Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________________ to ________________

Commission file number: 001-31775

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
 
86-1062192
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS employer identification number)
 
 
 
14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100
 
 
Dallas, Texas
 
75254
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)

(972) 490-9600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. þ Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). þ Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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
þ
Non-accelerated filer
¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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) if 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
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
 
98,636,320
(Class)
 
Outstanding at May 7, 2018




ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
 
 



Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets
 
Investments in hotel properties, net
$
4,034,591

 
$
4,035,915

Cash and cash equivalents
277,686

 
354,805

Restricted cash
137,145

 
116,787

Marketable securities
35,976

 
26,926

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $746 and $770, respectively
54,578

 
44,257

Inventories
4,270

 
4,244

Investment in unconsolidated entities
3,034

 
2,955

Deferred costs, net
2,784

 
2,777

Prepaid expenses
29,267

 
19,269

Derivative assets, net
2,388

 
2,010

Other assets
16,685

 
14,152

Intangible assets, net
9,913

 
9,943

Due from related party, net
2,140

 

Due from third-party hotel managers
19,335

 
17,387

Assets held for sale
7,677

 
18,423

Total assets
$
4,637,469

 
$
4,669,850

Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Indebtedness, net
$
3,712,790

 
$
3,696,300

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
143,163

 
132,401

Dividends and distributions payable
26,824

 
25,045

Due to Ashford Inc., net
12,917

 
15,146

Due to related party, net

 
1,067

Due to third-party hotel managers
2,059

 
2,431

Intangible liabilities, net
15,750

 
15,839

Other liabilities
19,778

 
18,376

Liabilities related to assets held for sale
6,962

 
13,977

Total liabilities
3,940,243

 
3,920,582

Commitments and contingencies (note 14)


 


Redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership
112,967

 
116,122

Equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized:
 
 
 
Series D Cumulative Preferred Stock, 2,389,393 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
24

 
24

Series F Cumulative Preferred Stock, 4,800,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
48

 
48

Series G Cumulative Preferred Stock, 6,200,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
62

 
62

Series H Cumulative Preferred Stock, 3,800,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
38

 
38

Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock, 5,400,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
54

 
54

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized, 98,654,148 and 97,409,113 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
987

 
974

Additional paid-in capital
1,789,501

 
1,784,997

Accumulated deficit
(1,207,063
)
 
(1,153,697
)
Total stockholders’ equity of the Company
583,651

 
632,500

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities
608

 
646

Total equity
584,259

 
633,146

Total liabilities and equity
$
4,637,469

 
$
4,669,850

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2

Table of Contents

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenue
 
Rooms
$
270,693

 
$
276,705

Food and beverage
55,044

 
62,850

Other hotel revenue
15,491

 
13,766

Total hotel revenue
341,228

 
353,321

Other
979

 
388

Total revenue
342,207

 
353,709

Expenses
 
 
 
Hotel operating expenses:
 
 
 
Rooms
59,086

 
59,873

Food and beverage
38,465

 
42,170

Other expenses
106,383

 
111,733

Management fees
12,737

 
12,826

Total hotel expenses
216,671

 
226,602

Property taxes, insurance, and other
18,359

 
18,333

Depreciation and amortization
63,047

 
64,698

Impairment charges
1,660

 

Transaction costs
2

 
3

Advisory services fee
17,077

 
10,641

Corporate general and administrative
2,129

 
5,170

Total expenses
318,945

 
325,447

Operating income (loss)
23,262

 
28,262

Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities
(588
)
 
(763
)
Interest income
746

 
208

Gain (loss) on sale of hotel properties
(9
)
 
(83
)
Other income (expense)
76

 
(3,120
)
Interest expense and amortization of premiums and loan costs
(54,743
)
 
(55,305
)
Write-off of premiums, loan costs and exit fees
(2,050
)
 
(54
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
(558
)
 
(3,346
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
329

 
1,418

Income (loss) before income taxes
(33,535
)
 
(32,783
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
886

 
846

Net income (loss)
(32,649
)
 
(31,937
)
(Income) loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interest
38

 
31

Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership
6,340

 
6,493

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company
(26,271
)
 
(25,413
)
Preferred dividends
(10,644
)
 
(10,956
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
(36,915
)
 
$
(36,369
)
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) per share - basic and diluted:
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
(0.39
)
 
$
(0.39
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
95,367

 
94,840

Diluted:
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
(0.39
)
 
$
(0.39
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
95,367

 
94,840

 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per common share
$
0.12

 
$
0.12

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

Table of Contents

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited, in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net income (loss)
$
(32,649
)
 
$
(31,937
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)

 

Comprehensive income (loss)
(32,649
)
 
(31,937
)
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated entities
38

 
31

Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership
6,340

 
6,493

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company
$
(26,271
)
 
$
(25,413
)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

Table of Contents

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(unaudited, in thousands)
 
Preferred Stock
 
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Noncontrolling
Interests In
Consolidated
Entities
 
Total
 
Redeemable Noncontrolling
Interests in
Operating
Partnership
 
Series D
 
Series F
 
Series G
 
Series H
 
Series I
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2018
2,389

 
$
24

 
4,800

 
$
48

 
6,200

 
$
62

 
3,800

 
$
38

 
5,400

 
$
54

 
97,409

 
$
974

 
$
1,784,997

 
$
(1,153,697
)
 
$
646

 
$
633,146

 
$
116,122

Purchases of common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(228
)
 
(2
)
 
(1,460
)
 

 

 
(1,462
)
 

Equity-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
5,886

 

 

 
5,886

 
1,116

Forfeitures of restricted shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(14
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of restricted shares/units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,487

 
15

 
108

 

 

 
123

 
49

Cost for issuances of preferred shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(30
)
 

 

 
(30
)
 

Dividends declared - common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(11,961
)
 

 
(11,961
)
 

Dividends declared - preferred shares- Series D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,262
)
 

 
(1,262
)
 

Dividends declared – preferred shares- Series F

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(2,212
)
 

 
(2,212
)
 

Dividends declared – preferred shares- Series G

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(2,858
)
 

 
(2,858
)
 

Dividends declared – preferred shares- Series H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,781
)
 

 
(1,781
)
 

Dividends declared – preferred shares- Series I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(2,531
)
 

 
(2,531
)
 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(2,470
)
Redemption value adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(4,490
)
 

 
(4,490
)
 
4,490

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(26,271
)
 
(38
)
 
(26,309
)
 
(6,340
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
2,389

 
$
24

 
4,800

 
$
48

 
6,200

 
$
62

 
3,800

 
$
38

 
5,400

 
$
54

 
98,654

 
$
987

 
$
1,789,501

 
$
(1,207,063
)
 
$
608

 
$
584,259

 
$
112,967

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

Table of Contents

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited, in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
Net income (loss)
$
(32,649
)
 
$
(31,937
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flow from operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
63,047

 
64,698

Impairment charges
1,660

 

Amortization of intangibles
(59
)
 
(60
)
Recognition of deferred income
144

 
(114
)
Bad debt expense
509

 
183

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
(1,147
)
 
(1,134
)
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities
588

 
763

(Gain) loss on sale of hotel properties, net
9

 
83

Realized and unrealized (gain) loss on marketable securities
448

 
3,346

Purchases of marketable securities
(10,773
)
 
(543
)
Sales of marketable securities
1,275

 

Net settlement of trading derivatives
180

 
323

Realized and unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives
(329
)
 
1,885

Amortization of loan costs and premiums, write-off of premiums, loan costs and exit fees
4,434

 
4,866

Equity-based compensation
7,002

 
428

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, exclusive of effect of dispositions of hotel properties:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable and inventories
(11,389
)
 
(12,827
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(11,348
)
 
(7,273
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
12,275

 
25,767

Due to/from related party
(3,821
)
 
(2,551
)
Due to/from third-party hotel managers
(2,424
)
 
(5,282
)
Due to/from Braemar OP, net

 
(494
)
Due to/from Ashford Inc., net
(2,229
)
 
(1,247
)
Other liabilities
1,258

 
660

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
16,661

 
39,540

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
 
Investment in unconsolidated entity
(667
)
 
(650
)
Acquisition of hotel properties and assets, net of cash acquired
(110
)
 

Improvements and additions to hotel properties
(64,006
)
 
(56,765
)
Net proceeds from sales of assets/properties
10,535

 
17,325

Liquidation of AQUA U.S. Fund

 
48,363

Payments for initial franchise fees
(75
)
 
(75
)
Proceeds from property insurance
651

 
190

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(53,672
)
 
8,388

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
Borrowings on indebtedness
401,528

 

Repayments of indebtedness
(394,704
)
 
(43,441
)
Payments for loan costs and exit fees
(1,997
)
 
(623
)
Payments for dividends and distributions
(23,173
)
 
(24,219
)
Purchases of common stock
(1,462
)
 
6

Payments for derivatives
(229
)
 
(280
)
Other
19

 
88

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(20,018
)
 
(68,469
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(57,029
)
 
(20,541
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
472,072

 
492,473

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and at end of period
$
415,043


$
471,932


6

Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
52,168

 
$
50,110

Income taxes paid (refunded)
(255
)
 

Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activity
 
 
 
Accrued but unpaid capital expenditures
$
18,705

 
$
13,313

Dividends and distributions declared but not paid
26,824

 
25,786

Common stock repurchase accrued but not paid

 
1,281

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
$
354,805

 
$
347,091

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period included in assets held for sale
78

 
976

Restricted cash at beginning of period
116,787

 
144,014

Restricted cash at beginning of period included in assets held for sale
402

 
392

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
$
472,072

 
$
492,473

 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
277,686

 
$
306,670

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period included in assets held for sale
1

 

Restricted cash at end of period
137,145

 
165,262

Restricted cash at end of period included in assets held for sale
211

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
415,043

 
$
471,932

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

7

Table of Contents
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)



1. Organization and Description of Business
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“Ashford Trust”), is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) focused on investing in full-service hotels in the upscale and upper upscale segments in domestic and international markets that have revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) generally less than twice the national average, and in all methods including direct real estate, equity, and debt. We own our lodging investments and conduct our business through Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership (“Ashford Trust OP”), our operating partnership. Ashford OP General Partner LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashford Trust, serves as the sole general partner of our operating partnership. In this report, terms such as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. and all entities included in its consolidated financial statements.
We are advised by Ashford Hospitality Advisors LLC (“Ashford LLC”), a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., through an advisory agreement. All of the hotel properties in our portfolio are currently asset-managed by Ashford LLC. We do not have any employees. All of the services that might be provided by employees are provided to us by Ashford LLC.
As of March 31, 2018, we owned interests in the following assets:
119 consolidated hotel properties, including 117 (one which is held for sale) directly owned and two owned through a majority-owned investment in a consolidated entity, which represent 24,922 total rooms (or 24,895 net rooms excluding those attributable to our partner);
90 hotel condominium units at WorldQuest Resort in Orlando, Florida (“WorldQuest”);
a 28.4% ownership in Ashford Inc. common stock with a carrying value of $0 and a fair value of $57.3 million; and
a 16.3% ownership in OpenKey with a carrying value of $3.0 million.
For federal income tax purposes, we have elected to be treated as a REIT, which imposes limitations related to operating hotels. As of March 31, 2018, our 119 hotel properties were leased or owned by our wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries that are treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries for federal income tax purposes (collectively, these subsidiaries are referred to as “Ashford TRS”). Ashford TRS then engages third-party or affiliated hotel management companies to operate the hotels under management contracts. Hotel operating results related to these properties are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
As of March 31, 2018, Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, together with its affiliates (“Remington Lodging”), which is beneficially wholly owned by Mr. Monty J. Bennett, our Chairman, and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., our Chairman Emeritus, managed 81 of our 119 hotel properties and WorldQuest Resort. Third-party management companies managed the remaining hotel properties.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation—The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc., its majority-owned subsidiaries, and its majority-owned joint ventures in which it has a controlling interest. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated in these consolidated financial statements. We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements. We believe the disclosures made herein are adequate to prevent the information presented from being misleading. However, the financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 14, 2018.
Ashford Trust OP is considered to be a variable interest entity (“VIE”), as defined by authoritative accounting guidance. A VIE must be consolidated by a reporting entity if the reporting entity is the primary beneficiary because it has (i) the power to direct the VIE’s activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, (ii) an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that a VIE operates as designed, and (iii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. All major decisions related to Ashford Trust OP that most significantly impact its economic performance, including but not limited to operating procedures with respect to business affairs and any acquisitions, dispositions, financings, restructurings or other transactions with sellers, purchasers, lenders, brokers, agents and other applicable representatives, are subject to the approval of

8

Table of Contents
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

our wholly-owned subsidiary, Ashford Trust OP General Partner LLC, its general partner. As such, we consolidate Ashford Trust OP.
Historical seasonality patterns at some of our hotel properties cause fluctuations in our overall operating results. Consequently, operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2018, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018.
The following dispositions affect reporting comparability of our consolidated financial statements:
Hotel Property 
 
Location 
 
Type
 
Date
Renaissance
 
Portsmouth, VA
 
Disposition
 
February 1, 2017
Embassy Suites
 
Syracuse, NY
 
Disposition
 
March 6, 2017
Crowne Plaza Ravinia
 
Atlanta, GA
 
Disposition
 
June 29, 2017
SpringHill Suites
 
Glen Allen, VA
 
Disposition
 
February 20, 2018
Use of Estimates—The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Restricted Cash—Restricted cash includes reserves for debt service, real estate taxes, and insurance, as well as excess cash flow deposits and reserves for furniture, fixtures, and equipment replacements of approximately 4% to 6% of property revenue for certain hotels, as required by certain management or mortgage debt agreement restrictions and provisions.
Impairment of Investments in Hotel Properties—Hotel properties are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the hotel is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of the hotel to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, which take into account current market conditions and our intent with respect to holding or disposing of the hotel. If our analysis indicates that the carrying value of the hotel is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, we recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the property’s net book value exceeds its estimated fair value, or fair value, less cost to sell. In evaluating impairment of hotel properties, we make many assumptions and estimates, including projected cash flows, expected holding period, and expected useful life. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including internally developed discounted cash flow models, comparable market transactions and third-party appraisals, where considered necessary. Asset write-downs resulting from property damage are recorded up to the amount of the allocable property insurance deductible in the period that the property damage occurs. See note 5.
Hotel DispositionsDiscontinued operations are defined as the disposal of components of an entity that represents strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. We believe that individual dispositions of hotel properties do not represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations and financial results as most will not fit the definition.
Assets Held for Sale—We classify assets as held for sale when we have obtained a firm commitment from a buyer, and consummation of the sale is considered probable and expected within one year. The related operations of assets held for sale are reported as discontinued if the disposal is a component of an entity that represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations and cash flows. Depreciation and amortization will cease as of the date assets have met the criteria to be deemed held for sale. See note 5.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities—Investments in entities in which we have ownership interests ranging from 16.3% to 28.4%, at March 31, 2018, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting by recording the initial investment and our percentage of interest in the entities’ net income/loss. We review the investments in our unconsolidated entities for impairment in each reporting period pursuant to the applicable authoritative accounting guidance. An investment is impaired when its estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of our investment. Any impairment is recorded in equity in earnings (loss) in unconsolidated entities. No such impairment was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
Our investments in certain unconsolidated entities are considered to be variable interests in the underlying entities. Each VIE, as defined by authoritative accounting guidance, must be consolidated by a reporting entity if the reporting entity is the primary beneficiary because it has (i) the power to direct the VIE’s activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, (ii) an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that a VIE operates as designed, and (iii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. Because we do not have the power and financial responsibility to direct the unconsolidated entities’ activities and operations, we are not considered to be the primary beneficiary of these entities on an ongoing basis and therefore such entities should not be consolidated. In evaluating VIEs, our analysis involves considerable management judgment and assumptions.
Equity-Based Compensation—Stock/unit-based compensation for non-employees is accounted for at fair value based on the market price of the shares at period end in accordance with applicable authoritative accounting guidance that results in recording expense, included in “advisory services fee” and “management fees” equal to the fair value of the award in proportion to the requisite service period satisfied during the period. Performance stock units (“PSUs”) and performance-based Long-Term Incentive Plan (“Performance LTIP”) units granted to certain executive officers are accounted for at fair value at period end based on a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model that results in recording expense, included in “advisory services fee,” equal to the fair value of the award in proportion to the requisite service period satisfied during the period. Stock/unit grants to independent directors are recorded at fair value based on the market price of the shares at grant date, which amount is fully expensed as the grants of stock/units are fully vested on the date of grant.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model, which requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The update replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date to fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the full retrospective or cumulative effect (modified retrospective) transition method. This standard, referred to as “Topic 606,” does not materially affect the amount or timing of revenue recognition for revenues from room, food and beverage, and other hotel level sales. Additionally, we have historically disposed of hotel properties for cash sales with no contingencies and no future involvement in the hotel operations. Therefore, Topic 606 does not impact the recognition of hotel sales. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018, under the modified retrospective method, and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See related disclosures in note 3.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”), which requires an entity to: (i) measure equity investments at fair value through net income, with certain exceptions; (ii) present in OCI the changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option; (iii) present financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; (iv) calculate the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes based on an exit price and; (v) assess a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses of AFS debt securities in combination with other deferred tax assets. ASU 2016-01 provides an election to subsequently measure certain nonmarketable equity investments at cost less any impairment and adjusted for certain observable price changes. It also requires a qualitative impairment assessment of such equity investments and amends certain fair value disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Certain provisions of ASU 2016-01 are eligible for early adoption. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments - a Consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU 2016-15”). The new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. Certain issues addressed in this guidance include - debt payments or debt extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, distributions received from equity method investments and beneficial interests in securitization transactions. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of cash flows.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”), which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether a transaction should be accounted for as an acquisition (or disposal) of an asset or a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. Under the new standard, certain future hotel acquisitions may be considered asset acquisitions rather than business

