EX-99.1 2 a2018-q4earningsrelease.htm PRESS RELEASE Exhibit
hiltonframeblacka24.jpg
Investor Contact
7930 Jones Branch Drive
Jill Slattery
McLean, VA 22102
+1 703 883 6043
ir.hilton.com
 
 
Media Contact
 
Nigel Glennie
 
+1 703 883 5262
 

Hilton Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results; Exceeds Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA and Net Unit Growth Expectations

MCLEAN, VA (February 13, 2019) - Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. ("Hilton" or the "Company") (NYSE: HLT) today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2018 results. All results herein, including prior year periods, reflect the adoption of new accounting standards, including Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). Highlights include:
 
•
Diluted EPS was $0.75 for the fourth quarter and $2.50 for the full year, and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, was $0.79 for the fourth quarter and $2.79 for the full year

•
Net income was $225 million for the fourth quarter and $769 million for the full year

•
Adjusted EBITDA was $544 million for the fourth quarter and $2,101 million for the full year, exceeding the high end of guidance

•
System-wide comparable RevPAR increased 2.0 percent and 3.0 percent, respectively, for the fourth quarter and full year on a currency neutral basis from the same periods in 2017

•
Approved 24,900 new rooms for development during the fourth quarter, growing Hilton's development pipeline to more than 364,000 rooms as of December 31, 2018, representing 6 percent growth from December 31, 2017

•
Opened 22,500 rooms in the fourth quarter, contributing to 57,000 net additional rooms for the full year, which represented approximately 7 percent net unit growth

•
Launched luxury collection brand, LXR Hotels & Resorts

•
Repurchased 23.5 million shares of Hilton common stock during 2018, bringing total capital return, including dividends, to approximately $1.9 billion for the full year

•
Full year 2019 system-wide RevPAR is expected to increase between 1.0 percent and 3.0 percent on a comparable and currency neutral basis compared to 2018; full year net income is projected to be between $895 million and $931 million; full year Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $2,240 million and $2,290 million

•
Capital return is projected to be between $1.3 billion and $1.8 billion







hiltonbrandbar.jpg

1

Overview

Christopher J. Nassetta, President & Chief Executive Officer of Hilton, said, "We are pleased with our fourth quarter and full year results, exceeding the high end of our guidance for Adjusted EBITDA and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, driven in part by better than expected net unit growth, up roughly 7 percent versus the prior year. In particular, we continued to expand our luxury portfolio with several exciting openings and the launch of our luxury collection brand, LXR Hotels & Resorts. We expect continued strength in room growth, combined with RevPAR growth, to provide a good setup for the year ahead."

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, system-wide comparable RevPAR grew 2.0 percent and 3.0 percent, respectively, primarily driven by increased ADR. Strength at Hilton's international hotels benefited results, particularly in Europe. Management and franchise fee revenues increased 14 percent and 12 percent during the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, respectively, as a result of RevPAR growth of 1.8 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively, at comparable managed and franchised hotels, increased licensing fees and the addition of new properties to Hilton's portfolio.

For the three months ended December 31, 2018, diluted EPS was $0.75 and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, was $0.79 compared to $2.27 and $0.53, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2017. Net income and Adjusted EBITDA were $225 million and $544 million, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2018, compared to $730 million and $484 million, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2017.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, diluted EPS was $2.50 and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, was $2.79 compared to $3.32 and $1.98, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2017. Net income and Adjusted EBITDA were $769 million and $2,101 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $1,089 million and $1,909 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Development

In the fourth quarter of 2018, Hilton opened 142 new hotels totaling 22,500 rooms and achieved net unit growth of nearly 19,000 rooms. During the full year 2018, Hilton opened over 450 new hotels totaling more than 66,000 rooms and achieved net unit growth of nearly 57,000 rooms, which was a 10 percent increase from the same period in 2017. Conversions from non-Hilton brands represented nearly 25 percent of the new rooms opened during the year. Hilton expanded to eight new countries and territories in 2018 and ended the year with more than 900,000 rooms open and operating.

As of December 31, 2018, Hilton's development pipeline totaled more than 2,400 hotels consisting of over 364,000 rooms throughout 103 countries and territories, including 35 countries and territories where Hilton does not currently have any open hotels. Additionally, 195,000 rooms in the development pipeline were located outside the U.S., and 184,000 rooms, or more than half, were under construction.

Hilton recently launched LXR Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand connecting legendary properties into a network of hotels offering singular service and remarkable experiences. The first property, the Habtoor Palace Dubai, was converted from a non-Hilton brand and opened in the second half of 2018. In January 2019, Hilton announced the conversion of The Biltmore, Mayfair, which is expected to open in the first half of 2019. The luxury hotel, situated in a prime location in the heart of Mayfair, London on Grosvenor Square, marks LXR's European debut. Hilton also continued to expand Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, its iconic luxury hotel brand, with the conversion of the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead in the fourth quarter. 

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

As of December 31, 2018, Hilton had $7.4 billion of long-term debt outstanding, excluding deferred financing costs and discount, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.48 percent. Excluding capital lease obligations and other debt of Hilton's consolidated variable interest entities, Hilton had $7.1 billion of long-term debt outstanding, excluding deferred financing costs and discount, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.42 percent. During the fourth quarter of 2018, Hilton made a voluntary repayment of $300 million outstanding under its senior secured term loan facility.

