | Gross Carrying Amount | Impairment | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||||||
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: | |||||||||||||||||||
Remington trademarks | $ | 10,400 | $ | (5,500 | ) | $ | 4,900 | $ | 10,300 | $ | — | $ | 10,300 | ||||||
JSAV trademarks | 3,641 | (2,141 | ) | 1,500 | 3,641 | — | 3,641 | ||||||||||||
RED trademarks | 490 | — | 490 | 490 | — | 490 | |||||||||||||
$ | 14,531 | $ | (7,641 | ) | $ | 6,890 | $ | 14,431 | $ | — | $ | 14,431 |
Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets was $7.0 million and $13.8 million for the three and six months June 30, 2020, respectively. Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets was $3.0 million and $6.0 million for the three and six months June 30, 2019, respectively. The useful lives of our customer relationships range from 5 to 15 years. Our Remington management contracts, Premier management contracts and boat slip rights intangible assets were assigned useful lives of 22, 30, and 20 years, respectively.
29
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
6. Notes Payable, net
Notes payable—Notes payable, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
Indebtedness | Borrower | Maturity | Interest Rate | June 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |||||||||
Term loan (7) | Ashford Inc. | March 19, 2024 | Base Rate (1) + 2.00% to 2.25% or LIBOR (2) + 3.00% to 3.25% | $ | 34,563 | $ | 10,000 | |||||||
Term loan (5) (8) | JSAV | November 1, 2022 | One-Month LIBOR (3) + 3.25% | 12,300 | 12,642 | |||||||||
Revolving credit facility (5) (8) | JSAV | November 1, 2022 | One-Month LIBOR (3) + 3.25% | — | 2,599 | |||||||||
Equipment note (5) (9) | JSAV | November 1, 2022 | One-Month LIBOR (3) + 3.25% | 6,017 | 3,393 | |||||||||
Draw term loan (5) (9) | JSAV | November 1, 2022 | One-Month LIBOR (3) + 3.25% | 1,700 | 1,750 | |||||||||
Revolving credit facility (5) (10) | Pure Wellness | On demand | Prime Rate (4) + 1.00% | 40 | 45 | |||||||||
Term loan (6) (11) | RED | July 5, 2025 | Prime Rate (4) + 1.75% | 581 | 605 | |||||||||
Revolving credit facility (6) (12) | RED | August 5, 2020 | Prime Rate (4) + 1.75% | 246 | 106 | |||||||||
Draw term loan (6) (13) | RED | March 5, 2027 | Prime Rate (4) + 1.75% | 1,375 | 1,400 | |||||||||
Term loan (6) (14) | RED | February 1, 2029 | Prime Rate (4) + 2.00% | 1,592 | 1,636 | |||||||||
Term loan (5) (15) | RED | July 17, 2029 | 6.0% (16) | 1,663 | 1,674 | |||||||||
Term loan (5) (16) | RED | July 17, 2022 | 6.5% | 900 | 960 | |||||||||
Draw term loan (5) (17) | RED | February 5, 2028 | Prime Rate (4) + 2.00% | 1,575 | — | |||||||||
Notes payable | 62,552 | 36,810 | ||||||||||||
Less deferred loan costs, net | (582 | ) | (227 | ) | ||||||||||
Notes payable less net deferred loan costs | 61,970 | 36,583 | ||||||||||||
Less current portion | (57,411 | ) | (3,550 | ) | ||||||||||
Notes payable, net - non-current | $ | 4,559 | $ | 33,033 |
__________________
(1) | Base Rate, as defined in the term loan agreement, is the greater of (i) the prime rate set by Bank of America, or (ii) federal funds rate plus 0.50%, or (iii) LIBOR plus 1.00%. |
(2) | Ashford Inc. may elect a 1, 2, 3 or 6 month LIBOR period for each borrowing. |
(3) | The one-month LIBOR rate was 0.16% and 1.76% at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. |
(4) | Prime Rate was 3.25% and 4.75% at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. |
(5) | Creditors do not have recourse to Ashford Inc. |
(6) | Creditors have recourse to Ashford Inc. |
(7) | On March 19, 2020, the Company amended and restated the senior revolving credit facility pursuant to a Fourth Amendment to the Term Loan Agreement. The Company converted and consolidated the existing $10 million borrowing under the senior revolving credit facility (which had been borrowed on a revolving basis) into a term loan and drew down the remaining $25 million balance of the senior revolving credit facility, borrowing $35 million under the term loan in the aggregate. Effective June 23, 2020, the Company and Bank of America N.A. executed the Fifth Amendment to the Term Loan Agreement. The Fifth Amendment (a) established a 0.50% LIBOR floor, (b) eliminated the consolidated net worth financial covenant, and (c) waived the violation of the consolidated net worth financial covenant that occurred on March 31, 2020. The Term Loan Agreement has a four year term and a maximum principal amount of $35 million. Principal payments of 1.25% of the outstanding balance are payable on the last business day of each fiscal quarter commencing June 30, 2020. Principal payment amounts are subject to maintaining a fixed charge coverage ratio below specified thresholds which if not met increase the principal payment due each quarter from 1.25% to 5.0% of the outstanding principal balance. The Company is also subject to certain financial covenants. See covenant compliance discussion below. |
(8) | On March 1, 2019, in connection with the acquisition of BAV, JSAV amended the existing term loan and borrowed an additional $5.0 million. The revolving credit facility was also amended to increase the borrowing capacity from $3.0 million to $3.5 million. In connection with the term loan, JSAV entered into an interest rate cap with an initial notional amount totaling $5.0 million and a strike rate of 4.0%. The fair value of the interest rate cap at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, was not material. |
(9) | On March 1, 2019, in connection with the acquisition of BAV, JSAV amended the existing equipment note and draw term note to increase the borrowing capacity to $8.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively. All the loans are partially secured by a |
30
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
security interest on all of the assets and equity interests of JSAV.
(10) | On April 6, 2017, Pure Wellness entered into a $100,000 line of credit. |
(11) | On March 23, 2018, RED entered into a term loan of $750,000. |
(12) | On February 28, 2019, RED renewed its $250,000 revolving credit facility. Subsequent to June 30, 2020, RED extended the maturity date of the revolving credit facility by three months. |
(13) | On February 27, 2019, RED entered into a draw term loan in the amount of $1.4 million. |
(14) | On August 31, 2018, RED entered into a term loan of $1.8 million. |
(15) | On July 18, 2019, in connection with the acquisition of Sebago, RED entered into a term loan of $1.7 million. The interest rate for the term loan is 6.0% for the first five years. After five years, the interest rate is equal to the Prime Rate plus 0.5% with a floor of 6.0%. |
(16) | On July 18, 2019, in connection with the acquisition of Sebago, RED entered into a term loan of $1.1 million. |
(17) | On March 24, 2020, RED entered into a draw term loan with a maximum aggregate principal amount of $1.9 million. The draw term loan requires payment of interest only until March 5, 2021. |
We are required to maintain certain financial ratios under various debt and related agreements. If we violate covenants in any debt or related agreement, we could be required to repay all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity at a time when we might be unable to arrange financing for such repayment on attractive terms, if at all. Violations of certain debt covenants may result in the inability of our subsidiaries to borrow unused amounts under their respective lines of credit, even if repayment of some or all of their borrowings is not required. As of June 30, 2020, we were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our $35 million Term Loan Agreement, as amended. As of June 30, 2020, JSAV was not in compliance with certain debt covenants pursuant to existing debt agreements which have no recourse to Ashford Inc., including the leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios, which constituted an “Event of Default” as such term is defined under the applicable loan agreements. Following an Event of Default, JSAV’s lender can generally elect to accelerate all principal and accrued interest payments that remain outstanding under the applicable loan agreements. JSAV is actively negotiating the terms for a waiver with its lender; however, no assurances can be given that a waiver will be obtained on acceptable terms or at all. As a result, JSAV’s outstanding debt balance of $20.0 million has been classified as a current liability within our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020. As of June 30, 2020, Pure Wellness and RED were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our debt and related agreements as amended. However, there can be no guarantee that our subsidiaries’ will remain in compliance for the remainder of the fiscal year. Due to the significant negative impact of COVID-19 on the operations of our subsidiaries, we expect that within the next twelve months, our RED subsidiary will violate debt covenants pursuant to certain existing loan agreements which have no recourse to Ashford Inc. As a result, RED may be required to immediately repay a debt balance of $2.6 million which has therefore been classified as a current liability within our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020. The JSAV and RED subsidiary loans are secured by the respective subsidiary’s tangible assets. None of our subsidiaries’ debt has recourse to Ashford Inc. with the exception of $3.8 million of debt held by the entity that conducts RED’s legacy U.S. Virgin Islands operations which is currently not expected to violate debt covenants. See note 1.
In April of 2020, certain of our subsidiaries applied for and received loans from Key Bank, N.A., Comerica Bank and Centennial Bank under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) which was established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). All funds borrowed under the PPP were returned on or before May 7, 2020.
7. Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Hierarchy—Our assets and liabilities 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.
•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.
31
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
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) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total | ||||||||||||
June 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Restricted Investment: | |||||||||||||||
Ashford Trust common stock | $ | 245 | (2) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 245 | ||||||
Braemar common stock | 129 | (2) | — | — | 129 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 374 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 374 | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Contingent consideration | $ | (2,225 | ) | (1) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (2,225 | ) | ||||
Subsidiary compensation plan | — | (50 | ) | (2) | — | (50 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred compensation plan | (2,026 | ) | — | — | (2,026 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $ | (4,251 | ) | $ | (50 | ) | $ | — | $ | (4,301 | ) | ||||
Net | $ | (3,877 | ) | $ | (50 | ) | $ | — | $ | (3,927 | ) |
__________________
(1) Represents the fair value of the contingent consideration liability of $2.2 million related to the stock consideration collar associated with JSAV’s acquisition of BAV. The contingent consideration liabilities are reported as “other liabilities” in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. See notes 1 and 4.
(2) The assets acquired in our acquisition of Remington Lodging included shares of common stock of Ashford Trust and Braemar purchased by Remington Lodging on the open market and held for the purpose of providing compensation to certain employees. The compensation agreement liability is based on ratably accrued vested shares through June 30, 2020, which are exercisable upon vesting. The liability is the total accrued vested shares multiplied by the fair value of the quoted market price of the underlying investment.
32
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Quoted Market Prices (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Restricted Investment: | |||||||||||||||
Ashford Trust common stock | $ | 768 | (3) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 768 | ||||||
Braemar common stock | 427 | (3) | — | — | 427 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,195 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,195 | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Contingent consideration | $ | (2,668 | ) | (1) | $ | — | $ | (2,959 | ) | (2) | $ | (5,627 | ) | ||
Subsidiary compensation plan | — | (415 | ) | (3) | — | (415 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred compensation plan | (4,729 | ) | — | — | (4,729 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $ | (7,397 | ) | $ | (415 | ) | $ | (2,959 | ) | $ | (10,771 | ) | |||
Net | $ | (6,202 | ) | $ | (415 | ) | $ | (2,959 | ) | $ | (9,576 | ) |
__________________
(1) Represents the fair value of the contingent consideration liability of $1.6 million related to the stock consideration collar associated with JSAV’s acquisition of BAV and $1.0 million related to the stock consideration collar associated with RED’s acquisition of Sebago. The contingent consideration liabilities related to BAV and Sebago are reported as “other liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets. See notes 1 and 4.
(2) Represents the fair value of the contingent consideration liability related to the achievement of certain performance targets associated with the acquisition of BAV, which is reported within “other liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets. See notes 1 and 4.
(3) The assets acquired in our acquisition of Remington Lodging included shares of common stock of Ashford Trust and Braemar purchased by Remington Lodging on the open market and held for the purpose of providing compensation to certain employees. The compensation agreement liability is based on ratably accrued vested shares through December 31, 2019, which are exercisable upon vesting. The liability is the total accrued vested shares multiplied by the fair value of the quoted market price of the underlying investment.
33
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
The following table presents the rollforward of our Level 3 contingent consideration liability (in thousands):
Contingent Consideration Liability | |||
Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | (2,959 | ) |
Acquisitions | — | ||
Gains (losses) included in earnings (1) | (41 | ) | |
Dispositions and settlements | — | ||
Transfers into/out of Level 3 (2) | 3,000 | ||
Balance at June 30, 2020 | $ | — |
__________________
(1) | Reported as “other” operating expense in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. |
(2) | Includes JSAV’s contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of BAV in March of 2019. In the first quarter of 2020, BAV fully achieved the operating performance targets during the earn-out period, in accordance with the applicable agreement. On May 6, 2020, the Company executed the Second Amendment to the Asset Purchase Agreement in which we agreed to immediately pay $1.5 million in cash and modified certain contingent consideration and stock consideration collar payment terms related to the acquisition of BAV to extend remaining payments of cash or stock on various payment dates through March 2021. Pursuant to the agreement, we paid $1.5 million cash to the BAV sellers on May 7, 2020. The final liability of $1.5 million owed to the sellers of BAV is no longer contingent and is reported in our condensed consolidated balance sheets within “other liabilities” |
.Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
Our non-financial assets, such as goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets are adjusted to fair value when an impairment charge is recognized. Such fair value measurements are based predominately on Level 3 inputs.
Goodwill
During the first quarter of 2020, we recognized goodwill impairment charges of $170.6 million, of which $121.0 million related to our Remington segment, and $49.5 million related to our Premier segment. As a result of our reduced cash flow projections and the significant decline in our market capitalization due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we concluded that sufficient indicators existed to require us to perform an interim quantitative assessment of goodwill as of March 31, 2020, in which we compared the fair value of the reporting units to their carrying value. We engaged a third-party valuation expert to assist us in performing this assessment. The fair value estimates for all reporting units were based on a blended analysis of the present value of future discounted cash flows and the market value approach, Level 3 inputs. The significant estimates used in the discounted cash flows model included our weighted average cost of capital, projected cash flows and the long-term rate of growth. Our cash flow assumptions were based on the actual historical performance of the reporting unit and took into account the recent severe and continued weakening of operating results as well as the anticipated rate of recovery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The projected cash flows were based on management’s expectation of the timing of recovery from the economic downturn under various scenarios. The significant estimates used in the market approach model included identifying public companies engaged in businesses that are considered comparable to those of the reporting unit and assessing comparable revenue and earnings multiples in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit. The excess of the reporting unit's carrying value over our estimate of the fair value was recorded as the goodwill impairment charge in the first quarter of 2020. No goodwill impairment charges were recorded in the second quarter of 2020. As of June 30, 2020, our Remington segment had $54.6 million goodwill remaining and our Premier segment had no goodwill remaining. We may continue to record impairment charges in the future due to the long-term economic impact and near-term financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
34
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
As a result of our reduced cash flow projections and the significant decline in our market capitalization due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we concluded that sufficient indicators existed to require us to perform an interim quantitative assessment of intangible assets as of March 31, 2020. During the first quarter of 2020, we engaged a third-party valuation expert to assist in determining the fair value of our indefinite-lived trademarks. We recognized intangible asset impairment charges of $7.6 million related to trademarks within our Remington and JSAV segments which resulted from changes in estimated future revenues. The Remington and JSAV trademarks were written down to $4.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, based on a valuation using the relief-from-royalty method, which includes unobservable inputs including royalty rates and projected revenues. No impairment charges were recorded in the second quarter of 2020.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets include property and equipment, finance and operating lease assets, and definite-lived intangible assets which primarily include Remington and Premier management contracts, JSAV customer relationships and RED boat slip rights resulting from our acquisitions. In the first quarter of 2020, we performed a recoverability test by comparing the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset to its carrying value. The undiscounted cash flows exceeded the carrying value and therefore the assets were not impaired and no further evaluation was required. No impairment charges were recorded in the second quarter of 2020.
Effect of Fair Value Measured Assets and Liabilities on Our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
The following table summarizes the effect of fair value measured assets and liabilities on our condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
Gain (Loss) Recognized | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Restricted investment: (1) | |||||||||||||||
Ashford Trust common stock | $ | 13 | $ | — | $ | (200 | ) | $ | — | ||||||
Braemar common stock | (24 | ) | — | (186 | ) | — | |||||||||
Goodwill | — | — | (170,572 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Intangible assets, net | — | — | (7,641 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Total | (11 | ) | — | (178,599 | ) | $ | — | ||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Contingent consideration (2) | $ | (154 | ) | (1) | $ | (1,621 | ) | (2) | $ | (617 | ) | $ | (1,639 | ) | |
Subsidiary compensation plan (3) | (37 | ) | — | 165 | — | ||||||||||
Deferred compensation plan (3) | (880 | ) | 4,817 | 2,697 | 4,077 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | (1,071 | ) | $ | 3,196 | $ | 2,245 | $ | 2,438 | ||||||
Net | $ | (1,082 | ) | $ | 3,196 | $ | (176,354 | ) | $ | 2,438 |
__________________
(1) | Represents the realized loss on shares of common stock of Ashford Trust and Braemar purchased by Remington on the open market and held for the purpose of providing compensation to certain employees. |
(2) | Represents the changes in fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities related to the level of achievement of certain performance targets and stock consideration collars associated with the acquisition of BAV. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration are reported within “other” operating expense in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. See note 4. |
(3) Reported as a component of “salaries and benefits” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
35
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Restricted Investment
The historical cost and approximate fair values, together with gross unrealized gains and losses, of securities restricted for use in our subsidiary compensation plan are as follows (in thousands):
Historical Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Available-for-sale securities: | |||||||||||||||
June 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
Equity securities (1) | $ | 1,136 | $ | 10 | $ | (772 | ) | $ | 374 |
__________________
(1) | Distribution of $200,000 of available-for-sale securities were recognized in the six months ended June 30, 2020. Unrealized gains and losses associated with available-for-sale securities are included within “accumulated other comprehensive income” in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. |
Historical Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Available-for-sale securities: | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Equity securities (1) | $ | 1,309 | $ | — | $ | (114 | ) | $ | 1,195 |
__________________
(1) | No distributions of available-for-sale securities occurred as of December 31, 2019. Unrealized losses associated with available-for-sale securities are included within “accumulated other comprehensive income” in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. |
36
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
8. 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):
June 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||
Financial assets measured at fair value: | ||||||||||||||||
Restricted investment | $ | 374 | $ | 374 | $ | 1,195 | $ | 1,195 | ||||||||
Financial liabilities measured at fair value: | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation plan | $ | 2,026 | $ | 2,026 | $ | 4,729 | $ | 4,729 | ||||||||
Contingent consideration | 2,225 | 2,225 | 5,627 | 5,627 | ||||||||||||
Financial assets not measured at fair value: | ||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 65,518 | $ | 65,518 | $ | 35,349 | $ | 35,349 | ||||||||
Restricted cash | 37,175 | 37,175 | 17,900 | 17,900 | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable, net | 4,331 | 4,331 | 7,241 | 7,241 | ||||||||||||
Due from affiliates | 307 | 307 | 357 | 357 | ||||||||||||
Due from Ashford Trust | — | — | 4,805 | 4,805 | ||||||||||||
Due from Braemar | 846 | 846 | 1,591 | 1,591 | ||||||||||||
Investments in unconsolidated entities | 3,729 | 3,729 | 3,476 | 3,476 | ||||||||||||
Financial liabilities not measured at fair value: | ||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 35,987 | $ | 35,987 | $ | 39,160 | $ | 39,160 | ||||||||
Dividends payable | 11,877 | 11,877 | 4,725 | 4,725 | ||||||||||||
Due to affiliates | 1,047 | 1,047 | 1,011 | 1,011 | ||||||||||||
Due to Ashford Trust | 516 | 516 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities | 32,659 | 32,659 | 13,868 | 13,868 | ||||||||||||
Notes payable | 62,552 | 58,517 to 64,677 | 36,810 | 34,705 to 38,359 |
Restricted investment. These financial assets are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices of the underlying investments. This is considered a Level 1 valuation technique.
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.
Contingent consideration. The liability associated with JSAV’s acquisition of BAV is carried at fair value based on the terms of the acquisition agreements and any changes to fair value are recorded in “other” operating expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. See note 7.
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.
Accounts receivable, net, due from affiliates, due from Ashford Trust, due from Braemar, accounts payable and accrued expenses, dividends payable, due to affiliates, due to Ashford Trust 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.
Investments in unconsolidated entities. The carrying value of the asset resulting from investment in unconsolidated entities approximates fair value based on recent observable transactions. This is considered a level 2 valuation technique. See note 2.
Notes payable. The fair value of notes payable is based on credit spreads on observable transactions of a similar nature and is considered a Level 2 valuation technique.
37
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
9. Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase Commitment—As of June 30, 2020, we had approximately $11.4 million of remaining purchase commitments related to our Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement which, under the Extension Agreement, must be fulfilled by December 31, 2022.
Contingent Consideration—We had total acquisition-related contingent consideration liabilities outstanding of approximately $3.7 million and $5.6 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, primarily related to the level of achievement of certain performance targets and stock consideration collars. See notes 4 and 7.
Litigation—In June 2020, each of the Company, Braemar, Ashford Trust, and Lismore (collectively with the Company, Braemar, Ashford Trust and Lismore, the “Ashford Companies”), received an administrative subpoena from the SEC. The administrative subpoena requests the production of documents and other information since January 1, 2018 relating to, among other things, (1) related party transactions among the Ashford Companies (including the agreements between Lismore and each of Ashford Trust and Braemar pursuant to which each of Ashford Trust and Braemar engaged Lismore to negotiate the refinancing, modification or forbearance of certain mortgage debt) or between any of the Ashford Companies and any officer, director or owner of the Ashford Companies or any entity controlled by any such person and, (2) the Company’s accounting policies, procedures and internal controls related to such related party transactions. The Company is responding to the administrative subpoena.
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 adjudication of legal proceedings is difficult to predict, 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.
10. Equity (Deficit)
Shareholder Rights Plan—On March 13, 2020, our board of directors adopted a shareholder rights plan (the “2020 Rights Agreement”). The 2020 Rights Agreement 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 2020 Rights Agreement, our board of directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) payable on March 23, 2020, for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding on March 23, 2020 to the stockholders 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 E Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 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, 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.
