Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
OR  
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission File Number: 001-13957  
 
RED LION HOTELS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Washington
 
91-1032187
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
201 W. North River Drive, Suite 100
Spokane Washington
 
99201
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (509) 459-6100  
 __________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   ý     No   o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   ý     No   o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):  
Large accelerated filer
 
o
  
Accelerated filer
 
ý
Non-accelerated filer
 
o
  
Smaller reporting company
 
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.)    Yes   o     No   ý
As of November 2, 2016 , there were 20,931,782 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
Item No.
Description
Page No.
 
 
 
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
 
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4
 
 
 
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1
Item 1A
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4
Item 5
Item 6
 



2

Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements

RED LION HOTELS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015
 
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
 
(In thousands, except share data)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents ($7,831 and $7,226 attributable to VIEs)
 
$
18,930

 
$
23,898

Restricted cash ($8,855 and $10,978 attributable to VIEs)
 
9,181

 
11,304

Short-term investments
 
25

 
18,085

Accounts receivable, net ($3,783 and $2,383 attributable to VIEs)
 
14,401

 
8,164

Notes receivable, net
 
1,166

 
929

Inventories ($447 and $497 attributable to VIEs)
 
658

 
721

Prepaid expenses and other ($766 and $1,081 attributable to VIEs)
 
4,440

 
2,149

Assets held for sale ($3,936 and $0 attributable to VIEs)
 
3,936

 

Total current assets
 
52,737

 
65,250

Property and equipment, net ($184,087 and $163,746 attributable to VIEs)
 
210,991

 
195,390

Goodwill
 
8,824

 
8,512

Intangible assets
 
53,588

 
15,301

Notes receivable, long term
 

 
1,676

Other assets, net ($62 and $103 attributable to VIEs)
 
1,496

 
1,089

Total assets
 
$
327,636

 
$
287,218

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable ($9,816 and $7,178 attributable to VIEs)
 
$
14,110

 
$
9,263

Accrued payroll and related benefits ($109 and $1,763 attributable to VIEs)
 
2,800

 
6,163

Other accrued entertainment liabilities
 
7,817

 
9,211

Other accrued liabilities ($2,738 and $1,588 attributable to VIEs)
 
13,240

 
3,225

Long-term debt, due within one year ($5,912 and $0 attributable to VIEs)
 
5,912

 

Total current liabilities
 
43,879

 
27,862

Long-term debt, due after one year, net of debt issuance costs ($101,840 and $87,557 attributable to VIEs)
 
101,840

 
87,557

Deferred income and other long term liabilities ($276 and $0 attributable to VIEs)
 
5,768

 
1,326

Deferred income taxes
 
3,105

 
2,872

Total liabilities
 
154,592

 
119,617

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies
 


 


 
 
 
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
RLHC stockholders' equity
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock- 5,000,000 shares authorized; $0.01 par value; no shares issued or outstanding
 

 

Common stock - 50,000,000 shares authorized; $0.01 par value; 20,919,014 and 20,051,145 shares issued and outstanding
 
209

 
201

Additional paid-in capital
 
151,960

 
143,901

Accumulated deficit
 
(12,440
)
 
(10,110
)
Total RLHC stockholders' equity
 
139,729

 
133,992

Noncontrolling interests
 
33,315

 
33,609

Total stockholders' equity
 
173,044

 
167,601

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
327,636

 
$
287,218


The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

RED LION HOTELS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine months ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company operated hotels
 
$
37,157

 
$
36,972

 
$
93,515

 
$
91,092

Other revenues from managed properties
 
1,733

 
1,147

 
4,498

 
2,274

Franchised hotels
 
4,766

 
3,800

 
12,194

 
9,123

Entertainment
 
1,936

 
1,800

 
13,014

 
7,537

Other
 
16

 
16

 
40

 
38

Total revenues
 
45,608

 
43,735

 
123,261

 
110,064

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company operated hotels
 
25,363

 
25,439

 
71,035

 
68,578

Other costs from managed properties
 
1,733

 
1,147

 
4,498

 
2,274

Franchised hotels
 
3,214

 
3,087

 
10,034

 
8,494

Entertainment
 
1,605

 
1,666

 
11,183

 
7,041

Other
 
22

 
10

 
44

 
26

Depreciation and amortization
 
3,814

 
3,484

 
11,354

 
9,603

Hotel facility and land lease
 
1,197

 
1,894

 
3,543

 
5,089

Gain on asset dispositions, net
 
(101
)
 
(88
)
 
(730
)
 
(16,590
)
General and administrative expenses
 
2,031

 
2,676

 
7,781

 
7,803

Total operating expenses
 
38,878

 
39,315

 
118,742

 
92,318

Operating income
 
6,730

 
4,420

 
4,519

 
17,746

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(1,805
)
 
(1,989
)
 
(4,753
)
 
(5,228
)
Loss on early retirement of debt
 

 

 

 
(1,159
)
Other income (expense), net
 
(1,246
)
 
75

 
(1,193
)
 
380

Total other income (expense)
 
(3,051
)
 
(1,914
)
 
(5,946
)
 
(6,007
)
Income (loss) before taxes
 
3,679

 
2,506

 
(1,427
)
 
11,739

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
166

 
(49
)
 
258

 
37

Net income (loss)
 
3,513

 
2,555

 
(1,685
)
 
11,702

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(1,207
)
 
(1,746
)
 
(645
)
 
(2,653
)
Net income (loss) attributable to RLHC
 
$
2,306

 
$
809

 
$
(2,330
)
 
$
9,049

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share - basic
 
$
0.11

 
$
0.04

 
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.45

Earnings (loss) per share - diluted
 
$
0.11

 
$
0.04

 
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares - basic
 
20,781

 
20,028

 
20,343

 
19,960

Weighted average shares - diluted
 
21,158

 
20,607

 
20,343

 
20,131


The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

RED LION HOTELS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(In thousands)
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(1,685
)
 
$
11,702

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
11,354

 
9,603

Amortization of debt issuance costs
 
880

 
583

Gain on disposition of property, equipment and other assets, net
 
(730
)
 
(16,592
)
Loss on early retirement of debt
 

 
1,074

Deferred income taxes
 
233

 

Equity in investments
 
(171
)
 
101

Stock based compensation expense
 
1,960

 
1,008

Provision for doubtful accounts
 
212

 
580

Change in current assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
       Restricted cash for interest payments and other
 
(1,049
)
 
(7,922
)
Accounts receivable
 
(4,664
)
 
(2,748
)
Notes receivable
 
(68
)
 
(177
)
Inventories
 
63

 
(110
)
Prepaid expenses and other
 
(1,959
)
 
(899
)
Accounts payable
 
3,697

 
2,681

Accrued other liabilities
 
(2,046
)
 
8,953

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
6,027

 
7,837

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Purchase of Vantage, net assets acquired
 
(22,694
)
 

Capital expenditures
 
(30,266
)
 
(17,128
)
Purchase of GuestHouse International assets
 

 
(8,855
)
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment
 
434

 
37,730

Collection of notes receivable related to property sales
 
1,781

 
3,499

Advance of note receivable
 
(328
)
 
(27
)
Sales of short-term investments
 
18,060

 

Purchase of short-term investments
 

 
(7,866
)
Change in restricted cash for property improvements
 
3,172

 
(5,156
)
Other, net
 
78

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
(29,763
)
 
2,197

Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Borrowings on long-term debt
 
19,547

 
74,380

Repayment of long-term debt
 

 
(30,528
)
Debt issuance costs
 
(192
)
 
(3,479
)
Proceeds from sale of interests in joint ventures
 
3,194

 
21,565

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
(3,594
)
 
(1,319
)
Stock based compensation awards withheld for tax liability
 
(343
)
 

Other, net
 
156

 
110

Net cash provided by financing activities
 
18,768

 
60,729

 
 
 
 
 
Change in cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(4,968
)
 
70,763

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
23,898

 
5,126

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
18,930

 
$
75,889


The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements



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Table of Contents





RED LION HOTELS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during periods for:
 
 
 
 
Income taxes
 
$
22

 
$
20

Interest on long-term debt
 
$
4,187

 
$
4,576

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Reclassification of property and equipment, net to assets held for sale
 
$
3,936

 
$

Reclassification of long-term debt to current
 
$
5,912

 
$

Reclassification of long-term notes receivable to current
 
$
25

 
$
2,120

Reclassification between accounts receivable and notes receivable
 
$

 
$
51

Property and equipment, purchases not yet paid
 
$
59

 
$

Accrual of contingent consideration on acquisition
 
$
11,077

 
$

Shares issued for Vantage acquisition
 
$
5,755

 
$

Reclassification of current assets to noncurrent assets
 
$
14

 
$


The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

RED LION HOTELS CORPORATION
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.
Organization

Red Lion Hotels Corporation ("RLHC", "we", "our", "us" or "our company") is a NYSE-listed hospitality and leisure company (ticker symbol: RLH) primarily engaged in the management, franchising and ownership of hotels under our proprietary brands, including Hotel RL, Red Lion Hotels, Red Lion Inn & Suites, GuestHouse and Settle Inn & Suites (collectively the "RLHC Brands"). Our hotels under the RLHC Brands represent upscale, midscale and economy hotels. On September 30, 2016, we acquired certain assets, from Vantage Hospitality Group, Inc. and a number of its affiliates ("Vantage"), consisting primarily of franchise agreements for over 1,000 hotels and certain hotel brand names, including Americas Best Value Inn, Canadas Best Value Inn, Lexington Hotels & Inns, America's Best Inns & Suites, Jameson Inns, Country Hearth Inns & Suites, Vantage Hotels, Value Inn Worldwide, Value Hotel Worldwide, 3 Palms Hotels and Resorts and Signature Inn.

A summary of our properties as of September 30, 2016 , including the approximate number of available rooms, is provided below:
 
 
Hotels
 
Total
Available
Rooms
Company operated hotels
 
 
 
 
Majority owned and consolidated
 
15

 
3,000

Leased and consolidated
 
4

 
900

Managed
 
3

 
700

Franchised hotels
 
93

 
10,300

Franchised hotels newly acquired from Vantage
 
1,042

 
58,300

Total systemwide
 
1,157

 
73,200


We are also engaged in entertainment operations, which derive revenues from promotion and presentation of entertainment productions and ticketing services under the operations of WestCoast Entertainment and TicketsWest. The ticketing service offers online ticket sales, ticketing inventory management systems, call center services, and outlet/electronic distributions for event locations.

We were incorporated in the state of Washington in April 1978.

2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations.

The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 has been compiled from the audited balance sheet as of such date. We believe the disclosures included herein are adequate; however, they should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2015 , filed with the SEC on Form 10-K on March 1, 2016.

In the opinion of management, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all of the adjustments of a normal and recurring nature necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position at September 30, 2016 , the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , and the consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . The results of operations for the periods presented may not be indicative of that which may be expected for a full year or for any other fiscal period.


7


Comprehensive income (loss) is the same as net income (loss) for all periods presented. Therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive income (loss) is not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of RLHC and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries:

Wholly-owned subsidiaries:
Red Lion Hotels Holdings, Inc.
Red Lion Hotels Franchising, Inc. ("RL Franchising")
Red Lion Hotels Management, Inc. ("RL Management")
Red Lion Hotels Limited Partnership
Joint venture entities:
RL Venture LLC ("RL Venture") in which we hold a 55% member interest
RLS Atla Venture LLC ("RLS Atla Venture") in which we hold a 55% member interest
RLS Balt Venture LLC ("RLS Balt Venture") in which we hold a 73% member interest
RLS DC Venture LLC ("RLS DC Venture") in which we hold a 55% member interest
    
All inter-company and inter-segment transactions and accounts have been eliminated upon consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. At times, cash balances at banks and other financial institutions may be in excess of federal insurance limits.

Restricted Cash

In accordance with our various borrowing arrangements, at September 30, 2016 cash of $9.2 million was held primarily as reserves for debt service (interest only), property improvements, and other requirements from the lenders.

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments consist of variable rate demand notes with maturities that range from two to thirty-five years. They are all classified as available-for-sale investments and have been further classified as short term as the investments contain options which allow us to put them to the trustee with one day's to one week's notice. The carrying amounts are reasonable estimates of their fair values due to interest rates which are variable in nature and the put provision at par plus accrued interest.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The ability to collect individual accounts receivable is reviewed on a routine basis. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded based on specifically identified amounts believed to be uncollectible. If actual collection experience changes, revisions to the allowance may be required, and, if all attempts to collect a receivable fail, it is recorded against the allowance. The estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts may be impacted by, among other things, national and regional economic conditions. Acquired accounts receivable from business acquisitions are recorded at fair value, based on amounts expected to be collected. Therefore no allowance for doubtful accounts related to these accounts is recorded at the acquisition date.

The following schedule summarizes the activity in the allowance account for trade accounts receivable:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(In thousands)
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
Balance, January 1
$
657

 
$
303

Additions to allowance
212

 
139

Write-offs, net of recoveries
(67
)
 
192

Balance, September 30
$
802

 
$
634


8



Inventories

Inventories consist primarily of food and beverage products held for sale at the company-operated restaurants and guest supplies. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or net realizable value.

Prepaid and other expenses

Prepaid and other expenses include prepaid insurance, prepaid taxes, deposits, and prepaid costs related to our brand conferences.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The cost of improvements that extend the life of property and equipment is capitalized. Repairs and maintenance charges are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each asset, which ranges as follows:
 
 
Buildings
25 to 39 years
Equipment
2 to 15 years
Furniture and fixtures
2 to 15 years
Landscaping and improvements
15 years
 

Leasehold improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the term of the applicable lease, including renewable periods if reasonably assured, or over the useful lives, whichever is shorter.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

We test long-lived asset groups for recoverability when changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable, for example, when there are material adverse changes in projected revenues or expenses, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected operating results, or significant negative industry or economic trends. We also perform a test for recoverability when management has committed to a plan to sell or otherwise dispose of an asset group. We evaluate recoverability of an asset group by comparing its carrying value to the future net undiscounted cash flows that we expect will be generated by the asset group. If the comparison indicates that the carrying value of an asset group is not recoverable, we recognize an impairment loss for the excess of carrying value over the estimated fair value. When we recognize an impairment loss for assets to be held and used, we depreciate the adjusted carrying amount of those assets over their remaining useful life.

We base our calculations of the estimated fair value of an asset group on the income approach or the market approach. The assumptions and methodology utilized for the income approach are the same as those described in the "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" caption. For the market approach, we use analyses based primarily on market comparables, recent appraisals and assumptions about market capitalization rates, growth rates, and inflation.

Variable Interest Entities

We analyze the investments we make in joint venture entities based on the accounting guidance for variable interest entities ("VIEs"). These joint ventures are evaluated to determine whether (1) sufficient equity at risk exists for the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or, (2) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack one of the following characteristics (a) the power, through voting or similar rights, to direct the activities of the legal entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance or, (b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the legal entity or (c) the right to receive expected residual returns of the legal entity, or (3) the voting rights of some equity investors are not proportional to their obligations to absorb the losses or the right to receive benefits and substantially all of the activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights. If any one of the above three conditions are met then the joint venture entities are considered to be VIEs.

We consolidate the results of any such VIE in which we determine that we have a controlling financial interest. We would have a “controlling financial interest” (i.e., be deemed the primary beneficiary) in such an entity if we had both the power to direct

9


the activities that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb the losses of, or right to receive the benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE.

Business Combinations

On the date of acquisition, the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree are recorded at their fair values. The acquiree's results of operations are also included as of the date of acquisition in our consolidated results. Intangible assets that arise from contractual/legal rights, or are capable of being separated are measured and recorded at fair value, and amortized over the estimated useful life. If practicable, assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies are measured and recorded at fair value. If not practicable, such assets and liabilities are measured and recorded when it is probable that a gain or loss has occurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The residual balance of the purchase price, after fair value allocations to all identified assets and liabilities, represents goodwill. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Restructuring costs associated with an acquisition are generally expensed in periods subsequent to the acquisition date, and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties, including penalties and interest, after the measurement period are recognized as a component of the provision for income taxes. Our acquisitions may include contingent consideration, which require us to recognize the fair value of the estimated liability at the time of the acquisition. Subsequent changes in the estimate of the amount to be paid under the contingent consideration arrangement are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Cash payments for contingent or deferred consideration up to the amount of liability recognized on the acquisition date are classified within cash flows from financing activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows and any excess is classified as cash flows from operating activities.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets may result from our business acquisitions. Intangible assets may also result from the purchase of assets and intellectual property in a transaction that does not qualify as a business combination. We use estimates, including estimates of useful lives of intangible assets, the amount and timing of related future cash flows, and fair values of the related operations, in determining the value assigned to goodwill and intangible assets. Our finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their expected useful lives based on estimated discounted cash flows. Our brand name and trademark assets are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not subject to amortization. Finite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at the asset group level when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, when events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset may be impaired, or at the time when their useful lives are determined to be no longer indefinite.

