UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
COMMISSION FILE NO. 001-13393
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE | 52-1209792 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
10750 COLUMBIA PIKE
SILVER SPRING, MD. 20901
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(301) 592-5000
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
CLASS |
SHARES OUTSTANDING AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 | |
Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per share | 66,318,854 |
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
PAGE NO. | ||
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: |
||
Item 1 Financial Statements |
3 | |
3 | ||
Consolidated Balance SheetsAs of September 30, 2006 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2005 |
4 | |
5 | ||
6 | ||
Item 2 Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
22 | |
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
33 | |
Item 4 Controls and Procedures |
33 | |
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION: |
||
Item 1 Legal Proceedings |
33 | |
Item 1A Risk Factors |
33 | |
Item 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
33 | |
Item 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
34 | |
34 | ||
Item 5 Other Information |
34 | |
Item 6 Exhibits |
34 | |
36 |
2
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Three Months Ended September 30, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||||||
REVENUES: |
||||||||||||||||
Royalty fees |
$ | 64,364 | $ | 58,063 | $ | 157,374 | $ | 138,220 | ||||||||
Initial franchise and relicensing fees |
7,733 | 5,769 | 20,099 | 16,671 | ||||||||||||
Partner services |
3,171 | 3,122 | 10,853 | 10,358 | ||||||||||||
Marketing and reservation |
73,001 | 72,841 | 203,719 | 184,494 | ||||||||||||
Hotel operations |
1,182 | 1,153 | 3,342 | 3,214 | ||||||||||||
Other |
1,545 | 1,003 | 5,567 | 2,457 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues |
150,996 | 141,951 | 400,954 | 355,414 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
20,279 | 18,311 | 60,796 | 54,263 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
2,344 | 2,188 | 7,335 | 6,769 | ||||||||||||
Marketing and reservation |
73,001 | 72,841 | 203,719 | 184,494 | ||||||||||||
Hotel operations |
820 | 824 | 2,365 | 2,385 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
96,444 | 94,164 | 274,215 | 247,911 | ||||||||||||
Operating income |
54,552 | 47,787 | 126,739 | 107,503 | ||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES: |
||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
3,207 | 3,815 | 11,291 | 11,294 | ||||||||||||
Interest and other investment income |
(569 | ) | (721 | ) | (1,099 | ) | (994 | ) | ||||||||
Equity in net income of affiliates |
(349 | ) | (267 | ) | (737 | ) | (621 | ) | ||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt |
| | 342 | | ||||||||||||
Other |
| (197 | ) | | (383 | ) | ||||||||||
Total other income and expenses, net |
2,289 | 2,630 | 9,797 | 9,296 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes |
52,263 | 45,157 | 116,942 | 98,207 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes |
5,906 | 12,691 | 28,784 | 32,194 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 46,357 | $ | 32,466 | $ | 88,158 | $ | 66,013 | ||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic |
65,668 | 64,756 | 65,272 | 64,452 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted |
67,152 | 66,963 | 67,009 | 66,630 | ||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share |
$ | 0.71 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 1.35 | $ | 1.02 | ||||||||
Diluted earnings per share |
$ | 0.69 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 1.32 | $ | 0.99 | ||||||||
Cash dividends declared per share |
$ | 0.15 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.41 | $ | 0.355 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
3
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
September 30, 2006 |
December 31, 2005 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 27,078 | $ | 16,921 | ||||
Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,716 and $5,111, respectively) |
45,280 | 37,155 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
2,622 | 2,616 | ||||||
Other current assets |
6,000 | 6,308 | ||||||
Total current assets |
80,980 | 63,000 | ||||||
Property and equipment, at cost, net |
43,072 | 46,281 | ||||||
Goodwill |
65,813 | 65,828 | ||||||
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net |
35,285 | 38,267 | ||||||
Receivable marketing fees |
4,675 | 13,225 | ||||||
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value |
29,096 | 23,337 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
15,602 | 3,289 | ||||||
Other assets |
11,745 | 11,873 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 286,268 | $ | 265,100 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS DEFICIT | ||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
$ | 146 | $ | 146 | ||||
Accounts payable |
32,186 | 34,413 | ||||||
Accrued expenses and other |
35,111 | 50,956 | ||||||
Deferred revenue |
39,273 | 32,131 | ||||||
Income taxes payable |
22,275 | 2,499 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
128,991 | 120,145 | ||||||
Long-term debt |
187,411 | 273,972 | ||||||
Deferred compensation and retirement plan obligations |
35,464 | 28,987 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
12,709 | 9,172 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
364,575 | 432,276 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
||||||||
SHAREHOLDERS DEFICIT | ||||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value |
663 | 652 | ||||||
Additional paid-in-capital |
79,626 | 75,240 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
878 | 859 | ||||||
Deferred compensation |
| (798 | ) | |||||
Treasury stock |
(628,103 | ) | (650,551 | ) | ||||
Retained earnings |
468,629 | 407,422 | ||||||
Total shareholders deficit |
(78,307 | ) | (167,176 | ) | ||||
Total liabilities and shareholders deficit |
$ | 286,268 | $ | 265,100 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 88,158 | $ | 66,013 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
7,335 | 6,769 | ||||||
Gain on sale of assets |
| (383 | ) | |||||
Provision for bad debts |
35 | 102 | ||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt |
342 | | ||||||
Non-cash stock compensation and other charges |
8,250 | 3,877 | ||||||
Non-cash interest and other investment income |
(385 | ) | (346 | ) | ||||
Equity in net income of affiliates |
(737 | ) | (621 | ) | ||||
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: |
||||||||
Receivables |
(8,149 | ) | (8,089 | ) | ||||
Receivable marketing and reservation fees, net |
18,585 | 13,351 | ||||||
Accounts payable |
(2,227 | ) | (1,545 | ) | ||||
Accrued expenses and other |
(17,237 | ) | 5,041 | |||||
Income taxes payable |
19,776 | 23,842 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
(12,319 | ) | (7,006 | ) | ||||
Deferred revenue |
7,142 | 4,000 | ||||||
Other assets |
476 | 87 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
5,888 | (6,179 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
114,933 | 98,913 | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Investment in property and equipment |
(5,281 | ) | (10,242 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from disposition of assets |
| 2,811 | ||||||
Acquisition of Suburban, net of cash acquired |
| (7,345 | ) | |||||
Issuance of notes receivable |
(1,780 | ) | (1,456 | ) | ||||
Purchases of investments |
(7,976 | ) | (7,723 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of investments |
2,885 | 3,239 | ||||||
Other items, net |
570 | (515 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(11,582 | ) | (21,231 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Principal payments of long-term debt |
(109 | ) | (109 | ) | ||||
Net repayments pursuant to revolving credit facility |
(86,500 | ) | (32,604 | ) | ||||
Purchase of treasury stock |
(1,326 | ) | (23,935 | ) | ||||
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation |
12,550 | | ||||||
Debt issuance costs |
(477 | ) | (193 | ) | ||||
Dividends paid |
(25,494 | ) | (21,813 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
8,162 | 9,705 | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(93,194 | ) | (68,949 | ) | ||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
10,157 | 8,733 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
16,921 | 28,518 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 27,078 | $ | 37,251 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
||||||||
Cash payments during the period for: |
||||||||
Income taxes, net of refunds |
$ | 20,993 | $ | 19,738 | ||||
Interest |
$ | 9,367 | $ | 9,318 | ||||
Non-cash investing activities: |
||||||||
Acquisition of Suburban, non-cash consideration |
$ | | $ | 5,405 | ||||
Non-cash financing activities: |
||||||||
Declaration of dividends |
$ | 26,952 | $ | 22,970 | ||||
Income tax benefit realized related to employee stock options exercised |
$ | | $ | 6,016 | ||||
Issuance of restricted shares of common stock |
$ | 7,005 | $ | 6,043 | ||||
Issuance of treasury stock to employee stock purchase plan |
$ | 343 | $ | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. Company Information and Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Choice Hotels International, Inc. and subsidiaries (together the Company) have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include any normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted. The year end condensed balance sheet information was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company believes the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005 and notes thereto included in the Companys Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2006 (the 10-K). Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the entire year results because of seasonal variations. All intercompany transactions and balances between Choice Hotels International, Inc. and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity 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 disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Certain amounts in the prior years financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation with no effect on previously reported net income or shareholders deficit.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, the Company revised the accounting for deferred compensation related to stock awards accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS No. 123). As a result of this revision, approximately $11.6 million of deferred compensation previously included within shareholders deficit as of December 31, 2005 was eliminated with a corresponding reduction of additional paid-in-capital. There was no effect on any other previously reported income statement, cash flow or balance sheet amounts.
2. Stock Split
On September 14, 2005, the Companys board of directors declared a two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend. The stock dividend was distributed on October 21, 2005 to shareholders of record on October 7, 2005. As a result of the stock dividend, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect an increase in the number of outstanding shares of common stock and the transfer of the par value of these additional shares from paid-in-capital. Treasury shares were not split. Share data and earnings per share data in these consolidated financial statements reflect the stock split, applied retroactively, to all periods presented. Previously awarded stock options and restricted stock awards payable in the Companys common stock have been adjusted to reflect the stock dividend.
3. Stock-Based Compensation
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123R). SFAS No. 123R requires that compensation cost relating to share based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective application method and began applying its provisions to (i) new awards, (ii) awards modified subsequent to the adoption date, (iii) any outstanding awards for which all requisite service has not yet been rendered. Under the modified-prospective application method, compensation costs will be recognized on the unvested portion of awards at January 1, 2006 based on the grant-date fair value used for pro-forma disclosures under SFAS No. 148 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure over the remaining vesting period. Under this transition method, prior period results have not been restated. The adoption of SFAS No. 123R reduced both operating income and net income by approximately $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Operating income and net income were reduced by approximately $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. The adoption did not have a material impact on reported earnings per share or the Companys financial statements since the Company has been expensing share-based awards granted since January 1, 2003 under the provisions of SFAS No. 123. Prior to January 1, 2003, the Company accounted for stock-based awards under APB Opinion No. 25 Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB No. 25).
SFAS No. 123R also requires the Company to calculate the pool of income tax benefits that were previously recorded in additional paid-in-capital and are available to absorb future income tax shortfalls that can result from the exercise or maturity of stock awards. The Company has calculated its windfall pool under the short-cut method based on the actual income tax benefits received from exercises and maturities of stock awards granted after October 15, 1997.
Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, no stock-based compensation cost was reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income related to the grant of stock options which occurred prior to January 1, 2003, because the Company accounted for those grants under APB No. 25 and all such stock options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Therefore, the cost related to stock-based employee compensation included in the determination of net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 is less than that which would have been recognized if the fair value based method had been applied to all awards since the original effective date of SFAS No. 123. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the fair value based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested awards during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005.
