Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation—The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc., its majority-owned subsidiaries, and its majority-owned entities in which it has a controlling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated in these condensed consolidated financial statements. We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. We believe the disclosures made herein are adequate to prevent the information presented from being misleading. However, the financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 14, 2018, as subsequently amended.

Braemar OP is considered to be a variable interest entity (“VIE”), as defined by authoritative accounting guidance. A VIE must be consolidated by a reporting entity if the reporting entity is the primary beneficiary because it has (i) the power to direct the VIE’s activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. All major decisions related to Braemar OP that most significantly impact its economic performance, including but not limited to operating procedures with respect to business affairs and any acquisitions, dispositions, financings, restructurings or other transactions with sellers, purchasers, lenders, brokers, agents and other applicable representatives, are subject to the approval of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Braemar OP General Partner LLC (formerly Ashford Prime OP General Partner LLC), its general partner. As such, we consolidate Braemar OP.

The following items affect reporting comparability of our historical condensed consolidated financial statements:


•	historical seasonality patterns at some of our hotel properties cause fluctuations in our overall operating results. Consequently, operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018;


•	on March 31, 2017, we acquired the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek and on May 11, 2017, we acquired the Hotel Yountville. The operating results of these hotel properties have been included in our results of operations as of their acquisition dates;


•	on November 1, 2017, we sold the Plano Marriott Legacy Town Center;


•	on April 4, 2018, we acquired the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The operating results of the hotel has been included in the results of operations as of its acquisition date; and


•	on June 1, 2018, we sold the Tampa Renaissance.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates—The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash—Restricted cash includes reserves for debt service, real estate taxes and insurance, as well as excess cash flow deposits and reserves for furniture, fixtures and equipment replacements of approximately 4% to 5% of property revenue for certain hotels, as required by certain management or mortgage debt agreement restrictions and provisions.

Impairment of Investments in Hotel Properties

Impairment of Investments in Hotel Properties—Hotel properties are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the hotel is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of the hotel to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, which take into account current market conditions and our intent with respect to holding or disposing of the hotel. If our analysis indicates that the carrying value of the hotel is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, we recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the property’s net book value exceeds its estimated fair value, or fair value, less cost to sell. In evaluating the impairment of hotel properties, we make many assumptions and estimates, including projected cash flows, expected holding period and expected useful life. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including internally developed discounted cash flow models, comparable market transactions and third-party appraisals, where considered necessary. Asset write-downs resulting from property damage are recorded up to the amount of the allocable property insurance deductible in the period that the property damage occurs. See note 4.

Investment in Ashford Inc.

Investment in Ashford Inc.—We hold approximately 195,000 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock, which represented an approximate 8.2% ownership interest in Ashford Inc. and had a fair value of $14.8 million at September 30, 2018. This investment would typically be accounted for under the equity method of accounting, under Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 323-10 - Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures since we exercise significant influence. However, we have elected to record our investment in Ashford Inc. using the fair value option under ASC 825-10 - Fair Value Option - Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.

Investment in Unconsolidated Entity

Investment in Unconsolidated Entity—Investment in unconsolidated entity, in which we have ownership interest of 8.2% at September 30, 2018, is accounted for under the equity method of accounting by recording the initial investment and our percentage of interest in the entities’ net income/loss. We review our investment in unconsolidated entity for impairment in each reporting period pursuant to the applicable authoritative accounting guidance. An investment is impaired when its estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of our investment. Any impairment is recorded in equity in earnings (loss) in unconsolidated entity. No such impairment was recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Our investment in unconsolidated entity is considered to be a variable interest in the underlying entity. VIEs, as defined by authoritative accounting guidance, must be consolidated by a reporting entity if the reporting entity is the primary beneficiary because it has (i) the power to direct the VIE’s activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. Because we do not have the power and financial responsibility to direct the unconsolidated entity’s activities and operations, we are not considered to be the primary beneficiary of this entity on an ongoing basis and therefore such entity should not be consolidated. In evaluating VIEs, our analysis involves considerable management judgment and assumptions.

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation—Prior to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”) in the third quarter of 2018, stock/unit-based compensation for non-employees was accounted for at fair value based on the market price of the shares at period end that resulted in recording expense, included in “advisory services fee” and “management fees,” equal to the fair value of the award in proportion to the requisite service period satisfied during the period. Performance stock units (“PSUs”) and performance-based Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) units granted to certain executive officers were accounted for at fair value at period end based on a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model that resulted in recording expense, included in “advisory services fee,” equal to the fair value of the award in proportion to the requisite service period satisfied during the period. Stock/unit grants to independent directors are recorded at fair value based on the market price of the shares/units at grant date, which amount is fully expensed as the grants of stock/units are fully vested on the date of grant and included in “corporate general and administrative” expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

After the adoption of ASU 2018-07 in the third quarter of 2018, stock/unit-based compensation for non-employees is measured at the grant date and expensed ratably over the vesting period based on the original measurement as of the grant date. This results in the recording of expense, included in “advisory services fee” and “management fees,” equal to the ratable amount of the grant date fair value based on the requisite service period satisfied during the period. PSUs and Performance LTIP units granted to certain executive officers vest based on time and market conditions and are measured at the grant date fair value based on a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model. The subsequent expense is then ratably recognized over the service period as the service is rendered regardless of when, if ever, the market conditions are satisfied. This results in recording expense, included in “advisory services fee,” equal to the ratable amount of the grant date fair value based on the requisite service period satisfied during the period. Stock/unit grants to independent directors are measured at the grant date based on the market price of the shares/units at grant date, which amount is fully expensed as the grants of stock/units are fully vested on the date of grant.