Goodwill is assigned to our reporting units based on the expected benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination, determined by using certain financial metrics, including the forecast discounted cash flows associated with each reporting unit. The reporting units are aligned with our reporting segments.

We test goodwill for impairment each year as of October 1, or more frequently should a significant impairment indicator occur. As part of the impairment test, we may elect to perform an assessment of qualitative factors. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment, we would then proceed with the two-step impairment test. The impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the reporting units to their carrying amounts. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss amount. This second step determines the current fair values of all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit and then compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. We forecast discounted future cash flows at the reporting unit level using risk-adjusted discount rates and estimated future revenues and operating costs, which take into consideration factors, such as expectations of competitive and economic environments. We also identify similar publicly traded companies and develop a correlation, referred to as a multiple, to apply to the operating results of the reporting units. These combined fair values are then reconciled to the aggregate market value of our common stock on the date of valuation, while considering a reasonable control premium.

Notes Receivable

We carry notes receivable at their estimated collection amount, and they are classified as either current or long-term depending on the expected collection date. Interest income on notes receivable is recognized using the interest method.


10


Other Assets

Other assets primarily consist of key money arrangements with certain of our franchisees and IT system implementation and license costs, for both our franchisees and our company operated hotels. We recognize key money paid in conjunction with entering into long-term franchise agreements as prepaid expenses and amortize the amount paid as a reduction of revenue over the term of the franchise agreements. IT system implementation and license costs represent costs incurred to implement and operate RevPAK applications and are amortized over the initial term of the software license arrangement or the current license period, as applicable.

Fair Value Measurements

Applicable accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). We measure our assets and liabilities using inputs from the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
Level 3 includes unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions about what factors market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. We develop these inputs based on the best information available, including our own data.

Deferred Income

In 2003, we sold a hotel to an unrelated party in a sale-operating leaseback transaction. The pre-tax gain on the transaction of approximately $7.0 million was deferred and is being amortized into income over the period of the lease term, which expires in November 2018 and is renewable for three , five -year terms at our option. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we recognized income of approximately $0.4 million each period for the amortization of the deferred gain. The remaining balance at September 30, 2016 , was $1.0 million .

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning, and results of recent operations. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , a valuation allowance has been recorded to reduce our deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

We classify any interest expense and penalties related to underpayment of taxes and any interest income on tax overpayments as components of income tax expense.

We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. See Note 10.

11



Revenue Recognition

Revenue is generally recognized as services are provided. When payments from customers are received before services have been performed, the amount received is recorded as deferred revenue until the service has been completed. We recognize revenue from the following sources:

Company-Operated Hotels  - Room rental and food and beverage sales from majority owned and leased hotels and management fees from hotels under management contract. Revenues are recognized when services have been performed, generally at the time of the hotel stay or guest's visit to the restaurant or at the time the management services are provided. We recognize other revenue and costs from managed properties when we incur the related reimbursable costs. These costs primarily consist of payroll and related expenses at managed properties where we are the employer. As these costs have no added markup, the revenue and related expense have no impact on either our operating or net income.

Franchised Hotels  - Fees received in connection with the franchise and marketing of our brand names. Franchise revenues are recognized as earned in accordance with the contractual terms of the franchise agreements.

Entertainment  - Online ticketing services, ticketing inventory management systems, promotion of Broadway-style shows and other special events. Where we act as an agent and receive a net fee or commission, revenue is recognized in the period the services are performed. When we are the promoter of an event and are at-risk for the production, revenues and expenses are recorded in the period of the event performance.

Advertising and Promotion

Costs associated with advertising and promotional efforts are generally expensed as incurred. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 we incurred approximately $4.3 million and $3.8 million in advertising expense.

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to RLHC is computed by dividing income (loss) attributable to RLHC by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to RLHC gives effect to all dilutive potential shares that are outstanding during the period including stock options and other employee equity grants and warrants, by increasing the weighted-average number of shares outstanding by their effect. When we report a net loss during the period, basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are the same. See Note 12.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Restatement for Cash Flow Misclassification

During the fourth quarter of 2015, we identified a cash flow misclassification related to the proceeds from the sales of interests in and distributions to our joint venture entities during the periods ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2015. This error did not affect net income, stockholders' equity, cash flows from operations or the net increase or decrease in cash and cash equivalents for the period. The classification error incorrectly included these cash inflows and outflows as investing activities when they should have been classified as inflows and outflows from financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. In accordance with the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 99, "Materiality," and SAB No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements," we evaluated the materiality of the error from qualitative and quantitative perspectives and concluded that the error was immaterial to the current and prior interim period. Consequently, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows contained in this Report has been restated for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. This change resulted in a net decrease of  $20.2 million  from cash flows provided by investing activities and a corresponding increase to cash inflows from financing activities.

12


New and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 may be applied using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. In July 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date to January 1, 2018 with early adoption beginning January 1, 2017. We are continuing our evaluation of this guidance, and its amendments, and our method of adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The ASU is designed to improve the accounting for share-based payments and affects all organizations that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment awards are simplified with this ASU, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 will be effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We plan to adopt ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017 and will provide the necessary disclosures beginning with our Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2017. We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

The FASB issued ASU 2016-15 , Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments to address diversity in practice for eight specific topics: (1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; (2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; (3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; (4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; (5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (COLIs) (including bank-owned life insurance policies (BOLIs)); (6) distributions received from equity method investees; (7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and (8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This guidance is effective for us beginning January 1, 2018. As this ASU is clarifying only presentation matters within the statement of cash flows, we do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
We have assessed the potential impact of other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards and determined that the provisions are either not applicable to us or are not anticipated to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

3.    Business Segments

As of September 30, 2016 , we had three reporting segments: company operated hotels, franchised hotels and entertainment. The "other" segment consists of miscellaneous revenues and expenses, cash and cash equivalents, certain receivables, certain property and equipment and general and administrative expenses, which are not specifically associated with an operating segment. Management reviews and evaluates the operating segments exclusive of interest expense, income taxes and certain corporate expenses; therefore, they have not been allocated to the operating segments. All balances have been presented after the elimination of inter-segment and intra-segment revenues and expenses.


13


Selected financial information is provided below (in thousands):
Three months ended September 30, 2016
 
Company Operated Hotels
 
Franchised Hotels
 
Entertainment
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue
 
$
38,890

 
$
4,766

 
$
1,936

 
$
16

 
$
45,608

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment operating expenses
 
$
27,096

 
$
3,214

 
$
1,605

 
$
22

 
$
31,937

Depreciation and amortization
 
3,444

 
101

 
43

 
226

 
3,814

Other operating expenses and gains on asset dispositions
 
1,097

 

 
(1
)
 
2,031

 
3,127

Operating income (loss)
 
$
7,253

 
$
1,451

 
$
289

 
$
(2,263
)
 
$
6,730

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
$
9,007

 
$

 
$
22

 
$
765

 
$
9,794

Identifiable assets as of September 30, 2016
 
$
248,888

 
$
63,067

 
$
5,178

 
$
10,503

 
$
327,636


Three months ended September 30, 2015
 
Company Operated Hotels
 
Franchised Hotels
 
Entertainment
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue
 
$
38,119

 
$
3,800

 
$
1,800

 
$
16

 
$
43,735

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment operating expenses
 
$
26,586

 
$
3,087

 
$
1,666

 
$
10

 
$
31,349

Depreciation and amortization
 
2,897

 
247

 
61

 
279

 
3,484

Other operating expenses and gains on asset dispositions
 
1,778

 

 

 
2,704

 
4,482

Operating income (loss)
 
$
6,858

 
$
466

 
$
73

 
$
(2,977
)
 
$
4,420

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
$
9,077

 
$
7

 
$
(73
)
 
$
214

 
$
9,225

Identifiable assets as of December 31, 2015
 
$
255,876

 
$
20,180

 
$
5,256

 
$
5,906

 
$
287,218


Nine months ended September 30, 2016
 
Company Operated Hotels
 
Franchised Hotels
 
Entertainment
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue
 
$
98,013

 
$
12,194

 
$
13,014

 
$
40

 
$
123,261

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment operating expenses
 
$
75,533

 
$
10,034

 
$
11,183

 
$
44

 
$
96,794

Depreciation and amortization
 
10,308

 
115

 
146

 
785

 
11,354

Other operating expenses and gains on asset dispositions
 
3,208

 
1

 
(1
)
 
7,386

 
10,594

Operating income (loss)
 
$
8,964

 
$
2,044

 
$
1,686

 
$
(8,175
)
 
$
4,519

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
$
28,917

 
$

 
$
26

 
$
1,893

 
$
30,836

Identifiable assets as of September 30, 2016
 
$
248,888

 
$
63,067

 
$
5,178

 
$
10,503

 
$
327,636



14


Nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
Company Operated Hotels
 
Franchised Hotels
 
Entertainment
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue
 
$
93,366

 
$
9,123

 
$
7,537

 
$
38

 
$
110,064

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment operating expenses
 
$
70,852

 
$
8,494

 
$
7,041

 
$
26

 
$
86,413

Depreciation and amortization
 
8,431

 
426

 
197

 
549

 
9,603

Other operating expenses and gains on asset dispositions
 
(11,606
)
 

 

 
7,908

 
(3,698
)
Operating income (loss)
 
$
25,689

 
$
203

 
$
299

 
$
(8,445
)
 
$
17,746

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
$
15,775

 
$
14

 
$
16

 
$
1,323

 
$
17,128

Identifiable assets as of December 31, 2015
 
$
255,876

 
$
20,180

 
$
5,256

 
$
5,906

 
$
287,218



4.     Variable Interest Entities

Our joint venture entities have been determined to be variable interest entities ("VIEs"), and RLHC has been determined to be the primary beneficiary of each VIE. Therefore, we consolidate the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of (1) RL Venture, (2) RLS Balt Venture, (3) RLS Atla Venture and (4) RLS DC Venture. See Note 2 for discussion of the significant judgments and assumptions made by us in determining whether an entity is a VIE and if we are the primary beneficiary and therefore must consolidate the VIE. See Note 7 for further discussion of the terms of the long-term debt at each of the joint venture entities.

RL Venture

In January 2015, we transferred 12 of our wholly-owned hotels into RL Venture, a newly created entity that was initially wholly-owned by us. Subsequently, we sold a 45% ownership stake in RL Venture to Shelbourne Falcon RLHC Hotel Investors LLC ("Shelbourne Falcon"), an entity that is led by Shelbourne Capital LLC ("Shelbourne"). We maintain a 55% interest in RL Venture, and the 12 hotels are managed by RL Management, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, subject to a management agreement. RL Venture is considered a variable interest entity because our voting rights are not proportional to our financial interest and substantially all of RL Venture's activities involve and are conducted on our behalf. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary as (a) we exert power over two of the entity's key activities (hotel operations and property renovations) and share power over the remaining key activities with Shelbourne Falcon, which does not have the unilateral ability to exercise kick-out rights, and (b) we have the obligation to absorb losses and right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entity through our 55% equity interest and management fees. As a result, we consolidate RL Venture. The equity interest owned by Shelbourne Falcon is reflected as a noncontrolling interest in the consolidated financial statements. When ownership changes without a loss of control, GAAP requires the difference between consideration received and the carrying amount of a noncontrolling interest to be recorded in equity. Accordingly, we recognized $12.4 million upon sale of the equity interests as a reduction to RLHC's additional paid in capital.

Cash distributions may be made periodically based on calculated distributable income. In 2016, RL Venture made cash distributions during the third quarter totaling $4.0 million , of which we received $2.2 million . In 2015, RL Venture made its first cash distributions during the third quarter totaling $2.9 million , of which we received $1.6 million . Cash distributions for the nine months totaled $8.0 million , of which we received $4.4 million .

Refer to Note 7 for further discussion of the long-term debt of RL Venture.

RLS Balt Venture

In April 2015, we sold a 21% member interest in our wholly-owned RLS Balt Venture to Shelbourne Falcon Charm City Investors LLC ("Shelbourne Falcon II"), an entity led by Shelbourne. Shelbourne Falcon II had an option exercisable until December 31, 2015 to purchase up to an additional 24% member interest for $2.3 million . In December 2015, Shelbourne Falcon II elected to purchase additional member interests of 6% based on an aggregate purchase price of $560,000 . With the sale of additional member interest without a corresponding change in control, $0.1 million was recognized as an increase in RLHC's additional paid in capital. RL Baltimore, LLC ("RL Baltimore"), which is wholly-owned by RLS Balt Venture, owns the Hotel RL Baltimore Inner Harbor, which is managed by RL Management. RLS Balt Venture is considered a variable interest entity because our voting rights are not proportional to our financial interest and substantially all of RLS Balt Venture's activities involve

15


and are conducted on our behalf. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary as (a) we exert power over the entity's key activities (hotel operations and property renovations) and share power over the remaining key activities with Shelbourne Falcon II , which does not have the unilateral ability to exercise kick-out rights, and (b) we have the obligation to absorb losses and right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entity through our 73% equity interest and management fees. As a result, we consolidate RLS Balt Venture. The equity interest owned by Shelbourne Falcon II is reflected as a noncontrolling interest in the consolidated financial statements.
  
In October 2015, RLHC provided $1.5 million to RLS Balt Venture to fund renovation costs and for operating losses. This funding was not treated as a loan or as a capital contribution. Rather, it is preferred capital of RLS Balt Venture and will be repaid only when the Baltimore hotel property is sold or when RLS Balt Venture is liquidated. Upon such an event, RLHC will receive the $1.5 million plus a preferred return of 11% , compounded annually, prior to any liquidation proceeds being returned to the members.

Cash distributions may be made periodically based on calculated distributable income. There were no cash distributions made during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2015 .

Refer to Note 7 for further discussion of the long-term debt of RLS Balt Venture.

RLS Atla Venture

In September 2015, we formed a joint venture, RLS Atla Venture, with Shelbourne Falcon Big Peach Investors LLC ("Shelbourne Falcon III"), an entity led by Shelbourne. We own a 55% interest in the joint venture and Shelbourne Falcon III owns a 45% interest. RLH Atlanta LLC ("RLH Atlanta"), which is wholly-owned by RLS Atla Venture, owns a hotel adjacent to the Atlanta International Airport that opened in April 2016 as the Red Lion Hotel Atlanta International Airport. RLS Atla Venture is considered a variable interest entity because our voting rights are not proportional to our financial interest and substantially all of RLS Atla Venture's activities involve and are conducted on our behalf. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary as (a) we exert power over the entity's key activities (hotel operations and property renovations) and share power over the remaining key activities with Shelbourne Falcon III, which does not have the unilateral ability to exercise kick-out rights, and (b) we have the obligation to absorb losses and right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entity through our 55% equity interest and management fees. As a result, we consolidate RLS Atla Venture. The equity interest owned by Shelbourne Falcon III is reflected as a noncontrolling interest in the consolidated financial statements.

Cash distributions may be made periodically based on calculated distributable income. There were no cash distributions made during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2015 .

Refer to Note 7 for further discussion of the long-term debt of RLS Atla Venture.

RLS DC Venture

In October 2015, we formed a joint venture, RLS DC Venture, with Shelbourne Falcon DC Investors LLC ("Shelbourne Falcon IV"), an entity led by Shelbourne. Initially, we owned an 86% interest in the joint venture, and Shelbourne Falcon IV owned a 14% interest. On October 29, 2015, RLH DC LLC ("RLH DC"), which is wholly-owned by RLS DC Venture, acquired 100% of The Quincy, an existing hotel business now operated as the Hotel RL Washington DC, in a business combination. The property is managed by RL Management. RLS DC Venture is considered a variable interest entity because our voting rights are not proportional to our financial interest, and substantially all of RLS DC Venture's activities involve and are conducted on our behalf. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary as (a) we exert power over the entity's key activities (hotel operations and property renovations) and share power over the remaining key activities with Shelbourne Falcon IV, which does not have the unilateral ability to exercise kick-out rights, and (b) we have the obligation to absorb losses and right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entity through our equity interest and management fees. As a result, we consolidate RLS DC Venture. The equity interest owned by Shelbourne Falcon IV is reflected as a noncontrolling interest in the consolidated financial statements.

