RHP Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc

– Gross Advanced Group Bookings for All Future Periods Increased 12.7 Percent Over Fourth Quarter 2013 –

– Reports Highest Gross Advanced Group Bookings Quarter Since 2005 –

– Reports Full Year 2014 Net Income of $126.5 Million –

– Reports Record Full Year Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Increase of 17.2 Percent to $291.1 Million –

– Declares First Quarter 2015 Dividend of $0.65 Per Share, an Increase of 18.2 Percent Over Prior-Quarter Dividend –

– Issues 2015 Guidance –

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE:RHP), a lodging real estate investment trust ("REIT") specializing in group-oriented, destination hotel assets in urban and resort markets, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2014.

Colin Reed, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Ryman Hospitality Properties, said, “Both our Hospitality and Entertainment (Opry and Attractions) segments exceeded our expectations for the fourth quarter of 2014, with the Hospitality segment reporting a record fourth quarter in terms of revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin. This robust fourth quarter performance capped off a record year for revenue and profitability and ultimately led the Company to exceed the top end of our 2014 updated guidance range. For the first time in the history of our business, we have achieved annual total revenue in excess of $1 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of over $291 million, which is a testament to the overall strength of our Company and the quality of our assets.

“On the bookings front, we entered the fourth quarter of 2014 with healthy lead volume, which ultimately converted into impressive advanced group bookings of approximately 870,000 gross room nights for all future years. Notably, December 2014 was the best sales production month in the history of the Company, closing out our best fourth quarter sales production since 2005. Overall, the brand booked approximately 2.3 million gross room nights for all future periods in 2014, making it the best production year since 2007.”

The Company’s results include the following:

    Three Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended ($ in thousands, except per share, RevPAR and Total RevPAR) Dec. 31, Dec. 31, 2014     2013 2014   2013   Net income $ 62,678 $ 30,162 $ 126,452 $ 118,352   Net income available to common shareholders $ 62,213 $ 30,162 $ 121,035 $ 113,483 Net income per diluted share available to common shareholders $ 1.21 $ 0.48 $ 2.17 $ 1.81   RevPAR $ 136.04 $ 123.39 $ 129.98 $ 120.89 RevPAR growth rate 10.3 % 7.5 %   Total RevPAR $ 362.32 $ 331.26 $ 322.81 $ 297.22 Total RevPAR growth rate 9.4 % 8.6 %   Adjusted EBITDA $ 77,682 $ 69,462 $ 291,080 $ 248,284 Adjusted EBITDA growth rate 11.8 % 17.2 %   Adjusted FFO (AFFO) $ 54,094 $ 58,978 $ 199,916 $ 174,760 AFFO per diluted share $ 1.05 $ 0.94 $ 3.58 $ 2.78 AFFO per diluted share growth rate 11.7 % 28.8 %  

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results (As Compared to Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2013)

• Total Revenue in fourth quarter 2014 increased 9.6 percent to $291.6 million. Full year Total Revenue increased 9.1 percent to $1.04 billion.
• Hospitality Revenue in fourth quarter 2014 increased 9.4 percent to $269.9 million. Full year Hospitality Revenue increased 8.6 percent to $954.2 million.
• Net Income for fourth quarter 2014 was $62.7 million compared to $30.2 million in fourth quarter 2013. Net Income for fourth quarter 2014 included an income tax benefit of $1.1 million, a gain of $1.8 million on warrant settlements, and a gain of $26.1 million related to the previously announced sale of the Company’s rights pursuant to a letter of intent with The Peterson Companies (Peterson LOI). Net Income for fourth quarter 2013 included an income tax benefit of $12.1 million and $0.8 million in REIT conversion costs. Net Income for full year 2014 was $126.5 million compared to $118.4 million for full year 2013. Net Income for full year 2014 included an income tax benefit of $1.5 million, a loss of $4.2 million on warrant settlements and related call options on the convertible notes, and a gain of $26.1 million related to the previously announced sale of the Peterson LOI. Net Income for the full year 2013 included an income tax benefit of $92.7 million and $22.2 million of REIT conversion costs.
• Net Income available to common shareholders for fourth quarter 2014 was $62.2 million compared to $30.2 million in fourth quarter 2013. Net Income available to common shareholders for fourth quarter 2014 also included a loss of $0.5 million on call spread and warrant modifications related to the convertible notes. Net Income available to common shareholders for full year 2014 was $121.0 million compared to $113.5 million for full year 2013. Net Income available to common shareholders for full year 2014 and 2013 also included a loss of $5.4 million and $4.9 million, respectively, on call spread and warrant modifications related to the convertible notes.
• Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, or Adjusted EBITDA, on a consolidated basis for fourth quarter 2014 increased 11.8 percent to $77.7 million. Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis for full year 2014 increased 17.2 percent to $291.1 million.
• Hospitality Adjusted EBITDA for fourth quarter 2014 increased 15.4 percent to $77.9 million. Hospitality Adjusted EBITDA for full year 2014 increased 16.7 percent to $285.9 million.
• Adjusted Funds from Operations, or AFFO, in fourth quarter decreased 8.3 percent to $54.1 million compared to $59.0 million in fourth quarter 2013. AFFO in fourth quarter 2014 included an income tax benefit of $1.1 million compared to a benefit of $13.4 million in fourth quarter 2013. AFFO per diluted share in fourth quarter was $1.05 compared to $0.94 in fourth quarter 2013. AFFO excluding REIT conversion costs per diluted share in fourth quarter 2013 was $0.93. AFFO for full year 2014 increased 14.4 percent to $199.9 million compared to $174.8 million in full year 2013. AFFO for full year 2014 included an income tax benefit of $1.5 million, compared to a net benefit of $27.9 million in full year 2013. AFFO per diluted share in full year 2014 was $3.58 compared to $2.78 in full year 2013. Excluding tax-effected REIT conversion costs incurred in full year 2013 of $15.4 million, AFFO for full year 2014 increased 5.1 percent. AFFO excluding REIT conversion costs per diluted share in full year 2013 was $3.03.
• Hospitality Revenue Per Available Room, or RevPAR, in fourth quarter 2014 increased 10.3 percent to $136.04. RevPAR for full year 2014 increased 7.5 percent to $129.98.
• Hospitality Total RevPAR in fourth quarter 2014 increased 9.4 percent to $362.32. Hospitality Total RevPAR for full year 2014 increased 8.6 percent to $322.81.
• Transient room nights in fourth quarter 2014 increased 7.9 percent to approximately 207,000 room nights, while transient Average Daily Rate, or ADR, increased 3.9 percent. Transient room nights for full year 2014 were in line with full year 2013 at approximately 580,000, while transient ADR increased 6.6 percent. Group room nights increased 5.1 percent for full year 2014, which led to less availability in 2014 for transient occupancy. In addition, there were approximately 36,000 room nights out of service at the Gaylord Texan in full year 2014 due to a now-completed room renovation project compared to 11,400 room nights out of service in full year 2013.
• Cancellations in-the-year, for-the-year in fourth quarter 2014 increased 39.6 percent to approximately 7,000 group rooms. Cancellations in-the-year, for-the-year for full year 2014 decreased 52.4 percent to approximately 32,000 group rooms.
• Attrition for groups that traveled in fourth quarter 2014 was 11.5 percent of contracted room block compared to 10.7 percent in fourth quarter 2013, and attrition and cancellation fees collected during fourth quarter 2014 were $2.3 million compared to $3.4 million in fourth quarter 2013. Attrition for groups that traveled during full year 2014 was 10.6 percent of contracted room block compared to 11.1 percent in full year 2013, and attrition and cancellation fees collected during full year 2014 were $8.9 million compared to $8.5 million in full year 2013.
• Gross advanced group bookings in fourth quarter 2014 for all future periods increased 12.7 percent to approximately 870,000 room nights; net advanced group bookings in fourth quarter 2014 for all future periods increased 21.6 percent over fourth quarter 2013 to approximately 775,000 room nights. Gross advanced group bookings during full year 2014 for all future periods increased 5.1 percent over full year 2013 to approximately 2.3 million room nights; net advanced group bookings during full year 2014 for all future periods increased 14.0 percent to approximately 1.8 million room nights.

