CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL INC /DE - FORM 10-Q - May 5, 2017

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EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL INC /DEchh-ex32x03312017dragisich.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL INC /DEchh-ex312x033117dragisich.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL INC /DEchh-ex311x03312017joyce.htm
EX-10.01 - EXHIBIT 10.01 - CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL INC /DEexhibit1001.htm

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 _____________________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q
 _____________________________________________ 
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED March 31, 2017
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
COMMISSION FILE NO. 001-13393
 _____________________________________________ 
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_____________________________________________ 
DELAWARE
 
52-1209792
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1 CHOICE HOTELS CIRCLE, SUITE 400
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(301) 592-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
_____________________________________________  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months.    Yes  x     No   o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
x
 
Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer
o
 
Smaller reporting company
o
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  o No  x
CLASS
 
SHARES OUTSTANDING AT MARCH 31, 2017
Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per share
 
56,448,239
 
 
 
 
 
 


CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
 
 
 
 
PAGE NO.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)        
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016 (as adjusted)*
REVENUES:
 
 
 
Royalty fees
$
68,989

 
$
64,859

Initial franchise and relicensing fees
5,006

 
5,156

Procurement services
6,476

 
5,796

Marketing and reservation system
109,475

 
126,361

Other
7,952

 
4,946

Total revenues
197,898

 
207,118

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
32,846

 
35,119

Depreciation and amortization
3,070

 
2,765

Marketing and reservation system
109,475

 
126,361

Total operating expenses
145,391

 
164,245

Operating income
52,507

 
42,873

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
 
 
 
Interest expense
11,205

 
11,092

Interest income
(1,264
)
 
(839
)
Other (gains) losses
(897
)
 
62

Equity in net loss of affiliates
2,080

 
2,180

Total other income and expenses, net
11,124

 
12,495

Income before income taxes
41,383

 
30,378

Income taxes
12,639

 
9,215

Net income
$
28,744

 
$
21,163

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.51

 
$
0.38

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.51

 
$
0.37

 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared per share
$
0.215

 
$
0.205

*During 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, see discussion of adoption in Note 1.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

3

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
 
        
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016 (as adjusted)*
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
28,744

 
$
21,163

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge
 
215

 
215

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
568

 
1,528

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
783

 
1,743

Comprehensive income
 
$
29,527

 
$
22,906

*During 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, see discussion of adoption in Note 1.

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

4


CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
187,472

 
$
202,463

Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,046 and $8,557, respectively)
117,878

 
107,336

Income taxes receivable
446

 
316

Notes receivable, net of allowance
7,650

 
7,873

Other current assets
29,416

 
26,885

Total current assets
342,862

 
344,873

Property and equipment, at cost, net
82,701

 
84,061

Goodwill
79,073

 
78,905

Intangible assets, net
15,301

 
15,738

Notes receivable, net of allowances
123,878

 
110,608

Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value
18,755

 
16,975

Investments in unconsolidated entities
123,550

 
94,839

Deferred income taxes
54,592

 
52,812

Other assets
63,420

 
53,657

Total assets
$
904,132

 
$
852,468

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
59,090

 
$
48,071

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
54,010

 
80,388

Deferred revenue
145,833

 
133,218

Current portion of long-term debt
1,225

 
1,195

Income taxes payable
13,923

 
796

Total current liabilities
274,081

 
263,668

Long-term debt
862,389

 
839,409

Deferred compensation and retirement plan obligations
23,044

 
21,595

Deferred income taxes
139

 
292

Other liabilities
36,966

 
38,853

Total liabilities
1,196,619

 
1,163,817

Commitments and Contingencies


 


Common stock, $0.01 par value, 160,000,000 shares authorized; 95,065,638 shares issued at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and 56,448,239 and 56,299,949 shares outstanding at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
951

 
951

Additional paid-in-capital
160,719

 
159,045

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(7,739
)
 
(8,522
)
Treasury stock (38,617,399 and 38,765,689 shares at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively), at cost
(1,070,516
)
 
(1,070,383
)
Retained earnings
624,098

 
607,560

Total shareholders’ deficit
(292,487
)
 
(311,349
)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit
$
904,132

 
$
852,468

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

5

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016 (as adjusted)*
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
28,744

 
$
21,163

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
 
 

Depreciation and amortization
3,070

 
2,765

Loss on disposal of assets
—

 
9

Provision for bad debts, net
561

 
655

Non-cash stock compensation and other charges
3,681

 
3,354

Non-cash interest and other (income) loss
(301
)
 
667

Deferred income taxes
(1,900
)
 
6,198

Equity in net losses from unconsolidated joint ventures, less distributions received
2,386

 
2,471

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Receivables
(11,365
)
 
(14,473
)
Advances to/from marketing and reservation system activities, net
(216
)
 
(39,804
)
Forgivable notes receivable, net
(4,483
)
 
(6,464
)
Accounts payable
9,203

 
(3,980
)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
(25,048
)
 
(24,521
)
Income taxes payable/receivable
13,012

 
(1,788
)
Deferred revenue
12,579

 
40,458

Other assets
(4,958
)
 
(7,238
)
Other liabilities
(751
)
 
(842
)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
24,214

 
(21,370
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

Investment in property and equipment
(4,718
)
 
(5,306
)
Investment in intangible assets
(2,088
)
 
(162
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
—

 
1,700

Acquisitions of real estate
—

 
(25,389
)
Contributions to equity method investments
(31,610
)
 
(4,293
)
Distributions from equity method investments
510

 
67

Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans
(1,424
)
 
(896
)
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans
843

 
363

Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable
(9,863
)
 
(7,487
)
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable
522

 
109

Other items, net
(4
)
 
26

Net cash used by investing activities
(47,832
)
 
(41,268
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

Net borrowings pursuant to revolving credit facilities
22,800

 
79,267

Principal payments on long-term debt
(153
)
 
(318
)
Purchases of treasury stock
(7,271
)
 
(8,857
)
Dividends paid
(12,139
)
 
(11,612
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
4,963

 
4,137

Net cash provided by financing activities
8,200

 
62,617

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(15,418
)
 
(21
)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
427

 
652

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
202,463

 
193,441

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
187,472

 
$
194,072

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash payments during the period for:
 
 
 
Income taxes, net of refunds
$
1,454

 
$
4,208

Interest, net of capitalized interest
$
19,874

 
$
19,712

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Dividends declared but not paid
$
12,195

 
$
11,580

Investment in property and equipment acquired in accounts payable
$
724

 
$
944

Non-cash sale of investment of unconsolidated joint venture
$
—

 
$
2,350

*During 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, see discussion of adoption in Note 1.

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

6

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1.
Company Information and Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Choice Hotels International, Inc. and subsidiaries (together the "Company") have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary, in the opinion of management, to fairly present the Company's financial position and results of operations. Except as otherwise disclosed, all adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been omitted. The Company believes the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2017 (the "10-K"). Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the entire year results. All inter-company transactions and balances between Choice Hotels International, Inc. and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Prior year impact from adoption of ASU 2016-09
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU No. 2016-09"). ASU No. 2016-09 requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit to the income statement. The Company adopted the new guidance in the second quarter of 2016 and, in accordance with the provisions of ASU 2016-09 applied the required adjustments as of January 1, 2016, the beginning of the annual period that includes the interim period of adoption. The following table summarizes the effects of adopting this accounting standard on the Company's previously reported financial statements.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
As Reported
As Adjusted
Consolidated Statements of Income:
 
 
Income taxes
$
10,780

$
9,215

Net income
$
19,598

$
21,163

Basis earnings per share
$
0.35

$
0.38

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.35

$
0.37

 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
 
 
Net cash used by operating activities
$
(22,945
)
$
(21,370
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
$
1,575

$
—

Net cash provided by financing activities
$
64,192

$
62,617


Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, Consolidation (Topic 810) - Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control ("ASU No. 2016-17"). ASU No. 2016-17 alters the primary beneficiary assessment a reporting entity must perform as part of consolidation analysis to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. Under legacy GAAP, indirect interests held through related parties under common control were to be considered in their entirety by the

7

reporting entity in performing the primary beneficiary assessment. ASU No. 2016-17 revises the guidance such that indirect interests held through related parties under common control are considered on a proportionate basis in performing the primary beneficiary assessment. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017, and it did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Future Adoption of Recently Announced Accounting Guidance
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU No. 2014-09") and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance at various points of 2015 and 2016 within ASU No. 2015-14, ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, ASU No. 2016-12, and ASU No. 2016-20 (these ASUs collectively referred to as "Topic 606"). Topic 606 impacts virtually all aspects of an entity's revenue recognition and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, as well as most industry-specific guidance. Topic 606 significantly enhances comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities and industries by providing a principles-based, comprehensive framework for addressing revenue recognition issues. In order for a provider of promised goods or services to recognize as revenue the consideration that it expects to receive in exchange for the promised goods or services, the provider should apply the following five steps: (1) identify the contract with a customer(s); (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Topic 606 also specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and provides enhanced disclosure requirements. Topic 606 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The guidance permits the retrospective or modified retrospective method when adopting Topic 606. The Company intends to adopt the standard in the annual period beginning January 1, 2018, and has not yet determined the method of adoption. The Company's evaluation is still preliminary for all areas below.
The Company has determined royalties earned in exchange for a license to brand intellectual property on franchise agreements will be recognized in revenue over time typically after the occurrence of a completed stay, which is consistent with current practice. We are continuing to evaluate the services we provide as part of the franchise agreement, including the Choice Privileges loyalty program and other programs we operate as part of the marketing and reservation system, to determine if they are distinct from the license to brand intellectual property and thus represent separate performance obligations. We do not expect significant changes to the pattern of revenue recognition regardless of these determinations.
The Company has determined initial and relicensing fees earned upon execution of a franchise agreement will be recognized as revenue ratably as services are provided over the enforceable period of the franchise license arrangement. This represents a change from current practice, whereby the Company typically will recognize revenue for initial and relicensing fees in full in the period of agreement execution. Similarly, the Company has determined sales commissions paid upon the execution of a franchise agreement will be recognized as expense ratably over the same period as revenues are recognized. This also represents a change, as the Company’s current practice is typically to recognize expense for sales commissions in full in the period of agreement execution. The Company is in the process of finalizing the periods of recognition and calculating the expected impacts for this revision.
The Company believes the timing of recognition for profits from the sale of real estate assets will be accelerated under Topic 606, resulting from the removal of real estate specific guidance. The Company is in the process of calculating the expected impact of this revision.
We continue to evaluate the accounting for other Company revenue streams for impacts as a result of adopting the standard.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU No. 2016-02"). ASU No. 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheet by recording a liability for its lease obligation and an asset for its right to use the underlying asset as of the lease commencement date. The standard requires entities to determine whether an arrangement contains a lease or a service agreement as the accounting treatment is significantly different between the two arrangements. The standard also requires the lessee to evaluate whether a lease is a financing lease or an operating lease as the accounting and presentation guidance between the two are different. ASU No. 2016-02 also modifies the classification criteria and accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases for lessors. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on the financial statements and disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) ("ASU No. 2016-13"), which will require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that ASU No. 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

8


In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ("ASU No. 2016-15"). ASU No. 2016-15 provides additional guidance on eight specific cash flow issues, such as the classification of debt prepayments or extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, and distributions received from equity method investees. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that ASU No. 2016-15 will have on the financial statements and disclosures.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory ("ASU No. 2016-16").  ASU No. 2016-16 provides guidance on recognition of current income tax consequences for intercompany asset transfers (other than inventory) at the time of transfer.  This represents a change from current GAAP, where the consolidated tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers are deferred from the time of transfer to a future period.  The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption at the beginning of an annual period is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that ASU No. 2016-16 will have on the financial statements and disclosures.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that ASU No. 2016-18 will have on the financial statements and disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU No. 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 eliminates the two-step process that required identification of potential impairment and a separate measure of the actual impairment. The annual assessment of goodwill impairment will be determined by using the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the reporting unit. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that ASU No. 2017-04 will have on the financial statements and disclosures.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets ("ASU No. 2017-05"). This ASU clarifies the scope and accounting of a financial asset that meets the definition of an “in-substance nonfinancial asset” and defines the term “in-substance nonfinancial asset.”  This ASU also adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets.  ASU 2017-05 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period.  The Company is assessing the potential impact that ASU 2017-05 will have on the financial statements and disclosures.

2. Other Current Assets
Other current assets consist of the following:
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Prepaid expenses
$
23,590

 
$
22,210

Other current assets
5,826

 
4,675

Total
$
29,416

 
$
26,885



3.
Notes Receivable and Allowance for Losses
The Company segregates its notes receivable for the purposes of evaluating allowances for credit losses between two categories: Mezzanine and Other Notes Receivable and Forgivable Notes Receivable. The Company utilizes the level of security it has in the various notes receivable as its primary credit quality indicator (i.e., senior, subordinated or unsecured) when determining the appropriate allowances for uncollectible loans within these categories.

9

The Company considers loans to be past due and in default when payments are not made when due. Although the Company considers loans to be in default if payments are not received on the due date, the Company does not suspend the accrual of interest until those payments are more than 30 days past due. The Company applies payments received for loans on non-accrual status first to interest and then principal. The Company does not resume interest accrual until all delinquent payments are received. For impaired loans, the Company recognizes interest income on a cash basis.
The following table shows the composition of the Company's notes receivable balances:
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
(in thousands)
 
(in thousands)
Credit Quality Indicator
Forgivable
Notes
Receivable
 
Mezzanine
& Other
Notes
Receivable
 
Total
 
Forgivable
Notes
Receivable

Mezzanine
& Other
Notes
Receivable

Total
Senior
$
—

 
$
70,575

 
$
70,575

 
$
—

 
$
61,482

 
$
61,482

Subordinated
—

 
9,411

 
9,411

 
—

 
9,336

 
9,336

Unsecured
55,898

 
3,562

 
59,460

 
51,475

 
3,618

 
55,093

Total notes receivable
55,898

 
83,548

 
139,446

 
51,475

 
74,436

 
125,911

Allowance for losses on non-impaired loans
5,501

 
770

 
6,271

 
5,013

 
770

 
5,783

Allowance for losses on receivables specifically evaluated for impairment
—

 
1,647

 
1,647

 
—

 
1,647

 
1,647

Total loan reserves
5,501

 
2,417

 
7,918

 
5,013

 
2,417

 
7,430

Net carrying value
$
50,397

 
$
81,131

 
$
131,528

 
$
46,462

 
$
72,019

 
$
118,481

Current portion, net
$
311

 
$
7,339

 
$
7,650

 
$
333

 
$
7,540

 
$
7,873

Long-term portion, net
50,086

 
73,792

 
123,878

 
46,129

 
64,479

 
110,608

Total
$
50,397

 
$
81,131

 
$
131,528

 
$
46,462

 
$
72,019

 
$
118,481

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s Forgivable Notes Receivable and Mezzanine and Other Notes Receivable allowance for losses for the three months ended March 31, 2017:
            
 
Forgivable
Notes
Receivable
 
Mezzanine
& Other  Notes
Receivable
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance
$
5,013

 
$
2,417

Provisions
630

 
—

Recoveries
(92
)
 
—

Write-offs
(25
)
 
—

Other(1)
(25
)
 
—

Ending balance
$
5,501

 
$
2,417

 
(1) Consists of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and default rate assumption changes

Variable Interest through Notes Issued
The Company has issued mezzanine and other notes receivables to certain entities that have created variable interests in these borrowers totaling $33.7 million as of March 31, 2017. The Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities. Each of these loans have stated fixed and/or variable interest amounts. The Company has identified loans totaling approximately $2.1 million with stated interest rates that are less than market rate, representing a total