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Entities—See note 2 for details regarding ownership interests, carrying values and allocations related to noncontrolling interests in our consolidated subsidiaries.
The following table summarizes the (income) loss allocated to noncontrolling interests for each of our consolidated entities (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
(Income) loss allocated to noncontrolling interests: | |||||||||||||||
OpenKey | 120 | 152 | 239 | 329 | |||||||||||
RED | 165 | (26 | ) | 155 | (60 | ) | |||||||||
Pure Wellness | (12 | ) | 5 | 23 | 25 | ||||||||||
Other | 5 | — | 21 | — | |||||||||||
Total net (income) loss allocated to noncontrolling interests | $ | 278 | $ | 131 | $ | 438 | $ | 294 |
38
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
11. Mezzanine Equity
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests—Redeemable noncontrolling interests are included in the mezzanine section of our condensed consolidated balance sheets as the ownership interests are redeemable for cash or registered shares outside of the Company’s control. See note 2 for tables summarizing the redeemable noncontrolling ownership interests and carrying values.
The following table summarizes the net (income) loss allocated to our redeemable noncontrolling interests (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
Net (income) loss allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests: | |||||||||||||||
Ashford Holdings | $ | 25 | $ | 6 | $ | 361 | $ | 10 | |||||||
JSAV | 497 | 133 | 478 | (94 | ) | ||||||||||
OpenKey | 122 | 171 | 245 | 373 | |||||||||||
Total net (income) loss allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests | $ | 644 | $ | 310 | $ | 1,084 | $ | 289 |
Convertible Preferred Stock—Our convertible preferred stock is included in the mezzanine section of our condensed consolidated balance sheets as the ownership interests are redeemable for cash or registered shares outside of the Company’s control.
On November 6, 2019, we completed the acquisition of Remington Lodging’s hotel management business and Marietta for $275 million, payable by the issuance of $275 million of a new Ashford Inc. Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. In the previous transaction for Remington Lodging’s project management business, the sellers received $203 million of Maryland Ashford’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. For the transaction involving Remington Lodging’s hotel management business, that $203 million of Maryland Ashford’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was exchanged, pursuant to a merger transaction whereby Maryland Ashford became our wholly-owned subsidiary, for $203 million of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (such that, after the transactions, $478 million of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, and no Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, was outstanding).
Each share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock: (i) has a liquidation value of $25 per share; (ii) accrues cumulative dividends at the rate of: (a) 6.59% per annum until November 6, 2020; (b) 6.99% per annum from November 6, 2020 until November 6, 2021; and (c) 7.28% per annum thereafter, (iii) participates in any dividend or distribution on the common stock in addition to the preferred dividends; (iv) is convertible into voting common stock at $117.50 per share; and (v) provides for customary anti-dilution protections. In the event the Company fails to pay the dividends on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for two consecutive quarterly periods (a “Preferred Stock Breach”), then until such arrearage is paid in cash in full: (A) the dividend rate on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock will increase to 10.00% per annum until no Preferred Stock Breach exists; (B) no dividends on the Company’s common stock may be declared or paid, and no other distributions or redemptions may be made, on the Company’s common stock; and (C) the Board will be increased by two seats and the holders of 55% of the outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred Stock will be entitled to fill such newly created seats. The Series D Convertible Preferred Stock is held primarily by Mr. Monty J. Bennett, the Chairman of our Board and our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., who is Mr. Monty J. Bennett’s father, one of our other executive officers and several other individuals.
To the extent not paid on April 15, July 15, October 15 and January 15 of each calendar year in respect of the quarterly periods ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, respectively (each such date, a “Dividend Payment Date”), all accrued dividends on any share shall accumulate and compound on the applicable Dividend Payment Date whether or not declared by the Board and whether or not funds are legally available for the payment thereof. All accrued dividends shall remain accumulated, compounding dividends until paid in cash pursuant hereto or converted to common shares.
The Series D Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to vote alongside our voting common stock on an as-converted basis, subject to applicable voting limitations.
So long as any shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company is prohibited from taking specified actions without the consent of the holders of 55% of the outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, including: (i) modifying the terms, rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock; (ii) altering the rights; preferences or privileges of any capital stock of the Company so as to affect adversely the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock;
39
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
(iii) issuing any security senior to the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, or any shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock other than pursuant to the Combination Agreement dated May 31, 2019 between us, the Bennetts, Remington Holdings, L.P. and certain other parties, as amended (the “Combination Agreement”); (iv) entering into any agreement that expressly prohibits or restricts the payment of dividends on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock or the common stock of the Company or the exercise of the Change of Control Put Option (as defined in the Combination Agreement); or (v) other than the payment of dividends on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock or payments to purchase any of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, transferring all or a substantial portion of the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ cash balances or other assets to a person other than the Company or its subsidiaries, other than by means of a dividend payable by the Company pro rata to the holders of the Company common stock (together with a corresponding dividend payable to the holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock).
After June 30, 2026, we will have the option to purchase all or any portion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, in $25.0 million increments, on a pro rata basis among all holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (subject to the ability of the holders to provide for an alternative allocation amongst themselves), at a price per share equal to: (i) $25.125; plus (ii) all accrued and unpaid dividends (provided any holder of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock shall be entitled to exercise its right to convert its shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock into common stock not fewer than five business days before such purchase is scheduled to close).
Under the applicable authoritative accounting guidance, the increasing dividend rate feature of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock results in a discount that must be reflected in the fair value of the preferred stock, which was reflected in “Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, net of discount” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. For the three and six months June 30, 2020, we recorded $795,000 and $1.6 million, respectively, of amortization related to preferred stock discounts. For the three and six months June 30, 2019, we recorded $484,000 and $975,000, respectively, of amortization related to preferred stock discounts.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that the Board had declared and the Company would pay 50% of the dividend which was due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. The declared $3.9 million dividends were paid on April 15, 2020. On June 24, 2020, the Company declared the remaining 50% or approximately $4.0 million of dividends, including compounding dividends, due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020 which were paid on July 14, 2020. The Company did not declare dividends with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2020. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had aggregate undeclared preferred stock dividends of approximately $7.9 million which relates to the second quarter of 2020. All dividends, declared and undeclared, are recorded as an expense in the period incurred in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Unpaid dividends, declared and undeclared, totaling $11.9 million at June 30, 2020, are recorded as a liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as “dividends payable”.
Declared convertible preferred stock cumulative dividends for all issued and outstanding shares were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
Preferred dividends - declared | $ | 4,002 | $ | 2,791 | $ | 7,940 | $ | 5,583 | |||||||
Preferred dividends per share - declared | $ | 0.2093 | $ | 0.3438 | $ | 0.4153 | $ | 0.6875 |
Aggregate undeclared convertible preferred stock cumulative dividends (in thousands, except per share amounts):
June 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||
Aggregate preferred dividends - undeclared | $ | 7,875 | $ | — | |||
Aggregate preferred dividends - undeclared per share | $ | 0.4119 | $ | — |
40
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
12. Equity-Based Compensation
Equity-based compensation expense is primarily recorded in “salaries and benefits expense” and REIT equity-based compensation expense is primarily recorded in “reimbursed expenses” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The components of equity-based compensation expense for the three and six months June 30, 2020 and 2019 are presented below by award type (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
Equity-based compensation | |||||||||||||||
Stock option amortization (1) | $ | (397 | ) | $ | 2,043 | $ | 1,692 | $ | 4,194 | ||||||
Employee equity grant expense (2) | 247 | 57 | 352 | 57 | |||||||||||
Director and other non-employee equity grants expense (3) | 414 | 604 | 269 | 611 | |||||||||||
Total equity-based compensation | $ | 264 | $ | 2,704 | $ | 2,313 | $ | 4,862 | |||||||
Other equity-based compensation | |||||||||||||||
REIT equity-based compensation (4) | $ | 2,309 | $ | 6,615 | $ | 9,200 | $ | 12,483 | |||||||
$ | 2,573 | $ | 9,319 | $ | 11,513 | $ | 17,345 |
________
(1) | As of June 30, 2020, the Company had approximately $5.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options that will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.0 years. The change in three months ended June 30, 2020, is primarily due to the forfeiture of 98,603 options from the voluntary resignation of Douglas A. Kessler, Senior Managing Director of the Company, in May of 2020. |
(2) | As of June 30, 2020, the Company had approximately $2.3 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted shares that will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years. Effective as of May 15, 2020, employee equity grant expense additionally includes common stock issued to Mr. Monty J. Bennett at fair value in lieu of cash for payment of his base salary pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Incentive Plan, as amended. See note 1. |
(3) | Grants of restricted stock units to independent directors and other non-employees are recorded at fair value based on the market price of our shares at grant date, and this amount is expensed in “general and administrative” expense. See “Equity-based Compensation” in note 2. |
(4) | REIT equity-based compensation expense is primarily recorded in “reimbursed expenses” and is associated with equity grants of Ashford Trust’s and Braemar’s common stock and LTIP units awarded to our officers and employees. See notes 2 and 14. |
13. Deferred Compensation Plan
We administer a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (“DCP”) for certain executive officers. The plan allowed 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).
41
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
The following table summarizes the DCP activity (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
Change in fair value | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) | $ | (880 | ) | $ | 4,817 | $ | 2,697 | $ | 4,077 | ||||||
Distributions | |||||||||||||||
Fair value (1) | $ | 4 | $ | 27 | $ | 6 | $ | 73 | |||||||
Shares (1) | — | 1 | 1 | 2 |
________
(1) | Distributions made to one participant. |
As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 the carrying value of the DCP liability was $2.0 million and $4.7 million, respectively.
14. Related Party Transactions
As an asset manager providing advisory services to Ashford Trust and Braemar, as well as holding an ownership interest in other businesses providing products and services to the hospitality industry, including Ashford Trust and Braemar, related party transactions are inherent in our business. Details of our related party transactions are presented below.
Ashford Trust—We are a party to an amended and restated advisory agreement, as amended, with Ashford Trust and Ashford Trust OP. In addition, Premier is party to a master project management agreement with Ashford Trust OP and Ashford TRS Corporation, a subsidiary of Ashford Trust OP, and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Ashford Trust TRS”) to provide comprehensive and cost-effective design, development, architectural, and project management services and a related mutual exclusivity agreement with Ashford Trust and Ashford Trust OP. On March 20, 2020, we amended the master project management agreement to provide that Premier's fees shall be paid by Ashford Trust to Premier upon the completion of any work provided by third party vendors to Ashford Trust.
Further, Ashford Trust entered into hotel master management agreements with Remington Lodging (then wholly-owned by Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr.) governing the terms of Remington Lodging’s provision of hotel management services and project management services with respect to hotels owned or leased by Ashford Trust in 2003, as amended, and 2006. In connection with the Company’s acquisition of Premier from Remington Lodging in August 2018, Ashford Trust amended and restated the original hotel master management agreement to provide only for hotel management services to be provided to Ashford Trust’s TRSs by Remington Lodging by entering into the Consolidated, Amended and Restated Hotel Master Management Agreement dated as of August 8, 2018, which agreement we refer to below as the “Ashford Trust master hotel management agreement.”
In connection with the Company’s subsequent acquisition of Remington Lodging on November 6, 2019, Remington Lodging became a subsidiary of the Company, and the Ashford Trust master hotel management agreement between Remington Lodging and Ashford Trust remains in effect. Ashford Trust pays the Company a monthly hotel management fee equal to the greater of $14,000 (increased annually based on consumer price index adjustments) or 3% of gross revenue (the “base fee”) as well as annual incentive hotel management fees, if certain operational criteria are met and other general and administrative expense reimbursements. Under the original terms of the Ashford Trust master hotel management agreement, Ashford Trust paid us on the fifth day of each month for the base fees in the preceding month. On March 13, 2020, Ashford Trust entered into the Ashford Trust Hotel Management Letter Agreement with the Company. In order to allow the Company to better manage our corporate working capital and to ensure the continued efficient operation of the Ashford Trust hotels managed by Remington, Ashford Trust agreed to pay the base fee and to reimburse all expenses for Remington-managed hotels on a weekly basis for the preceding week, rather than on a monthly basis. The Ashford Trust Hotel Management Letter Agreement went into effect on March 13, 2020 and will continue until terminated by Ashford Trust.
42
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
On March 20, 2020, Lismore, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement to seek modifications, forbearances or refinancings of Ashford Trust’s loans (the “Ashford Trust Agreement”). Pursuant to the Ashford Trust Agreement, Lismore shall, during the term of the agreement (which commenced on March 20, 2020 and shall end on the date that is twelve months following the commencement date, or upon it being terminated by Ashford Trust on not less than thirty days written notice) negotiate the refinancing, modification or forbearance of the existing mortgage debt on Ashford Trust’s hotels. For the purposes of the Ashford Trust Agreement, financing shall include, without limitation, senior or subordinate loan financing, provided in any single transaction or a combination of transactions, including, mortgage loan financing, mezzanine loan financing, or subordinate loan financing encumbering the applicable hotel or unsecured loan financing.
On July 1, 2020, Lismore and Ashford Trust amended and restated the Ashford Trust Agreement with an effective date of April 6, 2020. Pursuant to the amended and restated agreement, the term of the agreement was extended to 24 months following the commencement date. In connection with the services to be provided by Lismore under the amended and restated agreement, Lismore is entitled to receive a fee of up to $2.6 million in three equal installments of $857,000 per month beginning July 20, 2020, and ending on September 20, 2020. Lismore is also entitled to receive a fee that is calculated and payable as follows: (i) a fee equal to 25 basis points (0.25%) of the amount of a loan, payable upon the acceptance by the applicable lender of any forbearance or extension of such loan, or in the case where a third-party agent or contractor engaged by Ashford Trust has secured an extension of the maturity date equal to or greater than 12 months of any such loan, then the amount payable to Lismore shall be reduced to 10 basis points (0.10%); (ii) a fee equal to 75 basis points (0.75%) of the amount of any principal reduction of a loan upon the acceptance by any lender of any principal reduction of such loan; and (iii) a fee equal to 150 basis points (1.50%) of the implied conversion value (but in any case, no less than 50% of the face value of such loan or loans) of a loan upon the acceptance by any lender of any debt to equity conversion of such loan.
At the time of amendment, Lismore had been paid approximately $8.3 million, in the aggregate, pursuant to the original agreement. Under the amended and restated agreement, Ashford Trust is still entitled, in the event that Ashford Trust does not complete, for any reason, extensions or forbearances during the term of the agreement equal to or greater than approximately $4.1 billion, to offset, against any fees Ashford Trust or its affiliates owe pursuant to the advisory agreement, a portion of the fee previously paid by Ashford Trust to Lismore equal to the product of (x) approximately $4.1 billion minus the amount of extensions or forbearances completed during the term of the agreement multiplied by (y) 0.125%. As of June 30, 2020, the Company has recognized $689,000 as revenue and $7.6 million as deferred income of which $2.8 million is subject to claw back. The deferred income related to the various Lismore fees described above will be recognized over the 24 month term of the agreement on a straight line basis as the service is rendered, only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur. Constraints relating to variable consideration are resolved generally upon the closing of a transaction or financing event and the resulting change in the transaction price will be adjusted on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period a transaction or financing event closes.
43
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
The following table summarizes the revenues and expenses related to Ashford Trust (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
REVENUES BY TYPE | |||||||||||||||
Advisory services revenue: | |||||||||||||||
Base advisory fee | $ | 8,557 | $ | 8,415 | $ | 17,474 | $ | 16,460 | |||||||
Hotel management: | |||||||||||||||
Base management fees (1) | 3,504 | — | 9,197 | — | |||||||||||
Project management revenue (2) | 838 | 4,273 | 3,920 | 8,289 | |||||||||||
Audio visual revenue (3) | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Other revenue | |||||||||||||||
Debt placement and related fees (4) | 689 | 79 | 817 | 1,158 | |||||||||||
Claims management services (5) | 27 | 20 | 46 | 31 | |||||||||||
Lease revenue (6) | — | 945 | — | 1,891 | |||||||||||
Other services (7) | 336 | 409 | 786 | 876 | |||||||||||
Total other revenue | 1,052 | 1,453 | 1,649 | 3,956 | |||||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue | 19,947 | 8,346 | 88,020 | 15,956 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 33,898 | $ | 22,487 | $ | 120,260 | $ | 44,661 | |||||||
REVENUES BY SEGMENT (8) | |||||||||||||||
REIT advisory | $ | 10,354 | $ | 16,923 | $ | 25,962 | $ | 32,612 | |||||||
Remington | 20,739 | — | 86,274 | — | |||||||||||
Premier | 1,319 | 5,076 | 5,261 | 10,015 | |||||||||||
OpenKey | 30 | 27 | 129 | 55 | |||||||||||
Corporate and other | 1,456 | 461 | 2,634 | 1,979 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 33,898 | $ | 22,487 | $ | 120,260 | $ | 44,661 | |||||||
COST OF REVENUES | |||||||||||||||
Cost of audio visual revenues (3) | $ | 3 | $ | 1,862 | $ | 2,014 | $ | 3,546 | |||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL REVENUE INFORMATION | |||||||||||||||
Audio visual revenue from guests at REIT properties (3) | $ | 7 | $ | 4,227 | $ | 4,604 | $ | 8,050 |
________
(1) | Hotel management revenue is reported within our Remington segment. Base management fees are recognized when services have been rendered. Remington receives base management fees of 3% of gross hotel revenue for managing the hotel employees and daily operations of the hotels, subject to a specified floor (which is subject to increase annually based on increases in the consumer price index). See note 3 for discussion of the hotel management revenue recognition policy. |
(2) | Project management revenue primarily consists of revenue generated within our Premier segment by providing design, development, architectural, and project management services for which Premier receives fees. Project management revenue also includes revenue from reimbursable costs related to accounting, overhead and project manager services provided to |
44
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
projects owned by affiliates of Ashford Trust, Braemar and other owners. See note 3 for discussion of the project management revenue recognition policy.
(3) | JSAV primarily contracts directly with customers to whom it provides audio visual services. JSAV recognizes the gross revenue collected from their customers by the hosting hotel or venue. Commissions retained by the hotel or venue, including Ashford Trust, are recognized in “cost of revenues for audio visual” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. See note 3 for discussion of the audio visual revenue recognition policy. |
(4) | Debt placement and related fees are earned by Lismore for providing debt placement, modification, forbearance and refinancing services.. |
(5) | Claims management services include revenue earned from providing insurance claim assessment and administration services. |
(6) | In connection with our ERFP Agreements and legacy key money transaction with Ashford Trust, we lease FF&E to Ashford Trust rent-free. Our ERFP leases entered into in 2018 commenced on December 31, 2018. Consistent with our accounting treatment prior to adopting ASU 2016-02, other revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, includes a portion of the base advisory fee for leases commencing prior to our adoption, which is equal to the estimated fair value of the lease payments that would have been made. |
(7) | Other services revenue is primarily associated with other hotel products and services, such as mobile key applications and hypoallergenic premium rooms, provided to Ashford Trust by our consolidated subsidiaries, OpenKey and Pure Wellness. |
(8) | See note 16 for discussion of segment reporting. |
Braemar—We are also a party to an amended and restated advisory agreement with Braemar and Braemar OP. In addition, Premier is party to a master project management agreement with Braemar OP and Braemar TRS Yountville LLC, a limited liability company existing under the laws of the state of Delaware and wholly-owned subsidiary of Braemar OP (“Braemar TRS”) to provide comprehensive and cost-effective design, development, architectural, and project management services and a related mutual exclusivity agreement with Braemar and Braemar OP. On March 20, 2020, we amended the project management agreement to provide that Premier's fees shall be paid by Braemar to Premier upon the completion of any work provided by third party vendors to Braemar.
In 2014, Braemar entered into a hotel master management agreement with Remington Lodging (then wholly-owned by Mr. Monty J. Bennett, our Chairman and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., who is Monty J. Bennett’s father.) governing the terms of Remington Lodging’s provision of hotel management services and project management services with respect to hotels owned or leased by Braemar. In connection with the Company’s acquisition of Premier from Remington Lodging in August 2018, Braemar amended and restated the original hotel master management agreement to provide only for hotel management services to be provided to Braemar’s TRSs by Remington Lodging by entering into the Amended and Restated Hotel Master Management Agreement dated as of August 8, 2018, which agreement we refer to below as the “Braemar master hotel management agreement.” In connection with the Company’s subsequent acquisition of Remington Lodging on November 6, 2019, Remington Lodging became a subsidiary of the Company, and the Braemar master hotel management agreement between Remington Lodging and Braemar remains in effect. Braemar pays the Company a monthly hotel management fee equal to the greater of $14,000 per hotel (increased annually based on consumer price index adjustments) or 3% of gross revenue (the “base fee”) as well as annual incentive hotel management fees, if certain operational criteria are met and other general and administrative expense reimbursements. Under the original terms of the Braemar master hotel management agreement, Braemar paid us on the fifth day of each month for the base fees in the preceding month. On March 13, 2020, Braemar entered into the Braemar Hotel Management Letter Agreement with the Company. In order to allow the Company to better manage its corporate working capital and to ensure the continued efficient operation of the Braemar hotels managed by Remington, Braemar agreed to pay the base fee and to reimburse all expenses for Remington-managed hotels on a weekly basis for the preceding week, rather than on a monthly basis. The Braemar Hotel Management Letter Agreement went into effect on March 13, 2020 and will continue until terminated by Braemar.
On March 20, 2020, Lismore entered into an agreement to seek modifications, forbearances or refinancings of Braemar’s loans (the “Braemar Agreement”). Pursuant to the Braemar Agreement, Lismore shall, during the term of the agreement (which commenced on March 20, 2020 and shall end on the date that is twelve months following the commencement date, or upon it being terminated by Braemar on not less than thirty days written notice) negotiate the refinancing, modification or forbearance of the existing mortgage and mezzanine debt on Braemar’s hotels. For the purposes of the Braemar Agreement, financing shall include, without limitation, senior or subordinate loan financing, provided in any single transaction or a combination of transactions, including, mortgage loan financing, mezzanine loan financing, or subordinate loan financing encumbering the applicable hotel or unsecured loan financing.