As part of the organization of RLS DC Venture, Shelbourne Falcon IV had an option to purchase from us up to an additional 31% of the member interests. On February 3, 2016, Shelbourne Falcon IV elected to purchase from us an additional 15% of the member interests of RLS DC Venture, based on an aggregate purchase price of $1.5 million . With the sale of the additional member interest without a corresponding change in control $0.2 million was recognized as an increase in additional paid in capital in February 2016. On April 1, 2016, Shelbourne Falcon IV exercised the remaining option and purchased from us an additional 16% of the member interests of RLS DC Venture for $1.7 million , which resulted in a further increase of $0.3 million to RLHC's additional paid in capital, as we continue to consolidate RLS DC Venture since we are the primary beneficiary. Following the April

16


1, 2016 transaction, we now own 55% of RLS DC Venture, and Shelbourne Falcon IV owns 45% . Shelbourne Falcon IV is still considered a noncontrolling interest in the consolidated financial statements.

Cash distributions may be made periodically based on calculated distributable income. There were no cash distributions made during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2015 .

Refer to Note 7 for further discussion of the long-term debt of RLS DC Venture.

5.    Property and Equipment and Assets Held for Sale

Property and equipment is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Buildings and equipment
 
$
245,213

 
$
217,787

Furniture and fixtures
 
35,463

 
32,821

Landscaping and land improvements
 
7,501

 
7,253

 
 
288,177

 
257,861

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(130,655
)
 
(123,084
)
 
 
157,522

 
134,777

Land
 
43,194

 
43,242

Construction in progress
 
10,275

 
17,371

Property and equipment, net
 
$
210,991

 
$
195,390


As of September 30, 2016 the Red Lion Hotel Coos Bay property (the Coos Bay property), in Coos Bay, Oregon (which was included in our company operated hotels segment) was classified as an asset held for sale based on our expectation to sell the property during the fourth quarter of 2016. The property and equipment were included in the classification of assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheets, and the premises and equipment classification details are in the table below, (in thousands):
 
 
September 30,
2016
Buildings and equipment
 
$
2,907

Furniture and fixtures
 
1,008

Landscaping and land improvements
 
74

 
 
3,989

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(2,140
)
 
 
1,849

Land
 
2,055

Construction in progress
 
32

Property and equipment, net
 
$
3,936


On October 6, 2016, the sale of the Coos Bay property was completed for $5.7 million in net proceeds. The hotel is now under a franchise license agreement with RL Franchising as a Red Lion Hotel.

6.     Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired during business combinations over the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill was recorded in prior years in connection with the acquisitions of franchises and entertainment businesses.

The Red Lion, GuestHouse and Vantage brand names are identifiable, primarily indefinite-lived intangible assets that represent the separable legal right to a trade name and associated trademarks. We acquired the Red Lion brand name in a business combination we entered into in 2001. We purchased the GuestHouse and Settle Inn & Suites brand names from GuestHouse International LLC in April 2015 and allocated to them $5.5 million of the total purchase price potentially payable in that transaction.


17


In September 2016 we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Vantage Hospitality Group, Inc. (Vantage), including customer contracts and brand names. The brand names include: Americas Best Value Inn, Canadas Best Value Inn, Lexington Hotels & Inns, America's Best Inns & Suites, Jameson Inns, Country Hearth Inns & Suites, Vantage Hotels, Value Inn Worldwide, Value Hotel Worldwide, 3 Palms Hotels and Resorts and Signature Inn. Based on our preliminary purchase price allocation, we allocated $30.0 million to brand names. We are currently evaluating the expected useful lives of these brand name assets.

In the table below, the customer contracts represent the franchise license agreements acquired with the GuestHouse International and the Vantage transactions. We allocated $3.3 million of the total purchase price of GuestHouse to these contracts. and are amortizing them over 10 years , which represents the period of expected cash flows, using an accelerated amortization method that matches the economic benefit of the agreements. Based on our preliminary purchase price allocation for the Vantage acquisition, we allocated $8.4 million to the customer contracts and are amortizing them over 15 years, based on expected cash flows.

We estimated the fair value of our customer contracts and brand names purchased from GuestHouse International and Vantage using expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates, both of which are Level 3 inputs.

We assess goodwill and the other intangible assets for potential impairments annually as of October 1, or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the assets. We did not impair any goodwill or intangible assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2015 . In conjunction with the acquisition of the Vantage assets, we recorded $312,000 in goodwill, within the franchised hotel segment, based on our preliminary allocation of the purchase price.

The following table summarizes the balances of goodwill and other intangible assets (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Goodwill
$
8,824

 
$
8,512

Intangible assets
 
 
 
Brand names
$
42,454

 
$
12,314

Customer contracts
11,000

 
2,853

Trademarks
134

 
134

Total intangible assets
$
53,588

 
$
15,301

     
Goodwill and other intangible assets attributable to each of our business segments were as follows (in thousands):  
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
Other
 
Goodwill
 
Intangibles
 
Goodwill
 
Intangibles
Company operated hotels
$

 
$
4,659

 
$

 
$
4,659

Franchised hotels
5,663

 
48,923

 
5,351

 
10,636

Entertainment
3,161

 
6

 
3,161

 
6

Total
$
8,824

 
$
53,588

 
$
8,512

 
$
15,301


The following table summarizes the balances of amortized customer contracts (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015

Historical cost
$
3,273

 
$
3,420

Assets acquired from Vantage
8,400

 

Accumulated amortization
(673
)
 
(567
)
Net carrying amount
$
11,000

 
$
2,853


As of September 30, 2016 , estimated future amortization expenses related to intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):

18


 
Amount
2016 (remainder)
$
686

2017
1,720

2018
1,441

2019
1,255

2020
1,152

Thereafter
4,746

Total
$
11,000


7. Long-Term Debt
The current and non-current portions of long-term debt as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Current
 
Non-Current
 
Current
 
Non-Current
RL Venture Holding
 
$
5,912

 
$
65,860

 
$

 
$
56,307

RL Baltimore
 

 
13,300

 

 
13,300

RLH Atlanta
 

 
9,400

 

 
6,000

RLH DC
 

 
15,847

 

 
15,165

Total debt
 
5,912

 
104,407

 

 
90,772

Unamortized debt issuance costs
 

 
(2,567
)
 

 
(3,215
)
Total debt net of unamortized debt issuance costs
 
$
5,912

 
$
101,840

 
$

 
$
87,557

The collateral for each of the borrowings within the joint venture entities is the assets and proceeds of each respective entity.
RL Venture
    
In January 2015, RL Venture Holding LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RL Venture, and each of its 12 wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a loan agreement with Pacific Western Bank. The original principal amount of the loan was $53.8 million with an additional $26.2 million to be drawn over a two -year period to cover property improvements related to the 12 hotels owned by the subsidiaries. We drew $2.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 and $15.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . At September 30, 2016 , the remaining amount of funds available to draw on the loan was $8.2 million , and the property improvement work must be completed by January 15, 2017. There were unamortized debt issuance fees of $1.6 million at September 30, 2016 .

The loan matures in January 2019 and has a one -year extension option. Interest under the advanced portions of the loan is payable monthly at LIBOR plus 4.75% . Fixed monthly principal payments begin in January 2017 in an amount that will repay the outstanding principal balance over a twenty-five year amortization period. The amount classified as current was estimated at $5.9 million , which includes $4.9 million debt, repayable upon the sale of the Coos Bay property, in accordance with the repayment requirements of the debt agreement. The estimate was based upon the expected proceeds from the sale of the property multiplied by the required repayment percentage. This amount was paid to the lender on October 6, 2016 in connection with the completion of the sale of the property.

The liabilities of RL Venture, other than its debt, are non-recourse to our general credit and assets. The debt is non-recourse as to RLHC, but several investors in RL Venture, including us, are guarantors regarding completion of certain improvements to the hotels, environmental covenants in the loan agreement, losses incurred by the lender and in the event of a voluntary bankruptcy filing involving RL Venture, any of its subsidiaries or the guarantors. RLHC has no other obligation to provide financial support to RL Venture.

The loan requires us to comply with customary reporting and operating covenants applicable to RL Venture, including requirements relating to debt service loan coverage ratios. It also includes customary events of default. We were in compliance with these covenants at September 30, 2016 .


19


RL Baltimore

In April 2015, RL Baltimore obtained a new mortgage loan from PFP Holding Company IV LLC, an affiliate of Prime Finance, secured by the Hotel RL Baltimore Inner Harbor. The initial principal amount of the loan was $10.1 million , and the lender agreed to advance an additional $3.2 million to cover expenses related to improvements to the hotel, which we drew during the year ended December 31, 2015. At September 30, 2016 , there were unamortized debt issuance fees of $0.5 million .

The loan matures in May 2018 and has two one -year extension options. Interest under the advanced portions of the loan is payable monthly at LIBOR plus 6.25% . No principal payments are required during the initial term of the loan. Principal payments of $16,000 per month are required beginning in May 2018 if the extension option is exercised.

The loan agreement includes customary requirements for lender approval of annual operating and capital budgets, under certain conditions. It also includes customary events of default. The liability of RL Baltimore under the loan agreement is generally non-recourse.  However, the lender may obtain a monetary judgment against RL Baltimore if the lender suffers losses under certain circumstances listed in the loan agreement, including but not limited to fraud, criminal activity, waste, misappropriation of revenues, and breach of environmental representations.  RLHC has guaranteed these recourse obligations of RL Baltimore and agreed to customary reporting and operating covenants. We were in compliance with these covenants at September 30, 2016 .

RLH Atlanta

In September 2015, RLH Atlanta obtained a new mortgage loan from PFP Holding Company IV LLC, secured by a hotel adjacent to the Atlanta International Airport, which opened in April 2016 as the Red Lion Hotel Atlanta International Airport. The initial principal amount of the loan was $6.0 million , and the lender agreed to advance an additional $3.4 million to cover expenses related to improvements to the hotel, which we drew in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , and resulted in the loan being fully disbursed. At September 30, 2016 , there were unamortized debt issuance fees of $0.2 million .

The loan matures in September 2018 and has two one -year extension options. Interest under the advanced portions of the loan is payable monthly at LIBOR plus 6.35% . No principal payments are required during the initial term of the loan.

The loan agreement includes customary requirements for lender approval of annual operating and capital budgets, under certain conditions. It also includes customary events of default. The liability of RLH Atlanta under the loan agreement is generally non-recourse.  However, the lender may obtain a monetary judgment against RLH Atlanta if the lender suffers losses under certain circumstances listed in the loan agreement, including but not limited to fraud, criminal activity, waste, misappropriation of revenues, and breach of environmental representations.  RLHC has guaranteed these recourse obligations of RLH Atlanta and agreed to customary reporting and operating covenants. We were in compliance with these covenants at September 30, 2016 .

RLH DC

In October 2015, RLH DC obtained a new mortgage loan from Pacific Western Bank secured by the Hotel RL Washington DC. The initial principal amount of the loan was $15.2 million , and the lender agreed to advance an additional $2.3 million to cover expenses related to improvements to the hotel. We drew $0.7 million in additional funds during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . At September 30, 2016 , the remaining amount of funds available to draw on the loan was $1.7 million , and there were unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.4 million .

The loan matures in October 2019 and has a one -year extension option. Interest under the advanced portions of the loan is payable monthly at LIBOR plus 4.55% . Fixed monthly principal payments begin in October 2018 in an amount that will repay the outstanding principal balance over an amortization period of twenty-five years .

The loan agreement includes customary requirements for lender approval of annual operating and capital budgets, under certain conditions. It also includes customary events of default. The liability of RLH DC under the loan agreement is generally non-recourse.  However, the lender may obtain a monetary judgment against RLH DC if the lender suffers losses under certain circumstances listed in the loan agreement, including but not limited to fraud, criminal activity, waste, misappropriation of revenues, and breach of environmental representations.  RLHC has guaranteed these recourse obligations of RLH DC and agreed to customary reporting and operating covenants. We were in compliance with these covenants at September 30, 2016 .


20


Wells Fargo
In January 2015, in connection with the RL Venture transaction, we repaid the outstanding balance of our Wells Fargo term loan. We recognized a $1.1 million "Loss on early retirement of debt" on the Consolidated Statement of Operations related to termination fees and write-off of the previously recorded prepaid debt fees and unamortized debt discount balances.
In January 2015, in connection with the sale of the Bellevue property, we terminated the $10 million revolving credit facility associated with the term loan. There was no impact on our financial statements.
Debentures
In December 2015, Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust (the "Trust") redeemed $29.9 million of its issued and outstanding 9.5% Trust Preferred Securities and all $0.9 million of its issued and outstanding 9.5% Trust Common Securities for a total redemption price of $30.8 million . The redemptions occurred concurrently with our redemption of all $30.8 million of our 9.5% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2044, all of which were held by the Trust.

8.    Derivative Financial Instruments

We do not enter into derivative transactions for trading purposes, but rather to hedge our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. We manage our floating rate debt using interest rate caps in order to reduce our exposure to the impact of changing interest rates and future cash outflows for interest. We estimate the fair value of our interest rate caps via standard calculations that use as their basis readily available observable market parameters. This option-pricing technique utilizes a one-month LIBOR forward yield curve, obtained from an independent external service, which is a Level 2 input. Changes in fair value of these instruments are recognized in interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

RL Venture

As required under our RL Venture loan, we entered into an interest rate cap with Commonwealth Bank of Australia to cap our interest rate exposure. The cap had an original notional amount of $80.0 million and caps the LIBOR reference rate at 4.0% . The cap expires in January 2018. At September 30, 2016 , the valuation of the interest rate cap resulted in the recognition of an asset with minimal value, which is included in "Other assets, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

RL Baltimore

As required under our RL Baltimore loan, we entered into an interest rate cap with Commonwealth Bank of Australia to cap our interest rate exposure. The cap had an original notional amount of $13.3 million and caps the LIBOR reference rate at 3.0% . The cap expires in May 2018. At September 30, 2016 , the valuation of the interest rate cap resulted in the recognition of an asset with minimal value, which is included in "Other assets, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

RLH Atlanta

As required under our RLH Atlanta loan, we entered into an interest rate cap with SMBC Capital Markets, Inc. to cap our interest rate exposure. The cap had an original notional amount of $9.4 million and caps the LIBOR reference rate at 3.0% . The cap expires in September 2018. At September 30, 2016 , the valuation of the interest rate cap resulted in the recognition of an asset with minimal value, which is included in "Other assets, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

RLH DC

As required under our RLH DC loan, we entered into an interest rate cap with Commonwealth Bank of Australia to cap our interest rate exposure. The cap had an original notional amount of $17.5 million and caps the LIBOR reference rate at 3.0% . The cap expires in November 2018. At September 30, 2016 , the valuation of the interest rate cap resulted in the recognition of an asset with minimal value, which is included in "Other assets, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Wells Fargo

In January 2015, in connection with the early retirement of the Wells Fargo credit facility, we settled and terminated the associated interest rate swap with Wells Fargo. The outstanding notional amount at the time of the termination was approximately $16.2 million . The "Loss on early retirement of debt" on the Consolidated Statement of Operations of $1.2 million resulted from the termination of the credit facility and the swap, including $0.2 million attributable to termination of the swap. See Note 7 for additional information.

21



9.    Commitments and Contingencies

At any given time we are subject to claims and actions incidental to the operations of our business. Based on information currently available, we do not expect that any sums we may receive or have to pay in connection with any legal proceeding would have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or net cash flow.

10.    Income Taxes

We recognized an income tax provision of $166,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and a $49,000 income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2015 . For nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 we recognized an income tax provision of $258,000 and $37,000 , respectively. The income tax provision varies from the statutory rate primarily due to a full valuation allowance against our deferred assets, as well as for deferred tax expense associated with our acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets, which are amortized for tax purposes but not for U.S. GAAP purposes.

We have federal operating loss carryforwards, which will expire beginning in 2033, state operating loss carryforwards, which will expire beginning in 2017, and tax credit carryforwards, which will begin to expire in 2024.

11.    Stockholders' Equity

We are authorized to issue 50 million shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 5 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of September 30, 2016 , there were 20,919,014  shares of common stock issued and outstanding and no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. The board of directors has the authority, without action by the shareholders, to designate and issue preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences and privileges of each series, which may be greater than the rights of the common stock.

Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted upon by the shareholders with no cumulative voting rights. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably the dividends, if any, that are declared from time to time by the board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate in the future.

