10-Q


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549 

Form 10-Q

 (Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File No. 001-34521
HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware
 
20-1480589
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
71 South Wacker Drive
12th Floor, Chicago, Illinois
 
60606
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(312) 750-1234
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large accelerated filer
x
 
Accelerated filer
¨
 
Non-accelerated filer  
¨
 
Smaller reporting company         
¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  ¨    No  x
As of October 30, 2015, there were 29,197,002 shares of the registrant’s Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding and 109,628,962 shares of the registrant’s Class B common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding.




HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 
 




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.    Financial Statements.
HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions of dollars, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owned and leased hotels
$
500

 
$
555

 
$
1,549

 
$
1,695

Management and franchise fees
103

 
94

 
320

 
286

Other revenues
10

 
24

 
26

 
68

Other revenues from managed properties
440

 
431

 
1,324

 
1,287

Total revenues
1,053

 
1,104

 
3,219

 
3,336

DIRECT AND SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owned and leased hotels
385

 
422

 
1,160

 
1,267

Depreciation and amortization
78

 
91

 
233

 
269

Other direct costs
8

 
11

 
20

 
29

Selling, general, and administrative
54

 
77

 
221

 
244

Other costs from managed properties
440

 
431

 
1,324

 
1,287

Direct and selling, general, and administrative expenses
965

 
1,032

 
2,958

 
3,096

Net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund operating programs
(15
)
 
(3
)
 
(6
)
 
9

Equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures
(17
)
 
6

 
(46
)
 
22

Interest expense
(17
)
 
(17
)
 
(51
)
 
(54
)
Asset impairments
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(7
)
Gains on sales of real estate

 
3

 
9

 
65

Other income (loss), net
11

 
2

 
(3
)
 
(11
)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
45

 
63

 
159

 
264

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
(20
)
 
(30
)
 
(72
)
 
(100
)
NET INCOME
25

 
33

 
87

 
164

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION
$
25

 
$
32

 
$
87

 
$
162

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Basic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
0.18

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.60

 
$
1.06

Net income attributable to Hyatt Hotels Corporation
$
0.18

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.60

 
$
1.05

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Diluted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
0.18

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.60

 
$
1.06

Net income attributable to Hyatt Hotels Corporation
$
0.18

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.60

 
$
1.05

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

1


HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions of dollars)
(Unaudited)



 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
Net income
$
25

 
$
33

 
$
87

 
$
164

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (benefit) expense of $- and $(1) for the three months ended and $(2) and $- for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively
(35
)
 
(49
)
 
(82
)
 
(36
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities, net of tax expense of $6 and $3 for the three months ended and $10 and $2 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively
9

 

 
15

 
(6
)
Unrealized gains on derivative activity, net of tax expense of $- and $- for the three months ended and $- and $- for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

Other comprehensive loss
(25
)
 
(48
)
 
(66
)
 
(41
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 
(15
)
 
21

 
123

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION
$

 
$
(16
)
 
$
21

 
$
121

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


2


HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions of dollars, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
569

 
$
685

Restricted cash
97

 
359

Short-term investments
65

 
130

Receivables, net of allowances of $15 and $13 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
325

 
274

Inventories
13

 
17

Prepaids and other assets
109

 
108

Prepaid income taxes
84

 
47

Deferred tax assets
25

 
26

Assets held for sale

 
63

Total current assets
1,287

 
1,709

Investments
323

 
334

Property and equipment, net
4,032

 
4,186

Financing receivables, net of allowances
20

 
40

Goodwill
130

 
133

Intangibles, net
541

 
552

Deferred tax assets
233

 
196

Other assets
1,106

 
993

TOTAL ASSETS
$
7,672

 
$
8,143

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
$
318

 
$
9

Accounts payable
131

 
130

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
472

 
468

Accrued compensation and benefits
122

 
120

Liabilities held for sale

 
3

Total current liabilities
1,043

 
730

Long-term debt
1,059

 
1,381

Other long-term liabilities
1,436

 
1,401

Total liabilities
3,538

 
3,512

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 10)


 


EQUITY:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized and none outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

 

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 30,159,762 outstanding and issued at September 30, 2015, Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 441,623,374 shares authorized, 109,628,962 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 37,676,490 outstanding and 37,712,763 issued at December 31, 2014, Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 443,399,875 shares authorized, 111,405,463 shares outstanding and issued at December 31, 2014
1

 
2

Additional paid-in capital
2,103

 
2,621

Retained earnings
2,252

 
2,165

Treasury stock at cost, 0 shares and 36,273 shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively

 
(1
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(226
)
 
(160
)
Total stockholders’ equity
4,130

 
4,627

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
4

 
4

Total equity
4,134

 
4,631

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
7,672

 
$
8,143

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions of dollars)
(Unaudited)


 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
87

 
$
164

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
233

 
269

Deferred income taxes
(43
)
 
(16
)
Asset impairments
5

 
7

Equity (earnings) losses from unconsolidated hospitality ventures and distributions received
70

 
40

Foreign currency losses
13

 
2

Gains on sales of real estate
(9
)
 
(65
)
Provisions (recoveries) on hotel loans
(6
)
 

Working capital changes and other
46

 
(39
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
396

 
362

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Purchases of marketable securities and short-term investments
(450
)
 
(270
)
Proceeds from marketable securities and short-term investments
422

 
249

Contributions to investments
(29
)
 
(97
)
Proceeds from sale of investments
3

 

Return of investment
4

 
47

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 
(391
)
Capital expenditures
(185
)
 
(168
)
Proceeds from financing receivables
28

 
1

Proceeds from sales of real estate, net of cash disposed
86

 
324

Sales proceeds transferred to escrow as restricted cash

 
(232
)
Sales proceeds transferred from escrow to cash and cash equivalents
143

 
306

Decrease in restricted cash
19

 
16

Other investing activities
(17
)
 
(35
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
24

 
(250
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
12

 
184

Repayments of long-term debt
(5
)
 
(43
)
Repurchase of common stock
(539
)
 
(228
)
Repayment of capital lease obligation

 
(191
)
Other financing activities
(2
)
 
(9
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(534
)
 