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model, which requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The update replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The standard permits the use of either the full retrospective or cumulative effect (modified retrospective) transition method. This standard, referred to as “Topic 606,” does not materially affect the amount or timing of revenue recognition for revenues from room, food and beverage, and other hotel level sales. Additionally, we have historically disposed of hotel properties for cash sales with no contingencies and no future involvement in the hotel operations. Therefore, Topic 606 does not impact the recognition of hotel sales. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018, under the modified retrospective method, and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. See related disclosures in note 3.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”), which requires an entity to: (i) measure equity investments at fair value through net income, with certain exceptions; (ii) present in other comprehensive income the changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option; (iii) present financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; (iv) calculate the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes based on an exit price and; (v) assess a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses of available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities in combination with other deferred tax assets. ASU 2016-01 provides an election to subsequently measure certain nonmarketable equity investments at cost less any impairment and adjusted for certain observable price changes. It also requires a qualitative impairment assessment of such equity investments and amends certain fair value disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Certain provisions of ASU 2016-01 are eligible for early adoption. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments - a Consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU 2016-15”). The new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. Certain issues addressed in this guidance include - debt payments or debt extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, distributions received from equity method investments and beneficial interests in securitization transactions. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018 on a prospective basis as there were no required changes as a result of adoption. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”), which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether a transaction should be accounted for as an acquisition (or disposal) of an asset or a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. Under the new standard, certain future hotel acquisitions may be considered asset acquisitions rather than business combinations, which would affect capitalization of acquisitions costs (such costs are expensed for business combinations and capitalized for asset acquisitions).

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets (“ASU 2017-05”), which clarifies the scope of ASC Subtopic 610-20, Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. ASU 2017-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. An entity may elect to apply ASU 2017-05 under a retrospective or modified retrospective method. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018, under the modified retrospective method. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, which expanded the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from non-employees and aligns the guidance for share-based payments to non-employees with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted ASU 2018-07 effective July 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 has a material impact on our consolidated financial statements because the compensation expense related to our equity awards is now determined based on the grant date fair value of the awards and will be ratably recognized over the service period as the service is rendered as opposed to being marked-to-market in periods prior to adoption. For all existing equity awards, future equity-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the awards on July 1, 2018. See the Equity-Based Compensation section included above in our Significant Accounting Policies for further details.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases ("ASU 2018-10") and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements (“ASU 2018-11”). The amendments in ASU 2018-10 affect only narrow aspects of the guidance issued in the amendments in ASU 2016-02, including but not limited to lease residual value guarantee, rate implicit in the lease, lease term and purchase option. The amendments in ASU 2018-11 provide an optional transition method for adoption of the new standard, which will allow entities to continue to apply the legacy guidance in ASC 840, including its disclosure requirements, in the comparative periods presented in the year of adoption. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of 2019 on a modified retrospective basis. The accounting for leases under which we are the lessor remains largely unchanged. While we continue evaluating our lease portfolio to assess the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements, we expect the primary impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements upon adoption will be the recognition, on a discounted basis, of our future minimum rentals due under noncancelable leases on our condensed consolidated balance sheets resulting in the recording of ROU assets and lease obligations. We disclosed $175.4 million in undiscounted future minimum rentals due under non-cancelable leases in note 13 of our most recent 10-K. We are involving our property managers and implementing repeatable processes to manage ongoing lease data collection and analysis, and evaluating accounting policies and internal controls that will be impacted by the new standards. We have also engaged a third party valuation expert to assist us in determining the value of our ROU assets and operating lease liabilities including the determination of our incremental borrowing rate. We expect to use the transition method that includes the practical expedient that allows us to adopt effective January 1, 2019 and not reevaluate or recast prior periods, however we are still evaluating the available transition methods.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). The ASU sets forth an “expected credit loss” impairment model to replace the current “incurred loss” method of recognizing credit losses. The standard requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for most financial assets held. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-13 will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). ASU 2018-13 modifies certain disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements including requiring disclosures on changes in unrealized gains and losses in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and a requirement to disclose the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2018-13 will have on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Rooms revenue represents revenues from the occupancy of our hotel rooms and is driven by the occupancy and average daily rate charged. Rooms revenue includes revenue for guest no-shows, day use, and early/late departure fees. The contracts for room stays with customers are generally short in duration and revenues are recognized as services are provided over the course of the hotel stay.

Food & Beverage (“F&B”) revenue consists of revenue from the restaurants and lounges at our hotel properties, In-room dining and mini-bars revenue, and banquet/catering revenue from group and social functions. Other F&B revenue may include revenue from audio-visual equipment/services, rental of function rooms, and other F&B related revenues. Revenue is recognized as the services or products are provided. Our hotel properties may employ third parties to provide certain services at the property, for example, audio visual services. We evaluate each of these contracts to determine if the hotel is the principal or the agent in the transaction, and record the revenues as appropriate (i.e. gross vs. net).

Other revenue consists of ancillary revenue at the property, including attrition and cancellation fees, condo management fees, resort and destination fees, health center fees, spas, golf, telecommunications, parking, entertainment and other guest services, as well as rental revenue, primarily consisting of leased retail outlets at our hotel properties, and membership initiation fees and dues, primarily from club memberships. Attrition and cancellation fees are recognized for non-cancellable deposits when the customer provides notification of cancellation within established management policy time frames. Non-refundable membership initiation fees are recognized over the expected life of an active membership. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded $0 and $3.3 million of business interruption income for the Tampa Renaissance related to a settlement for lost profits from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

Taxes collected from customers and submitted to taxing authorities are not recorded in revenue. Interest income is recognized when earned. We discontinue recording interest and amortizing discounts/premiums when the contractual payment of interest and/or principal is not received when contractually due.