10

discount of $0.2 million. These discounts are reflected as a reduction of the outstanding loan amounts and are amortized over the life of the related loan.
Forgivable Notes Receivable
As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the unamortized balance of the Company's forgivable notes receivable totaled $55.9 million and $51.5 million, respectively. The Company recorded an allowance for credit losses on these forgivable notes receivable of $5.5 million and $5.0 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Amortization expense included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income related to the notes for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $2.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
Past due balances of forgivable notes receivable are as follows:
 
30-89 days
Past Due
 
> 90 days
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
 Notes Receivable
 
(in thousands)
As of March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Forgivable Notes
$
311

 
$
1,290

 
$
1,601

 
$
54,297

 
$
55,898

 
$
311

 
$
1,290

 
$
1,601

 
$
54,297

 
$
55,898

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Forgivable Notes
$
116

 
$
1,349

 
$
1,465

 
$
50,010

 
$
51,475

 
$
116

 
$
1,349

 
$
1,465

 
$
50,010

 
$
51,475

Mezzanine and Other Notes Receivable
The Company determined that approximately $1.9 million of its mezzanine and other notes receivable were impaired at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and recorded allowance for credit losses on these impaired loans totaling $1.6 million at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The average mezzanine and other notes receivable on non-accrual status was approximately $1.9 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company recognizes interest income for impaired loans on a cash basis. Approximately $44 thousand and $43 thousand of interest income on impaired loans was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The Company provided loan reserves on non-impaired loans totaling $0.8 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
Past due balances of mezzanine and other notes receivable by credit quality indicators are as follows:
 
30-89 days
Past Due
 
> 90 days
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
 Notes Receivable
 
(in thousands)
As of March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
70,575

 
$
70,575

Subordinated
—

 
—

 
—

 
9,411

 
9,411

Unsecured
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,562

 
3,562

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
83,548

 
$
83,548

As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
61,482

 
$
61,482

Subordinated
—

 
—

 
—

 
9,336

 
9,336

Unsecured
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,618

 
3,618

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
74,436

 
$
74,436


4.
Marketing and Reservation Activities
The Company’s franchise agreements require the payment of franchise fees, which include marketing and reservation system fees. The Company is obligated to use the marketing and reservation system fees it collects from the current franchisees

11

comprising its various hotel brands to provide marketing and reservation services appropriate to support the operation of the overall system. In discharging its obligation to provide sufficient and appropriate marketing and reservation services, the Company has the right to expend funds in an amount reasonably necessary to ensure the provision of such services, whether or not such amount is currently available to the Company for reimbursement. The franchise agreements provide the Company the right to advance monies to the franchise system when the needs of the system surpass the balances currently available. As a result, expenditures by the Company in support of marketing and reservation services in excess of available revenues are deferred and recorded as an asset in the Company’s financial statements. Conversely, cumulative marketing and reservation system fees not expended in the current period are deferred and recorded as a liability in the financial statements and are carried over to the next fiscal year and expended in accordance with the franchise agreements or utilized to reimburse the Company for prior year advances.
Under the terms of these agreements, the Company has the contractually enforceable right to assess and collect from its current franchisees, fees sufficient to pay for the marketing and reservation services the Company has procured for the benefit of the franchise system, including fees to reimburse the Company for past services rendered. The Company has the contractual authority to require that the franchisees in the system at any given point repay any deficits related to marketing and reservation activities. The Company’s current franchisees are contractually obligated to pay any assessment the Company imposes on its franchisees to obtain reimbursement of such deficit regardless of whether those constituents continue to generate gross room revenue and whether or not they joined the system following the deficit's occurrence.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, cumulative marketing and reservation system costs exceeded cumulative marketing and reservation system revenues earned by $25.4 million and $18.1 million, respectively, with the excess reflected as a long-term asset in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Depreciation and amortization expense attributable to marketing and reservation activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $6.4 million and $5.9 million, respectively. Interest expense attributable to marketing and reservation activities was $3 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

5.
Other Assets
Other assets consist of the following:
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Land and buildings
$
29,027

 
$
29,023

Advances to marketing and reservation system activities (Note 4)
25,449

 
18,069

Other assets
8,944

 
6,565

Total
$
63,420

 
$
53,657


Land and buildings

Land and buildings represents the Company's purchase of real estate as part of its program to incent franchise development in strategic markets for certain brands. The Company has acquired this real estate with the intent to develop the properties for the eventual construction of hotels operated under the Company's brands or contribute the land into joint ventures for the same purpose.

6.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

The Company maintains a portfolio of investments owned through noncontrolling interest in equity method investments with one or more partners. Investments in unconsolidated entities include investments in joint ventures totaling $120.5 million and $91.9 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, that the Company determined to be variable interest entities ("VIEs"). These investments relate to the Company's program to offer equity support to qualified franchisees to develop and operate Cambria hotel & suites hotels in strategic markets. Based on an analysis of who has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact these entities performance and who has an obligation to absorb losses of these entities or a right to receive benefits from these entities that could potentially be significant to the entity, the Company determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of any of its VIEs. The Company based its qualitative analysis on its review of the design of the entity, its organizational structure including decision-making ability and the relevant development, operating management and financial agreements. Although the Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, it does exercise significant influence through its equity ownership and as a result the Company's investment in these entities is accounted for under the equity method. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized losses totaling $2.5 million and

12

$2.4 million, respectively, from these investments. The Company's maximum exposure to losses related to its investments in VIEs is limited to its equity investments as well as certain guarantees described in Note 17 "Commitments and Contingencies" of these financial statements.

7.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue consists of the following:
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(in thousands)
Loyalty programs
$
124,824

 
$
115,851

Initial, relicensing and franchise fees
6,397

 
9,352

Procurement service fees
8,973

 
7,668

Other
5,639

 
347

Total
$
145,833

 
$
133,218



8.
Debt
Debt consists of the following:
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
(in thousands)
$400 million senior unsecured notes with an effective interest rate of 6.0% less deferred issuance costs of $4.5 million and $4.7 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
$
395,497

 
$
395,316

$250 million senior unsecured notes with an effective interest rate of 6.19%, less a discount and deferred issuance costs of $1.0 million and $1.1 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
248,952

 
248,875

$450 million senior unsecured credit facility with an effective interest rate of 2.28% and 2.23%, less deferred issuance costs of $2.5 million and $2.6 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
205,303

 
182,359

Fixed rate collateralized mortgage with an effective interest rate of 4.57%, plus a fair value adjustment of $0.7 million and $0.7 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
9,277

 
9,432

Economic development loans with an effective interest rate of 3.0% at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016
3,712

 
3,712

Other notes payable
873

 
910

Total debt
$
863,614

 
$
840,604

Less current portion
1,225

 
1,195

Total long-term debt
$
862,389

 
$
839,409

Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2022
On June 27, 2012, the Company issued unsecured senior notes in the principal amount of $400 million (the "2012 Senior Notes") at par, bearing a coupon of 5.75% with an effective rate of 6.0%. The 2012 Senior Notes will mature on July 1, 2022, with interest to be paid semi-annually on January 1st and July 1st. The Company used the net proceeds of this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, together with borrowings under the Company's senior credit facility, to pay a special cash dividend in 2012 totaling approximately $600.7 million paid to stockholders on August 23, 2012. The Company's 2012 Senior Notes are guaranteed jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally, subject to certain customary limitations by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2020
On August 25, 2010, the Company issued unsecured senior notes in the principal amount of $250 million (the "2010 Senior Notes") at a discount of $0.6 million, bearing a coupon of 5.70% with an effective rate of 6.19%. The 2010 Senior Notes will mature on August 28, 2020, with interest to be paid semi-annually on February 28th and August 28th. The Company used the net

13

proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses, to repay outstanding borrowings and for other general corporate purposes. The Company's 2010 Senior Notes are guaranteed jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally, subject to certain customary limitations by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.
Revolving Credit Facilities

On July 21, 2015, the Company entered into a senior unsecured revolving credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”), with Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent.

The Credit Agreement provides for a $450 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) with an initial maturity date of July 21, 2020, subject to optional one-year extensions that can be requested by the Company prior to each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the closing date of the Revolver. The effectiveness of any such extensions is subject to the consent of the lenders under the Credit Agreement and certain customary conditions. On July 5, 2016, the Company exercised its option to extend the maturity date of the Revolver by one year. The new maturity date of the Revolver is July 21, 2021. Up to $35 million of borrowings under the Revolver may be used for alternative currency loans and up to $15 million of borrowings under the Revolver may be used for swing line loans.

The Revolver is unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, which are considered restricted subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement. The subsidiary guarantors currently include all subsidiaries that guarantee the obligations under the Company's Indenture governing the terms of its 5.75% senior notes due 2022 and its 5.70% senior notes due 2020. If the Company achieves and maintains an Investment Grade Rating, as defined in the Credit Agreement, then the subsidiary guarantees will, at the election of the Company, be released and the Revolver will not be guaranteed.

The Company may at any time prior to the final maturity date increase the amount of the Revolver by up to an additional $150 million to the extent that any one or more lenders commit to being a lender for the additional amount and certain other customary conditions are met.

The Company currently may elect to have borrowings under the Revolver bear interest at a rate equal to (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 135 to 175 basis points based on the Company’s total leverage ratio or (ii) a base rate plus a margin ranging from 35 to 75 basis points based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. If the Company achieves an Investment Grade Rating, then the Company may elect to use a different, ratings-based, pricing grid set forth in the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement requires the Company to pay a fee on the undrawn portion of the Revolver, calculated on the basis of the average daily unused amount of the Revolver multiplied by 0.20% per annum. If the Company achieves an Investment Grade Rating and it elects to use the ratings-based pricing grid set forth in the Credit Agreement, then the Company will be required to pay a fee on the total commitments under the Revolver, calculated on the basis of the actual daily amount of the commitments under the Revolver (regardless of usage) times a percentage per annum ranging from 0.10% to 0.25% (depending on the Company’s senior unsecured long-term debt rating).

The Credit Agreement requires that the Company and its restricted subsidiaries comply with various covenants, including with respect to restrictions on liens, incurring indebtedness, making investments and affecting mergers and/or asset sales. With respect to dividends, the Company may not declare or make any payment if there is an existing event of default or if the payment would create an event of default. In addition, if the Company’s total leverage ratio exceeds 4.0 to 1.0, the Company is generally restricted from paying aggregate dividends in excess of $50 million in any calendar year.

The Credit Agreement imposes financial maintenance covenants requiring the Company to maintain a total leverage ratio of not more than 4.5 to 1.0 and a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 2.5 to 1.0. If the Company achieves and maintains an Investment Grade Rating, then the Company will not need to comply with the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio covenant.

The Credit Agreement includes customary events of default, the occurrence of which, following any applicable cure period, would permit the lenders to, among other things, declare the principal, accrued interest and other obligations of the Company under the Credit Agreement to be immediately due and payable. At March 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Agreement.

The proceeds of the Revolver are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, debt repayment, stock repurchases, dividends, investments and other permitted uses set forth in the Credit Agreement.

14

Fixed Rate Collateralized Mortgage
On December 30, 2014, a court awarded the Company title to an office building as settlement for a portion of an outstanding loan receivable for which the building was pledged as collateral. In conjunction with the court award, the Company also assumed the $9.5 million mortgage on the property with a fixed interest rate of 7.26%. The mortgage, which is collateralized by the office building, requires monthly payments of principal and interest and matures in December 2020 with a balloon payment due of $6.9 million. At the time of acquisition, the Company determined that the fixed interest rate of 7.26% exceeded market interest rates and therefore the Company increased the carrying value of the debt by $1.2 million to record the debt at fair value. The fair value adjustment is being amortized over the remaining term of the mortgage utilizing the effective interest method.
Economic Development Loans
The Company entered into economic development agreements with various governmental entities in conjunction with the relocation of its corporate headquarters in April 2013. In accordance with these agreements, the governmental entities agreed to advance approximately $4.4 million to the Company to offset a portion of the corporate headquarters relocation and tenant improvement costs in consideration of the employment of permanent, full-time employees within the jurisdictions. At March 31, 2017, the Company had been advanced approximately $3.7 million pursuant to these agreements and expects to receive the remaining $0.7 million over the next several years, subject to annual appropriations by the governmental entities. These advances bear interest at a rate of 3% per annum.
Repayment of the advances is contingent upon the Company achieving certain performance conditions. Performance conditions are measured annually on December 31st and primarily relate to maintaining certain levels of employment within the various jurisdictions. If the Company fails to meet an annual performance condition, the Company may be required to repay a portion or all of the advances including accrued interest by April 30th following the measurement date. Any outstanding advances at the expiration of the Company's ten-year corporate headquarters lease in 2023 will be forgiven in full. The advances will be included in long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets until the Company determines that the future performance conditions will be met over the entire term of the agreement and the Company will not be required to repay the advances. The Company accrues interest on the portion of the advances that it expects to repay. The Company was in compliance with all current performance conditions as of March 31, 2017.


9.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following represents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the three months ended March 31, 2017:
 
Loss on Cash Flow Hedge
 
Foreign Currency Items
 
Total
 
(in thousands)
Beginning balance, December 31, 2016
$
(3,160
)
 
$
(5,362
)
 
$
(8,522
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassification
—

 
568

 
568

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
215

 
—

 
215

Net current period other comprehensive income
215

 
568

 
783

Ending balance, March 31, 2017
$
(2,945
)
 
$
(4,794
)
 
$
(7,739
)



15

The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss during the three months ended March 31, 2017 were reclassified to the following line items in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.
Component
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Income
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Loss on cash flow hedge
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contract
 
$
215

 
Interest expense
 
 
—

 
Tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
215

 
Net of tax

10.
Non-Qualified Retirement, Savings and Investment Plans
The Company sponsors two non-qualified retirement savings and investment plans for certain employees and senior executives. Employee and Company contributions are maintained in separate irrevocable trusts. Legally, the assets of the trusts remain those of the Company; however, access to the trusts’ assets is severely restricted. The trusts cannot be revoked by the Company or an acquirer, but the assets are subject to the claims of the Company’s general creditors. The participants do not have the right to assign or transfer contractual rights in the trusts.
In 2002, the Company adopted the Choice Hotels International, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan ("EDCP"), which became effective January 1, 2003. Under the EDCP, certain executive officers may defer a portion of their salary into an irrevocable trust and invest these amounts in a selection of available diversified investment options. In 1997, the Company adopted the Choice Hotels International, Inc. Non-Qualified Retirement Savings and Investment Plan ("Non-Qualified Plan"). The Non-Qualified Plan allows certain employees who do not participate in the EDCP to defer a portion of their salary and invest these amounts in a selection of available diversified investment options. Under the EDCP and Non-Qualified Plan, (together, the "Deferred Compensation Plan"), the Company recorded current and long-term deferred compensation liabilities of $25.8 million and $24.7 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, related to these deferrals and credited investment return under these two deferred compensation plans. Compensation expense is recorded in SG&A expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of income based on the change in the deferred compensation obligation related to earnings credited to participants as well as changes in the fair value of diversified investments. The net increase in compensation expense recorded in SG&A expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $1.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, the Company has invested the employee salary deferrals in diversified long-term investments which are intended to provide investment returns that offset the earnings credited to the participants. The diversified investments held in the trusts totaled $20.6 million and $19.1 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and are recorded at their fair value, based on quoted market prices. At March 31, 2017, the Company expects $1.9 million of the assets held in the trust to be distributed during the next twelve months to participants. These investments are considered trading securities and therefore the changes in the fair value of the diversified assets are included in other gains and losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The Company recorded investment gains (losses) during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 of approximately $0.9 million and $(53) thousand, respectively.

11.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company estimates the fair value of its financial instruments utilizing a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The following summarizes the three levels of inputs, as well as the assets that the Company values using those levels of inputs.
Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. The Company’s Level 1 assets consist of marketable securities (primarily mutual funds) held in the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan.
Level 2: Observable inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable. The Company’s Level 2 assets consist of money market funds held in the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan and those recorded in cash and cash equivalents.