On September 30, 2016 , we issued 690,000 shares of RLHC common stock, recorded at the closing share price of $8.34 on that date, as part of the consideration for the acquisition of the assets of Vantage. Up to a maximum of 690,000 additional shares may be issued in connection with the contingent consideration payments for this acquisition.

Stock Incentive Plans

The 2006 Stock Incentive Plan authorized the grant or issuance of various option and other awards including restricted stock units and other stock-based compensation. The plan was approved by our shareholders and allowed awards of 2.0 million shares, subject to adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and similar events. No further stock option grants or other awards are permitted under the terms of the 2006 plan.

The 2015 Stock Incentive Plan authorizes the grant or issuance of various option and other awards including restricted stock units and other stock-based compensation. The plan was approved by our shareholders and allows awards of 1.4 million shares, subject to adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and similar events. As of September 30, 2016 , there were 553,685 shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to future stock option grants or other awards under the 2015 plan.

Stock based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock based awards measured at grant date, including an estimated forfeiture rate, and is recognized over the relevant service period. For the three and nine months ended September 30, stock-based compensation expense is as follows:

22


 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Stock options
 
$
17

 
$

 
$
34

 
$

 
Restricted stock units
 
562

 
488

 
1,588

 
986

 
Unrestricted stock awards
 
105

 
105

 
315

 
332

 
ESPP
 
10

 
3

 
25

 
10

 
Total stock-based compensation
 
$
694

 
$
596

 
$
1,962

 
$
1,328

 

Stock Options

Stock options issued are valued based upon the Black-Scholes option pricing model and we recognize this value as an expense over the periods in which the options vest. Use of the Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires that we make certain assumptions, including expected volatility, forfeiture rate, risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield and expected life of the options, based on historical experience. Volatility is based on historical information with terms consistent with the expected life of the option. The risk free interest rate is based on the quoted daily treasury yield curve rate at the time of grant, with terms consistent with the expected life of the option. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 the stock options granted were 81,130 and no shares, respectively.

Stock option fair value assumptions are as follows for stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 :
Grant Date
 
Volatility
 
Forfeiture Rate
 
Risk-free Interest Rate
 
Dividend Yield
 
Expected Life (Years)
March 28, 2016
 
61.12%
 
21.07%
 
1.37%
 
—%
 
5


A summary of stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , is as follows:
 
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
71,676

 
$
10.41

Options granted
 
81,130

 
8.20

Options exercised
 

 

Options forfeited
 
(2,948
)
 
8.74

Balance, September 30, 2016
 
149,858

 
$
9.24

Exercisable, September 30, 2016
 
68,728

 
$
10.48


Additional information regarding stock options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2016 , is as follows:
Exercise
Price
 
Number
Outstanding
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 
Expiration
Date
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
 
Number
Exercisable
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
$8.20
 
81,130

 
9.49
 
2026
 
$
8.20

 
11

 

 
$

 
$

$8.74
 
37,888

 
1.57
 
2018
 
8.74

 

 
37,888

 
8.74

 

$12.21
 
15,195

 
0.14
 
2016
 
12.21

 

 
15,195

 
12.21

 

$13.00
 
15,645

 
0.63
 
2017
 
13.00

 

 
15,645

 
13.00

 

 
 
149,858

 
5.61
 
2016-2026
 
$
9.24

 
11

 
68,728

 
$
10.48

 
$


(1)
The aggregate intrinsic value is before applicable income taxes and represents the amount option recipients would have received if all options had been fully vested and exercised on the last trading day of the first nine months of 2016 , or September 30, 2016 , based upon our closing stock price on that date of $8.34 .

23



Restricted Stock Units, Shares Issued as Compensation

As of September 30, 2016 and 2015 , there were 1,095,719 and 1,219,700 unvested restricted stock units outstanding. Since we began issuing restricted stock units, approximately 22.1% of total units granted have been forfeited. In the third quarter of 2016 , we recognized approximately $0.6 million in compensation expense related to restricted stock units compared to $0.5 million in the comparable period in 2015 . As the restricted stock units vest, we expect to recognize approximately $5.8 million in additional compensation expense over a weighted average period of 33 months, including $0.6 million during the remainder of 2016 .

A summary of restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , is as follows:
 
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Balance, January 1, 2016
 
1,224,920

 
$
6.95

Granted
 
282,989

 
$
8.17

Vested
 
(151,462
)
 
$
6.54

Forfeited
 
(260,728
)
 
$
7.12

Balance, September 30, 2016
 
1,095,719

 
$
7.28


During the first nine months of 2016, 151,462 shares of common stock were issued to employees as their restricted stock units vested. Under the terms of the 2006 and 2015 plans and upon issuance, we authorized a net settlement of distributable shares to employees after consideration of individual employees' tax withholding obligations, at the election of each employee. The fair value of restricted stock that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $1.1 million and $1.0 million , respectively.
 
Unrestricted Stock Awards

Unrestricted stock awards are granted to members of our board of directors as part of their compensation. Awards are fully vested and expensed when granted. The fair value of unrestricted stock awards is the market close price of our common stock on the date of the grant.

The following table summarizes unrestricted stock award activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 :
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Shares of unrestricted stock granted
 
14,868

 
13,548

 
42,096

 
48,433

Weighted average grant date fair value per share
 
$
7.06

 
$
7.70

 
$
7.48

 
$
6.80


Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In 2008, we adopted a new employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP") upon expiration of our previous plan. Under the ESPP, 300,000 shares of common stock are authorized for purchase by eligible employees at a 15% discount through payroll deductions. No employee may purchase more than $25,000 worth of shares, or more than 10,000 total shares, in any calendar year. As allowed under the ESPP, a participant may elect to withdraw from the plan, effective for the purchase period in progress at the time of the election with all accumulated payroll deductions returned to the participant at the time of withdrawal. Shares issued to employees and the weighted average fair value per ESPP share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were, as follows:

 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Shares of stock sold to employees
 
17,060

 
11,423

 
29,798

 
22,037

Weighted average fair value per ESPP share
 
$
5.98

 
$
5.40

 
$
5.97

 
$
5.03


24



Warrant

In January 2015, in connection with Shelbourne Falcon’s purchase of equity interests in RL Venture, we issued Shelbourne a warrant to purchase 442,533 shares of common stock. The warrant has a five year term from the date of issuance and a per share exercise price of $6.78 . The warrant has been classified as equity due to required share settlement upon exercise. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of the warrant was recorded in additional paid in capital upon issuance, and we do not recognize subsequent changes in fair value in our financial statements. As of September 30, 2016 the warrant remained exercisable for all 442,533 of the underlying shares.

12.    Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share computations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Numerator - basic and diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
3,513

 
$
2,555

 
$
(1,685
)
 
$
11,702

Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(1,207
)
 
(1,746
)
 
(645
)
 
(2,653
)
Net income (loss) attributable to RLHC
 
$
2,306

 
$
809

 
$
(2,330
)
 
$
9,049

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares - basic
 
20,781

 
20,028

 
20,343

 
19,960

Weighted average shares - diluted
 
21,158

 
20,607

 
20,343

 
20,131

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share - basic
 
$
0.11

 
$
0.04

 
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted
 
$
0.11

 
$
0.04

 
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.45


The following table presents options to purchase common shares, restricted stock units outstanding and warrants to purchase common shares included in the earnings per share calculation and the amount excluded from the dilutive earnings per share calculation as they were considered antidilutive for three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . As part of the Vantage acquisition, up to an additional 690,000 shares may be issued with the one-year and two-year contingent consideration earns outs, these shares are not considered dilutive until issued.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Stock Options
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Antidilutive Awards Outstanding
 
149,858

 
70,934

 
149,858

 
71,676

Total Awards Outstanding
 
149,858

 
71,676

 
149,858

 
71,676

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Antidilutive Awards Outstanding
 
753,398

 
719,147

 
1,095,719

 
1,080,280

Total Awards Outstanding
 
1,095,719

 
1,219,700

 
1,095,719

 
1,219,700

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrants
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Antidilutive Awards Outstanding
 
407,772

 
364,633

 
442,533

 
410,693

Total Awards Outstanding
 
442,533

 
442,533

 
442,533

 
442,533

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


25


13.    Fair Value

Applicable accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). We measure our assets and liabilities using inputs from the Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Estimated fair values of financial instruments (in thousands) are shown in the table below. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable are reasonable estimates of their fair values due to their short maturities. The carrying amounts for short-term investments are reasonable estimates of their fair values due to interest rates which are variable in nature and a put provision at par plus accrued interest. We estimate the fair value of our notes receivable using expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates, both of which are Level 3 inputs. We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt using expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates, both of which are Level 3 inputs. The fair value of derivative instruments are estimated using standard calculations that use as their basis readily available observable market parameters, this option-pricing technique utilizes a one-month LIBOR forward yield curve, obtained from an independent external service, which is a Level 2 input. The fair values provided below are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we or the debt holders could realize in a current market exchange. In addition, potential income tax ramifications related to the realization of gains and losses that would be incurred in an actual sale or settlement have not been taken into consideration.
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Financial assets:
 
(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
$
28,111

 
$
28,111

 
$
35,202

 
$
35,202

Short-term investments
 
$
25

 
$
25

 
$
18,085

 
$
18,085

Accounts receivable
 
$
14,401

 
$
14,401

 
$
8,164

 
$
8,164

Notes receivable
 
$
1,166

 
$
1,166

 
$
2,605

 
$
2,605

Interest rate caps
 
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
42

 
$
42

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total debt
 
$
110,319

 
$
112,153

 
$
90,772

 
$
94,029


14. Related Party Transactions

RL Venture has agreed to pay to Shelbourne Falcon an investor relations fee each month equal to 0.50% of its total aggregate revenue. Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, LP, one of our company's largest shareholders, is an investor in Shelbourne Falcon. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , Shelbourne Falcon earned $141,000 and $119,000 , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , Shelbourne Falcon earned $348,000 and $287,000 , respectively.

RL Venture has also agreed to pay CPA Development, LLC, an affiliate of Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, LP, a construction management fee of $200,000 . During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , RL Venture paid $11,000 and $33,000 , respectively, of this fee. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , RL Venture paid $78,000 and $55,000 , respectively, of this fee.

In May 2015, we entered into a management agreement with the LLC that owns Red Lion Hotel Woodlake Conference Center Sacramento. A member of our board of directors is a 50% owner of the entity that serves as the manager of that LLC. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we recognized management fee revenue from the LLC of $30,000 and $31,000 , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 we recognized management fee revenue from the LLC of $92,000 and $46,000 , respectively. On October 10, 2016 the LLC announced the Red Lion Hotel Woodlake will permanently close effective December 12, 2016.

Effective March 29, 2016, our wholly owned subsidiary, RL Management entered into a one -year contract to manage the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, a hotel located in Kerhonkson, New York. The hotel is owned by HNA Hudson Valley Resort & Training Center LLC, an affiliate of HNA RLH Investments LLC, one of our largest shareholders, and is controlled by HNA Group North America LLC, for which Enrico Marini Fichera, one of our directors, serves as the Head of Investments. Under that contract, our subsidiary is entitled to a monthly management fee equal to $8,333 or three percent of the hotel’s gross operating revenues, whichever is larger. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we recognized management fee revenue from the LLC of $35,000 and $65,000 , respectively.


26


The total amounts receivable from related parties were $1.8 million and $0.7 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , and are classified within Accounts receivable, net on our consolidated balance sheets.

15. Business Acquisition

On September 30, 2016, we (i) acquired selected assets and assumed certain liabilities of Vantage Hospitality Group, Inc. (“Vantage”), a subsidiary of Thirty-Eight Street, Inc. (“TESI”) and (ii) acquired one brand name asset from TESI. Vantage is a hotel franchise company, and the addition of the Vantage assets substantially increases our number of franchise properties and provides us with a broader presence in the United States and Canada. We acquired over 1,000 hotel franchise and membership license agreements, as well as multiple brand names, including Americas Best Value Inn, Canadas Best Value Inn, Lexington Hotels & Inns, America's Best Inns & Suites, Jameson Inns, Country Hearth Inns & Suites, Vantage Hotels, Value Inn Worldwide, Value Hotel Worldwide, 3 Palms Hotels and Resorts and Signature Inn. The acquisition was funded at closing with $22.7 million of cash on hand, of which $10.4 million was paid to Vantage and $12.3 million was paid to TESI and 690,000 shares of RLHC stock paid to TESI, which was valued at $5.8 million , based on the closing price of RLHC stock of $8.34 on the close date. The acquisition remains subject to a working capital adjustment, which is not expected to be significant. The preliminary purchase price is $39.5 million , which includes an estimated fair value of $10.1 million of contingent consideration, the total of which will be payable to TESI at the first and second anniversaries of the acquisition date, based on the attainment of certain performance criteria. Payment of the contingent consideration is dependent on the retention of Vantage properties under franchise or membership license agreements, as determined by the room count at the first and second year anniversary dates when compared with the room count at the closing date, as follows:

 
 
Year 1 Anniversary
 
Year 2 Anniversary
 
Total
Threshold
 
Shares
Cash (1)
 
Shares
Cash (1)
 
Shares
Cash (1)
90% of room count at close
 
414,000

$
4,000

 
276,000

$
3,000

 
690,000

$
7,000

80% of room count at close
 
310,500

3,000

 
207,000

2,250

 
517,500

5,250

Minimum
 

1,000

 

1,000

 

2,000

(1)  in thousands
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

If the room counts are below the 80% thresholds at each anniversary date, but the annual franchise revenue, measured as the most recent twelve months ending on the anniversary date, of the Vantage properties is equal to or exceeds the closing date revenue benchmark, then the contingent consideration would be paid at the anniversary date based on the 90% threshold in the table above. The contingent consideration is measured at each anniversary date independent of the other measurement period.

The acquisition of Vantage was treated as a business combination under U.S. GAAP. We have made a preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair value assessments. We are continuing to collect information to determine the fair values of current assets, property and equipment, intangible assets, accrued liabilities, and income taxes, all of which would affect goodwill. Because the acquisition was completed on the last day of the reporting period, we completed only a preliminary assessment of the fair values of these assets and liabilities. As a result, the fair values of these assets and liabilities are provisional until we are able to complete our assessment. The following reflects our preliminary allocation of the purchase price as of September 30, 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
Fair Value
Current assets
 
$
2,418

Property and equipment
 
513

Intangible assets
 
38,395

Goodwill
 
312

Total assets acquired
 
41,638

 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
2,111

Total liabilities
 
2,111

 
 
 
Total net assets acquired
 
$
39,527



27


Intangible assets acquired are as follows:
 
 
Fair Value
 
Weighted Average Useful Life
Brand names - indefinite lived
 
$
29,128

 
Indefinite (a)
Brand names - finite lived
 
867

 
8.5   (a)
Customer contracts
 
8,400

 
15 years
Total intangible assets
 
$
38,395

 
 
(a) We are currently evaluating the expected useful lives of these brand name assets.

We recognized $0.3 million of goodwill as the result of the acquisition, recorded within our Franchise reporting segment. This is consistent with our expectation of minimal synergies when bringing the two businesses together. The goodwill amount is deductible for tax purposes, but a full valuation allowance is applied to the deferred tax asset.

Further, we valued the assembled workforce in order to value the other intangible assets, but we did not recognize the assembled workforce value as a separate asset. It is included as part of goodwill.

Since the acquisition was completed on the last day of the quarter, we recognized no revenue or earnings in our consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

We recognized acquisition related expenses of  $1.4 million  and  $1.7 million  during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, and they are included in other income and expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.


Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements. We have based these statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. When words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “seek,” “should,” “will” and similar expressions or their negatives are used in this quarterly report, these are forward-looking statements. Many possible events or factors, including those discussed in “Risk Factors” under Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 , which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 1, 2016, could affect our future financial results and performance, and could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

In this report, "we," "us," "our," "our company" and "RLHC" refer to Red Lion Hotels Corporation and, as the context requires, all of its consolidated subsidiaries, as follows:

Wholly-owned subsidiaries:
Red Lion Hotels Holdings, Inc.
Red Lion Hotels Franchising, Inc. ("RL Franchising")
Red Lion Hotels Management, Inc. ("RL Management")
Red Lion Hotels Limited Partnership
Joint venture entities:
RL Venture LLC ("RL Venture") in which we hold a 55% member interest
RLS Atla Venture LLC ("RLS Atla Venture") in which we hold a 55% member interest
RLS Balt Venture LLC ("RLS Balt Venture") in which we hold a 73% member interest
RLS DC Venture LLC ("RLS DC Venture") in which we hold a 55% member interest

The terms "the network", "systemwide hotels" or "network of hotels" refer to our entire group of owned, managed and franchised hotels.