(287
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
(2
)
 
(4
)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(116
)
 
(179
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—BEGINNING OF YEAR
685

 
454

Reclassification of cash and cash equivalents to assets held for sale

 
(12
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—END OF PERIOD
$
569

 
$
263

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for interest
$
66

 
$
70

Cash paid during the period for income taxes
$
121

 
$
181

Non-cash investing activities are as follows:
 
 
 
Change in accrued capital expenditures
$
(1
)
 
$
3


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)
 
1.    ORGANIZATION
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, "Hyatt Hotels Corporation") provide hospitality services on a worldwide basis through the development, management, franchising, licensing and ownership of hospitality related businesses. We develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to a portfolio of properties consisting of full service hotels, select service hotels, resorts and other properties, including timeshare, fractional and other forms of residential or vacation properties. As of September 30, 2015, (i) we operated or franchised 290 full service hotels, comprising 115,729 rooms throughout the world, (ii) we operated or franchised 299 select service hotels, comprising 41,025 rooms, of which 281 hotels are located in the United States, and (iii) our portfolio of properties included 5 franchised all inclusive Hyatt-branded resorts, comprising 1,854 rooms. Our portfolio of properties operate in 52 countries around the world and we hold ownership interests in certain of these properties.
As used in these Notes and throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, (i) the terms "Company," "HHC," "we," "us," or "our" mean Hyatt Hotels Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries and (ii) the term "Hyatt portfolio of properties" or "portfolio of properties" refers to hotels and other properties that we develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to, including under our Park Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Residences and Hyatt Residential Club brands.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information or footnotes required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements. As a result, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (the "2014 Form 10-K").
We have eliminated all intercompany transactions in our condensed consolidated financial statements. We consolidate entities for which we either have a controlling financial interest or are considered to be the primary beneficiary.
Management believes that the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are all of a normal recurring nature, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods.

2.    RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Adopted Accounting Standards
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") released Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 ("ASU 2014-08"), Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU 2014-08 changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and expands the required disclosures surrounding discontinued operations. The provisions of ASU 2014-08 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption was permitted for disposals that had not been reported in previously issued financial statements. We elected to early adopt ASU 2014-08 in the second quarter of 2014 and have no disposals which qualify as discontinued operations.
Future Adoption of Accounting Standards
In May 2014, the FASB released Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 ("ASU 2014-09"), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB released Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-14 ("ASU 2015-14"), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. ASU 2015-14 delays the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year, making it effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within

5



those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted as of the original effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09.
In June 2014, the FASB released Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-10 ("ASU 2014-10"), Development Stage Entities (Topic 915): Elimination of Certain Financial Reporting Requirements, Including an Amendment to Variable Interest Entities Guidance in Topic 810, Consolidation. ASU 2014-10 removes the financial reporting distinction between development stage entities and other reporting entities from GAAP and it eliminates an exception provided in the consolidation guidance for development stage enterprises. The provisions of ASU 2014-10 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. When adopted, ASU 2014-10 is not expected to materially impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB released Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15 ("ASU 2014-15"), Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. ASU 2014-15 provides guidance related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and the related footnote disclosures. The provisions of ASU 2014-15 are effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. When adopted, ASU 2014-15 is not expected to materially impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB released Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-01 ("ASU 2015-01"), Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. ASU 2015-01 eliminates all requirements regarding the separate classification, presentation, and disclosure of extraordinary events and transactions. The provisions of ASU 2015-01 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. When adopted, ASU 2015-01 is not expected to materially impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB released Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02 ("ASU 2015-02"), Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ASU 2015-02 provides guidance related to management’s evaluation of consolidation for certain legal entities. The provisions of ASU 2015-02 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. When adopted, ASU 2015-02 is not expected to materially impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB released Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03 ("ASU 2015-03"), Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. In August 2015, the FASB released Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-15 ("ASU 2015-15"), Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting (SEC Update). ASU 2015-15 states that, given the absence of authoritative guidance within ASU 2015-03 for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, the SEC staff would not object to an entity presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The provisions of ASU 2015-03 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and the interim periods within those fiscal years. When adopted, ASU 2015-03, as clarified by ASU 2015-15, is not expected to materially impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.
In September 2015, the FASB released Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16 ("ASU 2015-16"), Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination that are identified during the measurement period, and instead requires an acquirer to recognize adjustments in the reporting period in which the adjusted amounts are determined. The provisions of ASU 2015-16 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. When adopted, ASU 2015-16 is not expected to materially impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

6



3.    EQUITY AND COST METHOD INVESTMENTS
We have investments that are recorded under both the equity and cost methods. These investments are considered to be an integral part of our business and are strategically and operationally important to our overall results. Our equity and cost method investment balances recorded at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Equity method investments
$
300

 
$
311

Cost method investments
23

 
23

Total investments
$
323

 
$
334

During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we sold an entity which held an interest in one of our foreign currency denominated equity method joint ventures within our owned and leased hotels segment, for which we received proceeds of $3 million. In connection with the sale, we released $21 million of accumulated foreign currency translation losses, which has been recorded to equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures on our condensed consolidated statements of income.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, a joint venture in which we held an ownership interest and which was classified as an equity method investment within our owned and leased hotels segment, sold the Hyatt Place Houston/Sugar Land to a third party, for which we received proceeds of $12 million. We recorded a deferred gain of $10 million, which is being amortized over the term of the management agreement for the hotel into management and franchise fees within the Americas management and franchising segment.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, a joint venture in which we held an ownership interest and which was classified as an equity method investment within our owned and leased hotels segment, sold the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport and another building to a third party, for which we received proceeds of $19 million. We recorded a deferred gain of $18 million, which is being amortized over the remaining term of the management agreement for the hotel into management and franchise fees within the Americas management and franchising segment.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, a joint venture in which we held an ownership interest and which was classified as an equity method investment within our owned and leased hotels segment, sold the Hyatt Place Coconut Point to a third party, for which we received proceeds of $5 million. This hotel was sold subject to a franchise agreement. We recorded a gain of $2 million, which has been recorded to equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures on our condensed consolidated statements of income.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, a joint venture in which we held an ownership interest and which was classified as an equity method investment within our owned and leased hotels segment, sold the Hyatt Place Austin Downtown to a third party, for which we received proceeds of $28 million. The hotel was sold subject to a franchise agreement. We recorded a gain of $20 million, which has been recorded to equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures on our condensed consolidated statements of income.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded no impairment charges related to our unconsolidated hospitality ventures. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded $1 million and $3 million, respectively, in impairment charges in equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures related to two equity method investments.
The following table presents summarized financial information for all unconsolidated ventures in which we hold an investment that is accounted for under the equity method:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Total revenues
$
280