For the Company’s definitions of RevPAR, Total RevPAR, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted FFO, as well as a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure Adjusted FFO to Net Income, see “Calculation of RevPAR and Total RevPAR,” “Non-GAAP Financial Measures,” “Revised Adjusted FFO Definition” and “Supplemental Financial Results” below.

Hospitality

Property-level results and operating metrics for fourth quarter 2014 and 2013 are presented in greater detail below and under “Supplemental Financial Results.” Highlights for the fourth quarter at each property include:

• Gaylord Opryland RevPAR increased 14.3 percent to $140.18 for fourth quarter 2014 compared to fourth quarter 2013. Total RevPAR increased 12.9 percent to $341.12. Occupancy increased 5.6 percentage points to 80.1 percent, driven by an increase in corporate group room nights and strong transient demand related to holiday packaging and special events. Holiday offerings were also the main driver of outside-the-room spending in fourth quarter 2014. The strength in overall occupancy at the hotel coupled with a 6.3 percent increase in ADR led to an Adjusted EBITDA improvement of 27.3 percent to $26.5 million in fourth quarter 2014 compared to fourth quarter 2013. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 330 basis points to 29.3 percent for the quarter.
• Gaylord Palms RevPAR increased 1.1 percent to $126.51 compared to fourth quarter 2013. Total RevPAR increased 2.6 percent to $355.60 compared to fourth quarter 2013, with holiday offerings driving a majority of outside-the-room spending during fourth quarter 2014. Occupancy decreased slightly to 73.7 percent from 74.4 percent in fourth quarter 2013. ADR increased 2.2 percent to $171.68. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 17.2 percent to $11.5 million in fourth quarter 2014 compared to fourth quarter 2013, and Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased 600 basis points to 25.0 percent. A $3.1 million sales and marketing expense reimbursement from Osceola County related to the termination of the tax incentive agreement for the previously-planned expansion of the property realized in fourth quarter 2013 unfavorably impacted the year-over-year comparison for Adjusted EBITDA. Excluding the impact of the 2013 sales and marketing reimbursement, Adjusted EBITDA would have increased 6.0 percent in fourth quarter 2014.
• Gaylord Texan RevPAR increased 8.7 percent to $136.87 in fourth quarter 2014 compared to fourth quarter 2013. An occupancy increase of 2.8 percentage points to 72.3 percent coupled with a favorable shift to corporate and high-rated transient room nights led to total RevPAR of $451.71, an increase of 13.0 percent compared to fourth quarter 2013. There were approximately 11,400 room nights out of service in fourth quarter 2013 due to the now-completed rooms renovation project. ADR increased 4.6 percent to $189.34 compared to fourth quarter 2013. Adjusted EBITDA increased 35.1 percent to $21.6 million compared to fourth quarter 2013, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin increased 560 basis points to 34.4 percent. Similar to the other properties, holiday offerings were the primary driver of outside-the-room spending during the fourth quarter.
• Gaylord National RevPAR increased 11.5 percent to $143.62 in fourth quarter 2014 compared to fourth quarter 2013. Total RevPAR increased 6.1 percent to $366.46 compared to fourth quarter 2013. Occupancy increased by 4.9 percentage points to 66.9 percent due to an increase in group room nights and strong transient demand in December related to holiday offerings. Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.9 percent to $16.3 million in fourth quarter 2014 compared to fourth quarter 2013, and Adjusted EBITDA margin was relatively flat.