16

Level 3: Unobservable inputs, supported by little or no market data available, where the reporting entity is required to develop its own assumptions to determine the fair value of the instrument. The Company does not currently have any assets whose fair value was determined using Level 3 inputs.
 
The Company's policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out of the three levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of each quarterly reporting period. There were no transfers between Level 1, 2 and 3 assets during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had the following assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
(in thousands)
As of March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds, included in cash and cash equivalents
$
50,131

 
$
—

 
$
50,131

 
$
—

Mutual funds(1)
18,961

 
18,961

 
—

 
—

Money market funds(1)
1,660

 
—

 
1,660

 
—

 
$
70,752

 
$
18,961

 
$
51,791

 
$
—

As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds, included in cash and cash equivalents
$
50,085

 
$
—

 
$
50,085

 
$
—

Mutual funds(1)
17,468

 
17,468

 
—

 
—

Money market funds(1)
1,676

 
—

 
1,676

 
—

 
$
69,229

 
$
17,468

 
$
51,761

 
$
—

________________________ 
(1)
Included in Investments, employee benefit plans at fair value and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
Other Financial Instruments
The Company believes that the fair value of its current assets and current liabilities approximate their reported carrying amounts due to the short-term nature of these items. In addition, the interest rates of the Company's Credit Facility adjust frequently based on current market rates; accordingly its carrying amount approximates fair value.
The Company estimates the fair value of notes receivable, which approximate their carrying value, utilizing an analysis of future cash flows and credit worthiness for similar types of arrangements. Based upon the availability of market data, the notes receivable have been classified as Level 3 inputs. The primary sensitivity in these calculations is based on the selection of appropriate interest and discount rates. For further information on the notes receivables, see Note 3.
The fair values of the Company's $250 million and $400 million senior notes are classified as Level 2 as the significant inputs are observable in an active market. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the $250 million senior notes had an approximate fair value of $271.4 million and $273.0 million, respectively. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the $400 million senior notes had an approximate fair value of $435.6 million and $430.4 million, respectively.

Fair values estimated are made at a specific point in time, are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment.  Settlement of such fair value amounts may not be possible and may not be a prudent management decision.

12.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rates were 30.5% and 30.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was lower than the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35.0% due to the impact of foreign operations and $1.2 million of ASU 2016-09 benefits from share-based compensation, partially offset by state income taxes. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was lower than the U.S federal tax rate of 35% due to the impact of foreign operations and $1.6 million of ASU 2016-09 benefits from share based

17

compensation, partially offset by state income taxes. The rate was also impacted by an unfavorable adjustment of $1.2 million to the Company's tax rate benefit from foreign operations.
13.
Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock
Stock Options
The Company granted 0.2 million and 0.7 million options to certain employees of the Company at a fair value of $2.0 million and $6.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The stock options granted by the Company had an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of the options granted was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
        
 
2017 Grants
 
2016 Grants
Risk-free interest rate
1.76
%
 
1.22
%
Expected volatility
21.65
%
 
23.76
%
Expected life of stock option
4.6 years

 
4.6 years

Dividend yield
1.42
%
 
1.59
%
Requisite service period
4 years

 
4 years

Contractual life
7 years

 
7 years

Weighted average fair value of options granted (per option)
$
10.80

 
$
9.30

The expected life of the options and volatility are based on historical data, which is believed to be indicative of future exercise patterns or actual volatility. Historical volatility is calculated based on a period that corresponds to the expected term of the stock option. The dividend yield and the risk-free rate of return are calculated on the grant date based on the then current dividend rate and the risk-free rate of return for the period corresponding to the expected life of the stock option. Compensation expense related to the fair value of these awards is recognized straight-line over the requisite service period based on those awards that ultimately vest.
The aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2017 was $29.2 million and $20.6 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $2.7 million and $4.4 million, respectively.
The Company received approximately $5.0 million and $4.1 million in proceeds from the exercise of 123,625 and 190,830 employee stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Restricted Stock
The following table is a summary of activity related to restricted stock grants: 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Restricted share grants
 
120,054

 
125,110

Weighted average grant date fair value per share
 
$
60.63

 
$
51.49

Aggregate grant date fair value ($000)
 
$
7,279

 
$
6,442

Restricted shares forfeited
 
11,671

 
4,272

Vesting service period of shares granted
 
3-4 years

 
3-4 years

Fair value of shares vested ($000)
 
$
6,817

 
$
6,303

Compensation expense related to the fair value of these awards is recognized straight-line over the requisite service period based on those restricted stock grants that ultimately vest. The fair value of grants is measured by the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards generally vest ratably over the service period beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date. Awards granted to retirement eligible non-employee directors are recognized over the shorter of the requisite service period or the length of time until retirement since the terms of the grant provide that the awards will vest upon retirement.

18

Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units
The Company has granted performance vested restricted stock units ("PVRSU") to certain employees. The fair value is measured by the market price of the Company's common stock on the date of the grant. The vesting of these stock awards is contingent upon the Company achieving performance targets at the end of specified performance periods and the employees' continued employment. The performance conditions affect the number of shares that will ultimately vest. The range of possible stock-based award vesting is generally between 0% and 200% of the initial target. If minimum performance targets are not attained, then no awards will vest under the terms of the various PVRSU agreements. Compensation expense related to these awards is recognized over the requisite service period based on the Company's estimate of the achievement of the various performance targets. The Company has currently estimated that between 0% and 100% of the various award targets will be achieved. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period only on those PVRSUs that ultimately vest.
The following table is a summary of activity related to PVRSU grants:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Performance vested restricted stock units granted at target
 
158,978

 
35,033

 
Weighted average grant date fair value per share
 
$
60.60

 
$
51.49

 
Aggregate grant date fair value ($000)
 
$
9,634

 
$
1,804

 
Stock units forfeited
 
15,069

 
28,193

 
Requisite service period
 
3 years

 
3 years

 
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, PVRSU grants totaling 10,641 vested at a grant date fair value of $0.5 million. These PVRSU grants were initially granted at a target of 21,282 units. However, since the Company achieved only 50% of the targeted performance conditions contained in the stock awards granted in prior periods, 10,641 shares were forfeited. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2017, PVRSU grants totaling 4,113 were forfeited since the Company did not achieve the targeted performance conditions contained in the stock awards granted in prior periods. Furthermore, during the three months ended March 31, 2017, PVRSU grants totaling 24,572 vested at a grant date fair value of $1.1 million. These PVRSU grants were initially granted at a target of 15,081 units. However, since the Company achieved an average of 163% of the various targeted performance conditions contained in the stock awards granted in prior periods, an additional 9,491 shares were earned and issued.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, a total of 22,062 PVRSU grants vested at a grant date fair value of $0.8 million. These PVRSU grants were initially granted at a target of 44,118 units. However, since the Company achieved only 50% of the targeted performance conditions contained in the stock awards granted in prior periods, 22,056 shares were forfeited. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2016, PVRSU grants totaling 6,126 vested at a grant date fair value of $0.2 million. These PVRSU grants were initially granted at a target of 4,083 units. However, since the Company achieved 150% of the targeted performance conditions contained in the stock awards granted in prior periods, an additional 2,043 shares were earned and issued.

19

A summary of stock-based award activity as of March 31, 2017 and changes during the three months ended are presented below:
 
Stock Options
 
Restricted Stock
 
Performance Vested
Restricted Stock Units
 
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2017
2,193,502

 
$
48.26

 
 
 
407,812

 
$
50.61

 
235,980

 
$
47.59

Granted
185,627

 
60.63

 
 
 
120,054

 
60.63

 
158,978

 
60.60

Performance based leveraging (1)


 


 
 
 


 


 
9,491

 
45.59

Exercised/Vested
(123,625
)
 
40.15

 
 
 
(114,466
)
 
47.32

 
(35,213
)
 
46.01

Expired
(3,722
)
 
53.26

 
 
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Forfeited
(22,442
)
 
54.37

 
 
 
(11,671
)
 
53.07

 
(15,069
)
 
46.89

Outstanding at March 31, 2017
2,229,340

 
$
49.67

 
4.6 years
 
401,729

 
$
54.47

 
354,167

 
$
53.56

Options exercisable at March 31, 2017
1,160,197

 
$
45.03

 
3.7 years
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
_________________________________ 
(1)PVRSU units outstanding have been increased by 9,491 units due to the Company exceeding the targeted performance conditions contained in PVRSUs granted in prior periods during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
The components of the Company’s pretax share-based compensation expense and associated income tax benefits are as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
(in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
Stock options
 
$
1.1

 
$
1.1

Restricted stock
 
1.7

 
1.8

Performance vested restricted stock units
 
1.0

 
0.6

Total
 
$
3.8

 
$
3.5

Income tax benefits
 
$
1.4

 
$
1.3

Dividends
The Company currently pays a quarterly dividend on its common stock of $0.215 per share, however the declaration of future dividends is subject to the discretion of the board of directors. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company's board of directors declared dividends totaling $0.215 per share or approximately $12.1 million, in the aggregate.
In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded dividends totaling $0.1 million related to previously declared dividends that were contingent upon the vesting of performance vested restricted stock units.

Share Repurchases and Redemptions
No shares of common stock were purchased by the Company under the share repurchase program during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company redeemed 118,931 shares of common stock at a total cost of approximately $7.3 million, from employees to satisfy the option exercise price and statutory minimum tax-withholding requirements related to the exercising of stock options and vesting of performance vested restricted stock units and restricted stock grants. These redemptions were outside the share repurchase program.


20

14. Earnings Per Share
The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is as follows:    
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
Computation of Basic Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
Numerator:
 
 
 
Net income
$
28,744

 
$
21,163

Income allocated to participating securities
(206
)
 
(142
)
Net income available to common shareholders
$
28,538

 
$
21,021

Denominator:
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
55,941

 
56,025

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.51

 
$
0.38

 
 
 
 
Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
Numerator:
 
 
 
Net income
$
28,744

 
$
21,163

Income allocated to participating securities
(206
)
 
(142
)
Net income available to common shareholders
$
28,538

 
$
21,021

Denominator:
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
55,941

 
56,025

Diluted effect of stock options and PVRSUs
345

 
282

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
56,286

 
56,307

 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.51

 
$
0.37


The Company's unvested restricted shares contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends, and thus are participating securities requiring the two-class method of computing earnings per share ("EPS"). The calculation of EPS for common stock shown above excludes the income attributable to the unvested restricted share awards from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of those awards from the denominator.
At March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had 2.2 million and 2.6 million outstanding stock options, respectively. Stock options are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation using the treasury stock method and average market prices during the period, unless the stock options would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company excluded 0.6 million of anti-dilutive stock options from the diluted earnings per share calculation. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company excluded 1.2 million of anti-dilutive stock options from the diluted earnings per share calculation.
PVRSUs are also included in the diluted earnings per share calculation when the performance conditions have been met at the reporting date. However, at March 31, 2017 and 2016, PVRSUs totaling 354,167 and 207,432, respectively, were excluded from the computation since the performance conditions had not been met.

21

15. Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
The Company’s 2010 and 2012 Senior Notes are guaranteed jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally, subject to certain customary limitations, by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries. There are no legal or regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends to Choice Hotels International, Inc. from subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Senior Notes. As a result of the guarantee arrangements, the following condensed consolidating financial statements are presented. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
 
Parent
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Royalty fees
 
$
64,304

 
$
30,735

 
$
10,501

 
$
(36,551
)
 
$
68,989

  Initial franchise and relicensing fees
 
4,912

 
—

 
94

 
—

 
5,006

  Procurement services
 
6,255

 
—

 
221

 
—

 
6,476

  Marketing and reservation system
 
98,202

 
93,696

 
3,621

 
(86,044
)
 
109,475

  Other
 
5,675

 
40

 
2,423

 
(186
)
 
7,952

Total revenues
 
179,348

 
124,471

 
16,860

 
(122,781
)
 
197,898

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Selling, general and administrative
 
36,810

 
26,959

 
5,814

 
(36,737
)
 
32,846

  Depreciation and amortization
 
384

 
1,821

 
865

 
—

 
3,070

  Marketing and reservation system
 
102,097

 
89,579

 
3,843

 
(86,044
)
 
109,475

   Total operating expenses
 
139,291

 
118,359

 
10,522

 
(122,781
)
 
145,391

Operating income
 
40,057

 
6,112

 
6,338

 
—

 
52,507

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Interest expense
 
11,063

 
—

 
142

 
—

 
11,205

    Other items, net
 
(364
)
 
928

 
(645
)
 
—

 
(81
)
    Equity in earnings of consolidated
subsidiaries
 
(11,320
)
 
455

 
—

 
10,865

 
—

   Total other income and expenses, net
 
(621
)
 
1,383

 
(503
)
 
10,865

 
11,124

Income before income taxes
 
40,678

 
4,729

 
6,841

 
(10,865
)
 
41,383

Income taxes
 
11,934

 
930

 
(225
)
 
—

 
12,639

Net income
 
$
28,744

 
$
3,799

 
$
7,066

 
$
(10,865
)
 
$
28,744


22

Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
 
Parent
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated (as adjusted)*
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Royalty fees
 
$
60,274

 
$
32,418

 
$
10,915

 
$
(38,748
)
 
$
64,859

  Initial franchise and relicensing fees
 
5,056

 
—

 
100

 
—

 
5,156

  Procurement services
 
5,622

 
—

 
174

 
—

 
5,796

  Marketing and reservation system
 
116,143

 
135,224

 
3,426

 
(128,432
)
 
126,361

  Other
 
2,999

 
74

 
2,057

 
(184
)
 
4,946

Total revenues
 
190,094

 
167,716

 
16,672

 
(167,364
)
 
207,118

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Selling, general and administrative
 
39,227

 
28,762

 
6,062

 
(38,932
)
 
35,119

  Depreciation and amortization
 
302

 
1,902

 
561

 
—

 
2,765

  Marketing and reservation system
 
121,978

 
129,443

 
3,372

 
(128,432
)
 
126,361

   Total operating expenses
 
161,507

 
160,107

 
9,995

 
(167,364
)
 
164,245

Operating income
 
28,587

 
7,609

 
6,677

 
—

 
42,873

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Interest expense
 
10,948

 
1

 
143

 
—

 
11,092

    Other items, net
 
(446
)
 
1,282

 
567

 
—

 
1,403

    Equity in earnings of consolidated
subsidiaries
 
(11,294
)
 
807

 
—

 
10,487

 
—

   Total other income and expenses, net
 
(792
)
 
2,090

 
710

 
10,487

 
12,495

Income before income taxes
 
29,379

 
5,519

 
5,967

 
(10,487
)
 
30,378

Income taxes
 
8,216

 
1,436

 
(437
)
 
—

 
9,215

Net income
 
$
21,163

 
$
4,083

 
$
6,404

 
$
(10,487
)
 
$
21,163

*During 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, see discussion of adoption in Note 1.



23

Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
Parent
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net income
$
28,744

 
$
3,799

 
$
7,066

 
$
(10,865
)
 
$
28,744

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge
215

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
215

Foreign currency translation adjustment
568

 
—

 
568

 
(568
)
 
568

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
783

 
—

 
568

 
(568
)
 
783

Comprehensive income
$
29,527

 
$
3,799

 
$
7,634

 
$
(11,433
)
 
$
29,527


24

Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(Unaudited, in thousands)

 
Parent
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated (as adjusted)*
Net income
$
21,163

 
$
4,083

 
$
6,404

 
$
(10,487
)
 
$
21,163

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge
215

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
215

Foreign currency translation adjustment
1,528

 
—

 
1,528

 
(1,528
)
 
1,528

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
1,743

 
—

 
1,528

 
(1,528
)
 
1,743

Comprehensive income
$
22,906

 
$
4,083

 
$
7,932

 
$
(12,015
)
 
$
22,906

*During 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, see discussion of adoption in Note 1.