In connection with the services provided by Lismore, Lismore shall be paid an advisory fee of up to 50 basis points (0.50%) of the aggregate amount of the modifications, forbearances or refinancings, of Braemar’s mortgage and mezzanine debt and
45
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Braemar’s secured revolving credit facility (the “Braemar Financings”) calculated and payable as follows: (i) 0.125% of the aggregate amount of potential Braemar Financings upon execution of the Braemar Agreement; (ii) 0.125% payable in six equal installments beginning April 20, 2020 and ending on September 20, 2020; provided, however, in the event Braemar does not complete, for any reason, Braemar Financings during the term of the Braemar Agreement equal to or greater than $1.1 billion, then Braemar shall offset, against any fees owed by Braemar or its affiliates pursuant to the advisory agreement, a portion of the fee paid by Braemar to Lismore pursuant to this section equal to the product of (x) the amount of Braemar Financings completed during the term of the Braemar Agreement minus $1.1 billion multiplied by (y) 0.125%; and (iii) 25 basis points (0.25%) payable upon the acceptance by the applicable lender of any Braemar Financing. As of June 30, 2020, the Company has recognized $646,000 as revenue and $2.3 million as deferred income of which $276,000 is subject to claw back. The deferred income related to the various Lismore fees described above will be recognized over the 12 month term of the agreement on a straight line basis as the service is rendered, only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur. Constraints relating to variable consideration are resolved generally upon the closing of a transaction or financing event and the resulting change in the transaction price will be adjusted on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period a transaction or financing event closes.
46
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
The following table summarizes the revenues related to Braemar (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
REVENUES BY TYPE | |||||||||||||||
Advisory services revenue: | |||||||||||||||
Base advisory fee | $ | 2,573 | $ | 2,775 | $ | 5,193 | $ | 5,352 | |||||||
Incentive advisory fee (1) | 169 | 169 | 339 | 339 | |||||||||||
Other advisory revenue (2) | 131 | 130 | 260 | 258 | |||||||||||
Total advisory services revenue | 2,873 | 3,074 | 5,792 | 5,949 | |||||||||||
Hotel management: | |||||||||||||||
Base management fees (3) | 154 | — | 509 | — | |||||||||||
Project management revenue (4) | 712 | 2,078 | 1,455 | 4,449 | |||||||||||
Audio visual revenue (5) | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Other revenue | |||||||||||||||
Debt placement and related fees (6) | 646 | — | 646 | 275 | |||||||||||
Claims management services (7) | 45 | 35 | 83 | 65 | |||||||||||
Lease revenue (8) | — | 84 | — | 168 | |||||||||||
Other services (9) | 53 | 279 | 475 | 548 | |||||||||||
Total other revenue | 744 | 398 | 1,204 | 1,056 | |||||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue | 3,490 | 2,940 | 10,360 | 5,254 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 7,973 | $ | 8,490 | $ | 19,320 | $ | 16,708 | |||||||
REVENUES BY SEGMENT (10) | |||||||||||||||
REIT advisory | $ | 5,184 | $ | 5,718 | $ | 10,530 | $ | 10,645 | |||||||
Remington | 1,032 | — | 5,249 | — | |||||||||||
Premier | 897 | 2,493 | 1,990 | 5,240 | |||||||||||
OpenKey | 11 | 13 | 71 | 33 | |||||||||||
Corporate and other | 849 | 266 | 1,480 | 790 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 7,973 | $ | 8,490 | $ | 19,320 | $ | 16,708 | |||||||
COST OF REVENUES | |||||||||||||||
Cost of audio visual revenues (5) | $ | — | $ | 119 | $ | 447 | $ | 205 | |||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL REVENUE INFORMATION | |||||||||||||||
Audio visual revenues from guests at REIT properties (5) | $ | — | $ | 266 | $ | 1,005 | $ | 449 |
________
(1) | Incentive advisory fee for the three and six months June 30, 2020, includes the pro-rata portion of the third year installment of the 2018 incentive advisory fee, which will be paid in January 2021, and for the three and six months June 30, 2019, includes the pro-rata portion of the second year installment of the 2018 incentive advisory fee, which was paid in January 2020. Incentive fee payments are subject to meeting the December 31 FCCR Condition each year, as defined in the Braemar advisory agreement. |
47
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Braemar’s annual total stockholder return did not meet the relevant incentive fee thresholds during the 2019 and 2017 measurement periods. See note 3.
(2) | In connection with our Fourth Amended and Restated Braemar Advisory Agreement, a $5.0 million cash payment was made by Braemar upon approval by Braemar’s stockholders, which is recognized over the 10-year initial term. |
(3) | Hotel management revenue is reported within our Remington segment. Base management fees are recognized when services have been rendered. Remington receives base management fees of 3% of gross hotel revenue for managing the hotel employees and daily operations of the hotels, subject to a specified floor (which is subject to increase annually based on increases in the consumer price index). See note 3 for discussion of the hotel management revenue recognition policy. |
(4) | Project management revenue primarily consists of revenue generated within our Premier segment by providing design, development, architectural, and project management services for which Premier receives fees. Project management revenue also includes revenue from reimbursable costs related to accounting, overhead and project manager services provided to projects owned by affiliates of Ashford Trust, Braemar and other owners. See note 3 for discussion of the project management revenue recognition policy. |
(5) | JSAV primarily contracts directly with customers to whom it provides audio visual services. JSAV recognizes the gross revenue collected from their customers by the hosting hotel or venue. Commissions retained by the hotel or venue, including Braemar, are recognized in “cost of revenues for audio visual” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. See note 3 for discussion of the audio visual revenue recognition policy. |
(6) | Debt placement and related fees are earned by Lismore for providing debt placement, modification, forbearance and refinancing services. |
(7) | Claims management services include revenue earned from providing insurance claim assessment and administration services. |
(8) | In connection with our legacy key money transaction with Braemar which commenced prior to 2019, we lease FF&E to Braemar rent-free. Consistent with our accounting treatment prior to adopting ASU 2016-02, other revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, includes a portion of the base advisory fee for leases commencing prior to our adoption, which is equal to the estimated fair value of the lease payments that would have been made. |
(9) | Other services revenue is primarily associated with other hotel products and services, such as mobile key applications, marine vessel transportation and hypoallergenic premium rooms, provided to Braemar by our consolidated subsidiaries, OpenKey, RED and Pure Wellness. |
(10) | See note 16 for discussion of segment reporting. |
48
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Other Related Party Transactions—On June 26, 2018, the Company entered into the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement with Ashford Trust. The independent members of the board of directors of each of the Company and Ashford Trust, with the assistance of separate and independent legal counsel, engaged to negotiate the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement on behalf of the Company and Ashford Trust, respectively. On January 15, 2019, the Company entered into the Braemar ERFP Agreement (collectively with the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement, the “ERFP Agreements”) with Braemar. The independent members of the board of directors of each of the Company and Braemar, with the assistance of separate and independent legal counsel, engaged to negotiate the Braemar ERFP Agreement on behalf of the Company and Braemar, respectively. Under the ERFP Agreements, the Company agreed to provide $50 million (each, an “Aggregate ERFP Amount” and collectively, the “Aggregate ERFP Amounts”) to each of Ashford Trust and Braemar (collectively, the “REITs”), respectively, in connection with each such REIT’s acquisition of hotels recommended by us, with the option to increase each Aggregate ERFP Amount to up to $100 million upon mutual agreement by the parties to the respective ERFP Agreement. Under each of the ERFP Agreements, the Company will pay each REIT 10% of each acquired hotel’s purchase price in exchange for FF&E at a property owned by such REIT, which will be subsequently leased by us to such REIT rent-free. Each of the REITs must provide reasonable advance notice to the Company to request ERFP funds in accordance with the respective ERFP Agreement. The ERFP Agreements require that the Company acquire the related FF&E either at the time of the property acquisition or at any time generally within two years of the REITs’ acquisition of the hotel property. The Company recognizes the related depreciation tax deduction at the time such FF&E is purchased by the Company and placed into service at the respective REIT’s hotel properties. However, the timing of the FF&E being purchased and placed into service is subject to uncertainties outside of the Company’s control that could delay the realization of any tax benefit associated with the purchase of FF&E.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced entry into the Extension Agreement, dated March 13, 2020 (the “Extension Agreement”), related to the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement. Under the terms of the Extension Agreement, the remaining ERFP commitment funding deadline under the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement of $11.4 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, has been extended from January 22, 2021 to December 31, 2022. See note 9.
On September 25, 2019, the Company announced the formation of Ashford Securities to raise capital in order to grow the Company’s existing and future platforms. In conjunction with the formation of Ashford Securities, Ashford Trust and Braemar entered into a contribution agreement with Ashford Inc. in the third quarter of 2019 in which Ashford Trust and Braemar agreed to a combined contribution of up to $15.0 million to fund the operations of Ashford Securities. As of June 30, 2020, Ashford Trust and Braemar have funded approximately $2.5 million and $834,000, respectively. The Company recognized $462,000 and $159,000 of cost reimbursement revenue from Ashford Trust and Braemar, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2020 in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company recognized $1.2 million and $430,000 of cost reimbursement revenue from Ashford Trust and Braemar, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2020 in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Additionally, see note 2 with respect to the Company’s Restricted Cash and Other Liabilities policies related to reserves for insurance claims and associated ancillary costs.
49
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
15. 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 June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted: | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company | $ | (7,996 | ) | $ | 112 | $ | (185,636 | ) | $ | 822 | |||||
Less: Dividends on preferred stock, declared and undeclared (1) | (7,940 | ) | (2,791 | ) | (15,815 | ) | (5,583 | ) | |||||||
Less: Amortization of preferred stock discount | (795 | ) | (484 | ) | (1,605 | ) | (975 | ) | |||||||
Undistributed net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders | (16,731 | ) | (3,163 | ) | (203,056 | ) | (5,736 | ) | |||||||
Distributed and undistributed net income (loss) - basic | $ | (16,731 | ) | $ | (3,163 | ) | $ | (203,056 | ) | $ | (5,736 | ) | |||
Effect of deferred compensation plan | — | (4,817 | ) | — | (4,077 | ) | |||||||||
Effect of incremental subsidiary shares | — | (171 | ) | — | (373 | ) | |||||||||
Distributed and undistributed net income (loss) - diluted | $ | (16,731 | ) | $ | (8,151 | ) | $ | (203,056 | ) | $ | (10,186 | ) | |||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic | 2,269 | 2,462 | 2,236 | 2,441 | |||||||||||
Effect of deferred compensation plan shares | — | 203 | — | 101 | |||||||||||
Effect of incremental subsidiary shares | — | 52 | — | 41 | |||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted | 2,269 | 2,717 | 2,236 | 2,583 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) per share – basic: | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders per share | $ | (7.37 | ) | $ | (1.28 | ) | $ | (90.81 | ) | $ | (2.35 | ) | |||
Income (loss) per share – diluted: | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders per share | $ | (7.37 | ) | $ | (3.00 | ) | $ | (90.81 | ) | $ | (3.94 | ) |
(1) | As of June 30, 2020, the Company had aggregate undeclared preferred stock dividends of approximately $7.9 million. Undeclared dividends were deducted to arrive at net income attributable to common stockholders. See note 11. |
50
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 June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders is not adjusted for: | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in Ashford Holdings | (25 | ) | (6 | ) | (361 | ) | (10 | ) | |||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiary common stock | (619 | ) | (133 | ) | (723 | ) | 94 | ||||||||
Dividends on preferred stock, declared and undeclared | 7,940 | 2,791 | 15,815 | 5,583 | |||||||||||
Amortization of preferred stock discount | 795 | 484 | 1,605 | 975 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 8,091 | $ | 3,136 | $ | 16,336 | $ | 6,642 | |||||||
Weighted average diluted shares are not adjusted for: | |||||||||||||||
Effect of unvested restricted shares | 15 | 11 | 34 | 10 | |||||||||||
Effect of assumed exercise of stock options | — | 16 | — | 40 | |||||||||||
Effect of assumed conversion of Ashford Holdings units | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||
Effect of incremental subsidiary shares | 561 | 72 | 481 | 59 | |||||||||||
Effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock | 4,068 | 1,450 | 4,068 | 1,450 | |||||||||||
Total | 4,648 | 1,553 | 4,587 | 1,563 |
16. Segment Reporting
Our operating segments include: (a) REIT Advisory, which provides asset management and advisory services to other entities, (b) Remington, which provides hotel management services, (c) Premier, which provides comprehensive and cost-effective design, development, architectural, and project management services, (d) JSAV, which provides event technology and creative communications solutions services, (e) OpenKey, a hospitality focused mobile key platform that provides a universal smartphone app for keyless entry into hotel guest rooms, (f) RED, a provider of watersports activities and other travel and transportation services, (g) Marietta, which holds the leasehold rights to a single hotel and convention center property in Marietta, Georgia, (h) Pure Wellness, which provides hypoallergenic premium rooms in the hospitality industry, and (i) Lismore and REA Holdings, which provide debt placement and related services, real estate advisory services and brokerage services. For 2020, OpenKey, RED, Marietta, Pure Wellness and Lismore and REA Holdings do not meet aggregation criteria or the quantitative thresholds to individually qualify as reportable segments. However, we have elected to disclose OpenKey as a reportable segment. Accordingly, we have five reportable segments: REIT Advisory, Remington, Premier, JSAV and OpenKey. We combine the operating results of RED, Marietta, Pure Wellness and Lismore and REA Holdings into an “all other” sixth reportable segment, which we refer to as “Corporate and Other.” See footnote 3 for details of our segments’ material revenue generating activities.
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.
51
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Certain information concerning our segments for the three and six months June 30, 2020, and 2019 are presented in the following tables (in thousands). Consolidated subsidiaries are reflected as of their respective acquisition dates or as of the date we were determined to be the primary beneficiary of variable interest entities.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
REIT Advisory | Remington | Premier | JSAV | OpenKey | Corporate and Other | Ashford Inc. Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||
REVENUE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisory services | $ | 11,430 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 11,430 | |||||||||||||
Hotel management | — | 3,691 | — | — | — | — | 3,691 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Project management fees | — | — | 2,052 | — | — | — | 2,052 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Audio visual | — | — | — | 970 | — | — | 970 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 83 | — | — | — | 292 | 2,962 | 3,337 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue (1) | 4,037 | 18,768 | 692 | — | — | 621 | 24,118 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 15,550 | 22,459 | 2,744 | 970 | 292 | 3,583 | 45,598 | ||||||||||||||||||||
EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 2,437 | 3,534 | 3,157 | 488 | 4 | 489 | 10,109 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses (2) | — | 3,357 | 1,823 | 5,059 | 734 | 11,600 | 22,573 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Reimbursed expenses (1) | 3,974 | 18,768 | 692 | — | — | 621 | 24,055 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 6,411 | 25,659 | 5,672 | 5,547 | 738 | 12,710 | 56,737 | ||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | 9,139 | (3,200 | ) | (2,928 | ) | (4,577 | ) | (446 | ) | (9,127 | ) | (11,139 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities | — | — | — | — | — | 17 | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | — | — | — | (184 | ) | — | (1,062 | ) | (1,246 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of loan costs | — | — | — | (14 | ) | — | (76 | ) | (90 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Interest income | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Realized gain (loss) on investments | — | (11 | ) | — | — | — | — | (11 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) | — | 14 | — | 141 | (16 | ) | (73 | ) | 66 | ||||||||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 9,139 | (3,197 | ) | (2,928 | ) | (4,634 | ) | (462 | ) | (10,320 | ) | (12,402 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (2,170 | ) | 525 | 559 | 1,171 | — | 3,399 | 3,484 | |||||||||||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 6,969 | $ | (2,672 | ) | $ | (2,369 | ) | $ | (3,463 | ) | $ | (462 | ) | $ | (6,921 | ) | $ | (8,918 | ) |
________
(1) | Our segments are reported net of eliminations upon consolidation. Approximately $2.4 million of hotel management revenue, cost reimbursement revenue and reimbursed expenses were eliminated in consolidation primarily for overhead expenses reimbursed to Remington including rent, payroll, office supplies, travel and accounting. |
(2) | Other operating expenses includes salaries and benefits, costs of revenues for project management, cost of revenues for audio visual, general and administrative expenses and other expenses. |
52
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
REIT Advisory | Remington | Premier | JSAV | OpenKey | Corporate and Other | Ashford Inc. Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||
REVENUE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisory services | $ | 23,266 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 23,266 | |||||||||||||
Hotel management | — | 9,815 | — | — | — | — | 9,815 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Project management fees | — | — | 5,990 | — | — | — | 5,990 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Audio visual | — | — | — | 30,644 | — | — | 30,644 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 140 | — | — | — | 814 | 9,074 | 10,028 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue (1) | 13,101 | 83,100 | 1,906 | — | — | 1,590 | 99,697 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 36,507 | 92,915 | 7,896 | 30,644 | 814 | 10,664 | 179,440 | ||||||||||||||||||||
EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 4,876 | 6,911 | 6,314 | 992 | 10 | 975 | 20,078 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment | — | 126,548 | 49,524 | 2,141 | — | — | 178,213 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses (2) | — | 7,652 | 4,887 | 31,445 | 1,722 | 25,467 | 71,173 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Reimbursed expenses (1) | 12,970 | 83,100 | 1,906 | — | — | 1,590 | 99,566 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 17,846 | 224,211 | 62,631 | 34,578 | 1,732 | 28,032 | 369,030 | ||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | 18,661 | (131,296 | ) | (54,735 | ) | (3,934 | ) | (918 | ) | (17,368 | ) | (189,590 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities | — | — | — | — | — | 253 | 253 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | — | — | — | (441 | ) | — | (1,981 | ) | (2,422 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of loan costs | — | — | — | (28 | ) | — | (128 | ) | (156 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Interest income | — | — | — | — | — | 29 | 29 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Realized gain (loss) on investments | — | (386 | ) | — | — | — | — | (386 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) | — | 26 | — | (314 | ) | (6 | ) | (161 | ) | (455 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 18,661 | (131,656 | ) | (54,735 | ) | (4,717 | ) | (924 | ) | (19,356 | ) | (192,727 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (4,423 | ) | 1,714 | 727 | 1,037 | — | 6,514 | 5,569 | |||||||||||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 14,238 | $ | (129,942 | ) | $ | (54,008 | ) | $ | (3,680 | ) | $ | (924 | ) | $ | (12,842 | ) | $ | (187,158 | ) |
________
(1) | Our segments are reported net of eliminations upon consolidation. Approximately $5.8 million of hotel management revenue, cost reimbursement revenue and reimbursed expenses were eliminated in consolidation primarily for overhead expenses reimbursed to Remington including rent, payroll, office supplies, travel and accounting. |
(2) | Other operating expenses includes salaries and benefits, costs of revenues for project management, cost of revenues for audio visual, general and administrative expenses and other expenses. |
53
ASHFORD INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
REIT Advisory | Premier | JSAV | OpenKey | Corporate and Other | Ashford Inc. Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||
REVENUE | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisory services | $ | 11,489 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 11,489 | |||||||||||
Hotel management | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Project management fees | — | 6,430 | — | — | — | 6,430 | |||||||||||||||||
Audio visual | — | — | 30,127 | — | — | 30,127 | |||||||||||||||||
Other | 1,085 | — | — | 194 | 2,804 | 4,083 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue | 10,067 | 1,270 | — | — | — | 11,337 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 22,641 | 7,700 | 30,127 | 194 | 2,804 | 63,466 | |||||||||||||||||
EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,151 | 2,738 | 503 | 7 | 116 | 4,515 | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses (1) | — | 3,048 | 30,296 | 768 | 12,665 | 46,777 | |||||||||||||||||
Reimbursed expenses | 9,961 | 1,270 | — | — | — | 11,231 | |||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 11,112 | 7,056 | 30,799 | 775 | 12,781 | 62,523 | |||||||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | 11,529 | 644 | (672 | ) | (581 | ) | (9,977 | ) | 943 | ||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities | — | — | — | — | (298 | ) | (298 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense | — | — | (356 | ) | — | (89 | ) | (445 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of loan costs | — | — | (14 | ) | (6 | ) | (50 | ) | (70 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interest income | — | — | — | — | 9 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) | — | — | (50 | ) | 6 | 2 | (42 | ) | |||||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 11,529 | 644 | (1,092 | ) | (581 | ) | (10,403 | ) | 97 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (2,550 | ) | (342 | ) | 319 | — | 2,147 | (426 | ) | ||||||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 8,979 | $ | 302 | $ | (773 | ) | $ | (581 | ) | $ | (8,256 | ) | $ | (329 | ) |
________
(1) | Other operating expenses includes salaries and benefits, costs of revenues for project management, cost of revenues for audio visual, general and administrative expenses and other expenses. |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
REIT Advisory | Premier | JSAV | OpenKey | Corporate and Other | Ashford Inc. Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||
REVENUE | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Advisory services | $ | 22,409 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 22,409 | |||||||||||
Project management fees | — | 12,872 | — | — | — | 12,872 | |||||||||||||||||
Audio visual | — | — | 61,102 | — | — | 61,102 | |||||||||||||||||
Other | 2,156 | — | — | 451 | 6,486 | 9,093 | |||||||||||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue | 18,692 | 2,618 | — | — | — | 21,310 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 43,257 | 15,490 | 61,102 | 451 | 6,486 | 126,786 | |||||||||||||||||
EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,915 | 5,476 | 958 | 14 | 260 | 8,623 | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses (1) | — | 5,750 | 58,304 | 1,718 | 27,924 | 93,696 | |||||||||||||||||
Reimbursed expenses | 18,364 | 2,618 | — | — | — | 20,982 | |||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 20,279 | 13,844 | 59,262 | 1,732 | 28,184 | 123,301 | |||||||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | 22,978 | 1,646 | 1,840 | (1,281 | ) | (21,698 | ) | 3,485 | |||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities | — | — | — | — | (573 | ) | (573 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense | — | — | (570 | ) | — | (172 | ) | (742 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of loan costs | — | — | (27 | ) | (12 | ) | (100 | ) | (139 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interest income | — | — | — | — | 29 | 29 | |||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) | — | — | (156 | ) | 11 | 50 | (95 | ) | |||||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 22,978 | 1,646 | 1,087 | (1,282 | ) | (22,464 | ) | 1,965 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (5,039 | ) | (768 | ) | (568 | ) | — | 4,649 | (1,726 | ) | |||||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 17,939 | $ | 878 | $ | 519 | $ | (1,282 | ) | $ | (17,815 | ) | $ | 239 |
________
(1) | Other operating expenses includes salaries and benefits, costs of revenues for project management, cost of revenues for audio visual, general and administrative expenses and other expenses. |
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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,” and the “Company” refer to Ashford Inc., a Nevada 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” Ashford Hospitality Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which we refer to as “Ashford Holdings” Ashford Hospitality Services LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which we refer to as “Ashford Services” Premier Project Management LLC, a Maryland limited liability company, which we refer to as “Premier Project Management,” or “Premier” from and after November 6, 2019, Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which we refer to as “Remington” a hotel management company acquired by Ashford Inc. on November 6, 2019 from Mr. Monty J. Bennett, our chief executive officer and chairman of our board of directors (the “Board”), and his father, Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., chairman emeritus of Ashford Trust; and, from and after November 6, 2019, Marietta Leasehold, L.P. (“Marietta”), also included in the November 6, 2019 transaction to acquire Remington. “Remington Lodging” refers to Remington prior to the completion of the acquisition, resulting in Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC becoming a subsidiary of Ashford Inc. “Braemar” refers to Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc., a Maryland corporation, and, as the context may require, its consolidated subsidiaries, including Braemar Hospitality Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, which we refer to as “Braemar 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.”