 
$
320

 
$
825

 
$
936

Gross operating profit
88

 
98

 
236

 
262

Income from continuing operations
42

 
22

 
26

 
38

Net income
42

 
22

 
26

 
38



7



4.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). GAAP establishes a valuation hierarchy for prioritizing the inputs that places greater emphasis on the use of observable market inputs and less emphasis on unobservable inputs. When determining fair value, an entity is required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:
Level One—Fair values based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
Level Two—Fair values based on quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in inactive markets for identical assets and liabilities, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the asset or liability;
Level Three—Fair values based on inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. Valuation techniques could include the use of discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.
We have various financial instruments that are measured at fair value including certain marketable securities. We currently do not have non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
We utilize the market approach and income approach for valuing our financial instruments. The market approach utilizes prices and information generated by market transactions involving identical or similar assets and liabilities and the income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts (for example, cash flows or earnings) to a single present amount (discounted). For instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of fair value assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had the following financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 
September 30, 2015
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Short-term Investments
 
Prepaids and Other Assets
 
Other Assets
Level One - Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing money market funds
$
36

 
$
36

 
$

 
$

 
$

Mutual funds
319

 

 

 

 
319

Level Two - Significant Other Observable Inputs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits
69

 

 
62

 

 
7

U.S. government obligations
132

 

 

 
23

 
109

U.S. government agencies
81

 

 
1

 
7

 
73

Corporate debt securities
165

 

 
2

 
25

 
138

Mortgage-backed securities
26

 

 

 
5

 
21

Asset-backed securities
29

 

 

 
5

 
24

Municipal and provincial notes and bonds
3

 

 

 
1

 
2

Level Three - Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred shares
305

 

 

 

 
305

Total
$
1,165

 
$
36

 
$
65

 
$
66

 
$
998


8




 
December 31, 2014
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Short-term Investments
 
Prepaids and Other Assets
 
Other Assets
Level One - Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing money market funds
$
70

 
$
70

 
$

 
$

 
$

Mutual funds
341

 

 

 

 
341

Level Two - Significant Other Observable Inputs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits
130

 

 
130

 

 

U.S. government obligations
127

 

 

 
20

 
107

U.S. government agencies
34

 

 

 
5

 
29

Corporate debt securities
128

 

 

 
20

 
108

Mortgage-backed securities
23

 

 

 
4

 
19

Asset-backed securities
23

 

 

 
4

 
19

Municipal and provincial notes and bonds
3

 

 

 

 
3

Level Three - Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred shares
280

 

 

 

 
280

Total
$
1,159

 
$
70

 
$
130

 
$
53

 
$
906

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, there were no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. Our policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the end of each quarterly reporting period.
Marketable Securities
Our portfolio of marketable securities consists of various types of money market funds, mutual funds, time deposits, fixed income securities, including U.S. government obligations, obligations of other U.S. government agencies, corporate debt securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, municipal and provincial notes and bonds, and preferred shares. We invest a portion of our cash balance into short-term interest bearing money market funds that have a maturity of less than ninety days. Consequently, the balances are recorded in cash and cash equivalents. The funds are held with open-ended registered investment companies and the fair value of the funds is classified as Level One as we are able to obtain market available pricing information on an ongoing basis. The fair value of our mutual funds are classified as Level One as they trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis. Time deposits are recorded at par value, which approximates fair value and are included within short-term investments and classified as Level Two. The remaining securities, other than our investment in preferred shares, are classified as Level Two due to the use and weighting of multiple market inputs being considered in the final price of the security. Market inputs include quoted market prices from active markets for identical securities, quoted market prices for identical securities in inactive markets, and quoted market prices in active and inactive markets for similar securities.
Marketable Securities Held to Fund Operating Programs—At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, total marketable securities held for the Hyatt Gold Passport Fund, certain deferred compensation plans, and our captive insurance company recorded at fair value and included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows: 
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Marketable securities held by the Hyatt Gold Passport Fund
$
386

 
$
357

Marketable securities held to fund deferred compensation plans
319

 
341

Marketable securities held to fund captive insurance company
82

 

Total marketable securities
$
787

 
$
698


9



The impact to net income from total gains or losses included in net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund operating programs due to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date was insignificant for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014.
We hold redeemable, convertible preferred shares in Playa Hotels and Resorts B.V. ("Playa"), which we have classified as an available for sale ("AFS") debt security and is included in other assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The investment is remeasured quarterly to fair value and the changes are recorded through other comprehensive income (loss).
We estimated the fair value of the Playa preferred shares using an option pricing model. This model requires that we make certain assumptions regarding the expected volatility, term, risk-free interest rate over the expected term, dividend yield and enterprise value. Financial forecasts were used in the computation of the enterprise value using the income approach, based on assumed revenue growth rates and operating margin levels. The risks associated with achieving these forecasts were assessed in selecting the appropriate cost of capital. There is inherent uncertainty in our assumptions, and fluctuations in these assumptions will result in different estimates of fair value. Due to the lack of availability of market data, the preferred shares are classified as Level Three.
A summary of the significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our preferred investment in Playa as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, is as follows:
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Expected term
0.50 years

 
0.75 years

Risk-free Interest Rate
0.08
%
 
0.19
%
Volatility
48.4
%
 
43.9
%
Dividend Yield
12
%
 
10
%
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the cost or amortized cost value for our preferred investment in Playa was $271 million and the fair value of this AFS debt security was as follows: 
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) - Preferred Shares
 
2015
 
2014
Fair value at January 1, recorded in other assets
$
280

 
$
278

Gross unrealized gains, recorded in other comprehensive income (loss)
10

 

Gross unrealized losses, recorded in other comprehensive income (loss)

 
(7
)
Fair value at June 30, recorded in other assets
$
290

 
$
271

Gross unrealized gains, recorded in other comprehensive income (loss)
15

 
3

Fair value at September 30, recorded in other assets
$
305

 
$
274


There were no realized gains or losses on AFS debt securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014.