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

combinations, which would affect capitalization of acquisitions costs (such costs are expensed for business combinations and capitalized for asset acquisitions).
In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets (ASU “2017-05”), which clarifies the scope of ASC Subtopic 610-20, Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. ASU 2017-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. An entity may elect to apply ASU 2017-05 under a retrospective or modified retrospective method. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018, under the modified retrospective method. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The accounting for leases under which we are the lessor remains largely unchanged. While we are currently assessing the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements, we expect the primary impact to our consolidated financial statements upon adoption will be the recognition, on a discounted basis, of our future minimum rentals due under noncancelable leases on our consolidated balance sheets resulting in the recording of ROU assets and lease obligations.
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"). The ASU 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. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-13 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
3. Revenue
On January 1, 2018, we adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method. As the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, no adjustments to opening retained earnings were made as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018, are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under ASC Topic 605-Revenue Recognition.
Rooms revenue represents revenue from the occupancy of our hotel rooms and is driven by the occupancy and average daily rate charged. Rooms revenue includes revenue for guest no-shows, day use, and early/late departure fees. The contracts for room stays with customers are generally short in duration and revenues are recognized as services are provided over the course of the hotel stay.
Food & Beverage (“F&B”) revenue consists of revenue from the restaurants and lounges at our hotel properties, In-room dining and mini-bars revenue, and banquet/catering revenue from group and social functions. Other F&B revenue may include revenue from audio-visual equipment/services, rental of function rooms, and other F&B related revenue. Revenue is recognized as the services or products are provided. Our hotel properties may employ third parties to provide certain services at the property, for example, audio visual services. We evaluate each of these contracts to determine if the hotel is the principal or the agent in the transaction, and record the revenue as appropriate (i.e. gross vs. net).
Other revenue consists of ancillary revenue at the property, including attrition and cancellation fees, resort and destination fees, spas, parking, entertainment and other guest services, as well as rental revenue; primarily consisting of leased retail outlets at our hotel properties. Attrition and cancellation fees are recognized for non-cancellable deposits when the customer provides notification of cancellation within established management policy time frames.
Taxes collected from customers and submitted to taxing authorities are not recorded in revenue. Interest income is recognized when earned. We discontinue recording interest and amortizing discounts/premiums when the contractual payment of interest and/or principal is not received when contractually due.

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

The following tables presents our revenue disaggregated by geographical areas (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Primary Geographical Markets
 
Number of Hotels
 
Rooms
 
Food and Beverage
 
Other Hotel
 
Other
 
Total
Atlanta, GA Area
 
9

 
$
17,259

 
$
4,439

 
$
1,343

 
$

 
$
23,041

Boston, MA Area
 
3

 
9,166

 
1,402

 
776

 

 
11,344

Dallas / Ft. Worth Area
 
7

 
16,482

 
4,963

 
779

 

 
22,224

Houston, TX Area
 
3

 
6,972

 
2,642

 
215

 

 
9,829

Los Angeles, CA Metro Area
 
6

 
20,581

 
4,456

 
999

 

 
26,036

Miami, FL Metro Area
 
3

 
9,994

 
2,555

 
294

 

 
12,843

Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN-WI Area
 
4

 
8,844

 
2,261

 
1,120

 

 
12,225

Nashville, TN Area
 
1

 
10,978

 
2,320

 
472

 

 
13,770

New York / New Jersey Metro Area
 
6

 
16,323

 
4,923

 
744

 

 
21,990

Orlando, FL Area
 
3

 
8,341

 
371

 
196

 

 
8,908

Philadelphia, PA Area
 
3

 
4,907

 
1,030

 
189

 

 
6,126

San Diego, CA Area
 
2

 
4,173

 
240

 
221

 

 
4,634

San Francisco - Oakland, CA Metro Area
 
6

 
18,486

 
1,918

 
466

 

 
20,870

Tampa, FL Area
 
3

 
9,064

 
1,915

 
859

 

 
11,838

Washington DC - MD - VA Area
 
9

 
24,314

 
5,146

 
1,238

 

 
30,698

Other Areas
 
51

 
83,091

 
14,430

 
5,236

 

 
102,757

Orlando WorldQuest
 

 
1,391

 
33

 
338

 

 
1,762

Sold properties
 
1

 
327

 

 
6

 

 
333

Corporate
 

 

 

 

 
979

 
979

Total
 
120

 
$
270,693

 
$
55,044

 
$
15,491

 
$
979

 
$
342,207

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Primary Geographical Markets
 
Number of Hotels
 
Rooms
 
Food and Beverage
 
Other Hotel
 
Other
 
Total
Atlanta, GA Area
 
9

 
$
17,160

 
$
4,985

 
$
1,077

 
$

 
$
23,222

Boston, MA Area
 
3

 
8,867

 
1,780

 
698

 

 
11,345

Dallas / Ft. Worth Area
 
7

 
15,688

 
5,053

 
817

 

 
21,558

Houston, TX Area
 
3

 
7,126

 
2,304

 
161

 

 
9,591

Los Angeles, CA Metro Area
 
6

 
20,382

 
4,774

 
1,154

 

 
26,310

Miami, FL Metro Area
 
3

 
9,369

 
2,572

 
256

 

 
12,197

Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN-WI Area
 
4

 
7,878

 
2,197

 
933

 

 
11,008

Nashville, TN Area
 
1

 
11,797

 
5,548

 
287

 

 
17,632

New York / New Jersey Metro Area
 
6

 
15,656

 
5,579

 
491

 

 
21,726

Orlando, FL Area
 
3

 
8,372

 
585

 
185

 

 
9,142

Philadelphia, PA Area
 
3

 
4,683

 
850

 
189

 

 
5,722

San Diego, CA Area
 
2

 
4,158

 
381

 
165

 

 
4,704

San Francisco - Oakland, CA Metro Area
 
6

 
18,290

 
1,750

 
487

 

 
20,527

Tampa, FL Area
 
3

 
9,316

 
2,346

 
244

 

 
11,906

Washington DC - MD - VA Area
 
9

 
27,503

 
5,622

 
1,295

 

 
34,420

Other Areas
 
51

 
83,310

 
14,405

 
4,832

 

 
102,547

Orlando WorldQuest
 

 
1,317

 
38

 
367

 

 
1,722

Sold properties
 
4

 
5,833

 
2,081

 
128

 

 
8,042

Corporate
 

 

 

 

 
388

 
388

Total
 
123

 
$
276,705

 
$
62,850

 
$
13,766

 
$
388

 
$
353,709

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

4. Investments in Hotel Properties, net
Investments in hotel properties, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Land
$
653,293

 
$
653,293

Buildings and improvements
3,919,109

 
3,895,112

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
492,845

 
468,420

Construction in progress
37,892

 
35,273

Condominium properties
12,233

 
12,196

Total cost
5,115,372

 
5,064,294

Accumulated depreciation
(1,080,781
)
 
(1,028,379
)
Investments in hotel properties, net
$
4,034,591

 
$
4,035,915

5. Hotel Dispositions, Impairment Charges, Insurance Recoveries and Assets Held For Sale
Hotel Dispositions
On February 1, 2017, the Company sold the Renaissance hotel in Portsmouth, Virginia (“Renaissance Portsmouth”) for approximately $9.2 million in cash. The sale resulted in a loss of $43,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017 and is included in “gain (loss) on sale of hotel properties” in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company also repaid approximately $20.2 million of debt associated with the hotel property. See note 7.
On March 6, 2017, the Company sold the Embassy Suites in Syracuse, New York (“Embassy Suites Syracuse”) for approximately $8.8 million in cash. The sale resulted in a loss of $40,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017 and is included in “gain (loss) on sale of hotel properties” in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company also repaid approximately $20.6 million of debt associated with the hotel property. See note 7.
On June 29, 2017, the Company sold the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta, Georgia for approximately $88.7 million in cash. The sale resulted in a gain of $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and is included in “gain (loss) on sale of hotel properties” in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company also repaid approximately $78.7 million of debt associated with the hotel property. See note 7.
On February 20, 2018, we completed the sale of the SpringHill Suites Glen Allen for approximately $10.9 million in cash. The sale resulted in a loss of approximately $9,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and is included in “gain (loss) on sale of hotel properties” in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company also repaid approximately $7.6 million of debt associated with the hotel property. See note 7.

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

We included the results of operations for these hotel properties through the date of disposition in net income (loss). The following table includes condensed financial information from these hotel properties in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2018
 
March 31, 2017
Total hotel revenue
$
333

 
$
8,042

Total hotel operating expenses
(320
)
 
(6,426
)
Operating income (loss)
13

 
1,616

Property taxes, insurance and other
(44
)
 
(422
)
Depreciation and amortization

 
(1,529
)
Gain (loss) on sale of hotel properties
(9
)
 
(83
)
Interest expense and amortization of loan costs
(127
)
 
(1,577
)
Write-off of loan costs and exit fees
(61
)
 
(54
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
(228
)
 
(2,049
)
(Income) loss before income taxes attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership
33

 
316

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company
$
(195
)
 
$
(1,733
)
Impairment Charges and Insurance Recoveries
In August and September 2017, twenty-four of our hotel properties in Texas and Florida were impacted by the effects of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The Company holds insurance policies that provide coverage for property damage and business interruption after meeting certain deductibles at all of its hotel properties. During 2017, the Company recognized impairment charges, net of anticipated insurance recoveries of $2.0 million. Additionally, the Company recognized remediation and other costs, net of anticipated insurance recoveries of $2.8 million, included primarily in other hotel operating expenses. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has recorded an insurance receivable of $267,000, net of deductibles of $4.8 million, included in “accounts receivable, net” on our consolidated balance sheet, related to the anticipated insurance recoveries. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company received proceeds of $612,000 for business interruption losses associated with lost profits, which has been recorded as “other” hotel revenue in our consolidated statement of operations, in excess of the deductible of $360,000.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recorded revenue from business interruption losses associated with lost profits from the hurricanes of $401,000, which is included in “other” hotel revenue in our consolidated statement of operations and recorded an additional increase to the insurance receivable of $64,000 associated with property damage from the hurricanes. We received additional proceeds of $500,000 associated with property damage from the hurricanes during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The Company will not record an insurance recovery receivable for business interruption losses associated with lost profits until the amount for such recoveries is known and the amount is realizable.
Additionally, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recorded a $2.0 million impairment charge at the SpringHill Suites in Centreville, Virginia (“SpringHill Suites Centreville”). We also recorded impairment credits of $302,000 based on changes in estimates of property damages incurred from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded impairment charges of $8.2 million related to the SpringHill Suites Centreville and the SpringHill Suites in Glen Allen, Virginia (“SpringHill Suites Glen Allen”) in the amounts of $4.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively. The impairment charges were based on methodologies discussed in note 2, which are considered Level 3 valuation techniques. SpringHill Suites Glen Allen was sold on February 20, 2018. SpringHill Suites Centreville is currently held for sale and the sale was completed on May 1, 2018. See discussion below.
Assets Held For Sale
At December 31, 2017, the SpringHill Suites Centreville and the SpringHill Suites Glen Allen were classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet based on methodologies discussed in note 2.
On February 20, 2018, we completed the sale of the SpringHill Suites Glen Allen for approximately $10.9 million. The sale resulted in a loss of $9,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and is included in “gain (loss) on sale of hotel properties” in the consolidated statements of operations.

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Since the sale of the hotel properties does not represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations or financial results, their results of operation were not reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. Depreciation and amortization were ceased as of the date the assets were deemed held for sale. At March 31, 2018, the SpringHill Suites Centreville was classified as held for sale.
The major classes of assets and liabilities related to the assets held for sale included in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows:
 
March 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
Assets
 
 
Investments in hotel properties, net
$
7,225

$
17,732

Cash and cash equivalents
1

78

Restricted cash
211

402

Accounts receivable
89

127

Inventories

1

Prepaid expenses
6

21

Other assets
10

31

Due from third-party hotel managers
135

31

Assets held for sale
$
7,677

$
18,423

 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
Indebtedness, net
$
5,992

$
13,221

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
970

662

Due to related party, net

94

Liabilities related to assets held for sale
$
6,962

$
13,977

6. Investment in Unconsolidated Entities
Ashford Inc.
We hold approximately 598,000 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock, which represented an approximate 28.4% ownership interest in Ashford Inc. as of March 31, 2018, with a carrying value of $0 and a fair value of $57.3 million.
The following tables summarize the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and the condensed consolidated statements of operations of Ashford Inc. and our equity in earnings (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
Ashford Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Total assets
$
119,597

 
$
114,810

Total liabilities
$
82,830

 
$
78,742

Redeemable noncontrolling interests
4,662

 
5,111

Total stockholders’ equity of Ashford Inc.
30,545

 
30,185

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities
1,560

 
772

Total equity
32,105

 
30,957

Total liabilities and equity
$
119,597

 
$
114,810

Our ownership interest in Ashford Inc.
$

 
$
437


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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Ashford Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Total revenue
$
48,168

 
$
13,013

Total operating expenses
(53,204
)
 
(15,149
)
Operating income (loss)
(5,036
)
 
(2,136
)
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net

 
(75
)
Interest expense and loan amortization costs
(166
)
 

Other income (expense)
73

 
118

Income tax (expense) benefit
(706
)
 
(630
)
Net income (loss)
(5,835
)
 
(2,723
)
(Income) loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interests
173

 
(25
)
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
(61
)
 
363

Net income (loss) attributable to Ashford Inc.
$
(5,723
)
 
$
(2,385
)
Our equity in earnings (loss) of Ashford Inc.
$
(437
)
 
$
(708
)
OpenKey
In 2016, the Company made investments totaling $2.3 million in OpenKey, which is controlled and consolidated by Ashford Inc., for a 13.3% ownership interest. OpenKey is a hospitality focused mobile key platform that provides a universal smart phone app for keyless entry into hotel guest rooms. In 2018 and 2017 we made additional investments of $667,000 and $983,000, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, the Company has made investments totaling $4.0 million. Our investment is recorded as a component of “investment in unconsolidated entities” in our consolidated balance sheet and is accounted for under the equity method of accounting as we have been deemed to have significant influence over the entity under the applicable accounting guidance. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our ownership interest of approximately 16.3% and 16.2% had a carrying value of $3.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, our equity in earnings (loss) in the unconsolidated entity was a loss of $151,000 and $107,000, respectively.