25

Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2017
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
 
Parent
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,114

 
$
23

 
$
183,335

 
$
—

 
$
187,472

Receivables, net
106,470

 
1,455

 
10,103

 
(150
)
 
117,878

Income taxes receivable
—

 
4,871

 
3,613

 
(8,038
)
 
446

Other current assets
8,715

 
26,962

 
1,468

 
(79
)
 
37,066

Total current assets
119,299

 
33,311

 
198,519

 
(8,267
)
 
342,862

Property and equipment, at cost, net
44,704

 
20,294

 
17,703

 
—

 
82,701

Goodwill
65,813

 
—

 
13,260

 
—

 
79,073

Intangible assets, net
5,141

 
3,338

 
6,822

 
—

 
15,301

Notes receivable, net of allowances
15,737

 
46,099

 
62,042

 
—

 
123,878

Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value
—

 
18,755

 
—

 
—

 
18,755

Investment in affiliates
538,078

 
50,308

 
—

 
(588,386
)
 
—

Advances to affiliates
9,016

 
82,193

 
1,729

 
(92,938
)
 
—

Deferred income taxes
43,018

 
13,415

 
—

 
(1,841
)
 
54,592

Other assets
25,697

 
109,108

 
52,216

 
(51
)
 
186,970

Total assets
$
866,503

 
$
376,821

 
$
352,291

 
$
(691,483
)
 
$
904,132

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
14,419

 
$
40,785

 
$
4,036

 
$
(150
)
 
$
59,090

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
20,901

 
25,499

 
7,610

 
—

 
54,010

Deferred revenue
144,723

 
18

 
1,171

 
(79
)
 
145,833

Other current liabilities
21,954


7


1,225


(8,038
)

15,148

Total current liabilities
201,997

 
66,309

 
14,042

 
(8,267
)
 
274,081

Long-term debt
849,753

 
3,712

 
8,924

 
—

 
862,389

Deferred compensation and retirement plan obligations
—

 
23,033

 
11

 
—

 
23,044

Advances from affiliates
90,765

 
1,191

 
982

 
(92,938
)
 
—

Other liabilities
16,475

 
15,172

 
7,350

 
(1,892
)
 
37,105

Total liabilities
1,158,990

 
109,417

 
31,309

 
(103,097
)
 
1,196,619

Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity
(292,487
)
 
267,404

 
320,982

 
(588,386
)
 
(292,487
)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit
$
866,503

 
$
376,821

 
$
352,291

 
$
(691,483
)
 
$
904,132



26

Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
 
Parent
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
14,696

 
$
159

 
$
187,608

 
$
—

 
$
202,463

Receivables, net
96,128

 
1,556

 
9,802

 
(150
)
 
107,336

Other current assets
9,120

 
29,281

 
4,470

 
(7,797
)
 
35,074

Total current assets
119,944

 
30,996

 
201,880

 
(7,947
)
 
344,873

Property and equipment, at cost, net
44,236

 
21,718

 
18,107

 
—

 
84,061

Goodwill
65,813

 
—

 
13,092

 
—

 
78,905

Intangible assets, net
5,279

 
3,494

 
6,965

 
—

 
15,738

Notes receivable, net of allowances
16,285

 
42,398

 
51,925

 
—

 
110,608

Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value
—

 
16,975

 
—

 
—

 
16,975

Investment in affiliates
526,166

 
50,798

 
—

 
(576,964
)
 
—

Advances to affiliates
14,929

 
123,074

 
17

 
(138,020
)
 
—

Deferred income taxes
40,459

 
14,234

 
—

 
(1,881
)
 
52,812

Other assets
18,259

 
76,933

 
53,304

 
—

 
148,496

Total assets
$
851,370

 
$
380,620

 
$
345,290

 
$
(724,812
)
 
$
852,468

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable
$
14,296

 
$
29,705

 
$
4,220

 
$
(150
)
 
$
48,071

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
31,352

 
45,179

 
3,857

 
—

 
80,388

Deferred revenue
132,217

 
—

 
1,107

 
(106
)
 
133,218

Other current liabilities
8,480

 
7

 
1,195

 
(7,691
)
 
1,991

Total current liabilities
186,345

 
74,891

 
10,379

 
(7,947
)
 
263,668

Long-term debt
826,551

 
3,712

 
9,146

 
—

 
839,409

Deferred compensation and retirement plan obligations
—

 
21,584

 
11

 
—

 
21,595

Advances from affiliates
135,879

 
1,188

 
953

 
(138,020
)
 
—

Other liabilities
13,944

 
15,631

 
11,451

 
(1,881
)
 
39,145

Total liabilities
1,162,719

 
117,006

 
31,940

 
(147,848
)
 
1,163,817

Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity
(311,349
)
 
263,614

 
313,350

 
(576,964
)
 
(311,349
)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit
$
851,370

 
$
380,620

 
$
345,290

 
$
(724,812
)
 
$
852,468



27

Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
Parent
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
$
(13,926
)
 
$
33,440

 
$
4,700

 
$
—

 
$
24,214

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment in property and equipment
(3,832
)
 
(710
)
 
(176
)
 
—

 
(4,718
)
Investment in intangible assets
(1,369
)
 
(719
)
 
—

 
—

 
(2,088
)
Contributions to equity method investments
—

 
(31,592
)
 
(18
)
 
—

 
(31,610
)
Distributions from equity method investments
—

 
—

 
510

 
—

 
510

Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans
—

 
(1,424
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1,424
)
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans
—

 
843

 
—

 
—

 
843

Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable
(330
)
 
—

 
(9,533
)
 
—

 
(9,863
)
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable
522

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
522

Advances to and investment in affiliates
—

 
(484
)
 
—

 
484

 
—

Divestment in affiliates
—

 
510

 
—

 
(510
)
 
—

Other items, net
—

 
—

 
(4
)
 
—

 
(4
)
Net cash used by investing activities
(5,009
)
 
(33,576
)
 
(9,221
)
 
(26
)
 
(47,832
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings pursuant to revolving credit facilities
22,800

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
22,800

Principal payments on long-term debt
—

 
—

 
(153
)
 
—

 
(153
)
Purchases of treasury stock
(7,271
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(7,271
)
Dividends paid
(12,139
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(12,139
)
Proceeds from contributions from affiliates
—

 
—

 
484

 
(484
)
 
—

Distributions to affiliates
—

 
—

 
(510
)
 
510

 
—

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
4,963

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4,963

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
8,353

 
—

 
(179
)
 
26

 
8,200

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(10,582
)
 
(136
)
 
(4,700
)
 
—

 
(15,418
)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
—

 
—

 
427

 
—

 
427

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
14,696

 
159

 
187,608

 
—

 
202,463

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
4,114

 
$
23

 
$
183,335

 
$
—

 
$
187,472


28

Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(Unaudited, in thousands)

 
Parent
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated (as adjusted)*
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
$
(63,763
)
 
$
30,083

 
$
12,310

 
$
—

 
$
(21,370
)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment in property and equipment
(3,991
)
 
(1,076
)
 
(239
)
 
—

 
(5,306
)
Investment in intangible assets
(162
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(162
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
—

 
—

 
1,700

 
—

 
1,700

Acquisitions of real estate
—

 
—

 
(25,389
)
 
—

 
(25,389
)
Contributions to equity method investments
—

 
(4,273
)
 
(20
)
 
—

 
(4,293
)
Distributions from equity method investments
—

 
—

 
67

 
—

 
67

Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans
—

 
(896
)
 
—

 
—

 
(896
)
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans
—

 
363

 
—

 
—

 
363

Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable
(4,684
)
 
—

 
(2,803
)
 
—

 
(7,487
)
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable
109

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
109

Advances to and investment in affiliates
—

 
(25,685
)
 
—

 
25,685

 
—

Divestment in affiliates
—

 
1,745

 
—

 
(1,745
)
 
—

Other items, net
—

 
—

 
26

 
—

 
26

Net cash used by investing activities
(8,728
)
 
(29,822
)

(26,658
)

23,940


(41,268
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities


 


 


 


 


Net borrowings pursuant to revolving credit facilities
79,300

 
—

 
(33
)
 
—

 
79,267

Principal payments on long-term debt
—

 
(183
)
 
(135
)
 
—

 
(318
)
Proceeds from contributions from affiliates
—

 
—

 
25,685

 
(25,685
)
 
—

Purchases of treasury stock
(8,857
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(8,857
)
Dividends paid
(11,612
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(11,612
)
Distributions to affiliates
—

 
—

 
(1,745
)
 
1,745

 
—

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
4,137

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4,137

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
62,968

 
(183
)
 
23,772

 
(23,940
)
 
62,617

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(9,523
)
 
78

 
9,424

 
—

 
(21
)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
—

 
—

 
652

 
—

 
652

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
13,529

 
19

 
179,893

 
—

 
193,441

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
4,006

 
$
97

 
$
189,969

 
$
—

 
$
194,072

*During 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, see discussion of adoption in Note 1.


29

16. Reportable Segment Information

Hotel Franchising: Hotel franchising includes the Company's hotel franchising operations consisting of its eleven brands. The eleven brands are aggregated within this segment considering their similar economic characteristics, types of customers, distribution channels and regulatory business environments. Revenues from the hotel franchising business include royalty fees, initial franchise and relicensing fees, marketing and reservation system fees, procurement services revenue and other franchising related revenue. The Company is obligated under its hotel franchise agreements to provide marketing and reservation services appropriate for the operation of its systems. These services do not represent separate reportable segments as their operations are directly related to the Company's hotel franchising business. The revenues received from franchisees that are used to pay for part of the Company's ongoing operations are included in hotel franchising revenues and are offset by the related expenses paid for marketing and reservation activities to calculate hotel franchising operating income.
SkyTouch Technology: SkyTouch Technology ("SkyTouch") is a division of the Company that develops and markets cloud-based technology products to hoteliers not under franchise agreements with the Company.
The Company evaluates its segments based primarily on the results of the segment without allocating corporate expenses, income taxes or indirect general and administrative expenses, which are included in the Corporate and Other column. Corporate and Other revenues include rental income related to an office building owned by the Company, as well as revenues related to the Company's vacation rental initiatives. Equity in earnings or losses from hotel franchising related joint ventures is allocated to the Company's hotel franchising segment. As described in Note 4, certain interest expenses related to the Company's marketing and reservation activities are allocated to the hotel franchising segment. The Company does not allocate the remaining interest expense, interest income, other gains and losses or income taxes to its segments.
The following table presents the financial information for the Company's segments:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(In thousands)
Hotel Franchising
 
SkyTouch Technology
 
Corporate &
Other
 
Consolidated
 
Hotel Franchising
 
SkyTouch Technology
 
Corporate &
Other
 
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
195,343

 
$
648

 
$
1,907

 
$
197,898

 
$
205,089

 
$
406

 
$
1,623

 
$
207,118

Operating income (loss)
$
65,360

 
$
(1,094
)
 
$
(11,759
)
 
$
52,507

 
$
58,592

 
$
(4,325
)
 
$
(11,394
)
 
$
42,873

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
63,280

 
$
(1,094
)
 
$
(20,803
)
 
$
41,383

 
$
56,412

 
$
(4,325
)
 
$
(21,709
)
 
$
30,378



17.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is not a party to any litigation other than litigation in the ordinary course of business. The Company's management and legal counsel do not expect that the ultimate outcome of any of its currently ongoing legal proceedings, individually or collectively, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Contingencies
On October 9, 2012, the Company entered into a limited payment guaranty with regards to a VIE's $18.0 million bank loan for the construction of a hotel franchised under one of the Company's brands in the United States. Under the terms of the limited guaranty, the Company agreed to guarantee 25% of the outstanding principal balance for a maximum exposure of $4.5 million and accrued unpaid interest, as well as any unpaid expenses incurred by the lender. The limited guaranty shall remain in effect until the maximum amount guaranteed by the Company is paid in full. In addition to the limited guaranty, the Company entered into an environmental indemnity agreement, which indemnifies the lending institution from and against any damages relating to or arising out of possible environmental contamination issues with regards to the property.

On September 4, 2015, the Company entered into a limited payment guaranty with regards to a VIE's $13.3 million bank loan for the design, development, and construction of a new hotel franchised under one of the Company's brands in the United States.  Under the terms of the limited guaranty, the Company has agreed to guarantee a maximum of $1.8 million of the VIE’s obligations under the loan. The limited guaranty shall remain in effect until (i) the VIE’s bank loan is paid in full to the lender;

30

(ii) the maximum amount guaranteed by the Company is paid in full; or (iii) the Company, through its affiliate, ceases to be a member of the VIE. 

On June 2, 2016, one of the Company’s VIEs obtained a $61.0 million term loan for purposes of refinancing a $46.2 million construction loan. In connection with the refinancing, the Company entered into three limited guarantees. Under the terms of the limited guarantees, the Company agreed to guarantee a maximum obligation of $3.3 million in the aggregate, in addition to a percentage of any operating expenses and capital expenditures not covered by operating revenues and unpaid expenses incurred. The limited guarantees will remain in effect until the loan is repaid in full or the VIE reaches a specified debt yield for two consecutive quarters under the loan covenants. The maturity date of the VIE's loan is June 2019.
The Company believes the likelihood of having to perform under the aforementioned limited payment guarantees was remote at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
Commitments
The Company has the following commitments outstanding at March 31, 2017:
•
The Company provides financing in the form of forgivable promissory notes or cash incentives to franchisees for property improvements, hotel development efforts and other purposes. At March 31, 2017, the Company had commitments to extend an additional $180.1 million for these purposes provided certain conditions are met by its franchisees, of which $76.2 million is expected to be advanced in the next twelve months.
•
The Company committed to make additional capital contributions totaling $23.1 million to existing joint ventures related to the construction of various hotels to be operated under the Company's Cambria hotel & suites brand.
•
In November 2015, the Company provided financing to a development company to acquire and redevelop a historic office building into a Cambria hotel & suites hotel. The Company has committed to provide up to an aggregate of $49.1 million, if necessary, for acquisition of the property and property improvements. As of March 31, 2017, the Company advanced $40.2 million. The promissory notes mature on November 30, 2019, and bear interest at variable and fixed rates and are payable monthly.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into numerous agreements that contain standard indemnities whereby the Company indemnifies another party for breaches of representations and warranties. Such indemnifications are granted under various agreements, including those governing (i) purchases or sales of assets or businesses, (ii) leases of real estate, (iii) licensing of trademarks, (iv) access to credit facilities, (v) issuances of debt or equity securities, and (vi) certain operating agreements. The indemnifications issued are for the benefit of the (i) buyers in sale agreements and sellers in purchase agreements, (ii) landlords in lease contracts, (iii) franchisees in licensing agreements, (iv) financial institutions in credit facility arrangements, (v) underwriters in debt or equity security issuances and (vi) parties under certain operating agreements. In addition, these parties are also generally indemnified against any third party claim resulting from the transaction that is contemplated in the underlying agreement. While some of these indemnities extend only for the duration of the underlying agreement, many survive the expiration of the term of the agreement or extend into perpetuity (unless subject to a legal statute of limitations). There are no specific limitations on the maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnities, nor is the Company able to develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of future payments to be made under these indemnifications as the triggering events are not subject to predictability. With respect to certain of the aforementioned indemnities, such as indemnifications of landlords against third party claims for the use of real estate property leased by the Company, the Company maintains insurance coverage that mitigates potential liability.

18. Transactions with Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

The Company has a management fee arrangement for marketing services with a joint venture partner. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, fees earned and payroll costs reimbursed under this arrangement totaled $0.3 million. There were no fees earned and payroll costs reimbursed under this arrangement for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

The Company has entered into franchise agreements with certain of the unconsolidated joint ventures discussed in Note 6. Pursuant to these franchise agreements, the Company has recorded royalty and marketing and reservation system fees of approximately $3.9 million and $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company has recorded $1.0 million and $1.1 million as a receivable due from these joint ventures as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. In addition, the Company has paid commissions of $22 thousand and $30 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, to an online travel agent for which the Company is a joint venture member.