Total cash and cash equivalents were $484 million as of December 31, 2018, including $81 million of restricted cash and cash equivalents. No borrowings were outstanding under the $1.0 billion revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2018.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, Hilton repurchased 2.2 million shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $160 million and an average price per share of $71.83. To date, Hilton has repurchased approximately 39.2 million shares of its common stock for approximately $2.8 billion at an average price per share of $70.51; the amount remaining under Hilton's previously announced stock repurchase program is approximately $408 million.

In December 2018, Hilton paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share on shares of its common stock, for a total of $44 million, bringing year to date dividends to $181 million. In February 2019, Hilton's board of directors authorized a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share of common stock to be paid on or before March 29, 2019 to holders of record of its common stock as of the close of business on March 1, 2019.

2

Adoption of ASUs

The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 and ASU No. 2017-07 ("ASU 2017-07"), Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, on January 1, 2018 on a full retrospective basis in the consolidated financial statements. Refer to Hilton's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, which is expected to be filed on or about the date of this press release, for the effect of these adoptions on the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Outlook

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02 ("ASU 2016-02"), Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes existing guidance on accounting for leases in Leases (Topic 840) and generally requires all leases, including operating leases, to be recognized in the balance sheet of lessees as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. As permitted, the Company has applied this ASU at the adoption date; therefore, the presentation of financial information for all periods prior to January 1, 2019 will remain unchanged and in accordance with Leases (Topic 840). The provisions of ASU 2016-02 will not affect the Company's cash flow or cash available for capital return, and will not have a material impact on the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to Hilton's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, which is expected to be filed on or about the date of this press release, for additional information on the impact of this ASU.

Beginning with the first quarter of 2019, the Company will modify its non-GAAP financial measures of net income, adjusted for special items, and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, to exclude from net income: (i) FF&E replacement reserves and (ii) the amortization of intangible assets that were recorded at their fair value in October 2007 when the Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of an affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P. ("Blackstone"). All prior period measures will reflect this modified definition when comparing to periods beginning with the first quarter of 2019. The Company believes these modifications will assist investors in performing meaningful comparisons of past, present and future operating results and better highlight the results of the Company's ongoing operations. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliations—Net Income and Diluted EPS, Adjusted for Special Items, Reflecting Application of Modified Definition" for the effect of this change on the year ended December 31, 2018 and the quarterly periods therein.

Hilton's outlook for the first quarter and full year of 2019 includes the effect of these adjustments. Share-based metrics in Hilton's outlook include actual share repurchases to date, but do not include the effect of potential share repurchases hereafter.

Full Year 2019

•
System-wide RevPAR is expected to increase between 1.0 percent and 3.0 percent on a comparable and currency neutral basis compared to 2018.
•
Diluted EPS, before special items, is projected to be between $3.00 and $3.12.
•
Diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, is projected to be between $3.66 and $3.78.
•
Net income is projected to be between $895 million and $931 million.
•
Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $2,240 million and $2,290 million.
•
Management and franchise fee revenue is projected to increase between 7 percent and 9 percent compared to 2018.
•
Contract acquisition costs and capital expenditures, excluding amounts indirectly reimbursed by hotel owners, are expected to be between $175 million and $200 million.
•
Capital return is projected to be between $1.3 billion and $1.8 billion.
•
General and administrative expenses are projected to be between $430 million and $450 million.
•
Net unit growth is expected to be approximately 6.5 percent.

First Quarter 2019

•
System-wide RevPAR is expected to increase between 1.0 percent and 3.0 percent on a comparable and currency neutral basis compared to the first quarter of 2018.
•
Diluted EPS, before special items, is projected to be between $0.56 and $0.61.
•
Diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, is projected to be between $0.73 and $0.78.
•
Net income is projected to be between $169 million and $183 million.

3

•
Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $470 million and $490 million.
•
Management and franchise fee revenue is projected to increase between 7 percent and 9 percent compared to the first quarter of 2018.

Conference Call

Hilton will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2018 results on February 13, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Participants may listen to the live webcast by logging on to the Hilton Investor Relations website at http://ir.hilton.com/events-and-presentations. A replay and transcript of the webcast will be available within 24 hours after the live event at http://ir.hilton.com/financial-reporting/quarterly-results/2018.

Alternatively, participants may listen to the live call by dialing 1-888-317-6003 in the United States or 1-412-317-6061 internationally. Please use the conference ID 1065924. Participants are encouraged to dial into the call or link to the webcast at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled start time. A telephone replay will be available for seven days following the call. To access the telephone replay, dial 1-877-344-7529 in the United States or 1-412-317-0088 internationally using the conference ID 10127752.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the expectations regarding the performance of Hilton's business, financial results, liquidity and capital resources and other non-historical statements, including the statements in the "Outlook" section of this press release. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "outlook," "believes," "expects," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "projects," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including, among others, risks inherent to the hospitality industry, macroeconomic factors beyond Hilton's control, competition for hotel guests and management and franchise contracts, risks related to doing business with third-party hotel owners, performance of Hilton's information technology systems, growth of reservation channels outside of Hilton's system, risks of doing business outside of the United States of America ("U.S.") and Hilton's indebtedness. Additional factors that could cause Hilton's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found under the section entitled "Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors" of Hilton's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as such factors may be updated from time to time in Hilton's periodic filings with the SEC, including in Hilton's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, which is expected to be filed on or about the date of this press release, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in Hilton's filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company refers to certain financial measures that are not recognized under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in this press release, including: net income, adjusted for special items; diluted EPS, adjusted for special items; Adjusted EBITDA; Adjusted EBITDA margin; net debt; and net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio. See the schedules to this press release, including the "Definitions" section, for additional information and reconciliations of such non-GAAP financial measures.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, with a portfolio of 16 world-class brands comprising more than 5,600 properties with nearly 913,000 rooms, in 113 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world's most hospitable company, Hilton earned a spot on the 2018 world's best workplaces list and has welcomed more than 3 billion guests during its nearly 100 year history. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program, Hilton Honors, more than 85 million members who book directly with Hilton have access to instant benefits including digital check-in with room selection, Digital Key and Connected Room. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on facebook.com/hiltonnewsroom, twitter.com/hiltonnewsroom, linkedIn.com/company/hilton, instagram.com/hiltonnewsroom and youtube.com/hiltonnewsroom.