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

7. Indebtedness
Indebtedness consisted of the following (in thousands):
Indebtedness
 
Collateral
 
Maturity
 
Interest Rate
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Mortgage loan (2)
 
8 hotels
 
January 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 4.95%
 
$

 
$
376,800

Mortgage loan (3)
 
1 hotel
 
April 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 4.95%
 
33,300

 
33,300

Mortgage loan (4)
 
22 hotels
 
April 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 4.39%
 
971,654

 
971,654

Mortgage loan (5)
 
1 hotel
 
May 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 5.10%
 
25,100

 
25,100

Mortgage loan (6)
 
1 hotel
 
June 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 5.10%
 
43,750

 
43,750

Mortgage loan (7)
 
1 hotel
 
July 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 4.15%
 
35,200

 
35,200

Mortgage loan (7)
 
1 hotel
 
July 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 5.10%
 
40,500

 
40,500

Mortgage loan (7)
 
8 hotels
 
July 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 4.09%
 
144,000

 
144,000

Mortgage loan (8)
 
1 hotel
 
August 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 4.95%
 
12,000

 
12,000

Mortgage loan (9) (10)
 
4 hotels
 
August 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 4.35%
 
52,530

 
52,530

Mortgage loan (9)
 
6 hotels
 
August 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 4.35%
 
280,421

 
280,421

Mortgage loan (11) (12) (13)
 
17 hotels
 
October 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 4.55%
 
442,359

 
450,000

Mortgage loan (14)
 
5 hotels
 
February 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 4.75%
 
200,000

 
200,000

Mortgage loan
 
1 hotel
 
July 2019
 
4.00%
 
5,310

 
5,336

Mortgage loan (15)
 
17 hotels
 
November 2019
 
LIBOR (1) + 3.00%
 
427,000

 
427,000

Mortgage loan (2)
 
8 hotels
 
February 2020
 
LIBOR (1) + 2.92%
 
395,000

 

Mortgage loan (16)
 
1 hotel
 
May 2020
 
LIBOR (1) + 2.90%
 
16,100

 
16,100

Mortgage loan
 
1 hotel
 
November 2020
 
6.26%
 
94,754

 
95,207

Mortgage loan (17)
 
2 hotels
 
June 2022
 
LIBOR (1) + 3.00%
 
171,228

 
164,700

Mortgage loan
 
1 hotel
 
November 2022
 
LIBOR (1) + 2.00%
 
97,000

 
97,000

Mortgage loan
 
1 hotel
 
May 2023
 
5.46%
 
53,548

 
53,789

Mortgage loan
 
1 hotel
 
January 2024
 
5.49%
 
6,970

 
7,000

Mortgage loan
 
1 hotel
 
January 2024
 
5.49%
 
10,172

 
10,216

Mortgage loan
 
1 hotel
 
May 2024
 
4.99%
 
6,501

 
6,530

Mortgage loan
 
2 hotels
 
August 2024
 
4.85%
 
12,193

 
12,242

Mortgage loan
 
3 hotels
 
August 2024
 
4.90%
 
24,372

 
24,471

Mortgage loan
 
3 hotels
 
August 2024
 
5.20%
 
65,971

 
66,224

Mortgage loan
 
2 hotels
 
February 2025
 
4.45%
 
20,117

 
20,214

Mortgage loan
 
3 hotels
 
February 2025
 
4.45%
 
52,035

 
52,284

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,739,085

 
3,723,568

Premiums, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,501

 
1,570

Deferred loan costs, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(21,804
)
 
(15,617
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
3,718,782

 
$
3,709,521

 
 

 
 
 

 


 


Indebtedness related to assets held for sale (10)
 
1 hotel
 
August 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 4.35%
 
5,992

 
5,992

Indebtedness related to assets held for sale (12)
 
1 hotel
 
October 2018
 
LIBOR (1) + 4.55%
 

 
7,229

Indebtedness, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
3,712,790

 
$
3,696,300

____________________________________
(1) 
LIBOR rates were 1.883% and 1.564% at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(2) 
On January 17, 2018, we refinanced this mortgage loan totaling $376.8 million set to mature in January 2018 with a new $395.0 million mortgage loan with a two-year initial term one-year extension options, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The new mortgage loan is interest only and bears interest at a rate of LIBOR + 2.92%.
(3) 
This mortgage loan has three one-year extension options, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. The second one-year extension period began in April 2018.
(4) 
On April 9, 2018, we refinanced this mortgage loan totaling $971.7 million set to mature in April 2018 with a new $985.0 million mortgage loan with a two-year initial term and five one-year extension options, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. The new mortgage loan is interest only and bears interest at a rate of LIBOR + 3.20%

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

(5) 
This mortgage loan has three one-year extension options, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. The first one-year extension period began in May 2017.
(6) 
This mortgage loan has three one-year extension options, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. The first one-year extension period began in June 2017.
(7) 
This mortgage loan has three one-year extension options, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. The first one-year extension period began in July 2017.
(8) 
This mortgage loan has two one -year extension options, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.
(9) 
This mortgage loan has three one-year extension options, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. The second one-year extension period began in August 2017.
(10) 
A portion of this mortgage loan at March 31, 2018 and at December 31, 2017 relates to the SpringHill Suites Centerville. See note 5.
(11) 
This mortgage loan has four one-year extension options, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.
(12) 
A portion of this mortgage loan at December 31, 2017 relates to SpringHill Suites Glen Allen. See note 5.
(13) 
This mortgage loan had a $7.6 million pay down of principal related to the SpringHill Suites Glen Allen that was sold on February 20, 2018. See note 5.
(14) 
This mortgage loan has three one-year extension options, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions and a LIBOR floor of 2.0%. The third one-year extension period began in February 2018.
(15) 
This mortgage loan has five one-year extension options, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.
(16) 
This mortgage loan has two one-year extension options, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.
(17) 
This $181.0 million mortgage loan had an initial advance of $164.7 million in May 2017. In February 2018, an additional advance of $6.5 million was taken for a capital expenditures project at one of the hotels securing the mortgage loan.
On February 1, 2017, we repaid $20.2 million of principal on our mortgage loan partially secured by the Renaissance Portsmouth. This hotel property was sold on February 1, 2017.
On March 6, 2017, we repaid $20.6 million of principal on our mortgage loan partially secured by the Embassy Suites Syracuse. This hotel property was sold on March 6, 2017.
On May 10, 2017, we refinanced a $105.0 million mortgage loan, secured by the Renaissance Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee and the Westin in Princeton, New Jersey. The new mortgage loan totals $181.0 million, of which our initial advance was $164.7 million with future advances totaling $16.3 million as reimbursement for capital expenditures. The mortgage loan is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 3.00%. Beginning on July 1, 2020, quarterly principal payments of $750,000 are due. The stated maturity is June 2022, with no extension options.
On May 24, 2017, we refinanced a $15.7 million mortgage loan, secured by the Hotel Indigo (“Indigo Atlanta”) in Atlanta, Georgia. The new mortgage loan totals $16.1 million. The mortgage loan is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 2.90% for the first two years with a 30-year amortization schedule based on a 6% interest rate starting in the third year. The stated maturity is May 2020, with two one-year extension options.
On June 29, 2017, we repaid $78.7 million of principal on our mortgage loan partially secured by the Crowne Plaza Ravinia. This hotel property was sold on June 29, 2017.
On October 30, 2017, we refinanced our $94.7 million mortgage loan, with an outstanding balance of $94.5 million, secured by the Hilton Boston Back Bay. The new mortgage loan totals $97.0 million. The mortgage loan is non-recourse interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 2.00%. The stated maturity is November 2022, with no extension options.
On October 31, 2017, we refinanced a $412.5 million mortgage loan, secured by seventeen hotels. The new mortgage loan totals $427.0 million. The mortgage loan is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 3.00%. The stated maturity is November 2019, with five one-year extension options. The new mortgage loan is secured by the following seventeen hotels: the Courtyard Alpharetta, Courtyard Bloomington, Courtyard Crystal City, Courtyard Foothill Ranch, Embassy Suites Austin, Embassy Suites Dallas, Embassy Suites Houston, Embassy Suites Las Vegas, Embassy Suites Palm Beach, Hampton Inn Evansville, Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville, Hilton Nassau Bay, Hilton St. Petersburg, Residence Inn Evansville, Residence Inn Falls Church, Residence Inn San Diego and Sheraton Indianapolis.
On January 17, 2018, we refinanced our $376.8 million mortgage loan. The new mortgage loan totaled $395.0 million. The new mortgage loan has a two-year initial term and five one-year extension options, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The mortgage loan is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 2.92%. The new mortgage loan is secured by eight hotels: Embassy Suites Portland, Embassy Suites Crystal City, Embassy Suites Orlando, Embassy Suites Santa Clara, Crowne Plaza Key West, Hilton Costa Mesa, Sheraton Minneapolis, and Historic Inns of Annapolis.
On February 20, 2018, we repaid $7.6 million of principal on our mortgage loan partially secured by the SpringHill Suites Glen Allen. This hotel property was sold on February 20, 2018.

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

On April 9, 2018, we refinanced our $971.7 million mortgage loan secured by 22 hotel properties. The new mortgage loan totaled $985.0 million, is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 3.20%. The stated maturity is April 2020 with five one-year extension options, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The new mortgage loan is secured by the same 22 hotel properties that include: the Courtyard Boston Downtown, Courtyard Denver, Courtyard Gaithersburg, Courtyard Savannah, Hampton Inn Parsippany, Hilton Parsippany, Hilton Tampa, Hilton Garden Inn Austin, Hilton Garden Inn BWI, Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach, Hyatt Windwatch Long Island, Hyatt Savannah, Marriott DFW Airport, Marriott Omaha, Marriott San Antonio, Marriott Sugarland, Renaissance Palm Springs, Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, Residence Inn Tampa, Churchill, Melrose and Silversmith.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we recognized premium amortization of $69,000 and $534,000, respectively. The amortization of the premium is computed using a method that approximates the effective interest method, which is included in interest expense and amortization of premiums and loan costs in the consolidated statements of operations.
We are required to maintain certain financial ratios under various debt and related agreements. If we violate covenants in any debt or related agreement, we could be required to repay all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity at a time when we might be unable to arrange financing for such repayment on attractive terms, if at all. The assets of certain of our subsidiaries are pledged under non-recourse indebtedness and are not available to satisfy the debts and other obligations of Ashford Trust or Ashford Trust OP, our operating partnership, and the liabilities of such subsidiaries do not constitute the obligations of Ashford Trust or Ashford Trust OP. As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our debt and related agreements as amended.
8. Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic income (loss) per common share is calculated using the two-class method by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per common share is calculated using the two-class method, or treasury stock method if more dilutive, and reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised or converted into common shares, whereby such exercise or conversion would result in lower income per share.
The following table reconciles the amounts used in calculating basic and diluted income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Income (loss) allocated to common stockholders:
 
 
 
Income (loss) attributable to the Company
$
(26,271
)
 
$
(25,413
)
Less: Dividends on preferred stock
(10,644
)
 
(10,956
)
Less: Dividends on common stock
(11,613
)
 
(11,438
)
Less: Dividends on unvested performance stock units
(123
)
 
(98
)
Less: Dividends on unvested restricted shares
(225
)
 
(205
)
Undistributed income (loss)
(48,876
)
 
(48,110
)
Add back: Dividends on common stock
11,613

 
11,438

Distributed and undistributed income (loss) - basic and diluted
$
(37,263
)
 
$
(36,672
)
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted
95,367

 
94,840

 
 
 
 
Basic income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders per share
$
(0.39
)
 
$
(0.39
)
 
 
 
 
Diluted income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders per share
$
(0.39
)
 
$
(0.39
)

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Due to the anti-dilutive effect, the computation of diluted income (loss) per share does not reflect adjustments for the following items (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Income (loss) allocated to common stockholders is not adjusted for:
 
 
 
Income (loss) allocated to unvested restricted shares
$
225

 
$
205

Income (loss) allocated to unvested performance stock units
123

 
98

Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in operating partnership units
(6,340
)
 
(6,493
)
Total
$
(5,992
)
 
$
(6,190
)
 
 
 
 
Weighted average diluted shares are not adjusted for:
 
 
 
Effect of unvested restricted shares
181

 
117

Effect of unvested performance stock units
551

 
40

Effect of assumed conversion of operating partnership units
17,541

 
17,265

Effect of incentive fee shares
283

 
300

Total
18,556

 
17,722

9. Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Interest Rate Derivatives—We are exposed to risks arising from our business operations, economic conditions and financial markets. To manage these risks, we primarily use interest rate derivatives to hedge our debt and our cash flows. The interest rate derivatives currently include interest rate caps and interest rate floors. These derivatives are subject to master netting settlement arrangements. To mitigate the nonperformance risk, we routinely use a third party’s analysis of the creditworthiness of the counterparties, which supports our belief that the counterparties’ nonperformance risk is limited. All derivatives are recorded at fair value.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we entered into interest rate caps with notional amounts totaling $1.0 billion and strike rates ranging from 2.50% to 4.00%. These interest rate caps had effective dates from January 2018 to March 2018, maturity dates from January 2019 to February 2020 and a total cost of $229,000.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we entered into interest rate caps with notional amounts totaling $1.3 billion and strike rates ranging from 2.50% to 4.44%. These interest rate caps had effective dates from February 2017 to April 2017, termination dates from January 2018 to April 2018 and a total cost of $280,000. These instruments were not designated as cash flow hedges.
As of March 31, 2018, we held interest rate caps with notional amounts totaling $3.6 billion and strike rates ranging from 1.50% to 5.84%. These instruments had maturity dates ranging from April 2018 to February 2020. These instruments cap the interest rates on our mortgage loans with principal balances of $3.3 billion and maturity dates from April 2018 to June 2022. As of March 31, 2018, we held interest rate floors with notional amounts totaling $16.8 billion and strike rates ranging from (0.25)% to 1.5%. These instruments have termination dates ranging from March 2019 to July 2020. Cash collateral is posted by us as well as our counterparties. We offset the fair value of the derivative and the obligation/right to return/reclaim cash collateral.
Credit Default Swap Derivatives—We use credit default swaps, tied to the CMBX index, to hedge financial and capital market risk. A credit default swap is a derivative contract that functions like an insurance policy against the credit risk of an entity or obligation. The seller of protection assumes the credit risk of the reference obligation from the buyer (us) of protection in exchange for annual premium payments. If a default or a loss, as defined in the credit default swap agreements, occurs on the underlying bonds, then the buyer of protection is protected against those losses. The only liability for us, the buyer, is the annual premium and any change in value of the underlying CMBX index (if the trade is terminated prior to maturity). For all CMBX trades completed to date, we were the buyer of protection. Credit default swaps are subject to master-netting settlement arrangements and credit support annexes. As of March 31, 2018, we held credit default swaps with notional amounts totaling $212.5 million. These credit default swaps had effective dates from February 2015 to August 2017 and expected maturity dates from October 2023 to October 2026. Assuming the underlying bonds pay off at par over their remaining average life, our total exposure for these trades was approximately $7.5 million as of March 31, 2018. Cash collateral is posted by us as well as our counterparties. We