Reed continued, “Our hotels performed well in the fourth quarter, with strong gains in occupancy and Total RevPAR. December 2014 marked the end of the second full year of our operating agreement with Marriott, and we are encouraged and energized by the continued margin improvements we have seen within our hotels in recent quarters that are more in line with what we envisioned at the outset of our relationship. In this year of milestones, we were particularly pleased to see Gaylord Opryland cross the $100 million Adjusted EBITDA mark and end 2014 with $311.5 million in revenue. We continue to believe there is room for additional margin improvement across the brand and will work in partnership with Marriott to grow the business in the years to come.”

Entertainment (Opry and Attractions)

Revenue for the Entertainment (Opry and Attractions) segment rose 12.5 percent to $21.7 million in fourth quarter 2014 from $19.3 million in fourth quarter 2013. Adjusted EBITDA increased 47.2 percent to $6.2 million in fourth quarter 2014 from $4.2 million in fourth quarter 2013. Full year 2014 revenue increased 14.2 percent to $86.8 million while Adjusted EBITDA increased 37.0 percent to $27.5 million over full year 2013.

Reed continued, “A tremendous fourth quarter from both a revenue and Adjusted EBITDA perspective closed out another record year for the Entertainment (Opry and Attractions) segment, which reported its best-ever year for revenue and Adjusted EBITDA in 2014. We look forward to creating additional demand for these enduring Nashville icons in 2015 when our previously announced Ryman Auditorium renovation and tour experience opens to the public. This project remains within budget, and we are on target to unveil the finished product in the spring of 2015 in time to capture the full benefit of the summer tourism season.”

Corporate

Corporate and Other Adjusted EBITDA totaled a loss of $6.4 million in fourth quarter 2014 compared to a loss of $2.3 million in fourth quarter 2013. Full year 2014 Corporate and Other Adjusted EBITDA totaled a loss of $22.3 million compared to a loss of $16.8 million in full year 2013. Full year 2014 included an increase in employee benefit and consulting costs compared to full year 2013. In addition, during fourth quarter 2013, the cash-based deferred compensation plan for our board of directors was terminated and replaced with a new compensation plan based on restricted stock unit awards. The result of this plan change was a one-time $3.4 million non-cash charge to equity-based compensation, offset by a $3.4 million reversal of cash compensation cost, which positively impacted Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter and full year 2013.

Development Update

The previously announced acquisition of a 192-room hotel at National Harbor closed in December 2014. The Company has contracted with Marriott to operate the property and re-brand the hotel under the AC Hotels by Marriott brand as AC Hotel Washington, D.C. at National Harbor (AC Hotel.). The Company expects the hotel to be closed through March 2015 as it undergoes renovation and repositioning.

Dividend Update

The Company paid its fourth quarter 2014 cash dividend of $0.55 per share of common stock on January 15, 2015 to stockholders of record on December 30, 2014. Including the fourth quarter cash dividend payment, the Company paid out a total of $2.20 per share of common stock for full year 2014.

Today, the Company declared its first quarter cash dividend of $0.65 per share of common stock payable on April 16, 2015 to stockholders of record on March 31, 2015. It is the Company’s current plan to distribute total 2015 annual dividends of approximately $2.60 per share in cash in equal quarterly payments in April, July, October, and January. To the extent that the expected regular quarterly dividends for 2015 do not satisfy the Company’s annual distribution requirements, the Company expects to satisfy the annual distribution requirement by paying a “catch up” dividend in January 2016. Any future dividend is subject to the board’s future determinations as to the amount of quarterly distributions and the timing thereof.

Revised Adjusted FFO Definition and Dividend Policy For 2015

Pursuant to discussions with shareholders and the analyst community, the Company is modifying its definition of Adjusted FFO beginning in 2015 to allow for comparability to our hospitality REIT peers. Beginning with 2015, Adjusted FFO will be calculated pursuant to the revised definition below and will not be reduced by capital expenditures. As a result, the Company’s dividend policy for 2015 has been modified. The new dividend policy reads, “The Company plans to pay a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders in an annualized amount equal to at least 50% of Adjusted Funds from Operations (Adjusted FFO) less maintenance capital expenditures, or 100% of REIT taxable income, whichever is greater.”

Warrant Update

In November 2014, the Company agreed with one of the warrant counterparties to cash settle 2.4 million warrants. The Company settled this repurchase in the fourth quarter for $65.0 million, funded by cash on hand and draws under the Company’s revolving credit facility, and recorded a $5.2 million loss on the change in the fair value of the warrants between the modification date and the settlement date, which is included in other gains and losses, net in the Company’s financial statements.

Pursuant to a December 2014 agreement with the two remaining warrant counterparties, the Company intends cash settle the remaining 4.7 million warrants, subject to market conditions, in the same manner as described above. The Company recorded a similar $7.1 million gain on the change in the fair value of these warrants between the modification date and December 31, which is included in other gains and losses, net in the Company’s financial statements. After the settlement of this transaction in the first quarter of 2015, no warrants will remain outstanding, effectively eliminating any potential equity dilution associated with these warrants. The Company is funding this repurchase through cash on hand and draws under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

Balance Sheet/Liquidity Update

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had total debt outstanding of $1,341.6 million and unrestricted cash of $76.4 million, resulting in net debt outstanding of $1,265.1 million. As of December 31, 2014, $984.5 million of borrowings were drawn under the Company’s credit facility, including the Term Loan B, and the lending banks had issued $2.3 million in letters of credit, which left $411.2 million of availability for borrowing under the credit facility.