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:
• | the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and numerous governmental travel restrictions and other orders on our clients’ and our business; |
• | our business and investment strategy; |
• | our projected operating results; |
• | our ability to obtain future financing arrangements; |
• | our ability to continue to meet the NYSE American continued listing standards; |
• | our understanding of our competition; |
• | market trends; |
• | the future success of recent acquisitions, including the 2018 acquisition of Premier and the 2019 acquisition of Remington; |
• | the future success of recent business initiatives, including the Enhanced Return Funding Programs with Ashford Trust and Braemar; |
• | 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 risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 , as filed with the SEC on March 12, 2020, including 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;” as supplemented by our Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 8, 2020, our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings under the Exchange Act; |
• | adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a general reduction in business and personal travel and travel restrictions in regions where our clients’ hotels are located; |
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• | actions by our clients’ lenders to accelerate loan balances and foreclose on our clients’ hotel properties that are security for our clients’ loans that are in default; |
• | uncertainty associated with the ability for each of Ashford Trust and Braemar, two of the Company's key clients, to |
continue as a going concern;
• | uncertainty associated with the ability of the Company to remain in compliance with all covenants in our Term Loan Agreement and our subsidiaries to remain in compliance with the covenants of their debt and related agreements; |
• | 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 markets 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 Ashford Trust and Braemar, our executive officers and our non-independent directors; |
• | availability of qualified personnel; |
• | changes in governmental regulations, accounting rules, tax rates and similar matters; |
• | legislative and regulatory changes; |
• | the timing and outcome of the SEC investigation; |
• | the possibility that we may not realize any or all of the anticipated benefits from transactions to acquire businesses, including the 2018 acquisition of Premier and the 2019 acquisition of Remington, and the possibility we will be required to record additional goodwill impairments relating to those businesses as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our clients’, and our, business; |
• | the possibility that we may not realize any or all of the anticipated benefits from new business initiatives, including the ERFP Agreements with Ashford Trust and Braemar; |
• | sales of our common stock by the stockholders and unitholders of Ashford Trust and Braemar, to whom Ashford Trust and Braemar, respectively, divested (on November 5, 2019) shares of our common stock previously held by Ashford Trust and Braemar, in each case, in connection with the agreement to acquire Remington Lodging that was signed on May 31, 2019 (as amended on July 19, 2019 and further amended on August 28, 2019) and which closed on November 6, 2019; |
• | the failure to make full dividend payments on our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in consecutive quarters, which would will result in a higher interest rate and the right of Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr. to each have the right to appoint one member to the Board; |
• | disruptions relating to the acquisition or integration of Premier, Remington or any other business we invest in or acquire, which may harm relationships with customers, employees and regulators; and |
• | unexpected costs of further goodwill impairments relating to the acquisition or integration of Premier, Remington or any other business we invest in or acquire. |
When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report, as supplemented by our Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 8, 2020 and this Quarterly Report, 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 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 Nevada corporation that provides products and services primarily to clients in the hospitality industry, including Ashford Trust and Braemar. We became a public company in November 2014, and our common stock is listed on the NYSE American. As of August 5, 2020, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, Ashford Inc.’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of Ashford Trust and Braemar, and his father, Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Ashford Trust, owned approximately 436,736 shares of our common stock, which represented an approximately 17.4% ownership interest in Ashford Inc., and owned 18,758,600 shares of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series D Convertible Preferred Stock”), which is exercisable (at an exercise price of $117.50 per share) into an additional approximate 3,991,191 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock, which if exercised as of August 5, 2020 would have increased Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr.’s ownership interest in Ashford Inc. to 68.1%.
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We provide: (i) advisory services; (ii) asset management services; (iii) hotel management services; (iv) project management services; (v) event technology and creative communications solutions; (vi) mobile room keys and keyless entry solutions; (vii) watersports activities and other travel, concierge and transportation services; (viii) hypoallergenic premium room products and services; (ix) debt placement and related services; (x) real estate advisory and brokerage services; and (xi) wholesaler, dealer manager and other broker-dealer services. We conduct these activities and own substantially all of our assets primarily through Ashford Hospitality Advisors, LLC (“Ashford LLC”), Ashford Hospitality Services, LLC (“Ashford Services”) and their respective subsidiaries.
We seek to grow through the implementation of two primary strategies: (i) increasing our assets under management; and (ii) pursuing third-party business to grow our other products and services businesses.
We are currently the advisor to Ashford Trust and Braemar. In our capacity as the advisor to Ashford Trust and Braemar, we are responsible for implementing the investment strategies and managing the day-to-day operations of Ashford Trust and Braemar from an ownership perspective, in each case subject to the supervision and oversight of the respective board of directors of Ashford Trust and Braemar. Ashford Trust is focused on investing in full-service hotels in the upscale and upper upscale segments in the U.S. that have RevPAR generally less than twice the national average. Braemar invests primarily in luxury hotels and resorts with RevPAR of at least twice the U.S. national average. Each of Ashford Trust and Braemar is a REIT as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), and the common stock of each of Ashford Trust and Braemar is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”).
As required for disclosure under the Enhanced Return Funding Program Agreement and Amendment No. 1 to the Fifth Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2020, the total incremental expenses incurred (including all reimbursable expenses), as reasonably determined, in connection with providing services to Braemar under the agreement was $11.3 million.
Recent Developments
COVID-19, Management’s Plans and Liquidity
In December 2019, COVID-19 was identified in Wuhan, China, which subsequently spread to other regions of the world, and has resulted in significant travel restrictions and extended shutdown of numerous businesses in every state in the United States. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic. Our clients Ashford Trust and Braemar have reported that the negative impact on room demand within their respective portfolios stemming from COVID-19 is significant, which has resulted and is expected to result in significantly reduced occupancy and RevPAR. Furthermore, the prolonged presence of the virus has resulted in health and other government authorities imposing widespread restrictions on travel and other businesses. The hotel industry has experienced postponement or cancellation of a significant number of business conferences and similar events. Following the government mandates and health official orders, the Company dramatically reduced staffing and expenses at its products and services businesses and at our corporate office. COVID-19 has had a significant negative impact on the Company’s operations and financial results to date. The Company expects that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant negative impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flow in 2020 and beyond. As a result, in March 2020, the Company declared 50% of the cumulative preferred dividend which was due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020, reduced the cash compensation of its board of directors, executive officers and other employees, amended payment terms pursuant to certain hotel management agreements to better manage corporate working capital, reduced planned capital expenditures, and significantly reduced operating expenses. Additionally, in May, in order to preserve Company liquidity, the Company: (1) entered into a letter agreement with its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, to pay his base salary (as previously reduced in March) for the remainder of 2020 in the form of common stock of the Company; (2) amended contingent consideration and stock consideration collar payment terms related to the acquisition of BAV; and (3) on June 24, 2020, the Company declared the remaining 50% of the cumulative preferred dividends due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020 which were paid on July 14, 2020. The Company did not declare dividends with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2020. The Company adopted a remote-work policy at its corporate office in an effort to protect the health and safety of its employees and does not anticipate these policies to have any adverse impact on its ability to continue to operate its business. This transition to a remote-work environment has not had a material adverse impact on the Company's financial reporting system, internal controls or disclosure controls and procedures.
We are required to maintain certain financial ratios under various debt and related agreements. If we violate covenants in any debt or related agreement, we could be required to repay all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity at a time when we might be unable to arrange financing for such repayment on attractive terms, if at all. Violations of certain debt covenants may result in the inability of our subsidiaries to borrow unused amounts under their respective lines of credit, even if repayment of some or all of their borrowings is not required. As of June 30, 2020, we were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our $35 million Term Loan Agreement, as amended. As of June 30, 2020, JSAV was
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not in compliance with certain debt covenants pursuant to existing debt agreements which have no recourse to Ashford Inc., including the leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios, which constituted an “Event of Default” as such term is defined under the applicable loan agreements. Following an Event of Default, JSAV’s lender can generally elect to accelerate all principal and accrued interest payments that remain outstanding under the applicable loan agreements. JSAV is actively negotiating the terms for a waiver with its lender; however, no assurances can be given that a waiver will be obtained on acceptable terms or at all. As a result, JSAV’s outstanding debt balance of $20.0 million has been classified as a current liability within our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020. As of June 30, 2020, Pure Wellness and RED were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our debt and related agreements as amended. However, there can be no guarantee that our subsidiaries’ will remain in compliance for the remainder of the fiscal year. Due to the significant negative impact of COVID-19 on the operations of our subsidiaries, we expect that within the next twelve months, our RED subsidiary will violate debt covenants pursuant to certain existing loan agreements which have no recourse to Ashford Inc. As a result, RED may be required to immediately repay a debt balance of $2.6 million which has therefore been classified as a current liability within our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020. The JSAV and RED subsidiary loans are secured by the respective subsidiary’s tangible assets. None of our subsidiaries’ debt has recourse to Ashford Inc. with the exception of $3.8 million of debt held by the entity that conducts RED’s legacy U.S. Virgin Islands operations which is currently not expected to violate debt covenants. See note 6 in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
The Company has determined that there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for at least one year after the date the financial statements are issued. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require that in making this determination, the Company cannot consider any remedies that are outside of the Company’s control and have not been fully implemented. As a result, the Company could not consider future potential fundraising activities, whether through equity or debt offerings, disposition of assets or the likelihood of obtaining debt waivers as we could not conclude they were probable of being effectively implemented. Further, the Company could not consider continued cash payment of advisory fees and other revenue from Ashford Trust and Braemar, two of the Company's key customers, due to the uncertainty of future payment of such fees because each of Ashford Trust and Braemar currently exhibits conditions that create substantial doubt about the ability for each to continue as a going concern. Also, the continued cash payment of such advisory fees and other revenue remains subject to the discretion of the independent board members of each of Ashford Trust and Braemar, which is not within the Company's control. As such, the Company’s ability to remain in compliance with the financial covenants related to our Term Loan Agreement, as amended, for the next twelve months is outside of management’s control. Accordingly, the Company has classified the entire $35.0 million outstanding under our Term Loan Agreement, as amended, as a current liability on our condensed consolidated balance sheet which resulted in a negative $40.0 million working capital position as of June 30, 2020.
In April of 2020, certain of our subsidiaries applied for and received loans from Key Bank, N.A., Comerica Bank and Centennial Bank under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) which was established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). All funds borrowed under the PPP were returned on or before May 7, 2020.
Other Developments
On March 13, 2020, the Company entered into the Extension Agreement, related to the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement. Under the terms of the Extension Agreement, the remaining ERFP commitment funding deadline under the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement of $11.4 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, has been extended from January 22, 2021 to December 31, 2022. See note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
On March 13, 2020, Ashford Trust entered into the Ashford Trust Hotel Management Letter Agreement with the Company. In order to allow the Company to better manage our corporate working capital and to ensure the continued efficient operation of the Ashford Trust hotels managed by Remington, Ashford Trust agreed to pay the base fee and to reimburse all expenses for Remington-managed hotels on a weekly basis for the preceding week, rather than on a monthly basis. The Ashford Trust Hotel Management Letter Agreement went into effect on March 13, 2020 and will continue until terminated by Ashford Trust.
On March 13, 2020, Braemar entered into the Braemar Hotel Management Letter Agreement with the Company. In order to allow the Company to better manage its corporate working capital and to ensure the continued efficient operation of the Braemar hotels managed by Remington, Braemar agreed to pay the base fee and to reimburse all expenses for Remington-managed hotels on a weekly basis for the preceding week, rather than on a monthly basis. The Braemar Hotel Management Letter Agreement went into effect on March 13, 2020 and will continue until terminated by Braemar.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that in light of the uncertainty created by the effects of the COVID-19, effective March 21, 2020, the base salary for its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, will be temporarily reduced by 20% and the base salary for certain other Company officers, including its Chief Financial Officer and its other named executive officers, will be temporarily reduced by 15% until the effects of COVID-19 have subsided and it has been determined that the Company is in a healthy financial position. Any amounts relinquished pursuant to the reduction may be paid by the Company in the future.
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On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that in light of the uncertainty created by the effects of COVID-19, the annual cash retainer for each non-employee director serving on the Company’s Board would be temporarily reduced by 25% and would continue in effect until the Board determined in its discretion that the effects of COVID-19 had subsided. The Company also disclosed at that time that any amounts relinquished pursuant to the reduction in fees may be paid in the future, as determined by the Board in its discretion. On August 7, 2020, the Company announced that for fiscal year 2020, the directors will receive the full value of their annual cash retainer (without reduction). However, the full value of such cash retainer will be paid 25% in fully vested common shares and 75% in cash. The remaining quarterly installments of such retainer will be adjusted so that, for fiscal year 2020 in the aggregate, each director will have received 25% of the value of the full annual cash retainer in equity and the remaining 75% in cash. This arrangement does not apply to any additional cash retainers for committee service or service as lead director, which will continue to be paid in cash. The Board currently intends to continue this arrangement through our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, at which time the Board currently intends to re-examine the program.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that the Board had declared and the Company would pay 50% of the dividend which was due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. The declared $3.9 million dividends were paid on April 15, 2020. On June 24, 2020, the Company declared the remaining 50% or approximately $4.0 million of dividends, including compounding dividends, due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020 which were paid on July 14, 2020. The Company did not declare dividends with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2020. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had aggregate undeclared preferred stock dividends of approximately $7.9 million which relates to the second quarter of 2020. All dividends, declared and undeclared, are recorded as an expense in the period incurred in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Unpaid dividends, declared and undeclared, totaling $11.9 million at June 30, 2020, are recorded as a liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as “dividends payable”.
On March 19, 2020, the Company amended and restated the senior revolving credit facility pursuant to a Fourth Amendment to the Term Loan Agreement. The Company converted and consolidated the existing $10 million borrowing under the senior revolving credit facility (which had been borrowed on a revolving basis) into a term loan and drew down the remaining $25 million balance of the senior revolving credit facility, borrowing $35 million under the term loan in the aggregate. The Term Loan Agreement has a four year term and a maximum principal amount of $35 million. Principal payments of 1.25% of the outstanding balance are payable on the last business day of each fiscal quarter commencing June 30, 2020. See note 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
On March 20, 2020, Lismore, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement to seek modifications, forbearances or refinancings of Ashford Trust’s loans (the “Ashford Trust Agreement”). Pursuant to the Ashford Trust Agreement, Lismore shall, during the term of the agreement (which commenced on March 20, 2020 and shall end on the date that is twelve months following the commencement date, or upon it being terminated by Ashford Trust on not less than thirty days written notice) negotiate the refinancing, modification or forbearance of the existing mortgage debt on Ashford Trust’s hotels. For the purposes of the Ashford Trust Agreement, financing shall include, without limitation, senior or subordinate loan financing, provided in any single transaction or a combination of transactions, including, mortgage loan financing, mezzanine loan financing, or subordinate loan financing encumbering the applicable hotel or unsecured loan financing.
On July 1, 2020, Lismore and Ashford Trust amended and restated the Ashford Trust Agreement with an effective date of April 6, 2020. Pursuant to the amended and restated agreement, the term of the agreement was extended to 24 months following the commencement date. In connection with the services to be provided by Lismore under the amended and restated agreement, Lismore is entitled to receive a fee of up to $2.6 million in three equal installments of $857,000 per month beginning July 20, 2020, and ending on September 20, 2020. Lismore is also entitled to receive a fee that is calculated and payable as follows: (i) a fee equal to 25 basis points (0.25%) of the amount of a loan, payable upon the acceptance by the applicable lender of any forbearance or extension of such loan, or in the case where a third-party agent or contractor engaged by Ashford Trust has secured an extension of the maturity date equal to or greater than 12 months of any such loan, then the amount payable to Lismore shall be reduced to 10 basis points (0.10%); (ii) a fee equal to 75 basis points (0.75%) of the amount of any principal reduction of a loan upon the acceptance by any lender of any principal reduction of such loan; and (iii) a fee equal to 150 basis points (1.50%) of the implied conversion value (but in any case, no less than 50% of the face value of such loan or loans) of a loan upon the acceptance by any lender of any debt to equity conversion of such loan.
At the time of amendment, Lismore had been paid approximately $8.3 million, in the aggregate, pursuant to the original agreement. Under the amended and restated agreement, Ashford Trust is still entitled, in the event that Ashford Trust does not complete, for any reason, extensions or forbearances during the term of the agreement equal to or greater than approximately $4.1 billion, to offset, against any fees Ashford Trust or its affiliates owe pursuant to the advisory agreement, a portion of the fee previously paid by Ashford Trust to Lismore equal to the product of (x) approximately $4.1 billion minus the amount of extensions or forbearances completed during the term of the agreement multiplied by (y) 0.125%. As of June 30, 2020, the Company has recognized $689,000 as revenue and $7.6 million as deferred income of which $2.8 million is subject to claw back. The deferred
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income related to the various Lismore fees described above will be recognized over the 24 month term of the agreement on a straight line basis as the service is rendered, only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur. Constraints relating to variable consideration are resolved generally upon the closing of a transaction or financing event and the resulting change in the transaction price will be adjusted on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period a transaction or financing event closes. See note14 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
On March 20, 2020, Lismore entered into an agreement to seek modifications, forbearances or refinancings of Braemar’s loans (the “Braemar Agreement”). Pursuant to the Braemar Agreement, Lismore shall, during the term of the agreement (which commenced on March 20, 2020 and shall end on the date that is twelve months following the commencement date, or upon it being terminated by Braemar on not less than thirty days written notice) negotiate the refinancing, modification or forbearance of the existing mortgage and mezzanine debt on Braemar’s hotels. For the purposes of the Braemar Agreement, financing shall include, without limitation, senior or subordinate loan financing, provided in any single transaction or a combination of transactions, including, mortgage loan financing, mezzanine loan financing, or subordinate loan financing encumbering the applicable hotel or unsecured loan financing.
In connection with the services provided by Lismore, Lismore shall be paid an advisory fee of up to 50 basis points (0.50%) of the aggregate amount of the modifications, forbearances or refinancings, of Braemar’s mortgage and mezzanine debt and Braemar’s secured revolving credit facility (the “Braemar Financings”) calculated and payable as follows: (i) 0.125% of the aggregate amount of potential Braemar Financings upon execution of the Braemar Agreement; (ii) 0.125% payable in six equal installments beginning April 20, 2020 and ending on September 20, 2020; provided, however, in the event Braemar does not complete, for any reason, Braemar Financings during the term of the Braemar Agreement equal to or greater than $1.1 billion, then Braemar shall offset, against any fees owed by Braemar or its affiliates pursuant to the advisory agreement, a portion of the fee paid by Braemar to Lismore pursuant to this section equal to the product of (x) the amount of Braemar Financings completed during the term of the Braemar Agreement minus $1.1 billion multiplied by (y) 0.125%; and (iii) 25 basis points (0.25%) payable upon the acceptance by the applicable lender of any Braemar Financing. As of June 30, 2020, the Company has recognized $646,000 as revenue and $2.3 million as deferred income of which $276,000 is subject to claw back. The deferred income related to the various Lismore fees described above will be recognized over the 12 month term of the agreement on a straight line basis as the service is rendered, only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur. Constraints relating to variable consideration are resolved generally upon the closing of a transaction or financing event and the resulting change in the transaction price will be adjusted on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period a transaction or financing event closes. See note 14 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Effective May 13, 2020, Douglas A. Kessler, Senior Managing Director of the Company, voluntarily resigned from his employment and all other positions he held with the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliated entities, and entities that it advises (including his role as President and Chief Executive Officer at Ashford Trust) in order to pursue other professional opportunities. Effective May 14, 2020, Ashford Trust appointed J. Robison Hays, III to fill the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. In connection with this appointment, Mr. Hays will no longer serve as Ashford Trust’s Chief Strategy Officer. Additionally, Mr. Hays will cease to serve as the Company’s Co-President and Chief Strategy Officer and will serve instead as Senior Managing Director of the Company. Accordingly, Jeremy J. Welter’s title at the Company has changed from Co-President and Chief Operating Officer to President and Chief Operating Officer.
On May 15, 2020, the Company and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, entered into a letter agreement pursuant to which, effective as of May 15, 2020 and continuing through and including the Company’s last payroll period in 2020, Mr. Monty J. Bennett will accept payment of his base salary (as previously reduced by mutual agreement of the Company and Mr. Monty J. Bennett) in the form of common stock of the Company, issued pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Incentive Plan, as amended. Each issuance of the Company’s common stock will occur on, or as soon as reasonably practicable following, each regular payroll date. The number of shares issued with respect to each payroll date will be equal to the cash salary which would have been paid, less any taxes withheld and benefits deductions, divided by the volume weighted average price per share of the Company’s common stock over all trading days in the period commencing on the first trading date in the applicable payroll period and ending on the last trading date immediately prior to the last day of the payroll period. The Board and Mr. Bennett agreed to effectuate this change to preserve Company liquidity as the Company navigates the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
On May 6, 2020, the Company executed the Second Amendment to the Asset Purchase Agreement in which we agreed to immediately pay $1.5 million in cash and modified certain contingent consideration and stock consideration collar payment terms related to the acquisition of BAV to extend remaining payments of cash or stock on various payment dates through March 2021. Pursuant to the agreement, we paid $1.5 million cash to the BAV sellers on May 7, 2020 related to the $3.0 million in contingent consideration earned by the BAV sellers in connection with BAV’s achievement of performance targets during the trailing twelve month period.