6
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 |
||||||
Net income, as reported |
$ | 32,466 | $ | 66,013 | ||||
Stock-based employee compensation cost included in reported net income, net of related tax effects |
742 | 2,185 | ||||||
Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of related tax effects |
(1,282 | ) | (3,413 | ) | ||||
Net income, pro forma |
$ | 31,926 | $ | 64,785 | ||||
Earnings per share: |
||||||||
Basic, as reported |
$ | 0.50 | $ | 1.02 | ||||
Basic, pro forma |
$ | 0.49 | $ | 1.01 | ||||
Diluted, as reported |
$ | 0.48 | $ | 0.99 | ||||
Diluted, pro forma |
$ | 0.48 | $ | 0.97 |
The Companys stock-based compensation plans and related accounting policies are described more fully in Note 7.
4. ReceivableMarketing Fees & Cumulative Reservation Fees Collected in Excess of Expenses
The marketing fees receivable at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 was $4.7 million and $13.2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, cumulative reservation fees collected exceeded expenses by $7.7 million and $3.6 million, respectively, and the excess has been reflected as a long-term liability within other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Depreciation and amortization expense attributable to marketing and reservation activities was $2.0 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $5.9 and $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Interest expense attributable to reservation activities was $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $0.6 million and $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
5. Income Taxes
The effective income tax rates for the 2006 and 2005 nine-month periods of approximately 24.6% and 32.8%, respectively, differ from the statutory rate due to the reversal of provisions for certain income tax contingencies, foreign income earned, which is taxed at lower rates than statutory federal income tax rates, state income taxes, and certain federal and state income tax credits. Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 include net reversals of provisions for income tax contingencies totaling approximately $12.8 million and $12.6 million, respectively. Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 include net reversals of provisions for income tax contingencies totaling approximately $4.9 million for both periods. Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 also includes additional tax expense of approximately $1.2 million related to the Companys plan to repatriate foreign earnings pursuant to the American Jobs Creation Act.
We have estimated and accrued for certain tax assessments and the expected resolution of tax contingencies which arise in the course of our business. The ultimate outcome of these tax-related contingencies impact the determination of income tax expense and may not be resolved until several years after the related tax returns have been filed. Predicting the outcome of such tax assessments involves uncertainty and accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
6. Comprehensive Income
The differences between net income and comprehensive income are described in the following table.
Three Months Ended September 30, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 46,357 | $ | 32,466 | $ | 88,158 | $ | 66,013 | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |
||||||||||||||||
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities |
| (99 | ) | | (124 | ) | ||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net |
(2 | ) | (37 | ) | 69 | (116 | ) | |||||||||
Amortization of deferred gain on hedge |
(17 | ) | (16 | ) | (50 | ) | (50 | ) | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
(19 | ) | (152 | ) | 19 | (290 | ) | |||||||||
Comprehensive income |
$ | 46,338 | $ | 32,314 | $ | 88,177 | $ | 65,723 | ||||||||
7. Capital Stock
The Company has a stock compensation plan pursuant to which it is authorized to grant stock-based awards of up to 3.2 million shares of the Companys common stock, of which 3.2 million shares remain available for grant as of September 30, 2006. The Companys policy allows the issuance of new or treasury shares to satisfy stock-based awards. Restricted stock, stock options, stock appreciation rights and performance share awards may be granted to officers, key employees and non-employee directors with the contractual terms set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
7
Stock Options
The Company granted approximately 0.2 million and 0.4 million options to officers of the Company at a fair value of approximately $2.8 million and $3.6 million during the nine months ending September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. No options were granted during the three months ending September 30, 2006 and 2005. The stock options granted by the Company had an exercise price equal to the average of the high and low market price of the Companys common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of the options granted was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
2006 Grants | 2005 Grants | |||||||
Risk-free interest rate |
4.69 | % | 3.70 | % | ||||
Expected volatility |
32.09 | % | 36.07 | % | ||||
Expected life of stock option |
4.3 years | 5.5 years | ||||||
Dividend yield |
1.07 | % | 1.50 | % | ||||
Requisite service period |
4 years | 5 years | ||||||
Contractual life |
7 years | 10 years | ||||||
Weighted average fair value of options granted |
$ | 14.82 | $ | 10.11 |
The expected life of the options and volatility are based on historical data and are not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns or actual volatility that may occur. Compensation expense related to the fair value of these awards is recognized straight-line over the requisite service period based on those awards that ultimately vest.
The aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2006 was $80.6 million and $56.9 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively, and $41.5 million and $30.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
The Company received $0.2 million and $8.2 million in proceeds from the exercise of 0.02 million and 1.0 million employee stock options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, the Company received $0.5 million and $9.7 million in proceeds from the exercise of 0.1 million and 1.3 million employee stock options, respectively.
Restricted Stock
The Company granted approximately 0.01 million and 0.1 million restricted shares to employees and directors of the Company at a fair value of $0.5 million and $7.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, the Company granted approximately 0.03 million and 0.2 million shares to employees of the Company at a fair value of $0.9 million and $6.0 million, respectively. Compensation expense related to the fair value of these awards is recognized straight-line over the requisite service period based on those restricted stock grants that ultimately vest. The fair value is measured by the average of the high and low market price of the Companys common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards granted in 2006 generally vest ratably at 25 percent per year beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date. Restricted stock awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 generally vest ratably at 20 percent per year beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date. The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted shares granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $48.67 and $29.94 per share, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $0.4 million and $0.02 million, respectively, and $8.5 million and $4.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units
During the three and nine months ending September 30, 2006, the Company granted approximately 0.02 million and 0.05 million performance vested restricted stock units (PVRSU) to certain officers at a fair value of $0.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively. The vesting of these stock awards is contingent upon the Company achieving specified earnings per share targets at the end of specified performance periods and the employees continued employment. The performance conditions affect the number of shares that will ultimately vest. The range of possible stock-based award vesting is between 50% and 200% of the initial target. Under SFAS No. 123R, compensation expense related to these awards will be recognized over the requisite service period regardless of whether the performance targets have been met based on the Companys estimate of the achievement of the performance target. The Company has currently estimated that 100% of the target will be achieved. The fair value is measured by the average of the high and low market price of the Companys common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period based on those PVRSUs that ultimately vest. There were no grants of PVRSU during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005.
The following table is a summary of activity related to PVRSU grants during the three and nine months ending September 30, 2006.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 | |||||
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units Granted |
20,000 | 49,780 | ||||
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share |
$ | 42.50 | $ | 46.22 | ||
Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value ($000) |
$ | 850 | $ | 2,301 | ||
Requisite Service Period |
3 - 4 years | 3 - 4 years |
8
A summary of stock-based award activity as of September 30, 2006, and changes during the nine months ended are presented below:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock Options | Restricted Stock | Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units | |||||||||||||||||
Shares | Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Weighted Average Contractual Term |
Shares | Weighted Average Grant |
Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | |||||||||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2006 |
3,753,001 | $ | 10.81 | 689,865 | $ | 21.28 | | $ | | ||||||||||
Granted |
190,548 | 48.74 | 143,943 | 48.67 | 49,780 | 46.22 | |||||||||||||
Exercised/Vested |
(999,583 | ) | 8.17 | (178,273 | ) | 18.20 | | | |||||||||||
Forfeited/Expired |
(40,934 | ) | 10.10 | (24,227 | ) | 30.01 | | | |||||||||||
Outstanding at September 30, 2006 |
2,903,032 | $ | 14.22 | 5.1 years | 631,308 | $ | 28.06 | 49,780 | $ | 46.22 | |||||||||
Options exercisable at September 30, 2006 |
1,770,489 | $ | 9.35 | 4.1 years | |||||||||||||||
The components of the Companys pretax stock-based compensation expense and associated income tax benefits is as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30,:
Three Months Ended September 30, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
(in millions) | 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||
Stock options |
$ | 0.8 | $ | 0.4 | $ | 3.2 | $ | 1.3 | ||||
Restricted stock |
1.4 | 0.8 | 3.9 | 2.5 | ||||||||
Performance vested restricted stock units |
0.1 | | 0.7 | | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 2.3 | $ | 1.2 | $ | 7.8 | $ | 3.8 | ||||
Income tax benefits |
$ | 0.9 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 2.9 | $ | 1.4 |
Stock-based compensation expense on stock option and performance vested restricted stock units made to a retirement eligible executive officer during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was recognized upon issuance of the grants rather than over the awards vesting period since the terms of the grant provide that the awards will vest upon retirement of the employee. Compensation costs recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2006 related to the vesting upon retirement eligibility totaled $0.9 million and $0.4 million for stock options and performance vested restricted stock units, respectively.
The total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock-based awards that have not yet vested and the related weighted average amortization period over which the costs are to be recognized as of September 30, 2006 are as follows:
Unrecognized Compensation Expense on Unvested Awards |
Weighted Average Amortization Period | ||||
(in millions) | |||||
Stock options |
$ | 5.8 | 2.7 years | ||
Restricted stock |
14.8 | 3.1 years | |||
Performance vested restricted stock units |
1.6 | 3.2 years | |||
Total |
$ | 22.2 | |||
Dividends
In September 2006, the Companys Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend rate from $0.13 to $0.15 per share (or approximately $9.9 million in the aggregate), which was paid on October 20, 2006 to shareholders of record on October 6, 2006. In May 2006, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.13 per share (or approximately $8.6 million in the aggregate), which was paid on July 21, 2006 to shareholders of record on July 7, 2006. In February 2006, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.13 per share (or approximately $8.5 million in the aggregate), which was paid on April 21, 2006 to shareholders of record on April 7, 2006.
In September 2005, the Companys Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend rate from $0.1125 to $0.13 per share (or approximately $8.4 million in the aggregate), which was paid on October 21, 2005 to shareholders of record on October 7, 2005. In May 2005, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.1125 per share (or approximately $7.3 million in the aggregate), which was paid on July 22, 2005 to shareholders of record on July 8, 2005. In March 2005, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.1125 per share (or approximately $7.2 million in the aggregate), which was paid on April 22, 2005 to shareholders of record on April 8, 2005.
Stock Repurchase Program
The Company did not repurchase common stock during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 under its share repurchase program. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, the Company repurchased 0.1 million and 0.4 million shares, respectively, of its common stock under the share repurchase program at a total cost of $5.1 million and $23.9 million, respectively, including 0.1 million at a total cost of $6.0 million from one of the Companys largest shareholders, a related party.
9
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company purchased 1,172 and 27,966 shares of common stock at a total cost of $0.05 million and $1.3 million, respectively, from employees to satisfy statutory minimum tax-withholding requirements from the vesting of restricted stock grants. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005 the Company purchased 8,746 shares of common stock from employees at a total cost $0.5 million to satisfy minimum tax-withholding requirements. No shares were repurchased from employees during the three months ended September 30, 2005. These purchases were outside the share repurchase program initiated in June 1998.
8. Earnings Per Share
The following table reconciles the number of shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.