4


HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
EARNINGS RELEASE SCHEDULES
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
Comparable and Currency Neutral System-Wide Hotel Operating Statistics
 
Property Summary
 
Capital Expenditures and Contract Acquisition Costs
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliations
 
Definitions
 


5


HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited, in millions, except per share data)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchise and licensing fees
$
388

 
$
326

 
$
1,530

 
$
1,321

Base and other management fees
80

 
78

 
321

 
324

Incentive management fees
64

 
63

 
235

 
222

Owned and leased hotels
385

 
380

 
1,484

 
1,432

Other revenues
26

 
27

 
98

 
105

 
943

 
874

 
3,668

 
3,404

Other revenues from managed and franchised properties
1,345

 
1,194

 
5,238

 
4,727

Total revenues
2,288

 
2,068

 
8,906

 
8,131

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owned and leased hotels
329

 
334

 
1,332

 
1,269

Depreciation and amortization
83

 
84

 
325

 
336

General and administrative
115

 
109

 
443

 
439

Other expenses
15

 
15

 
51

 
56

 
542

 
542

 
2,151

 
2,100

Other expenses from managed and franchised properties
1,384

 
1,267

 
5,323

 
4,899

Total expenses
1,926

 
1,809

 
7,474

 
6,999

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
362

 
259

 
1,432

 
1,132

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(94
)
 
(91
)
 
(371
)
 
(351
)
Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions
(4
)
 
—

 
(11
)
 
3

Loss on debt extinguishment
—

 
—

 
—

 
(60
)
Other non-operating income, net
2

 
13

 
28

 
29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
266

 
181

 
1,078

 
753

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
(41
)
 
549

 
(309
)
 
336

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
225

 
730

 
769

 
1,089

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Net income attributable to Hilton stockholders
$
224

 
$
729

 
$
764

 
$
1,084

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
296

 
319

 
302

 
324

Diluted
298

 
322

 
305

 
327

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.76

 
$
2.29

 
$
2.53

 
$
3.34

Diluted
$
0.75

 
$
2.27

 
$
2.50

 
$
3.32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared per share
$
0.15

 
$
0.15

 
$
0.60

 
$
0.60






6

HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
COMPARABLE AND CURRENCY NEUTRAL SYSTEM-WIDE HOTEL OPERATING STATISTICS
BY REGION
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
 
RevPAR
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
U.S.
72.0
%
 
(0.4
)%
pts.
 
$
146.57

 
1.8
 %
 
$
105.48

 
1.1
%
Americas (excluding U.S.)
69.0

 
1.4

 
 
123.05

 
4.7

 
84.87

 
6.9

Europe
75.6

 
1.3

 
 
143.06

 
5.3

 
108.15

 
7.2

Middle East & Africa
75.6

 
3.3

 
 
148.18

 
(4.1
)
 
112.09

 
0.3

Asia Pacific
73.9

 
1.2

 
 
135.36

 
1.8

 
100.02

 
3.4

System-wide
72.4

 
—

 
 
144.44

 
2.0

 
104.54

 
2.0


 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
 
RevPAR
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
U.S.
76.3
%
 
0.4
%
pts.
 
$
149.09

 
1.7
 %
 
$
113.68

 
2.2
%
Americas (excluding U.S.)
71.6

 
1.6

 
 
127.57

 
3.8

 
91.36

 
6.1

Europe
77.0

 
2.1

 
 
148.37

 
4.0

 
114.22

 
6.9

Middle East & Africa
72.5

 
3.3

 
 
151.24

 
(2.9
)
 
109.60

 
1.8

Asia Pacific
73.4

 
3.0

 
 
135.60

 
2.1

 
99.54

 
6.5

System-wide
75.8

 
0.8

 
 
147.22

 
1.9

 
111.61

 
3.0


7

HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
COMPARABLE AND CURRENCY NEUTRAL SYSTEM-WIDE HOTEL OPERATING STATISTICS
BY BRAND
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
 
RevPAR
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
72.0
%
 
2.3
 %
pts.
 