Guidance

The following business performance outlook is based on current information as of February 26, 2015. The Company does not expect to update the guidance provided below before next quarter’s earnings release. However, the Company may update its full business outlook or any portion thereof at any time for any reason.

Reed continued, “We believe 2015 will be another strong year for our company. We entered 2015 with slightly more group room nights on the books than we had going into 2014, and we anticipate that the group segment will continue to strengthen. We also believe transient will continue its strong pacing. This strong demand growth, along with favorable supply dynamics in the markets in which we operate, should allow for improved pricing power and higher average daily rates for transient and in-the-year, for-the-year group room nights, which we are reflecting in anticipated RevPAR growth of 4.0% to 6.0% versus 2014. We expect outside-the-room spending to remain healthy; however, we do not anticipate the same level of growth year-over-year that we saw in 2014. As we examined each group on the books for 2015 compared to the same time entering 2014, we believe the outside-the-room spending, while solid, will grow at a more modest rate than what we experienced in 2014. Furthermore, recent enacted accounting changes for the hospitality industry, which became effective in January 2015, have realigned the accounting of certain revenue items. We estimate that the impact of these accounting changes will negatively impact our Total RevPAR growth by approximately 60 basis points. As such, we believe we will generate between 3.0% and 5.0% growth in Total RevPAR over 2014.

We are providing full year 2015 Adjusted EBITDA guidance for our Hospitality segment of $305.0 to $320.0 million and we anticipate Adjusted EBITDA margin will improve by 100 to 200 basis points. In addition, this Adjusted EBITDA guidance for our Hospitality segment includes the impact of initiating a room renovation project at Gaylord Opryland, which we believe will result in approximately 14,400 room nights out of service for 2015. For comparability purposes, we have not included the 192-room AC Hotel in our Hospitality RevPAR and Hospitality Total RevPAR guidance. We anticipate the AC Hotel will open by the end of the first quarter of 2015, and our partial-year Adjusted EBITDA guidance for this property is $2.0 to $3.0 million. Our 2015 Adjusted EBITDA guidance for the Entertainment (Opry and Attractions) segment is $29.0 to $32.0 million and Corporate & Other guidance for Adjusted EBITDA in 2015 is a loss of $23.0 to $22.0 million. As a result, our guidance for 2015 Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis is $313.0 to $333.0 million.”

$ in millions, except per share figures     Guidance Full Year 2015 Low     High   Hospitality RevPAR 1,2 4.0% 6.0% Hospitality Total RevPAR 1,2 3.0% 5.0% Hospitality Adjusted EBITDA Margin Change + 100 bps + 200 bps  

Adjusted EBITDA

Hospitality 3,4 $ 305.0 $ 320.0 AC Hotel 2.0 3.0 Entertainment (Opry and Attractions) 29.0 32.0 Corporate and Other   (23.0)   (22.0) Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA $ 313.0 $ 333.0   Adjusted FFO $ 255.5 $ 275.5 Adjusted FFO per Diluted Share $ 4.96 $ 5.34   Estimated Diluted Shares Outstanding 51.5 51.5  

1.

 

Hospitality segment guidance for RevPAR and Total RevPAR does not include the AC Hotel.

2.

Includes impact of various accounting changes as stipulated by the industry’s Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry, Eleventh Revised Edition (the “USALI Eleventh Revised Edition”), which became effective January 2015.

3.

Estimated interest income of $12.0 million from Gaylord National bonds reported in hospitality segment guidance in 2015 and historical results in 2014.

4.

Hospitality segment guidance assumes approximately 14,400 room nights out of service in 2015 due to the renovation of rooms at Gaylord Opryland. The out of service rooms do not impact total available room count for calculating hotel metrics (e.g., RevPAR and Total RevPAR).

 

For our definitions of RevPAR, Total RevPAR, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted FFO as well as a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income, and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure Adjusted FFO to Net Income, see “Calculation of RevPAR and Total RevPAR,” “Non-GAAP Financial Measures,” “Revised Adjusted FFO Definition,” “Supplemental Financial Results” and “Reconciliation of Forward-Looking Statements” below.

Earnings Call Information

Ryman Hospitality Properties will hold a conference call to discuss this release today at 10 a.m. ET. Investors can listen to the conference call over the Internet at www.rymanhp.com. To listen to the live call, please go to the Investor Relations section of the website (Investor Relations/Presentations, Earnings and Webcasts) at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register and download any necessary audio software. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call and will be available for at least 30 days.

About Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP) is a REIT for federal income tax purposes, specializing in group-oriented, destination hotel assets in urban and resort markets. The Company’s owned assets include a network of four upscale, meetings-focused resorts totaling 7,795 rooms that are managed by lodging operator Marriott International, Inc. under the Gaylord Hotels brand. Other owned assets managed by Marriott International, Inc. include Gaylord Springs Golf Links, the Wildhorse Saloon, the General Jackson Showboat, The Inn at Opryland, a 303-room overflow hotel adjacent to Gaylord Opryland and AC Hotel Washington, D.C. at National Harbor, a 192-room hotel opening in March 2015. The Company also owns and operates media and entertainment assets, including the Grand Ole Opry (opry.com), the legendary weekly showcase of country music’s finest performers for nearly 90 years; the Ryman Auditorium, the storied former home of the Grand Ole Opry located in downtown Nashville; and 650 AM WSM, the Opry’s radio home. For additional information about Ryman Hospitality Properties, visit www.rymanhp.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements as to the Company’s beliefs and expectations of the outcome of future events that are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of these statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the future performance of our business, the effect of the Company’s election of REIT status, estimated capital expenditures, out-of-service rooms, the expected approach to making dividend payments, the board’s ability to alter the dividend policy at any time and other business or operational issues. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These include the risks and uncertainties associated with economic conditions affecting the hospitality business generally, the geographic concentration of the Company’s hotel properties, business levels at the Company’s hotels, the effect of the Company’s election to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes commencing with the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company’s ability to remain qualified as a REIT, the Company’s ability to execute its strategic goals as a REIT, the Company’s ability to continue to realize cost savings and revenue enhancements from the REIT conversion and the Marriott transaction and to realize improvements in performance, the Company’s ability to generate cash flows to support dividends, future board determinations regarding the timing and amount of dividends and changes to the dividend policy, which could be made at any time, the determination of Adjusted FFO and REIT taxable income, and the Company’s ability to borrow funds pursuant to its credit agreements. Other factors that could cause operating and financial results to differ are described in the filings made from time to time by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and include the risk factors and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements made by it to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Additional Information

This release should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our most recent report on Form 10-K. Copies of our reports are available on our website at no expense at www.rymanhp.com and through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System (“EDGAR”) at www.sec.gov.

Calculation of RevPAR and Total RevPAR

We calculate revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) for our hotels by dividing room revenue by room nights available to guests for the period. We calculate total revenue per available room (“Total RevPAR”) for our hotels by dividing the sum of room revenue, food & beverage and other ancillary services revenue by room nights available to guests for the period.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We present the following non-GAAP financial measures we believe are useful to investors as key measures of our operating performance: Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted FFO, as described above.

To calculate Adjusted EBITDA, we determine EBITDA, which represents net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP, plus loss (income) from discontinued operations, net; provision (benefit) for income taxes; other (gains) and losses, net; loss on extinguishment of debt; (income) loss from unconsolidated entities; interest expense; and depreciation and amortization, less interest income. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as EBITDA plus preopening costs; non-cash ground lease expense; equity-based compensation expense; impairment charges; any closing costs of completed acquisitions; interest income on Gaylord National bonds; other gains (and losses); (gains) and losses on warrant settlements; (gain) on sale of Peterson LOI; REIT conversion costs and any other adjustments we have identified in this release. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because this measure helps investors evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest expense) and our asset base (primarily depreciation and amortization) from our operating results. A reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of segment operating income to segment Adjusted EBITDA are set forth below under “Supplemental Financial Results.” The losses on the call spread and warrant modifications related to our convertible notes and warrant repurchases do not result in a charge to net income; therefore, Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the impact of these losses.

Revised Adjusted FFO Definition

We calculate Adjusted FFO to mean net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding non-controlling interests, and gains and losses from sales of property; plus depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts) and impairment losses; we also exclude written-off deferred financing costs, non-cash ground lease expense, amortization of debt discounts and amortization of deferred financing cost, gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt and warrant settlements and gain on the sale of Peterson LOI. For periods prior to 2015, we also deducted capital expenditures. We also exclude the effect of the non-cash income tax benefit relating to the REIT conversion. We have presented Adjusted FFO both excluding and including REIT conversion costs. We believe that the presentation of Adjusted FFO provides useful information to investors regarding our operating performance because it is a measure of our operations without regard to specified non-cash items such as real estate depreciation and amortization, gain or loss on sale of assets and certain other items which we believe are not indicative of the performance of our underlying hotel properties. We believe that these items are more representative of our asset base than our ongoing operations. We also use Adjusted FFO as one measure in determining our results after taking into account the impact of our capital structure. A reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted FFO is set forth below under “Supplemental Financial Results.” The losses on the call spread and warrant modifications related to our convertible notes and warrant repurchases do not result in a charge to net income; therefore, Adjusted FFO does not reflect the impact of these losses.

We caution investors that amounts presented in accordance with our definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted FFO may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies, because not all companies calculate these non-GAAP measures in the same manner. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted FFO, and any related per share measures, should not be considered as alternative measures of our net income (loss), operating performance, cash flow or liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted FFO may include funds that may not be available for our discretionary use due to functional requirements to conserve funds for capital expenditures and property acquisitions and other commitments and uncertainties. Although we believe that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted FFO can enhance an investor’s understanding of our results of operations, these non-GAAP financial measures, when viewed individually, are not necessarily better indicators of any trend as compared to GAAP measures such as net income (loss) or cash flow from operations. In addition, you should be aware that adverse economic and market and other conditions may harm our cash flow.

                RYMAN HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Unaudited (In thousands, except per share data)     Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31, Dec. 31, 2014 2013 2014 2013 Revenues : Rooms $ 101,349 $ 91,927 $ 384,185 $ 357,313 Food and beverage 100,401 96,650 412,061 382,340 Other hotel revenue 68,181 58,216 157,920 138,856 Opry and Attractions   21,681         19,277     86,825     76,053  