Three Months Ended September 30, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
|
2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||
Computation of Basic Earnings Per Share: |
||||||||||||
Net Income |
$ | 46,357 | $ | 32,466 | $ | 88,158 | $ | 66,013 | ||||
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic |
65,668 | 64,756 | 65,272 | 64,452 | ||||||||
Basic earnings per share |
$ | 0.71 | $ | 0.50 | $ | 1.35 | $ | 1.02 | ||||
Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share: |
||||||||||||
Net income for diluted earnings per share |
$ | 46,357 | $ | 32,466 | $ | 88,158 | $ | 66,013 | ||||
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic |
65,668 | 64,756 | 65,272 | 64,452 | ||||||||
Effect of Dilutive Securities: |
||||||||||||
Employee stock option and restricted stock plan |
1,484 | 2,207 | 1,737 | 2,178 | ||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted |
67,152 | 66,963 | 67,009 | 66,630 | ||||||||
Diluted earnings per share |
$ | 0.69 | $ | 0.48 | $ | 1.32 | $ | 0.99 | ||||
Basic earnings per share exclude dilution and are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share assumes dilution and is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding after consideration of the dilutive effect of stock options and unvested restricted stock. The effect of dilutive securities is computed using the treasury stock method and average market prices during the period. However, at September 30, 2006, PVRSUs totaling 49,780 were excluded from the computation since the performance conditions had not been met at the reporting date. In addition, at September 30, 2006, the Company excluded 190,548 anti-dilutive options from the computation of diluted earnings per share.
9. Acquisition of Suburban Franchise Holding Company, Inc.
During 2005, the Company acquired 100% of the stock of Suburban Franchise Holding Company, Inc. (Suburban) (the Suburban Transaction) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Suburban Franchise Systems, Inc. The initial purchase price for Suburban was $12.8 million, which consisted of cash paid, net of cash acquired, of $7.3 million, liabilities assumed of $4.5 million and direct acquisition and exit costs totaling $1.0 million. Included in the purchase price was a working capital look-back adjustment escrow totaling $0.5 million, which was paid in the first quarter of 2006. The merger provides for contingent cash payments, of up to $5 million, to be made upon the satisfaction of the following conditions:
| $2.5 million payable if at any time prior to the 3rd anniversary of closing, at least 84 Suburban franchises are open or under construction and at least 79 are open on that date; |
| An additional $2.5 million payable if at any time prior to the 3rd anniversary of closing, but in no event prior to the 2nd anniversary of closing, at least 100 Suburban franchises are open or under construction and at least 90 are open on that date; |
| Both contingent payments are subject to at least 51 of the existing Suburban franchises open at the acquisition date, remaining open when the contingent payment is otherwise earned. |
No liabilities have been recorded related to the contingent cash payments. If the contingent consideration is earned, the purchase price of Suburban will be adjusted at that time. The results of operations for Suburban have been included in the Companys results of operations since September 28, 2005.
The Company accounted for the Suburban Transaction in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. The Company allocated the purchase price based upon an assessment of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of September 28, 2005. The total purchase price was allocated based on an analysis by management of the respective fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities as follows:
Estimated Fair Value |
||||
($000) | ||||
Tangible assets |
$ | 401 | ||
Intangible assets |
7,201 | |||
Goodwill |
5,193 | |||
Total assets acquired |
12,795 | |||
Liabilities assumed |
(5,481 | ) | ||
Cash paid, net of cash acquired |
$ | 7,314 | ||
10
Suburban is the franchisor of Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, a 67-unit, 8,942 room (at the date of consolidation) lodging chain operating in the economy extended stay segment primarily in the southeastern United States. The acquisition of Suburban allowed the Company to enter, on an accelerated basis, the economy extended stay segment, a market in which it did not previously compete. The purchase price of Suburban was based on the projected business growth and cash flows of Suburban over the next several years and indicated a value that was in excess of the current net book value of the business, resulting in the recognition of various identifiable intangible assets and goodwill as follows:
Estimated Fair Value |
Estimated Useful Lives | ||||
$(000) | |||||
Franchise Contracts |
$ | 6,187 | 10 years | ||
Trademarks and Tradenames |
1,014 | Indefinite life | |||
Goodwill |
5,193 | Indefinite life | |||
$ | 12,394 | ||||
The acquired goodwill and intangible assets are not deductible for tax purposes. The pro forma results of operations as if Suburban had been combined at the beginning of 2005, would not be materially different from the Companys reported results for that period.
10. Pension Plans
The Company sponsors an unfunded non-qualified defined benefit plan (SERP) for certain senior executives. No assets are held with respect to the plan; therefore benefits are funded as paid to participants. The Company accounts for the SERP in accordance with SFAS No. 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company recorded $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of expense related to the SERP which is included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, the company recorded $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of expense related to the SERP. Based on the plan retirement age of 65 years old, no benefit payments are anticipated during the current fiscal year. The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.
Three Months Ended September 30, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
(In thousands) | 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||
Components of net periodic pension cost: |
||||||||||||
Service cost |
$ | 169 | $ | 128 | $ | 508 | $ | 384 | ||||
Interest cost |
87 | 64 | 262 | 196 | ||||||||
Amortizations |
||||||||||||
Prior service cost |
15 | 15 | 43 | 43 | ||||||||
(Gain)/Loss |
19 | 10 | 57 | 28 | ||||||||
Net periodic pension cost |
$ | 290 | $ | 217 | $ | 870 | $ | 651 | ||||
11. Debt
On June 16, 2006, the Company entered into a new $350 million senior unsecured revolving credit agreement (the Revolver), with a syndicate of lenders. The proceeds from the Revolver were used to refinance and terminate the revolving credit facility under the Companys existing senior credit facility (the Old Credit Facility). The Revolver allows the Company to borrow, repay and reborrow revolving loans up to $350 million (which includes swingline loans for up to $20 million and standby letters of credit up to $30 million) until the scheduled maturity date of June 16, 2011. The Company has the ability to request an increase in available borrowings under the Revolver by an additional amount of up to $150 million by obtaining the agreement of the existing lenders to increase their lending commitments or by adding additional lenders. The rate of interest generally applicable for revolving loans under the Revolver are, at the Companys option, equal to either (i) the greater of the prime rate or the federal funds effective rate plus 50 basis points, or (ii) an adjusted LIBOR rate plus a margin between 22 and 70 basis points based on the Companys credit rating. The Revolver requires the company to pay a quarterly facility fee, based upon the credit rating of the Company, at a rate between 8 and 17 1 / 2 basis points, on the full amount of the commitment (regardless of usage). The Revolver also requires the payment of a quarterly usage fee, based upon the credit rating of the Company, at a rate between 10 and 12 1 / 2 basis points, on the amount outstanding under the commitment, at all times when the amount borrowed under the Revolver exceeds 50% of the total commitment. The Revolver includes customary financial and other covenants that require the maintenance of certain ratios including maximum leverage and interest coverage. The Revolver also restricts the Companys ability to make certain investments, incur certain debt, and dispose of assets, among other restrictions. As of September 30, 2006, the Company had $87.2 million of revolving loans outstanding pursuant to the Revolver.
The Company accounted for the refinancing of the Old Credit Facility in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 98-14, Debtors Accounting for Changes in Line-of-Credit or Revolving-Debt Arrangements. Pursuant to this accounting pronouncement, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.3 million.
11
As of September 30, 2006, in addition to the Revolver and $100 million of Senior Notes, the Company had a line of credit with a bank providing up to an aggregate of $10 million of borrowings, which is due upon demand. The line of credit ranks pari-pasu (or equally) with the Companys Revolver and includes customary financial and other covenants that require the maintenance of certain ratios identical to those included in the Companys Revolver. Borrowings under the line of credit bear interest at rates established at the time of borrowing based on prime rate minus 175 basis points. As of September 30, 2006, the Company had no amounts outstanding pursuant to this line of credit.
As of September 30, 2006, total debt outstanding for the Company was $187.6 million, of which $0.1 million was scheduled to mature in the twelve months ending September 30, 2007.
12. Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
Effective July 14, 2006, the Companys Senior Notes are guaranteed jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally by 7 wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. There are no legal or regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends to Choice Hotels International, Inc. from subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Senior Notes. As a result of these guarantee arrangements, the following condensed consolidating financial statements are presented. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent and the Guarantor Subsidiaries under the equity method of accounting.