31

19. Subsequent Events

On April 21, 2017, the Company's board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.215 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on July 18, 2017 to shareholders of record on July 3, 2017.


ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is intended to help the reader understand the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Choice Hotels International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (together the "Company") contained in this report. MD&A is provided as a supplement to-and should be read in conjunction with-our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes.

Overview
We are primarily a hotel franchisor with franchise agreements representing 6,494 hotels open and 795 hotels under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development as of March 31, 2017, with 515,372 rooms and 62,488 rooms, respectively, in 50 states, the District of Columbia and over 40 countries and territories outside the United States. Our brand names include Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Clarion®, Ascend Hotel Collection®, Sleep Inn®, Econo Lodge®, Rodeway Inn®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, and Cambria hotel & suites® (collectively, the "Choice brands").
The Company's domestic franchising operations are conducted through direct franchising relationships while its international franchise operations are conducted through a combination of direct franchising and master franchising relationships. Master franchising relationships are governed by master franchising agreements which generally provide the master franchisee with the right to use our brands and sub-license the use of our brands in a specific geographic region, usually for a fee.
Our business strategy is to conduct direct franchising in those international markets where both franchising is an accepted business model and we believe our brands can achieve significant scale. We typically elect to enter into master franchise agreements in those markets where direct franchising is currently not a prevalent or viable business model. When entering into master franchising relationships, we strive to select partners that have professional hotel and asset management capabilities together with the financial capacity to invest in building the Choice brands in their respective markets. Master franchising relationships typically provide lower revenues to the Company as the master franchisees are responsible for managing certain necessary services (such as training, quality assurance, reservations and marketing) to support the franchised hotels in the master franchise area and therefore, retain a larger percentage of the hotel franchise fees to cover their expenses. In certain circumstances, the Company has and may continue to make equity investments in our master franchisees. As a result of master franchise relationships and international market conditions, our revenues are primarily concentrated in the United States. Therefore, our description of the franchise system is primarily focused on the domestic operations.
Our Company generates revenues, income and cash flows primarily from initial, relicensing and continuing royalty fees attributable to our franchise agreements. Revenues are also generated from qualified vendor arrangements and other sources. The hotel industry is seasonal in nature. For most hotels, demand is lower from November through February than during the remainder of the year. Our principal source of revenues is franchise fees based on the gross room revenues of our franchised properties. The Company's franchise fee revenues reflect the industry's seasonality and historically have been lower in the first and fourth quarters than in the second or third quarters.
With a focus on hotel franchising instead of ownership, we benefit from the economies of scale inherent in the franchising business. The fee and cost structure of our business provides opportunities to improve operating results by increasing the number of franchised hotel rooms and effective royalty rates of our franchise contracts resulting in increased initial fee and relicensing revenue; ongoing royalty fees and procurement services revenues. In addition, our operating results can also be improved through our company-wide efforts related to improving property-level performance. The Company currently estimates, based on its current domestic portfolio of hotels under franchise, a 1% change in revenue per available room ("RevPAR") or rooms under franchise would increase or decrease annual domestic royalty revenues by approximately $3.3 million and a 1 basis point change in the Company's effective royalty rate would increase or decrease annual domestic royalties by approximately $0.7 million. In addition to these revenues, we also collect marketing and reservation system fees to support centralized marketing and reservation activities for the franchise system.
The principal factors that affect the Company’s results are: the number and relative mix of franchised hotel rooms in the various hotel lodging price categories; growth in the number of hotel rooms under franchise; occupancy and room rates achieved by the hotels under franchise; the effective royalty rate achieved; the level of franchise sales and relicensing activity; and our ability to

32

manage costs. The number of rooms at franchised properties and occupancy and room rates at those properties significantly affect the Company’s results because our fees are based upon room revenues or the number of rooms at franchised hotels. The key industry standard for measuring hotel-operating performance is RevPAR, which is calculated by multiplying the percentage of occupied rooms by the average daily room rate realized. Our variable overhead costs associated with franchise system growth of our established brands have historically been less than incremental royalty fees generated from new franchises. Accordingly, continued growth of our franchise business should enable us to realize benefits from the operating leverage in place and improve operating results.
We are required by our franchise agreements to use the marketing and reservation system fees we collect for system-wide marketing and reservation activities. These expenditures, which include advertising costs and costs to maintain our central reservations and property management systems, help to enhance awareness and consumer preference for our brands and deliver guests to our franchisees. Greater awareness and preference promotes long-term growth in business delivery to our franchisees and increases the desirability of our brands to hotel owners and developers, which ultimately increases franchise fees earned by the Company.
Our Company articulates its mission as a commitment to our franchisees’ profitability by providing our franchisees with hotel franchises that strive to generate the highest return on investment of any hotel franchise. We have developed an operating system dedicated to our franchisees’ success that focuses on delivering guests to our franchised hotels and reducing costs for our hotel owners.
We believe that executing our strategic priorities creates value for our shareholders. Our Company focuses on two key goals:
Profitable Growth. Our success is dependent on improving the performance of our hotels, increasing our system size by selling additional hotel franchises, effective royalty rate improvement and maintaining a disciplined cost structure. We attempt to improve our franchisees’ revenues and overall profitability by providing a variety of products and services designed to increase business delivery to and/or reduce operating and development costs for our franchisees. These products and services include national marketing campaigns, maintaining a guest loyalty program, a central reservation system, property and yield management programs and systems, revenue management systems, quality assurance standards and qualified vendor relationships. We believe that healthy brands, which deliver a compelling return on investment for franchisees, will enable us to sell additional hotel franchises and raise royalty rates. We have established multiple brands that meet the needs of many types of guests, and can be developed at various price points and applied to both new and existing hotels. This ensures that we have brands suitable for creating growth in a variety of market conditions. Improving the performance of the hotels under franchise, growing the system through additional franchise sales and improving franchise agreement pricing while maintaining a disciplined cost structure are the keys to profitable growth.
Maximizing Financial Returns and Creating Value for Shareholders. Our capital allocation decisions, including capital structure and uses of capital, are intended to maximize our return on invested capital and create value for our shareholders. We believe our strong and predictable cash flows create a strong financial position that provides us a competitive advantage. Currently, our business does not require significant capital to operate and grow. Therefore, we can maintain a capital structure that generates high financial returns and use our excess cash flow to increase returns to our shareholders primarily through share repurchases, dividends or investing in growth opportunities.
Historically, we have returned value to our shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. In 1998, we instituted a share repurchase program which has generated substantial value for our shareholders. Since the program's inception through March 31, 2017, we have repurchased 48.7 million shares (including 33.0 million prior to the two-for-one stock split effected in October 2005) of common stock at a total cost of $1.3 billion. Considering the effect of the two-for-one stock split, the Company has repurchased 81.7 million shares at an average price of $15.38 per share. The Company purchased no shares of common stock under the share repurchase program during the three months ended March 31, 2017. At March 31, 2017, we had approximately 4.0 million shares remaining under the current share repurchase authorization. We currently believe that our cash flows from operations will support our ability to complete the current repurchase authorization. Upon completion of the current authorization, our board of directors will evaluate the advisability of additional share repurchases.
The Company commenced paying quarterly dividends in 2004 and in 2012 the Company elected to pay a special cash dividend totaling approximately $600 million. The Company currently maintains the payment of a quarterly dividend on its common shares outstanding; however, the declaration of future dividends is subject to the discretion of the board of directors. During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company's board of directors announced a 5% increase to the quarterly cash dividend rate to $0.215 per common share outstanding. The projected annual dividend in 2017 is $0.86 per common share outstanding. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we paid cash dividends totaling approximately $12.1 million. We expect to continue to pay dividends in the future, subject to declaration by our board of directors as well as future business performance, economic conditions, changes in income tax regulations and other factors including limitations in the Company's credit facility. Based on

33

the present dividend rate and outstanding share count, we expect that aggregate annual regular dividends for 2017 would be approximately $48.6 million.
The Company also allocates capital to growth opportunities in business areas that are adjacent or complementary to our core hotel franchising business, which leverage our core competencies and are additive to our franchising business model. The timing and amount of these investments are subject to market and other conditions and include the following:
Our board of directors authorized a program which permits us to offer financing, investment and guaranty support to qualified franchisees as well as allows us to acquire and resell real estate to incent franchise development for certain brands in strategic markets. As a result over the next several years, we expect to deploy capital pursuant to this program opportunistically to promote growth of our emerging brands. The amount and timing of the investment in this program will be dependent on market and other conditions and we generally expect to recycle these investments within a five-year period.
In March 2013, the Company announced the launch of a new division, SkyTouch Technology ("SkyTouch"), which develops and markets cloud-based technology products for the hotel industry. Since inception, the Company has made significant investments in product development and sales efforts to expand its customer base. As a result, the division has incurred costs in excess of revenues in each year of its existence. At this time, the Company believes that its operations of the SkyTouch division beginning in 2017 will not require the same pace of investment as compared to past periods, and as a result, the Company expects that revenues generated by the SkyTouch division will approximate its selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Notwithstanding investments in SkyTouch and other alternative growth strategies, the Company expects to continue to return value to its shareholders over time through a combination of share repurchases and dividends.
We believe these investments and strategic priorities, when properly implemented, will enhance our profitability, maximize our financial returns and continue to generate value for our shareholders. The ultimate measure of our success will be reflected in the items below.
Results of Operations: Royalty fees, operating income, net income and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") represent key measurements of these value drivers. These measurements are primarily driven by the operations of our hotel franchise system and, therefore, our analysis of the Company's operations is primarily focused on the size, performance and potential growth of the hotel franchise system as well as our variable overhead costs. Since our hotel franchising activities represents approximately 99% of total revenues, our discussion of our results from operations primarily relate to our hotel franchising activities.
Refer to MD&A heading "Operations Review" for additional analysis of our results.
Inflation: Inflation has been moderate in recent years and has not had a significant impact on our business.
Liquidity and Capital Resources: Historically, the Company has generated significant cash flows from operations. Since our business has not historically required significant reinvestment of capital, we typically utilize cash in ways that management believes provide the greatest returns to our shareholders which include share repurchases and dividends. However, we may determine to utilize cash for acquisitions and other investments in the future. We believe the Company’s cash flow from operations and available financing capacity is sufficient to meet the expected future operating, investing and financing needs of the business.
Refer to MD&A heading "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for additional analysis.
Non-GAAP Financial Statement Measurements
The Company utilizes certain measures which do not conform to generally accepted accounting principles accepted in the United States ("GAAP") when analyzing and discussing its results with the investment community. This information should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance as promulgated under GAAP. The Company’s calculation of these measurements may be different from the calculations used by other companies and therefore, comparability may be limited. We have included a reconciliation of these measures to the comparable GAAP measurement below as well as our reasons for reporting these non-GAAP measures.
Hotel Franchising Revenues: The Company utilizes hotel franchising revenues, which exclude revenues from marketing and reservation system activities, the SkyTouch Technology division, an operation that provides software as a service solutions to vacation rental management companies, and revenue generated from the ownership of an office building that is leased to a third-party, rather than total revenues when analyzing the performance of the business. Marketing and reservation activities are excluded from hotel franchising revenues since the Company is contractually required by its franchise agreements to use the fees collected for marketing and reservation activities; as such, no income or loss to the Company is generated. Cumulative

34

marketing and reservation system fees not expended are recorded as a liability in the Company’s financial statements and are carried over to the next year and expended in accordance with the franchise agreements. Cumulative marketing and reservation expenditures incurred in excess of fees collected for marketing and reservation activities are deferred and recorded as an asset in the Company’s financial statements and recovered in future periods. SkyTouch is a division of the Company that develops and markets cloud-based technology products, including inventory management, pricing and connectivity to third party channels, to hoteliers not under franchise agreements with the Company. SkyTouch and our vacation rental technology solutions provider operations are excluded from hotel franchising revenues since those operations do not reflect the Company's core hotel franchising business but represent adjacent, complementary lines of business. This non-GAAP measure is a commonly used measure of performance in our industry and facilitates comparisons between the Company and its competitors.
Calculation of Hotel Franchising Revenues
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
$
197,898

 
$
207,118

Adjustments:
 
 
 
     Marketing and reservation system revenues
(109,475
)
 
(126,361
)
     Non-hotel franchising activities
(2,555
)
 
(2,029
)
Hotel Franchising Revenues
$
85,868

 
$
78,728



Operations Review
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

Summarized financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016 (as adjusted)*
REVENUES:
 
 
 
Royalty fees
$
68,989

 
$
64,859

Initial franchise and relicensing fees
5,006

 
5,156

Procurement services
6,476

 
5,796

Marketing and reservation system
109,475

 
126,361

Other
7,952

 
4,946

Total revenues
197,898

 
207,118

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 
 
Selling, general and administrative
32,846

 
35,119

Depreciation and amortization
3,070

 
2,765

Marketing and reservation system
109,475

 
126,361

Total operating expenses
145,391

 
164,245

Operating income
52,507

 
42,873

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
 
 
 
Interest expense
11,205

 
11,092

Interest income
(1,264
)
 
(839
)
Other (gains) losses
(897
)
 
62

Equity in net loss of affiliates
2,080

 
2,180

Total other income and expenses, net
11,124

 
12,495

Income before income taxes
41,383

 
30,378

Income taxes
12,639

 
9,215

Net income
$
28,744

 
$
21,163

*During 2016, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, see discussion of adoption in Note 1.

35


Results of Operations
The Company recorded income before income taxes of $41.4 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2017, an $11.0 million or 36% increase from the same period of the prior year. The increase in income before income taxes primarily reflects a $9.6 million increase in operating income, a $0.4 million increase in interest income and an increase of $1.0 million in other gains and losses.
Operating income increased $9.6 million primarily due to a $7.1 million or 9% increase in the Company's hotel franchising revenues and a $2.3 million or 6% decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses. The key drivers of these fluctuations are described in more detail below.
Hotel Franchising Revenues
Hotel franchising revenues were $85.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to $78.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, an increase of $7.1 million or 9%. The increase in hotel franchising revenues is primarily due to a $4.1 million or 6% increase in royalty revenues, a $0.7 million or 12% increase in procurement services revenues, and an increase of $2.5 million in non-compliance and other revenues, offset by a $0.2 million decrease in initial and relicensing fee revenues.
Royalty Fees
Domestic royalty fees for the three months ended March 31, 2017 increased $4.0 million to $64.5 million, an increase of 7% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in royalties is primarily attributable to a 3.8% increase in RevPAR, a 0.9% increase in the number of domestic franchised hotel rooms and an increase in the effective royalty rate. System-wide RevPAR increased due to a 1.9% increase in average daily rates, accompanied by a 100 basis point increase in occupancy rates. The Company's effective royalty rate for the domestic hotel system increased from 4.38% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 to 4.55% for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in the effective royalty rate is attributable to improved royalty rate pricing on recently executed domestic franchise agreements as well as annual contractual royalty rate increases contained in existing franchise agreements.
A summary of the Company's domestic franchised hotels operating information is as follows:

 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016*
 
Change
 
Average
Daily
Rate
 
Occupancy
 
RevPAR
 
Average
Daily
Rate
 
Occupancy
 
RevPAR
 
Average
Daily
Rate
 
Occupancy
 
RevPAR
Comfort Inn
$
87.03

 
58.5
%
 
$
50.90

 
$
85.39

 
57.7
%
 
$
49.27

 
1.9
 %
 
80

bps
 
3.3
 %
Comfort Suites
93.40

 
65.1
%
 
60.84

 
92.40

 
64.1
%
 
59.26

 
1.1
 %
 
100

bps
 
2.7
 %
Sleep
79.20

 
60.0
%
 
47.54

 
77.71

 
58.7
%
 
45.61

 
1.9
 %
 
130

bps
 
4.2
 %
Quality
73.76

 
53.1
%
 
39.20

 
72.23

 
52.2
%
 
37.72

 
2.1
 %
 
90

bps
 
3.9
 %
Clarion
78.05

 
53.6
%
 
41.83

 
75.90

 
50.1
%
 
38.06

 
2.8
 %
 
350

bps
 
9.9
 %
Econo Lodge
57.33

 
48.6
%
 
27.84

 
55.99

 
47.3
%
 
26.46

 
2.4
 %
 
130

bps
 
5.2
 %
Rodeway
59.63

 
51.1
%
 
30.49

 
57.77

 
51.0
%
 
29.47

 
3.2
 %
 
10

bps
 
3.5
 %
MainStay
71.66

 
61.7
%
 
44.21

 
72.91

 
57.9
%
 
42.23

 
(1.7
)%
 
380

bps
 
4.7
 %
Suburban
51.01

 
74.2
%
 
37.82

 
48.28

 
73.0
%
 
35.26

 
5.7
 %
 
120

bps
 
7.3
 %
Cambria hotel & suites
122.24

 
68.1
%
 
83.26

 
 NA

 
 NA

 
 NA

 
 NA

 
 NA

bps
 
 NA

Ascend Hotel Collection
117.29

 
51.3
%
 
60.21

 
115.55

 
53.7
%
 
62.01

 
1.5
 %
 
(240
)
bps
 
(2.9
)%
Total
$
78.41

 
56.1
%
 
$
43.98

 
$
76.92

 
55.1
%
 
$
42.39

 
1.9
 %
 
100

bps
 
3.8
 %
___________________
*Totals for the three months ended March 31, 2016 have been revised from previous disclosures to include the operating statistics for the Cambria hotel & suites brand. Operating statistics for Cambria hotel & suites have been excluded for 2016 since the brand had fewer than 25 units open and operating for the 12 month period.