The following discussion and analysis should be read in connection with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the condensed notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere in this quarterly report, as well as in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2015 , which are included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 .


28

Table of Contents

Introduction

We are a NYSE-listed hospitality and leisure company (ticker symbol: RLH) primarily engaged in the management, franchising and ownership of hotels under our proprietary brands, including Hotel RL, Red Lion Hotels, Red Lion Inn & Suites, GuestHouse and Settle Inn & Suites (collectively the "RLHC Brands"). Our hotels under the RLHC Brands represent upscale, midscale and economy hotels. On September 30, 2016, we acquired certain assets from Vantage Hospitality Group, Inc. and a number of its affiliates ("Vantage"), including including Americas Best Value Inn, Canadas Best Value Inn, Lexington Hotels & Inns, America's Best Inns & Suites, Jameson Inns, Country Hearth Inns & Suites, Vantage Hotels, Value Inn Worldwide, Value Hotel Worldwide, 3 Palms Hotels and Resorts and Signature Inn.

A summary of our properties as of September 30, 2016 , including the approximate number of available rooms, is provided below:
 
 
Hotels
 
Total
Available
Rooms
 
 
 
 
 
Company operated hotels
 
 
 
 
Majority owned and consolidated
 
15

 
3,000

Leased
 
4

 
900

Managed
 
3

 
700

Franchised hotels
 
93

 
10,300

Franchised hotels newly acquired from Vantage
 
1,042

 
58,300

Total systemwide
 
1,157

 
73,200


We operate in three reportable segments:

The company operated hotel segment derives revenues primarily from guest room rentals and food and beverage offerings at owned and leased hotels for which we consolidate results. Revenues are also derived from management fees and related charges for hotels with which we contract to perform management services.

The franchised hotels segment is engaged primarily in licensing our brands to franchisees. This segment generates revenue from franchise fees that are typically based on a percentage of room revenue and are charged to hotel owners in exchange for the use of our brand and access to our central services programs. These programs include our reservation system, guest loyalty program, national and regional sales, revenue management tools, quality inspections, advertising and brand standards.

The entertainment segment is composed of our WestCoast Entertainment and TicketsWest operations.
Our remaining activities, none of which constitutes a reportable segment, have been aggregated into "other".

Overview

Total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2016 increased $1.9 million , or 4 %, compared with the same period in 2015, driven by our company operated hotel and franchised hotel segments. Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased $13.2 million , or 12 %, from 2015, across all segments. Revenue per available room ("RevPAR") systemwide increased 3.4% and 3.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 when compared with the same periods in 2015. These increases were driven by improvements in both average occupancy and Average Daily Rate ("ADR").

RevPAR for company operated hotels on a comparable basis decreased 0.2% in the third quarter of 2016 and increased 0.7% for the first nine months of 2016 from the same periods in 2015 . ADR on a comparable basis increased 3.5% in the third quarter and 1.4% for the year to date period of 2016 compared with the same periods in 2015 . Average occupancy on a comparable basis increased 290 basis points and decreased 50 basis points in the three and nine month periods in 2016 from the three and nine month periods in 2015 .


29

Table of Contents

Our entertainment segment revenue increased by $0.1 million and increased $5.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , when compared with the same periods in 2015. The slight increase for the quarter was primarily driven by normal variability in the ticketing business from year to year.

On September 30, 2016 (the close date) we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain of the liabilities of Vantage Hospitality Group, Inc. and certain of its affiliates ("Vantage"). Vantage is a hotel franchise company, and the addition of the Vantage assets substantially increases our number of franchise properties and provides us with a broader presence in the United States and Canada. We acquired over 1,000 hotel franchise and membership license agreements, as well as multiple brand names,including Americas Best Value Inn, Canadas Best Value Inn, Lexington Hotels & Inns, America's Best Inns & Suites, Jameson Inns, Country Hearth Inns & Suites, Vantage Hotels, Value Inn Worldwide, Value Hotel Worldwide, 3 Palms Hotels and Resorts and Signature Inn. The acquisition was funded at closing with $22.7 million of cash on hand and 690,000 shares of RLHC stock, which was valued at $5.8 million, based on the closing price of RLHC stock of $8.34 on the close date. The preliminary purchase price is $39.5 million, which includes an estimated fair value of $10.1 million of contingent consideration, the total of which would be payable at the first and second anniversaries of the acquisition date, based on the attainment of certain performance criteria. Payment of the contingent consideration is dependent on the retention of Vantage properties under franchise or membership license agreements, as determined by the room count at the first and second year anniversary dates when compared with the room count at the closing date, see Note 15 - Business Acquisition for detailed schedule.

During the third quarter, we completed the conversions of three company operated hotels to the Hotel RL brand - Salt Lake City, Utah; Olympia, Washington; and Spokane, Washington.

Results of Operations

A summary of our consolidated statements of operations is provided below (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Total revenue
 
$
45,608

 
$
43,735

 
$
123,261

 
$
110,064

Total operating expenses
 
38,878

 
39,315

 
118,742

 
92,318

Operating income (loss)
 
6,730

 
4,420

 
4,519

 
17,746

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(1,805
)
 
(1,989
)
 
(4,753
)
 
(5,228
)
Loss on early retirement of debt
 

 

 

 
(1,159
)
Other income (expense), net
 
(1,246
)
 
75

 
(1,193
)
 
380

Income (loss) from operations before taxes
 
3,679

 
2,506

 
(1,427
)
 
11,739

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
166

 
(49
)
 
258

 
37

Net income (loss)
 
3,513

 
2,555

 
(1,685
)
 
11,702

Less net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(1,207
)
 
(1,746
)
 
(645
)
 
(2,653
)
Net income (loss) attributable to RLHC
 
2,306

 
809

 
(2,330
)
 
9,049

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA
 
$
9,298

 
$
7,979

 
$
14,680

 
$
26,570

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
10,932

 
$
8,729

 
$
16,685

 
$
13,242

Adjusted net income (loss)
 
$
5,147

 
$
3,305

 
$
320

 
$
(1,626
)
(1)  The definitions of "EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA" and Adjusted net income (loss) and how those measures relate to net income (loss) are discussed and reconciled under Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.

For the three months ended September 30, 2016 , we reported net income of $3.5 million , which includes $1.4 million of acquisition related expenses, and $0.2 million in CFO transition and employee separation costs. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , we reported net income of $2.6 million , which includes $0.8 million in amortized lease termination fees related to the amended lease for the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we reported a net loss of $1.7 million , which includes, in addition to the amounts recognized during the third quarter (1) acquisition related costs of $0.2 million, (2) CFO transition costs of $0.4 million, (3) a $0.4 million gain on the sale of intellectual property,

30


and (4) an environmental cleanup charge of $0.1 million related to one of our hotel properties. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we reported net income of $11.7 million , which includes, in addition to the amounts recognized during the third quarter, gains of $16.4 million for the sales of our Bellevue and Wenatchee properties, a $1.2 million loss on early retirement of debt incurred in paying off the Wells Fargo term loan, and $1.1 million in amortized lease termination fees related to the amended lease for the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay.

The above special items are excluded from operating results in Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income (loss). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , Adjusted EBITDA was $10.9 million and $16.7 million , respectively, compared with $8.7 million and $13.2 million for the same periods in 2015 .

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. We believe it is a useful financial performance measure due to the significance of our long-lived assets and level of indebtedness.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income (loss) are additional measures of financial performance. We believe that the inclusion or exclusion of certain special items, such as gains and losses on asset dispositions and impairments, is necessary to provide the most accurate measure of core operating results and as a means to evaluate comparative results.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income (loss) are commonly used measures of performance in our industry. We utilize these measures because management finds them a useful tool to calculate more meaningful comparisons of past, present and future operating results and as a means to evaluate the results of core, ongoing operations. We believe they are a complement to reported operating results. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income (loss) are not intended to represent net income (loss) defined by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"), and such information should not be considered as an alternative to reported information or any other measure of performance prescribed by GAAP. In addition, other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA and, in particular, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income (loss) differently than we do or may not calculate them at all, limiting the usefulness of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income (loss) as comparative measures.

31


The following is a reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income (loss) to net income (loss) for the periods presented (in thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net income (loss)
 
$
3,513

 
$
2,555

 
$
(1,685
)
 
$
11,702

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
3,814

 
3,484

 
11,354

 
9,603

 
Interest expense
 
1,805

 
1,989

 
4,753

 
5,228

 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
166

 
(49
)
 
258

 
37

EBITDA
 
9,298

 
7,979

 
14,680

 
26,570

 
Gain on asset dispositions (1)
 

 

 
(393
)
 
(16,362
)
 
Acquisition and integration costs (2)
 
1,413

 

 
1,653

 

 
Employee separation costs (3)
 
221

 

 
617

 

 
Lease termination costs (4)
 

 
750

 

 
1,875

 
Loss on early retirement of debt (5)
 

 

 

 
1,159

 
Reserve for environmental cleanup (6)
 

 

 
128

 

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
10,932

 
$
8,729

 
$
16,685

 
$
13,242

 
 
(1
)
In the second quarter of 2016, we recorded a gain on sale of intellectual property, net of brokerage fees, of $0.4 million. In the first quarter of 2015, we recorded $16.4 million in gain on the sales of the Bellevue and Wenatchee properties. These amounts are included in the line item "Gain on asset dispositions, net" on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
(2
)
On September 30, 2016 RLHC acquired Vantage. Expenses associated with the acquisition totaling $1.7 million are reflected in both the second and third quarters of 2016.
(3
)
The costs recorded in the second and third quarters of 2016 consisted of employee separation costs including expenses associated with the separation of the former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and other legal and consulting services associated with the CFO transition.
(4
)
 In the fourth quarter of 2014, we amended the lease for the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay and we recorded $1.1 million of amortized lease termination fees in the first and second quarters of 2015 and $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2015.
(5
)
In the first quarter of 2015, we recorded a $1.2 million loss on the early retirement of debt.
(6
)
In the first quarter of 2016, a reserve account was recorded for environmental cleanup at one of our hotel properties.

32



The following is a reconciliation of Adjusted net income (loss) to net income (loss) for the periods presented (in thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 Net income (loss)
 
$
3,513

 
$
2,555

 
$
(1,685
)
 
$
11,702

 
Gain on asset dispositions (1)
 

 

 
(393
)
 
(16,362
)
 
Acquisition and integration costs (2)
 
1,413

 

 
1,653

 

 
Employee separation costs (3)
 
221

 

 
617

 

 
Lease termination costs (4)
 

 
750

 

 
1,875

 
Loss on early retirement of debt (5)
 

 

 

 
1,159

 
Reserve for environmental cleanup (6)
 

 

 
128

 

Adjusted net income (loss)
 
$
5,147

 
$
3,305

 
$
320

 
$
(1,626
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1
)
In the second quarter of 2016, we recorded a gain on sale of intellectual property, net of brokerage fees, of $0.4 million. In the first quarter of 2015, we recorded $16.4 million in gain on the sales of the Bellevue and Wenatchee properties. These amounts are included in the line item "Gain on asset dispositions, net" on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
(2
)
On September 30, 2016 RLHC acquired Vantage. Expenses associated with the acquisition totaling $1.7 million are reflected in both the second and third quarters of 2016.
(3
)
The costs recorded in the second and third quarters of 2016 consisted of employee separation costs including expenses associated with the separation of the former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and other legal and consulting services associated with the CFO transition.
(4
)
 In the fourth quarter of 2014, we amended the lease for the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay and we recorded $1.1 million of amortized lease termination fees in the first and second quarters of 2015 and $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2015.
(5
)
In the first quarter of 2015, we recorded a $1.2 million loss on the early retirement of debt.
(6
)
In the first quarter of 2016, a reserve account was recorded for environmental cleanup at one of our hotel properties.


33


Reconciliation of Comparable Company Operated Hotel Revenue, Expenses and Operating Profit
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(in thousands)
Company operated hotel revenue
 
$
37,157

 
$
36,972

 
$
93,515

 
$
91,092

less: revenue from sold and closed hotels
 

 
(1,643
)
 

 
(5,255
)
less: revenue from hotels without comparable results
 
(3,549
)
 
(1,088
)
 
(9,561
)
 
(1,406
)
Comparable company operated hotel revenue
 
$
33,608

 
$
34,241

 
$
83,954

 
$
84,431

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company operated hotel operating expenses
 
$
25,363

 
$
25,439

 
$
71,035

 
$
68,578

less: hotel divisional general and administrative expenses
 
(2,237
)
 
(2,510
)
 
(8,249
)
 
(7,774
)
less: operating expenses from sold and closed hotels
 

 
(1,195
)
 

 
(4,115
)
less: operating expenses from hotels without comparable results
 
(2,958
)
 
(1,198
)
 
(7,823
)
 
(1,590
)
Comparable company operated hotel operating expenses
 
$
20,168

 
$
20,536

 
$
54,963

 
$
55,099

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company operated hotel direct operating profit
 
$
11,794

 
$
11,533

 
$
22,480

 
$
22,514

less: hotel divisional general and administrative expenses
 
2,237

 
2,510

 
8,249

 
7,774

less: operating profit from sold and closed hotels
 

 
(448
)
 

 
(1,140
)
less: operating profit from hotels without comparable results
 
(591
)
 
110

 
(1,738
)
 
184

Comparable company operated hotel direct profit
 
$
13,440

 
$
13,705

 
$
28,991

 
$
29,332

Comparable company operated hotel direct margin %
 
40.0
%
 
40.0
%
 
34.5
%
 
34.7
%


Revenues

A detail of our revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Company operated hotels
 
$
37,157

 
$
36,972

 
$
93,515

 
$
91,092

Other revenues from managed properties
 
1,733

 
1,147

 
4,498

 
2,274

Franchised hotels
 
4,766

 
3,800

 
12,194

 
9,123

Entertainment
 
1,936

 
1,800

 
13,014

 
7,537

Other
 
16

 
16

 
40

 
38

Total revenues
 
$
45,608

 
$
43,735

 
$
123,261

 
$
110,064


Three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

Revenue from our franchised hotels segment increased $1.0 million to $4.8 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 . This was primarily due to growth in the number of franchises in the system, resulting from new additions to the RLHC hotel system and the GuestHouse International acquisition during the second quarter of 2015 .
 

34


During the third quarter of 2016 , revenue from the company operated hotel segment increased $0.2 million or 0.5% compared to the third quarter of 2015 . The increase was driven primarily by new company operated locations that were opened in the third and fourth quarters of 2015 and in the second quarter of 2016. On a comparable hotel basis, excluding the results of sold and closed properties and hotels for which comparable results were not available, revenue from the company operated hotel segment was slightly lower ( $0.6 million or 1.8% ) in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the third quarter of 2015 because average occupancy decreased 290 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2015 , partially due to the 3.5% increase in ADR.

Revenue in the entertainment segment increased $0.1 million to $1.9 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the third quarter of 2015 . This was due primarily to normal variability in the ticketing business from period to period.

Nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

Revenue from our franchised hotels segment increased $3.1 million to $12.2 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the first nine months of 2015 . This was primarily due to growth in the number of franchises in the system, resulting from new additions to the RLHC hotel system and the GuestHouse International acquisition during the second quarter of 2015 .
 
During the first nine months of 2016 , revenue from the company operated hotel segment increased $2.4 million or 2.7% compared to the first nine months of 2015 . The increase was driven primarily by new company operated locations that were opened in the third and fourth quarters of 2015 and in the second quarter of 2016. On a comparable basis, excluding the results of sold and closed properties and hotels for which comparable results were not available, revenue from the company operated hotel segment decreased $0.5 million or 0.6% in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the first nine months of 2015 . Average occupancy decreased 50 basis points compared to the first nine months of 2015 , primarily driven by decreases in group and transient room nights.

Revenue in the entertainment segment increased $5.5 million to $13.0 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the first nine months of 2015 . This was primarily due to a successful runs of Broadway stage productions in Spokane and Honolulu in the second quarter of 2016.

Comparable Company Operated Hotel Revenue

Comparable hotels are defined as properties that were operated by our company for at least one full calendar year as of the beginning of the current period other than hotels for which comparable results were not available. Comparable results excludes one hotel that was converted from owned to managed, one hotel that was converted from owned to franchised and one hotel that was closed. In addition, Hotel RL Baltimore, Hotel RL Washington DC, and Red Lion Hotel Atlanta International Airport are excluded as these properties had not been open at least one year as of the beginning of the current year.
We utilize these comparable measures because management finds them a useful tool to perform more meaningful comparisons of past, present and future operating results and as a means to evaluate the results of core, ongoing operations. We believe they are a complement to reported operating results. Comparable operating results are not intended to represent reported operating results defined by GAAP, and such information should not be considered as an alternative to reported information or any other measure of performance prescribed by GAAP.