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On June 16, 2020, J. Robison Hays, III resigned from the Company’s Board. As previously disclosed in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2020, Mr. Hays also ceased to serve as the Company’s Co-President and Chief Strategy Officer and was instead appointed to serve as Senior Managing Director of the Company. Mr. Hays will continue to serve as the Company’s Senior Managing Director following his Board resignation. These changes were made in order to allow Mr. Hays to focus his attention on his new position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ashford Trust and to ensure that his interests are better aligned with those of Ashford Trust’s stockholders. The board resignation was effective June 16, 2020. There are no disagreements between Mr. Hays and the Company in connection with his resignation.
Shareholder Rights Plan
On March 13, 2020, we adopted a shareholder rights plan by entering into a Rights Agreement, dated March 13, 2020, with ComputerShare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent (the “Rights Agreement”). We intend for the shareholder rights plan to improve the bargaining position of the Board in the event of an unsolicited offer to acquire our outstanding shares of common stock. The Board implemented the rights plan by declaring a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) that was paid on March 23, 2020, for each outstanding share of our common stock on March 23, 2020 (the “Record Date”), to our stockholders of record on that date. Each of those Rights becomes exercisable on the Distribution Date (defined below) and entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of our Series E Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a price of $275 per one one-thousandth of a share of our Series E Preferred Stock represented by such a right, subject to adjustment. The Rights will expire on February 13, 2021 unless the expiration date is extended or unless the Rights are earlier redeemed by the Company.
Initially, the Rights will be attached to all certificates representing our common stock, and no separate certificates evidencing the Rights (the “Rights Certificates”) will be issued. The Rights Agreement provides that, until the date on which the Rights separate and begin trading separately from our common stock (which we refer to as the “Distribution Date”) or earlier expiration or redemption of the Rights, (i) the Rights will be transferred with and only with the shares of our common stock, (ii) new certificates representing shares of our common stock issued after the Record Date or upon transfer or new issuance of shares of our common stock will contain a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference, and (iii) the surrender for transfer of any certificates for shares of our common stock outstanding as of the Record Date, even without such notation or a copy of the Summary of Rights (as defined in the Rights Agreement) being attached thereto, will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the shares of our common stock represented by such certificate. The Distribution Date will occur, and the Rights would separate and begin trading separately from the shares of our common stock, and Rights Certificates will be caused to evidence the Rights on the earlier to occur of:
i. | 10 business days following a public announcement, or the public disclosure of facts indicating, that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired Beneficial Ownership (as defined in the Rights Agreement) of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock (referred to, subject to certain exceptions, as “Acquiring Persons”) (or, in the event an exchange of the Rights for shares of our common stock is effected in accordance with certain provisions of the Rights Agreement and the Board determines that a later date is advisable, then such later date that is not more than 20 days after such public announcement); or |
ii. | 10 business days (or such later date as may be determined by action of the Board prior to such time as any person becomes an Acquiring Person) following the commencement of, or announcement of an intention to make, a tender offer or exchange offer, the consummation of which would result in the Beneficial Ownership by a person or group of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock. |
The Rights also become exercisable if a person or group that already beneficially owns 10% or more of our common stock acquires any additional shares of our common stock without the approval of the Board, except that the Distribution Date will not occur as a result of our company, one of our subsidiaries, one of our employee benefit plans or a trustee for one of those plans, or Mr. Monty J. Bennett and certain of his affiliates and associates acquiring additional shares of our common stock, and those persons will not be Acquiring Persons.
If a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person at any time after the date of the Rights Agreement, with certain limited exceptions, the Rights will become exercisable for shares of our common stock (or, in certain circumstances, shares of our Series E Preferred Stock or other of our securities that are similar) having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right. From and after the announcement that any person has become an Acquiring Person, if the Rights evidenced by a Rights Certificate are or were at any time on or after the earlier of (i) the date of such announcement or (ii) the Distribution Date acquired or beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person or an associate or affiliate of an Acquiring Person, such Rights shall become void, and any holder of such Rights shall thereafter have no right to exercise such Rights. In addition, if, at any time after a person becomes an Acquiring Person, (i) we consolidate with, or merge with and into, any other person; (ii) any person consolidates with us, or merges with and into us and we are the continuing or surviving corporation of such merger and, in connection with such merger, all or part of the
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shares of our common stock are or will be changed into or exchanged for stock or other securities of any other person (or of ours) or cash or any other property; or (iii) 50% or more of our consolidated assets or Earning Power (as defined in the Rights Agreement) are sold, then proper provision will be made so that each holder of a right will thereafter have the right to receive, upon the exercise of a right at the then current exercise price of the right, that number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company which at the time of such transaction will have a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. Upon the occurrence of an event of the type described in this paragraph, if the Board so elects, we will deliver upon payment of the exercise price of a right an amount of cash or securities equivalent in value to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of a right. If we fail to meet that obligation within 30 days following of the announcement that a person has become an Acquiring Person, we must deliver, upon exercise of a right but without requiring payment of the exercise price then in effect, shares of our common stock (to the extent available) and cash equal in value to the difference between the value of the shares of our common stock otherwise issuable upon the exercise of a right and the exercise price then in effect. The Board may extend the 30-day period described above for up to an additional 60 days to permit the taking of action that may be necessary to authorize sufficient additional shares of our Common Stock to permit the issuance of such shares of our Common Stock upon the exercise in full of the Rights.
Discussion of Presentation
The discussion below relates to the financial condition and results of operations of Ashford Inc. and entities which it controls. The historical financial information is not necessarily indicative of our future results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
In the fourth quarter of 2019, cost reimbursement revenue and reimbursed expenses were reclassified from their previous presentation into aggregated financial statement line items titled “cost reimbursement revenue” and “reimbursed expenses” in our consolidated statements of operations. Our presentation of the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, revenues and operating expense line item amounts have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the fourth quarter of 2019. These reclassifications have no effect on total revenues, total operating expense or net income previously reported.
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Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
The following table summarizes the changes in key line items from our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||
REVENUE | ||||||||||||||
Advisory services | $ | 11,430 | $ | 11,489 | $ | (59 | ) | (0.5 | )% | |||||
Hotel management | 3,691 | — | 3,691 | |||||||||||
Project management fees | 2,052 | 6,430 | (4,378 | ) | (68.1 | )% | ||||||||
Audio visual | 970 | 30,127 | (29,157 | ) | (96.8 | )% | ||||||||
Other | 3,337 | 4,083 | (746 | ) | (18.3 | )% | ||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue | 24,118 | 11,337 | 12,781 | 112.7 | % | |||||||||
Total revenues | 45,598 | 63,466 | (17,868 | ) | (28.2 | )% | ||||||||
EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||
Salaries and benefits | 13,677 | 10,979 | (2,698 | ) | (24.6 | )% | ||||||||
Cost of revenues for project management | 878 | 1,442 | 564 | 39.1 | % | |||||||||
Cost of revenues for audio visual | 2,316 | 22,229 | 19,913 | 89.6 | % | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 10,109 | 4,515 | (5,594 | ) | (123.9 | )% | ||||||||
General and administrative | 4,341 | 8,989 | 4,648 | 51.7 | % | |||||||||
Other | 1,361 | 3,138 | 1,777 | 56.6 | % | |||||||||
Reimbursed expenses | 24,055 | 11,231 | (12,824 | ) | (114.2 | )% | ||||||||
Total expenses | 56,737 | 62,523 | 5,786 | 9.3 | % | |||||||||
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | (11,139 | ) | 943 | (12,082 | ) | (1,281.2 | )% | |||||||
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities | 17 | (298 | ) | 315 | 105.7 | % | ||||||||
Interest expense | (1,246 | ) | (445 | ) | (801 | ) | (180.0 | )% | ||||||
Amortization of loan costs | (90 | ) | (70 | ) | (20 | ) | (28.6 | )% | ||||||
Interest income | 1 | 9 | (8 | ) | (88.9 | )% | ||||||||
Realized gain (loss) on investments | (11 | ) | — | (11 | ) | |||||||||
Other income (expense) | 66 | (42 | ) | 108 | 257.1 | % | ||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | (12,402 | ) | 97 | (12,499 | ) | (12,885.6 | )% | |||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | 3,484 | (426 | ) | 3,910 | 917.8 | % | ||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | (8,918 | ) | (329 | ) | (8,589 | ) | (2,610.6 | )% | ||||||
(Income) loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interests | 278 | 131 | 147 | 112.2 | % | |||||||||
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 644 | 310 | 334 | 107.7 | % | |||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY | (7,996 | ) | 112 | (8,108 | ) | (7,239.3 | )% | |||||||
Preferred dividends, declared and undeclared | (7,940 | ) | (2,791 | ) | (5,149 | ) | (184.5 | )% | ||||||
Amortization of preferred stock discount | (795 | ) | (484 | ) | (311 | ) | (64.3 | )% | ||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS | $ | (16,731 | ) | $ | (3,163 | ) | $ | (13,568 | ) | (429.0 | )% |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders. Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders changed $13.6 million, or 429.0%, to a $16.7 million loss for the three months ended June 30, 2020 (“the 2020 quarter”) compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 (“the 2019 quarter”) as a result of the factors discussed below.
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Total Revenues. Total revenues decreased $17.9 million, or 28.2%, to $45.6 million for the 2020 quarter compared to the 2019 quarter due to the following (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||
Advisory services revenue: | ||||||||||||||
Base advisory fee (1) | $ | 11,130 | $ | 11,190 | $ | (60 | ) | (0.5 | )% | |||||
Incentive advisory fee (2) | 169 | 169 | — | — | % | |||||||||
Other advisory revenue (3) | 131 | 130 | 1 | 0.8 | % | |||||||||
Total advisory services revenue | 11,430 | 11,489 | (59 | ) | (0.5 | )% | ||||||||
Hotel management: | ||||||||||||||
Base management fees (4) | 3,691 | — | 3,691 | |||||||||||
Project management revenue (5) | 2,052 | 6,430 | (4,378 | ) | (68.1 | )% | ||||||||
Audio visual revenue (6) | 970 | 30,127 | (29,157 | ) | (96.8 | )% | ||||||||
Other revenue: | ||||||||||||||
Debt placement and related fees (7) | 1,335 | 79 | 1,256 | 1,589.9 | % | |||||||||
Claims management services (8) | 72 | 55 | 17 | 30.9 | % | |||||||||
Lease revenue (9) | — | 1,029 | (1,029 | ) | (100.0 | )% | ||||||||
Other services (10) | 1,930 | 2,920 | (990 | ) | (33.9 | )% | ||||||||
Total other revenue | 3,337 | 4,083 | (746 | ) | (18.3 | )% | ||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue (11) | 24,118 | 11,337 | 12,781 | 112.7 | % | |||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 45,598 | $ | 63,466 | $ | (17,868 | ) | (28.2 | )% | |||||
REVENUES BY SEGMENT (12) | ||||||||||||||
REIT advisory | $ | 15,550 | $ | 22,641 | $ | (7,091 | ) | (31.3 | )% | |||||
Remington | 22,459 | — | 22,459 | |||||||||||
Premier | 2,744 | 7,700 | (4,956 | ) | (64.4 | )% | ||||||||
JSAV | 970 | 30,127 | (29,157 | ) | (96.8 | )% | ||||||||
OpenKey | 292 | 194 | 98 | 50.5 | % | |||||||||
Corporate and other | 3,583 | 2,804 | 779 | 27.8 | % | |||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 45,598 | $ | 63,466 | $ | (17,868 | ) | (28.2 | )% |
________
(1) | The decrease in base advisory fee is primarily due to higher revenue of $142,000 from Ashford Trust and lower revenue of $202,000 from Braemar. |
(2) | Incentive advisory fees did not change compared to the 2019 quarter. The $169,000 of incentive advisory fee recognized in the 2020 quarter includes the pro-rata portion of the third year installment of the Braemar 2018 incentive advisory fee which will be paid in January 2021. The incentive advisory fee for the 2019 quarter includes the pro-rata portion of the second year installment of the Braemar 2018 incentive advisory fee in the amount of $169,000, which was paid in January 2020. Incentive fee payments are subject to meeting the December 31 FCCR Condition each year, as defined in our advisory agreements. Ashford Trust’s annual total stockholder return did not meet the relevant incentive fee thresholds during the 2019, 2018 and 2017 measurement periods. Braemar’s annual total stockholder return did not meet the relevant incentive fee thresholds during the 2019 and 2017 measurement periods. |
(3) | Other advisory revenue remained steady. Other advisory revenue from Braemar is a result of the $5.0 million cash payment |
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received upon stockholder approval of the Fourth Amended and Restated Braemar Advisory Agreement in June 2017. The payment is included in “deferred income” on our condensed consolidated balance sheet and is being recognized on a quarterly basis over the initial ten-year term of the agreement.
(4) | The increase in hotel management revenue is due to our acquisition of Remington in November of 2019. |
(5) | The decrease in project management revenue is due to lower revenue from Ashford Trust and Braemar of $3.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively, due to reduced capital expenditures by our clients as a result of COVID-19. |
(6) | The $29.2 million decrease in audio visual revenue is the result of COVID-19. |
(7) | The increase in debt placement and related fee revenue is due to higher revenue of $610,000 from Ashford Trust and higher revenue of $646,000 from Braemar. Debt placement and related fees are earned by Lismore for providing debt placement, modification, forbearance and refinancing services. The increase in volume of the debt placement and related services is primarily due to COVID-19. |
(8) | Claims management services include revenue earned from providing insurance claim assessment and administration services to Ashford Trust and Braemar. |
(9) | In connection with our ERFP Agreements and legacy key money transaction with Ashford Trust and legacy key money transaction with Braemar, we lease FF&E to Ashford Trust and Braemar rent-free. Our ERFP leases entered into in 2018 with Ashford Trust commenced on December 31, 2018. Consistent with our accounting treatment prior to adopting ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”), other revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, includes a portion of the base advisory fee for leases commencing prior to our adoption, which is equal to the estimated fair value of the lease payments that would have been made. |
(10) | The decrease in other services revenue is primarily due to decreased revenue from RED of $1.0 million due to a decrease in operations from COVID-19. The decrease was offset by $343,000 in other services revenue is from our acquisition of Marietta in November of 2019. Other services revenue primarily relates to other hotel services provided by our consolidated subsidiaries, OpenKey, RED, Pure Wellness and Marietta, to Ashford Trust, Braemar and other third parties. |
(11) | The increase in cost reimbursement revenue is primarily due to $18.8 million of cost reimbursement revenue recognized in the 2020 quarter for hotel management services from our Remington subsidiary acquired in November of 2019, offset by a decrease in cost reimbursement expense for advisory services of $6.0 million from the 2019 quarter. |
(12) | See note 16 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of segment reporting. |
Salaries and Benefits Expense. Salaries and benefits expense increased $2.7 million, or 24.6%, to $13.7 million for the 2020 quarter compared to the 2019 quarter. The change in salaries and benefits expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | |||||||||
Cash salaries and benefits: | |||||||||||
Salary expense | $ | 7,903 | $ | 8,858 | $ | (955 | ) | ||||
Bonus expense | 3,978 | 3,136 | 842 | ||||||||
Benefits related expenses | 1,066 | 1,765 | (699 | ) | |||||||
Total cash salaries and benefits (1) | 12,947 | 13,759 | (812 | ) | |||||||
Non-cash equity-based compensation: | |||||||||||
Stock option grants | (397 | ) | 2,037 | (2,434 | ) | ||||||
Employee equity grant expense | 247 | — | 247 | ||||||||
Total non-cash equity-based compensation | (150 | ) | 2,037 | (2,187 | ) | ||||||
Non-cash (gain) loss in deferred compensation plan (2) | 880 | (4,817 | ) | 5,697 | |||||||
Total salaries and benefits | $ | 13,677 | $ | 10,979 | $ | 2,698 |
________
(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 which were reduced as a result of cost control efforts due to COVID-19. |
(2) | The DCP obligation is recorded as a liability at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in earnings. The loss in the 2020 quarter and the gain in the 2019 quarter are primarily attributable to an increase and decrease, respectively, in the fair value of the DCP obligation. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. |
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Cost of Revenues for Project Management. Cost of revenues for project management decreased $564,000, or 39.1%, to $878,000 during the 2020 quarter compared to $1.4 million for the 2019 quarter due to reduced capital expenditures by our clients as a result of COVID-19.
Cost of Revenues for Audio Visual. Cost of revenues for audio visual decreased $19.9 million, or 89.6%, to $2.3 million during the 2020 quarter compared to $22.2 million for the 2019 quarter, primarily due to cost control initiatives implemented by JSAV in the United States, Mexico and the Dominican Republic as a result of COVID-19.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $5.6 million, or 123.9%, to $10.1 million for the 2020 quarter compared to the 2019 quarter, primarily as a result of an increase of $3.5 million in amortization of management contracts acquired in our acquisition of Remington in November 2019 and an increase of $1.3 million in depreciation related to ERFP assets. Depreciation and amortization expense for the 2020 quarter and the 2019 quarter excludes depreciation expense related to audio visual equipment of $1.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively, which is included in “cost of revenues for audio visual”and also excludes depreciation expense for the 2020 quarter and the 2019 quarter related to marine vessels in the amount of $195,000 and $85,000, respectively, which are included in “other” operating expense.
General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expenses decreased $4.6 million, or 51.7%, to $4.3 million for the 2020 quarter compared to the 2019 quarter. The change in general and administrative expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | |||||||||
Professional fees (1) | $ | 1,022 | $ | 4,293 | $ | (3,271 | ) | ||||
Office expense | 1,438 | 1,728 | (290 | ) | |||||||
Public company costs | 100 | 158 | (58 | ) | |||||||
Director costs | 618 | 860 | (242 | ) | |||||||
Travel and other expense | 1,125 | 1,908 | (783 | ) | |||||||
Non-capitalizable - software costs | 38 | 42 | (4 | ) | |||||||
Total general and administrative | $ | 4,341 | $ | 8,989 | $ | (4,648 | ) |
________
(1) | The decrease in expense is primarily due to decreases in legal fees and transaction costs for our acquisition of Remington in November of 2019 and curtailing G&A expenses in the 2020 quarter due to COVID-19. |
Other. Other operating expense was $1.4 million and $3.1 million for the 2020 quarter and the 2019 quarter, respectively. Other operating expense includes cost of goods sold and royalties associated with OpenKey, RED and Pure Wellness. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in the 2020 quarter of $1.4 million in expense related to the fair value of contingent consideration from JSAV’s acquisition of BAV in March 2019. See notes 4 and 7 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Reimbursed Expenses. Reimbursed expenses increased $12.8 million to $24.1 million during the 2020 quarter compared to $11.2 million for the 2019 quarter primarily due to hotel management expenses incurred by our Remington subsidiary acquired in November of 2019.
Reimbursed expenses recorded may vary from cost reimbursement revenue recognized in the period due to timing differences between the costs we incur for centralized software programs and the related reimbursements we receive from Ashford Trust and Braemar. Over the long term, these timing differences are not designed to impact our economics, either positively or negatively. The timing differences consisted of the following (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | |||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue | $ | 24,118 | $ | 11,337 | $ | 12,781 | |||||
Reimbursed expenses | 24,055 | 11,231 | 12,824 | ||||||||
Net total | $ | 63 | $ | 106 | $ | (43 | ) |
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Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Unconsolidated Entities. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities changed $315,000 for the 2020 quarter due to our investment in REA Holdings in January of 2019. See notes 1 and 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $1.2 million and $445,000 for the 2020 quarter and the 2019 quarter, respectively, related to increases in balances outstanding on our Term Loan Agreement and notes payable, lines of credit and finance leases held by our consolidated subsidiaries. See notes 2 and 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Amortization of Loan Costs. Amortization of loan costs was $90,000 and $70,000 for the 2020 quarter and the 2019 quarter, respectively, related to the notes payable and lines of credit held by our consolidated subsidiaries. See notes 2 and 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Interest Income. Interest income was $1,000 and $9,000 for the 2020 quarter and the 2019 quarter, respectively.
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments. Realized loss on investments was $11,000 for the 2020 quarter. The realized loss on investments relates to losses on shares of common stock of Ashford Trust and Braemar purchased by Remington on the open market and held for the purpose of providing compensation to certain employees.
Other Income (Expense). Other income (expense) was $66,000 of income and $42,000 in expense in the 2020 quarter and the 2019 quarter, respectively.
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit. Income tax expense (benefit) changed by $3.9 million, from expense of $426,000 in the 2019 quarter to a benefit of $3.5 million in the 2020 quarter. Current tax expense increased by $834,000, from $477,000 in the 2019 quarter to $1.3 million expense in the 2020 quarter. Deferred tax benefit increased by $4.7 million from a $56,000 benefit in the 2019 quarter to a $4.8 million benefit in the 2020 quarter. The difference in income tax (expense) benefit is related to the decrease in operations as well as increase in non-taxable or non-deductible GAAP items, mainly amortization and deferred compensation, as well as a decrease in bonus depreciation.
(Income) Loss from Consolidated Entities Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. The noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities were allocated a loss of $278,000 in the 2020 quarter and a loss of $131,000 in the 2019 quarter. See notes 2, 10 and 14 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for more details regarding ownership interests, carrying values and allocations.
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests. The redeemable noncontrolling interests were allocated a loss of $644,000 in the 2020 quarter and a loss of $310,000 in the 2019 quarter. Redeemable noncontrolling interests represented ownership interests in Ashford Holdings and certain of our consolidated subsidiaries. See note 1 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. For a summary of ownership interests, carrying values and allocations, see notes 2, 11, and 14 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Preferred Dividends, Declared and Undeclared. Preferred dividends increased $5.1 million, or 184.5%, to $7.9 million during the 2020 quarter compared to $2.8 million for the 2019 quarter, primarily due to the issuance of $275 million of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in the acquisition of Remington Lodging in November 2019.