36

The number of domestic rooms on-line increased by 0.9% to 402,700 as of March 31, 2017, from 398,978 as of March 31, 2016. The total number of domestic hotels on-line increased by 1.3% to 5,343 as of March 31, 2017, from 5,276 as of March 31, 2016. Our unit growth has outpaced the growth in our rooms primarily due to the Company's multi-year strategy to rejuvenate the Comfort family of brands by terminating under-performing hotels that no longer meet the Comfort brand standards. Hotels terminated from the Comfort brand family may be repositioned to a more suitable brand within the Company's family of brands or exit our franchise system. As a result of this strategy our unit growth has been driven primarily by brands with lower average room counts than the Comfort family of brands. A summary of domestic hotels and rooms on-line at March 31, 2017 and 2016 by brand is as follows:

 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
 
Variance
 
Hotels
 
Rooms
 
Hotels
 
Rooms
 
Hotels
 
Rooms
 
%
 
%
Comfort Inn
1,103

 
85,583

 
1,143

 
88,294

 
(40
)
 
(2,711
)
 
(3.5
)%
 
(3.1
)%
Comfort Suites
566

 
43,740

 
566

 
43,669

 
—

 
71

 
—
 %
 
0.2
 %
Sleep
382

 
27,301

 
379

 
27,139

 
3

 
162

 
0.8
 %
 
0.6
 %
Quality
1,457

 
114,837

 
1,394

 
111,124

 
63

 
3,713

 
4.5
 %
 
3.3
 %
Clarion
161

 
22,159

 
172

 
23,893

 
(11
)
 
(1,734
)
 
(6.4
)%
 
(7.3
)%
Econo Lodge
845

 
52,113

 
853

 
52,784

 
(8
)
 
(671
)
 
(0.9
)%
 
(1.3
)%
Rodeway
558

 
32,103

 
519

 
28,931

 
39

 
3,172

 
7.5
 %
 
11.0
 %
MainStay
57

 
4,148

 
54

 
4,019

 
3

 
129

 
5.6
 %
 
3.2
 %
Suburban
59

 
6,598

 
59

 
6,634

 
—

 
(36
)
 
—
 %
 
(0.5
)%
Ascend Hotel Collection
127

 
10,451

 
112

 
9,378

 
15

 
1,073

 
13.4
 %
 
11.4
 %
Cambria hotel & suites
28

 
3,667

 
25

 
3,113

 
3

 
554

 
12.0
 %
 
17.8
 %
Total Domestic Franchises
5,343

 
402,700

 
5,276

 
398,978

 
67

 
3,722

 
1.3
 %
 
0.9
 %

Domestic hotels open and operating decreased by 19 during the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to no net increase or decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2016. Gross domestic franchise additions decreased from 61 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 to 49 for the same period of 2017. New construction hotels represented 9 of the gross domestic additions during the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to 12 hotels in the same period of the prior year. Gross domestic additions for conversion hotels during the three months ended March 31, 2017 decreased by 6 units to 40 from 46 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The timing of new construction hotel openings typically averages 18 to 36 months to open after the franchise agreement is executed. Conversion hotels typically open three to four months after the execution of a franchise agreement.

Net domestic franchise terminations increased from 58 in the three months ended March 31, 2016 to 68 for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
International royalties increased $0.2 million or 4% from $4.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 to $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily due to a 1.5% increase in the number of rooms available. International rooms increased by 1,688 from 110,984 as of March 31, 2016 to 112,672 as of March 31, 2017. The total number of international hotels decreased by 18 from 1,169 as of March 31, 2016 to 1,151 as of March 31, 2017. International rooms grew 1.5% despite a decline in the number of hotels open and operating primarily due to a focus on new entrants with higher per unit room counts than currently in the Company's international franchised hotel portfolio.
Initial Franchise and Relicensing Fees
Domestic initial franchise fee revenue, included in the initial franchise and relicensing fees caption on the Company's statements of income, generated from executed franchise agreements decreased $0.3 million to $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Domestic initial fee revenue decreased approximately 12% despite a 51% increase in executed franchise agreements primarily due to an increase in franchise agreements containing forgivable promissory note incentives when compared to the same period of the prior year. Executed franchise agreements increased from 70 franchise agreements, representing 5,371 rooms, executed in the first quarter of 2016, to 106 franchise agreements, representing 7,271 rooms executed in the first quarter of 2017. Revenues associated with agreements including incentives are deferred and recognized when the incentive criteria are met or the agreement is terminated, whichever comes first.

37

During the first quarter of 2017, 38 of the executed agreements were for new construction hotel franchises representing 2,458 rooms compared to 15 contracts representing 1,281 rooms for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Conversion hotel executed franchise agreements totaled 68 representing 4,813 rooms for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to 55 agreements representing 4,090 rooms for the same period a year ago.
A summary of executed domestic franchise agreements by brand for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
% Change
 
 
New
Construction
 
Conversion
 
Total
 
New
Construction
 
Conversion
 
Total
 
New
Construction
 
Conversion
 
Total
Comfort Inn
 
7

 
10

 
17

 
6

 
4

 
10

 
17%
 
150%
 
70%
Comfort Suites
 
8

 
—

 
8

 
2

 
—

 
2

 
300%
 
NM
 
300%
Sleep
 
11

 
2

 
13

 
2

 
—

 
2

 
450%
 
NM
 
550%
Quality
 
1

 
21

 
22

 
—

 
23

 
23

 
NM
 
(9)%
 
(4)%
Clarion
 
—

 
3

 
3

 
1

 
3

 
4

 
(100)%
 
—%
 
(25)%
Econo Lodge
 
—

 
7

 
7

 
—

 
14

 
14

 
NM
 
(50)%
 
(50)%
Rodeway
 
—

 
21

 
21

 
—

 
10

 
10

 
NM
 
110%
 
110%
MainStay
 
9

 
—

 
9

 
1

 
—

 
1

 
800%
 
NM
 
800%
Suburban
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
NM
 
NM
 
NM
Ascend Hotel Collection
 
1

 
4

 
5

 
1

 
1

 
2

 
—%
 
300%
 
150%
Cambria hotel & suites
 
1

 
—

 
1

 
2

 
—

 
2

 
(50)%
 
NM
 
(50)%
Total Domestic System
 
38

 
68

 
106

 
15

 
55

 
70

 
153%
 
24%
 
51%
Relicensing fees include fees charged to the new owners of a franchised property whenever an ownership change occurs and the property remains in the franchise system as well as fees required to renew expiring franchise contracts. Domestic relicensing contracts increased 13% from 98 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 to 111 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, offset by renewals of expired contracts which decreased 44% from 9 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 to 5 during the current period. As a result of the 8% increase in relicensing and renewal contracts, domestic relicensing and renewal revenues increased 4% from $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2016 to $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2017.
As of March 31, 2017, the Company had 724 franchised hotels with 55,375 rooms under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in its domestic system as compared to 582 hotels and 44,822 rooms at March 31, 2016. The number of new construction franchised hotels in the Company's domestic pipeline increased 30% to 505 at March 31, 2017 from 388 at March 31, 2016. The growth in the number of new construction hotels in the domestic pipeline reflects the 16%, 9% and 79% increase in new construction franchise agreements executed in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as well as a 153% increase in the first three months of 2017. New construction hotels typically average 18 to 36 months to open after the franchise agreement is executed. The number of conversion franchised hotels in the Company's domestic pipeline increased by 25 hotels or 13% from 194 hotels at March 31, 2016 to 219 hotels at March 31, 2017, primarily due to the timing of hotel openings and the timing of signing new conversion franchise agreements. Conversion hotels typically open three to four months after the execution of a franchise agreement. The Company had an additional 71 franchised hotels with 7,113 rooms under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in its international system as of March 31, 2017 compared to 103 hotels and 10,824 rooms at March 31, 2016. While the Company's hotel pipeline provides a strong platform for growth, a hotel in the pipeline does not always result in an open and operating hotel due to various factors.

38

A summary of the domestic franchised hotels pipeline, which includes hotels under construction, awaiting conversion and approved for development, at March 31, 2017 and 2016 by brand is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variance
 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
 
Conversion
 
New Construction
 
Total
 
Conversion
 
New
Construction
 
Total
 
Conversion
 
New
Construction
 
Total
 
Units
 
%
 
Units
 
%
 
Units
 
%
Comfort Inn
40

 
96

 
136

 
35

 
84

 
119

 
5

 
14
 %
 
12

 
14
 %
 
17

 
14
 %
Comfort Suites
3

 
117

 
120

 
3

 
92

 
95

 
—

 
—
 %
 
25

 
27
 %
 
25

 
26
 %
Sleep
2

 
114

 
116

 
—

 
76

 
76

 
2

 
NM

 
38

 
50
 %
 
40

 
53
 %
Quality
51

 
6

 
57

 
47

 
5

 
52

 
4

 
9
 %
 
1

 
20
 %
 
5

 
10
 %
Clarion
17

 
4

 
21

 
7

 
3

 
10

 
10

 
143
 %
 
1

 
33
 %
 
11

 
110
 %
Econo Lodge
25

 
4

 
29

 
26

 
4

 
30

 
(1
)
 
(4
)%
 
—

 
—
 %
 
(1
)
 
(3
)%
Rodeway
38

 
1

 
39

 
40

 
2

 
42

 
(2
)
 
(5
)%
 
(1
)
 
(50
)%
 
(3
)
 
(7
)%
MainStay
—

 
80

 
80

 
—

 
55

 
55

 
—

 
NM

 
25

 
45
 %
 
25

 
45
 %
Suburban
4

 
4

 
8

 
4

 
8

 
12

 
—

 
—
 %
 
(4
)
 
(50
)%
 
(4
)
 
(33
)%
Ascend Hotel Collection
34

 
23

 
57

 
27

 
20

 
47

 
7

 
26
 %
 
3

 
15
 %
 
10

 
21
 %
Cambria hotel & suites
5

 
56

 
61

 
5

 
39

 
44

 
—

 
—
 %
 
17

 
44
 %
 
17

 
39
 %
 
219

 
505

 
724

 
194

 
388

 
582

 
25

 
13
 %
 
117

 
30
 %
 
142

 
24
 %

Procurement Services: Revenues increased $0.7 million or 12% from $5.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 to $6.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in revenues primarily reflects the implementation of new brand programs as well as an increase in the volume of business transacted with existing and new qualified vendors and strategic alliance partners.
Other Income: Revenue increased $3.0 million from the three months ended March 31, 2016 to $8.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in other income is primarily due to a $0.5 million increase in revenues related to the Companies non-franchising divisions, $1.5 million related to the sale of chip-enabled card readers to our franchisees, as well as a $1.0 million increase in non-compliance and termination awards.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: The cost to operate the business is reflected in SG&A on the consolidated statements of income. SG&A expenses were $32.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, which decreased $2.3 million from the three months ended March 31, 2016.
SG&A expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 include approximately $3.7 million and $6.7 million, respectively, related to the Company's SkyTouch and vacation rental divisions, and expenses related to operations of an office building leased to a third party. SG&A from non-franchising activities declined $3.0 million from the same period of the prior year primarily due to lower product development investments required to support the Company's SkyTouch division. Excluding SG&A expenses for non-hotel franchising divisions, SG&A for the three months ended March 31, 2017 increased $0.7 million or 3% to $29.2 million in the current year primarily due to $1.1 million of increased costs related to distribution of chip-enabled card readers to our franchisees, a $0.9 million increase mark-to-market expense related to changes in the fair value of investments held in the Company's deferred compensation plans over the same period of the prior year, offset by $1.3 million in one time transaction costs incurred in the first three months of 2016 which did not recur in 2017.
Marketing and Reservation System: The Company's franchise agreements require the payment of franchise fees, which include marketing and reservation system fees. The fees, which are primarily based on a percentage of the franchisees' gross room revenues, are used exclusively by the Company for expenses associated with providing franchise services such as central reservation systems, national marketing and media advertising. The Company is contractually obligated to expend the marketing and reservation system fees it collects from franchisees in accordance with the franchise agreements; as such, no net income or loss to the Company is generated. Cumulative marketing and reservation fees not expended are deferred and recorded as a liability in the Company's financial statements and carried over to the next year and expended in accordance with the franchise agreements. Conversely, cumulative marketing and reservation expenditures incurred in excess of fees billed for

39

marketing and reservation activities are deferred and recorded as an asset in the Company's financial statements and recovered in future periods.
Total marketing and reservation system revenues decreased 13% from $126.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 to $109.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Marketing and reservation system revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were impacted by the recognition of $30.7 million of previously deferred revenues. The recognition of deferred revenues during the prior year period was primarily due to a change in the expiration policy for the Choice Privileges membership program. Excluding the impact of the recognition of these deferred revenues, marketing and reservation system revenues increased approximately $13.8 million primarily due to the growth in membership in the Choice Privileges loyalty program as well as increased revenue related to reservation delivery programs.
At March 31, 2017, cumulative marketing and reservation system expenses exceeded fees billed by $25.4 million, and $18.1 million as of December 31, 2016. The deficits are reflected as other long-term assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Other (gains) losses: Other (gains) losses increased $1.0 million from a loss of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 to gain of $0.9 million in the same period of the current year, due to an increase in gains due to the fluctuations in the fair value of investments held in the Company's non-qualified employee benefit plans of $0.9 million.
Income Taxes: The effective income tax rates were 30.5% and 30.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were lower than the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% due to the impact of foreign operations and $1.2 million of ASU 2016-09 benefits from share-based compensation, partially offset by state income taxes. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was lower than the U.S federal tax rate of 35% due to the impact of foreign operations and $1.6 million of ASU 2016-09 benefits from share based compensation, partially offset by state income taxes. The rate was also impacted by an unfavorable adjustment of $1.2 million to our tax rate benefit from foreign operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $24.2 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 net cash used by operating activities totaled $21.4 million. Operating cash flows increased $45.6 million primarily due to improvements in operating income, an increase in cash flows from marketing and reservation activities, a $2.0 million decline in net disbursements on forgivable notes receivable provided to franchisees and the timing of working capital items.
Net cash used by marketing and reservation activities totaled $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to net cash used of $39.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The decrease in net cash used by marketing and reservation activities primarily reflects a one-time deferral of revenue related to a change in the Company's expiration policy for the Company's loyalty program in 2016.
In conjunction with brand and development programs, the Company provides financing to franchisees for property improvements and other purposes in the form of forgivable notes receivable. If the franchisee remains in the system in good standing over the term of the promissory note, the Company forgives the outstanding principal balance and related interest. Since these forgivable notes are predominantly forgiven ratably over the term of the promissory note rather than repaid, the Company classifies the related issuance and collections of these notes as operating activities. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's net advances for these purposes totaled $4.5 million and $6.5 million, respectively. The timing and amount of these cash flows is dependent on various factors including the implementation of various development and brand incentive programs, the level of franchise sales and the timing of hotel openings. At March 31, 2017, the Company had commitments to extend an additional $180 million for these purposes provided certain conditions are met by its franchisees, of which $76.1 million is expected to be advanced in the next twelve months.
Investing Activities
Cash utilized for investing activities totaled $47.8 million and $41.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in cash utilized for investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 primarily reflects the following items:
During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, capital expenditures in intangible assets totaled $2.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The increase in capital expenditures from 2017 primarily reflects the adoption of Accounting Standards

40

Update 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal Use Software, which provides for capitalization of qualifying Software as a Service ("SaaS") licenses as intangible assets.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company completed three acquisitions of real estate as part of a program to incent franchise development in strategic markets for certain brands for cash totaling $25.4 million. The Company did not have any acquisitions in the three months ended March 31, 2017.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company invested $31.6 million and $4.3 million, respectively, in joint ventures accounted under the equity method of accounting. In addition, the Company received distributions from these joint ventures totaling $0.5 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company's investment in these joint ventures primarily relate to ventures that support the Company's efforts to promote growth of our emerging brands. The Company expects to make additional capital contributions totaling $23.1 million to existing joint ventures supporting these efforts.