$
340.95

 
3.1
%
 
$
245.40

 
6.5
%
Conrad Hotels & Resorts
76.2

 
2.1

 
 
255.17

 
2.8

 
194.46

 
5.8

Hilton Hotels & Resorts
74.4

 
0.6

 
 
170.23

 
2.6

 
126.66

 
3.5

Curio Collection by Hilton
70.5

 
1.3

 
 
209.84

 
5.2

 
147.99

 
7.1

DoubleTree by Hilton
71.4

 
0.2

 
 
132.33

 
1.9

 
94.49

 
2.3

Embassy Suites by Hilton
74.5

 
(0.8
)
 
 
156.59

 
1.4

 
116.72

 
0.2

Hilton Garden Inn
71.8

 
(0.2
)
 
 
131.25

 
1.8

 
94.21

 
1.5

Hampton by Hilton
69.8

 
(0.3
)
 
 
119.55

 
0.9

 
83.44

 
0.4

Homewood Suites by Hilton
76.5

 
(0.8
)
 
 
136.61

 
1.6

 
104.54

 
0.5

Home2 Suites by Hilton
72.8

 
—

 
 
115.67

 
1.7

 
84.26

 
1.7

System-wide
72.4

 
—

 
 
144.44

 
2.0

 
104.54

 
2.0


 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
 
RevPAR
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
71.4
%
 
2.0
 %
pts.
 
$
345.19

 
3.5
%
 
$
246.40

 
6.5
%
Conrad Hotels & Resorts
74.2

 
4.4

 
 
252.78

 
2.3

 
187.49

 
8.7

Hilton Hotels & Resorts
76.5

 
1.3

 
 
172.96

 
2.3

 
132.39

 
4.0

Curio Collection by Hilton
73.5

 
1.3

 
 
211.81

 
4.6

 
155.69

 
6.5

DoubleTree by Hilton
74.6

 
0.9

 
 
134.97

 
2.1

 
100.70

 
3.3

Embassy Suites by Hilton
78.2

 
(0.4
)
 
 
161.84

 
1.2

 
126.60

 
0.6

Hilton Garden Inn
75.9

 
1.0

 
 
133.53

 
1.4

 
101.40

 
2.8

Hampton by Hilton
74.2

 
0.4

 
 
123.53

 
1.1

 
91.63

 
1.7

Homewood Suites by Hilton
80.7

 
0.5

 
 
140.27

 
1.7

 
113.23

 
2.4

Home2 Suites by Hilton
77.8

 
2.2

 
 
118.18

 
1.9

 
91.98

 
4.8

System-wide
75.8

 
0.8

 
 
147.22

 
1.9

 
111.61

 
3.0


8

HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
COMPARABLE AND CURRENCY NEUTRAL SYSTEM-WIDE HOTEL OPERATING STATISTICS
BY SEGMENT
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
 
RevPAR
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
Management and franchise
72.2
%
 
—
%
pts.
 
$
143.07

 
1.9
%
 
$
103.32

 
1.8
%
Ownership(1)
77.9

 
1.6

 
 
188.80

 
5.3

 
147.14

 
7.5

System-wide
72.4

 
—

 
 
144.44

 
2.0

 
104.54

 
2.0


 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
 
RevPAR
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
 
2018
 
vs. 2017
Management and franchise
75.7
%
 
0.8
%
pts.
 
$
145.99

 
1.8
%
 
$
110.57

 
2.9
%
Ownership(1)
78.3

 
1.3

 
 
188.97

 
3.8

 
147.97

 
5.5

System-wide
75.8

 
0.8

 
 
147.22

 
1.9

 
111.61

 
3.0

____________
(1) 
Includes owned and leased hotels, as well as hotels owned or leased by entities in which Hilton owns a noncontrolling financial interest.


9

HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
PROPERTY SUMMARY
As of December 31, 2018
 
Owned / Leased(1)
 
Managed
 
Franchised
 
Total
 
Properties
 
Rooms
 
Properties
 
Rooms
 
Properties
 
Rooms
 
Properties
 
Rooms
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
1

 
215

 
14

 
5,956

 
—

 
—

 
15

 
6,171

Americas (excluding U.S.)
—

 
—

 
1

 
142

 
1

 
984

 
2

 
1,126

Europe
2

 
463

 
4

 
898

 
—

 
—

 
6

 
1,361

Middle East & Africa
—

 
—

 
4

 
949

 
—

 
—

 
4

 
949

Asia Pacific
—

 
—

 
4

 
895

 
—

 
—

 
4

 
895

LXR Hotels & Resorts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Middle East & Africa
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1

 
234

 
1

 
234

Conrad Hotels & Resorts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
—

 
—

 
4

 
1,289

 
1

 
319

 
5

 
1,608

Americas (excluding U.S.)
—

 
—

 
2

 
402

 
—

 
—

 
2

 
402

Europe
—

 
—

 
4

 
1,155

 
—

 
—

 
4

 
1,155

Middle East & Africa
1

 
614

 
2

 
993

 
—

 
—

 
3

 
1,607

Asia Pacific
1

 
164

 
17

 
5,035

 
1

 
654

 
19

 
5,853

Canopy by Hilton
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5

 
831

 
5

 
831

Europe
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2

 
263

 
2

 
263

Asia Pacific
—

 
—

 
1

 
150

 
—

 
—

 
1

 
150

Hilton Hotels & Resorts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
—

 
—

 
67

 
48,780

 
177

 
54,082

 
244

 
102,862

Americas (excluding U.S.)
1

 
405

 
26

 
9,320

 
21

 
7,066

 
48

 
16,791

Europe
53

 
14,424

 
49

 
15,440

 
36

 
10,182

 
138

 
40,046

Middle East & Africa
5

 
1,998

 
42

 
12,607

 
3

 
1,609

 
50

 
16,214

Asia Pacific
7

 
3,437

 
92

 
33,447

 
7

 
2,826

 
106

 
39,710

Curio Collection by Hilton
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
—