12
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006
(Unaudited, In Thousands)
Choice Hotels International, Inc. |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
REVENUES: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Royalty fees |
$ | 59,840 | $ | 21,264 | $ | 4,694 | $ | (21,434 | ) | $ | 64,364 | |||||||||
Initial franchise and relicensing fees |
7,733 | | | | 7,733 | |||||||||||||||
Partner services |
3,171 | | | | 3,171 | |||||||||||||||
Marketing and reservation |
61,978 | 63,196 | 2,154 | (54,327 | ) | 73,001 | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
1,545 | 1,182 | | | 2,727 | |||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
134,267 | 85,642 | 6,848 | (75,761 | ) | 150,996 | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
21,793 | 19,091 | 829 | (21,434 | ) | 20,279 | ||||||||||||||
Marketing and reservation |
65,473 | 60,081 | 1,774 | (54,327 | ) | 73,001 | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
802 | 2,171 | 191 | | 3,164 | |||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
88,068 | 81,343 | 2,794 | (75,761 | ) | 96,444 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income |
46,199 | 4,299 | 4,054 | | 54,552 | |||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
3,427 | (240 | ) | 20 | | 3,207 | ||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |
(7,884 | ) | | | 7,884 | | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
(102 | ) | (359 | ) | (457 | ) | | (918 | ) | |||||||||||
Total other income and expenses, net |
(4,559 | ) | (599 | ) | (437 | ) | 7,884 | 2,289 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes |
50,758 | 4,898 | 4,491 | (7,884 | ) | 52,263 | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes |
4,401 | 1,095 | 410 | | 5,906 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 46,357 | $ | 3,803 | $ | 4,081 | $ | (7,884 | ) | $ | 46,357 | |||||||||
13
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
(Unaudited, In Thousands)
Choice Hotels International, Inc. |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
REVENUES: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Royalty fees |
$ | 54,897 | $ | 19,750 | $ | 3,472 | $ | (20,056 | ) | $ | 58,063 | |||||||||
Initial franchise and relicensing fees |
5,769 | | | 5,769 | ||||||||||||||||
Partner services |
3,122 | | | 3,122 | ||||||||||||||||
Marketing and reservation |
62,552 | 57,233 | 1,770 | (48,714 | ) | 72,841 | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
1,003 | 1,153 | 2,156 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
127,343 | 78,136 | 5,242 | (68,770 | ) | 141,951 | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
20,341 | 16,859 | 1,167 | (20,056 | ) | 18,311 | ||||||||||||||
Marketing and reservation |
65,219 | 54,771 | 1,565 | (48,714 | ) | 72,841 | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
823 | 1,994 | 195 | 3,012 | ||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
86,383 | 73,624 | 2,927 | (68,770 | ) | 94,164 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income |
40,960 | 4,512 | 2,315 | | 47,787 | |||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
4,085 | (273 | ) | 3 | | 3,815 | ||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |
(5,867 | ) | | | 5,867 | | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
(78 | ) | (572 | ) | (535 | ) | | (1,185 | ) | |||||||||||
Total other income and expenses, net |
(1,860 | ) | (845 | ) | (532 | ) | 5,867 | 2,630 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes |
42,820 | 5,357 | 2,847 | (5,867 | ) | 45,157 | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes |
10,354 | 2,068 | 269 | | 12,691 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 32,466 | $ | 3,289 | $ | 2,578 | $ | (5,867 | ) | $ | 32,466 | |||||||||
14
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
(Unaudited, In Thousands)
Choice Hotels International, Inc. |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
REVENUES: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Royalty fees |
$ | 145,745 | $ | 67,417 | $ | 12,456 | $ | (68,244 | ) | $ | 157,374 | |||||||||
Initial franchise and relicensing fees |
20,099 | | | | 20,099 | |||||||||||||||
Partner services |
10,853 | | | | 10,853 | |||||||||||||||
Marketing and reservation |
173,098 | 187,338 | 6,078 | (162,795 | ) | 203,719 | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
5,567 | 3,342 | | 8,909 | ||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
355,362 | 258,097 | 18,534 | (231,039 | ) | 400,954 | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
65,721 | 60,994 | 2,325 | (68,244 | ) | 60,796 | ||||||||||||||
Marketing and reservation |
182,905 | 178,539 | 5,070 | (162,795 | ) | 203,719 | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
2,395 | 6,739 | 566 | 9,700 | ||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
251,021 | 246,272 | 7,961 | (231,039 | ) | 274,215 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income |
104,341 | 11,825 | 10,573 | | 126,739 | |||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
11,880 | (628 | ) | 39 | | 11,291 | ||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |
(18,314 | ) | | | 18,314 | | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
130 | (670 | ) | (954 | ) | | (1,494 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total other income and expenses, net |
(6,304 | ) | (1,298 | ) | (915 | ) | 18,314 | 9,797 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes |
110,645 | 13,123 | 11,488 | (18,314 | ) | 116,942 | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes |
22,487 | 5,327 | 970 | | 28,784 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 88,158 | $ | 7,796 | $ | 10,518 | $ | (18,314 | ) | $ | 88,158 | |||||||||
15
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
(Unaudited, In Thousands)
Choice Hotels International, Inc. |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
REVENUES: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Royalty fees |
$ | 129,813 | $ | 62,444 | $ | 9,390 | $ | (63,427 | ) | $ | 138,220 | |||||||||
Initial franchise and relicensing fees |
16,661 | 10 | | | 16,671 | |||||||||||||||
Partner services |
10,358 | | | | 10,358 | |||||||||||||||
Marketing and reservation |
153,444 | 165,711 | 5,246 | (139,907 | ) | 184,494 | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
2,456 | 3,215 | | | 5,671 | |||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
312,732 | 231,380 | 14,636 | (203,334 | ) | 355,414 | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
61,191 | 53,169 | 3,330 | (63,427 | ) | 54,263 | ||||||||||||||
Marketing and reservation |
160,318 | 159,324 | 4,759 | (139,907 | ) | 184,494 | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
2,893 | 5,641 | 620 | | 9,154 | |||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
224,402 | 218,134 | 8,709 | (203,334 | ) | 247,911 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income |
88,330 | 13,246 | 5,927 | | 107,503 | |||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
12,050 | (760 | ) | 4 | | 11,294 | ||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |
(15,331 | ) | | | 15,331 | | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
(141 | ) | (822 | ) | (1,035 | ) | | (1,998 | ) | |||||||||||
Total other income and expenses, net |
(3,422 | ) | (1,582 | ) | (1,031 | ) | 15,331 | 9,296 | ||||||||||||
Income before income taxes |
91,752 | 14,828 | 6,958 | (15,331 | ) | 98,207 | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes |
25,739 | 5,823 | 632 | | 32,194 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 66,013 | $ | 9,005 | $ | 6,326 | $ | (15,331 | ) | $ | 66,013 | |||||||||
16
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2006
(Unaudited, In thousands)
Choice Hotels International, Inc. |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 5,102 | $ | 596 | $ | 21,380 | $ | | $ | 27,078 | ||||||||
Receivables |
39,182 | 3,474 | 2,624 | | 45,280 | |||||||||||||
Other current assets |
2,389 | 5,885 | 348 | | 8,622 | |||||||||||||
Total current assets |
46,673 | 9,955 | 24,352 | | 80,980 | |||||||||||||
Property and equipment, at cost, net |
17,548 | 24,825 | 699 | | 43,072 | |||||||||||||
Goodwill |
60,620 | 5,193 | | | 65,813 | |||||||||||||
Franchise rights and other indentifiable intangibles, net |
24,616 | 6,582 | 4,087 | | 35,285 | |||||||||||||
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value |
| 29,096 | | | 29,096 | |||||||||||||
Investment in and advances to affiliates |
176,294 | 91,797 | 47,457 | (315,548 | ) | | ||||||||||||
Receivable, marketing fees |
4,896 | | | (221 | ) | 4,675 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
| 29,191 | | (13,589 | ) | 15,602 | ||||||||||||
Other assets |
190 | 10,848 | 733 | (26 | ) | 11,745 | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 330,837 | $ | 207,487 | $ | 77,328 | $ | (329,384 | ) | $ | 286,268 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT |
||||||||||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
$ | 146 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 146 | ||||||||
Accounts payable |
9,973 | 19,325 | 2,888 | | 32,186 | |||||||||||||
Accrued expenses and other |
17,320 | 17,170 | 621 | | 35,111 | |||||||||||||
Deferred revenue |
4,667 | 34,546 | 60 | | 39,273 | |||||||||||||
Income taxes payable |
19,242 | 2,136 | 897 | | 22,275 | |||||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
51,348 | 73,177 | 4,466 | | 128,991 | |||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
187,411 | | | | 187,411 | |||||||||||||
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations |
| 35,464 | | | 35,464 | |||||||||||||
Advances from affiliates |
144,697 | 6,220 | 37,331 | (188,248 | ) | | ||||||||||||
Payable, marketing fees |
| 221 | (221 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
13,423 | | 166 | (13,589 | ) | | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities |
12,265 | | 470 | (26 | ) | 12,709 | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
409,144 | 115,082 | 42,433 | (202,084 | ) | 364,575 | ||||||||||||
Total shareholders' deficit |
(78,307 | ) | 92,405 | 34,895 | (127,300 | ) | (78,307 | ) | ||||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit |
$ | 330,837 | $ | 207,487 | $ | 77,328 | $ | (329,384 | ) | $ | 286,268 | |||||||
17
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2005
(Unaudited, In thousands)
Choice Hotels International, Inc. |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||
ASSETS |
|||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 5,848 | $ | 2,052 | $ | 9,021 | $ | | $ | 16,921 | |||||||||
Receivables |
33,359 | 891 | 2,905 | | 37,155 | ||||||||||||||
Other current assets |
2,377 | 6,143 | 404 | | 8,924 | ||||||||||||||
Total current assets |
41,584 | 9,086 | 12,330 | | 63,000 | ||||||||||||||
Property and equipment, at cost, net |
17,836 | 27,672 | 773 | | 46,281 | ||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
60,620 | 5,208 | | | 65,828 | ||||||||||||||
Franchise rights and other indentifiable intangibles, net |
26,720 | 7,042 | 4,505 | | 38,267 | ||||||||||||||
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value |
| 23,337 | | | 23,337 | ||||||||||||||
Investment in and advances to affiliates |
149,294 | 82,687 | 42,353 | (274,334 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Receivable, marketing fees |
13,527 | | | (302 | ) | 13,225 | |||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
| 22,841 | (19,552 | ) | 3,289 | ||||||||||||||
Other assets |
351 | 10,962 | 560 | | 11,873 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 309,932 | $ | 188,835 | $ | 60,521 | $ | (294,188 | ) | $ | 265,100 | ||||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT |
|||||||||||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
$ | 146 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 146 | |||||||||
Accounts payable |
8,708 | 22,811 | 2,894 | | 34,413 | ||||||||||||||
Accrued expenses and other |
25,561 | 24,634 | 761 | | 50,956 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred revenue |
2,665 | 29,406 | 60 | | 32,131 | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes payable |
2,711 | (590 | ) | 378 | | 2,499 | |||||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
39,791 | 76,261 | 4,093 | | 120,145 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
273,972 | | | | 273,972 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations |
| 28,987 | | | 28,987 | ||||||||||||||
Advances from affiliates |
135,373 | 6,594 | 30,800 | (172,767 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Payable, marketing fees |
| 302 | (302 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
19,385 | | 167 | (19,552 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Other liabilities |
8,587 | 26 | 559 | | 9,172 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
477,108 | 112,170 | 35,619 | (192,621 | ) | 432,276 | |||||||||||||
Total shareholders' deficit |
(167,176 | ) | 76,665 | 24,902 | (101,567 | ) | (167,176 | ) | |||||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit |
$ | 309,932 | $ | 188,835 | $ | 60,521 | $ | (294,188 | ) | $ | 265,100 | ||||||||
18
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Choice Hotels International, Inc. |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||
Net Cash Provided (Used) from Operating Activities |
$ | 104,061 | $ | (1,126 | ) | $ | 11,998 | $ | 114,933 | ||||||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities |
|||||||||||||||||||
Investment in property and equipment |
(3,304 | ) | (1,901 | ) | (76 | ) | | (5,281 | ) | ||||||||||
Issuance of notes receivable |
| (1,780 | ) | | | (1,780 | ) | ||||||||||||
Purchases of investments |
| (7,976 | ) | | | (7,976 | ) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sales of investments |
| 2,885 | | | 2,885 | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
(210 | ) | 343 | 437 | | 570 | |||||||||||||
Net Cash Provided (Used) from Investing Activities |
(3,514 | ) | (8,429 | ) | 361 | | (11,582 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
|||||||||||||||||||
Principal payments of long-term debt |
(109 | ) | | | | (109 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net repayments pursuant to revolving credit facility |
(86,500 | ) | | | | (86,500 | ) | ||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock |
(1,326 | ) | | | | (1,326 | ) | ||||||||||||
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation |
4,451 | 8,099 | | 12,550 | |||||||||||||||
Debt issuance costs |
(477 | ) | | | | (477 | ) | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
(25,494 | ) | | | | (25,494 | ) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
8,162 | | | | 8,162 | ||||||||||||||
Net Cash Provided (Used) from Financing Activities |
(101,293 | ) | 8,099 | | | (93,194 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
(746 | ) | (1,456 | ) | 12,359 | | 10,157 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
5,848 | 2,052 | 9,021 | | 16,921 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period |
$ | 5,102 | $ | 596 | $ | 21,380 | $ | | $ | 27,078 | |||||||||
19
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Choice Hotels International, Inc. |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Eliminations | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||
Net Cash Provided from Operating Activities |
$ | 74,326 | $ | 14,488 | $ | 10,099 | $ | | $ | 98,913 | |||||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities |
|||||||||||||||||||
Investment in property and equipment |
(6,768 | ) | (3,364 | ) | (110 | ) | | (10,242 | ) | ||||||||||
Proceeds from disposition of assets |
| 1,706 | 1,105 | | 2,811 | ||||||||||||||
Acquisition of Surburban, net of cash acquired |
| (7,345 | ) | | | (7,345 | ) | ||||||||||||
Issuance of notes receivable |
| (1,456 | ) | | | (1,456 | ) | ||||||||||||
Purchases of investments |
| (7,723 | ) | | | (7,723 | ) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sales of investments |
| 3,239 | | | 3,239 | ||||||||||||||
Other items, net |
(811 | ) | 84 | 212 | | (515 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net Cash Provided (Used) from Investing Activities |
(7,579 | ) | (14,859 | ) | 1,207 | | (21,231 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
|||||||||||||||||||
Principal payments of long-term debt |
(105 | ) | | (4 | ) | | (109 | ) | |||||||||||
Net repayments pursuant to revolving credit facility |
(32,604 | ) | | | | (32,604 | ) | ||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock |
(23,935 | ) | | | | (23,935 | ) | ||||||||||||
Debt issuance costs |
(193 | ) | | | | (193 | ) | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
(21,813 | ) | | | | (21,813 | ) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
9,705 | | | | 9,705 | ||||||||||||||
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities |
(68,945 | ) | | (4 | ) | | (68,949 | ) | |||||||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
(2,198 | ) | (371 | ) | 11,302 | | 8,733 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
7,234 | 1,359 | 19,925 | | 28,518 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period |
$ | 5,036 | $ | 988 | $ | 31,227 | $ | | $ | 37,251 | |||||||||
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13. Reportable Segment Information
The Company has a single reportable segment encompassing its franchising business. Revenues from the franchising business include royalty fees, initial franchise and relicensing fees, marketing and reservation fees, partner services revenue and other revenue. The Company is obligated under its franchise agreements to provide marketing and reservation services appropriate for the successful operation of its systems. These services do not represent separate reportable segments as their operations are directly related to the Companys franchising business. The revenues received from franchisees that are used to pay for part of the Companys central ongoing operations are included in franchising revenues and are offset by the related expenses paid for marketing and reservation activities to calculate franchising operating income. Corporate and other revenue consists of hotel operations. Except as described in Note 4, the Company does not allocate interest income, interest expense or income taxes to its franchising segment.