Other Financial Instruments
We estimated the fair value of financing receivables using a discounted cash flow analysis based on current market assumptions for similar types of arrangements. Based upon the availability of market data, we have classified our financing receivables as Level Three. The primary sensitivity in these calculations is based on the selection of appropriate interest and discount rates. Fluctuations in these assumptions will result in different estimates of fair value. For further information on financing receivables, see Note 5.
We estimated the fair value of debt, excluding capital leases, which, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, consisted primarily of $250 million of 3.875% senior notes due 2016 (the "2016 Notes"), $196 million of 6.875% senior notes due 2019 (the "2019 Notes"), $250 million of 5.375% senior notes due 2021 (the "2021 Notes"), and $350 million of 3.375% senior notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes" which, together with the 2016 Notes, the 2019 Notes, and the 2021 Notes are collectively referred to as the "Senior Notes"), bonds and other debt. Our Senior Notes and bonds are classified as Level Two due to the use and weighting of multiple market

10



inputs in the final price of the security. Market inputs include quoted market prices from active markets for identical securities, quoted market prices for identical securities in inactive markets, and quoted market prices in active and inactive markets for similar securities. We estimated the fair value of our other debt instruments using a discounted cash flow analysis based on current market inputs for similar types of arrangements. Based upon the availability of market data, we have classified our other debt as Level Three. The primary sensitivity in these calculations is based on the selection of appropriate discount rates. Fluctuations in these assumptions will result in different estimates of fair value.
The carrying amounts and fair values of our other financial instruments are as follows:

 
Asset (Liability)
 
September 30, 2015
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level One)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level Two)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level Three)
Financing receivables, net (current and long-term)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Secured financing to hotel owners
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Unsecured financing to hotel owners
21

 
21

 

 

 
21

Debt, excluding capital lease obligations
(1,361
)
 
(1,433
)
 

 
(1,286
)
 
(147
)

 
Asset (Liability)
 
December 31, 2014
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level One)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level Two)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level Three)
Financing receivables, net (current and long-term)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Secured financing to hotel owners
$
26

 
$
29

 
$

 
$

 
$
29

Unsecured financing to hotel owners
15

 
14

 

 

 
14

Debt, excluding capital lease obligations
(1,373
)
 
(1,479
)
 

 
(1,319
)
 
(160
)

5.    FINANCING RECEIVABLES
We have divided our financing receivables, which include loans and other financing arrangements, into two portfolio segments based on their initial measurement, risk characteristics and our method for monitoring or assessing credit risk. These portfolio segments correspond directly with our assessed class of receivables and are as follows:
Secured Financing to Hotel Owners—These financing receivables are senior secured mortgage loans and are collateralized by underlying hotel properties currently in operation. At December 31, 2014, these loans represented financing provided to certain franchisees for the renovation and conversion of certain franchised hotels. At September 30, 2015, there are no outstanding secured financing to hotel owners.
Unsecured Financing to Hotel Owners—These financing receivables are primarily made up of individual unsecured loans and other types of financing arrangements provided to hotel owners. Our other financing receivables have stated maturities and interest rates. However, the expected repayment terms may be dependent on the future cash flows of the hotels and these instruments, therefore, are not considered loans

11



as the repayment dates are not fixed or determinable. Because the other types of financing arrangements are not considered loans, we do not include them in our impaired loans analysis.
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, all of our outstanding secured financing to hotel owners financing receivables were settled. We received net cash proceeds of $26 million, an unsecured financing receivable of $6 million, and preferred equity investments of $7 million. The preferred equity investments include a $6 million held-to-maturity debt security and a $1 million cost method investment, both of which are included within our owned and leased hotels segment. The settlements of the secured financing receivables resulted in a net recovery of $8 million, which has been recognized in other income (loss), net on our condensed consolidated statements of income during the three months ended September 30, 2015.
The two portfolio segments of financing receivables and their balances at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Secured financing to hotel owners
$

 
$
39

Unsecured financing to hotel owners
116

 
102

 
116

 
141

Less allowance for losses
(95
)
 
(100
)
Less current portion included in receivables, net
(1
)
 
(1
)
Total long-term financing receivables, net
$
20

 
$
40

Allowance for Losses and Impairments
We individually assess all loans for impairment. In addition to loans, we include other types of financing arrangements in the unsecured financing to hotel owners portfolio which we do not assess individually for impairment. However, we regularly evaluate our reserves for these other types of financing arrangements and record provisions in the financing receivables allowance as necessary. Impairment charges for loans within both portfolios and reserves related to our other financing arrangements are recorded as provisions in the financing receivables allowance. We consider the provisions on all of our portfolio segments to be adequate based on the economic environment and our assessment of the future collectability of the outstanding loans.

12



The following tables summarize the activity in our financing receivables allowance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014:
 
Secured financing to hotel owners
 
Unsecured financing to hotel owners
 
Total
Allowance at January 1, 2015
$
13

 
$
87

 
$
100

  Provisions
2

 
4

 
6

  Other Adjustments

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Allowance at June 30, 2015
$
15

 
$
90

 
$
105

  Provisions
1

 
1

 
2

  Write-offs
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
  Recoveries
(9
)
 

 
(9
)
  Other Adjustments
(6
)
 
4

 
(2
)
Allowance at September 30, 2015
$

 
$
95

 
$
95


Secured financing to hotel owners

Unsecured financing to hotel owners
 
Total
Allowance at January 1, 2014
$
13


$
83

 
$
96

  Provisions


3

 
3

  Other Adjustments

 
1

 
1

Allowance at June 30, 2014
$
13

 
$
87

 
$
100

  Provisions

 
2

 
2

  Other Adjustments

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Allowance at September 30, 2014
$
13