Total revenues

  291,612         266,070     1,040,991     954,562     Operating expenses: Rooms 30,188 28,829 116,103 106,849 Food and beverage 63,610 59,579 248,358 237,153 Other hotel expenses 97,946 91,283 307,597 295,152 Management fees   4,666         4,206     16,151         14,652   Total hotel operating expenses 196,410 183,897 688,209 653,806 Opry and Attractions 15,576 15,202 59,815 56,528 Corporate 7,866 7,291 27,573 26,292 REIT conversion costs - 807 - 22,190 Casualty loss - (21 ) - 54 Preopening costs 11 - 11 - Impairment and other charges - 1,619 - 2,976 Depreciation and amortization   28,010         27,549     112,278         116,528   Total operating expenses   247,873         236,344     887,886         878,374     Operating income 43,739 29,726 153,105 76,188   Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized (13,170 ) (14,982 ) (61,447 ) (60,916 ) Interest income 3,005 3,144 12,075 12,267 Income from unconsolidated companies - - - 10 Loss on extinguishment of debt - - (2,148 ) (4,181 ) Other gains and (losses), net   28,059         82     23,415         2,447   Income before income taxes 61,633 17,970 125,000 25,815   Benefit for income taxes   1,096         12,136     1,467         92,662   Income from continuing operations 62,729 30,106 126,467 118,477   Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes   (51 )       56     (15 )       (125 ) Net income 62,678 30,162 126,452 118,352   Loss on call spread and warrant modifications related to convertible notes   (465 )       -     (5,417 )       (4,869 ) Net income available to common shareholders $ 62,213       $ 30,162   $ 121,035       $ 113,483    

Basic net income per share available to common shareholders:

Income from continuing operations $ 1.22 $ 0.60 $ 2.38 $ 2.22 Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes   -         -     -         -   Net income $ 1.22       $ 0.60   $ 2.38       $ 2.22    

Fully diluted net income per share available to common shareholders:

Income from continuing operations $ 1.21 $ 0.48 $ 2.17 $ 1.81 Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes   -         -     -         -   Net income $ 1.21       $ 0.48   $ 2.17       $ 1.81    

Weighted average common shares for the period:

Basic 51,026 50,527 50,861 51,174 Diluted (1) 51,483 62,458 55,880 62,810  

(1)

 

Represents GAAP calculation of diluted shares and does not consider anti-dilutive effect of the Company's purchased call options associated with its convertible notes. For the three months ended December 31, 2013, the purchased call options effectively reduce dilution by approximately 6.4 million shares of common stock. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the purchased call options effectively reduce dilution by approximately 4.5 million and 6.3 million shares of common stock, respectively.

    RYMAN HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES         CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Unaudited (In thousands)   Dec. 31, Dec. 31, 2014 2013   ASSETS: Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation $ 2,036,261 $ 2,067,997 Cash and cash equivalents - unrestricted 76,408 61,579 Cash and cash equivalents - restricted 17,410 20,169 Notes receivable 149,612 148,350 Trade receivables, net 45,188 51,782 Deferred financing costs 21,646 19,306 Prepaid expenses and other assets   66,621   55,446 Total assets $ 2,413,146 $ 2,424,629     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Debt and capital lease obligations $ 1,341,555 $ 1,154,420 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 166,848 157,339 Deferred income taxes 14,284 23,117 Deferred management rights proceeds 183,423 186,346 Dividends payable 29,133 25,780 Derivative liabilities 134,477 - Other liabilities 142,019 119,932 Stockholders' equity   401,407   757,695 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,413,146 $ 2,424,629                                   RYMAN HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL RESULTS ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION Unaudited (in thousands)     Three Months Ended Dec. 31, Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31, 2014 2013 2014   2013   $       Margin   $       Margin   $       Margin   $       Margin

Consolidated

Revenue $ 291,612 $ 266,070 $ 1,040,991 $ 954,562 Net income $ 62,678 $ 30,162 $ 126,452 $ 118,352 (Gain) loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes 51 (56 ) 15 125 Benefit for income taxes (1,096 ) (12,136 ) (1,467 ) (92,662 ) Other (gains) and losses, net (28,059 ) (82 ) (23,415 ) (2,447 ) Net loss on the extinguishment of debt - - 2,148 4,181 Income from unconsolidated companies - - - (10 ) Interest expense, net 10,165 11,838 49,372 48,649 Depreciation & amortization   28,010     27,549     112,278     116,528   EBITDA 71,749 24.6 % 57,275 21.5 % 265,383 25.5 % 192,716 20.2 % Preopening costs 11 - 11 - Non-cash lease expense 1,370 1,399 5,481 5,595 Equity-based compensation 1,554 5,157 5,773 10,095 Impairment charges - 1,619 - 2,976 Interest income on Gaylord National bonds 2,998 3,144 12,054 12,263 Other gains and (losses), net 28,058 82 23,415 2,447 Gain on Peterson LOI (26,135 ) - (26,135 ) - (Gain) loss on warrant settlements (1,822 ) - 4,243 - (Gain) loss on disposal of assets (101 ) - 855 (52 ) Casualty loss - (21 ) - 54 REIT conversion costs   -           807           -           22,190         Adjusted EBITDA $ 77,682       26.6 % $ 69,462       26.1 % $ 291,080       28.0 % $ 248,284       26.0 %  

Hospitality segment

Revenue $ 269,931 $ 246,793 $ 954,166 $ 878,509 Operating income $ 47,491 $ 36,024 $ 162,524 $ 111,133 Depreciation & amortization 26,019 25,219 103,422 103,147 Preopening costs 11 - 11 - Non-cash lease expense 1,370 1,399 5,481 5,595 Impairment charges - 1,469 - 2,826 Interest income on Gaylord National bonds 2,998 3,144 12,054 12,263 Other gains and (losses), net - 82 2,377 2,447 Gain on disposal of assets - - - (52 ) REIT conversion costs   -           184           -           7,597         Adjusted EBITDA $ 77,889       28.9 % $ 67,521       27.4 % $ 285,869       30.0 % $ 244,956       27.9 %  