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

offset the fair value of the derivative and the obligation/right to return/reclaim cash collateral. The change in market value of credit default swaps is settled net through posting cash collateral or reclaiming cash collateral between us and our counterparties when the change in market value is over $250,000.
10. Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Hierarchy—For disclosure purposes, financial instruments, whether measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis or not measured at fair value, are classified in a hierarchy consisting of three levels based on the observability of valuation inputs in the market place as discussed below:
Level 1: Fair value measurements that are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that we have the ability to access for identical assets or liabilities. Market price data generally is obtained from exchange or dealer markets.
Level 2: Fair value measurements based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.
Level 3: Fair value measurements based on valuation techniques that use significant inputs that are unobservable. The circumstances for using these measurements include those in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
Fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts/payments and the discounted expected variable cash payments/receipts. Fair values of interest rate caps, floors, flooridors and corridors are determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates fell below the strike rates of the floors or rise above the strike rates of the caps. Variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts and payments on the swaps, caps, and floors are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves (LIBOR forward curves) and volatilities (Level 2 inputs). We also incorporate credit valuation adjustments (Level 3 inputs) to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk.
Fair values of credit default swaps are obtained from a third party who publishes various information including the index composition and price data (Level 2 inputs). The fair value of credit default swaps does not contain credit-risk-related adjustments as the change in fair value is settled net through posting cash collateral or reclaiming cash collateral between us and our counterparty.
Fair values of interest rate floors are calculated using a third-party discounted cash flow model based on future cash flows that are expected to be received over the remaining life of the floor. These expected future cash flows are probability-weighted projections based on the contract terms, accounting for both the magnitude and likelihood of potential payments, which are both computed using the appropriate LIBOR forward curve and market implied volatilities as of the valuation date (Level 2 inputs). 
Fair value of options on futures contracts is determined based on the last reported settlement price as of the measurement date (Level 1 inputs). These exchange-traded options are centrally cleared, and a clearinghouse stands in between all trades to ensure that the obligations involved in the trades are satisfied.
Fair values of marketable securities and liabilities associated with marketable securities, including public equity securities, equity put and call options, and other investments, are based on their quoted market closing prices (Level 1 inputs).
When a majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. However, when valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by us and our counterparties, which we consider significant (10% or more) to the overall valuation of our derivatives, the derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Transfers of inputs between levels are determined at the end of each reporting period. In determining the fair values of our derivatives at March 31, 2018, the LIBOR interest rate forward curve (Level 2 inputs) assumed an uptrend from 1.883% to 2.597% for the remaining term of our derivatives. Credit spreads (Level 3 inputs) used in determining the fair values of hedge and non-hedge designated derivatives assumed an uptrend in nonperformance risk for us and all of our counterparties through the maturity dates.

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis aggregated by the level within which measurements fall in the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
 
 
Quoted Market Prices (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Counterparty and Cash Collateral Netting(1)
 
Total
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives - floors
$

 
$
219

 
$

 
$
93

 
$
312

(2) 
 
Interest rate derivatives - caps

 
500

 

 

 
500

(2) 
 
Credit default swaps

 
(182
)
 

 
1,758

 
$
1,576

(2) 
 
 

 
537

 

 
1,851

 
2,388

 
 
Non-derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
35,976

 

 

 

 
35,976

(3) 
 
Total
$
35,976

 
$
537

 
$

 
$
1,851

 
$
38,364

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives - floors
$

 
$
311

 
$

 
32

 
$
343

(2) 
 
Interest rate derivatives - caps

 
137

 

 

 
137

(2) 
 
Credit default swaps

 
(469
)
 

 
1,999

 
1,530

(2) 
 
 

 
(21
)
 

 
2,031

 
2,010

 
 
Non-derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
26,926

 

 

 

 
26,926

(3) 
 
Total
$
26,926

 
$
(21
)
 
$

 
$
2,031

 
$
28,936

 
____________________________________
(1) Represents net cash collateral posted between us and our counterparties.
(2) Reported net as “derivative assets, net” in our consolidated balance sheets.
(3) Reported as “marketable securities” in our consolidated balance sheets.

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Effect of Fair-Value-Measured Assets and Liabilities on Consolidated Statements of Operations
The following tables summarize the effect of fair-value-measured assets and liabilities on the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
 
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives - floors
$
(91
)
 
$
(1,637
)
 
Interest rate derivatives - caps
134

 
(300
)
 
Credit default swaps
286

(4) 
82

(4) 
Options on futures contracts

 
(78
)
 
 
329

 
(1,933
)
 
Non-derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
Equity
(448
)
 
(3,346
)
 
Total
(119
)
 
(5,279
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Credit default swaps

(4) 
48

(4) 
Net
$
(119
)
 
$
(5,231
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total combined
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives - floors
$
(91
)
 
$
(1,637
)
 
Interest rate derivatives - caps
134

 
(300
)
 
Credit default swaps
286

 
3,120

 
Options on futures contracts

 
235

 
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
329

(1) 
1,418

(1) 
Realized gain (loss) on credit default swaps

(2) (4) 
(2,990
)
(2) (4) 
Realized gain (loss) on options on futures contracts

(2) 
(313
)
(2) 
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
(558
)
(3) 
(3,346
)
(3) 
Realized gain (loss) on marketable securities
110

(2) 

(2) 
Net
$
(119
)
 
$
(5,231
)
 
____________________________________
(1) 
Reported as “unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives” in our consolidated statements of operations.
(2) 
Included in “other income (expense)” in our consolidated statements of operations.
(3) 
Reported as “unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities” in our consolidated statements of operations.
(4) 
Excludes costs of $266 and $253 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, included in “other income (expense)” associated with credit default swaps.

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

11. Summary of Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Determining estimated fair values of our financial instruments such as notes receivable and indebtedness requires considerable judgment to interpret market data. Market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies used may have a material effect on estimated fair value amounts. Accordingly, estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of amounts at which these instruments could be purchased, sold, or settled. Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments, for periods indicated, were as follows (in thousands):
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities
$
35,976

 
$
35,976

 
$
26,926

 
$
26,926

Derivative assets, net
2,388

 
2,388

 
2,010

 
2,010

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets not measured at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$
277,687

 
$
277,687

 
$
354,883

 
$
354,883

Restricted cash (1)
137,356

 
137,356

 
117,189

 
117,189

Accounts receivable, net (1)
54,667

 
54,667

 
44,384

 
44,384

Due from related party, net
2,140

 
2,140

 

 

Due from third-party hotel managers
19,470

 
19,470

 
17,418

 
17,418

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial liabilities not measured at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indebtedness (1)
$
3,740,586

 
$3,582,947 to $3,960,098

 
$
3,725,138

 
$3,559,993 to $3,934,727

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1)
144,133

 
144,133

 
133,063

 
133,063

Dividends and distributions payable
26,824

 
26,824

 
25,045

 
25,045

Due to Ashford Inc., net
12,917

 
12,917

 
15,146

 
15,146

Due to related party, net (1)

 

 
1,161

 
1,161

Due to third-party hotel managers
2,059

 
2,059

 
2,431

 
2,431

____________________________________
(1) Includes balances associated with assets held for sale and liabilities associated with assets held for sale as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. These financial assets bear interest at market rates and have original maturities of less than 90 days. The carrying value approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. This is considered a Level 1 valuation technique.
Accounts receivable, net, accounts payable and accrued expenses, dividends and distributions payable, due to/from related party, net, due to Ashford Inc., net and due to/from third-party hotel managers. The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature. This is considered a Level 1 valuation technique.
Marketable securities. Marketable securities consist of U.S. treasury bills, publicly traded equity securities, and put and call options on certain publicly traded equity securities. The fair value of these investments is based on quoted market closing prices at the balance sheet date. See note 10 for a complete description of the methodology and assumptions utilized in determining the fair values.
Derivative assets, net. Fair value of interest rate derivatives is determined using the net present value of expected cash flows of each derivative based on the market-based interest rate curve and adjusted for credit spreads of us and our counterparties. Fair values of credit default swap derivatives are obtained from a third party who publishes the CMBX index composition and price data. Fair values of interest rate floors are calculated using a third-party discounted cash flow model based on future cash flows that are expected to be received over the remaining life of the floor. Fair values of options on futures contracts are valued at their last reported settlement price as of the measurement date. See notes 9 and 10 for a complete description of the methodology and assumptions utilized in determining fair values.
Indebtedness. Fair value of indebtedness is determined using future cash flows discounted at current replacement rates for these instruments. Cash flows are determined using a forward interest rate yield curve. Current replacement rates are determined by using the U.S. Treasury yield curve or the index to which these financial instruments are tied and adjusted for credit spreads.

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

Credit spreads take into consideration general market conditions, maturity, and collateral. We estimated the fair value of total indebtedness to be approximately 95.8% to 105.9% of the carrying value of $3.7 billion at March 31, 2018 and approximately 95.6% to 105.6% of the carrying value of $3.7 billion at December 31, 2017. This is considered a Level 2 valuation technique.
12. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in the operating partnership represents the limited partners’ proportionate share of equity in earnings/losses of the operating partnership, which is an allocation of net income/loss attributable to the common unit holders based on the weighted average ownership percentage of these limited partners’ common units of limited partnership interest in the operating partnership (“common units”) and the units issued under our Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP units”) that are vested. Each common unit may be redeemed for either cash or, at our sole discretion, up to one share of our REIT common stock, which is either (i) issued pursuant to an effective registration statement, (ii) included in an effective registration statement providing for the resale of such common stock or (iii) issued subject to a registration rights agreement.
LTIP units, which are issued to certain executives and employees of Ashford LLC as compensation, have vesting periods ranging from three to five years. Additionally, certain independent members of the board of directors have elected to receive LTIP units as part of their compensation, which are fully vested upon grant. Upon reaching economic parity with common units, each vested LTIP unit can be converted by the holder into one common unit which can then be redeemed for cash or, at our election, settled in our common stock. An LTIP unit will achieve parity with the common units upon the sale or deemed sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the operating partnership at a time when our stock is trading at a level in excess of the price it was trading on the date of the LTIP issuance. More specifically, LTIP units will achieve full economic parity with common units in connection with (i) the actual sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the operating partnership or (ii) the hypothetical sale of such assets, which results from a capital account revaluation, as defined in the partnership agreement, for the operating partnership.
The compensation committee of the board of directors of the Company approved Performance LTIP units to certain executive officers. The award agreements provide for the grant of a target number of performance-based LTIP units that will be settled in common units of Ashford Trust OP, if and when the applicable vesting criteria have been achieved following the end of the performance and service period. The target number of performance-based LTIP units may be adjusted from 0% to 200% based on achievement of specified absolute and relative total stockholder returns based on the formulas determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee on the grant date. Compensation expense of $408,000 was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and an expense credit of $88,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, there are approximately 2.4 million performance-based LTIP units, representing 200% of the target, outstanding. The performance criteria for the Performance LTIP units are based on market conditions under the relevant literature, and the Performance LTIP units were granted to non-employees. The Performance LTIP units unamortized fair value of $5.8 million at March 31, 2018 will be expensed over a period of 3.0 years, subject to future mark to market adjustments.
As of March 31, 2018, we have issued a total of 12.9 million LTIP and Performance LTIP units, all of which, other than approximately 1.6 million units (582,000 of which are Performance LTIP units) have reached full economic parity with, and are convertible into, common units. Expense of $708,000 and $171,000 was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which was associated with LTIP units issued to Ashford LLC’s employees and Ashford Trust’s directors and is included in “advisory services fee” and “corporate, general and administrative,” respectively, in our consolidated statements of operations. As the LTIP units are issued to non-employees, the compensation expense was determined based on the share price as of the end of the period. The fair value of the unrecognized cost of LTIP units, which was $5.8 million at March 31, 2018, will be expensed over a period of 3.0 years, subject to future mark to market adjustments.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, there were no common units redeemed. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, approximately 21,000 common units with an aggregate fair value of approximately $161,000 were redeemed by the holder and, at our election, we issued shares of our common stock to satisfy the redemption price.
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, including vested LTIP units, in our operating partnership as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, were $113.0 million and $116.1 million, respectively, which represented ownership of our operating partnership of 14.66% and 15.52%, respectively. The carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interests as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, included adjustments of $158.8 million and $154.3 million, respectively, to reflect the excess of the redemption value over the accumulated historical costs. Redeemable noncontrolling interests were allocated net loss of $6.3 million and net loss $6.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We declared aggregate cash distributions to holders of common units and holders of LTIP units of $2.5 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

13. Equity and Equity-Based Compensation
Common Stock Dividends—For each of the 2018 and 2017 quarters, the board of directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.12 per outstanding share of common stock with an annualized target of $0.48 per share for 2018.
Restricted Stock Units—Stock-based compensation expense of $2.6 million and $415,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, in connection with equity awards granted to employees of Ashford LLC, certain employees of Remington Lodging and Ashford Trust’s directors and is included in “advisory services fee,” “management fees” and “corporate, general and administrative,” respectively, in our consolidated statements of operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, approximately $1.5 million of the compensation expense was related to the accelerated vesting of equity awards granted to one of our executive officers upon his passing, in accordance with the terms of the awards. At March 31, 2018, the unamortized cost of the unvested shares of restricted stock was $11.2 million, which will be amortized over a period of 3.0 years, subject to future mark to market adjustments.
Performance Stock Units—The compensation committee of the board of directors of the Company approved PSUs to certain executive officers, which have a three year cliff vesting. The award agreements provide for the grant of a target number of PSUs that will be settled in shares of common stock of the Company, if and when the applicable vesting criteria have been achieved following the end of the performance and service period. The target number of PSUs may be adjusted from 0% to 200% based on achievement of specified absolute and relative total stockholder returns based on the formulas determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee on the grant date. The performance criteria for the PSUs are based on market conditions under the relevant literature, and the PSUs were granted to non-employees. Compensation expense of $3.3 million and expense credit of $71,000 was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, approximately $3.0 million of the compensation expense was related to the accelerated vesting of PSUs granted to one of our executive officers upon his passing, in accordance with the terms of the awards. These amounts are included in “advisory services fee” on our consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the unamortized cost of PSUs of $5.6 million at March 31, 2018, will be expensed over a period of approximately 3.0 years, subject to future mark to market adjustments.
Preferred Dividends—During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the board of directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.5281 per share for our 8.45% Series D cumulative preferred stock, $0.4609 per share for our 7.375% Series F cumulative preferred stock, $0.4609 per share for our 7.375% Series G cumulative preferred stock, $0.46875 per share for our 7.50% Series H cumulative preferred stock and $0.46875 per share for our 7.50% Series I cumulative preferred stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the board of directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.5344 per share for our 8.55% Series A preferred stock, $0.5281 per share for our 8.45% Series D cumulative preferred stock and $0.4609 per share for our 7.375% Series F cumulative preferred stock and $0.4609 per share for our 7.375% Series G cumulative preferred stock.
At-the-Market Equity Distribution Program-On December 11, 2017, the Company established an “at-the-market” equity distribution program pursuant to which it may, from time to time, sell shares of its Common Stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $100 million. As of March 31, 2018, no shares of our common stock have been sold under this program.
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Entities—Our noncontrolling entity partner had an ownership interest of 15% in two hotel properties and a total carrying value of $608,000 and $646,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Our ownership interest is reported in equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities were allocated net loss of $38,000 and $31,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
14. Commitments and Contingencies
Restricted Cash—Under certain management and debt agreements for our hotel properties existing at March 31, 2018, escrow payments are required for insurance, real estate taxes, and debt service. In addition, for certain properties based on the terms of the underlying debt and management agreements, we escrow 4% to 6% of gross revenues for capital improvements.
Franchise Fees—Under franchise agreements for our hotel properties existing at March 31, 2018, we pay franchisor royalty fees between 3% and 6% of gross rooms revenue and, in some cases, 1% to 3% of food and beverage revenues. Additionally, we pay fees for marketing, reservations, and other related activities aggregating between 1% and 4% of gross rooms revenue and, in some cases, food and beverage revenues. These franchise agreements expire on varying dates between 2018 and 2047. When a franchise term expires, the franchisor has no obligation to renew the franchise. A franchise termination could have a material adverse effect on the operations or the underlying value of the affected hotel due to loss of associated name recognition, marketing support, and centralized reservation systems provided by the franchisor. A franchise termination could also have a material adverse effect on cash available for distribution to stockholders. In addition, if we breach the franchise agreement and the franchisor