 
—

 
4

 
1,981

 
34

 
7,253

 
38

 
9,234

Americas (excluding U.S.)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
10

 
1,669

 
10

 
1,669

Europe
—

 
—

 
3

 
270

 
10

 
1,072

 
13

 
1,342

Middle East & Africa
—

 
—

 
2

 
255

 
1

 
356

 
3

 
611

Asia Pacific
—

 
—

 
3

 
663

 
1

 
50

 
4

 
713

DoubleTree by Hilton
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
—

 
—

 
35

 
11,791

 
316

 
73,948

 
351

 
85,739

Americas (excluding U.S.)
—

 
—

 
3

 
494

 
24

 
5,231

 
27

 
5,725

Europe
—

 
—

 
12

 
3,347

 
93

 
15,966

 
105

 
19,313

Middle East & Africa
—

 
—

 
10

 
2,350

 
6

 
718

 
16

 
3,068

Asia Pacific
—

 
—

 
57

 
15,797

 
3

 
1,072

 
60

 
16,869

Tapestry Collection by Hilton
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
18

 
2,559

 
18

 
2,559

Embassy Suites by Hilton
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
—

 
—

 
42

 
11,110

 
202

 
45,548

 
244

 
56,658

Americas (excluding U.S.)
—

 
—

 
3

 
667

 
6

 
1,533

 
9

 
2,200

Hilton Garden Inn
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
—

 
—

 
5

 
537

 
655

 
90,603

 
660

 
91,140

Americas (excluding U.S.)
—

 
—

 
12

 
1,663

 
39

 
6,177

 
51

 
7,840

Europe
—

 
—

 
21

 
3,826

 
43

 
7,182

 
64

 
11,008

Middle East & Africa
—

 
—

 
10

 
2,251

 
1

 
175

 
11

 
2,426

Asia Pacific
—

 
—

 
29

 
6,261

 
—

 
—

 
29

 
6,261

Hampton by Hilton
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
—

 
—

 
46

 
5,641

 
2,140

 
209,300

 
2,186

 
214,941

Americas (excluding U.S.)
—

 
—

 
13

 
1,677

 
92

 
10,923

 
105

 
12,600

Europe
—

 
—

 
18

 
2,956

 
63

 
9,873

 
81

 
12,829

Middle East & Africa
—

 
—

 
1

 
420

 
—

 
—

 
1

 
420

Asia Pacific
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
60

 
9,520

 
60

 
9,520

Tru by Hilton
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
53

 
5,019

 
53

 
5,019

Homewood Suites by Hilton
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
—

 
—

 
19

 
2,016

 
439

 
50,103

 
458

 
52,119

Americas (excluding U.S.)
—

 
—

 
3

 
358

 
21

 
2,359

 
24

 
2,717

Home2 Suites by Hilton
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
—

 
—

 
2

 
198

 
283

 
29,384

 
285

 
29,582

Americas (excluding U.S.)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5

 
543

 
5

 
543

Other
—

 
—

 
3

 
1,450

 
1

 
250

 
4

 
1,700

Hotels
71

 
21,720

 
689

 
215,437

 
4,874

 
667,436

 
5,634

 
904,593

Hilton Grand Vacations
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
51

 
8,367

 
51

 
8,367

Total
71

 
21,720

 
689

 
215,437

 
4,925

 
675,803

 
5,685

 
912,960

____________
(1) 
Includes hotels owned or leased by entities in which Hilton owns a noncontrolling financial interest.


10


HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND CONTRACT ACQUISITION COSTS
(unaudited, dollars in millions)
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
2018
 
2017
 
$
 
%
Capital expenditures for property and equipment(1)
$
21

 
$
22

 
(1
)
 
(4.5
)
Capitalized software costs(2)
25

 
30

 
(5
)
 
(16.7
)
Total capital expenditures
46

 
52

 
(6
)
 
(11.5
)
Contract acquisition costs
21

 
24

 
(3
)
 
(12.5
)
Total capital expenditures and contract acquisition costs
$
67

 
$
76

 
(9
)
 
(11.8
)

 
Year Ended
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
2018
 
2017
 
$
 
%
Capital expenditures for property and equipment(1)
$
72

 
$
58

 
14

 
24.1
Capitalized software costs(2)
87

 
75

 
12

 
16.0
Total capital expenditures
159

 
133

 
26

 
19.5
Contract acquisition costs
103

 
75

 
28

 
37.3
Total capital expenditures and contract acquisition costs
$
262

 
$
208

 
54

 
26.0
____________
(1) 
Includes expenditures for hotels, corporate and other property and equipment, of which $6 million and $8 million were indirectly reimbursed by hotel owners for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $14 million and $21 million were indirectly reimbursed for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Excludes expenditures for FF&E replacement reserves of $11 million and $18 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $50 million and $55 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(2) 
Includes $18 million and $25 million of expenditures that were indirectly reimbursed by hotel owners for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $65 million and $53 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


11


HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATIONS
NET INCOME AND DILUTED EPS, ADJUSTED FOR SPECIAL ITEMS
(unaudited, in millions, except per share data)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income attributable to Hilton stockholders, as reported
$
224