35


Average occupancy, ADR and RevPAR statistics are provided below on a comparable basis.
Comparable Hotel Statistics   (1)(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Average   Occupancy
 
 
ADR
 
RevPAR
 
Average
Occupancy
 
ADR
 
RevPAR
Company operated hotels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midscale
 
80.2
%
 
 
$
109.91

 
$
88.11

 
83.1
%
 
$
106.19

 
$
88.26

Franchised hotels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midscale
 
72.0
%
 
 
$
97.01

 
$
69.84

 
69.9
%
 
$
94.65

 
$
66.18

Economy (pro forma) (2)
 
64.6
%
 
 
$
76.43

 
$
49.36

 
62.0
%
 
$
73.83

 
$
45.78

Systemwide
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midscale
 
76.1
%
 
 
$
103.83

 
$
79.00

 
76.5
%
 
$
100.94

 
$
77.25

Economy (pro forma) (2)
 
64.6
%
 
 
$
76.43

 
$
49.36

 
62.0
%
 
$
73.83

 
$
45.78

Total Systemwide
 
72.7
%
 
 
$
96.63

 
$
70.24

 
72.2
%
 
$
94.06

 
$
67.95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from prior comparative period:
 
Average   Occupancy
 
 
ADR
 
RevPAR
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company operated hotels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midscale
 
(290
)
bps
 
3.5
%
 
(0.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchised hotels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midscale
 
210

bps
 
2.5
%
 
5.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Economy (pro forma) (2)
 
260

bps
 
3.5
%
 
7.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Systemwide
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midscale
 
(40
)
bps
 
2.9
%
 
2.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Economy (pro forma) (2)
 
260

bps
 
3.5
%
 
7.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Systemwide
 
50

bps
 
2.7
%
 
3.4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 





36


Comparable Hotel Statistics   (1)(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Average Occupancy
 
 
ADR
 
RevPAR
 
Average
Occupancy
 
ADR
 
RevPAR
Company operated hotels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midscale
 
71.9
%
 
 
$
99.60

 
$
71.60

 
72.4
%
 
$
98.18

 
$
71.10

Franchised hotels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midscale
 
63.8
%
 
 
$
92.11

 
$
58.79

 
62.2
%
 
$
88.94

 
$
55.35

Economy (pro forma) (2)
 
57.2
%
 
 
$
69.46

 
$
39.71

 
54.2
%
 
$
68.90

 
$
37.33

Systemwide
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midscale
 
67.9
%
 
 
$
96.09

 
$
65.22

 
67.3
%
 
$
93.92

 
$
63.24

Economy (pro forma) (2)
 
57.2
%
 
 
$
69.46

 
$
39.71

 
54.2
%
 
$
68.90

 
$
37.33

Total Systemwide
 
64.7
%
 
 
$
89.09

 
$
57.63

 
63.5
%
 
$
87.63

 
$
55.61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from prior comparative period:
 
Average Occupancy
 
 
ADR
 
RevPAR
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company operated hotels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midscale
 
(50
)
bps
 
1.4
%
 
0.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchised hotels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midscale
 
160

bps
 
3.6
%
 
6.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Economy (pro forma) (2)
 
300

bps
 
0.8
%
 
6.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Systemwide
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midscale
 
60

bps
 
2.3
%
 
3.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Economy (pro forma) (2)
 
300

bps
 
0.8
%
 
6.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Systemwide
 
120

bps
 
1.7
%
 
3.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1
)
Certain operating results for the periods included in this report are shown on a comparable hotel basis. With the exception of pro forma economy hotels, comparable hotels are defined as hotels that were in the system for at least one full calendar year as of the beginning of the current year under materially similar operations.
(2
)
We acquired the franchise license agreements of GuestHouse International and Settle Inn & Suites properties on April 24, 2015. Results presented prior to that date are attributable to the prior owner and therefore are presented as pro forma.

Average occupancy, RevPAR, and ADR as defined below, are widely used in the hospitality industry and appear throughout this document as important measures to the discussion of our operating performance.

Average occupancy represents total paid rooms occupied divided by total available rooms. We use average occupancy as a measure of the utilization of capacity in our network of hotels.
RevPAR represents total room and related revenues divided by total available rooms. We use RevPAR as a measure of performance yield in our network of hotels.
ADR represents total room revenues divided by the total number of paid rooms occupied by hotel guests. We use ADR as a measure of room pricing in our network of hotels.
Total available rooms represents the number of rooms available multiplied by the number of days in the reported period. We use total available rooms as a measure of capacity in our network of hotels and do not adjust total available rooms for rooms temporarily out of service for remodel or other short-term periods.
Comparable hotels are hotels that have been owned, leased, managed, or franchised by us and were in operation for at least one full calendar year as of the beginning the current period other than hotels for which comparable results were not available.

Throughout this document and unless otherwise stated, RevPAR, ADR and average occupancy statistics are calculated using statistics for comparable hotels. Some of the terms used in this report, such as "upscale", "midscale" and "economy" are consistent with those used by Smith Travel Research, an independent statistical research service that specializes in the lodging industry.

Systemwide RevPAR increased 3.4% and 3.6% for the quarter and year-to-date periods in 2016 compared with the same periods in 2015. For both periods, the increases were driven by both increased occupancy and ADR. For the three months, average occupancy increased 50 basis points, and ADR increased 2.7% . For the nine months, average occupancy increased 120 basis points, and ADR increased 1.7% . Implementation of our RevPak systems at the midscale and economy franchise locations is the

37


primary driver of the increases. Increases from the company operated locations had a minimal impact on systemwide RevPAR results for the quarter and year-to-date periods.

Comparable RevPAR for midscale franchised hotels increased 5.5% in the third quarter of 2016 from the third quarter of 2015 . Comparable ADR increased 2.5% in the third quarter of 2016 to $97.01 from $94.65 in 2015 . Comparable occupancy increased 210 basis points in the third quarter of 2016 as compared to the third quarter of 2015. Comparable RevPAR for midscale franchised hotels increased 6.2% in the first nine months of 2016 from the first nine months of 2015 . Comparable ADR increased 3.6% in the first three quarters of 2016 to $92.11 from $88.94 in 2015 . Comparable occupancy increased 160 basis points in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

Comparable RevPAR for economy franchised hotels increased 7.8% in the third quarter of 2016 from the third quarter of 2015 . Comparable ADR increased 3.5% in the third quarter of 2016 to $76.43 from $73.83 in 2015 . Comparable occupancy increased 260 basis points in the third quarter of 2016 as compared to the third quarter of 2015. Comparable RevPAR for economy franchised hotels increased 6.4% in the first nine months of 2016 from the same period in 2015 . Comparable ADR increased 0.8% in the first nine months of 2016 to $69.46 from $68.90 in 2015 . Comparable occupancy increased 300 basis points in the first three quarters of 2016 as compared to 2015 .

RevPAR for company operated hotels on a comparable basis decreased 0.2% in the third quarter of 2016 and increased 0.7% for the first nine months of 2016 from the same periods in 2015 . ADR on a comparable basis increased 3.5% in the third quarter and 1.4% for the first nine months of 2016 compared with the same periods in 2015 . Average occupancy on a comparable basis decreased 290 basis points and decreased 50 basis points in the three and nine month periods in 2016 from the three and nine month periods in 2015 .

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses generally include direct operating expenses for each of the operating segments, depreciation and amortization, hotel facility and land lease expense, gain or loss on asset dispositions and general and administrative expenses.

The detail of our operating expenses by major expense category as reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Company operated hotels
 
$
25,363

 
$
25,439

 
$
71,035

 
$
68,578

Other costs from managed properties
 
1,733

 
1,147

 
4,498

 
2,274

Franchised hotels
 
3,214

 
3,087

 
10,034

 
8,494

Entertainment
 
1,605

 
1,666

 
11,183

 
7,041

Other
 
22

 
10

 
44

 
26

Depreciation and amortization
 
3,814

 
3,484

 
11,354

 
9,603

Hotel facility and land lease
 
1,197

 
1,894

 
3,543

 
5,089

Gain on asset dispositions, net
 
(101
)
 
(88
)
 
(730
)
 
(16,590
)
General and administrative expenses
 
2,031

 
2,676

 
7,781

 
7,803

Total operating expenses
 
$
38,878

 
$
39,315

 
$
118,742

 
$
92,318



38


The detail of our comparable hotel operating expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):

Comparable Hotel Expenses (Non-GAAP Data)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Company operated hotel operating expenses
 
$
25,363

 
$
25,439

 
$
71,035

 
$
68,578

less: hotel divisional general and administrative expenses
 
(2,237
)
 
(2,510
)
 
(8,249
)
 
(7,774
)
less: operating expenses from sold and closed hotels
 

 
(1,195
)
 

 
(4,115
)
less: operating expenses from hotels without comparable results
 
(2,958
)
 
(1,198
)
 
(7,823
)
 
(1,590
)
Comparable company operated hotel operating expenses
 
$
20,168

 
$
20,536

 
$
54,963

 
$
55,099


Comparable hotels are defined as properties that were operated by our company for at least one full calendar year as of the beginning of the current period other than hotels for which comparable results were not available. Comparable results excludes one hotel that was converted from owned to managed, one hotel that was converted from owned to franchised and one hotel that was closed. In addition, Hotel RL Baltimore, Hotel RL Washington DC, and Red Lion Hotel Atlanta International Airport are excluded as these properties had not been open at least one year as of the beginning of the current year.
We utilize these comparable measures because management finds them a useful tool to perform more meaningful comparisons of past, present and future operating results and as a means to evaluate the results of core, ongoing operations. We believe they are a complement to reported operating results. Comparable operating results are not intended to represent reported operating results defined by GAAP, and such information should not be considered as an alternative to reported information or any other measure of performance prescribed by GAAP.

Three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

Direct expenses for the franchised hotels in the third quarter of 2016 increased $0.1 million compared with the third quarter of 2015 , primarily driven by growth in the number of franchises in the system, including the acquisition of GuestHouse International locations in April 2015.

Direct company operated hotel expenses were $25.4 million in the third quarters of both 2016 and 2015 . On a comparable basis, direct company operated hotel expenses were $20.2 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared with $20.5 million in the third quarter of 2015 . The minor decrease was driven by lower revenue.

Direct expenses for the entertainment segment in the third quarter of 2016 decreased by $0.1 million compared with the third quarter of 2015 , driven by normal variability in the ticketing business.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared with the third quarter of 2015 , primarily due to the start of operations at the Hotel RL Baltimore Inner Harbor (on August 1, 2015) and the Hotel RL Washington DC (on October 29, 2015), as well as property improvements placed in service in 2016 related to our hotel renovations.

Hotel facility and land lease costs decreased $0.7 million compared with the third quarter of 2015 , primarily due to amortized lease termination fees for the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay recorded in 2015, partially offset by the cost of the Hotel RL Washington DC land lease.

General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared with the third quarter of 2015 , primarily due to lower variable compensation expense and medical benefit expense when compared with 2015.

Nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

Direct expenses for the franchised hotels segment in the first nine months of 2016 increased $1.5 million compared with the first nine months of 2015 , primarily driven by a greater number of franchises, including the April 2015 acquisition of GuestHouse International, as well as investment costs of the enhanced franchise development team.


39


Direct company operated hotel expenses were $71.0 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared with $68.6 million in the first nine months of 2015 . The primary reason for the increase is the costs associated with the addition of two new hotels in the second half of 2015 and one in April 2016. On a comparable basis, direct company operated hotel expenses were $55.0 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared with $55.1 million in the first nine months of 2015 . The slight decrease was driven primarily by decreased occupancy related costs and a prior year $0.6 million non-cash benefit in our loyalty program.

Direct expenses for the entertainment segment in the first nine months of 2016 increased by $4.1 million compared with the first nine months of 2015 , primarily due to successful Broadway stage productions in Spokane and Honolulu.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $1.8 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared with the first nine months of 2015 . The primary driver of the variance was the addition of new properties subsequent to the third quarter of 2015.

Hotel facility and land lease costs decreased $1.5 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared with the first nine months of 2015 , primarily due to amortized lease termination fees for the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay recorded in 2015, partially offset by the cost of the Hotel RL Washington DC land lease.

During the first nine months of 2016, we recognized a $0.4 million gain on the sale of intellectual property, as well as minor gains on disposals of property associated with our hotel renovations. During the first nine months of 2015, we recorded $16.5 million in gains on the sales of the Bellevue and Wenatchee properties.

General and administrative expenses were flat the first nine months of 2016 compared with the first nine months of 2015 driven significantly by expenses for the CFO separation, partially offset by lower variable compensation expense as well as lower medical claims expense.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $0.2 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared with the third quarter of 2015 and decreased $0.5 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared with 2015 . The decreases were primarily driven by the payoff of the debentures in the fourth quarter of 2015, partially offset by greater outstanding principal balance of debt at the joint ventures.

Other Income (Expense), net

Other income (expense), net decreased $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared with the third quarter of 2015 and decreased $1.6 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared with 2015 . The additional expense was driven primarily by acquisition related costs for the Vantage acquisition.

Income Taxes

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we reported income tax expense of $166,000 and $258,000 compared with income tax benefit of $49,000 and income tax expense of $37,000 for the same periods in 2015 . The income tax benefit/provisions vary from the statutory rate primarily due to a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, as well as for deferred tax expense associated with our acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets, which are amortized for tax purposes but not for U.S. GAAP purposes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal source of liquidity is cash flows from operations. Cash flows may fluctuate and are sensitive to many factors including changes in working capital and the timing and magnitude of capital expenditures and payments on debt. Working capital, which represents current assets less current liabilities, was $8.9 million and $37.4 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . We believe that we have sufficient liquidity to fund our operations at least through November 2017.

We may seek to raise additional funds through public or private financings, strategic relationships, sales of assets or other arrangements. We cannot assure that such funds, if needed, will be available on terms attractive to us, or at all. If we sell additional assets, these sales may result in future impairments or losses on the final sale. Finally, any additional equity financings may be dilutive to shareholders and debt financing, if available, may involve covenants that place substantial restrictions on our business.

We are committed to keeping our properties well maintained and attractive to our customers in order to maintain our competitiveness within the industry and keep our hotels properly positioned in their markets. This requires ongoing access to capital for replacement of outdated furnishings as well as for facility repair, modernization and renovation. As a result, we included

40


property improvement expenditures in the borrowing arrangements for our RL Venture Holding LLC properties, as well as the Baltimore, Atlanta, and Washington, DC locations.
In January 2015, RL Venture Holding LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RL Venture, and each of its 12 wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a loan agreement with Pacific Western Bank. The original principal amount of the loan was $53.8 million with an additional $26.2 million to be drawn over a two-year period to cover property improvements related to the 12 hotels owned by the subsidiaries. At September 30, 2016 , the remaining amount of funds available to draw on the loan was $8.2 million , and the property improvement work must be completed by January 15, 2017. At September 30, 2016, we reclassified $4.9 million of the outstanding debt balance to current, based on the expected sale of the Coos Bay, Oregon hotel property, as required by the loan agreement upon the sale of any of the properties within RL Venture. We repaid the current debt balance for Coos Bay upon completion of the sale on October 6, 2016. The loan matures in January 2019 and has a one-year extension option. Interest under the advanced portions of the loan is payable monthly at LIBOR plus 4.75%. Fixed monthly principal payments begin in January 2017 in an amount that will repay the outstanding principal balance over a twenty-five year amortization period. Our joint venture partner owns 45% of RL Venture at September 30, 2016 .
In April 2015, RL Baltimore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RLS Balt Venture LLC, obtained a new mortgage loan from PFP Holding Company IV LLC, an affiliate of Prime Finance, secured by the Hotel RL Baltimore Inner Harbor. The initial principal amount of the loan was $10.1 million, and the lender agreed to advance an additional $3.2 million to cover expenses related to improvements to the hotel, all of which has been drawn. The loan matures in May 2018 and has two one-year extension options. Interest under the advanced portions of the loan is payable monthly at LIBOR plus 6.25%. No principal payments are required during the initial term of the loan. Principal payments of $16,000 per month are required beginning in May 2018 if the extension option is exercised. Our joint venture partner owns 27% of RLS Balt Venture at September 30, 2016 .