Opry and Attractions segment

Revenue $ 21,681 $ 19,277 $ 86,825 $ 76,053 Operating income $ 4,830 $ 2,542 $ 21,752 $ 13,877 Depreciation & amortization 1,275 1,366 5,258 5,368 Equity-based compensation 133 163 519 575 Impairment charges - 150 - 150 Other gains and (losses), net - - 152 - Gain on disposal of assets - - (152 ) - Casualty loss - (95 ) - (95 ) REIT conversion costs   -           112           -           225         Adjusted EBITDA $ 6,238       28.8 % $ 4,238       22.0 % $ 27,529       31.7 % $ 20,100       26.4 %  

Corporate and Other segment

Operating loss $ (8,582 ) $ (8,840 ) $ (31,171 ) $ (48,822 ) Depreciation & amortization 716 964 3,598 8,013 Equity-based compensation 1,421 4,994 5,254 9,520 Other gains and (losses), net 28,058 - 20,886 - Gain on Peterson LOI (26,135 ) - (26,135 ) - (Gain) loss on warrant settlements (1,822 ) - 4,243 - (Gain) loss on disposal of assets (101 ) - 1,007 - Casualty loss - 74 - 149 REIT conversion costs   -     511     -     14,368   Adjusted EBITDA $ (6,445 ) $ (2,297 ) $ (22,318 ) $ (16,772 )               RYMAN HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL RESULTS FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS ("FFO") AND ADJUSTED FFO RECONCILIATION Unaudited (in thousands, except per share data)       Three Months Ended Dec. 31, Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31,   2014     2013     2014     2013  

Consolidated

Net income (1) $ 62,678 $ 30,162 $ 126,452 $ 118,352 Depreciation & amortization 28,010 27,549 112,278 116,528 Losses on sale of real estate assets   -     -     -     (52 ) FFO 90,688 57,711 238,730 234,828   Capital expenditures (2) (11,437 ) (7,755 ) (40,356 ) (29,801 ) Non-cash lease expense 1,370 1,399 5,481 5,595 Impairment charges 104 1,618 104 3,527 Gain on Peterson LOI (26,135 ) - (26,135 ) - Loss on extinguishment of debt - - 2,148 4,181 (Gain) loss on warrant settlements (1,822 ) - 4,243 - (Gain) loss on other assets (101 ) - 1,007 - Write-off of deferred financing costs - - - 1,845 Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,427 1,442 5,959 5,525 Amortization of debt discounts - 3,273 8,735 13,816 Noncash tax benefit resulting from REIT conversion   -     1,290     -     (64,756 ) Adjusted FFO (1) $ 54,094   $ 58,978   $ 199,916   $ 174,760   REIT conversion costs (tax effected)   -     (914 )   -     15,414   Adjusted FFO excluding REIT conversion costs (1) $ 54,094   $ 58,064   $ 199,916   $ 190,174       FFO per basic share $ 1.78 $ 1.14 $ 4.69 $ 4.59 Adjusted FFO per basic share $ 1.06 $ 1.17 $ 3.93 $ 3.42 Adjusted FFO (excl. REIT conversion costs) per basic share $ 1.06 $ 1.15 $ 3.93 $ 3.72   FFO per diluted share (3) $ 1.76 $ 0.92 $ 4.27 $ 3.74 Adjusted FFO per diluted share (3) $ 1.05 $ 0.94 $ 3.58 $ 2.78 Adjusted FFO (excl. REIT conversion costs) per diluted share (3) $ 1.05 $ 0.93 $ 3.58 $ 3.03  

(1)

 

As the impact of the loss on the call spread and warrant modifications related to our convertible notes does not represent a charge to net income, net income, Adjusted FFO and Adjusted FFO excluding REIT conversion costs do not include this loss.

 

(2)

Represents FF&E reserve for managed properties and maintenance capital expenditures for non-managed properties.

 

(3)

The GAAP calculation of diluted shares does not consider anti-dilutive effect of the Company's purchased call options associated with its convertible notes. For the three months ended December 31, 2013, the purchased call options effectively reduce dilution by approximately 6.4 million shares of common stock. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the purchased call options effectively reduce dilution by approximately 4.5 million and 6.3 million shares of common stock, respectively.

        RYMAN HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL RESULTS Unaudited (in thousands, except operating metrics)                           Three Months Ended Dec. 31, Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31,   2014     2013     2014     2013     HOSPITALITY OPERATING METRICS:  

Hospitality Segment

  Occupancy 74.2 % 70.3 % 73.3 % 70.7 % Average daily rate (ADR) $ 183.24 $ 175.48 $ 177.27 $ 170.89 RevPAR $ 136.04 $ 123.39 $ 129.98 $ 120.89 OtherPAR $ 226.28 $ 207.87 $ 192.83 $ 176.33 Total RevPAR $ 362.32 $ 331.26 $ 322.81 $ 297.22   Revenue $ 269,931 $ 246,793 $ 954,166 $ 878,509 Adjusted EBITDA $ 77,889 $ 67,521 $ 285,869 $ 244,956 Adjusted EBITDA Margin 28.9 % 27.4 % 30.0 % 27.9 %  

Gaylord Opryland

  Occupancy 80.1 % 74.5 % 76.2 % 72.8 % Average daily rate (ADR) $ 174.94 $ 164.63 $ 167.53 $ 158.24 RevPAR $ 140.18 $ 122.63 $ 127.60 $ 115.17 OtherPAR $ 200.94 $ 179.56 $ 168.49 $ 152.07 Total RevPAR $ 341.12 $ 302.19 $ 296.09 $ 267.24   Revenue $ 90,446 $ 80,125 $ 311,461 $ 281,118 Adjusted EBITDA $ 26,539 $ 20,850 $ 100,181 $ 82,181 Adjusted EBITDA Margin 29.3 % 26.0 % 32.2 % 29.2 %  