 
$
729

 
$
764

 
$
1,084

Diluted EPS, as reported
$
0.75

 
$
2.27

 
$
2.50

 
$
3.32

Special items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net other expenses from managed and franchised properties
$
39

 
$
73

 
$
85

 
$
172

Asset dispositions(1)
—

 
—

 
4

 
12

Loss on debt extinguishment
—

 
—

 
—

 
60

Financing transactions(2)
3

 
—

 
10

 
5

Tax-related adjustments(3)
(20
)
 
(600
)
 
21

 
(600
)
Other adjustments(4)
2

 
(2
)
 
(10
)
 
15

Total special items before tax
24

 
(529
)
 
110

 
(336
)
Income tax expense on special items
(13
)
 
(28
)
 
(22
)
 
(101
)
Total special items after tax
$
11

 
$
(557
)
 
$
88

 
$
(437
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income, adjusted for special items
$
235

 
$
172

 
$
852

 
$
647

Diluted EPS, adjusted for special items
$
0.79

 
$
0.53

 
$
2.79

 
$
1.98

____________
(1) 
Includes severance costs related to the 2015 sale of the Waldorf Astoria New York that were recognized in general and administrative expenses.
(2) 
Includes expenses incurred in connection with the refinancings and accelerated recognition of debt financing costs related to repayments of the senior secured term loan facility that were recognized in other non-operating income, net.
(3) 
The three months and year ended December 31, 2017 include an aggregate provisional tax benefit recognized in relation to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJ Act") enacted in December 2017. The three months and year ended December 31, 2018 include adjustments to the provisional amount recognized in relation to the TCJ Act, as well as deferred tax expense recognized in connection with a distribution of stock out of Hilton's controlled foreign corporations. These adjustments did not have a significant effect on cash paid for taxes in the periods presented.
(4) 
Includes expenses related to the January 2017 spin-offs of Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (the "spin-offs") that were recognized in general and administrative expenses. Also, the three months and year ended December 31, 2017 include a gain recorded as a result of the modification of a lease agreement recognized in other non-operating income, net and impairment losses. The year ended December 31, 2018 includes gains on the refinancing and early repayment of a loan Hilton issued that financed the construction of a hotel that Hilton manages.


12


HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATIONS
NET INCOME AND DILUTED EPS, ADJUSTED FOR SPECIAL ITEMS
REFLECTING APPLICATION OF MODIFIED DEFINITION(1) 
(unaudited, in millions, except per share data)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2018
 
2018
 
2018
 
Net income attributable to Hilton stockholders, as reported
$
161

 
$
217

 
$
162

 
$
224

 
$
764

Diluted EPS, as reported
$
0.51

 
$
0.71

 
$
0.54

 
$
0.75

 
$
2.50

Special items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net other expenses from managed and franchised properties
$
21

 
$
(3
)
 
$
28

 
$
39

 
$
85

Purchase accounting amortization(1)
51

 
52

 
50

 
51

 
204

FF&E replacement reserves(1)
12

 
15

 
12

 
11

 
50

Asset dispositions(2)
2

 
1

 
1

 
—

 
4

Financing transactions(2)
—

 
7

 
—

 
3

 
10

Tax-related adjustments(2)
—

 
(11
)
 
52

 
(20
)
 
21

Other adjustments(2)
(6
)
 
—

 
(6
)
 
2

 
(10
)
Total special items before tax
80

 
61

 
137

 
86

 
364

Income tax expense on special items
(20
)
 
(18
)
 
(20
)
 
(29
)
 
(87
)
Total special items after tax
$
60

 
$
43

 
$
117

 
$
57

 
$
277

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income, adjusted for special items
$
221

 
$
260

 
$
279

 
$
281

 
$
1,041

Diluted EPS, adjusted for special items
$
0.69

 
$
0.86

 
$
0.93

 
$
0.94

 
$
3.42

____________
(1) 
Beginning with the first quarter of 2019 and for all periods prospectively, the Company will modify net income, adjusted for special items, and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, to exclude: (i) the amortization of intangible assets that were recorded at their fair value in October 2007 when the Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of an affiliate of Blackstone and (ii) FF&E replacement reserves. The amounts for the quarterly periods in 2018 are presented for analysis and future comparative purposes.
(2) 
Refer to "—Net Income and Diluted EPS, Adjusted for Special Items" for additional information.

13


HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATIONS
ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN
(unaudited, dollars in millions)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income
$
225

 
$
730

 
$
769

 
$
1,089

Interest expense
94

 
91

 
371

 
351

Income tax expense (benefit)
41

 
(549
)
 
309

 
(336
)
Depreciation and amortization
83

 
84

 
325

 
336

EBITDA
443

 
356

 
1,774

 
1,440

Loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions
4

 
—

 
11

 
(3
)
Loss on debt extinguishment
—

 
—

 
—

 
60

FF&E replacement reserves
11

 
18

 
50

 
55

Share-based compensation expense
24

 
30

 
127

 
121

Amortization of contract acquisition costs
7


5

 
27

 
17

Net other expenses from managed and franchised properties
39

 
73

 
85

 
172

Other adjustment items(1)
16

 
2

 
27

 
47

Adjusted EBITDA
$
544


$
484

 
$
2,101

 
$
1,909

____________
(1) 
Includes adjustments for severance and other items, and, for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017, also includes transactions costs and impairment loss.