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

terminates a franchise prior to its expiration date, we may be liable for up to three times the average annual fees incurred for that property.
We incurred franchise fees of $16.1 million and $16.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Franchise fees are included in “other” hotel expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Management Fees—Under management agreements for our hotel properties existing at March 31, 2018, we pay a) monthly property management fees equal to the greater of approximately $13,000 (increased annually based on consumer price index adjustments) or 3% of gross revenues, or in some cases 2% to 7% of gross revenues, as well as annual incentive management fees, if applicable, b) project management fees of up to 4% of project costs, c) market service fees including purchasing, design and construction management not to exceed 16.5% of project management budget cumulatively, including project management fees, and d) other general fees at current market rates as approved by our independent directors, if required. These management agreements expire from 2020 through 2038, with renewal options. If we terminate a management agreement prior to its expiration, we may be liable for estimated management fees through the remaining term and liquidated damages or, in certain circumstances, we may substitute a new management agreement.
Income Taxes— We and our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the federal jurisdiction and various states. Tax years 2013 through 2017 remain subject to potential examination by certain federal and state taxing authorities.
Potential Pension Liabilities—Upon our 2006 acquisition of a hotel property, certain employees of such hotel were unionized and covered by a multi-employer defined benefit pension plan. At that time, no unfunded pension liabilities existed. Subsequent to our acquisition, a majority of employees, who are employees of the hotel manager, Remington Lodging, petitioned the employer to withdraw recognition of the union. As a result of the decertification petition, Remington Lodging withdrew recognition of the union. At the time of the withdrawal, the National Retirement Fund, the union’s pension fund, indicated unfunded pension liabilities existed. The National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) filed a complaint against Remington Lodging seeking, among other things, that Remington Lodging’s withdrawal of recognition was unlawful. Pending the final determination of the NLRB complaint, including appeals, the pension fund entered into a settlement agreement with Remington Lodging on November 1, 2011, providing that (a) Remington Lodging will continue to make monthly pension fund payments pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement, and (b) if the withdrawal of recognition is ultimately deemed lawful, Remington Lodging will have an unfunded pension liability equal to $1.7 million minus the monthly pension payments made by Remington Lodging since the settlement agreement. To illustrate, if Remington Lodging - as of the date a final determination occurs - has made monthly pension payments equaling $100,000, Remington Lodging’s remaining withdrawal liability shall be the unfunded pension liability of $1.7 million minus $100,000 (or $1.6 million). This remaining unfunded pension liability shall be paid to the pension fund in annual installments of $84,000 (but may be made monthly or quarterly, at Remington Lodging’s election), which shall continue for the remainder of the twenty-(20)-year capped period, unless Remington Lodging elects to pay the unfunded pension liability amount earlier. We agreed to indemnify Remington Lodging for the payment of the unfunded pension liability, if any, as set forth in the settlement agreement.
LitigationPalm Beach Florida Hotel and Office Building Limited Partnership, et al. v. Nantucket Enterprises, Inc. This litigation involves a landlord tenant dispute from 2008 in which the landlord, Palm Beach Florida Hotel and Office Building Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of the Company, claimed that the tenant had violated various lease provisions of the lease agreement and was therefore in default. The tenant counterclaimed and asserted multiple claims including that it had been wrongfully evicted. The litigation was instituted by the plaintiff in November 2008 in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, in and for Palm Beach County, Florida and proceeded to a jury trial on June 30, 2014. The jury entered its verdict awarding the tenant total claims of $10.8 million and ruling against the landlord on its claim of breach of contract. In 2016, the Court of Appeals reduced the original $10.8 million judgment to $8.8 million and added pre-judgment interest on the wrongful eviction judgment. The case was further appealed to the Florida Supreme Court. On May 23, 2017, the trial court issued an order compelling the company that issued the supersedeas bond, RLI Insurance Company (“RLI”), to pay approximately $10.0 million. On June 1, 2017, RLI paid Nantucket this amount and sought reimbursement from the Company. On June 27, 2017, the Florida Supreme Court denied the Company's petition for review. As a result, all of the appeals were exhausted and the judgment was final with the determination and reimbursement of attorney's fees being the only remaining dispute. On June 29, 2017, the balance of the judgment was paid to Nantucket by the Company. As of March 31, 2018, we have accrued approximately $1.1 million, which represents the Company’s best estimate of the amount of potential legal fees that could be owed.
We are engaged in other various legal proceedings which have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. The likelihood of loss from these legal proceedings, based on definitions within contingency accounting literature, ranges from remote to reasonably possible and to probable. Based on estimates of the range of potential losses associated with these matters, management does not believe the ultimate resolution of these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. However, the final results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

with certainty and if we fail to prevail in one or more of these legal matters, and the associated realized losses exceed our current estimates of the range of potential losses, our consolidated financial position or results of operations could be materially adversely affected in future periods.
15. Segment Reporting
We operate in one business segment within the hotel lodging industry: direct hotel investments. Direct hotel investments refer to owning hotel properties through either acquisition or new development. We report operating results of direct hotel investments on an aggregate basis as substantially all of our hotel investments have similar economic characteristics and exhibit similar long-term financial performance. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, all of our hotel properties were domestically located.
16. Related Party Transactions
Ashford LLC, a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., acts as our advisor, and as a result, we pay advisory fees to Ashford LLC. We are required to pay Ashford LLC a quarterly base fee that is a percentage of our total market capitalization on a declining sliding scale plus the Key Money Asset Management Fee (defined in our advisory agreement as the aggregate gross asset value of all key money assets multiplied by 0.70%), subject to a minimum quarterly base fee, as payment for managing our day-to-day operations in accordance with our investment guidelines. Total market capitalization includes the aggregate principal amount of our consolidated indebtedness (including our proportionate share of debt of any entity that is not consolidated but excluding our joint venture partners’ proportionate share of consolidated debt). The range of base fees on the scale is between 0.70% and 0.50% per annum for total market capitalization that ranges from less than $6.0 billion to greater than $10.0 billion. At March 31, 2018, the quarterly base fee was 0.70% based on our current market capitalization. We are also required to pay Ashford LLC an incentive fee that is measured annually. Each year that our annual total stockholder return exceeds the average annual total stockholder return for our peer group we will pay Ashford LLC an incentive fee over the following three years, subject to the FCCR Condition, as defined in the advisory agreement, which relates to the ratio of adjusted EBITDA to fixed charges. We also reimburse Ashford LLC for certain reimbursable overhead and internal audit, risk management advisory and asset management services, as specified in the advisory agreement. We also record equity-based compensation expense for equity grants of common stock and LTIP units awarded to our officers and employees of Ashford LLC in connection with providing advisory services equal to the fair value of the award in proportion to the requisite service period satisfied during the period.
The following table summarizes the advisory services fees incurred (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Advisory services fee
 
 
 
Base advisory fee
$
8,615

 
$
8,716

Reimbursable expenses (1)
1,529

 
1,522

Equity-based compensation (2) 
6,746

 
403

Incentive fee
187

 

Total advisory services fee
$
17,077

 
$
10,641

________
(1) 
Reimbursable expenses include overhead, internal audit, risk management advisory and asset management services.
(2) 
Equity-based compensation is associated with equity grants of Ashford Trust’s common stock, LTIP units and Performance LTIP units awarded to officers and employees of Ashford LLC.
In 2016, $4.0 million of key money consideration was invested in furniture, fixtures and equipment by Ashford Inc. to be used by Ashford Trust, which represented all of the key money consideration for the Le Pavillon Hotel. This arrangement is accounted for as a lease, in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance. As such, a portion of the base advisory fee is allocated to lease expense equal to the estimated fair value of the lease payments that would have been made. As a result, lease expense of $156,000 and $164,000 was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and was included in “other” hotel expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
In accordance with our advisory agreement, our advisor, or entities in which our advisor has an interest, have a right to provide products or services to our hotel properties, provided such transactions are evaluated and approved by our independent

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ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(unaudited)

directors. The following table summarizes the entities in which our advisor has an interest with which we or our hotel properties contracted for products and services, the amounts paid by us for those services, the applicable classification on our consolidated financial statements and the amount payable to each entity (included in “due to Ashford Inc.”) (in thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
As of
March 31, 2018
As of December 31, 2017
Company
 
Product or Service
Transaction Amount
Investments in Hotel Properties, net (1)
 
Indebtedness, net (2)
 
Other Hotel Revenue
 
Other Hotel Expenses
 
Corporate, General and Administrative
Due to (from) Ashford Inc.
OpenKey
 
Mobile key app
$
25

$

 
$

 
$

 
$
25

 
$

$
8

$
8

Pure Rooms
 
“Allergy friendly” premium rooms
338

338

 

 

 

 

137

296

Lismore Capital
 
Mortgage placement services
632


 
(632
)
 

 

 



J&S Audio Visual
 
Commissions from audio visual services
273


 

 
273

 

 

268

52

AIM
 
Cash management services
181


 

 

 

 
181

(26
)
347

Ashford LLC
 
Insurance claims services
19


 

 

 

 
19

19


________
(1) 
Recorded in furniture, fixtures and equipment and depreciated over the estimated useful life.
(2) 
Recorded as deferred loan costs, which are included in “indebtedness, net” on our consolidated balance sheets and amortized over the initial term of the applicable loan agreement.
At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had payables of $12.5 million and $14.5 million, respectively, included in due to Ashford Inc., net, associated with the advisory services.
Certain employees of Remington Lodging, who perform work on behalf of Ashford Trust, were granted approximately 131,000 and 177,000 shares of restricted stock under the Ashford Trust Stock Plan in 2017 and 2018, respectively. These share grants were accounted for under the applicable accounting guidance related to share-based payments granted to non-employees and are recorded as a component of “management fees” in our consolidated statements of operations. Expense of $257,000 and $25,000 was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The unamortized fair value of these grants was $2.1 million as of March 31, 2018, which will be amortized over a period of 3.0 years, subject to future mark to market adjustments.
17. Subsequent Events
On April 9, 2018, we refinanced our $971.7 million mortgage loan secured by 22 hotel properties. The new mortgage loan totaled $985.0 million, is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 3.20%. The stated maturity is April 2020 with five one-year extension options, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The new mortgage loan is secured by the same 22 hotel properties that include: the Courtyard Boston Downtown, Courtyard Denver, Courtyard Gaithersburg, Courtyard Savannah, Hampton Inn Parsippany, Hilton Parsippany, Hilton Tampa, Hilton Garden Inn Austin, Hilton Garden Inn BWI, Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach, Hyatt Windwatch Long Island, Hyatt Savannah, Marriott DFW Airport, Marriott Omaha, Marriott San Antonio, Marriott Sugarland, Renaissance Palm Springs, Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, Residence Inn Tampa, Churchill, Melrose and Silversmith.
On May 1, 2018, we completed the sale of the SpringHill Suites Centerville for approximately $7.5 million in cash. We also repaid approximately $6.6 million of principal on our mortgage loan partially secured by the hotel property.


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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein. This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”) cautions investors that any forward-looking statements presented herein, or which management may express orally or in writing from time to time, are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions at that time.
Throughout this Form 10-Q, we make forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “approximately,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” or other similar words or expressions. Additionally, statements regarding the following subjects are forward-looking by their nature: 
our business and investment strategy, including our ability to complete proposed business transactions described herein or the expected benefit of any such transactions;
anticipated or expected purchases or sales of assets;
our projected operating results;
completion of any pending transactions;
our ability to obtain future financing arrangements;
our understanding of our competition;
market trends;
projected capital expenditures; and
the impact of technology on our operations and business.
Such forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance taking into account all information currently known to us. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations can change as a result of many potential events or factors, not all of which are known to us. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and other objectives may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Additionally, the following factors could cause actual results to vary from our forward-looking statements:
factors discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2018, including those set forth under the sections titled “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Business,” and “Properties,” as updated in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q;
general and economic business conditions affecting the lodging and travel industry;
general volatility of the capital markets and the market price of our common and preferred stock;
changes in our business or investment strategy;
availability, terms, and deployment of capital;
availability of qualified personnel to our advisor;
changes in our industry and the market in which we operate, interest rates, or local economic conditions;
the degree and nature of our competition;
actual and potential conflicts of interest with our advisor, Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, our executive officers and our non-independent directors;
changes in governmental regulations, accounting rules, tax rates and similar matters;
legislative and regulatory changes, including changes to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and related rules, regulations and interpretations governing the taxation of REITs; and
limitations imposed on our business and our ability to satisfy complex rules in order for us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.
When we use words or phrases such as “will likely result,” “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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Overview
Based on our primary business objectives and forecasted operating conditions, our current key priorities and financial strategies include, among other things:
acquisition of hotel properties that will be accretive to our portfolio;
disposition of non-core hotel properties;
pursuing capital market activities to enhance long-term stockholder value;
preserving capital, enhancing liquidity, and continuing current cost-saving measures;
implementing selective capital improvements designed to increase profitability;
implementing effective asset management strategies to minimize operating costs and increase revenues;
financing or refinancing hotels on competitive terms;
utilizing hedges and derivatives to mitigate risks; and
making other investments or divestitures that our board of directors deems appropriate.
Our current investment strategy is to focus on owning predominantly full-service hotels in the upscale and upper upscale segments in domestic and international markets that have revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) generally less than twice the national average. We believe that as supply, demand, and capital market cycles change, we will be able to shift our investment strategy to take advantage of new lodging-related investment opportunities as they may develop. Our board of directors may change our investment strategy at any time without stockholder approval or notice. We will continue to seek ways to benefit from the cyclical nature of the hotel industry.
Recent Developments
On January 16, 2018, we made an additional $667,000 investment in OpenKey.
On January 17, 2018, we refinanced our $376.8 million mortgage loan. The new mortgage loan totaled $395.0 million. The new mortgage loan has a two-year initial term and five one-year extension options, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The mortgage loan is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 2.92%. The new mortgage loan is secured by eight hotels: Embassy Suites Portland, Embassy Suites Crystal City, Embassy Suites Orlando, Embassy Suites Santa Clara, Crowne Plaza Key West, Hilton Costa Mesa, Sheraton Minneapolis, and Historic Inns of Annapolis.
On February 20, 2018, we completed the sale of the SpringHill Suites Glen Allen for approximately $10.9 million in cash. The sale resulted in a loss of $9,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and is included in “gain (loss) on sale of hotel properties” in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company also repaid approximately $7.6 million of debt associated with the hotel property.
On April 9, 2018, we refinanced our $971.7 million mortgage loan secured by 22 hotel properties. The new mortgage loan totaled $985.0 million, is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 3.20%. The stated maturity is April 2020 with five one-year extension options, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The new mortgage loan is secured by the same 22 hotel properties that include: the Courtyard Boston Downtown, Courtyard Denver, Courtyard Gaithersburg, Courtyard Savannah, Hampton Inn Parsippany, Hilton Parsippany, Hilton Tampa, Hilton Garden Inn Austin, Hilton Garden Inn BWI, Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach, Hyatt Windwatch Long Island, Hyatt Savannah, Marriott DFW Airport, Marriott Omaha, Marriott San Antonio, Marriott Sugarland, Renaissance Palm Springs, Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, Residence Inn Tampa, Churchill, Melrose and Silversmith.
On May 1, 2018, we completed the sale of the SpringHill Suites Centerville for approximately $7.5 million in cash. We also repaid approximately $6.6 million of principal on our mortgage loan partially secured by the hotel property.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our cash position from operations is affected primarily by macro industry movements in occupancy and rate as well as our ability to control costs. Further, interest rates can greatly affect the cost of our debt service as well as the value of any financial hedges we may put in place. We monitor industry fundamentals and interest rates very closely. Capital expenditures above our reserves will affect cash flow as well.
Certain of our loan agreements contain cash trap provisions that may get triggered if the performance of our hotels decline. When these provisions are triggered, substantially all of the profit generated by our hotels is deposited directly into lockbox accounts and then swept into cash management accounts for the benefit of our various lenders. This could affect our liquidity and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