The Company provides financing to franchisees for hotel development efforts and other purposes in the form of notes receivables. These loans bear interest and are expected to be repaid in accordance with the terms of the loan arrangements. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company advanced and received repayments totaling $9.9 million and $0.5 million for these purposes, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company advanced $7.5 million and received $0.1 million in repayments related to hotel development efforts. At March 31, 2017, the Company had commitments to extend an additional $8.9 million for these purposes within the next twelve months provided certain conditions are met by its franchisees.

From time to time, our board of directors authorizes specific transactions and general programs which permit us to provide financing, investment and guarantees and similar credit support to qualified franchisees, as well as to acquire and resell real estate to incent franchise development. Since 2006, we have engaged in these financial support activities to encourage acceleration of the growth of our Cambria hotel & suites brand, primarily in strategic markets and locations. Over the next three to five years, depending on market and other conditions, we expect to continue to deploy capital in support of this brand and expect our investment to total approximately $475 million over that time period. The annual pace of future financial support activities will depend upon market and other conditions including among others, our franchise sales results, the environment for new construction hotel development and the hotel lending environment. Our support of the Cambria brand’s growth is expected to be primarily in the form of joint venture investments, forgivable key money loans, senior mortgage loans, development loans, mezzanine lending, and through the operation of a land-banking program. With respect to our lending and joint venture investments, we generally expect to recycle these loans and investments within a five year period. At March 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $244.2 million outstanding pursuant to these financial support activities.

Financing Activities
Financing cash flows relate primarily to the Company's borrowings, open market treasury stock repurchases, acquisition of shares in connection with the exercise or vesting of equity awards, and dividends.
Debt
Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
On June 27, 2012, the Company issued unsecured senior notes with a principal amount of $400 million (the "2012 Senior Notes") at par, bearing a coupon of 5.75% with an effective rate of 6.0%. The 2012 Senior Notes will mature on July 1, 2022, with interest to be paid semi-annually on January 1st and July 1st. The Company utilized the net proceeds of this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, together with borrowings under the Company's senior credit facility, to pay a special cash dividend totaling approximately $600.7 million paid to stockholder on August 23, 2012. The Company's 2012 Senior Notes are guaranteed jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally, subject to certain customary limitations by certain of the Company's domestic subsidiaries.
The Company may redeem the 2012 Senior Notes at its option at a redemption price equal to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled principal and interest payments from the redemption date to the date of maturity discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the Treasury rate, plus 50 basis points.
Senior Unsecured Notes due 2020
On August 25, 2010, the Company issued unsecured senior notes with a principal amount of $250 million (the "2010 Senior Notes") at a discount of $0.6 million, bearing a coupon of 5.70% with an effective rate of 6.19%. The 2010 Senior Notes will mature on August 28, 2020, with interest on the 2010 Senior Notes to be paid semi-annually on February 28th and August 28th.

41

The Company used the net proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses, to repay outstanding borrowings and other general corporate purposes. The Company's 2010 Senior Notes are guaranteed jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally, subject to certain customary limitations, by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.
The Company may redeem the 2010 Senior Notes at its option at a redemption price equal to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled principal and interest payments from the redemption date to the date of maturity discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the Treasury rate, plus 45 basis points.
Revolving Credit Facility

On July 21, 2015, the Company refinanced its existing $350 million senior secured credit facility, comprised of a $200 million revolving credit tranche and a $150 million term loan tranche by entering into a new senior unsecured revolving credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”), with Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent.

The Credit Agreement provides for a $450 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) with an initial maturity date of July 21, 2020, subject to optional one-year extensions that can be requested by the Company prior to each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the closing date of the Revolver. The effectiveness of any such extensions is subject to the consent of the lenders under the Credit Agreement and certain customary conditions. On July 5, 2016, the Company exercised its option to extend the maturity date of the Revolver by one year. The new maturity date of the Revolver is July 21, 2021.
Up to $35 million of borrowings under the Revolver may be used for alternative currency loans and up to $15 million of borrowings under the Revolver may be used for swing line loans.

The Revolver is unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, which are considered restricted subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement. The subsidiary guarantors currently include all subsidiaries that guarantee the obligations under the Company's Indenture governing the terms of its 5.75% senior notes due 2022 and its 5.70% senior notes due 2020. If the Company achieves and maintains an Investment Grade Rating, as defined in the Credit Agreement, then the subsidiary guarantees will at the election of the Company be released and the Revolver will not be guaranteed.

The Company may at any time prior to the final maturity date increase the amount of the Revolver by up to an additional $150 million to the extent that any one or more lenders commit to being a lender for the additional amount and certain other customary conditions are met.

The Company currently may elect to have borrowings under the Revolver bear interest at a rate equal to (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 135 to 175 basis points based on the Company’s total leverage ratio or (ii) a base rate plus a margin ranging from 35 to 75 basis points based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. If the Company achieves an Investment Grade Rating, then the Company may elect to use a different, ratings-based, pricing grid set forth in the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement requires the Company to pay a fee on the undrawn portion of the Revolver, calculated on the basis of the average daily unused amount of the Revolver multiplied by 0.20% per annum. If the Company achieves an Investment Grade Rating and it elects to use the ratings-based pricing grid set forth in the Credit Agreement, then the Company will be required to pay a fee on the total commitments under the Revolver, calculated on the basis of the actual daily amount of the commitments under the Revolver (regardless of usage) times a percentage per annum ranging from 0.10% to 0.25% (depending on the Company’s senior unsecured long-term debt rating).

The Credit Agreement requires that the Company and its restricted subsidiaries comply with various covenants, including with respect to restrictions on liens, incurring indebtedness, making investments and effecting mergers and/or asset sales. With respect to dividends, the Company may not declare or make any payment if there is an existing event of default or if the payment would create an event of default. In addition, if the Company’s total leverage ratio exceeds 4.0 to 1.0, the Company is generally restricted from paying aggregate dividends in excess of $50 million in any calendar year.

The Credit Agreement imposes financial maintenance covenants requiring the Company to maintain a total leverage ratio of not more than 4.5 to 1.0 and a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 2.5 to 1.0. If the Company achieves and maintains an Investment Grade Rating, then the Company will not need to comply with the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio covenant.


42

The Credit Agreement includes customary events of default, the occurrence of which, following any applicable cure period, would permit the lenders to, among other things, declare the principal, accrued interest and other obligations of the Company under the Credit Agreement to be immediately due and payable.

At March 31, 2017, the Company maintained a total leverage ratio of 2.83x and a consolidated fixed charge ratio of 7.25x and was in compliance with all financial covenants under the credit agreement.

The proceeds of the Revolver are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, debt repayment, stock repurchases, dividends, investments and other permitted uses set forth in the Credit Agreement.
Fixed Rate Collateralized Mortgage
On December 30, 2014, a court awarded the Company title to an office building as settlement for a portion of an outstanding loan receivable for which the building was pledged as collateral. In conjunction with the court award, the Company also assumed the $9.5 million mortgage on the property with a fixed interest rate of 7.26%. The mortgage which is collateralized by the office building requires monthly payments of principal and interest and matures in December 2020 with a balloon payment due of $6.9 million. At the time of acquisition, the Company determined that the fixed interest rate of 7.26% exceeded market interest rates and therefore the Company increased the carrying value of the debt by $1.2 million to record the debt at fair value. The fair value adjustment will be amortized over the remaining term of the mortgage utilizing the effective interest method.
Economic Development Loans
The Company entered into economic development agreements with various governmental entities in conjunction with the relocation of its corporate headquarters in April 2013. In accordance with these agreements, the governmental entities agreed to advance approximately $4.4 million to the Company to offset a portion of the corporate headquarters relocation and tenant improvement costs in consideration of the employment of permanent, full-time employees within the jurisdictions. At March 31, 2017, the Company had been advanced approximately $3.7 million pursuant to these agreements and expects to receive the remaining $0.7 million over the next several years, subject to annual appropriations by the governmental entities. These advances bear interest at a rate of 3% per annum.
Repayment of the advances is contingent upon the Company achieving certain performance conditions. Performance conditions are measured annually on December 31st and primarily relate to maintaining certain levels of employment within the various jurisdictions. If the Company fails to meet an annual performance condition, the Company may be required to repay a portion or all of the advances including accrued interest by April 30th following the measurement date. Any outstanding advances at the expiration of the Company's ten year corporate headquarters lease in 2023 will be forgiven in full. The advances will be included in long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets until the Company determines that the future performance conditions will be met over the entire term of the agreement and the Company will not be required to repay the advances. The Company accrues interest on the portion of the advances that it expects to repay. The Company was in compliance with all current performance conditions as of March 31, 2017.
Dividends
The Company currently maintains the payment of a quarterly dividend on its common shares outstanding; however, the declaration of future dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors. In December 2016, the Company's board of directors increased the quarterly dividend rate to $0.215 per common share, beginning with the first dividend payable in 2017, representing a 5% increase from previous quarterly declarations.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company paid cash dividends totaling $12.1 million. We expect to continue to pay dividends in the future, subject to the declaration of our board of directors as well as to future business performance, economic conditions, changes in income tax regulations and other factors including limitations in the Company's credit facility. Based on the present dividend rate and outstanding share count, we expect that aggregate annual regular dividends for 2017 would be approximately $48.6 million.
Share Repurchases
No shares of common stock were purchased by the Company under the share repurchase program during the three months ended March 31, 2017. Since the program's inception through March 31, 2017, we have repurchased 48.7 million shares (including 33.0 million prior to the two-for-one stock split effected in October 2005) of common stock at a total cost of $1.3

43

billion. Considering the effect of the two-for-one stock split, the Company has repurchased 81.7 million shares at an average price of $15.38 per share. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had approximately 4.0 million shares remaining under the current share repurchase authorization.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company redeemed 118,931 shares of common stock at a total cost of approximately $7.3 million from employees to satisfy the option exercise price and statutory minimum tax-withholding requirements related to the exercising of stock options and vesting of performance vested restricted stock units and restricted stock grants. These redemptions were outside the share repurchase program.
Other items
Approximately $183.1 million of the Company's cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2017 pertains to undistributed earnings of the Company's consolidated foreign subsidiaries. Since the Company's intent is for such earnings to be reinvested by the foreign subsidiaries, the Company has not provided additional U.S. income taxes on these amounts. While the Company has no intention to utilize these cash and cash equivalents in its domestic operations, any change to this policy would result in the Company incurring additional U.S. income taxes on any amounts utilized domestically.
The Company believes that cash flows from operations and available financing capacity are adequate to meet the expected future operating, investing and financing needs of the business.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
On October 9, 2012, the Company entered into a limited payment guaranty with regards to a VIE's $18.0 million bank loan for the construction of a hotel franchised under one of the Company's brands in the United States. Under the terms of the limited guaranty, the Company has agreed to guarantee 25% of the outstanding principal balance for a maximum exposure of $4.5 million and accrued and unpaid interest, as well as any unpaid expenses incurred by the lender. The limited guaranty shall remain in effect until the maximum amount guaranteed by the Company is paid in full. In addition to the limited guaranty, the Company entered into an environmental indemnity agreement which indemnifies the lending institution from and against any damages relating to or arising out of possible environmental contamination issues with regards to the property.
On September 4, 2015, The Company entered into a limited payment guaranty with regards to a VIE's $13.3 million bank loan for the design, development and construction of a new hotel franchised under one of the Company's brands in the United States.  Under the terms of the limited guaranty, the Company has agreed to guarantee a maximum of $1.8 million of the VIE’s obligations under the loan. The limited guaranty shall remain in effect until (i) the VIE’s bank loan is paid in full to the lender; (ii) the maximum amount guaranteed by the Company is paid in full; or (iii) the Company, through its affiliate, ceases to be a member of the VIE. 