Amortization of Preferred Stock Discount. The amortization of preferred stock discount increased $311,000, or 64.3%, to $795,000 during the 2020 quarter compared to $484,000 for the 2019 quarter, primarily due to the issuance of $275 million of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in the acquisition of Remington Lodging in November 2019.
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Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
The following table summarizes the changes in key line items from our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):
Six Months Ended June 30, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||
REVENUE | ||||||||||||||
Advisory services | $ | 23,266 | $ | 22,409 | $ | 857 | 3.8 | % | ||||||
Hotel management | 9,815 | — | 9,815 | |||||||||||
Project management fees | 5,990 | 12,872 | (6,882 | ) | (53.5 | )% | ||||||||
Audio visual | 30,644 | 61,102 | (30,458 | ) | (49.8 | )% | ||||||||
Other | 10,028 | 9,093 | 935 | 10.3 | % | |||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue | 99,697 | 21,310 | 78,387 | 367.8 | % | |||||||||
Total revenues | 179,440 | 126,786 | 52,654 | 41.5 | % | |||||||||
EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||
Salaries and benefits | 29,987 | 27,193 | (2,794 | ) | (10.3 | )% | ||||||||
Cost of revenues for project management | 2,329 | 2,915 | 586 | 20.1 | % | |||||||||
Cost of revenues for audio visual | 22,746 | 43,668 | 20,922 | 47.9 | % | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20,078 | 8,623 | (11,455 | ) | (132.8 | )% | ||||||||
General and administrative | 10,524 | 15,443 | 4,919 | 31.9 | % | |||||||||
Impairment | 178,213 | — | (178,213 | ) | ||||||||||
Other | 5,587 | 4,477 | (1,110 | ) | (24.8 | )% | ||||||||
Reimbursed expenses | 99,566 | 20,982 | (78,584 | ) | (374.5 | )% | ||||||||
Total expenses | 369,030 | 123,301 | (245,729 | ) | (199.3 | )% | ||||||||
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | (189,590 | ) | 3,485 | (193,075 | ) | (5,540.2 | )% | |||||||
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities | 253 | (573 | ) | 826 | 144.2 | % | ||||||||
Interest expense | (2,422 | ) | (742 | ) | (1,680 | ) | (226.4 | )% | ||||||
Amortization of loan costs | (156 | ) | (139 | ) | (17 | ) | (12.2 | )% | ||||||
Interest income | 29 | 29 | — | — | % | |||||||||
Realized gain (loss) on investments | (386 | ) | — | (386 | ) | |||||||||
Other income (expense) | (455 | ) | (95 | ) | (360 | ) | (378.9 | )% | ||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | (192,727 | ) | 1,965 | (194,692 | ) | (9,908.0 | )% | |||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | 5,569 | (1,726 | ) | 7,295 | 422.7 | % | ||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | (187,158 | ) | 239 | (187,397 | ) | (78,408.8 | )% | |||||||
(Income) loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interests | 438 | 294 | 144 | 49.0 | % | |||||||||
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 1,084 | 289 | 795 | 275.1 | % | |||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY | (185,636 | ) | 822 | (186,458 | ) | (22,683.5 | )% | |||||||
Preferred dividends, declared and undeclared | (15,815 | ) | (5,583 | ) | (10,232 | ) | (183.3 | )% | ||||||
Amortization of preferred stock discount | (1,605 | ) | (975 | ) | (630 | ) | (64.6 | )% | ||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS | $ | (203,056 | ) | $ | (5,736 | ) | $ | (197,320 | ) | (3,440.0 | )% |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders. Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders changed $197.3 million to a $203.1 million loss for the six months ended June 30, 2020 (“the 2020 period”) compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 (“the 2019 period”) as a result of the factors discussed below.
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Total Revenues. Total revenues increased by $52.7 million, or 41.5%, to $179.4 million for the 2020 period compared to the 2019 period due to the following (in thousands):
Six Months Ended June 30, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||
Advisory services revenue: | ||||||||||||||
Base advisory fee (1) | $ | 22,667 | $ | 21,812 | $ | 855 | 3.9 | % | ||||||
Incentive advisory fee (2) | 339 | 339 | — | — | % | |||||||||
Other advisory revenue (3) | 260 | 258 | 2 | 0.8 | % | |||||||||
Total advisory services revenue | 23,266 | 22,409 | 857 | 3.8 | % | |||||||||
Hotel management: | ||||||||||||||
Base management fees (4) | 9,815 | — | 9,815 | |||||||||||
Project management revenue (5) | 5,990 | 12,872 | (6,882 | ) | (53.5 | )% | ||||||||
Audio visual revenue (6) | 30,644 | 61,102 | (30,458 | ) | (49.8 | )% | ||||||||
Other revenue: | ||||||||||||||
Debt placement and related fees (7) | 1,463 | 1,433 | 30 | 2.1 | % | |||||||||
Claims management services (8) | 129 | 96 | 33 | 34.4 | % | |||||||||
Lease revenue (9) | — | 2,059 | (2,059 | ) | (100.0 | )% | ||||||||
Other services (10) | 8,436 | 5,505 | 2,931 | 53.2 | % | |||||||||
Total other revenue | 10,028 | 9,093 | 935 | 10.3 | % | |||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue (11) | 99,697 | 21,310 | 78,387 | 367.8 | % | |||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 179,440 | $ | 126,786 | $ | 52,654 | 41.5 | % | ||||||
REVENUES BY SEGMENT (12) | ||||||||||||||
REIT advisory | $ | 36,507 | $ | 43,257 | $ | (6,750 | ) | (15.6 | )% | |||||
Remington | 92,915 | — | 92,915 | |||||||||||
Premier | 7,896 | 15,490 | (7,594 | ) | (49.0 | )% | ||||||||
JSAV | 30,644 | 61,102 | (30,458 | ) | (49.8 | )% | ||||||||
OpenKey | 814 | 451 | 363 | 80.5 | % | |||||||||
Corporate and other | 10,664 | 6,486 | 4,178 | 64.4 | % | |||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 179,440 | $ | 126,786 | $ | 52,654 | 41.5 | % |
________
(1) | The increase in base advisory fee is due to higher revenue of $1.0 million from Ashford Trust and lower revenue of $159,000 from Braemar. |
(2) | Incentive advisory fees did not change compared to the 2019 period. The $339,000 of incentive advisory fee recognized in the 2020 period includes the pro-rata portion of the third year installment of the Braemar 2018 incentive advisory fee which will be paid in January 2021. The incentive advisory fee for the 2019 period includes the pro-rata portion of the second year installment of the Braemar 2018 incentive advisory fee in the amount of $339,000, which was paid in January 2020. Incentive fee payments are subject to meeting the December 31 FCCR Condition each year, as defined in our advisory agreements. Ashford Trust’s annual total stockholder return did not meet the relevant incentive fee thresholds during the 2019, 2018 and 2017 measurement periods. Braemar’s annual total stockholder return did not meet the relevant incentive fee thresholds during the 2019 and 2017 measurement periods. |
(3) | Other advisory revenue remained steady. Other advisory revenue from Braemar is a result of the $5.0 million cash payment |
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received upon stockholder approval of the Fourth Amended and Restated Braemar Advisory Agreement in June 2017. The payment is included in “deferred income” on our condensed consolidated balance sheet and is being recognized on a quarterly basis over the initial ten-year term of the agreement.
(4) | The increase in hotel management revenue is due to our acquisition of Remington in November of 2019. |
(5) | The decrease in project management revenue is due to lower revenue from Ashford Trust and Braemar of $4.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively, due to reduced capital expenditures by our clients as a result of COVID-19. |
(6) | The $30.5 million decrease in audio visual revenue is the result of COVID-19. |
(7) | The increase in debt placement and related fee revenue is due to lower revenue of $341,000 from Ashford Trust and higher revenue of $371,000 from Braemar. Debt placement and related fees are earned by Lismore for providing debt placement, modification, forbearance and refinancing services. The increase in volume of the debt placement and related services is primarily due to COVID-19. |
(8) | Claims management services include revenue earned from providing insurance claim assessment and administration services to Ashford Trust and Braemar. |
(9) | In connection with our ERFP Agreements and legacy key money transaction with Ashford Trust and legacy key money transaction with Braemar, we lease FF&E to Ashford Trust and Braemar rent-free. Our ERFP leases entered into in 2018 with Ashford Trust commenced on December 31, 2018. Consistent with our accounting treatment prior to adopting ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”), other revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, includes a portion of the base advisory fee for leases commencing prior to our adoption, which is equal to the estimated fair value of the lease payments that would have been made. |
(10) | The increase in other services revenue is primarily due to increased revenue from RED of $730,000 due to growth, which occurred prior to COVID-19, of the entity that conducts RED’s legacy U.S. Virgin Islands operations and RED’s acquisition of Sebago in July of 2019. $2.4 million of the increase in other services revenue is from our acquisition of Marietta in November of 2019. Other services revenue primarily relates to other hotel services provided by our consolidated subsidiaries, OpenKey, RED, Pure Wellness and Marietta, to Ashford Trust, Braemar and other third parties. |
(11) | The increase in cost reimbursement revenue is primarily due to $83.1 million of cost reimbursement revenue recognized in the 2020 period for hotel management services from our Remington subsidiary acquired in November of 2019. |
(12) | See note 16 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion of segment reporting. |
Salaries and Benefits Expense. Salaries and benefits expense increased by $2.8 million, or 10.3%, to $30.0 million for the 2020 period compared to the 2019 period. The change in salaries and benefits expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | |||||||||
Cash salaries and benefits: | |||||||||||
Salary expense | $ | 19,290 | $ | 16,828 | $ | 2,462 | |||||
Bonus expense | 7,578 | 6,536 | 1,042 | ||||||||
Benefits related expenses | 3,772 | 3,718 | 54 | ||||||||
Total cash salaries and benefits (1) | 30,640 | 27,082 | 3,558 | ||||||||
Non-cash equity-based compensation: | |||||||||||
Stock option grants | 1,692 | 4,188 | (2,496 | ) | |||||||
Employee equity grant expense | 352 | — | 352 | ||||||||
Total non-cash equity-based compensation | 2,044 | 4,188 | (2,144 | ) | |||||||
Non-cash (gain) loss in deferred compensation plan (2) | (2,697 | ) | (4,077 | ) | 1,380 | ||||||
Total salaries and benefits | $ | 29,987 | $ | 27,193 | $ | 2,794 |
________
(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, which occurred primarily as a result of our acquisitions in 2019. |
(2) | The DCP obligation is recorded as a liability at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in earnings. The gain in the 2020 period and the gain in the 2019 period are primarily attributable to a decrease in the fair value of the DCP obligation. See note 13 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. |
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Cost of Revenues for Project Management. Cost of revenues for project management decreased $586,000, or 20.1% to $2.3 million during the 2020 period compared to $2.9 million for the 2019 period, due to reduced capital expenditures by our clients as a result of COVID-19.
Cost of Revenues for Audio Visual. Cost of revenues for audio visual decreased $20.9 million, or 47.9%, to $22.7 million during the 2020 period compared to $43.7 million for the 2019 period, primarily due to cost control initiatives implemented by JSAV in the United States, Mexico and the Dominican Republic as a result of COVID-19.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $11.5 million, or 132.8%, to $20.1 million for the 2020 period compared to the 2019 period, primarily as a result of an increase of $6.8 million in amortization of management contracts acquired in our acquisition of Remington in November 2019 and an increase of $2.9 million in depreciation related to ERFP assets. Depreciation and amortization expense for the 2020 period and the 2019 period excludes depreciation expense related to audio visual equipment of $2.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively, which is included in “cost of revenues for audio visual” and also excludes depreciation expense for the 2020 period and the 2019 period related to marine vessels in the amount of $386,000 and $149,000, respectively, which are included in “other” operating expense.
General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expenses decreased by $4.9 million, or 31.9%, to $10.5 million for the 2020 period compared to the 2019 period. The change in general and administrative expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | |||||||||
Professional fees (1) | $ | 2,364 | $ | 6,759 | $ | (4,395 | ) | ||||
Office expense (2) | 3,908 | 3,611 | 297 | ||||||||
Public company costs | 202 | 294 | (92 | ) | |||||||
Director costs | 727 | 1,122 | (395 | ) | |||||||
Travel and other expense | 3,190 | 3,550 | (360 | ) | |||||||
Non-capitalizable - software costs | 133 | 107 | 26 | ||||||||
Total general and administrative | $ | 10,524 | $ | 15,443 | $ | (4,919 | ) |
________
(1) | The decrease in expense is primarily due to decreases in legal fees and transaction costs related to JSAV’s acquisition of BAV in March of 2019 and our acquisition of Remington in November of 2019 and curtailing G&A expenses in the 2020 period due to COVID-19. |
(2) The increase in expense is primarily due to increased rent expense from our acquisition of Remington in November 2019.
Impairment. In the 2020 period, as a result of our reduced cash flow projections and the significant decline in our market capitalization as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we concluded that sufficient indicators existed to require us to perform an interim quantitative assessment of goodwill and intangible assets. As a result, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $170.6 million and intangible asset impairment charges of $7.6 million. There were no impairment charges for the 2019 period. See notes 5 and 7 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Other. Other operating expense was $5.6 million and $4.5 million for the 2020 period and the 2019 period, respectively. Other operating expense includes cost of goods sold, depreciation, and royalties associated with OpenKey, RED and Pure Wellness as well as $617,000 in expense from the changes in the fair value of contingent consideration related to JSAV’s acquisition of BAV in March 2019 and RED’s acquisition of Sebago in July 2019. See notes 4 and 7 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Reimbursed Expenses. Reimbursed expenses increased $78.6 million to $99.6 million during the 2020 period compared to $21.0 million for the 2019 period primarily due to hotel management expenses incurred by our Remington subsidiary acquired in November of 2019.
Reimbursed expenses recorded may vary from cost reimbursement revenue recognized in the period due to timing differences between the costs we incur for centralized software programs and the related reimbursements we receive from Ashford Trust and Braemar. Over the long term, these timing differences are not designed to impact our economics, either positively or negatively. The timing differences consisted of the following (in thousands):
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Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2020 | 2019 | $ Change | |||||||||
Cost reimbursement revenue | $ | 99,697 | $ | 21,310 | $ | 78,387 | |||||
Reimbursed expenses | 99,566 | 20,982 | 78,584 | ||||||||
Net total | $ | 131 | $ | 328 | $ | (197 | ) |
Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Unconsolidated Entities. Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities was earnings of $253,000 and a loss of $573,000 for the 2020 period and the 2019 period, respectively. Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities represents earnings (loss) in our equity method investment in REA Holdings. See note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $2.4 million from $742,000 for the 2020 period and the 2019 period, respectively, related to increases in our Term Loan Agreement and notes payable, lines of credit and finance leases held by our consolidated subsidiaries. See notes 2 and 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Amortization of Loan Costs. Amortization of loan costs was $156,000 and $139,000 for the 2020 period and the 2019 period, respectively, related to our Term Loan Agreement and notes payable held by our consolidated subsidiaries. See notes 2 and 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Interest Income. Interest income was $29,000 and $29,000 for the 2020 period and the 2019 period, respectively.
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments. Realized loss on investments was $386,000 for the 2020 period. The realized loss on investments relates to losses on shares of common stock of Ashford Trust and Braemar purchased by Remington on the open market and held for the purpose of providing compensation to certain employees.
Other Income (Expense). Other expense was $455,000 and $95,000 in the 2020 period and the 2019 period, respectively.
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit. Income tax (expense) benefit changed by $7.3 million, from $1.7 million expense in the 2019 period to a $5.6 million benefit in the 2020 period. Current tax expense changed by $1.0 million, from $1.5 million expense in 2019 to $2.5 million expense in 2020. Deferred tax (expense) benefit changed by $8.3 million from $240,000 expense in 2019 to $8.1 million in benefit in 2020. The difference in income tax (expense) benefit is related to the decrease in operations and increase in non-taxable or non-deductible GAAP items, mainly amortization, impairment and deferred compensation, as well as a decrease in bonus depreciation.
(Income) Loss from Consolidated Entities Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. The noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities were allocated a loss of $438,000 in the 2020 period and a loss of $294,000 in the 2019 period. See notes 2 and 10 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for more details regarding ownership interests, carrying values and allocations.
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests. The redeemable noncontrolling interests were allocated a loss of $1.1 million in the 2020 period and loss of $289,000 in the 2019 period. Redeemable noncontrolling interests represented ownership interests in Ashford Holdings and certain of our consolidated subsidiaries. See note 1 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. For a summary of ownership interests, carrying values and allocations, see notes 2 and 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Preferred Dividends, Declared and Undeclared. Preferred dividends, declared and undeclared increased $10.2 million to $15.8 million during the 2020 period compared to $5.6 million for the 2019 period, primarily due to the issuance of $275 million of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in the acquisition of Remington Lodging in November 2019.
Amortization of Preferred Stock Discount. The amortization of preferred stock discount increased $630,000 to $1.6 million during the 2020 period compared to $975,000 from the 2019 period, primarily due to the issuance of $275 million of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in the acquisition of Remington Lodging in November 2019.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
COVID-19, Management’s Plans and Liquidity
In December 2019, COVID-19 was identified in Wuhan, China, which subsequently spread to other regions of the world, and has resulted in significant travel restrictions and extended shutdown of numerous businesses in every state in the United States. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic. Our clients Ashford Trust and Braemar have reported that the negative impact on room demand within their respective portfolios stemming from COVID-19 is significant, which has resulted and is expected to result in significantly reduced occupancy and RevPAR. Furthermore, the prolonged presence of the virus has resulted in health and other government authorities imposing widespread restrictions on travel and other businesses. The hotel industry has experienced postponement or cancellation of a significant number of business conferences and similar events. Following the government mandates and health official orders, the Company dramatically reduced staffing and expenses at its products and services businesses and at our corporate office. COVID-19 has had a significant negative impact on the Company’s operations and financial results to date. The Company expects that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant negative impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flow in 2020 and beyond. As a result, in March 2020, the Company declared 50% of the cumulative preferred dividend which was due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020, reduced the cash compensation of its board of directors, executive officers and other employees, amended payment terms pursuant to certain hotel management agreements to better manage corporate working capital, reduced planned capital expenditures, and significantly reduced operating expenses. Additionally, in May, in order to preserve Company liquidity, the Company: (1) entered into a letter agreement with its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, to pay his base salary (as previously reduced in March) for the remainder of 2020 in the form of common stock of the Company; (2) amended contingent consideration and stock consideration collar payment terms related to the acquisition of BAV; and (3) on June 24, 2020, the Company declared the remaining 50% of the cumulative preferred dividends due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020 which were paid on July 14, 2020. The Company did not declare dividends with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2020. The Company adopted a remote-work policy at its corporate office in an effort to protect the health and safety of its employees and does not anticipate these policies to have any adverse impact on its ability to continue to operate its business. This transition to a remote-work environment has not had a material adverse impact on the Company's financial reporting system, internal controls or disclosure controls and procedures.
We are required to maintain certain financial ratios under various debt and related agreements. If we violate covenants in any debt or related agreement, we could be required to repay all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity at a time when we might be unable to arrange financing for such repayment on attractive terms, if at all. Violations of certain debt covenants may result in the inability of our subsidiaries to borrow unused amounts under their respective lines of credit, even if repayment of some or all of their borrowings is not required. As of June 30, 2020, we were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our $35 million Term Loan Agreement, as amended. As of June 30, 2020, JSAV was not in compliance with certain debt covenants pursuant to existing debt agreements which have no recourse to Ashford Inc., including the leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios, which constituted an “Event of Default” as such term is defined under the applicable loan agreements. Following an Event of Default, JSAV’s lender can generally elect to accelerate all principal and accrued interest payments that remain outstanding under the applicable loan agreements. JSAV is actively negotiating the terms for a waiver with its lender; however, no assurances can be given that a waiver will be obtained on acceptable terms or at all. As a result, JSAV’s outstanding debt balance of $20.0 million has been classified as a current liability within our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020. As of June 30, 2020, Pure Wellness and RED were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our debt and related agreements as amended. However, there can be no guarantee that our subsidiaries’ will remain in compliance for the remainder of the fiscal year. Due to the significant negative impact of COVID-19 on the operations of our subsidiaries, we expect that within the next twelve months, our RED subsidiary will violate debt covenants pursuant to certain existing loan agreements which have no recourse to Ashford Inc. As a result, RED may be required to immediately repay a debt balance of $2.6 million which has therefore been classified as a current liability within our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2020. The JSAV and RED subsidiary loans are secured by the respective subsidiary’s tangible assets. None of our subsidiaries’ debt has recourse to Ashford Inc. with the exception of $3.8 million of debt held by the entity that conducts RED’s legacy U.S. Virgin Islands operations which is currently not expected to violate debt covenants. See note 6 in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
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The Company has determined that there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for at least one year after the date the financial statements are issued. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require that in making this determination, the Company cannot consider any remedies that are outside of the Company’s control and have not been fully implemented. As a result, the Company could not consider future potential fundraising activities, whether through equity or debt offerings, disposition of assets or the likelihood of obtaining debt waivers as we could not conclude they were probable of being effectively implemented. Further, the Company could not consider continued cash payment of advisory fees and other revenue from Ashford Trust and Braemar, two of the Company's key customers, due to the uncertainty of future payment of such fees because each of Ashford Trust and Braemar currently exhibits conditions that create substantial doubt about the ability for each to continue as a going concern. Also, the continued cash payment of such advisory fees and other revenue remains subject to the discretion of the independent board members of each of Ashford Trust and Braemar, which is not within the Company's control. As such, the Company’s ability to remain in compliance with the financial covenants related to our Term Loan Agreement, as amended, for the next twelve months is outside of management’s control. Accordingly, the Company has classified the entire $35.0 million outstanding under our Term Loan Agreement, as amended, as a current liability on our condensed consolidated balance sheet which resulted in a negative $40.0 million working capital position as of June 30, 2020.