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Also, we have entered into certain customary guaranty agreements pursuant to which we guaranty payment of any recourse liabilities of our subsidiaries or joint ventures that may result from non-recourse carve-outs, which include, but are not limited to fraud, misrepresentation, willful misconduct resulting in waste, misappropriations of rents following an event of default, voluntary bankruptcy filings, unpermitted transfers of collateral, and certain environmental liabilities. Certain of these guarantees represent a guaranty of material amounts, and if we are required to make payments under those guarantees, our liquidity could be adversely affected.
On December 5, 2017, the board of directors reapproved a stock repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”) pursuant to which the board of directors granted a repurchase authorization to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) having an aggregate value of up to $200 million. The board of director’s authorization replaced any previous repurchase authorizations. No shares were repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2018 pursuant to the Repurchase Program.
On December 11, 2017, we entered into equity distribution agreements with UBS Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, B. Riley FBR, Inc., Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, D.A. Davidson & Co., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, each acting as a sales agent (the “Equity Distribution Agreements”). Pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreements, we may sell from time to time through the sales agents shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $100.0 million. Sales of shares of our common stock, if any, may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange, the existing trading market for our common stock, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange or through an electronic communications network. We will pay each of the sales agents a commission, which in each case shall not be more than 2.0% of the gross sales price of the shares of our common stock sold through such sales agent. As of March 31, 2018, no shares of our common stock have been sold under this program.
On January 17, 2018, we refinanced our $376.8 million mortgage loan. The new mortgage loan totaled $395.0 million. The new mortgage loan has a two-year initial term and five one-year extension options, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The mortgage loan is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 2.92%. The new mortgage loan is secured by eight hotels: Embassy Suites Portland, Embassy Suites Crystal City, Embassy Suites Orlando, Embassy Suites Santa Clara, Crowne Plaza Key West, Hilton Costa Mesa, Sheraton Minneapolis, and Historic Inns of Annapolis.
On February 20, 2018, we repaid $7.6 million of principal on our mortgage loan partially secured by the SpringHill Suites Glen Allen as a result of the sale of the hotel property.
On April 9, 2018, we refinanced our $971.7 million mortgage loan secured by 22 hotel properties. The new mortgage loan totaled $985.0 million, is interest only and provides for a floating interest rate of LIBOR + 3.20%. The stated maturity is April 2020 with five one-year extension options, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The new mortgage loan is secured by the same 22 hotel properties that include: the Courtyard Boston Downtown, Courtyard Denver, Courtyard Gaithersburg, Courtyard Savannah, Hampton Inn Parsippany, Hilton Parsippany, Hilton Tampa, Hilton Garden Inn Austin, Hilton Garden Inn BWI, Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach, Hyatt Windwatch Long Island, Hyatt Savannah, Marriott DFW Airport, Marriott Omaha, Marriott San Antonio, Marriott Sugarland, Renaissance Palm Springs, Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, Residence Inn Tampa, Churchill, Melrose and Silversmith.
On May 1, 2018, we completed the sale of the SpringHill Suites Centerville for approximately $7.5 million in cash. We also repaid approximately $6.6 million of principal on our mortgage loan partially secured by the hotel property.
Our principal sources of funds to meet our cash requirements include: cash on hand, cash flow from operations, capital market activities, property refinancing proceeds and asset sales. Additionally, our principal uses of funds are expected to include possible operating shortfalls, owner-funded capital expenditures, dividends, new investments, and debt interest and principal payments. Items that impacted our cash flow and liquidity during the periods indicated are summarized as follows:
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities. Net cash flows provided by operating activities, pursuant to our consolidated statements of cash flows, which includes changes in balance sheet items, were $16.7 million and $39.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cash flows from operations were impacted by changes in hotel operations, our hotel dispositions in 2017 and 2018, as well as the timing of collecting receivables from hotel guests, paying vendors, settling with related parties and settling with hotel managers.
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, net cash flows used in investing activities were $53.7 million. Cash outflows primarily consisted of $64.0 million for capital improvements made to various hotel properties and an additional $667,000 investment in OpenKey. Cash outflows were partially offset by cash inflows of $10.5 million from proceeds received from the sale of the SpringHill Suites Glen Allen and $651,000 from property insurance. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, net cash flows provided by investing activities were $8.4 million. Cash inflows

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primarily consisted of $48.4 million of proceeds associated with the liquidation of our interests in the AQUA U.S. Fund, $17.3 million attributable to the net cash proceeds received from the sales of the Renaissance Portsmouth and Embassy Suites Syracuse and $190,000 of proceeds from property insurance. Cash inflows were partially offset by $56.8 million for capital improvements made to various hotel properties, and an additional $650,000 investment in OpenKey.
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, net cash flows used in financing activities were $20.0 million. Cash outflows primarily consisted of $394.7 million for repayments of indebtedness, $23.2 million for dividend payments to common and preferred stockholders and unitholders, $2.0 million for payments of loan costs and exit fees, $1.5 million for the repurchase of common stock and $229,000 of payments for derivatives. Cash outflows were partially offset by cash inflows of $401.5 million from borrowings on indebtedness. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, net cash flows used in financing activities were $68.5 million. Cash outflows primarily consisted of $43.4 million for repayments of indebtedness, $24.2 million for dividend payments to common and preferred stockholders and unitholders, $623,000 for payments of loan costs and exit fees and $280,000 of payments for derivatives.
We are required to maintain certain financial ratios under various debt and derivative agreements. If we violate covenants in any debt or derivative agreement, we could be required to repay all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity at a time when we might be unable to arrange financing for such repayment on attractive terms, if at all. Presently, our existing financial debt covenants primarily relate to maintaining minimum net worth and leverage ratios and liquidity. As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance in all material respects with all covenants or other requirements set forth in our debt and related agreements.
Mortgage and mezzanine loans are nonrecourse to the borrowers, except for customary exceptions or carve-outs that trigger recourse liability to the borrowers in certain limited instances. Recourse obligations typically include only the payment of costs and liabilities suffered by lenders as a result of the occurrence of certain bad acts on the part of the borrower. However, in certain cases, carve-outs could trigger recourse obligations on the part of the borrower with respect to repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount of the loans. We have entered into customary guaranty agreements pursuant to which we guaranty payment of any recourse liabilities of the borrowers that result from non-recourse carve-outs (which include, but are not limited to, fraud, misrepresentation, willful conduct resulting in waste, misappropriations of rents following an event of default, voluntary bankruptcy filings, unpermitted transfers of collateral, and certain environmental liabilities). In the opinion of management, none of these guaranty agreements, either individually or in the aggregate, are likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition as of March 31, 2018.
Based on our current level of operations, management believes that our cash flow from operations and our existing cash balances should be adequate to meet upcoming anticipated requirements for interest and principal payments on debt (excluding any potential final maturity principal payments), working capital, and capital expenditures for the next 12 months and dividends required to maintain our status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. With respect to upcoming maturities, we will continue to proactively address the refinancing or repayment of our 2019 and 2020 maturities. No assurances can be given that we will obtain additional financings or, if we do, what the amount and terms will be. Our failure to obtain future financing under favorable terms could adversely impact our ability to execute our business strategy. In addition, we may selectively pursue debt financing on individual properties.
We are committed to an investment strategy where we will opportunistically pursue hotel-related investments as suitable situations arise. Funds for future hotel-related investments are expected to be derived, in whole or in part, from cash on hand, future borrowings under a credit facility or other loans, or proceeds from additional issuances of common stock, preferred stock, or other securities, asset sales, and joint ventures. However, we have no formal commitment or understanding to invest in additional assets, and there can be no assurance that we will successfully make additional investments. We may, when conditions are suitable, consider additional capital raising opportunities.
Our existing hotel properties are mostly located in developed areas with competing hotel properties. Future occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR of any individual hotel could be materially and adversely affected by an increase in the number or quality of competitive hotel properties in its market area. Competition could also affect the quality and quantity of future investment opportunities.
Dividend Policy. During the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the board of directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.12 per share of outstanding common stock. In December 2017, the board of directors approved our 2018 dividend policy which anticipates a quarterly dividend payment of $0.12 per share for the remainder of 2018. However, the adoption of a dividend policy does not commit our board of directors to declare future dividends. The board of directors will continue to review our dividend policy on a quarterly basis. We may incur indebtedness to meet distribution requirements imposed on REITs under the Internal Revenue Code to the extent that working capital and cash flow from our investments are insufficient to fund required distributions. Alternatively, we may elect to pay dividends on our common stock in cash or a combination of cash and shares of securities as permitted under federal income tax laws governing REIT distribution requirements. We may pay dividends in excess of our cash flow.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenue per available room, or RevPAR, is a commonly used measure within the hotel industry to evaluate hotel operations. RevPAR is defined as the product of the ADR charged and the average daily occupancy achieved. RevPAR does not include revenues from food and beverage or parking, telephone, or other guest services generated by the property. Although RevPAR does not include these ancillary revenues, it is generally considered the leading indicator of core revenues for many hotels. We also use RevPAR to compare the results of our hotels between periods and to analyze results of our comparable hotels (comparable hotels represent hotels we have owned for the periods under comparison). RevPAR improvements attributable to increases in occupancy are generally accompanied by increases in most categories of variable operating costs. RevPAR improvements attributable to increases in ADR are generally accompanied by increases in limited categories of operating costs, such as management fees and franchise fees.
The following table summarizes changes in key line items from our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Total revenue
$
342,207

 
$
353,709

 
$
(11,502
)
Total hotel operating expenses
(216,671
)
 
(226,602
)
 
9,931

Property taxes, insurance and other
(18,359
)
 
(18,333
)
 
(26
)
Depreciation and amortization
(63,047
)
 
(64,698
)
 
1,651

Impairment charges
(1,660
)
 

 
(1,660
)
Transaction costs
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
1

Advisory services fee
(17,077
)
 
(10,641
)
 
(6,436
)
Corporate general and administrative
(2,129
)
 
(5,170
)
 
3,041

Operating income (loss)
23,262

 
28,262

 
(5,000
)
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities
(588
)
 
(763
)
 
175

Interest income
746

 
208

 
538

Gain (loss) on sale of hotel properties
(9
)
 
(83
)
 
74

Other income (expense)
76

 
(3,120
)
 
3,196

Interest expense and amortization of loan costs
(54,743
)
 
(55,305
)
 
562

Write-off of premiums, loan costs and exit fees
(2,050
)
 
(54
)
 
(1,996
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
(558
)
 
(3,346
)
 
2,788

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
329

 
1,418

 
(1,089
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
886

 
846

 
40

Net income (loss)
(32,649
)
 
(31,937
)
 
(712
)
(Income) loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interests
38

 
31

 
7

Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership
6,340

 
6,493

 
(153
)
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company
$
(26,271
)
 
$
(25,413
)
 
$
(858
)

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All hotel properties owned during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 have been included in our results of operations during the respective periods in which they were owned. Based on when a hotel property was acquired or disposed, operating results for certain hotel properties are not comparable for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. The hotel properties listed below are not comparable hotel properties for the periods indicated and all other hotel properties are considered comparable hotel properties. The following dispositions affect reporting comparability related to our consolidated financial statements:
Hotel Property
 
Location 
 
Type
 
Date
Renaissance (1)
 
Portsmouth, VA
 
Disposition
 
February 1, 2017
Embassy Suites (1)
 
Syracuse, NY
 
Disposition
 
March 6, 2017
Crowne Plaza Ravinia (1)
 
Atlanta, GA
 
Disposition
 
June 29, 2017
SpringHill Suites (1)
 
Glen Allen, VA
 
Disposition
 
February 20, 2018
____________________________________
(1) Collectively reported as “Hotel Dispositions”
The following table illustrates the key performance indicators of all hotel properties and WorldQuest owned for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
RevPAR (revenue per available room)
$
119.33

 
$
118.24

Occupancy
73.98
%
 
74.59
%
ADR (average daily rate)
$
161.31

 
$
158.51

The following table illustrates the key performance indicators of the 119 comparable hotel properties and WorldQuest that were included for the full three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
RevPAR (revenue per available room)
$
119.55

 
$
119.75

Occupancy
74.04
%
 
74.94
%
ADR (average daily rate)
$
161.46

 
$
159.81

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to the Company. Net loss attributable to the Company increased $858,000 from a net loss of $25.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (the “2017 quarter”) to $26.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (the “2018 quarter”) as a result of the factors discussed below.
Revenue. Rooms revenue from our hotel properties and WorldQuest decreased $6.0 million, or 2.2%, to $270.7 million in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter. This decrease is attributable to lower rooms revenue of $5.5 million from our Hotel Dispositions and $506,000 from our comparable hotel properties and WorldQuest, which experienced an increase of 1.0% in room rates and a decrease of 90 basis points in occupancy.
Food and beverage revenue decreased $7.8 million, or 12.4%, to $55.0 million in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter. This decrease is attributable to lower food and beverage revenue of $2.1 million from our Hotel Dispositions and $5.7 million from our comparable hotel properties and WorldQuest.
Other hotel revenue, which consists mainly of Internet access, parking, spa and business interruption revenue, increased $1.7 million, or 12.5%, to $15.5 million in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter. This increase is primarily attributable to higher other revenue of $1.8 million from our comparable hotel properties and WorldQuest, which included $401,000 of business interruption revenue related to Hurricane Irma, partially offset by lower other revenue of $122,000 from our Hotel Dispositions. Other non-hotel revenue increased $591,000, or 152.3%, to $979,000 in the 2018 quarter.
Hotel Operating Expenses. Hotel operating expenses decreased $9.9 million, or 4.4%, to $216.7 million in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter. Hotel operating expenses consist of direct expenses from departments associated with revenue