On June 2, 2016, one of the Company’s VIEs obtained a $61.0 million term loan for purposes of refinancing a $46.2 million construction loan. In connection with the refinancing, the Company entered into three limited guarantees. Under the terms of the limited guarantees, the Company has agreed to guarantee a maximum obligation of $3.3 million in the aggregate, in addition to a percentage of any operating expenses and capital expenditures not covered by operating revenues and unpaid expenses incurred. The limited guarantees will remain in effect until the loan is repaid in full or the VIE reaches a specified debt yield for two consecutive quarters under the loan covenants. The maturity date of the VIE's loan is June 2019.
The Company believes the likelihood of having to perform under the aforementioned limited payment guarantees was remote at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Critical Accounting Policies
Our accounting policies comply with principles generally accepted in the United States. We have described below those policies that we believe are critical and require the use of complex judgment or significant estimates in their application. Additional discussion of these policies is included in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

44

Revenue Recognition
We recognize continuing franchise fees, including royalty, marketing and reservations system fees, when earned and realizable from our franchisees. Franchise fees are typically based on a percentage of gross room revenues or the number of hotel rooms of each franchisee. Franchise fees based on a percentage of gross room revenues are recognized in the same period that the underlying gross room revenues are earned by our franchisees. Our estimate of the allowance for uncollectible royalty fees is charged to SG&A expense and our estimate of the allowance for uncollectible marketing and reservation system fees is charged to marketing and reservation expenses.
Initial franchise and relicensing fees are recognized, in most instances, in the period the related franchise agreement is executed because the initial franchise and relicensing fees are non-refundable and the Company is not required to provide initial services to the franchisee prior to hotel opening. We defer the initial franchise and relicensing fee revenue related to franchise agreements which include incentives until the incentive criteria are met or the agreement is terminated, whichever occurs first.
The Company recognizes procurement services revenues from qualified vendors when the services are performed or the product delivered, evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. We defer the recognition of procurement services revenues related to certain upfront fees and recognize them over a period corresponding to the Company’s estimate of the life of the arrangement.
Marketing and Reservation System Revenues and Expenses
The Company's franchise agreements require the payment of certain marketing and reservation system fees, which are used exclusively by the Company for expenses associated with providing franchise services such as national marketing, media advertising, central reservation systems and technology services. The Company is contractually obligated to expend the marketing and reservation system fees it collects from franchisees in accordance with the franchise agreements; as such, no net income or loss to the Company is generated. In accordance with our contracts, we include in marketing and reservation expenses an allocation of costs for certain activities, such as human resources, facilities, legal and accounting, required to carry out marketing and reservation activities.
The Company records marketing and reservation system revenues and expenses on a gross basis since the Company is the primary obligor in the arrangement, maintains the credit risk, establishes the price and nature of the marketing or reservation services and retains discretion in supplier selection. In addition, net advances to and recoveries from the franchise system for marketing and reservation activities are presented as cash flows from operating activities.
Marketing and reservation system fees not expended in the current year are recorded as a liability in the Company's balance sheet and are carried over to the next fiscal year and expended in accordance with the franchise agreements or utilized to repay previous advances. Marketing and reservation expenses incurred in excess of revenues are recorded as an asset in the Company's balance sheet, with a corresponding reduction in costs, and are similarly recovered in subsequent years. Under the terms of the franchise agreements, the Company may advance capital and incur costs as necessary for marketing and reservation activities and recover such advances through future fees. The Company believes that any credit risk associated with cost advances for marketing and reservation system activities is mitigated due to our contractual right to recover these amounts from a large geographically dispersed group of franchisees. However, our ability to recover advances may be adversely impacted by certain factors, including, among others, declines in the ability of our franchisees to generate revenues at properties they franchise from us, lower than expected franchise system growth, an extended period of occupancy or room rate declines or a decline in the number of hotel rooms in our franchise system. If these factors exist it could result in the generation of insufficient funds to recover marketing and reservation advances as well as meet the ongoing marketing and reservation needs of the overall system.
The Company evaluates the recoverability of marketing and reservation costs incurred in excess of cumulative marketing and reservation system revenues earned on a periodic basis. The Company will record a reserve when, based on current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to recover the cumulative amounts advanced for marketing and reservation activities according to the contractual terms of the franchise agreements. These advances are considered to be unrecoverable if the expected net, undiscounted cash flows from marketing and reservation activities are less than the carrying amount of the asset.
Choice Privileges is our frequent guest incentive marketing program. Choice Privileges enables members to earn points based on their spending levels with our franchisees and, to a lesser degree, through participation in affiliated partners' programs, such as those offered by credit card companies. The points, which we accumulate and track on the members' behalf, may be redeemed for free accommodations or other benefits.

45

We provide Choice Privileges as a marketing program to franchised hotels and collect a percentage of program members' room revenue from franchises to operate the program. Revenues are deferred in an amount equal to the estimated fair value of the future redemption obligation. The Company develops an estimate of the eventual redemption rates and point values using various actuarial methods. These judgmental factors determine the required liability attributable to outstanding points. Upon redemption of points, the Company recognizes the previously deferred revenue as well as the corresponding expense relating to the cost of the awards redeemed. Revenues in excess of the estimated future redemption obligation are recognized when earned to reimburse the Company for costs incurred to operate the program, including administrative costs, marketing, promotion and performing member services.
Valuation of Intangibles and Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates the potential impairment of property and equipment and other long-lived assets, including franchise rights and other definite-lived intangibles, whenever an event or other circumstances indicates that the Company may not be able to recover the carrying value of the asset. When indicators of impairment are present, recoverability is assessed based on net, undiscounted expected cash flows. If the net, undiscounted expected cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the asset. We estimate the fair value of intangibles and long lived assets primarily using undiscounted cash flow analysis. Significant management judgment is involved in evaluating indicators of impairment and developing any required projections to test for recoverability or estimate the fair value of an asset. Furthermore, if management uses different projections or if different conditions occur in future periods, future-operating results could be materially impacted.
The Company evaluates the impairment of goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives on an annual basis, or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that the Company may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the asset. In evaluating these assets for impairment, the Company may elect to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit or the indefinite lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the conclusion is that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value, then no further testing is required. If the conclusion is that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value, then a two-step impairment test is performed for goodwill. The Company may elect to forego the qualitative assessment and move directly to the two-step impairment test for goodwill and the fair value determination for indefinite-lived intangibles. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units and indefinite-lived intangibles using income and market methods.
Valuation of Investments in Equity Method Investments
The Company evaluates an investment in an equity method investment for impairment when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, for example due to loan defaults, significant under performance relative to historical or projected operating performance, and significant negative industry or economic trends. When there is indication that a loss in value has occurred, the Company evaluates the carrying value compared to the estimated fair value of the investment. Fair value is based upon internally developed discounted cash flow models, third-party appraisals, and if appropriate, current estimated net sales proceeds from pending offers. If the estimated fair value is less than carrying value, management uses its judgment to determine if the decline in value is other-than-temporary. In determining this, the Company considers factors including, but not limited to, the length of time and extent of the decline, loss of values as a percentage of the cost, financial condition and near-term financial projections, the Company's intent and ability to recover the lost value and current economic conditions. For declines in value that are deemed other-than-temporary, impairments are charged to earnings.

Loan Loss Reserves
The Company segregates its notes receivable for the purposes of evaluating allowances for credit losses between two categories: Mezzanine and Other Notes Receivable and Forgivable Notes Receivable. The Company utilizes the level of security it has in the various notes receivable as its primary credit quality indicator (i.e. senior, subordinated or unsecured) when determining the appropriate allowances for uncollectible loans within these categories.
Mezzanine and Other Notes Receivables
The Company has provided financing to franchisees in support of the development of properties in strategic markets. The Company expects the owners to repay the loans in accordance with the loan agreements, or earlier as the hotels mature and capital markets permit. The Company estimates the collectability and records an allowance for loss on its mezzanine and other notes receivable when recording the receivables in the Company’s financial statements. These estimates are updated quarterly based on available information.

46

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All amounts due according to the contractual terms means that both the contractual interest payments and the contractual principal payments of a loan will be collected as scheduled in the loan agreement. The Company measures loan impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or the estimated fair value of the collateral. For impaired loans, the Company establishes a specific impairment reserve for the difference between the recorded investment in the loan and the present value of the expected future cash flows or the estimated fair value of the collateral. The Company applies its loan impairment policy individually to all mezzanine and other notes receivable in the portfolio and does not aggregate loans for the purpose of applying such policy. For impaired loans, the Company recognizes interest income on a cash basis. If it is likely that a loan will not be collected based on financial or other business indicators it is the Company’s policy to charge off these loans to SG&A expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in the quarter when it is deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of impaired loans are recorded as a reduction of SG&A expenses in the quarter received.
The Company assesses the collectability of its senior notes receivable by comparing the market value of the underlying assets to the carrying value of the outstanding notes. In addition, the Company evaluates the property’s operating performance, the borrower’s compliance with the terms of the loan and franchise agreements, and all related personal guarantees that have been provided by the borrower. For subordinated or unsecured receivables, the Company assesses the property’s operating performance, the subordinated equity available to the Company, the borrower’s compliance with the terms of the loan and franchise agreements, and the related personal guarantees that have been provided by the borrower.
The Company considers loans to be past due and in default when payments are not made when due. Although the Company considers loans to be in default if payments are not received on the due date, the Company does not suspend the accrual of interest until those payments are more than 30 days past due. The Company applies payments received for loans on non-accrual status first to interest and then principal. The Company does not resume interest accrual until all delinquent payments are received.
Forgivable Notes Receivable
In conjunction with brand and development programs, the Company may provide financing to franchisees for property improvements and other purposes in the form of forgivable promissory notes which bear interest at market rates. Under these promissory notes, the franchisee promises to repay the principal balance together with interest upon maturity unless certain conditions are met throughout the term of the promissory note. The principal balance and related interest are forgiven ratably over the term of the promissory note if the franchisee remains in the system in good standing. If during the term of the promissory note, the franchisee exits our franchise system or is not operating their franchise in accordance with our quality or credit standards, the Company may declare a default under the promissory note and commence collection efforts with respect to the full amount of the then-current outstanding principal and interest.
In accordance with the terms of the promissory notes, the initial principal balance and related interest are ratably reduced over the term of the loan on each anniversary date until the outstanding amounts are reduced to zero as long as the franchisee remains within the franchise system and operates in accordance with our quality and brand standards. As a result, the amounts recorded as an asset on the Company's consolidated balance sheet are also ratably reduced since the amounts forgiven no longer represent probable future economic benefits to the Company. The Company records the reduction of its recorded assets through amortization and marketing and reservation expense on its consolidated statements of income. Since these forgivable promissory notes receivable are predominately forgiven ratably over the term of the promissory note rather than repaid, the Company classifies the issuance and collection of these notes receivable as operating activities in its consolidated statement of cash flows.
The Company fully reserves all defaulted notes in addition to recording a reserve on the estimated uncollectible portion of the remaining notes. For those notes not in default, the Company calculates an allowance for losses and determines the ultimate collectibility on these forgivable notes based on the historical default rates for those unsecured notes that are not forgiven but are required to be repaid. The Company records bad debt expense in SG&A and marketing and reservation system expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in the quarter when the note is deemed uncollectible.
Stock Compensation
The Company’s policy is to recognize compensation cost related to share-based payment transactions in the financial statements based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. Compensation expense related to the fair value of share-based awards is recognized over the requisite service period based on an estimate of those awards that will ultimately vest. The Company estimates the share-based compensation expense for awards that will ultimately vest upon inception of the

47

grant and adjusts the estimate of share-based compensation for those awards with performance and/or service requirements that will not be satisfied so that compensation cost is recognized only for awards that ultimately vest.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are recorded using the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not such assets will be unrealized. Deferred U.S. income taxes have not been recorded for temporary differences related to investments in certain foreign subsidiaries and corporate affiliates. The temporary differences consist primarily of undistributed earnings that are considered permanently reinvested in operations outside the U.S. If management’s intentions change in the future, deferred taxes may need to be provided.
With respect to uncertain income tax positions, a tax liability is recorded in full when management determines that the position does not meet the more likely than not threshold of being sustained on examination. A tax liability may also be recognized for a position that meets the more likely than not threshold, based upon management’s assessment of the position’s probable settlement value. The Company records interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.

New Accounting Standards
See Footnote No. 1, "Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance" and "Future Adoption of Recently Announced Accounting Guidance," of the Notes to our Financial Statements for information related to our adoption of new accounting standards in 2017 and for information on our anticipated adoption of recently issued accounting standards.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain matters discussed in this quarterly report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Generally, our use of words such as "expect," "estimate," "believe," "anticipate," "should", "will," "forecast," "plan," "project," "assume" or similar words of futurity identify such forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs, assumptions and expectations regarding future events, which in turn are based on information currently available to management.  Such statements may relate to projections of the Company's revenue, earnings and other financial and operational measures, Company debt levels, ability to repay outstanding indebtedness, payment of dividends, and future operations, among other matters.   We caution you not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors.
Several factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements.  Such risks include, but are not limited to, changes to general, domestic and foreign economic conditions;  changes in law and regulation applicable to the lodging and franchising industries foreign currency fluctuations; operating risks common in the lodging and franchising industries; changes to the desirability of our brands as viewed by hotel operators and customers; changes to the terms or termination of our contracts with franchisees and our relationships with our franchisees; our ability to keep pace with improvements in technology utilized for marketing and reservations systems and other operating systems; the commercial acceptance of our SkyTouch division's products and services; our ability to grow our franchise system; exposures to risks relating to development activities; fluctuations in the supply and demand for hotels rooms; our ability to realize anticipated benefits of acquired businesses; the level of acceptance of alternative growth strategies we may implement; cyber security and data breach risks; operating risks associated with international operations; the outcome of litigation; and our ability to effectively manage our indebtedness.  These and other risk factors are discussed in detail in the Risk Factors section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2017.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and the impact of fluctuations in foreign currencies on the Company's foreign investments and operations. The Company manages its exposure to these market risks through the monitoring of its available financing alternatives including in certain circumstances the use of derivative financial instruments. We are also subject to risk from changes in debt and equity prices from our non-qualified retirement savings plan investments in debt securities and common stock, which have a carrying value of $20.6 million and $19.1 million at March 31, 2017 and

48

December 31, 2016, respectively which we account for as trading securities. The Company will continue to monitor the exposure in these areas and make the appropriate adjustments as market conditions dictate.
At March 31, 2017, the Company had $207.8 million of variable interest rate debt instruments outstanding at an effective rate of 2.28%. A hypothetical change of 10% in the Company’s effective interest rate from March 31, 2017 levels would increase or decrease annual interest expense by $0.5 million. The Company expects to refinance its fixed and variable long-term debt obligations prior to their scheduled maturities.
The Company does not presently have any derivative financial instruments.

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company has a disclosure review committee whose membership includes the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), among others. The disclosure review committee’s procedures are considered by the CEO and CFO in performing their evaluations of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and in assessing the accuracy and completeness of the Company’s disclosures.
Our management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report as required by Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Our management, including our CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met.
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2017.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2017, that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to any litigation other than litigation in the ordinary course of business. The Company's management and legal counsel do not expect that the ultimate outcome of any of its currently ongoing legal proceedings, individually or collectively, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 filed on February 27, 2017. 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, 2016, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not 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.

49

ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table sets forth purchases and redemptions of Choice Hotels International, Inc. common stock made by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2017:
 
Month Ending
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
or Redeemed
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs(1),(2)
 
Maximum Number of
Shares that may yet be
Purchased Under  the Plans
or Programs, End of Period
January 31, 2017
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
4,019,895

February 28, 2017
 
39,214

 
59.13

 
—

 
4,019,895

March 31, 2017
 
79,717

 
62.13

 
—

 
4,019,895

Total
 
118,931

 
$
61.14

 
—

 
4,019,895

 _______________________
(1)
The Company’s share repurchase program was initially approved by the board of directors on June 25, 1998. The program has no fixed dollar amount or expiration date. Since the program's inception through March 31, 2017, the Company has repurchased 48.7 million shares (including 33.0 million prior to the two-for-one stock split effected in October 2005) of common stock at a total cost of $1.3 billion. Considering the effect of the two-for-one stock split, the Company has repurchased 81.7 million shares at an average price of $15.38 a share.
(2)
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company redeemed 118,931 shares of common stock from employees to satisfy the option price and minimum tax-withholding requirements related to the exercising of options and vesting of restricted stock and performance vested restricted stock unit grants. These redemptions were not part of the board repurchase authorization.

ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.

ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.

ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number and Description

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
3.01(a)
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Choice Hotels Franchising, Inc. (renamed Choice Hotels International, Inc.)
 
 
 
3.02(b)
 
Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Choice Hotels International, Inc.
 
 
 
3.03(c)
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Choice Hotels International, Inc.
 
 
 
3.04(d)
 
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Choice Hotels International, Inc.
 
 
 
3.05(e)
 
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Choice Hotels International, Inc.
 
 
 
10.01*
 
Form of Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation & Severance Benefit Agreement
 
 
 
31.1*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
 
 
 
31.2*
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
 
 
 
32*
 
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
_______________________
*
Filed herewith

(a)
Incorporated by reference to the identical document filed as an exhibit to Choice Hotels International, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed August 31, 1998 (Reg. No. 333-62543).
(b)
Incorporated by reference to the identical document filed as an exhibit to Choice Hotels International, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 1, 2013.
(c)
Incorporated by reference to the identical document filed as an exhibit to Choice Hotels International, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 16, 2010.
(d)
Incorporated by reference to the identical document filed as an exhibit to Choice Hotels International, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 29, 2015.
(e)
Incorporated by reference to the identical document filed as an exhibit to Choice Hotels International, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2016.



51

SIGNATURE
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.
 
 
CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
 
 
May 5, 2017
By:
/s/ STEPHEN P. JOYCE
 
 
Stephen P. Joyce
 
 
Chief Executive Officer


52

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL INC /DE Reports