The following table presents the financial information for the Companys franchising segment.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | Franchising | Corporate & Other |
Consolidated | Franchising | Corporate & Other |
Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 149,814 | $ | 1,182 | $ | 150,996 | $ | 140,798 | $ | 1,153 | $ | 141,951 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
$ | 64,838 | $ | (10,286 | ) | $ | 54,552 | $ | 57,286 | $ | (9,499 | ) | $ | 47,787 | ||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | Franchising | Corporate & Other |
Consolidated | Franchising | Corporate & Other |
Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 397,612 | $ | 3,342 | $ | 400,954 | $ | 352,200 | $ | 3,214 | $ | 355,414 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
$ | 159,869 | $ | (33,130 | ) | $ | 126,739 | $ | 136,014 | $ | (28,511 | ) | $ | 107,503 |
14. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is a defendant in a number of lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management and the general counsel to the Company, the ultimate outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In March 2006, the Company guaranteed $1 million of a bank loan funding a franchisees construction of a Cambria Suites in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The guaranty expires in June 2010. The Company has received personal guarantees from several of the franchisees principal owners related to repayment of any amounts paid by the Company under this guaranty.
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In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into numerous agreements that contain standard guarantees and indemnities whereby the Company indemnifies another party for breaches of representations and warranties. Such guarantees or indemnifications are granted under various agreements, including those governing (i) purchases or sales of assets or businesses, (ii) leases of real estate, (iii) licensing of trademarks, (iv) access to credit facilities, (v) issuances of debt or equity securities, and (vi) other operating agreements. The guarantees or indemnifications issued are for the benefit of the (i) buyers in sale agreements and sellers in purchase agreements, (ii) landlords in lease contracts, (iii) franchisees in licensing agreements, (iv) financial institutions in credit facility arrangements, and (v) underwriters in debt or equity security issuances. In addition, these parties are also indemnified against any third party claim resulting from the transaction that is contemplated in the underlying agreement. While some of these guarantees extend only for the duration of the underlying agreement, many survive the expiration of the term of the agreement or extend into perpetuity (unless subject to a legal statute of limitations). There are no specific limitations on the maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these guarantees, nor is the Company able to develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of future payments to be made under these guarantees as the triggering events are not subject to predictability. With respect to certain of the aforementioned guarantees, such as indemnifications of landlords against third party claims for the use of real estate property leased by the Company, the Company maintains insurance coverage that mitigates any potential payments to be made.
15. Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In March 2006, the EITF issued EITF Issue 06-3, How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross versus Net Presentation). A tentative consensus was reached that a company should disclose its accounting policy (i.e. gross or net presentation) regarding the presentation of taxes within the scope of EITF 06-3 in the income statement. If taxes are significant, a company should disclose its policy of presenting taxes. In addition, for any such taxes that are reported on a gross basis, the company should disclose the amounts of those taxes. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2006. We present company sales net of sales taxes. This issue will not impact the method for recording these sales taxes in our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109) which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 with earlier adoption encouraged. This interpretation was issued to clarify the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this interpretation.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plansan amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R), which requires employers to: (a) recognize in its statement of financial position an asset for a plans overfunded status or a liability for a plans underfunded status; (b) measure a plans assets and its obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employers fiscal year; and (c) recognize changes in the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan in the year in which the changes occur. Those changes will be reported in comprehensive income of a business entity. The requirement to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan and the disclosure requirements are effective as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006, for entities with publicly traded equity securities. The requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employers fiscal year-end statement of financial position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this statement.
Also in September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is encouraged provided that the reporting entity has not yet issued financial statements for that fiscal year including financial statements for an interim period within that fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this statement, if any.
16. Subsequent Event
In October 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire certain European franchising operations from one of the Companys master franchisees, CHE Hotel Group (CHE). The acquisition is expected to be complete by December 31, 2006. As a result of acquisition, the master franchise agreement between the Company and CHE covering certain countries will terminate.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Managements Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) is intended to help the reader understand Choice Hotels International, Inc. and subsidiaries (together the Company). MD&A is provided as a supplement toand should be read in conjunction withour consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes.
Overview
We are a hotel franchisor with franchise agreements representing 5,328 hotels open and 808 hotels under development as of September 30, 2006, with 434,695 rooms and 63,579 rooms, respectively, in 49 states, the District of Columbia and more than 40 countries and territories outside the United States. Our brand names include Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, MainStay Suites, Cambria Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel and Flag Hotels.
The Company conducts its international franchise operations primarily through master franchising and investments in non-domestic lodging franchise companies which allow the use of our brands by third parties in foreign countries. As a result, although international hotels represents approximately 22% of hotels in our franchise system, approximately 95% of the Companys revenues are derived from hotels directly franchised in the United States.
During 2005, the Company acquired 100% of the stock of Suburban Franchise Holding Company, Inc. (Suburban) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Suburban Franchise Systems, Inc for $12.8 million. Suburban is the franchisor of Suburban Extended Stay Hotel and at acquisition had 67 units (8,942 rooms) operating in the economy extended stay segment, primarily in the southeastern United States. The acquisition allowed the Company to enter, on an accelerated basis, the economy extended stay segment, a market in which it did not previously compete. The results of Suburban have been consolidated with the Company since September 28, 2005.
In October 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire certain European franchising operations from one of the Companys master franchisees, CHE Hotel Group (CHE). The acquisition is expected to be complete by December 31, 2006. As a result of acquisition, the master franchise agreement between the Company and CHE covering certain countries will terminate. The acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on the Companys results of operations or financial condition.
22
On September 14, 2005, the Companys board of directors declared a two-for one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend. The stock dividend was distributed on October 21, 2005 to shareholders of record on October 7, 2005. Share data and earnings per share data included in MD&A reflect the stock split, applied retroactively, to all periods presented.
Our Company generates revenues, income and cash flows primarily from initial and continuing royalty fees attributable to our franchise agreements. Revenues are also generated from partner services endorsed vendor arrangements, hotel operations and other sources. The hotel industry is seasonal in nature. For most hotels, demand is lower in December through March than during the remainder of the year. Our principal source of revenues is franchise fees based on the gross room revenues of our franchised properties. The Companys franchise fee revenues and operating income reflect the industrys seasonality and historically have been lower in the first quarter than in the second, third or fourth quarters.
We are contractually required by our franchise agreements to use the marketing and reservation fees we collect for system-wide marketing and reservation activities. These expenditures, which include advertising costs and costs to maintain our central reservations system, help to enhance awareness and increase consumer preference for our brands. Greater awareness and preference promotes long-term growth in business delivery to our franchisees, which ultimately increases franchise fees earned by the Company.
Our Company articulates its mission as a commitment to our customers profitability by providing our customers with hotel franchises that generate the highest return on investment of any hotel franchise. We have developed an operating system dedicated to our franchisees success: One that focuses on delivering guests to our franchised hotels and reducing costs for our hotel owners. We strive every day to continuously improve our franchise offerings to enhance our customers profitability and create the highest return on investment of any hotel franchise.
We believe that executing our strategic priorities creates value. Our Company focuses on two key value drivers:
Profitable Growth. Our success is dependent on improving the performance of our hotels, increasing our system size by selling additional hotel franchises and effective royalty rate improvement. We attempt to improve our franchisees revenues and overall profitability by providing a variety of products and services designed to increase business delivery to and/or reduce operating and development costs for our franchisees. These products and services include national marketing campaigns, a central reservation system, property and yield management systems, quality assurance standards and endorsed vendor relationships. We believe that healthy brands, which deliver a compelling return on investment for franchisees, will enable us to sell additional hotel franchises and raise royalty rates. We have established multiple brands that meet the needs of many types of guests, and can be developed at various price points and applied to both new and existing hotels. This ensures that we have brands suitable for creating growth in a variety of market conditions. Improving the performance of the hotels under franchise, growing the system through additional franchise sales and improving franchise agreement pricing while maintaining a disciplined cost structure are the keys to profitable growth.
Maximizing Financial Returns and Creating Value for Shareholders. Our capital allocation decisions, including capital structure and uses of capital, are intended to maximize our return on invested capital and create value for our shareholders. We believe our strong and predictable cash flows create a strong financial position that provides us a competitive advantage. Our business does not require significant capital to operate and grow, therefore, we can maintain a capital structure that generates high financial returns and use our excess cash flow to increase returns to our shareholders. We have returned value to our shareholders in two primary ways: share repurchases and dividends. In 1998, we instituted a share repurchase program which has generated substantial value for our shareholders. We have repurchased 33.6 million shares (including 33.0 million prior to the two-for-one stock split effected in October 2005) of common stock at a total cost of $711.9 million since the programs inception. Considering the effect of the two-for-one stock split, the Company has repurchased 66.6 million shares at an average price of $10.69 per share. Our cash flows from operations support our ability to complete the repurchase of approximately 5.1 million shares presently remaining under our current board of directors authorization. The Company expects to continue to return value to its shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases, subject to market and other conditions and upon completion of the current authorization we will evaluate the propriety of additional share repurchases with our board of directors. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we paid cash dividends totaling approximately $25.5 million and we presently expect to continue to pay dividends in the future. In September 2006, the Companys Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend rate from $0.13 to $0.15 per share (or approximately $9.9 million in the aggregate), which was paid on October 20, 2006 to shareholders of record on October 6, 2006. Based on our present dividend rate and outstanding share count, aggregate annual dividends would be approximately $39.6 million.