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streams and indirect expenses associated with support departments and management fees. Direct expenses decreased $5.5 million in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter, which was comprised of a decrease of $2.9 million from our Hotel Dispositions and $2.6 million from our comparable hotel properties and WorldQuest. Direct expenses were 29.8% of total hotel revenue for 2018 and 30.3% for the 2017 quarter. Indirect expenses and management fees decreased $4.4 million in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter, which was comprised of a decrease of $3.2 million from our Hotel Dispositions and a decrease of $3.8 million related to an additional accrual in the 2017 quarter related to the final judgment in the lawsuit captioned Palm Beach Florida Hotel and Office Building Limited Partnership, et al. v. Nantucket Enterprises, Inc. These decreases were offset by an increase of $2.6 million from our comparable hotel properties and WorldQuest.
Property Taxes, Insurance and Other. Property taxes, insurance and other increased $26,000 or 0.1%, to $18.4 million in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter. The increase was primarily due to $403,000 from our comparable hotel properties and WorldQuest, partially offset by a decrease of $377,000 from our Hotel Dispositions.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased $1.7 million or 2.6%, to $63.0 million in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter. The decrease was primarily due to $1.5 million of depreciation and amortization related to our Hotel Dispositions and $122,000 from our comparable hotel properties and WorldQuest.
Impairment Charges. We recorded an impairment charge of $1.7 million in the 2018 quarter which was comprised of a $2.0 million impairment charge at the SpringHill Suites Centerville, partially offset by impairment credits of $302,000 from changes in estimates of property damage incurred from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Transaction Costs. Transaction costs were $2,000 in the 2018 quarter compared to $3,000 in the 2017 quarter.
Advisory Services Fee. Advisory services fee increased $6.4 million, or 60.5%, to $17.1 million in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter, which represented fees paid in connection with the advisory agreement between Ashford Inc. and the Company. In the 2018 quarter, the advisory services fee was comprised of a base advisory fee of $8.6 million, equity-based compensation of $6.7 million associated with equity grants of our common stock and LTIP units awarded to the officers and employees of Ashford Inc., reimbursable expenses of $1.5 million and an incentive fee of $187,000. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, approximately $4.5 million of the equity-based compensation expense was related to the accelerated vesting of equity awards granted to one of our executive officers upon his passing, in accordance with the terms of the awards. In the 2017 quarter, the advisory services fee was comprised of a base advisory fee of $8.7 million, reimbursable expenses of $1.5 million and equity-based compensation of $403,000 associated with equity grants of our common stock and LTIP units awarded to the officers and employees of Ashford Inc.
Corporate General and Administrative. Corporate general and administrative expense decreased $3.0 million, or 58.8%, to $2.1 million in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower transaction, acquisition and management conversion costs of $2.6 million and lower public company costs, office expenses, professional fees and other miscellaneous expenses of $445,000 in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter.
Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Unconsolidated Entities. We recorded equity in loss of unconsolidated entities of $588,000 and $763,000 in the 2018 and 2017 quarters, respectively. The 2018 quarter included equity in loss of $437,000 from Ashford Inc. and $151,000 from OpenKey. The 2017 quarter included equity in loss of $709,000 from Ashford Inc., and $106,000 from OpenKey, partially offset by equity in earnings of $52,000 from the AQUA U.S. Fund.
Interest Income. Interest income was $746,000 and $208,000 in the 2018 and 2017 quarters, respectively.
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Hotel Properties. Loss on sale of hotel properties was $9,000 and $83,000 in the 2018 and 2017 quarters, respectively. The loss in the 2018 quarter was primarily related to the sale of SpringHill Suites Glen Allen. The loss in the 2017 quarter was primarily related to the sale of the Renaissance Portsmouth and Embassy Suites Syracuse.
Other Income (Expense). Other income (expense) changed $3.2 million, from expense of $3.1 million in the 2017 quarter to income of $76,000 in the 2018 quarter. In the 2018 quarter, we recognized dividend income of $140,000, realized gain on marketable securities of $110,000 and other income of $92,000, partially offset by CMBX premiums and usage fees of $266,000. In the 2017 quarter, we recognized a realized loss of $3.0 million related to the termination of CMBX tranches, $313,000 related to the maturity of options on futures contracts, and $ 253,000 of CMBX premiums and usage fees. These expenses were partially offset by dividend income of $432,000.
Interest Expense and Amortization of Loan Costs. Interest expense and amortization of loan costs decreased $562,000, or 1.0%, to $54.7 million in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter. The decrease is primarily due to lower interest expense and amortization of loan costs of $1.5 million from our Hotel Dispositions, partially offset by an increase of $888,000 from higher

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interest expense and amortization of loan costs as a result of refinances and an increase in LIBOR rates. The average LIBOR rates in the 2018 quarter and the 2017 quarter were 1.65% and 0.83%, respectively.
Write-off of Premiums, Loan Costs and Exit Fees. Write-off of premiums, loan costs and exit fees increased $2.0 million to $2.1 million in the 2018 quarter compared to the 2017 quarter. In the 2018 quarter, we incurred exit fees of $2.0 million related to the refinance of a mortgage loan and a $61,000 write-off of loan costs and exit fees related to the sale of the SpringHill Suites Glen Allen. In the 2017 quarter, we incurred exit fees of $54,000 related to the sale of the Portsmouth Renaissance and Embassy Suites Syracuse.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities. Unrealized loss on marketable securities was $558,000 and $3.3 million in the 2018 and 2017 quarters, respectively, which was based on changes in closing market prices during the quarter.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives. Unrealized gain on derivatives decreased $1.1 million, or 76.8%, from $1.4 million in the 2017 quarter to $329,000 in the 2018 quarter. In the 2018 quarter, we recognized unrealized gains of $286,000 and $134,000 associated with CMBX tranches and interest rate caps, respectively, partially offset by an unrealized loss of $91,000 from interest rate floors. In the 2017 quarter, we recorded unrealized gains of $3.0 million related to CMBX tranche terminations, $313,000 associated with the maturity of options on futures contracts and $130,000 on outstanding CMBX tranches. These unrealized gains were partially offset by unrealized losses of $1.6 million, $300,000 and $78,000 associated with interest rate floors, interest rate caps and options on futures contracts, respectively. The fair value of interest rate floors and interest rate derivatives are primarily based on movements in the LIBOR forward curve and the passage of time. The fair value of options on futures contracts is determined based on the last reported settlement price as of the measurement date. The fair value of credit default swaps is based on the change in value of CMBX indices.
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit. Income tax benefit increased $40,000, or 4.7% from $846,000 in the 2017 quarter to $886,000 in the 2018 quarter. The increase in income tax benefit is primarily due to a decrease in taxable income recognized by our TRS entities.
(Income) Loss from Consolidated Entities Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. Our noncontrolling interest partner in consolidated entities was allocated a loss of $38,000 and $31,000 in the 2018 and 2017 quarters, respectively.
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership. Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership were allocated a net loss of $6.3 million and $6.5 million in the 2018 and 2017 quarters, respectively. Redeemable noncontrolling interests represented ownership interests of 14.66% and 15.40% in the operating partnership at March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
SEASONALITY
Our properties’ operations historically have been seasonal as certain properties maintain higher occupancy rates during the summer months, while certain other properties maintain higher occupancy rates during the winter months. This seasonality pattern can cause fluctuations in our quarterly lease revenue under our percentage leases. We anticipate that our cash flows from the operations of our properties will be sufficient to enable us to make quarterly distributions to maintain our REIT status. To the extent that cash flows from operations are insufficient during any quarter due to temporary or seasonal fluctuations in lease revenue, we expect to utilize other cash on hand or borrowings to fund required distributions. However, we cannot make any assurances that we will make distributions in the future.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
In the normal course of business, we form partnerships or joint ventures that operate certain hotels. We evaluate each partnership and joint venture to determine whether the entity is a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). If the entity is determined to be a VIE, we assess whether we are the primary beneficiary and need to consolidate the entity. For further discussion of the company’s VIEs, see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
There have been no material changes since December 31, 2017, outside of the ordinary course of business, to contractual obligations specified in the table of contractual obligations included in the section “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our 2017 Form 10-K.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our accounting policies that are critical or most important to understanding our financial condition and results of operations and that require management to make the most difficult judgments are described in our 2017 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in these critical accounting policies.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The following non-GAAP presentations of EBITDA, EBITDAre, Adjusted EBITDAre, FFO and AFFO are presented to help our investors evaluate our operating performance.
EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense and amortization of premiums and loan costs, net, interest income other than interest income from mezzanine loans, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and equity in earnings/loss of unconsolidated entities. In addition, we include impairment charges on real estate, gain/loss on sale of hotel properties and our portion of impairment charges on real estate and gain/loss on sale of hotel properties of unconsolidated entities to calculate EBITDAre, as defined by NAREIT.
We then further adjust EBITDAre to exclude certain additional items such as uninsured hurricane related costs, write-off of premiums, loan costs and exit fees, other income/expense, net, transaction, acquisition and management conversion costs, legal judgment and related legal costs, dead deal costs and non-cash items such as amortization of unfavorable contract liabilities, non-cash stock/unit-based compensation, unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities, derivative instruments, investment in securities investment fund, as well as our portion of adjustments to EBITDAre of unconsolidated entities.
We present EBITDA, EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDAre because we believe they reflect more accurately the ongoing performance of our hotel assets and other investments and provide more useful information to investors as they are indicators of our ability to meet our future debt payment requirements, working capital requirements and they provide an overall evaluation of our financial condition. EBITDA, EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDAre as calculated by us may not be comparable to EBITDA, EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDAre reported by other companies that do not define EBITDA, EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDAre exactly as we define the terms. EBITDA, EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDAre do not represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to operating income or net income determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of performance or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as determined by GAAP as an indicator of liquidity.
Beginning with the three months ended March 31, 2018, we have started reporting EBITDA for real estate, or EBITDAre, as defined by NAREIT, and Adjusted EBITDAre. Previously, we reported Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDAre is calculated in a similar manner as Adjusted EBITDA, with the exception of the adjustment for the consolidated noncontrolling interest’s pro rata share of Adjusted EBITDA. The rationale for including 100% of EBITDAre for consolidated noncontrolling interests is that the full amount of any debt of these entities is reported in our consolidated balance sheet and therefore metrics using total debt to EBITDAre provide a better understanding of the Company’s leverage. This is also consistent with NAREIT’s definition of EBITDAre. All prior periods have been adjusted to conform to the current period presentation.

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The following table reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA, EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDAre (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net income (loss)
$
(32,649
)
 
$
(31,937
)
Interest income
(746
)
 
(208
)
Interest expense and amortization of premiums and loan costs, net
54,743

 
55,305

Depreciation and amortization
63,047

 
64,698

Income tax expense (benefit)
(886
)
 
(846
)
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities
588

 
815

Company's portion of EBITDA of unconsolidated entities (Ashford Inc.)
(964
)
 
(384
)
Company's portion of EBITDA of unconsolidated entities (OpenKey)
(139
)
 
(124
)
EBITDA
82,994

 
87,319

Impairment charges on real estate
1,660

 

(Gain) loss on sale of hotel properties
9

 
83

EBITDAre
84,663

 
87,402

Amortization of unfavorable contract liabilities
(39
)
 
(384
)
Uninsured hurricane related costs
(211
)
 

Write-off of premiums, loan costs and exit fees
2,050

 
54

Other (income) expense, net
(76
)
 
3,120

Transaction, acquisition and management conversion costs
84

 
2,676

Legal judgment and related legal costs
(419
)
 
3,801

Unrealized (gain) loss on marketable securities
558

 
3,346

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives
(329
)
 
(1,418
)
Dead deal costs

 
4

Non-cash stock/unit-based compensation
7,002

 
428

Company's portion of (gain) loss of AQUA U.S. Fund

 
(52
)
Company's portion of adjustments to EBITDAre of unconsolidated entities (Ashford Inc.)
2,493

 
1,883

Company's portion of adjustments to EBITDAre of unconsolidated entities (OpenKey)
5

 
1

Adjusted EBITDAre
$
95,781

 
$
100,861

We calculate FFO and AFFO in the following table. FFO is calculated on the basis defined by NAREIT, which is net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains or losses on properties, and extraordinary items as defined by GAAP, plus depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, impairment charges on real estate assets, and after adjustments for unconsolidated entities and noncontrolling interests in the operating partnership. Adjustments for unconsolidated entities are calculated to reflect FFO on the same basis. NAREIT developed FFO as a relative measure of performance of an equity REIT to recognize that income-producing real estate historically has not depreciated on the basis determined by GAAP. Our calculation of AFFO excludes extinguishment of issuance costs upon redemption of preferred stock, write-off of loan costs and exit fees, other impairment charges, uninsured hurricane related costs, other income/expense, net transaction, acquisition and management conversion costs, legal judgment and related legal costs, dead deal costs and non-cash items such as non-cash stock/unit-based compensation, unrealized gains/losses on marketable securities, derivative instruments, investment in securities investment fund, as well as our portion of adjustments to FFO related to unconsolidated entities. We exclude items from AFFO that are either non-cash or are not part of our core operations in order to provide a period-over-period comparison of our operating results. We consider FFO and AFFO to be appropriate measures of our ongoing normalized operating performance as a REIT. We compute FFO in accordance with our interpretation of standards established by NAREIT, which may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that either do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or interpret the NAREIT definition differently than us. FFO and AFFO do not represent cash generated from operating activities as determined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to a) GAAP net income or loss as an indication of our financial performance or b) GAAP cash flows from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to satisfy our cash needs, including our ability to make cash distributions. However, to facilitate a clear understanding of our historical operating results, we believe that FFO and AFFO should be considered along with our net income or loss and cash flows reported in the consolidated financial statements.

39

Table of Contents

The following table reconciles net income (loss) to FFO and Adjusted FFO (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net income (loss)
$
(32,649
)
 
$
(31,937
)
(Income) loss from consolidated entities attributable to noncontrolling interest
38

 
31

Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership
6,340

 
6,493

Preferred dividends
(10,644
)
 
(10,956
)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
(36,915
)
 
(36,369
)
Depreciation and amortization of real estate
62,989

 
64,635

(Gain) loss on sale of hotel properties
9

 
83

Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership
(6,340
)
 
(6,493
)
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities
588

 
815

Impairment charges on real estate
1,660

 

Company's portion of FFO of unconsolidated entities (Ashford Inc.)
(1,632
)
 
(709
)
Company's portion of FFO of unconsolidated entities (OpenKey)
(141
)
 
(125
)
FFO available to common stockholders and OP unitholders
20,218

 
21,837

Write-off of premiums, loan costs and exit fees
2,050

 
54

Uninsured hurricane related costs
(211
)
 

Other (income) expense
(76
)
 
3,120

Transaction, acquisition and management conversion costs
84

 
2,676

Legal judgment and related legal costs
(419
)
 
3,801

Unrealized (gain) loss on marketable securities
558

 
3,346

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives
(329
)
 
(1,418
)
Dead deal costs

 
4

Non-cash stock/unit-based compensation
7,002

 
428

Company's portion of (gain) loss of AQUA U.S. Fund

 
(52
)
Company's portion of adjustments to FFO of unconsolidated entities (Ashford Inc.)
2,493

 
1,883

Company's portion of adjustments to FFO of unconsolidated entities (OpenKey)
5

 
1

Adjusted FFO available to common stockholders and OP unitholders
$
31,375

 
$
35,680



40

Table of Contents

HOTEL PORTFOLIO
The following table presents certain information related to our hotel properties as of March 31, 2018:
Hotel Property 
 
Location 
 
Service Type
 
Total Rooms 
 
% Owned
 
Owned Rooms
Fee Simple Properties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Embassy Suites
 