 
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Total revenues, as reported
$
2,288

 
$
2,068

 
$
8,906

 
$
8,131

Add: amortization of contract acquisition costs
7

 
5

 
27

 
17

Less: other revenues from managed and franchised properties
(1,345
)
 
(1,194
)
 
(5,238
)
 
(4,727
)
Total revenues, as adjusted
$
950

 
$
879

 
$
3,695

 
$
3,421

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA
$
544

 
$
484

 
$
2,101

 
$
1,909

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA margin
57.3
%
 
55.1
%
 
56.9
%
 
55.8
%



14


HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATIONS
NET DEBT AND NET DEBT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA RATIO
(unaudited, dollars in millions)
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Long-term debt, including current maturities
$
7,282

 
$
6,602

Add: unamortized deferred financing costs and discount
79

 
81

Long-term debt, including current maturities and excluding unamortized deferred financing costs and discount
7,361

 
6,683

Add: Hilton's share of unconsolidated affiliate debt, excluding unamortized deferred financing costs
15

 
13

Less: cash and cash equivalents
(403
)
 
(570
)
Less: restricted cash and cash equivalents
(81
)
 
(100
)
Net debt
$
6,892

 
$
6,026

 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA
$
2,101

 
$
1,909

 
 
 
 
Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio
3.3

 
3.2





15


HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATIONS
OUTLOOK: NET INCOME AND DILUTED EPS, ADJUSTED FOR SPECIAL ITEMS
FORECASTED 2019
(unaudited, in millions, except per share data)
 
Three Months Ending
 
March 31, 2019
 
Low Case
 
High Case
Net income attributable to Hilton stockholders, before special items
$
167

 
$
181

Diluted EPS, before special items(1)
$
0.56

 
$
0.61

Special items:
 
 
 
Purchase accounting amortization
$
51

 
$
51

FF&E replacement reserves
14

 
14

Total special items before tax
65

 
65

Income tax expense on special items
(16
)
 
(16
)
Total special items after tax
$
49

 
$
49

 
 
 
 
Net income, adjusted for special items
$
216

 
$
230

Diluted EPS, adjusted for special items(1)
$
0.73

 
$
0.78


 
Year Ending
 
December 31, 2019
 
Low Case
 
High Case
Net income attributable to Hilton stockholders, before special items
$
890

 
$
926

Diluted EPS, before special items(1)
$
3.00

 
$
3.12

Special items:
 
 
 
Purchase accounting amortization
$
203

 
$
203

FF&E replacement reserves
61

 
61

Total special items before tax
264

 
264

Income tax expense on special items
(66
)
 
(66
)
Total special items after tax
$
198

 
$
198

 
 
 
 
Net income, adjusted for special items
$
1,088

 
$
1,124

Diluted EPS, adjusted for special items(1)
$
3.66

 
$
3.78

____________
(1) 
Does not include the effect of potential share repurchases.


16


HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATIONS
OUTLOOK: ADJUSTED EBITDA
FORECASTED 2019
(unaudited, in millions)
 
Three Months Ending
 
March 31, 2019
 
Low Case
 
High Case
Net income
$
169

 
$
183

Interest expense
98

 
98

Income tax expense
62

 
68

Depreciation and amortization
82

 
82

EBITDA
411

 
431

FF&E replacement reserves
14

 
14

Share-based compensation expense
31

 
31

Amortization of contract acquisition costs
8

 
8

Other adjustment items(1)
6

 
6

Adjusted EBITDA
$
470

 
$
490


 
Year Ending
 
December 31, 2019
 
Low Case
 
High Case
Net income
$
895

 
$
931

Interest expense
422

 
422

Income tax expense
348

 
362

Depreciation and amortization
323

 
323

EBITDA
1,988

 
2,038

FF&E replacement reserves
61

 
61

Share-based compensation expense
141

 
141

Amortization of contract acquisition costs
32

 
32

Other adjustment items(1)
18

 
18

Adjusted EBITDA
$
2,240

 
$
2,290

____________
(1) 
Includes adjustments for severance and other items.


17


HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
DEFINITIONS

Net Income and Diluted EPS, Adjusted for Special Items

Net income, adjusted for special items, and diluted earnings (loss) per share ("EPS"), adjusted for special items, are not recognized terms under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss) or other measures of financial performance or liquidity derived in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the Company's definition of net income, adjusted for special items, and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Net income, adjusted for special items, and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, are included to assist investors in performing meaningful comparisons of past, present and future operating results and as a means of highlighting the results of the Company's ongoing operations.

Beginning with the first quarter of 2019, the Company will modify net income, adjusted for special items, and diluted EPS, adjusted for special items, as previously calculated, to exclude: (i) furniture, fixtures and equipment ("FF&E") replacement reserves required under certain lease agreements and (ii) the amortization of intangible assets that were recorded at their fair value in October 2007 when the Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Blackstone.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

Earnings before interest expense, taxes and depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), presented herein, reflects net income (loss), excluding interest expense, a provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization.