Loan Agreements—On March 19, 2020, the Company amended and restated the senior revolving credit facility pursuant to a Fourth Amendment to the Term Loan Agreement. The Company converted and consolidated the existing $10 million borrowing under the senior revolving credit facility (which had been borrowed on a revolving basis) into a term loan and drew down the remaining $25 million balance of the senior revolving credit facility, borrowing $35 million under the term loan in the aggregate. Effective June 23, 2020, the Company and Bank of America N.A. executed the Fifth Amendment to the Term Loan Agreement. The Fifth Amendment (a) established a 0.50% LIBOR floor, (b) eliminated the consolidated net worth financial covenant, and (c) waived the violation of the consolidated net worth financial covenant that occurred on March 31, 2020. The Term Loan Agreement has a four year term and a maximum principal amount of $35 million. Principal payments of 1.25% of the outstanding balance are payable on the last business day of each fiscal quarter commencing June 30, 2020. Principal payment amounts are subject to maintaining a fixed charge coverage ratio below specified thresholds which if not met increase the principal payment due each quarter from 1.25% to 5.0% of the outstanding principal balance. The Company is also subject to certain financial covenants. See discussion above regarding covenant compliance.
Certain segments of our business are capital intensive and may require additional financing from time to time. Any additional financings, if and when pursued, may not be available on favorable terms or at all, which could have a negative impact on our liquidity and capital resources. Aggregate subsidiary notes payable, net was $28.0 million and $26.8 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See discussion above regarding covenant compliance. For further discussion see note 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Preferred stock dividends—On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that the Board had declared and the Company would pay 50% of the dividend which was due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. The declared $3.9 million dividends were paid on April 15, 2020. On June 24, 2020, the Company declared the remaining 50% or approximately $4.0 million of dividends, including compounding dividends, due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020 which were paid on July 14, 2020. The Company did not declare dividends with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2020. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had aggregate undeclared preferred stock dividends of approximately $7.9 million which relates to the second quarter of 2020. All dividends, declared and undeclared, are recorded as an expense in the period incurred in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Unpaid dividends, declared and undeclared, totaling $11.9 million at June 30, 2020, are recorded as a liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as “dividends payable”.
The Board plans to revisit the dividend payment policy with respect to the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock on an ongoing basis. The Board believes that the deferral of certain preferred dividends will provide the Company with additional funds to meet its ongoing liquidity needs.
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Each share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock: (i) has a liquidation value of $25 per share; (ii) accrues cumulative dividends at the rate of: (a) 6.59% per annum until November 6, 2020; (b) 6.99% per annum from November 6, 2020 until November 6, 2021; and (c) 7.28% per annum thereafter, (iii) participates in any dividend or distribution on the common stock in addition to the preferred dividends; (iv) is convertible into voting common stock at $117.50 per share; and (v) provides for customary anti-dilution protections. In the event the Company fails to pay the dividends on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for two consecutive quarterly periods (a “Preferred Stock Breach”), then until such arrearage is paid in cash in full: (A) the dividend rate on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock will increase to 10.00% per annum until no Preferred Stock Breach exists; (B) no dividends on the Company’s common stock may be declared or paid, and no other distributions or redemptions may be made, on the Company’s common stock; and (C) the Board will be increased by two seats and the holders of 55% of the outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred Stock will be entitled to fill such newly created seats. The Series D Convertible Preferred Stock is held primarily by Mr. Monty J. Bennett, the Chairman of our Board and our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., who is Mr. Monty J. Bennett’s father, one of our other executive officers and several other individuals.
To the extent not paid on April 15, July 15, October 15 and January 15 of each calendar year in respect of the quarterly periods ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, respectively (each such date, a “Dividend Payment Date”), all accrued dividends on any share shall accumulate and compound on the applicable Dividend Payment Date whether or not declared by the Board and whether or not funds are legally available for the payment thereof. All accrued dividends shall remain accumulated, compounding dividends until paid in cash pursuant hereto or converted to common shares. See also note 11 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
ERFP Commitments—On June 26, 2018, the Company entered into the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement with Ashford Trust. The independent members of the board of directors of each of the Company and Ashford Trust, with the assistance of separate and independent legal counsel, engaged to negotiate the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement on behalf of the Company and Ashford Trust, respectively. On January 15, 2019, the Company entered into the Braemar ERFP Agreement with Braemar (collectively with the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement, the “ERFP Agreements”). The independent members of the board of directors of each of the Company and Braemar, with the assistance of separate and independent legal counsel, engaged to negotiate the Braemar ERFP Agreement on behalf of the Company and Braemar, respectively. Under the ERFP Agreements, the Company agreed to provide $50 million (each, an “Aggregate ERFP Amount” and collectively, the “Aggregate ERFP Amounts”) to each of Ashford Trust and Braemar (collectively, the “REITs”), respectively, in connection with each such REIT’s acquisition of hotels recommended by us, with the option to increase each Aggregate ERFP Amount to up to $100 million upon mutual agreement by the parties to the respective ERFP Agreement. Under each of the ERFP Agreements, the Company will pay each REIT 10% of each acquired hotel’s purchase price in exchange for FF&E at a property owned by such REIT, which will be subsequently leased by us to such REIT rent-free. Each of the REITs must provide reasonable advance notice to the Company to request ERFP funds in accordance with the respective ERFP Agreement. The ERFP Agreements require that the Company acquire the related FF&E either at the time of the property acquisition or at any time generally within two years of the respective REIT’s acquisition of the hotel property. The Company recognizes the related depreciation tax deduction at the time such FF&E is purchased by the Company and placed into service at the respective REIT’s hotel properties. However, the timing of the FF&E being purchased and placed into service is subject to uncertainties outside of the Company’s control that could delay the realization of any tax benefit associated with the purchase of FF&E.
On March 13, 2020, the Company entered into the Extension Agreement, related to the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement. Under the terms of the Extension Agreement, the remaining ERFP commitment funding deadline under the Ashford Trust ERFP Agreement of $11.4 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, has been extended from January 22, 2021 to December 31, 2022. As of March 31, 2020, the Company has no remaining ERFP commitment to Braemar under the Braemar ERFP Agreement. See note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Other liquidity considerations—On December 5, 2017, the Board approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Board granted a repurchase authorization to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock, having an aggregate value of up to $20 million. No shares were repurchased under the stock repurchase program during the six months ended June 30, 2020.
On May 6, 2020, the Company executed the Second Amendment to the Asset Purchase Agreement in which we agreed to immediately pay $1.5 million in cash and modified certain contingent consideration and stock consideration collar payment terms related to the acquisition of BAV to extend remaining payments of cash or stock on various payment dates through March 2021. Pursuant to the agreement, we paid $1.5 million cash to the BAV sellers on May 7, 2020 related to the $3.0 million in contingent consideration earned by the BAV sellers in connection with BAV’s achievement of performance targets during the trailing twelve month period.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that in light of the uncertainty created by the effects of the COVID-19, effective March 21, 2020, the base salary for its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, will be temporarily reduced by 20% and the base salary for certain other Company officers, including its Chief Financial Officer and its other named executive officers,
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will be temporarily reduced by 15% until the effects of COVID-19 have subsided and it has been determined that the Company is in a healthy financial position. Any amounts relinquished pursuant to the reduction may be paid by the Company in the future.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that in light of the uncertainty created by the effects of COVID-19, the annual cash retainer for each non-employee director serving on the Company’s Board would be temporarily reduced by 25% and would continue in effect until the Board determined in its discretion that the effects of COVID-19 had subsided. The Company also disclosed at that time that any amounts relinquished pursuant to the reduction in fees may be paid in the future, as determined by the Board in its discretion. On August 7, 2020, the Company announced that for fiscal year 2020, the directors will receive the full value of their annual cash retainer (without reduction). However, the full value of such cash retainer will be paid 25% in fully vested common shares and 75% in cash. The remaining quarterly installments of such retainer will be adjusted so that, for fiscal year 2020 in the aggregate, each director will have received 25% of the value of the full annual cash retainer in equity and the remaining 75% in cash. This arrangement does not apply to any additional cash retainers for committee service or service as lead director, which will continue to be paid in cash. The Board currently intends to continue this arrangement through our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, at which time the Board currently intends to re-examine the program.
On May 15, 2020, the Company and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, entered into a letter agreement pursuant to which, effective as of May 15, 2020 and continuing through and including the Company’s last payroll period in 2020, Mr. Monty J. Bennett will accept payment of his base salary (as previously reduced by mutual agreement of the Company and Mr. Monty J. Bennett) in the form of common stock of the Company, issued pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Incentive Plan, as amended. Each issuance of the Company’s common stock will occur on, or as soon as reasonably practicable following, each regular payroll date. The number of shares issued with respect to each payroll date will be equal to the cash salary which would have been paid, less any taxes withheld and benefits deductions, divided by the volume weighted average price per share of the Company’s common stock over all trading days in the period commencing on the first trading date in the applicable payroll period and ending on the last trading date immediately prior to the last day of the payroll period. The Board and Mr. Bennett agreed to effectuate this change to preserve Company liquidity as the Company navigates the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Additional information pertaining to other liquidity considerations of the Company can be found in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Recent Developments.”
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Sources and Uses of Cash
As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had $65.5 million and $35.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, respectively, and $37.2 million and $17.9 million of restricted cash, respectively. Our principal sources of funds to meet our cash requirements include: net cash provided by operations, existing cash balances and borrowing on our existing lending agreements. Additionally, our principal uses of funds are expected to include possible operating shortfalls, capital expenditures, preferred dividends and debt interest and principal payments. Items that impacted our cash flow and liquidity during the periods indicated are summarized as follows:
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities. Operating activities provided net cash flows of $37.8 million and $14.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities in the six months ended June 30, 2020, was primarily due to payments received from Ashford Trust and Braemar related to their properties’ insurance claims liability, cash payments from Ashford Trust and Braemar related to their respective agreements with Lismore to seek modifications, forbearances or refinancings and the timing of receipt of our receivables from Ashford Trust and Braemar, offset by a decrease in earnings.
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, net cash flows used in investing activities were $4.0 million. These cash flows consisted of capital expenditures of $2.1 million primarily for audio visual equipment, a $1.3 million working capital payment to the sellers of Remington Lodging related to the acquisition in November of 2019 and $548,000 for RED’s legacy U.S. Virgin Islands marine vessels.
For the six months ended June 30, 2019, net cash flows used in investing activities were $25.5 million due to the acquisition of BAV for $4.3 million ($5.0 million cash consideration less working capital adjustments of approximately $700,000) and the $2.2 million investment in REA Holdings. Capital expenditures include $13.1 million and $1.4 million related to our ERFP agreements with Ashford Trust and Braemar, respectively, $3.7 million of audio visual equipment and FF&E, and $988,000 for RED’s legacy U.S. Virgin Islands marine vessels.
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, net cash flows provided by financing activities were $15.1 million. These cash flows consisted of $44.8 million of proceeds from borrowings on notes payable, $77,000 of contributions from noncontrolling interests in a consolidated entity, and employee advances of $110,000 associated with tax withholdings for restricted stock vesting. These were offset by $8.7 million of payments for dividends on our preferred stock, $2.5 million of net payments on our revolving credit facilities, $16.6 million of payments on notes payable, $476,000 of payments on finance leases, $1.4 million of contingent consideration paid to the sellers of BAV and $290,000 of loan cost payments.
For the six months ended June 30, 2019, net cash flows provided by financing activities were $4.9 million. These cash flows consisted of $7.3 million of proceeds from borrowings on notes payable, $989,000 of net borrowings on our revolving credit facilities, $455,000 of contributions from noncontrolling interests in a consolidated entity, and employee advances of $353,000 associated with tax withholdings for restricted stock vesting. These were offset by $2.8 million of payments for dividends on our preferred stock, $974,000 of payments on notes payable, $323,000 payments on finance leases, $63,000 in distributions to non-controlling interests, and $41,000 of loan cost payments.
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Seasonality
Quarterly revenues may be adversely affected by events beyond our control, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and government-issued travel restrictions in response, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or alerts, civil unrest, government shutdowns, airline strikes or reduced airline capacity, economic factors and other considerations affecting travel and hospitality products and services. To the extent that cash flows from operations are insufficient during any quarter due to temporary or seasonal fluctuations in revenues, we expect to utilize cash on hand or borrowings to fund operations.
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.
Long-term liability of our subsidiary compensation plan
We do not record on the balance sheet the long-term liability portion of the Ashford Trust and Braemar shares purchased by Remington Lodging on the open market and held for the purpose of providing compensation to certain employees as granted under our subsidiary compensation plan. The long-term liability was $251,000 and $687,000 as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
There have been no material changes since December 31, 2019, outside the ordinary course of business, to contractual obligations and commitments included in the section “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our 2019 Form 10-K, except with respect to the conversion of our senior revolving credit facility in the Term Loan Agreement on March 19, 2020, and BAV’s full achievement of the operating performance targets during the earn-out period including amended payment terms pursuant to the Second Amendment to the Asset Purchase Agreement executed on May 6, 2020, as described elsewhere in this MD&A in “Recent Developments.”
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our accounting policies that are critical or most important to understanding our financial condition and results of operations and that require management to make the most difficult judgments are described in our 2019 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in these critical accounting policies.
During the first quarter of 2020, as a result of our reduced cash flow projections and the significant decline in our market capitalization as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we concluded that sufficient indicators existed to require us to perform an interim quantitative assessment of goodwill and intangible assets. As a result, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $170.6 million and intangible asset impairment charges of $7.6 million. No impairment charges were recorded in the second quarter of 2020. We may continue to record impairment charges in the future due to the long-term economic impact and near-term financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. See notes 5 and 7.
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ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Our primary market risk exposures consist of changes in interest rates on borrowings under our debt instruments that bear interest at variable rates that fluctuate with market interest rates as well as foreign currency exchange rate risk.
Interest Rate Risk—At June 30, 2020, our total indebtedness of $62.6 million included $60.0 million of variable-rate debt. The impact on our results of operations of a 100 basis point change in interest rate on the outstanding balance of variable-rate debt at June 30, 2020, would be approximately $600,000 annually. Interest rate changes have no impact on the remaining $2.6 million of fixed rate debt.
The amount above was determined based on the impact of a hypothetical interest rate on our borrowings and assumes no changes in our capital structure. As the information presented above includes only those exposures that existed at June 30, 2020, 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.
Foreign Exchange Risk—The majority of our revenues, expenses and capital purchases are transacted in U.S. dollars. We own a controlling interest in JSAV, which has operations in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and therefore we have exposure with respect to exchange rate fluctuations. Exchange rate gains or losses related to foreign currency transactions are recognized as transaction gains or losses in our income statement as incurred. We have chosen not to hedge foreign exchange risks related to our foreign currency denominated earnings and cash flows through the use of financial instruments.
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 June 30, 2020. 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 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 SEC 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 controls over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
In June 2020, each of the Ashford Companies received an administrative subpoena from the SEC. The administrative subpoena requests the production of documents and other information since January 1, 2018 relating to, among other things, (1) related party transactions among the Ashford Companies (including the agreements between Lismore and each of Ashford Trust and Braemar pursuant to which each of Ashford Trust and Braemar engaged Lismore to negotiate the refinancing, modification or forbearance of certain mortgage debt) or between any of the Ashford Companies and any officer, director or owner of the Ashford Companies or any entity controlled by any such person and, (2) the Company’s accounting policies, procedures and internal controls related to such related party transactions. The Company is responding to the administrative subpoena.
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 adjudication of legal proceedings is difficult to predict, 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.
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, 2019, filed with the SEC as supplemented by our Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 8, 2020, 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. The risk factors set forth below update, and should be read together with, the risk factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as supplemented by our Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 8, 2020:
The COVID-19 pandemic has and will continue to significantly and adversely affect our business.
We provide services primarily to clients in the hospitality industry. As a result, our business has and will continue to be significantly and adversely affected by the impact of, and the public perception of a risk of, a pandemic disease on the travel and hospitality industry. In December 2019, COVID-19 was identified in Wuhan, China, subsequently spread to other regions of the world, and has resulted in significant travel restrictions and extended shutdown of certain businesses in affected regions. Our clients Ashford Trust and Braemar have reported that the negative impact on room demand within their respective portfolios stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic is significant and has resulted in materially reduced occupancy and RevPAR. Additionally, the financial statements of Ashford Trust and Braemar for the period ended June 30, 2020, each disclosed substantial doubt of each entity’s ability to continue as a going concern over the next twelve months from the date of issuance of its respective financial statements. Furthermore, the prolonged occurrence of the virus has resulted in health and other government authorities imposing widespread restrictions on travel, resulting in the postponement or cancellation of business conferences and similar events. At this time the restrictions are very fluid and evolving. We have been and will continue to be negatively impacted by those restrictions. Given that the type, degree and length of such restrictions are not known at this time, we cannot predict the overall impact of such restrictions on us or the overall economic environment. In addition, even after the restrictions are lifted, the propensity of people to travel and for businesses to hold conferences will likely remain below historical levels for an additional period of time that is difficult to predict. We may also face increased risk of litigation if we have guests or employees who become ill due to COVID-19. Additionally, the public perception of a risk of a pandemic or media coverage of these diseases, or public perception of health risks linked to perceived regional food and beverage safety, may further affect our clients’ businesses, and thereby may adversely affect our business, particularly with respect to: (i) base and incentive fees paid to us by our clients under our advisory agreements (which depend in part on our clients’ market capitalization and business performance at our clients’ hotels, each of which has been significantly negatively impacted by COVID-19); and (ii) revenues generated by our JSAV, Premier and Remington businesses, which depend in significant part on occupancy levels and operating performance at our clients’ hotels.
In addition, during the first quarter of 2020, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $170.6 million, of which $121.0 million related to our Remington segment, and $49.5 million related to our Premier segment, as well as intangible asset impairment charges of $5.5 million related to indefinite-lived trademarks within our Remington segment. Such impairments have had a significant negative impact on our results of operations. No impairment charges were recorded in the second quarter of 2020. We may need to record additional impairment charges in future periods which would have a negative impact on our results of operation
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in future periods. Additionally, as a result of this goodwill impairment, we may not continue to meet the NYSE American continued listing criteria. See “We cannot assure you that our common stock will be liquid or that it will remain listed on the NYSE American exchange. A failure to remain compliant with the NYSE American stockholders’ equity listing requirements or failure to continue to meet the other listing requirements could result in a delisting of our common stock.”
As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, our financial statements contain a statement regarding a substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes that we will continue to operate in the normal course of business. As a result of the factors described above under “The COVID-19 pandemic has and will continue to significantly and adversely affect our business,” our notes to our financial statements include a disclosure as to a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern over the next twelve months.
As of March 31, 2020, the Company’s consolidated net worth was less than $23.2 million, which resulted in a breach of a financial covenant related to our Term Loan Agreement. Effective June 23, 2020, the Company and Bank of America N.A. executed the Fifth Amendment to the Term Loan Agreement. The Fifth Amendment (a) establishes a 0.50% LIBOR floor, (b) eliminates the consolidated net worth financial covenant, and (c) waives the violation of the consolidated net worth financial covenant that occurred on March 31, 2020. As of June 30, 2020, our subsidiaries were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our debt and related agreements as amended. However, there can be no guarantee that our subsidiaries’ will remain in compliance for the remainder of the fiscal year. Due to the significant negative impact of COVID-19 on the operations of our subsidiaries, we expect that within the next twelve months, our JSAV and RED subsidiaries will violate debt covenants pursuant to certain existing debt agreements which have no recourse to Ashford Inc. As a result, JSAV and RED may be required to immediately repay debt balances of $20.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The JSAV and RED subsidiary loans, which are expected to violate debt covenants, are secured by the respective subsidiary’s tangible assets. All of our subsidiaries’ debt has no recourse to Ashford Inc. with the exception of $3.8 million of debt held by the entity that conducts RED’s legacy U.S. Virgin Islands operations which is currently not expected to violate debt covenants.
The foregoing, as well as, our negative $40.0 million working capital position as of June 30, 2020, raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern may negatively affect the price of our stock and may make it challenging for us to issue additional debt on favorable terms to the extent necessary or desirable to increase our liquidity.
We cannot assure you that our common stock will be liquid or that it will remain listed on the NYSE American exchange. A failure to remain compliant with the NYSE American stockholders’ equity listing requirements or failure to continue to meet the other listing requirements could result in a delisting of our common stock.
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American exchange. The NYSE American’s listing standards generally mandate that we meet certain requirements relating to stockholders’ equity, stock price, market capitalization, aggregate market value of publicly held shares and distribution requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain the continued listing standards of the NYSE American. The NYSE American requires companies to meet certain continued listing criteria including a minimum stockholders’ equity of $4.0 million if an issuer has sustained as we have losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in three of the last four most recent fiscal years, as outlined in the NYSE American Company Guide. At June 30, 2020, we had a stockholders’ deficit of $159.2 million. Even if an issuer has a stockholders’ deficit, the NYSE American will not normally consider delisting securities of an issuer that fails to meet these requirements if the issuer has: (1) average global market capitalization of at least $50,000,000; or total assets and revenues of $50,000,000 in its last fiscal year, or in two of its last three fiscal years; and (2) the issuer has at least 1,100,000 shares publicly held, a market value of publicly held shares of at least $15,000,000 and 400 round lot shareholders.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain the continued listing standards of the NYSE American. In addition, in the future we may not be able to maintain such minimum stockholders’ equity and/or issue additional equity securities in exchange for cash or other assets, if available, to maintain the minimum stockholders’ equity required by the NYSE American. If we are delisted from the NYSE American exchange then our common stock will trade, if at all, only on the over-the-counter market, such as the OTC Bulletin Board securities market, and then only if one or more registered broker-dealer market makers comply with quotation requirements. In addition, delisting of our common stock could depress our stock price, substantially limit liquidity of our common stock and materially adversely affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all. Delisting from the NYSE American exchange could also have other negative results, including the potential loss of confidence by suppliers and employees and the loss of institutional investor interest. We cannot assure you that our common stock will be liquid or that it will remain listed on the NYSE American exchange. A failure to maintain compliance with the NYSE American stockholders’ equity requirements or failure to continue to meet the other listing requirements could result in a delisting of our common stock.