Austin, TX
 
Full service
 
150

 
100
%
 
150

Embassy Suites
 
Dallas, TX
 
Full service
 
150

 
100

 
150

Embassy Suites
 
Herndon, VA
 
Full service
 
150

 
100

 
150

Embassy Suites
 
Las Vegas, NV
 
Full service
 
220

 
100

 
220

Embassy Suites
 
Flagstaff, AZ
 
Full service
 
119

 
100

 
119

Embassy Suites
 
Houston, TX
 
Full service
 
150

 
100

 
150

Embassy Suites
 
West Palm Beach, FL
 
Full service
 
160

 
100

 
160

Embassy Suites
 
Philadelphia, PA
 
Full service
 
263

 
100

 
263

Embassy Suites
 
Walnut Creek, CA
 
Full service
 
249

 
100

 
249

Embassy Suites
 
Arlington, VA
 
Full service
 
267

 
100

 
267

Embassy Suites
 
Portland, OR
 
Full service
 
276

 
100

 
276

Embassy Suites
 
Santa Clara, CA
 
Full service
 
257

 
100

 
257

Embassy Suites
 
Orlando, FL
 
Full service
 
174

 
100

 
174

Hilton Garden Inn
 
Jacksonville, FL
 
Select service
 
119

 
100

 
119

Hilton Garden Inn
 
Austin, TX
 
Select service
 
254

 
100

 
254

Hilton Garden Inn
 
Baltimore, MD
 
Select service
 
158

 
100

 
158

Hilton Garden Inn
 
Virginia Beach, VA
 
Select service
 
176

 
100

 
176

Hilton Garden Inn
 
Wisconsin Dells, WI
 
Select service
 
128

 
100

 
128

Hilton
 
Houston, TX
 
Full service
 
242

 
100

 
242

Hilton
 
St. Petersburg, FL
 
Full service
 
333

 
100

 
333

Hilton
 
Santa Fe, NM
 
Full service
 
158

 
100

 
158

Hilton
 
Bloomington, MN
 
Full service
 
300

 
100

 
300

Hilton
 
Costa Mesa, CA
 
Full service
 
486

 
100

 
486

Hilton
 
Boston, MA
 
Full service
 
390

 
100

 
390

Hilton
 
Parsippany, NJ
 
Full service
 
353

 
100

 
353

Hilton
 
Tampa, FL
 
Full service
 
238

 
100

 
238

Hampton Inn
 
Lawrenceville, GA
 
Select service
 
85

 
100

 
85

Hampton Inn
 
Evansville, IN
 
Select service
 
140

 
100

 
140

Hampton Inn
 
Parsippany, NJ
 
Select service
 
152

 
100

 
152

Hampton Inn
 
Buford, GA
 
Select service
 
92

 
100

 
92

Hampton Inn
 
Phoenix, AZ
 
Select service
 
106

 
100

 
106

Hampton Inn - Waterfront
 
Pittsburgh, PA
 
Select service
 
113

 
100

 
113

Hampton Inn - Washington
 
Pittsburgh, PA
 
Select service
 
103

 
100

 
103

Hampton Inn
 
Columbus, OH
 
Select service
 
145

 
100

 
145

Marriott
 
Beverly Hills, CA
 
Full service
 
260

 
100

 
260

Marriott
 
Durham, NC
 
Full service
 
225

 
100

 
225

Marriott
 
Arlington, VA
 
Full service
 
701

 
100

 
701

Marriott
 
Bridgewater, NJ
 
Full service
 
347

 
100

 
347

Marriott
 
Dallas, TX
 
Full service
 
265

 
100

 
265

Marriott
 
Fremont, CA
 
Full service
 
357

 
100

 
357

Marriott
 
Memphis, TN
 
Full service
 
232

 
100

 
232

Marriott
 
Irving, TX
 
Full service
 
491

 
100

 
491

Marriott
 
Omaha, NE
 
Full service
 
300

 
100

 
300

Marriott
 
San Antonio, TX
 
Full service
 
251

 
100

 
251


41

Table of Contents

Hotel Property 
 
Location 
 
Service Type
 
Total Rooms 
 
% Owned
 
Owned Rooms
Marriott
 
Sugarland, TX
 
Full service
 
300

 
100

 
300

SpringHill Suites by Marriott
 
Jacksonville, FL
 
Select service
 
102

 
100

 
102

SpringHill Suites by Marriott
 
Baltimore, MD
 
Select service
 
133

 
100

 
133

SpringHill Suites by Marriott
 
Kennesaw, GA
 
Select service
 
90

 
100

 
90

SpringHill Suites by Marriott
 
Buford, GA
 
Select service
 
97

 
100

 
97

SpringHill Suites by Marriott (5)
 
Centreville, VA
 
Select service
 
136

 
100

 
136

SpringHill Suites by Marriott
 
Charlotte, NC
 
Select service
 
136

 
100

 
136

SpringHill Suites by Marriott
 
Durham, NC
 
Select service
 
120

 
100

 
120

SpringHill Suites by Marriott
 
Manhattan Beach, CA
 
Select service
 
164

 
100

 
164

SpringHill Suites by Marriott
 
Plymouth Meeting, PA
 
Select service
 
199

 
100

 
199

Fairfield Inn by Marriott
 
Kennesaw, GA
 
Select service
 
86

 
100

 
86

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Bloomington, IN
 
Select service
 
117

 
100

 
117

Courtyard by Marriott - Tremont
 
Boston, MA
 
Select service
 
315

 
100

 
315

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Columbus, IN
 
Select service
 
90

 
100

 
90

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Denver, CO
 
Select service
 
202

 
100

 
202

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Louisville, KY
 
Select service
 
150

 
100

 
150

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Gaithersburg, MD
 
Select service
 
210

 
100

 
210

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Crystal City, VA
 
Select service
 
272

 
100

 
272

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
 
Select service
 
174

 
100

 
174

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Overland Park, KS
 
Select service
 
168

 
100

 
168

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Savannah, GA
 
Select service
 
156

 
100

 
156

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Foothill Ranch, CA
 
Select service
 
156

 
100

 
156

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Alpharetta, GA
 
Select service
 
154

 
100

 
154

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Oakland, CA
 
Select service
 
156

 
100

 
156

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Scottsdale, AZ
 
Select service
 
180

 
100

 
180

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Plano, TX
 
Select service
 
153

 
100

 
153

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Newark, CA
 
Select service
 
181

 
100

 
181

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Manchester, CT
 
Select service
 
90

 
85

 
77

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Basking Ridge, NJ
 
Select service
 
235

 
100

 
235

Courtyard by Marriott
 
Wichita, KS
 
Select service
 
128

 
100

 
128

Courtyard by Marriott - Billerica
 
Boston, MA
 
Select service
 
210

 
100

 
210

Homewood Suites
 
Pittsburgh, PA
 
Select service
 
148

 
100

 
148

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Lake Buena Vista, FL
 
Select service
 
210

 
100

 
210

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Evansville, IN
 
Select service
 
78

 
100

 
78

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Orlando, FL
 
Select service
 
350

 
100

 
350

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Falls Church, VA
 
Select service
 
159

 
100

 
159

Marriott Residence Inn
 
San Diego, CA
 
Select service
 
150

 
100

 
150

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Salt Lake City, UT
 
Select service
 
144

 
100

 
144

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Las Vegas, NV
 
Select service
 
256

 
100

 
256

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Phoenix, AZ
 
Select service
 
200

 
100

 
200

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Plano, TX
 
Select service
 
126

 
100

 
126

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Newark, CA
 
Select service
 
168

 
100

 
168

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Manchester, CT
 
Select service
 
96

 
85

 
82

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Jacksonville, FL
 
Select service
 
120

 
100

 
120

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Stillwater, OK
 
Select service
 
101

 
100

 
101

Marriott Residence Inn
 
Tampa, FL
 
Select service
 
109

 
100

 
109

TownePlace Suites by Marriott
 
Manhattan Beach, CA
 
Select service
 
143

 
100

 
143

One Ocean
 
Atlantic Beach, FL
 
Full service
 
193

 
100

 
193

Sheraton Hotel
 
Ann Arbor, MI
 
Full service
 
197

 
100

 
197


42

Table of Contents

Hotel Property 
 
Location 
 
Service Type
 
Total Rooms 
 
% Owned
 
Owned Rooms
Sheraton Hotel
 
Langhorne, PA
 
Full service
 
186

 
100

 
186

Sheraton Hotel
 
Minneapolis, MN
 
Full service
 
220

 
100

 
220

Sheraton Hotel
 
Indianapolis, IN
 
Full service
 
378

 
100

 
378

Sheraton Hotel
 
Anchorage, AK
 
Full service
 
370

 
100

 
370

Sheraton Hotel
 
San Diego, CA
 
Full service
 
260

 
100

 
260

Hyatt Regency
 
Coral Gables, FL
 
Full service
 
253

 
100

 
253

Hyatt Regency
 
Hauppauge, NY
 
Full service
 
358

 
100

 
358

Hyatt Regency
 
Savannah, GA
 
Full service
 
351

 
100

 
351

Renaissance
 
Nashville, TN
 
Full service
 
673

 
100

 
673

Annapolis Historic Inn
 
Annapolis, MD
 
Full service
 
124

 
100

 
124

Lakeway Resort & Spa
 
Austin, TX
 
Full service
 
168

 
100

 
168

Silversmith
 
Chicago, IL
 
Full service
 
144

 
100

 
144

The Churchill
 
Washington, DC
 
Full service
 
173

 
100

 
173

The Melrose
 
Washington, DC
 
Full service
 
240

 
100

 
240

Le Pavillon
 
New Orleans, LA
 
Full service
 
226

 
100

 
226

The Ashton
 
Ft. Worth, TX
 
Full service
 
39

 
100

 
39

Westin
 
Princeton, NJ
 
Full service
 
296

 
100

 
296

W
 
Atlanta, GA
 
Full service
 
237

 
100

 
237

W
 
Minneapolis, MN
 
Full service
 
229

 
100

 
229

Le Meridien
 
Minneapolis, MN
 
Full service
 
60

 
100

 
60

Hotel Indigo
 
Atlanta, GA
 
Full service
 
140

 
100

 
140

Ritz-Carlton
 
Atlanta, GA
 
Full service
 
444

 
100

 
444

Ground Lease Properties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crowne Plaza (1)
 
Key West, FL
 
Full service
 
160

 
100

 
160

Crowne Plaza (2)
 
Annapolis, MD
 
Full service
 
196

 
100

 
196

Hilton (3)
 
Ft. Worth, TX
 
Full service
 
294

 
100

 
294

Renaissance (4)
 
Palm Springs, CA
 
Full service
 
410

 
100

 
410

Total
 
 
 
 
 
24,922

 
 
 
24,895

________
(1) The ground lease expires in 2084.
(2) The ground lease expires in 2114.
(3) The ground lease expires in 2040.
(4) The ground lease expires in 2059 with one 25-year extension option.
(5) This hotel property was held for sale as of March 31, 2018. See note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.


43

Table of Contents

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our primary market risk exposure consists of changes in interest rates on borrowings under our debt instruments. The analysis below presents the sensitivity of the market value of our financial instruments to selected changes in market interest rates.
At March 31, 2018, our total indebtedness of $3.7 billion included $3.4 billion of variable-rate debt. The impact on our results of operations of a 25-basis point change in interest rate on the outstanding balance of variable-rate debt at March 31, 2018 would be approximately $8.5 million annually. Interest rate changes have no impact on the remaining $351.9 million of fixed-rate debt.
The above amounts were determined based on the impact of hypothetical interest rates on our borrowings and assume no changes in our capital structure. As the information presented above includes only those exposures that existed at March 31, 2018, it does not consider exposures or positions that could arise after that date. Accordingly, the information presented herein has limited predictive value. As a result, the ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to interest rate fluctuations will depend on exposures that arise during the period, the hedging strategies at the time, and the related interest rates.
We use credit default swaps, tied to the CMBX index, to hedge financial and capital market risk. We have entered into credit default swap transactions, excluding those that have terminated, for notional amounts totaling $212.5 million, to hedge financial and capital market risk. A credit default swap is a derivative contract that functions like an insurance policy against the credit risk of an entity or obligation. The seller of protection assumes the credit risk of the reference obligation from the buyer (us) of protection in exchange for annual premium payments. If a default or a loss, as defined in the credit default swap agreements, occurs on the underlying bonds, then the buyer of protection is protected against those losses. The only liability for us, the buyer, is the annual premium and any change in value of the underlying CMBX index (if the trade is terminated prior to maturity). For all CMBX trades completed to date, we were the buyer of protection. Credit default swaps are subject to master-netting settlement arrangements and credit support annexes. Assuming the underlying bonds pay off at par over their remaining average life, our total exposure for these trades was approximately $7.5 million at March 31, 2018.
We hold interest rate floors with notional amounts totaling $16.8 billion and strike rates ranging from (0.25)% to 1.5%. Our total exposure is capped at our initial upfront costs totaling $9.7 million. These instruments have termination dates ranging from March 2019 to July 2020.
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of March 31, 2018 (“Evaluation Date”). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective (i) to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms; and (ii) to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

44


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
LitigationPalm Beach Florida Hotel and Office Building Limited Partnership, et al. v. Nantucket Enterprises, Inc. This litigation involves a landlord tenant dispute from 2008 in which the landlord, Palm Beach Florida Hotel and Office Building Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of the Company, claimed that the tenant had violated various lease provisions of the lease agreement and was therefore in default. The tenant counterclaimed and asserted multiple claims including that it had been wrongfully evicted. The litigation was instituted by the plaintiff in November 2008 in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, in and for Palm Beach County, Florida and proceeded to a jury trial on June 30, 2014. The jury entered its verdict awarding the tenant total claims of $10.8 million and ruling against the landlord on its claim of breach of contract. In 2016, the Court of Appeals reduced the original $10.8 million judgment to $8.8 million and added pre-judgment interest on the wrongful eviction judgment. The case was further appealed to the Florida Supreme Court. On May 23, 2017, the trial court issued an order compelling the company that issued the supersedeas bond, RLI, to pay approximately $10.0 million. On June 1, 2017, RLI paid Nantucket this amount and sought reimbursement from the Company. On June 27, 2017, the Florida Supreme Court denied the Company's petition for review. As a result, all of the appeals were exhausted and the judgment was final with the determination and reimbursement of attorney's fees being the only remaining dispute. On June 29, 2017, the balance of the judgment was paid to Nantucket by the Company. As of March 31, 2018, we have accrued approximately $1.1 million, which represents the Company’s best estimate of the amount of potential legal fees that could be owed.
We are engaged in other various legal proceedings which have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. The likelihood of loss from these legal proceedings, based on definitions within contingency accounting literature, ranges from remote to reasonably possible and to probable. Based on estimates of the range of potential losses associated with these matters, management does not believe the ultimate resolution of these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. However, the final results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty and if we fail to prevail in one or more of these legal matters, and the associated realized losses exceed our current estimates of the range of potential losses, our consolidated financial position or results of operations could be materially adversely affected in future periods.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
The discussion of our business and operations should be read together with the risk factors contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which describe various risks and uncertainties to which we are or may become subject. These risks and uncertainties have the potential to affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, strategies, or prospects in a material and adverse manner. At March 31, 2018, there have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
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 first quarter of 2018:
Period
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plan
(1)
 
Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares That
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plan
Common stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 1 to January 31
 
4,515

 
$

(2) 

 
$
200,000,000

February 1 to February 28
 
29,234

 
5.82

 

 
200,000,000

March 1 to March 31
 
208,647

 
6.50

(2) 

 
200,000,000

Total
 
242,396

 
$
6.42

 

 
 
____________________
(1) 
On December 5, 2017, the board of directors reapproved a stock repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”) pursuant to which the board of directors granted a repurchase authorization to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01

45

Table of Contents

per share (the “Common Stock”) having an aggregate value of up to $200 million. The board of director’s authorization replaced any previous repurchase authorizations.
(2) 
There is no cost associated with the forfeiture of 4,515 and 9,698 restricted shares of our common stock in January and March, respectively.
ITEM 3.
DEFAULT UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.


46


ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit
 
Description
3.1
 
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
 
 
 
 
3.3
 
 
 
 
 
12*
 
 
 
 
 
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 March 31, 2018 are formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) Consolidated Statements Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iii) Consolidated Statement of Equity; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with Rule 402 of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
Submitted electronically with this report.
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
Submitted electronically with this report.
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
Submitted electronically with this report.
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
Submitted electronically with this report.
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.
Submitted electronically with this report.
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.
Submitted electronically with this report.
___________________________________
* Filed herewith.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST, INC.
Date:
May 9, 2018
By:
/s/ DOUGLAS A. KESSLER
 
 
 
 
Douglas A. Kessler
 
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 9, 2018
By:
/s/ DERIC S. EUBANKS
 
 
 
 
Deric S. Eubanks
 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 

48