Adjusted EBITDA, presented herein, is calculated as EBITDA, as previously defined, further adjusted to exclude certain items, including gains, losses, revenues and expenses in connection with: (i) asset dispositions for both consolidated and unconsolidated equity investments; (ii) foreign currency transactions; (iii) debt restructurings and retirements; (iv) FF&E replacement reserves; (v) reorganization costs; (vi) share-based compensation expense; (vii) non-cash impairment losses; (viii) severance, relocation and other expenses; (ix) amortization of contract acquisition costs; (x) the net effect of reimbursable costs included in other revenues and expenses from managed and franchised properties; and (xi) other items.

During the first quarter of 2018, the Company modified the definition of Adjusted EBITDA to exclude the amortization of contract acquisition costs and the net effect of reimbursable costs included in other revenues and expenses from managed and franchised properties. Management believes that excluding these items is useful for the reasons set forth below and has applied the modified definition of Adjusted EBITDA to all periods for which Adjusted EBITDA is presented in this release.

Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues, as adjusted to exclude the amortization of contract acquisition costs and other revenues from managed and franchised properties.

The Company believes that EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin provide useful information to investors about the Company and its financial condition and results of operations for the following reasons: (i) these measures are among the measures used by the Company's management team to evaluate its operating performance and make day-to-day operating decisions and (ii) these measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties as a common performance measure to compare results or estimate valuations across companies in the industry. Additionally, these measures exclude certain items that can vary widely across different industries and among competitors within the Company's industry. For instance, interest expense and the provision for income taxes are dependent on company specifics, including, among other things, capital structure and operating jurisdictions, respectively, and, therefore could vary significantly across companies. Depreciation and amortization, as well as amortization of contract acquisition costs, are dependent upon company policies, including the method of acquiring and depreciating assets and the useful lives that are used. For Adjusted EBITDA, the Company also excludes items such as: (i) FF&E replacement reserves to be consistent with the treatment of FF&E for its owned and leased hotels where it is capitalized and depreciated over the life of the FF&E; (ii) share-based compensation expense, as this could vary widely among companies due to the different plans in place and the usage of them; (iii) the net effect of the Company's cost reimbursement revenues and reimbursed expenses, as the Company contractually does not operate the related programs to generate a profit over the terms of the respective contracts; and (iv) other items that are not core to the Company's operations and are not reflective of the Company's performance.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are not recognized terms under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives, in isolation or as a substitute, to net income (loss) or other measures of financial performance or liquidity derived in accordance with GAAP. The Company's definitions of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies and may have limitations as analytical tools.

18



Net Debt

Net debt, presented herein, is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses to evaluate its financial leverage. Net debt is calculated as: (i) long-term debt, including current maturities and excluding unamortized deferred financing costs and discount and (ii) the Company's share of unconsolidated affiliate debt, excluding unamortized deferred financing costs; reduced by: (a) cash and cash equivalents and (b) restricted cash and cash equivalents. Net debt should not be considered as a substitute to debt presented in accordance with GAAP. Net debt may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure of other companies.

The Company believes net debt provides useful information about its indebtedness to investors as it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to compare the indebtedness of companies.

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio

Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, presented herein, is a non-GAAP financial measure and is included as it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to compare the financial condition of companies. Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio should not be considered as an alternative to measures of financial condition derived in accordance with GAAP, and it may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure of other companies.

Comparable Hotels

The Company defines comparable hotels as those that: (i) were active and operating in the Company's system for at least one full calendar year as of the end of the current period, and open January 1st of the previous year; (ii) have not undergone a change in brand or ownership type during the current or comparable periods reported, excluding the hotels distributed in the spin-offs; and (iii) have not sustained substantial property damage, business interruption, undergone large-scale capital projects or for which comparable results are not available.

Of the 5,634 hotels in the Company's system as of December 31, 2018, 4,218 hotels were classified as comparable hotels. The 1,416 non-comparable hotels included 197 hotels, or approximately three percent of the total hotels in the system, that were removed from the comparable group during the year because they sustained substantial property damage, business interruption, underwent large-scale capital projects or comparable results were not available.

Occupancy

Occupancy represents the total number of room nights sold divided by the total number of room nights available at a hotel or group of hotels for a given period. Occupancy measures the utilization of the hotels' available capacity. Management uses occupancy to gauge demand at a specific hotel or group of hotels in a given period. Occupancy levels also help management determine achievable average daily rate pricing levels as demand for hotel rooms increases or decreases.

Average Daily Rate ("ADR")

ADR represents hotel room revenue divided by the total number of room nights sold for a given period. ADR measures average room price attained by a hotel, and ADR trends provide useful information concerning the pricing environment and the nature of the customer base of a hotel or group of hotels. ADR is a commonly used performance measure in the industry, and management uses ADR to assess pricing levels that the Company is able to generate by type of customer, as changes in rates charged to customers have a different effect on overall revenues and incremental profitability than changes in occupancy, as described above.

Revenue per Available Room ("RevPAR")

RevPAR is calculated by dividing hotel room revenue by the total number of room nights available to guests for a given period. Management considers RevPAR to be a meaningful indicator of the Company's performance as it provides a metric correlated to two primary and key drivers of operations at a hotel or group of hotels, as previously described: occupancy and ADR. RevPAR is also a useful indicator in measuring performance over comparable periods for comparable hotels.

References to RevPAR, ADR and occupancy throughout this press release are presented on a comparable basis and references to RevPAR and ADR are presented on a currency neutral basis, unless otherwise noted. As such, comparisons of these hotel operating statistics for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 use the exchange rates for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018.


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