We believe these value drivers, when properly implemented, will enhance our profitability, maximize our financial returns and continue to generate value for our shareholders. The ultimate measure of our success will be reflected in the items below.
Results of Operation: Royalty fees, operating income, net income and diluted earnings per share (EPS) represent key measurements of these value drivers. In the three months ended September 30, 2006, royalty fees revenue and operating income totaled approximately $64.4 million and $54.6 million, respectively, increases of 11% and 14%, respectively from the same period in 2005. Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2006 increased to $46.4 million, an increase of $13.9 million over the three months ended September 30, 2005, a 43% increase. Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2006 were $0.69, a 44% improvement over the three months ended September 30, 2005. Net income and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2006 include a reduction of income tax expense related to the reversal of provisions for certain income tax contingencies of approximately $12.8 million that represents diluted EPS of $0.19 per share. Net income and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2005 include additional tax expense of approximately $1.2 million related to the Companys plan to repatriate approximately $23.5 million of foreign earnings pursuant to the American Jobs Creation Act and a reduction of income tax expense related to the reversal of certain tax contingencies of approximately $4.9 million. Those items represent diluted EPS of $0.05, net for the three months ended September 30, 2005. These measurements will continue to be a key management focus in 2006 and beyond.
Refer to MD&A heading Operations Review for additional analysis of our results.
Liquidity and Capital Resources: The Company generates significant cash flows from operations. In the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, net cash provided by operating activities was $114.9 million and $98.9 million, respectively. Since our business does not require significant reinvestment of capital, we utilize cash in ways that management believes provide the greatest returns to our shareholders, which include share repurchases and dividends. We believe the Companys cash flow from operations and available financing capacity are sufficient to meet the expected future operating, investing and financing needs of the business.
Refer to MD&A heading Liquidity and Capital Resources for additional analysis.
The principal factors that affect the Companys results are: the number and relative mix of franchised hotels; growth in the number of hotels under franchise; occupancy and room rates achieved by the hotels under franchise; the effective royalty rate achieved; and our ability to manage costs. The number of rooms at franchised properties and occupancy and room rates at those properties significantly affect the Companys results because our fees are based upon room revenues at franchised hotels. The key industry standard for measuring hotel-operating performance is revenue per available room (RevPAR), which is calculated by multiplying the
23
percentage of occupied rooms by the average daily room rate realized. Our variable overhead costs associated with franchise system growth have historically been less than incremental royalty fees generated from new franchises. Accordingly, continued growth of our franchise business should enable us to realize benefits from the operating leverage in place and improve operating results.
Operations Review
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2006 and September 30, 2005
The Company recorded net income of $46.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $13.9 million, or 43% from $32.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005. The increase in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2006 is primarily attributable to a $6.8 million improvement in operating income and a decline in the effective income tax rate from 28.1% to 11.3%. The effective income tax rate declined primarily due to the reversal of provisions for certain income tax contingencies totaling $12.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2006. Income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2005 include additional tax expense of approximately $1.2 million related to the Companys plan to repatriate approximately $23.5 million of foreign earnings pursuant to the American Jobs Creation Act and a reduction of income tax expense related to the resolution of certain tax contingencies of approximately $4.9 million. Operating income increased as a result of an $8.9 million, or 13.0% increase in franchising revenues (total revenues excluding marketing and reservation revenues and hotel operations) partially offset by a $2.0 million increase in selling, general and administrative expense.
Summarized financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
REVENUES: |
||||||||
Royalty fees |
$ | 64,364 | $ | 58,063 | ||||
Initial franchise and relicensing fees |
7,733 | 5,769 | ||||||
Partner services |
3,171 | 3,122 | ||||||
Marketing and reservation |
73,001 | 72,841 | ||||||
Hotel operations |
1,182 | 1,153 | ||||||
Other |
1,545 | 1,003 | ||||||
Total revenues |
150,996 | 141,951 | ||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
20,279 | 18,311 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
2,344 | 2,188 | ||||||
Marketing and reservation |
73,001 | 72,841 | ||||||
Hotel operations |
820 | 824 | ||||||
Total operating expenses |
96,444 | 94,164 | ||||||
Operating income |
54,552 | 47,787 | ||||||
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES: |
||||||||
Interest expense |
3,207 | 3,815 | ||||||
Interest and other investment income |
(569 | ) | (721 | ) | ||||
Equity in net income of affiliates |
(349 | ) | (267 | ) | ||||
Other |
| (197 | ) | |||||
Total other income and expenses, net |
2,289 | 2,630 | ||||||
Income before income taxes |
52,263 | 45,157 | ||||||
Income taxes |
5,906 | 12,691 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 46,357 | $ | 32,466 | ||||
Weighted average shares outstanding diluted |
67,152 | 66,963 | ||||||
Diluted earnings per share |
$ | 0.69 | $ | 0.48 | ||||
Management analyzes its business based on franchising revenues, which is total revenues excluding marketing and reservation revenues and hotel operations, and franchise operating expenses that are reflected as selling, general and administrative expenses.
Franchising Revenues: Franchising revenues were $76.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to $68.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The growth in franchising revenues is primarily due to increases in royalty revenues, initial franchise and relicensing fees and other revenues of 11%, 34% and 54%, respectively.
Royalty fees increased $6.3 million to $64.4 million from $58.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2005, an increase of 10.9%. Excluding the franchises obtained in the acquisition of Suburban, the increase in royalties is attributable to a combination of factors including a 2.5% increase in the number of domestic franchised hotel rooms, a 4.9% increase in RevPAR and an increase in the effective royalty rate of the domestic hotel system to 4.08% from 4.07%. System-wide RevPAR increases resulted primarily from average daily rate (ADR) increases as occupancy rates approximated the prior year. The acquisition of Suburban contributed approximately $0.8 million of royalty fees in the three months ended September 30, 2006.
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A summary of the Companys domestic franchised hotels operating information is as follows:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 |
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 |
Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average Daily Rate |
Occupancy | RevPAR | Average Daily Rate |
Occupancy | RevPAR | Average Daily Rate |
Occupancy |
RevPAR | |||||||||||||||||||
Comfort Inn |
$ | 78.25 | 72.6 | % | $ | 56.79 | $ | 73.81 | 71.6 | % | $ | 52.87 | 6.0 | % | 100 | bps | 7.4 | % | |||||||||
Comfort Suites |
86.19 | 73.3 | % | 63.22 | 80.71 | 73.5 | % | 59.32 | 6.8 | % | (20 | )bps | 6.6 | % | |||||||||||||
Sleep |
69.80 | 69.6 | % | 48.61 | 65.77 | 69.1 | % | 45.43 | 6.1 | % | 50 | bps | 7.0 | % | |||||||||||||
Midscale without Food & Beverage |
78.67 | 72.3 | % | 56.88 | 74.03 | 71.6 | % | 53.02 | 6.3 | % | 70 | bps | 7.3 | % | |||||||||||||
Quality |
71.73 | 64.7 | % | 46.42 | 69.99 | 63.5 | % | 44.42 | 2.5 | % | 120 | bps | 4.5 | % | |||||||||||||
Clarion |
82.51 | 57.1 | % | 47.14 | 77.94 | 60.1 | % | 46.87 | 5.9 | % | (300 | )bps | 0.6 | % | |||||||||||||
Midscale with Food & Beverage |
74.19 | 62.8 | % | 46.60 | 72.01 | 62.6 | % | 45.07 | 3.0 | % | 20 | bps | 3.4 | % | |||||||||||||
Econo Lodge |
57.22 | 56.1 | % | 32.11 | 55.11 | 57.1 | % | 31.49 | 3.8 | % | (100 | )bps | 2.0 | % | |||||||||||||
Rodeway |
57.14 | 54.9 | % | 31.38 | 56.80 | 54.8 | % | 31.10 | 0.6 | % | 10 | bps | 0.9 | % | |||||||||||||
Economy |
57.20 | 55.9 | % | 31.96 | 55.38 | 56.7 | % | 31.42 | 3.3 | % | (80 | )bps | 1.7 | % | |||||||||||||
MainStay |
68.86 | 77.1 | % | 53.12 | 67.97 | 73.4 | % | 49.89 | 1.3 | % | 370 | bps | 6.5 | % | |||||||||||||
Total Domestic System* |
$ | 73.99 | 66.5 | % | $ | 49.23 | $ | 70.59 | 66.5 | % | $ | 46.93 | 4.8 | % | 0 | bps | 4.9 | % | |||||||||
* | Amounts exclude Suburban activity from July 1, 2006 through September 30, 2006 because comparable pre-acquisition data for Q3 2005 is not available. |
Including franchises acquired from Suburban, the number of domestic rooms on-line increased to 335,884 as of September 30, 2006 from 328,299 as of September 30, 2005, an increase of 2.3%. The total number of domestic hotels on-line grew 3.2% to 4,157 as of September 30, 2006 from 4,028 as of September 30, 2005. International rooms on-line increased to 98,811 as of September 30, 2006 from 98,058 as of September 30, 2005, a 0.8% increase. The total number of international hotels on-line increased from 1,167 as of September 30, 2005 to 1,171 as of September 30, 2006. A summary of the domestic hotels and rooms on-line at September 30, 2006 and September 30, 2005 by brand is as follows:
September 30, 2006 |
September 30, 2005 |
Variance | ||||||||||||||||||
Hotels | Rooms | Hotels | Rooms | Hotels | Rooms | % | % | |||||||||||||
Comfort Inn |
1,411 | 110,525 | 1,440 | 112,903 | (29 | ) | (2,378 | ) | (2.0 | )% | (2.1 | )% | ||||||||
Comfort Suites |
427 | 33,573 | 410 | 32,142 | 17 | 1,431 | 4.1 | % | 4.5 | % | ||||||||||
Sleep |
327 | 24,609 | 316 | 24,032 | 11 | 577 | 3.5 | % | 2.4 | % | ||||||||||
Midscale without Food & Beverage |
2,165 | 168,707 | 2,166 | 169,077 | (1 | ) | (370 | ) | (0.0 | ))% | (0.2 | )% | ||||||||
Quality |
709 | 69,699 | 644 | 64,908 | 65 | 4,791 | 10.1 | % | 7.4 | % | ||||||||||
Clarion |
160 | 23,733 | 148 | 22,685 | 12 | 1,048 | 8.1 | % | 4.6 | % | ||||||||||
Midscale with Food & Beverage |
869 | 93,432 | 792 | 87,593 | 77 | 5,839 | 9.7 | % | 6.7 | % | ||||||||||
Econo Lodge |
815 | 50,013 | 803 | 49,851 | 12 | 162 | 1.5 | % | 0.3 | % | ||||||||||
Rodeway |
217 | 13,245 | 172 | 10,646 | 45 | 2,599 | 26.2 | % | 24.4 | % | ||||||||||
Economy |
1,032 | 63,258 | 975 | 60,497 | 57 | 2,761 | 5.8 | % | 4.6 | % | ||||||||||
MainStay |
27 | 2,046 | 28 | 2,190 | (1 | ) | (144 | ) | (3.6 | )% | (6.6 | )% | ||||||||
Suburban |
64 | 8,441 | 67 | 8,942 | (3 | ) | (501 | ) | (4.5 | )% | (5.6 | )% | ||||||||
Extended Stay |
91 | 10,487 | 95 | 11,132 | (4 | ) | (645 | ) | (4.2 | )% | (5.8 | )% | ||||||||
Total Domestic Franchises |
4,157 | 335,884 | 4,028 | 328,299 | 129 | 7,585 | 3.2 | % | 2.3 | % | ||||||||||