In September 2015, RLH Atlanta obtained a new mortgage loan from PFP Holding Company IV LLC, which was used to acquire, and is secured by, a hotel adjacent to the Atlanta International Airport which opened in April 2016 as the Red Lion Hotel Atlanta International Airport. The initial principal amount of the loan was $6.0 million, and the lender agreed to advance an additional $3.4 million to cover expenses related to improvements to the hotel, all of which has been drawn at September 30, 2016 . The loan matures in September 2018 and has two one-year extension options. Interest under the advanced portions of the loan is payable monthly at LIBOR plus 6.35%. No principal payments are required during the initial term of the loan. Our joint venture partner owns 45% of RLS Atla Venture at September 30, 2016 .

In October 2015, RLH DC obtained a new mortgage loan from Pacific Western Bank, which was used, along with cash on hand, to acquire, and is secured by, the Hotel RL Washington, DC. The initial principal amount of the loan was $15.2 million and the lender agreed to advance an additional $2.3 million to cover expenses related to improvements to the hotel, of which $1.7 million has yet to be drawn at September 30, 2016 . The loan matures in October 2019 and has a one-year extension option. Interest under the advanced portions of the loan will be calculated at LIBOR plus 4.55%. Interest only payments are due monthly commencing November 2015. Monthly principal payments of $58,333 are required beginning in October 2018 in an amount that will repay the outstanding principal balance over an amortization period of twenty-five years. Our joint venture partner owns 45% of RLS DC Venture as of September 30, 2016 .

At September 30, 2016 total outstanding debt was $107.8 million , net of discount, all of which is at variable interest rates. Our average pre-tax interest rate on debt was 5.6% at September 30, 2016 . Refer to Note 7 in Item 1. Financial Information for further information on the specific terms of our debt.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $6.0 million during the first nine months of 2016 compared with $7.8 million during the same period in 2015 . The primary driver for the change in cash flows was a decline in working capital accounts.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $29.8 million during the first nine months of 2016 compared with net cash provided by investing activities of $2.2 million during the first nine months of 2015 . The primary drivers of the change were the acquisition of Vantage for $22.7 million and $13.1 million of increased capital expenditures in 2016, compared with proceeds from the sales of the Bellevue and Wenatchee properties in 2015, partially offset by the cash outflow of $8.9 million for the acquisition of the GuestHouse International assets.

Financing Activities


41


Net cash provided by financing activities was $18.8 million during the first nine months of 2016 compared with $60.7 million in the first nine months of 2015 . During the first nine months of 2016, we borrowed $19.5 million under our joint venture loan agreements and sold a $3.2 million interest in DC Venture. In the same period in 2015, there were two significant cash inflows - $74.4 million received from the new debt of RL Venture and RLS Balt Venture, as well as $21.6 million in proceeds from the sale of the joint venture interests to Shelbourne Falcon and Shelbourne Falcon II. These two inflows were partially offset by $30.5 million in repayment of the Wells Fargo debt in 2015.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations, including principal and estimated interest on debt, as of September 30, 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
Total
 
Less than
1 year
 
1-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
After
5 years
Debt (1)
 
$
124,421

 
$
7,160

 
$
101,975

 
$
15,286

 
$

Operating and capital leases
 
86,927

 
5,827

 
9,518

 
7,639

 
63,943

Service agreements
 
275

 
275

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations (2)
 
$
211,623

 
$
13,262

 
$
111,493

 
$
22,925

 
$
63,943

(1)  
Includes estimated interest payments and commitment fees over the life of the debt agreement.
(2)  
With regard to purchase obligations, we are not party to any material agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable or legally binding as to fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased or stated price terms.

We have leasehold interests at various hotel properties, as well as our offices located in Spokane, Washington, Denver, Colorado and Coral Springs, Florida. These leases require us to pay fixed monthly rent and have expiration dates of 2017 and beyond, which are reflected in the table above. The table below summarizes the terms of the leases, including extension periods at our option, for our hotel properties:
Property
 
Expiration date of lease
 
Extension periods
Red Lion River Inn
 
October 2018
 
Three renewal terms of five years each
Red Lion Hotel Seattle Airport (1)
 
December 2024
 
One renewal term of five years
Red Lion Anaheim  (1)
 
April 2021
 
17 renewal terms of five years each
Red Lion Hotel Kalispell
 
April 2028
 
Three renewal terms of five years each
Spokane, Washington Office
 
September 2017
 
None
Denver, Colorado Office
 
August 2020
 
One renewal term of five years
Hotel RL Washington DC (1)
 
December 2080
 
None
Coral Springs, Florida Office
 
April 2018
 
Two renewal terms of 3 years each
(1) Ground lease only

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 30, 2016 , we had no off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by SEC regulations, which have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect: (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and (ii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. We consider a critical accounting policy to be one that is both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and requires management's most subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.


42


Management has discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting policies and estimates with the audit committee of our board of directors, and the audit committee has reviewed the disclosures presented on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Since the date of our 2015 Form 10-K, there have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies, nor have there been any changes to our methodology and assumptions applied to these policies.

New and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Please refer to Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within Item 1. Financial Statements of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for information on new and recent U.S. GAAP accounting pronouncements.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in interest rates primarily from outstanding debt. At September 30, 2016 , our outstanding debt, including current maturities and excluding unamortized origination fees, totals $110.3 million which is under term loans subject to variable rates, but is subject to interest rate caps.

We do not enter into derivative transactions for trading purposes, but rather to hedge our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. We manage our floating rate debt using interest rate caps in order to reduce our exposure to the impact of changing interest rates and future cash outflows for interest.

We do not foresee any changes of significance in our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, although we will continue to manage our exposure to this risk by monitoring available financing alternatives.

The below table summarizes the principal payment requirements on our debt obligations at September 30, 2016 on our consolidated balance sheet (in thousands):
 
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Fair Value
Debt
 
$

 
$
1,428

 
$
24,472

 
$
84,419

 
$

 
$

 
$
110,319

 
$
112,153

Average interest rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.6
%
 
 

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2016 , we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our interim Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on that evaluation, our management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that material information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.

There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), during the three months ended September 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.


43

Table of Contents

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

At any given time, we are subject to claims and actions incidental to the operation of our business. While the outcome of these proceedings cannot be predicted, it is the opinion of management that none of such proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. See Note 9 of Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 , which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our annual report may not be the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results in the future.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Please refer to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 3, 2016.

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.
Other Information

None.

44

Table of Contents

Item 6.
Exhibits
Index to Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
10.1
 
Employment offer letter of Roger J. Bloss effective as of October 1, 2016
 
 
 
10.2
 
Employment offer letter of Bernard T. Moyle effective as of October 1, 2016
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b)
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b)
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


45

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Red Lion Hotels Corporation
Registrant
 
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ Gregory T. Mount
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
November 9, 2016
 
 
Gregory T. Mount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ David M. Wright
 
Vice President of Accounting, Tax & External Reporting and Interim Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
November 9, 2016
 
 
David M. Wright
 
 
 


46








October 1, 2016

Roger Bloss
3300 N University Drive
Coral Springs, Florida 33065



RE: Red Lion Hotels Corporation Offer Letter

Dear Roger:


On behalf of Red Lion Hotels Corporation (the “Company”), we are delighted to offer you the position of Executive Vice President, President Global Development of the Company. In your new position, you will report to the President and CEO of the Company.

As an officer of the Company, the details of your hire, your compensation and any of your acquisitions and dispositions of stock of the Company may in the future be subject to Securities Exchange Commission reporting rules.

The following outlines the employment package for your position.

START DATE: October 1, 2016.

POSITION: Executive Vice President, President Global Development. Your responsibilities will be those outlined in your job description, as may be modified, and as may be assigned to you from time to time by the President and CEO. You will also be required, as appropriate and consistent with other senior executives, to attend and participate in (i) necessary senior executive meetings, committees and councils and (ii) meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company.

COMPENSATION: Your position is classified as a salaried exempt position, which means it is exempt from state and federal overtime laws. You will be paid a bi-weekly base salary of $13,846.15, which is equivalent to $360,000 per year, subject to normal withholdings and payroll taxes. You will not be entitled to any additional compensation in the event you are appointed to serve as an officer or director of any of the Company’s direct or indirect subsidiaries or affiliates.

ANNUAL CASH INCENTIVE PAYMENT: In addition to your base salary, you are eligible to earn an annual “cash incentive payment” if you are actively employed throughout the applicable period, and if you meet the other requirements outlined in any plan as may be approved by the Company from time to time for Executive Vice Presidents of the Company. Targets and goals for achievement of annual “cash incentive payments” by executive officers are set by the Compensation Committee of the Board. Targets for Executive Vice Presidents of the Company were set for 2016 at 50% of base salary. Any annual “cash incentive payment” earned by you in 2016 would be prorated for the portion of the year you are employed by the Company.

EQUITY GRANT: At the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board, you will receive an annual grant of equity under the Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (or such successor plan as may be then in effect). In 2015, such equity grants were in an amount equal to 60% of the Company’s Executive Vice Presidents’ base salary and were in the form of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) vesting 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of issuance. In addition, subject to shareholder approval at the Company’s 2017 annual meeting to include additional equity in the Company’s stock incentive plan, you will receive 30,000 Restricted Stock Units in the Company vesting 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of issuance.


ONE-TIME TRANSITION FEE: You will receive a cash payment of $50,000, to be paid in January 2017 at the same time as you receive your first paycheck of that month, subject to normal withholdings and payroll taxes. In the event you voluntarily terminate your employment with the Company prior to the first anniversary of your Start Date, you will be required to reimburse this cash





payment to the Company and you authorize the Company to deduct the entire amount from your final paycheck or from any other funds the Company then owes to you or is holding on your behalf. Should the amount exceed your final paycheck and other funds the Company then owes you, you agree to promptly reimburse the Company any remaining balance at that time.

BENEFITS: You will be eligible to participate in all standard employee benefit programs on the same terms and conditions as any Company Executive Vice President, as they may be modified from time to time, including:

Medical and Dental insurance eligible the first of the month following your Start Date
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Long Term Disability insurance coverage starting the first of the month following your Start Date
Flexible Spending Account - Section 125 Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care accounts eligible within 30 days of your Start Date for the following 1 st of the month effective date
AFLAC - Voluntary Cancer Protection, Short Term Disability, Personal Recovery and Accident / Injury Protection Plans available following Start Date and also during open enrollment periods
Vacation, Holiday, Sick Pay and Disability Programs
Participation in the Company 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a discretionary match made after the end of each calendar year.
Direct Deposit
Option to purchase shares of Company stock at a 15% discount through payroll deduction under Red Lion’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Voluntary Term Life and AD&D Insurance coverage eligible the first of the month following your Start Date
Continuing education reimbursement
Discounted hotel accommodations for you and your family at Company hotels

A benefit book will be provided to you upon the commencement of your employment, describing the Company’s benefits and eligibility requirements in detail. You will also receive a copy of the Company’s Associate Handbook with information regarding the Company’s policies and procedures.

SEVERANCE BENEFITS:

UPON TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE: If the Company terminates your employment without Cause (defined below), the Company will pay you a lump sum payment equal to one-half (1/2) your base annual salary for the then current fiscal year.


UPON CHANGE OF CONTROL AND CONSTRUCTIVE TERMINATION: If, during the term of your employment with the Company, there is a Change of Control (defined below) and there is a Constructive Termination (defined below) of your employment without Cause within twelve (12) months after such Change of Control, you will, in lieu of severance under the preceding paragraph, be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to the sum of (a) your base annual salary for the then current fiscal year, plus (b) an amount equal to (i) your target annual “cash incentive payment” under the then applicable annual “cash incentive payment” for the then current fiscal year, multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is 365 plus the number of days elapsed in the then current fiscal year at the time of the termination and the denominator of which is 365. In addition, (A) the Company shall accelerate vesting on any portion of any equity grant previously made to you under the Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan, or any successor plan, that would otherwise have vested after the date of the termination of your employment; and (B) all Company imposed restrictions under any restricted stock, restricted stock unit or other similar equity-based awards granted to you by the Company shall be terminated upon the termination of your employment, and the Company shall issue all common stock that underlies such awards but has not yet been issued; provided that (i) if the terms of any such award require you to pay monetary consideration for such stock, the stock underlying such award shall be issued only if you pay such consideration, and (ii) if any restrictions under any such award are performance-based, such restrictions shall terminate and the stock underlying such award shall be issued only if and to the extent expressly provided in the agreement evidencing the award.

As used herein, the term “Cause” means: (i) your willful and intentional failure or refusal to perform or observe any of your material duties, responsibilities or obligations, if such breach is not cured within 30 days after notice thereof to you by the Company, which notice shall state that such conduct shall, without cure, constitute Cause; (ii) any willful and intentional act by you involving fraud, theft, embezzlement or dishonesty affecting the Company; or (iii) your conviction of (or a plea of nolo contendere to) an offense which is a felony in the jurisdiction involved.






“Constructive Termination” shall be deemed to occur if the Company terminates your employment without Cause, or if you voluntarily elect to terminate your employment within thirty (30) days after any of the following events occurring without your consent:

(i) there is a significant reduction in your overall scope of duties, authorities and responsibilities (it being understood that a new position within a larger combined company is not a constructive termination if it is in the same area of operations and involves similar scope of management responsibility notwithstanding that you may not retain as senior a position overall within the larger combined company as your prior position within the Company); or (ii) there is a reduction of more than 20% of your base salary or annual “cash incentive payment” (other than any such reduction consistent with a general reduction of pay across the Company’s or its successor’s executive staff as a group, as an economic or strategic measure due to poor financial performance by the Company).

As used herein, the term “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any one of the following events: any merger or consolidation involving the acquisition of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of the Company by a “person” or “group” (as those terms are defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), adoption of a plan for liquidation of the Company or for sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or other similar transaction or series of transactions involving the Company, or the acquisition of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of the Company by a “person” or “group” (as those terms are defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

The severance amounts hereunder shall, subject to COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 409A below, be paid to you as soon as practicable following the occurrence of the event that entitles you to such payments.

COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 409A: Notwithstanding any other provision of this letter to the contrary, the provision, time and manner of payment or distribution of all compensation and benefits provided by this letter (“Section 409A Deferred Compensation”) that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to and not exempted from the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), shall be subject to, limited by and construed in accordance with the requirements of such section and all regulations and other guidance promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to such section (such section, regulations and other guidance being referred to herein as “Section 409A”), including the following:

(a) Separation from Service . Payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation otherwise payable or provided pursuant to this letter upon your Constructive Termination shall be paid or provided only at the time of a termination of your employment that constitutes a Separation from Service. For the purposes of this letter, a “Separation from Service” is a separation from service within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).

(b)
Six-Month Delay Applicable to Specified Employees. If, at the time of your Separation from Service, you are a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then any payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation to be paid or provided pursuant to this letter upon your Separation from Service shall be paid or provided commencing on the later of (i) the first business day after the date that is six months after the date of such Separation from Service or, if earlier, the date of your death (in either case, the “Delayed Payment Date”), or (ii) the date or dates on which such Section 409A Deferred Compensation would otherwise be paid or provided in accordance with this letter without regard to this paragraph. All such payments and benefits that would, but for this paragraph, become payable prior to the Delayed Payment Date shall be accumulated and paid on the Delayed Payment Date.     

(c) Installments. Your right to receive any amounts payable hereunder in two or more installments shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each such installment payment shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment for purposes of Section 409A.

(d) Notice Upon Constructive Termination. If you voluntarily elect to terminate your employment under circumstances that would otherwise constitute a Constructive Termination under this letter, a Constructive Termination shall not be deemed to have occurred unless (i) you have given the Company written notice that a specified event has occurred giving you the right to voluntarily terminate your employment and have that be treated as a Constructive Termination, (ii) the Company fails to cure such event within a period of thirty (30) days after the receipt of such notice, and (iii) you voluntarily terminate your employment within thirty (30) days following the end of that period.

PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY TO WORK IN U.S.: Our offer is contingent upon your submission of satisfactory proof of your identity and your legal authorization to work in the United States. If you fail to submit this proof, federal law prohibits us from hiring you.






LOYALTY, NONDISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: By accepting this offer, you agree that you will act at all times in the best interest of the Company. You also agree that, except as required for performance of your work, you will not use, disclose or publish any Confidential Information of the Company either during or after your employment, or remove any such information from the Company’s premises. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, lists of actual and prospective customers and clients, financial and personnel-related information, projections, operating procedures, budgets, reports, business or marketing plans, compilations of data created by the Company or by third parties for the benefit of the Company.