 
$
87

 
$
100

We routinely evaluate loans within financing receivables for impairment. To determine whether an impairment has occurred, we evaluate the collectability of both interest and principal. A loan is considered to be impaired when the Company determines that it is probable that we will not be able to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms. We do not record interest income for impaired loans unless cash is received, in which case the payment is recorded to other income (loss), net on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.
An analysis of our loans included in secured financing to hotel owners and unsecured financing to hotel owners had the following impaired amounts at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, all of which had a related allowance recorded against them:
Impaired Loans
September 30, 2015
 
Gross Loan Balance (Principal and Interest)
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Loan Balance
Secured financing to hotel owners
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Unsecured financing to hotel owners
57

 
41

 
(57
)
 
54


Impaired Loans
December 31, 2014
 
Gross Loan Balance (Principal and Interest)
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Loan Balance
Secured financing to hotel owners
$
39

 
$
39

 
$
(13
)
 
$
39

Unsecured financing to hotel owners
52

 
37

 
(52
)
 
52


13



Interest income recognized on these impaired loans within other income (loss), net on our condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Secured financing to hotel owners
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
1

Unsecured financing to hotel owners

 

 

 


Credit Monitoring
On an ongoing basis, we monitor the credit quality of our financing receivables based on payment activity.
Past-due Receivables—We determine financing receivables to be past due based on the contractual terms of each individual financing receivable agreement.
Non-Performing Receivables—Receivables are determined to be non-performing based upon the following criteria: (1) if interest or principal is more than 90 days past due for secured financing to hotel owners and unsecured financing to hotel owners or (2) if an impairment charge has been recorded for a loan or a provision established for our other financing arrangements. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, no interest income was accrued for secured financing to hotel owners and unsecured financing to hotel owners more than 90 days past due.
If a financing receivable is non-performing, we place the financing receivable on non-accrual status. We only recognize interest income when cash is received for financing receivables on non-accrual status. Accrual of interest income is resumed when the receivable becomes contractually current and collection doubts are removed.
The following tables summarize our aged analysis of past-due financing receivables by portfolio segment, the gross balance of financing receivables greater than 90 days past due and the gross balance of financing receivables on non-accrual status as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
Analysis of Financing Receivables
September 30, 2015
 
Receivables
Past Due
 
Greater than 90 Days Past Due
 
Receivables on
Non-Accrual
Status
Secured financing to hotel owners
$

 
$

 
$

Unsecured financing to hotel owners*
3

 
3

 
88

Total
$
3

 
$
3

 
$
88


Analysis of Financing Receivables
December 31, 2014
 
Receivables
Past Due
 
Greater than 90 Days Past Due
 
Receivables on
Non-Accrual
Status
Secured financing to hotel owners
$

 
$

 
$
39

Unsecured financing to hotel owners*
3

 
3

 
87

Total
$
3

 
$
3

 
$
126

* Certain of these receivables have been placed on non-accrual status and we have recorded allowances for these receivables based on estimates of future cash flows available for payment of these financing receivables. However, a majority of these payments are not past due.


6.    ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
We continually assess strategic acquisitions and dispositions to complement our current business. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we did not have any acquisitions.
Park Hyatt New York—During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we acquired the Park Hyatt New York hotel for a purchase price of approximately $392 million, including $1 million of cash. Of the $391 million net purchase price, significant assets acquired include $386 million of property and equipment, $3 million of inventories,

14



and $2 million of prepaids and other assets, which have been recorded in our owned and leased hotels segment. See "Like-Kind Exchange Agreements" below, as the purchase of the Park Hyatt New York has been designated as replacement property in a like-kind exchange.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress—During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we exercised our purchase option under the capital lease to acquire the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress hotel for $191 million.
Dispositions
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis—During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we sold Hyatt Regency Indianapolis for $69 million, net of closing costs, to an unrelated third party, and entered into a long-term franchise agreement with the owner of the property. The sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of $8 million, which has been recognized in gains on sales of real estate on our condensed consolidated statements of income during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The operating results and financial position of this hotel prior to the sale remain within our owned and leased hotels segment. As of December 31, 2014, we had classified the assets and liabilities of this property as held for sale on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Land Held for Development—During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we sold land and construction in progress for $14 million to an unconsolidated hospitality venture in which Hyatt has a 40% ownership interest. As of September 30, 2015, we received $12 million in cash proceeds and $2 million is recorded as a receivable on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The assets prior to the sale remain within our owned and leased hotels segment.
A Hyatt House Hotel—During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we sold a select service property for $5 million to an unrelated third party resulting in a $1 million pre-tax gain which has been recognized in gains on sales of real estate on our condensed consolidated statements of income during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The operating results and financial position of this hotel prior to the sale remain within our owned and leased hotels segment.
Hyatt, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House 2014—During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we sold nine select service properties and one full service property for a total of $311 million, net of closing costs, to an unrelated third party. In connection with the sale, we transferred net cash and cash equivalents of $1 million, resulting in a net sales price of $310 million. We recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $65 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The properties will remain Hyatt-branded hotels for a minimum of 25 years under long-term agreements. The gain has been recognized in gains on sales of real estate on our condensed consolidated statements of income during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The operating results and financial position of these hotels prior to the sale remain within our owned and leased hotels segment. See "Like-Kind Exchange Agreements" below, as proceeds from the sales have been used in a like-kind exchange.
As a result of certain of the above-mentioned dispositions, we have agreed to provide indemnifications to third-party purchasers for certain liabilities incurred prior to sale and for breach of certain representations and warranties made during the sales process, such as representations of valid title, authority, and environmental issues that may not be limited by a contractual monetary amount. These indemnification agreements survive until the applicable statutes of limitation expire, or until the agreed upon contract terms expire.
Like-Kind Exchange Agreements
Periodically, we enter into like-kind exchange agreements upon the disposition of certain properties. Pursuant to the terms of these agreements, the proceeds from the sales are placed into an escrow account administered by a qualified intermediary. The proceeds are recorded to restricted cash on our condensed consolidated balance sheets and released once they are utilized as part of a like-kind exchange agreement or when a like-kind exchange agreement is not completed within the allowable time period.
In conjunction with the sale of five Hyatt Place properties during the year ended December 31, 2014, we entered into like-kind exchange agreements with a qualified intermediary. Pursuant to the like-kind exchange agreements, the combined net proceeds of $51 million from the sales of these hotels were placed into an escrow account administered by a qualified intermediary. Accordingly, we classified net proceeds of $51 million related to the properties as restricted cash on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we released the net proceeds since the identified replacement property was not acquired in order to complete the exchange.