As of September 30, 2006, the Company had 736 franchised hotels with 57,117 rooms under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in its domestic system as compared to 497 hotels and 37,688 rooms at September 30, 2005. The number of new construction franchised hotels in the Companys domestic pipeline increased 52% to 507 at September 30, 2006 from 334 at September 30, 2005. The Company had an additional 72 franchised hotels with 6,462 rooms under development in its international system as of September 30, 2006 compared to 84 hotels and 7,680 rooms at September 30, 2005. While the Companys hotel pipeline provides a strong platform for growth, a hotel in the pipeline does not always result in an open and operating hotel due to various factors. A summary of the domestic franchised hotels under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development at September 30, 2006 and September 30, 2005 by brand is as follows:
25
September 30, 2006 | September 30, 2005 | Variance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion | New Construction |
Total | Conversion | New Construction |
Total | Conversion | New Construction |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Units | % | Units | % | Units | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comfort Inn |
50 | 108 | 158 | 32 | 68 | 100 | 18 | 56 | % | 40 | 59 | % | 58 | 58 | % | |||||||||||||||
Comfort Suites |
5 | 197 | 202 | 2 | 132 | 134 | 3 | 150 | % | 65 | 49 | % | 68 | 51 | % | |||||||||||||||
Sleep Inn |
| 95 | 95 | 1 | 77 | 78 | (1 | ) | -100 | % | 18 | 23 | % | 17 | 22 | % | ||||||||||||||
Midscale without Food & Beverage |
55 | 400 | 455 | 35 | 277 | 312 | 20 | 57 | % | 123 | 44 | % | 143 | 46 | % | |||||||||||||||
Quality |
67 | 11 | 78 | 51 | 11 | 62 | 16 | 31 | % | | 0 | % | 16 | 26 | % | |||||||||||||||
Clarion |
14 | 4 | 18 | 10 | 2 | 12 | 4 | 40 | % | 2 | 100 | % | 6 | 50 | % | |||||||||||||||
Midscale with Food & Beverage |
81 | 15 | 96 | 61 | 13 | 74 | 20 | 33 | % | 2 | 15 | % | 22 | 30 | % | |||||||||||||||
Econo Lodge |
32 | 5 | 37 | 34 | 9 | 43 | (2 | ) | -6 | % | (4 | ) | -44 | % | (6 | ) | -14 | % | ||||||||||||
Rodeway |
56 | 2 | 58 | 32 | 1 | 33 | 24 | 75 | % | 1 | 100 | % | 25 | 76 | % | |||||||||||||||
Economy |
88 | 7 | 95 | 66 | 10 | 76 | 22 | 33 | % | (3 | ) | -30 | % | 19 | 25 | % | ||||||||||||||
MainStay |
1 | 33 | 34 | 1 | 26 | 27 | | 0 | % | 7 | 27 | % | 7 | 26 | % | |||||||||||||||
Suburban |
4 | 19 | 23 | | | | 4 | NM | 19 | NM | 23 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||
Extended Stay |
5 | 52 | 57 | 1 | 26 | 27 | 4 | 400 | % | 26 | 100 | % | 30 | 111 | % | |||||||||||||||
Cambria Suites |
| 33 | 33 | | 8 | 8 | | NM | 25 | 313 | % | 25 | 313 | % | ||||||||||||||||
229 | 507 | 736 | 163 | 334 | 497 | 66 | 40 | % | 173 | 52 | % | 239 | 48 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Excluding the acquisition of Suburban on September 28, 2005, net domestic franchise additions during the three months ended September 30, 2006 were 41 compared to 35 for the same period a year ago. Gross domestic franchise additions increased from 84 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 to 85 for the same period of 2006. Net franchise terminations decreased to 44 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from 49 in the same period of 2005. During the third quarter of 2006, the Company has continued to execute its strategy to replace franchised hotels that do not meet our brand standards or are underperforming in their market. This strategy has resulted in a slightly lower annual growth rate in our domestic franchised rooms than historically achieved. As the competition gets stronger and more focused on limited service franchising, the Company will continue to focus on improving its system hotels and utilizing the domestic hotels under development as a strong platform for continued system growth.
Domestic initial fee revenue, included in the initial franchise and relicensing fees caption above, generated from executed franchise agreements increased 42% to $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The Company executed 178 new domestic franchise agreements in the three months ended September 30, 2006 representing 13,321 rooms compared to 143 agreements representing 11,757 rooms executed in the three months ended September 30, 2005, increases of 24% and 13%, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2006, 56 of the executed agreements were for new construction hotel franchises, representing 4,202 rooms, compared to 46 contracts, representing 3,435 rooms for the same period a year ago, both increases of 22%. Conversion hotel franchise executed contracts increased 26% from 97 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 to 122 for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. During the three months ended September 30, 2006, the Company executed 5 new franchise agreements for its Cambria Suites brand bringing the total contracts executed since its launch in January 2005 to 33. A summary of executed domestic franchise agreements by brand for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 |
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 |
% Change | |||||||||||||||||||
New Construction |
Conversion | Total | New Construction |
Conversion | Total | New Construction |
Conversion | Total | |||||||||||||
Comfort Inn |
14 | 25 | 39 | 13 | 15 | 28 | 8 | % | 67 | % | 39 | % | |||||||||
Comfort Suites |
14 | 1 | 15 | 13 | 1 | 14 | 8 | % | 0 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||
Sleep |
17 | 1 | 18 | 14 | | 14 | 21 | % | NM | 29 | % | ||||||||||
Midscale without Food & Beverage |
45 | 27 | 72 | 40 | 16 | 56 | 13 | % | 69 | % | 29 | % | |||||||||
Quality |
| 43 | 43 | 2 | 40 | 42 | (100 | )% | 8 | % | 2 | % | |||||||||
Clarion |
| 4 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 8 | (100 | )% | (43 | )% | (50 | )% | |||||||||
Midscale with Food & Beverage |
| 47 | 47 | 3 | 47 | 50 | (100 | )% | 0 | % | (6 | )% | |||||||||
Econo Lodge |
| 20 | 20 | | 12 | 12 | NM | 67 | % | 67 | % | ||||||||||
Rodeway |
1 | 25 | 26 | | 22 | 22 | NM | 14 | % | 18 | % | ||||||||||
Economy |
1 | 45 | 46 | | 34 | 34 | NM | 32 | % | 35 | % | ||||||||||
MainStay |
2 | | 2 | 1 | | 1 | 100 | % | NM | 100 | % | ||||||||||
Suburban |
3 | 3 | 6 | | | | NM | NM | NM | ||||||||||||
Extended Stay |
5 | 3 | 8 | 1 | | 1 | 400 | % | NM | 700 | % | ||||||||||
Cambria Suites |
5 | | 5 | 2 | | 2 | 150 | % | NM | 150 | % | ||||||||||
Total Domestic System |
56 | 122 | 178 | 46 | 97 | 143 | 22 | % | 26 | % | 24 | % | |||||||||
26
Relicensing fees increased 24% to $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Relicensing fees are charged to the new property owner of a franchised property whenever an ownership change occurs and the property remains in the franchise system. During the three months ended September 30, 2006, relicensings increased 22% from 86 in the third quarter of 2005 to 105 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.
Other income increased $0.5 million to $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to an increase in liquidated damage collections related to the early termination of franchise agreements.
Franchise Expenses: The cost to operate the franchising business is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $20.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $2.0 million from the three months ended September 30, 2005 total of $18.3 million. As a percentage of revenues, excluding marketing and reservation fees and hotel operations, total SG&A expenses were 26.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to 26.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Expenses increased primarily due to higher compensation costs related to stock compensation, variable franchise sales compensation costs, the launch of the Companys Cambria Suites brand and the acquisition of Suburban. The increase in SG&A expenses includes an $0.8 million reduction in deferred compensation expense related to the reduction of deferred compensation liabilities attributable to the Companys common stock held in certain nonqualified retirement plans.
Marketing and Reservations: The Companys franchise agreements require the payment of franchise fees, which include marketing and reservation fees. The fees, which are based on a percentage of the franchisees gross room revenues, are used exclusively by the Company for expenses associated with providing franchise services such as central reservation systems, national marketing and media advertising. The Company is contractually obligated to expend the marketing and reservation fees it collects from franchisees in accordance with the franchise agreements; as such, no income or loss to the Company is generated.
Total marketing and reservations revenues were $73.0 million and $72.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Depreciation and amortization attributable to marketing and reservation activities was $2.0 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Interest expense attributable to reservation activities was $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Marketing and reservation activities generated $18.6 million and $13.4 million of positive operating cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As of September 30, 2006, the Companys balance sheet includes a receivable of $4.7 million for marketing fees and a payable of $7.7 million for reservation fees. At December 31, 2005, the Companys balance sheet contained a receivable for marketing fees of $13.2 million and a payable of $3.6 million for reservation fees. This receivable is recorded as an asset in the financial statements as the Company has the contractual authority to require that the franchisees in the system at any given point repay the Company for any deficits related to marketing and reservations activities. The Companys current franchisees are legally obligated to pay any assessment the Company imposes on its franchisees to obtain reimbursement of such deficit regardless of whether those constituents continue to generate gross room revenue. The Company has no present intention to accelerate repayment of the deficit from current franchisees. Cumulative reservation and marketing fees not expended are recorded as a payable in the financial statements and are carried over to the next period and expended in accordance with the franchise agreements.
Other Income and Expenses: Other income and expense, net, decreased $0.3 million to an expense of $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from $2.6 million for the same period in 2005. This decrease resulted primarily from a decrease of $0.6 million in interest expense due to a decrease in the Companys outstanding debt offset by higher average variable interest rates at September 30, 2006 compared to September 30, 2005. The Companys weighted average interest rate as of September 30, 2006 was 6.47% compared to 5.39% as of September 30, 2005.
Income Taxes: The Companys effective income tax provision rate was 11.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, a decrease from the effective income tax provision rate of 28.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The effective income tax rate declined primarily due to the reversal of provisions for income tax contingencies totaling approximately $12.8 million as well as an increase in the proportion of foreign income earned over the prior year period, which is taxed at lower rates than statutory federal income tax rates. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2005 also includes additional tax expense of approximately $1.2 million related to the Companys plan to repatriate approximately $23.5 million of foreign earnings pursuant to the American Jobs Creation Act and a reduction of income tax expense related to the reversal of certain tax contingencies of approximately $4.9 million. Depending upon the outcome of certain income tax contingencies during the fourth quarter of 2006 up to $0.5 million of additional income tax benefits may be reflected in our 2006 results of operations from the reversal of reserves.