NONCOMPETITION AND NONSOLICITATION: You shall be subject to the provisions of Section 6.7 of that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated _, 2016 between Red Lion Hotels Franchising, Inc., Thirty-Eight Street, Inc., Vantage Hospitality Group, Inc. and certain other Sellers listed on the signature pages thereto (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”). Upon the expiration of such provisions in the Asset Purchase Agreement for any reason, the following provisions set forth below under subsection (a) and (b) shall apply.

(a) You agree that during a period after termination of your employment commensurate with the months of base salary you are paid as a benefit in connection with a related severance event, you will not, directly or indirectly, engage or participate or make any financial investments in (other than ownership of up to 5% of the aggregate of any class of securities of any corporation if such securities are listed on a national stock exchange or under section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) or become employed by, or act as an agent or principal of, or render advisory or other management services to or for, any Competing Business. As used herein the term “Competing Business” means any business which includes hotel ownership, hotel management, hotel services or hotel franchising that competes directly or indirectly with the Company.

(b) You also agree that during your employment at the Company during a period after termination of your employment commensurate with the months of base salary you are paid as a benefit in connection with a related severance event, you will not solicit, raid, entice or induce any person that then is or at any time during the twelve-month period prior to the end of your employment was an employee of the Company (other than a person whose employment with the Company has been terminated by the Company), to become employed by any person, firm or corporation].

COMPLAINT RESOLUTION: By accepting this offer with the Company, you also agree to continue to familiarize yourself with its policies, including its policies on equal opportunity and anti-harassment, and to promptly report to the appropriate the Company supervisors or officers any matters which require their attention.

KEY EMPLOYEE STATUS: You are regarded as a key employee under certain federal regulations governing family and medical leave. This status will require that you work closely with us in planning if you develop a need for family or medical leave.

NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT: As explained to you on the application for employment you submitted, the Company is an at-will employer. This means that your employment is not for a set amount of time; either you or the Company may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause.

BACKGROUND CHECK: The Company has a vital interest in maintaining safe, lawful and efficient working conditions for its employees. With this in mind, employment at the Company is contingent on your satisfactory completion of a background check.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This letter contains all of the terms of your employment with the Company, and supersedes any prior understandings or agreements, whether oral or in writing.

The Company reserves the right, subject to limitations and provisions of applicable law and regulations, to change, interpret, withdraw, or add to any of its policies, benefits, or terms and conditions of employment at its sole discretion, and without prior notice or consideration to any associate. The Company’s policies, benefits or terms and conditions of employment do not create a contract or make any promises of specific treatment.
We are pleased and proud to be adding your talents to a management team that is dedicated to making a difference in the communities we serve, creating fulfilling jobs and environments conducive to success, and providing the foundation for ongoing success of the Company.

Sincerely,


/s/ Gregory T. Mount
Gregory T. Mount
President and CEO
Red Lion Hotels Corporation





Accepted as of the date first set forth above:

/s/ Roger Bloss
Roger Bloss














October 1, 2016



Mr. Bernie Moyle
3300 N University Drive
Coral Springs, Florida 33065


RE: Red Lion Hotels Corporation Offer Letter

Dear Bernie:

On behalf of Red Lion Hotels Corporation (the “Company”), we are delighted to offer you the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of the Company. In your new position, you will report to the President and CEO of the Company.

As an officer of the Company, the details of your hire, your compensation and any of your acquisitions and dispositions of stock of the Company may in the future be subject to Securities Exchange Commission reporting rules.

The following outlines the employment package for your position.

START DATE: October 1, 2016.

POSITION: Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. Your responsibilities will be those outlined in your job description, as may be modified, and as may be assigned to you from time to time by the President and CEO. You will also be required, as appropriate and consistent with other senior executives, to attend and participate in (i) necessary senior executive meetings, committees and councils and (ii) meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company.

COMPENSATION: Your position is classified as a salaried exempt position, which means it is exempt from state and federal overtime laws. You will be paid a bi-weekly base salary of $13,076.92, which is equivalent to $340,000 per year, subject to normal withholdings and payroll taxes. You will not be entitled to any additional compensation in the event you are appointed to serve as an officer or director of any of the Company’s direct or indirect subsidiaries or affiliates.

BONUS: In addition to your base salary, you are eligible to earn a bonus if you are actively employed throughout the applicable bonus period, and if you meet the other requirements outlined in any bonus plan as may be approved by the Company from time to time for Executive Vice Presidents of the Company. Bonus targets and goals for achievement of bonuses by executive officers are set by the Compensation Committee of the Board. Bonus targets for Executive Vice Presidents of the Company were set for 2016 at 50% of base salary. Any bonus earned by you in 2016 would be prorated for the portion of the year you are employed by the Company.

EQUITY GRANT: At the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board, you will receive an annual grant of equity under the Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (or such successor plan as may be then in effect). In 2015, such equity grants were in an amount equal to 60% of the Company’s Executive Vice Presidents’ base salary and were in the form of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) vesting 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of issuance. In addition, subject to shareholder approval at the Company’s 2017 annual meeting to include additional equity in the Company’s stock incentive plan, you will receive 30,000 Restricted Stock Units in the Company vesting 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of issuance.

CASH PAYMENT: You will receive a cash payment of $25,000, to be paid in January 2017 at the same time as you receive your first paycheck of that month, subject to normal withholdings and payroll taxes. In the event you voluntarily terminate your employment with the Company prior to the first anniversary of your Start Date, you will be required to reimburse this cash payment to the Company and you authorize the Company to deduct the entire amount from your final paycheck or from any other funds the Company then owes to you or is holding on your behalf. Should the amount exceed your final paycheck and other funds the Company then owes you, you agree to promptly reimburse the Company any remaining balance at that time.

RELOCATION: You shall not be required to relocate from your present residence as a condition of your employment. You may, however, be expected as part of your duties to travel frequently to such places as may be directed from time to time by the Company. The Company will reimburse your reasonable travel expenses in accordance with its travel reimbursement policies as such policies may change from time to time.






BENEFITS: You will be eligible to participate in all standard employee benefit programs on the same terms and conditions as any Company Executive Vice President, as they may be modified from time to time, including:

• Medical and Dental insurance eligible the first of the month following your Start
Date
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Long Term Disability insurance coverage starting the first of the month following your Start Date
Flexible Spending Account - Section 125 Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care accounts eligible within 30 days of your Start Date for the following 1 st of the month effective date
AFLAC - Voluntary Cancer Protection, Short Term Disability, Personal Recovery and Accident / Injury Protection Plans available following Start Date and also during open enrollment periods
• Vacation, Holiday, Sick Pay and Disability Programs
Participation in the Company 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a discretionary match made after the end of each calendar year.
• Direct Deposit
Option to purchase shares of Company stock at a 15% discount through payroll deduction under Red Lion’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Voluntary Term Life and AD&D Insurance coverage eligible the first of the month following your Start Date
• Continuing education reimbursement
• Discounted hotel accommodations for you and your family at Company hotels

A benefit book will be provided to you upon the commencement of your employment, describing the Company’s benefits and eligibility requirements in detail. You will also receive a copy of the Company’s Associate Handbook with information regarding the Company’s policies and procedures.

SEVERANCE BENEFITS:

UPON TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE: If the Company terminates your employment without Cause (defined below), the Company will pay you a lump sum payment equal to one-half (1/2) your base annual salary for the then current fiscal year.

UPON CHANGE OF CONTROL AND CONSTRUCTIVE TERMINATION: If, during the term of your employment with the Company, there is a Change of Control (defined below) and there is a Constructive Termination (defined below) of your employment without Cause within twelve (12) months after such Change of Control, you will, in lieu of severance under the preceding paragraph, be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to the sum of (a) your base annual salary for the then current fiscal year, plus (b) an amount equal to (i) your target annual bonus under the then applicable bonus plan for the then current fiscal year, multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is 365 plus the number of days elapsed in the then current fiscal year at the time of the termination and the denominator of which is 365. In addition, (A) the Company shall accelerate vesting on any portion of any equity grant previously made to you under the Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan, or any successor plan, that would otherwise have vested after the date of the termination of your employment; and (B) all Company imposed restrictions under any restricted stock, restricted stock unit or other similar equity-based awards granted to you by the Company shall be terminated upon the termination of your employment, and the Company shall issue all common stock that underlies such awards but has not yet been issued; provided that (i) if the terms of any such award require you to pay monetary consideration for such stock, the stock underlying such award shall be issued only if you pay such consideration, and (ii) if any restrictions under any such award are performance-based, such restrictions shall terminate and the stock underlying such award shall be issued only if and to the extent expressly provided in the agreement evidencing the award.

As used herein, the term “Cause” means: (i) your willful and intentional failure or refusal to perform or observe any of your material duties, responsibilities or obligations, if such breach is not cured within 30 days after notice thereof to you by the Company, which notice shall state that such conduct shall, without cure, constitute Cause; (ii) any willful and intentional act by you involving fraud, theft, embezzlement or dishonesty affecting the Company; or (iii) your conviction of (or a plea of nolo contendere to) an offense which is a felony in the jurisdiction involved.

“Constructive Termination” shall be deemed to occur if the Company terminates your employment without Cause, or if you voluntarily elect to terminate your employment within thirty (30) days after any of the following events occurring without your consent: (i) there is a significant reduction in your overall scope of duties, authorities and responsibilities (it being understood that a new position within a larger combined company is not a constructive termination if it is in the same area of operations and involves similar scope of management responsibility notwithstanding that you may not retain as senior a position overall within the larger combined company as your prior position within the Company); or (ii) there is a reduction of more than 20% of your base salary or target bonus (other than any such reduction consistent with a general reduction of pay across the Company’s or its successor’s executive staff as a group,





as an economic or strategic measure due to poor financial performance by the Company); or (iii) you are required to relocate your place of employment outside of Florida.

As used herein, the term “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any one of the following events: any merger or consolidation involving the acquisition of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of the Company by a “person” or “group” (as those terms are defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), adoption of a plan for liquidation of the Company or for sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or other similar transaction or series of transactions involving the Company, or the acquisition of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of the Company by a “person” or “group” (as those terms are defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

The severance amounts hereunder shall, subject to COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 409A below, be paid to you as soon as practicable following the occurrence of the event that entitles you to such payments.

COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 409A: Notwithstanding any other provision of this letter to the contrary, the provision, time and manner of payment or distribution of all compensation and benefits provided by this letter (“Section 409A Deferred Compensation”) that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to and not exempted from the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), shall be subject to, limited by and construed in accordance with the requirements of such section and all regulations and other guidance promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to such section (such section, regulations and other guidance being referred to herein as “Section 409A”), including the following:

(a) Separation from Service . Payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation otherwise payable or provided pursuant to this letter upon your Constructive Termination shall be paid or provided only at the time of a termination of your employment that constitutes a Separation from Service. For the purposes of this letter, a “Separation from Service” is a separation from service within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).

(b)
Six-Month Delay Applicable to Specified Employees. If, at the time of your Separation from Service, you are a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then any payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation to be paid or provided pursuant to this letter upon your Separation from Service shall be paid or provided commencing on the later of (i) the first business day after the date that is six months after the date of such Separation from Service or, if earlier, the date of your death (in either case, the “Delayed Payment Date”), or (ii) the date or dates on which such Section 409A Deferred Compensation would otherwise be paid or provided in accordance with this letter without regard to this paragraph. All such payments and benefits that would, but for this paragraph, become payable prior to the Delayed Payment Date shall be accumulated and paid on the Delayed Payment Date.     

(c) Installments. Your right to receive any amounts payable hereunder in two or more installments shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each such installment payment shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment for purposes of Section 409A.

(d) Notice Upon Constructive Termination. If you voluntarily elect to terminate your employment under circumstances that would otherwise constitute a Constructive Termination under this letter, a Constructive Termination shall not be deemed to have occurred unless (i) you have given the Company written notice that a specified event has occurred giving you the right to voluntarily terminate your employment and have that be treated as a Constructive Termination, (ii) the Company fails to cure such event within a period of thirty (30) days after the receipt of such notice, and (iii) you voluntarily terminate your employment within thirty (30) days following the end of that period.

PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY TO WORK IN U.S.: Our offer is contingent upon your submission of satisfactory proof of your identity and your legal authorization to work in the United States. If you fail to submit this proof, federal law prohibits us from hiring you.

LOYALTY, NONDISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: By accepting this offer, you agree that you will act at all times in the best interest of the Company. You also agree that, except as required for performance of your work, you will not use, disclose or publish any Confidential Information of the Company either during or after your employment, or remove any such information from the Company’s premises. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, lists of actual and prospective customers and clients, financial and personnel-related information, projections, operating procedures, budgets, reports, business or marketing plans, compilations of data created by the Company or by third parties for the benefit of the Company.

NONCOMPETITION AND NONSOLICITATION: You shall be subject to the provisions of Section 6.7 of that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated _, 2016 between Red Lion Hotels Franchising, Inc., Thirty-Eight Street, Inc., Vantage Hospitality Group, Inc. and certain other Sellers listed on the signature pages thereto (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”). Upon the expiration of such provisions in the Asset Purchase Agreement for any reason, the following provisions set forth below under subsection (a) and (b) shall apply.






(a) You agree that during a period after termination of your employment commensurate with the months of base salary you are paid as a benefit in connection with a related severance event, you will not, directly or indirectly, engage or participate or make any financial investments in (other than ownership of up to 5% of the aggregate of any class of securities of any corporation if such securities are listed on a national stock exchange or under section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) or become employed by, or act as an agent or principal of, or render advisory or other management services to or for, any Competing Business. As used herein the term “Competing Business” means any business which includes hotel ownership, hotel management, hotel services or hotel franchising that competes directly or indirectly with the Company.

(b) You also agree that during your employment at the Company during a period after termination of your employment commensurate with the months of base salary you are paid as a benefit in connection with a related severance event, you will not solicit, raid, entice or induce any person that then is or at any time during the twelve-month period prior to the end of your employment was an employee of the Company (other than a person whose employment with the Company has been terminated by the Company), to become employed by any person, firm or corporation].

COMPLAINT RESOLUTION: By accepting this offer with the Company, you also agree to continue to familiarize yourself with its policies, including its policies on equal opportunity and anti-harassment, and to promptly report to the appropriate the Company supervisors or officers any matters which require their attention.

KEY EMPLOYEE STATUS: You are regarded as a key employee under certain federal regulations governing family and medical leave. This status will require that you work closely with us in planning if you develop a need for family or medical leave.

NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT: As explained to you on the application for employment you submitted, the Company is an at-will employer. This means that your employment is not for a set amount of time; either you or the Company may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause.

BACKGROUND CHECK: The Company has a vital interest in maintaining safe, lawful and efficient working conditions for its employees. With this in mind, employment at the Company is contingent on your satisfactory completion of a background check.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This letter contains all of the terms of your employment with the Company, and supersedes any prior understandings or agreements, whether oral or in writing.

The Company reserves the right, subject to limitations and provisions of applicable law and regulations, to change, interpret, withdraw, or add to any of its policies, benefits, or terms and conditions of employment at its sole discretion, and without prior notice or consideration to any associate. The Company’s policies, benefits or terms and conditions of employment do not create a contract or make any promises of specific treatment.

We are pleased and proud to be adding your talents to a management team that is dedicated to making a difference in the communities we serve, creating fulfilling jobs and environments conducive to success, and providing the foundation for ongoing success of the Company.

Sincerely,


/s/ Gregory T. Mount
Gregory T. Mount
President and CEO
Red Lion Hotels Corporation

Accepted as of the date first set forth above:


/s/ Bernie Moyle
Bernie Moyle





Exhibit 31.1
RED LION HOTELS CORPORATION
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(a)
I, Gregory T. Mount, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Red Lion Hotels Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and;
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 9, 2016

/s/ Gregory T. Mount
Gregory T. Mount
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)




Exhibit 31.2
RED LION HOTELS CORPORATION
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(a)
I, David M. Wright, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Red Lion Hotels Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and;
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 9, 2016

/s/ David M. Wright
David M. Wright
Vice President, Interim Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)




Exhibit 32.1
RED LION HOTELS CORPORATION
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(b)
In connection with the quarterly report of Red Lion Hotels Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2016 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Gregory T. Mount, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

November 9, 2016
 
/s/ Gregory T. Mount
Gregory T. Mount
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)




Exhibit 32.2
RED LION HOTELS CORPORATION
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(b)
In connection with the quarterly report of Red Lion Hotels Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2016 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David M. Wright, Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

November 9, 2016
 
/s/ David M. Wright
David M. Wright
Vice President, Interim Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)