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The investments of the entities we currently advise and provide other products and services to are concentrated in the hotel industry. Our business has been adversely affected by the economic downturn in that sector, including as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we will be significantly influenced by the economies and other conditions in the specific markets in which our asset management clients operate.
Substantially all of the investments of Ashford Trust and Braemar and the investments of other clients we also provide products and services to are concentrated in the hotel industry. This concentration exposes our clients, and therefore us, to economic downturn in the hotel real estate sector to a greater extent than if the investments of our clients were diversified across other sectors of the real estate or other industries. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has significantly negatively impacted the hotel real estate sector, our clients (including Ashford Trust and Braemar) and us. See “The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has and will continue to significantly adversely affect our business.”
Similarly, we are particularly susceptible to adverse market conditions in areas in which our asset management clients have high concentrations of properties. Industry downturns, relocation of businesses, oversupply of hotel rooms, reduction in travel and/or lodging demand or other adverse economic developments in the hotel industry generally or in areas where our asset management clients have a high concentration of properties could adversely affect us. In addition, some of our clients’ properties are located in areas where recently there have been bouts of civil unrest. Adverse conditions in these areas (including business layoffs or downsizing, industry slowdowns, property damage and other factors) may have an adverse effect on our business.
The project management business acquisition may not be accretive to our stockholders.
While it is intended that the acquisition of our project management business will be accretive to our performance metrics (including after taking into account the possible conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock into our common stock), there can be no assurance that this will be the case, since, among other things, the expenses we have incurred as a result of the acquisition may be higher than we anticipated and revenue from the project management business has decreased significantly as a result of our clients’ significant reductions to capital expenditure budgets in response to COVID-19. Also, as a result of reduced cash flow projections, the uncertainty surrounding such projected cash flows, and the significant decline in our market capitalization, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $49.5 million in the first quarter of 2020 related to our Premier segment, which is our project management business. No impairment charges were recorded in the second quarter of 2020. Our project management business will likely be adversely impacted if the properties owned by our clients are foreclosed upon by their respective lenders, as our project management business would likely no longer provide future project management services to such hotels. While the long-term value of the project management business is difficult to predict, the failure of the acquisition to be accretive to the Company’s stockholders could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The hotel management business acquisition may not be accretive to our stockholders.
While it is intended that the acquisition of our hotel management business will be accretive to our performance metrics (including after taking into account the possible conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock into our common stock), there can be no assurance that this will be the case, since, among other things, the expenses we have incurred as a result of the acquisition may be higher than we anticipated and revenue from the hotel management business has decreased significantly as a result of our clients’ significant decline in hotel occupancy and revenue per available room due to COVID-19. Also, as a result of reduced cash flow projections, the uncertainty surrounding such projected cash flows, and the significant decline in our market capitalization, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $121.0 million in the first quarter of 2020 related to our Remington segment, which is our hotel management business. No impairment charges were recorded in the second quarter of 2020.
In the second quarter of 2020, our client, Ashford Trust, received an acceleration notice from the lenders who hold the mezzanine loan notes secured by the Embassy Suites New York Manhattan Times Square and the mortgage note secured by the Hilton Scotts Valley hotel in Santa Cruz, California which accelerated all payments due under the applicable loan documents. Additionally, Ashford Trust received a notice of UCC sale from the respective lenders for each of Ashford Trust’s Rockbridge Portfolio, which is an eight hotel portfolio, and the portfolio consisting of the Courtyard by Marriott in Louisville, Kentucky and Marriott Residence Inn in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The notice provides that the respective lender will sell the subsidiaries of Ashford Trust that own the respective hotels in a public auction, whereby the Company will no longer provide hotel management services to the respective hotels, resulting in a loss of potential revenues to the Company.
While the long-term value of the hotel management business is difficult to predict, the failure of the acquisition to be accretive to the Company’s stockholders could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We are exposed to risks to which the Company has not historically been exposed, including business risks inherent to the project management business.
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The project management business exposes us to risks to which we have not historically been exposed. Addressing these risks could distract management, disrupt our ongoing business, or result in inconsistencies in our operations, services, standards, controls, procedures, and policies, any of which could adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with our lenders, joint venture partners, vendors, and employees or to achieve all or any of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. Beginning in March 2020, our project management business experienced a significant reduction in revenue. In order to cut expenses, we laid off or furloughed a significant portion of our workforce in the project management business. The full financial impact of the reduction in demand for project management caused by the pandemic cannot be reasonably estimated at this time due to uncertainty as to its severity and duration. The Company expects that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant negative impact on the Company’s project management business in the 2020 fiscal year and beyond.
We are exposed to risks to which the Company has not historically been exposed, including business risks inherent to the hotel management business.
The hotel management business exposes us to risks to which we have not historically been exposed. As a result of the hotel management acquisition, we are subject to the business risks inherent to the hotel management business, including risks related to the hotel and travel industries. Many of these risks are beyond our control, including, among others, risks relating to the impact of epidemics on the hotel and travel industry, adverse effects of international, national, regional and local economic and market conditions and increase in energy costs or labor costs and other expenses affecting travel, which may affect travel patterns and reduce the number of business and commercial travelers and tourists. Beginning in March 2020, our hotel management business experienced a significant reduction in revenue. Due to the impact of numerous governmental travel restrictions and lack of demand, many of the hotels that we manage through the hotel management business were closed for a significant period of time beginning in March 2020 and continuing through July 2020. Although some of the hotels have reopened as of the date of this filing, occupancy remains far below historic levels. In order to cut expenses, we laid off or furloughed a significant portion of our workforce in the hotel management business. The full financial impact of the reduction in demand for hotel management caused by the pandemic cannot be reasonably estimated at this time due to uncertainty as to its severity and duration. The Company expects that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant negative impact on the Company’s hotel management business in the 2020 fiscal year.
Our ability to raise capital and attract investors for our existing and potential advisory clients and our performance is critical to our ability to earn fees and grow our businesses.
The base advisory fees that we earn in our asset management business are based on the total market capitalization of the entities that we advise. Accordingly, our base fees are expected to increase if we are able to successfully raise capital in the equity markets for our existing and potential clients. Conversely, our base fees are expected to decrease if the total market capitalization of our existing clients declines. Further, the incentive fees we earn in our asset management business will be primarily driven by the outperformance of our clients as compared with their respective peers, based on total stockholder return. Recently, the market value of our clients has declined significantly, which reduces the amount of the base asset management fees paid pursuant to our advisory agreements with our clients and reduces the likelihood that we will earn an incentive fee for this year.
Our ability to earn these fees is subject to a number of risks, many of which are beyond our control, including monetary and fiscal policies, domestic and international economic conditions, political considerations and capital markets. To the extent that general capital markets activity slows down or comes to a halt, our clients may have difficulty growing. This risk is based on micro- and macro-economic market factors including but not limited to disruptions in the debt and equity capital markets, resulting in the lack of access to capital or prohibitively high costs of obtaining or replacing capital. The markets have experienced a high level of volatility as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the full economic impact is difficult to predict. If we are unable to raise capital and attract investors for our existing and potential advisory clients, this would negatively impact our advisory fees and would have a negative impact on other revenues from our services business.
We are predominantly dependent on Ashford Trust and Braemar as our only current asset management clients for a substantial portion of our operating revenues, the loss of either of which, or their failure or inability to pay any amounts owed to us, including under their advisory agreements, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, prospects and results of operations. Ashford Trust and Braemar are also customers of our consolidated subsidiaries that provide products and services to the hospitality industry.
Ashford Trust and Braemar are the only companies for which we currently provide asset management and advisory services. Ashford Trust and Braemar are also customers of our consolidated subsidiaries that provide products and services to the hospitality industry. Therefore, our business is subject to the risks of the businesses of each entity. The loss or failure of either company, termination of either advisory agreement, the failure or inability of either company to pay us any amounts owed under their respective advisory agreements or other contracts, and particularly their failure or inability to pay all or a portion of any applicable termination fee, would adversely affect our business, financial condition, prospects and results of operations. Additionally, these
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companies could sell assets over time or lose hotels to lenders who have foreclosed on loans secured by our clients’ properties, decreasing their market capitalization, and thereby cause our advisory fees and other revenues to decrease, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Recently, Ashford Trust and Braemar announced they have each defaulted on their respective property-level secured debt and are in the process of negotiating forbearance agreements with their respective lenders. At this time, forbearance agreements have been executed on some, but not all of the loans for Ashford Trust and Braemar. On July 16, 2020, Ashford Trust reached a forbearance agreement with its lenders for the Highland Pool loan, which is a $907.0 million loan secured by nineteen of its hotels. The forbearance agreement allows Ashford Trust to defer interest payments for six months in exchange for Ashford Trust’s agreement to a repayment schedule. In the aggregate, including the Highland Pool loan, Ashford Trust has entered into forbearance agreements and accommodation agreements with varying terms and conditions that conditionally waive or defer payment defaults for loans with a total outstanding principal balance of approximately $1.1 billion out of approximately $4.1 billion in property level debt outstanding as of June 30, 2020. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2020, Braemar reached forbearance agreements with its lenders relating to six mortgage loans and consisting of the Pier House Resort, Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, Hotel Yountville, Bardessono Hotel, Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, The Notary Hotel, Courtyard San Francisco Downtown and Marriott Seattle Waterfront. In the aggregate, Braemar has entered into forbearance agreements and accommodation agreements with varying terms and conditions that conditionally waive or defer
payment defaults for loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $760.0 million out of $1.1 billion in property level debt outstanding as of June 30, 2020. If Ashford Trust and Braemar are unable to negotiate forbearance agreements, the lenders may foreclose on hotels which serve as collateral for the property-level loans. Such foreclosures would reduce the market capitalizations of Ashford Trust and Braemar and thus reduce the advisory fees and other revenues from our services businesses. These decreases would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
The representation of the Bennetts on the Board may increase as a result of our failure to make full dividend payments on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for two consecutive quarters.
For so long as the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock hold at least 20% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock (on an as-converted basis), Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., during his lifetime, and Mr. Monty J. Bennett, during his lifetime, are collectively entitled to nominate two individuals as members of the Board, one of whom is currently Mr. Monty J. Bennett and the other of whom is currently Mr. W. Michael Murphy. If we fail to make two consecutive full dividend payments to the holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, then Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., during his lifetime, and Mr. Monty J. Bennett, during his lifetime, will each be entitled to nominate one additional individual as a member of the Board and the size of the Board may be increased by up to two directors to accommodate these two additional nominees. In furtherance of the foregoing, each of the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock has agreed that they will vote all of their Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, and consent to any action by the holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock without a meeting as permitted under appropriate state law, as may be directed by Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., or Mr. Monty J. Bennett, respectively, in connection with their nomination of the individuals to fill such Board seats. The Bennetts and certain of their affiliates, therefore, would likely have increased control over our operations and management.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that the Board had declared and the Company would pay 50% of the dividend which was due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. On June 24, 2020, the Company declared the remaining 50% or approximately $4.0 million of dividends, including compounding dividends, due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. The Company did not declare dividends with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2020. If the Company fails to make the full dividend payment on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in two consecutive quarters, Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr. and Mr. Monty J. Bennett will each be entitled to nominate one additional individual as a member of Board. Additionally, the dividend rate on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock will increase to 10% per year, until the unpaid preferred dividends have been paid in full. Because we have missed the dividend payment in the second quarter ending June 30, 2020, if we do not pay the dividend in full for the third quarter ending September 30, 2020 (and have not paid the dividend accrued but unpaid for the second quarter), the Company will have failed to pay two consecutive full dividend payments and such Board appointment rights and increase in interest payment will apply beginning October 15, 2020 (the payment date of the third quarter dividend).
Certain affiliated stockholders have the ability to control significant corporate activities of the Company and their interests may differ from the interests of our other stockholders.
As of June 30, 2020, the Bennetts directly or indirectly beneficially owned approximately 68.1% of our outstanding common stock (including shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis), provided that prior to August 8, 2023, the voting power of the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock effectively will be limited to 40% of the combined voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote on any given matter. As a result, the Bennetts may be able to influence or effectively control the decisions of the Company and, following August 8, 2023, the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock may, depending on the circumstances at the time, have the voting power to elect all of the members of the Board and thereby control our management and affairs. In addition, at such time, the holders of Series D Convertible
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Preferred Stock may be able to determine the outcome of all matters requiring stockholder approval, including mergers and other material transactions, and may be able to cause or prevent a change in the composition of the Board or a change in control of the Company that could deprive other stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of the Company.
In addition to their direct or indirect beneficial ownership of the shares of our common stock, the Bennetts are party to the Investor Rights Agreement, under which, for so long as the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock and their affiliates continue to beneficially own no less than 20% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, they will have the ability to cause the election of two members of the Board plus an additional two directors in the event of the non-payment of full dividends on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for two consecutive quarters. In addition, the Company could be obligated, at the Bennetts’ election, to provide management services, of the character of the project management business or hotel management business, to any hotels in which the Bennetts own at least a 5% interest, which is different from the pricing structure of the agreements that we currently have with our two main clients, Ashford Trust and Braemar.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that the Board had declared and the Company would pay 50% of the dividend which was due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. On June 24, 2020, the Company declared the remaining 50% or approximately $4.0 million of dividends, including compounding dividends, due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. The Company did not declare dividends with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2020. If the Company fails to make the full dividend payment on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in two consecutive quarters, Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr. and Mr. Monty J. Bennett will each be entitled to nominate one additional individual as a member of Board. Additionally, the dividend rate on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock will increase to 10% per year, until the unpaid preferred dividends have been paid in full. Because we have missed the dividend payment in the second quarter ending June 30, 2020, if we do not pay the dividend in full for the third quarter ending September 30, 2020 (and have not paid the dividend accrued but unpaid for the second quarter), the Company will have failed to pay two consecutive full dividend payments and such Board appointment rights and increase in interest payment will apply beginning October 15, 2020 (the payment date of the third quarter dividend).
The Bennetts’ interests may not always coincide with your interests or the interests of our other stockholders. The concentrated holdings of our common stock directly or indirectly by the Bennetts, the various provisions of the Investor Rights Agreement, and the resulting representation and potential control of the Board by the Bennetts may prevent or discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or offers for our common stock that you may feel are in your best interest as one of our stockholders. Moreover, this concentration of stock ownership may also adversely affect the trading price of our common stock if investors perceive a disadvantage in owning stock of a company with a controlling stockholder.
The holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock have rights that are senior to the rights of the holders of our common stock, which may decrease the likelihood, frequency or amount of dividends to holders of our common stock.
The Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation requires that dividends be paid on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock before any distributions can be paid to holders of our common stock and that, in the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock must be satisfied before any distributions can be made to the holders of our common stock.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that the Board had declared and the Company would pay 50% of the dividend which was due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. On June 24, 2020, the Company declared the remaining 50% or approximately $4.0 million of dividends, including compounding dividends, due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. The Company did not declare dividends with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2020. Any such cumulative preferred dividends must be paid in full before we can make any distributions to holders of our common stock. In addition, if we declare or pay a dividend on our common stock, the holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock will participate, on an as-converted basis, in such dividend with the holders of our common stock. The Series D Convertible Preferred Stock will vote together with the holders of our common stock as a single class on all matters, with the number of votes attributable to each share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock determined on an as-converted basis, subject to the voting restrictions set forth in the Investor Rights Agreement. As a result of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock’s superior rights relative to our common stock, including its right to participate in any dividends or other distributions to the holders of our common stock, the right of holders of our common stock to receive distributions from us may be diluted and is limited by such rights.
The holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock are expected to benefit from significant cash flows that may create conflicts of interest in our management.
The Bennetts and other sellers of the project and hotel management businesses were issued Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in consideration for the sale of such businesses. Each share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock has a cumulative dividend
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rate of 6.59% per year until the first anniversary of the closing of the hotel management business acquisition, 6.99% per year from the first anniversary of such closing until the second anniversary of such closing, and 7.28% per year after the second anniversary of such closing. In addition, if the Company fails to pay dividends on the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for two consecutive quarterly periods, then the dividend rate increases to 10% per year, until paid in full.
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that the Board had declared and the Company would pay 50% of the dividend which was due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. On June 24, 2020, the Company declared the remaining 50% or approximately $4.0 million of dividends, including compounding dividends, due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. The Company did not declare dividends with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2020. As a result of this consideration, the holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock have the right to receive significant cash flow that might otherwise have been used for general corporate purposes. The holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock may be incentivized by this consideration to maximize our cash flow, and thus Mr. Monty J. Bennett may have conflicts of interest in making management decisions that might be to the detriment of our long-term strategy and success. The cash flow generated by the hotel management business and project management business may not be equal to or in excess of the dividends payable to the holders of the shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in any period.
We have adopted a shareholder rights plan which could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us while the plan remains in effect.
We have in effect a shareholder rights plan that is intended to protect us from efforts to obtain control of our company that the Board believes are inconsistent with the best interests of our company and our stockholders. The Rights will be exercisable ten days following the earlier of the public announcement that a stockholder (other than us, one of our subsidiaries or employee benefit plans or Mr. Monty J. Bennett and certain of his affiliates and associates) has acquired beneficial ownership of 10% or more of our common stock without the approval of the Board or the announcement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in the ownership of 10% or more of our common stock by a person or group of persons (other than one or more of the excluded persons described above). The Rights also become exercisable if a person or group that already beneficially owns 10% or more of our common stock (other than one or more of the excluded persons described above) acquires any additional shares of our common stock without the approval of the Board. If the Rights become exercisable, all Rights holders (other than the person/entity triggering the Rights) will be entitled to acquire certain of our securities at a substantial discount. The Rights may substantially dilute the stock ownership of a person or group attempting to take over our company without the approval of the Board, and the rights plan could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire our company or a significant percentage of our outstanding shares of common stock, without first negotiating with the Board.
We face risks related to an ongoing Securities and Exchange Commission investigation.
In June 2020, each of the Ashford Companies received an administrative subpoena from the SEC. The administrative subpoena requests the production of documents and other information since January 1, 2018 relating to, among other things, (1) related party transactions among the Ashford Companies (including the agreements between Lismore and each of Ashford Trust and Braemar pursuant to which each of Ashford Trust and Braemar engaged Lismore to negotiate the refinancing, modification or forbearance of certain mortgage debt) or between any of the Ashford Companies and any officer, director or owner of the Ashford Companies or any entity controlled by any such person and, (2) the Company’s accounting policies, procedures and internal controls related to such related party transactions.
The Company is responding to the SEC’s request and at this point we are unable to predict what the timing or the outcome of the SEC investigation may be or what, if any, consequences the SEC investigation may have with respect to the Company. However, the SEC investigation could result in considerable legal expenses, divert management’s attention from other business concerns and harm our business. If the SEC were to determine that legal violations occurred, we could be required to pay significant civil and/or criminal penalties or other amounts, and remedies or conditions could be imposed as part of any resolution. We can provide no assurances as to the outcome of the SEC investigation.
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ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
The following table provides the information with respect to purchases and forfeitures of shares of our common stock during each of the months in the second quarter of 2020:
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Plan (1) | Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan | ||||||||||
Common stock: | ||||||||||||||
April 1 to April 30 | 115 | $ | — | (3) | — | $ | 20,000,000 | |||||||
May1 to May 31 | 25,794 | $ | — | (3) | — | $ | 20,000,000 | |||||||
June 1 to June 30 | 1,161 | (2) | $ | 10.65 | (3) | — | $ | 20,000,000 | ||||||
Total | 27,070 | $ | 10.65 | — |
________
(1) On December 5, 2017, the Board approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Board granted a repurchase authorization to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock, having an aggregate value of up to $20 million. No shares were repurchased under the stock repurchase program during the three months ended June 30, 2020, pursuant to this authorization.
(2) Includes 1,086 shares that were withheld to cover tax-withholding requirements related to the vesting of restricted shares of our common stock issued to employees pursuant to the Company’s stockholder-approved stock incentive plan.
(3) There is no cost associated with the forfeiture of 115, 25,794, and 75 restricted shares of our common stock in April, May and June, respectively.
ITEM 3. | DEFAULT UPON SENIOR SECURITIES |
On March 16, 2020, the Company announced that the Board had declared and the Company would pay 50% of the dividend which was due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020. The declared $3.9 million dividends were paid on April 15, 2020. On June 24, 2020, the Company declared the remaining 50% or approximately $4.0 million of dividends, including compounding dividends, due with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2020 which were paid on July 14, 2020. The Company did not declare dividends with respect to its Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the second quarter of 2020. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had aggregate undeclared preferred stock dividends of approximately $7.9 million which relates to the second quarter of 2020. All dividends, declared and undeclared, are recorded as an expense in the period incurred in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Unpaid dividends, declared and undeclared, totaling $11.9 million at June 30, 2020, are recorded as a liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as “dividends payable”. As previously disclosed, each share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (i) accrues cumulative preferred dividends at the rate of (a) 6.59% per annum until November 6, 2020; (b) 6.99% per annum from the November 6, 2020 until November 6, 2021; and (c) 7.28% per annum thereafter and (ii) will participate in any dividend or distribution on the common stock in addition to the preferred dividends. See note 11 in our condensed consolidated financial statements for a full description of all material terms of the Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. The Series D Convertible Preferred Stock is held primarily by Mr. Monty J. Bennett, the Chairman of our Board and our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., who is Mr. Monty J. Bennett’s father, one of our other executive officers and several other individuals.
ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES |
None.
ITEM 5. | OTHER INFORMATION |
None.
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ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS |
Exhibit | Description | ||
3.1 | |||
3.2 | |||
3.3 | |||
3.4 | |||
3.5 | |||
3.6 | |||
3.7 | |||
3.8 | |||
10.1 | |||
10.2 | |||
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 June 30, 2020, are formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity; (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) Notes to 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 - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | ||
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. | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
* Filed herewith.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ASHFORD INC.
Date: | August 7, 2020 | By: | /s/ MONTY J. BENNETT | |
Monty J. Bennett | ||||
Chief Executive Officer | ||||
Date: | August 7, 2020 | By: | /s/ DERIC S. EUBANKS | |
Deric S. Eubanks | ||||
Chief Financial Officer |
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