15



In conjunction with the sale of thirty-eight select service properties during the year ended December 31, 2014, we entered into two separate like-kind exchange agreements with a qualified intermediary for twenty-seven of the select service hotels. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we utilized the net proceeds from twenty-one of the twenty-seven hotels as part of the like-kind exchange agreement to acquire the Park Hyatt New York. Accordingly, we classified net proceeds of $92 million related to the remaining six properties as restricted cash on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we released the net proceeds from restricted cash as the intermediary distributed these funds from escrow to complete the reverse like-kind exchange transaction in connection with the acquisition of the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa.
In conjunction with the sale of nine select service properties and one full service property during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we entered into like-kind exchange agreements with a qualified intermediary for seven of the select service hotels. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded and released net proceeds of $232 million from restricted cash as they were utilized as part of the like-kind exchange agreement to acquire the Hyatt Regency Orlando.
In conjunction with the sale of Hyatt Key West during the year ended December 31, 2013, we entered into a like-kind exchange agreement with a qualified intermediary. Pursuant to the like-kind exchange agreement, the $74 million net proceeds from the sale of this hotel were placed into an escrow account administered by the intermediary. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the net proceeds were released from restricted cash as they were utilized as part of the like-kind exchange agreement to acquire the Hyatt Regency Orlando.

7.    GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
We review the carrying value of our goodwill and indefinite-lived brand intangible asset during our annual impairment test during the fourth quarter of each year using balances as of October 1 and at an interim date if indications of impairment exist by performing either a qualitative or quantitative assessment. When determining fair value, we utilize internally developed discounted future cash flow models, third party appraisals and, if appropriate, current estimated net sales proceeds from pending offers. We then compare the estimated fair value to our carrying value. If the carrying value of our goodwill is in excess of the fair value, we must determine our implied fair value of goodwill to evaluate if any impairment charge is necessary. If the carrying value of our indefinite-lived brand intangible asset is in excess of the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, no impairment charges were recorded related to goodwill or our indefinite-lived brand intangible asset. Goodwill was $130 million and $133 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, we classified $14 million of goodwill related to Hyatt Regency Indianapolis as held for sale on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we sold Hyatt Regency Indianapolis (see Note 6).
Definite-lived intangible assets primarily include management and franchise agreement intangibles, lease related intangibles and advanced booking intangibles. Management and franchise agreement intangibles are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over their contract terms, which range from approximately 5 to 30 years. Lease related intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Advanced booking intangibles are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of the advanced booking. Definite-lived intangibles are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. There were no impairment charges related to definite-lived intangible assets during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014.

16



The following is a summary of intangible assets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
Weighted-
Average Useful
Lives in Years
 
December 31, 2014
Management and franchise agreement intangibles
$
521

 
25

 
$
511

Lease related intangibles
139

 
111

 
143

Advanced booking intangibles
12

 
5

 
12

Brand intangible
7

 

 
7

Other
8

 
11

 
8

 
687

 
 
 
681

Accumulated amortization
(146
)
 
 
 
(129
)
Intangibles, net
$
541

 
 
 
$
552

Amortization expense relating to intangible assets was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Amortization expense
$
8

 
$
7

 
$
23

 
$
22


 
8.    LIABILITIES
Other long-term liabilities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following:
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Deferred gains on sales of hotel properties
$
373

 
$
383

Deferred compensation plans
319

 
341

Hyatt Gold Passport Fund
312

 
284

Guarantee liabilities (see Note 10)
91

 
110

Other
341

 
283

Total
$
1,436

 
$
1,401

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities includes $145 million and $132 million of liabilities related to the Hyatt Gold Passport Fund at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.


9.    INCOME TAXES

The effective income tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, were 44.6% and 47.7%, respectively. The effective income tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, were 45.3% and 37.8%, respectively.
For the three months ended September 30, 2015, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to the effect of state taxes on operations, the effect of certain foreign joint venture losses that are not benefited and a $4 million adjustment to true-up the provision for the U.S. tax return filing. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to the above-mentioned items, as well as a $2 million benefit for deferred tax adjustments to reflect the impact of regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") in the first quarter of 2015, a benefit of $4 million (including $3 million of interest and penalties) related to the expiration of statutes of limitations in certain foreign locations and a benefit of $2 million related to a state legislative change enacted in the second quarter.
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of our earnings in locations with higher tax rates; an expense of $6 million (including $1 million of interest) due to a provision for uncertain tax positions, primarily offset