Gaylord Palms

  Occupancy 73.7 % 74.4 % 75.6 % 75.3 % Average daily rate (ADR) $ 171.68 $ 168.05 $ 169.80 $ 164.42 RevPAR $ 126.51 $ 125.10 $ 128.29 $ 123.74 OtherPAR $ 229.09 $ 221.65 $ 216.26 $ 201.26 Total RevPAR $ 355.60 $ 346.75 $ 344.55 $ 325.00   Revenue $ 45,996 $ 44,853 $ 176,818 $ 166,785 Adjusted EBITDA $ 11,493 $ 13,888 $ 48,900 $ 44,572 Adjusted EBITDA Margin 25.0 % 31.0 % 27.7 % 26.7 %  

Gaylord Texan

  Occupancy 72.3 % 69.5 % 70.9 % 71.3 % Average daily rate (ADR) $ 189.34 $ 181.08 $ 182.23 $ 172.74 RevPAR $ 136.87 $ 125.88 $ 129.12 $ 123.18 OtherPAR $ 314.84 $ 273.70 $ 237.92 $ 215.43 Total RevPAR $ 451.71 $ 399.58 $ 367.04 $ 338.61   Revenue $ 62,793 $ 55,547 $ 202,430 $ 186,747 Adjusted EBITDA $ 21,594 $ 15,981 $ 63,724 $ 51,680 Adjusted EBITDA Margin 34.4 % 28.8 % 31.5 % 27.7 %  

Gaylord National

  Occupancy 66.9 % 62.0 % 69.6 % 64.5 % Average daily rate (ADR) $ 214.62 $ 207.54 $ 205.04 $ 205.56 RevPAR $ 143.62 $ 128.75 $ 142.72 $ 132.49 OtherPAR $ 222.84 $ 216.63 $ 201.73 $ 186.65 Total RevPAR $ 366.46 $ 345.38 $ 344.45 $ 319.14   Revenue $ 67,295 $ 63,422 $ 250,948 $ 232,508 Adjusted EBITDA $ 16,253 $ 15,492 $ 68,728 $ 63,044 Adjusted EBITDA Margin 24.2 % 24.4 % 27.4 % 27.1 %  

The Inn at Opryland (1)

  Occupancy 78.7 % 69.9 % 72.7 % 68.9 % Average daily rate (ADR) $ 110.21 $ 107.06 $ 111.15 $ 107.57 RevPAR $ 86.74 $ 74.88 $ 80.77 $ 74.15 OtherPAR $ 35.23 $ 30.92 $ 32.33 $ 29.42 Total RevPAR $ 121.97 $ 105.80 $ 113.10 $ 103.57   Revenue $ 3,401 $ 2,846 $ 12,509 $ 11,351 Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,010 $ 1,310 $ 4,336 $ 3,479 Adjusted EBITDA Margin 59.1 % 46.0 % 34.7 % 30.6 %   (1) Includes other hospitality revenue and expense.         Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. and Subsidiaries Reconciliation of Forward-Looking Statements Unaudited (in thousands)       Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") and Adjusted Funds From Operations ("AFFO") reconciliation:             2015 GUIDANCE RANGE FOR FULL YEAR 2015 Low High

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

Net Income $ 111,000 $ 131,000 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 2,500 2,500 Other (gains) and losses, net (2,500 ) (2,500 ) Loss on warrant settlements 16,000 16,000 Interest expense 54,000 54,000 Interest income   (12,000 )   (12,000 ) Operating Income 169,000 189,000 Depreciation and amortization   117,000     117,000   EBITDA 286,000 306,000 Non-cash lease expense 5,500 5,500 Preopening expense 1,000 1,000 Equity based compensation 6,000 6,000 Other gains and (losses), net 2,500 2,500 Interest income   12,000     12,000   Adjusted EBITDA $ 313,000   $ 333,000    

Hospitality Segment 1

Operating Income $ 178,500 $ 194,500 Depreciation and amortization   107,500     107,500   EBITDA 286,000 302,000 Non-cash lease expense 5,500 5,500 Preopening expense 1,000 1,000 Equity based compensation - - Other gains and (losses), net 2,500 2,500 Interest income   12,000     12,000   Adjusted EBITDA $ 307,000   $ 323,000  

Entertainment (Opry and Attractions) Segment

  Operating Income $ 23,000 $ 26,000 Depreciation and amortization   5,500     5,500   EBITDA 28,500 31,500 Equity based compensation   500     500   Adjusted EBITDA $ 29,000   $ 32,000  

Corporate and Other Segment

  Operating Income $ (32,500 ) $ (31,500 ) Depreciation and amortization   4,000     4,000   EBITDA (28,500 ) (27,500 ) Equity based compensation   5,500     5,500   Adjusted EBITDA $ (23,000 ) $ (22,000 )

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

  Net income $ 111,000 $ 131,000 Depreciation & amortization 117,000 117,000 Non-cash lease expense 5,500 5,500 Amortization of DFC 6,000 6,000 Loss on warrant settlements   16,000       16,000   Adjusted FFO $ 255,500   $ 275,500     1 Hospitality includes AC Hotel

Investor Relations:Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.Mark Fioravanti, (615) 316-6588Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officermfioravanti@rymanhp.comorRyman Hospitality Properties, Inc.Todd Siefert, (615) 316-6344Vice President of Corporate Finance & Treasurertsiefert@rymanhp.comorMedia:Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.Brian Abrahamson, (615) 316-6302Vice President of Corporate Communicationsbabrahamson@rymanhp.comorSloane & CompanyJosh Hochberg or Dan Zacchei(212) 446-1892 or (212) 446-1882jhochberg@sloanepr.comdzacchei@sloanepr.com