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2006 increased by 42.8% to $46.4 million, and diluted earnings per share increased 43.8% to $0.69 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from $0.48 reported for the three months ended September 30, 2005.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2006 and September 30, 2005
The Company recorded net income of $88.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $22.2 million, or 34% from $66.0 million for the same period in 2005. The increase in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is primarily attributable to a $19.2 million improvement in operating income and a decline in the effective income tax rate from 32.8% to 24.6%. Operating income increased as a result of a $19.2 million, or 15.6% increase in franchising revenues (total revenues excluding marketing and reservation revenues and hotel operations) partially offset by a $6.5 million increase in selling, general and administrative expense and a $0.6 million increase in depreciation and amortization. The effective income tax rate declined primarily due to the reversal of provisions for certain income tax contingencies totaling $12.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 include additional tax expense of approximately $1.2 million related to the Companys plan to repatriate approximately $23.5 million of foreign earnings pursuant to the American Jobs Creation Act and a reduction of income tax expense related to the reversal of certain tax contingencies of approximately $4.9 million.
27
Summarized financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
REVENUES: |
||||||||
Royalty fees |
$ | 157,374 | $ | 138,220 | ||||
Initial franchise and relicensing fees |
20,099 | 16,671 | ||||||
Partner services |
10,853 | 10,358 | ||||||
Marketing and reservation |
203,719 | 184,494 | ||||||
Hotel operations |
3,342 | 3,214 | ||||||
Other |
5,567 | 2,457 | ||||||
Total revenues |
400,954 | 355,414 | ||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
60,796 | 54,263 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
7,335 | 6,769 | ||||||
Marketing and reservation |
203,719 | 184,494 | ||||||
Hotel operations |
2,365 | 2,385 | ||||||
Total operating expenses |
274,215 | 247,911 | ||||||
Operating income |
126,739 | 107,503 | ||||||
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES: |
||||||||
Interest expense |
11,291 | 11,294 | ||||||
Interest and other investment income |
(1,099 | ) | (994 | ) | ||||
Equity in net income of affiliates |
(737 | ) | (621 | ) | ||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt |
342 | | ||||||
Other |
| (383 | ) | |||||
Total other income and expenses, net |
9,797 | 9,296 | ||||||
Income before income taxes |
116,942 | 98,207 | ||||||
Income taxes |
28,784 | 32,194 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 88,158 | $ | 66,013 | ||||
Weighted average shares outstanding diluted |
67,009 | 66,630 | ||||||
Diluted earnings per share |
$ | 1.32 | $ | 0.99 | ||||
Franchising Revenues: Franchising revenues were $193.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to $167.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The growth in franchising revenues is primarily due to increases in royalty revenues, initial and relicensing fees and other revenues of 14%, 21% and 127%, respectively.
Royalty fees increased $19.2 million to $157.4 million from $138.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005, an increase of 13.9%. Excluding the franchises obtained in the acquisition of Suburban, the increase in royalties is attributable to a combination of factors including a 2.5% increase in the number of domestic franchised hotel rooms, a 6.9% increase in RevPAR and an increase in the effective royalty rate of the domestic hotel system to 4.09% from 4.08%. The acquisition of Suburban contributed approximately $2.3 million of royalty fees in the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
A summary of the Companys domestic franchised hotels operating information is as follows:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 |
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 |
Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average Daily Rate |
Occupancy | RevPAR | Average Daily Rate |
Occupancy | RevPAR | Average Daily Rate |
Occupancy | RevPAR | |||||||||||||||||||
Comfort Inn |
$ | 73.06 | 62.9 | % | $ | 45.92 | $ | 68.85 | 61.1 | % | $ | 42.05 | 6.1 | % | 180 | bps | 9.2 | % | |||||||||
Comfort Suites |
83.12 | 67.4 | % | 55.99 | 77.59 | 65.6 | % | 50.91 | 7.1 | % | 180 | bps | 10.0 | % | |||||||||||||
Sleep |
66.58 | 62.3 | % | 41.48 | 62.46 | 60.7 | % | 37.91 | 6.6 | % | 160 | bps | 9.4 | % | |||||||||||||
Midscale without Food & Beverage |
74.22 | 63.7 | % | 47.25 | 69.68 | 61.9 | % | 43.11 | 6.5 | % | 180 | bps | 9.6 | % | |||||||||||||
Quality |
67.27 | 55.6 | % | 37.40 | 65.37 | 54.4 | % | 35.57 | 2.9 | % | 120 | bps | 5.1 | % | |||||||||||||
Clarion |
79.18 | 51.2 | % | 40.56 | 74.25 | 52.0 | % | 38.59 | 6.6 | % | (80) | bps | 5.1 | % | |||||||||||||
Midscale with Food & Beverage |
70.10 | 54.5 | % | 38.20 | 67.71 | 53.8 | % | 36.39 | 3.5 | % | 70 | bps | 5.0 | % | |||||||||||||
Econo Lodge |
53.21 | 47.7 | % | 25.38 | 50.99 | 48.3 | % | 24.64 | 4.4 | % | (60) | bps | 3.0 | % | |||||||||||||
Rodeway |
52.32 | 46.7 | % | 24.44 | 50.57 | 47.4 | % | 23.99 | 3.5 | % | (70) | bps | 1.9 | % | |||||||||||||
Economy |
53.05 | 47.5 | % | 25.20 | 50.92 | 48.2 | % | 24.53 | 4.2 | % | (70) | bps | 2.7 | % | |||||||||||||
MainStay |
67.39 | 68.2 | % | 45.97 | 64.48 | 64.9 | % | 41.84 | 4.5 | % | 330 | bps | 9.9 | % | |||||||||||||
Total Domestic System* |
$ | 69.86 | 58.1 | % | $ | 40.60 | $ | 66.33 | 57.3 | % | $ | 37.99 | 5.3 | % | 80 | bps | 6.9 | % | |||||||||
* | Amounts exclude Suburban activity from January 1, 2006 through September 30, 2006 because comparable pre-acquisition data for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 is not available. |
28
Excluding the acquisition of Suburban on September 28, 2005, net domestic franchise additions during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were 109 compared to 127 for the same period a year ago. Gross domestic franchise additions declined from 274 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 to 271 for the same period of 2006. Net franchise terminations increased to 162 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from 147 in the same period of 2005. During the first nine months of 2006, the Company has continued to execute its strategy to replace franchised hotels that do not meet our brand standards or are underperforming in their market. This strategy has resulted in a slightly lower annual growth rate in our domestic franchised rooms than historically achieved. As the competition gets stronger and more focused on limited service franchising, the Company will continue to focus on improving its system hotels and utilizing the domestic hotels under development as a strong platform for continued system growth.
Domestic initial fee revenue, included in the initial franchise and relicensing fees caption above, generated from executed franchise agreements increased 19% to $11.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The increased revenues primarily reflect increased sales of our new construction brands, most notably our Cambria Suites and Comfort Suites offerings, which carry a higher average initial fee than our other brands. New domestic franchise agreements executed in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 totaled 453 representing 36,969 rooms compared to 419 agreements representing 34,995 rooms executed in the nine months ended September 30, 2005. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, 162 of the executed agreements were for new construction hotel franchises, representing 12,539 rooms, compared to 139 contracts, representing 10,490 rooms for the same period a year ago, increases of approximately 16.5% and 19.5%, respectively. The growth in conversion hotel franchise executed contracts increased to 4% from 280 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 to 291 for the same period of 2006. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company executed 20 new franchise agreements for its Cambria Suites brand bringing the total contracts executed since its launch in January 2005 to 33. A summary of executed domestic franchise agreements by brand for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 |
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 |
% Change | |||||||||||||||||||
New Construction |
Conversion | Total | New Construction |
Conversion | Total | New Construction |
Conversion | Total | |||||||||||||
Comfort Inn |
38 | 43 | 81 | 33 | 40 | 73 | 15 | % | 8 | % | 11 | % | |||||||||
Comfort Suites |
55 | 3 | 58 | 42 | 4 | 46 | 31 | % | (25 | )% | 26 | % | |||||||||
Sleep |
27 | 1 | 28 | 36 | 1 | 37 | (25 | )% | 0 | % | (24 | )% | |||||||||
Midscale without Food & Beverage |
120 | 47 | 167 | 111 | 45 | 156 | 8 | % | 4 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||
Quality |
5 | 100 | 105 | 4 | 112 | 116 | 25 | % | (11 | )% | (9 | )% | |||||||||
Clarion |
1 | 22 | 23 | 2 | 15 | 17 | (50 | )% | 47 | % | 35 | % | |||||||||
Midscale with Food & Beverage |
6 | 122 | 128 | 6 | 127 | 133 | 0 | % | (4 | )% | (4 | )% | |||||||||
Econo Lodge |
| 43 | 43 | 4 | 61 | 65 | (100 | )% | (30 | )% | (34 | )% | |||||||||
Rodeway |
2 | 73 | 75 | | 47 | 47 | NM | 55 | % | 60 | % | ||||||||||
Economy |
2 | 116 | 118 | 4 | 108 | 112 | (50 | )% | 7 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||
MainStay |
5 | 1 | 6 | 10 | | 10 | (50 | )% | NM | (40 | )% | ||||||||||
Suburban |
9 | 5 | 14 | | | | NM | NM | NM | ||||||||||||
Extended Stay |
14 | 6 | 20 | 10 | | 10 | 40 | % | NM | 100 | % | ||||||||||
Cambria Suites |
20 | | 20 | 8 | | 8 | 150 | % | NM | 150 | % | ||||||||||
Total Domestic System |
162 | 291 | 453 | 139 | 280 | 419 | 17 | % | 4 | % | 8 | % | |||||||||
Relicensing fees increased 23% to $8.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $7.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Relicensing fees are charged to the new property owner of a franchised property whenever an ownership change occurs and the property remains in the franchise system. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, relicensings increased 20% from 231 in the first nine months of 2005 to 278 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Other income increased $3.1 million to $5.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to an increase in liquidated damage collections related to the early termination of franchise agreements.
Franchise Expenses: The cost to operate the franchising business is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $60.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $6.5 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2005 total of $54.3 million. As a percentage of revenues, excluding marketing and reservation fees and hotel operations, total SG&A expenses were 31.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to 32.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Expenses increased primarily due to higher compensation costs related to stock compensation, the launch of the Companys Cambria Suites brand and the acquisition of Suburban. Despite the increase in expenses, SG&A as a percentage of franchise revenues declined since our variable overhead costs associated with franchise system growth have historically been less than incremental royalty fees generated from new franchises.
Depreciation and Amortization: Expenses increased $0.6 million to $7.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to the acceleration of depreciation resulting from the renovation and replacement of furniture, fixtures and equipment at two of the Company-owned Mainstay Suites during the second quarter.
Marketing and Reservations: The Companys franchise agreements require the payment of franchise fees, which include marketing and reservation fees. The fees, which are based on a percentage of the franchisees gross room revenues, are used exclusively by the Company for expenses associated with providing franchise