17



by other insignificant items. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to the above-mentioned items, offset by a benefit of $4 million (including $2 million of interest and penalties) related to the expiration of statutes of limitations in certain foreign locations, a benefit of $2 million related to the settlement of tax audits, a $4 million benefit for the release of a valuation allowance of a foreign subsidiary and a benefit of $2 million related to a state legislative change enacted in the first quarter of 2014.
Unrecognized tax benefits were $106 million and $40 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, of which $23 million and $20 million, respectively, would impact the effective tax rate if recognized. The increase in unrecognized tax benefits during the quarter is primarily related to an accrual of $59 million for the U.S. tax treatment of the Hyatt Gold Passport Fund taken in prior years.
We are currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for tax years 2009 through 2011. In connection with such audit, we received a Notice of Proposed Adjustment ("NOPA") during the three months ended September 30, 2015 related to the tax treatment of the Hyatt Gold Passport Fund. The IRS is asserting that the Company should recognize income in the amount of the cash received by the fund and defer the tax deduction relating to the outstanding future rewards redemption liability until cash payments are made from the program. The Company disagrees with the NOPA and plans to pursue all available remedies, including the filing of a formal appeal upon receipt of the Revenue Agents Reports at the conclusion of the 2009 through 2011 audit. The NOPA, if sustained, would result in an additional current tax liability of $127 million (including interest of $29 million) that would be primarily offset by a deferred tax asset and therefore only a portion of the related interest would have an impact on the effective tax rate if recognized.
10.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into various commitments, guarantees, surety bonds, and letter of credit agreements, which are discussed below:
Commitments—As of September 30, 2015, we are committed, under certain conditions, to lend or invest up to $207 million, net of any related letters of credit, in various business ventures.
Performance Guarantees—Certain of our contractual agreements with third-party owners require us to guarantee payments to the owners if specified levels of operating profit are not achieved by their hotels. At inception of a performance guarantee, we recognize a guarantee obligation liability for the fair value of our guarantee obligation, which we amortize into income using a systematic and rational risk-based approach over the term of the performance guarantee. To the extent we determine an obligation to fund under a guarantee is both probable and estimable, we record an expense for the separate contingent liability.
Our most significant performance guarantee relates to four managed hotels in France that we began managing in the second quarter of 2013 ("the four managed hotels in France"); that guarantee has a term of 7 years, with approximately 4.75 years remaining, and does not have an annual cap. The remaining maximum exposure related to our performance guarantees at September 30, 2015 was $429 million, of which €362 million ($404 million using exchange rates as of September 30, 2015) relates to the four managed hotels in France.
We had total net guarantee liabilities of $85 million and $111 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which included $86 million and $103 million recorded in other long-term liabilities, $1 million and $8 million in accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and $2 million and $0 in receivables on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, respectively. Our total guarantee liabilities are comprised of the fair value of the guarantee obligation liabilities recorded upon inception, net of amortization and any separate contingent liabilities or receivables, net of cash payments. Performance guarantee expense or income and income from amortization of the guarantee obligation liabilities are recorded in other income (loss), net on the condensed consolidated statements of income, see Note 16.

18



The following table details the total net performance guarantee liability (inclusive of the initial guarantee obligation liability, net of amortization and the contingent liability or receivable, net of cash payments):
 
 
The Four Managed Hotels in France
 
Other Performance Guarantees
 
All Performance Guarantees
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Beginning balance, January 1
 
$
106

 
$
123

 
$
5

 
$
6

 
$
111

 
$
129

Amortization of initial guarantee obligation liability into income
 
(5
)
 
(4
)
 

 

 
(5
)
 
(4
)
Performance guarantee (income) expense
 
15

 
12

 
(1
)
 
1

 
14

 
13

Net (payments) receipts during the period
 
(22
)
 
(20
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(22
)
 
(22
)
Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss
 
(9
)
 

 

 

 
(9
)
 

Ending balance, June 30
 
$
85

 
$
111

 
$
4

 
$
5

 
$
89

 
$
116

Amortization of initial guarantee obligation liability into income
 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
Performance guarantee (income) expense
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
1

 
(2
)
 

Net (payments) receipts during the period
 

 

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss
 

 
(8
)
 

 

 

 
(8
)
Ending balance, September 30
 
$
82

 
$
101

 
$
3

 
$
6

 
$
85

 
$
107

Additionally, we enter into certain management contracts where we have the right, but not an obligation, to make payments to certain hotel owners if their hotels do not achieve specified levels of operating profit. If we choose not to fund the shortfall, the hotel owner has the option to terminate the management contract. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no amounts recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities related to these performance test clauses.
Debt Repayment Guarantees—We have entered into various debt repayment guarantees primarily related to our unconsolidated hospitality ventures. The maximum exposure under these agreements as of September 30, 2015 was $222 million. As of September 30, 2015, we had a $5 million liability representing the carrying value of these guarantees recorded within other long-term liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets with an offset to investments. Included within debt guarantees are the following:
Property Description
 
Maximum Guarantee Amount
 
Amount Recorded at September 30, 2015
 
Amount Recorded at December 31, 2014
Hotel property in Brazil
 
$
73

 
$
2

 
$
2

Vacation ownership property
 
55

 

 

Hotel property in Hawaii
 
30

 

 
1

Hotel property in Minnesota
 
25

 
3

 
3

Hotel property in Colorado
 
15

 

 
1

Other
 
24

 

 

Total Debt Repayment Guarantees
 
$
222

 
$
5

 
$
7

With respect to certain debt repayment guarantees related to unconsolidated hospitality venture properties, the Company has agreements with its respective partners that require each partner to pay a pro-rata portion of the guarantee amount generally based on each partner’s ownership percentage. With respect to certain debt repayment guarantees related to hotel and vacation ownership properties, the Company has agreements with third parties that allow the Company to fully recover from third parties any amounts we may be required to fund. Assuming successful enforcement of these types of agreements with our respective partners and third parties, our maximum exposure under the various debt repayment guarantees as of September 30, 2015 is $100 million.
Self Insurance—The Company obtains commercial insurance for potential losses for general liability, workers' compensation, automobile liability, employment practices, crime, property and other miscellaneous coverages. A portion of the risk is retained on a self insurance basis primarily through a U.S. based and licensed captive

19



insurance company that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyatt and generally insures our deductibles and retentions. Reserve requirements are established based on actuarial projections of ultimate losses. Losses estimated to be paid within twelve months are $38 million and $24 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and are classified within accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, while losses expected to be payable in later periods are $54 million and $63 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and are included in other long-term liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2015, standby letters of credit amounting to $7 million had been issued to provide collateral for the estimated claims, which are guaranteed by us. For further discussion, see the "—Letters of Credit" section of this footnote.
Collective Bargaining Agreements—At September 30, 2015, approximately 26% of our U.S. based employees were covered by various collective bargaining agreements, generally providing for basic pay rates, working hours, other conditions of employment and orderly settlement of labor disputes. Generally, labor relations have been maintained in a normal and satisfactory manner, and we believe that our employee relations are satisfactory.
Surety Bonds—Surety bonds issued on our behalf totaled $23 million as of September 30, 2015 and primarily relate to workers’ compensation, taxes, licenses, and utilities related to our lodging operations.
Letters of Credit—Letters of credit outstanding on our behalf as of September 30, 2015 totaled $56 million, the majority of which relate to our ongoing operations. The $56 million letters of credit outstanding do not reduce the available capacity under our revolving credit facility.
Capital Expenditures—As part of our ongoing business operations, significant expenditures are required to complete renovation projects that have been approved.
Other—We act as general partner of various partnerships owning hotel properties subject to mortgage indebtedness. These mortgage agreements generally limit the lender’s recourse to security interests in the assets financed and/or other assets of the partnership(s) and/or the general partner(s) thereof.
In conjunction with financing obtained for our unconsolidated hospitality ventures, we may provide standard indemnifications to the lender for loss, liability or damage occurring as a result of our actions or actions of the other hospitality venture owners.
We are subject, from time to time, to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, taxes, and environmental matters, as well as commitments under contractual obligations. Many of these claims are covered under current insurance programs, subject to deductibles. We reasonably recognize a liability associated with commitments and contingencies when a loss is probable and reasonably estimable. Although the ultimate liability for these matters cannot be determined at this point, based on information currently available, we do not expect that the ultimate resolution of such claims and litigation will have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.


20



11.    EQUITY
Stockholders’ Equity and Noncontrolling InterestsThe following table details the equity activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
 
Stockholders’
equity
 
Noncontrolling interests
in consolidated
subsidiaries
 
Total equity
Balance at January 1, 2015
$
4,627

 
$
4

 
$
4,631

Net income
87

 

 
87

Other comprehensive loss
(66
)
 

 
(66
)
Repurchase of common stock
(539
)
 

 
(539
)
Directors compensation
2

 

 
2

Employee stock plan issuance
3

 

 
3

Share based payment activity
16

 

 
16

Balance at September 30, 2015
$
4,130

 
$
4

 
$
4,134

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2014
$
4,769

 
$
8

 
$
4,777

Net income
162

 
2

 
164

Other comprehensive loss
(41
)
 

 
(41
)
Repurchase of common stock
(229
)
 

 
(229
)
Directors compensation
2

 

 
2

Employee stock plan issuance
2

 

 
2

Share based payment activity
17

 

 
17

Other
1

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
Balance at September 30, 2014
$
4,683

 
$
8

 
$
4,691




21



Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossThe following table details the accumulated other comprehensive loss activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
 
Balance at
July 1, 2015
 
Current period other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a)
 
Balance at September 30, 2015
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(202
)
 
$
(56
)
 
$
21

 
$
(237
)
Unrealized gains on AFS securities
12

 
9

 

 
21

Unrecognized pension cost
(5
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
(6
)
 
1

 

 
(5
)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
$
(201
)
 
$
(46
)
 
$
21

 
$
(226
)
(a) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of a tax impact of $0, reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss were recognized within equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures on our condensed consolidated statements of income.
 
Balance at
January 1, 2015
 
Current period other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a)
 
Balance at September 30, 2015
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(155
)
 
$
(103
)
 
$
21

 
$
(237
)
Unrealized gains on AFS securities
6

 
15

 

 
21

Unrecognized pension cost
(5
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
(6
)
 
1

 

 
(5
)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
$
(160
)
 
$
(87
)
 
$
21

 
$
(226
)
(a) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of a tax impact of $0, reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss were recognized within equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures on our condensed consolidated statements of income.
 
Balance at
July 1, 2014
 
Current period other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Balance at September 30, 2014
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(49
)
 
$
(49
)
 
$

 
$
(98
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities

 

 

 

Unrecognized pension cost
(5
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
(7
)
 
1

 

 
(6
)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
$
(61
)
 
$
(48
)
 
$

 
$
(109
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2014
 
Current period other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Balance at September 30, 2014
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(62
)
 
$
(36
)
 
$

 
$
(98
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities
6

 
(6
)
 

 

Unrecognized pension cost
(5
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments
(7
)
 
1

 

 
(6
)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
$
(68
)
 
$
(41
)
 
$

 
$
(109
)
 

22



Share RepurchaseDuring 2015, 2014 and 2013 the Company's board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $400 million, $700 million and $400 million, respectively, of the Company's common stock. These repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise, including pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan, at prices that the Company deems appropriate and subject to market conditions, applicable law and other factors deemed relevant in the Company's sole discretion. The common stock repurchase program applies to the Company’s Class A common stock and/or the Company’s Class B common stock. The common stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of common stock and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 9,614,463 and 4,048,230 shares of common stock, respectively. These shares were repurchased at a weighted-average price of $56.05 and $56.65 per share, respectively, for an aggregate purchase price of $539 million and $229 million, respectively, excluding related expenses that were insignificant in both periods. Of the $229 million aggregate purchase price during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, $228 million was settled in cash during the period. The shares repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 represented approximately 6% of the Company's total shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The shares repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 represented approximately 3% of the Company's total shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2013. The shares of Class A common stock that were repurchased on the open market were retired and returned to the status of authorized and unissued while the shares of Class B common stock that were repurchased were retired and the total number of authorized Class B shares was reduced by the number of shares repurchased. As of September 30, 2015, we had $305 million remaining under the share repurchase authorization.
Treasury Stock RetirementDuring the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company retired 195,423 shares of treasury stock. These shares were retired at a weighted-average price of $43.41 resulting in an $8 million reduction in treasury stock. The retired shares of treasury stock were returned to the status of authorized and unissued.

12.    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
As part of our Long-Term Incentive Plan, we award Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs"), Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") and Performance Vested Restricted Stock ("PSSs") to certain employees. Compensation expense and unearned compensation figures within this footnote exclude amounts related to employees of our managed hotels as this expense has been and will continue to be reimbursed by our third-party hotel owners and is recorded in other revenues from managed properties and other costs from managed properties on our condensed consolidated statements of income. Compensation expense (income) related to these awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Stock appreciation rights
$
1

 
$
2

 
$
9

 
$
7

Restricted stock units
4

 
3

 
16

 
14

Performance vested restricted stock
(5
)
 
1

 
(3
)
 
3

Stock Appreciation Rights—Each vested SAR gives the holder the right to the difference between the value of one share of our Class A common stock at the exercise date and the value of one share of our Class A common stock at the grant date. Vested SARs can be exercised over their life as determined by the plan. All SARs have a 10-year contractual term, are settled in shares of our Class A common stock and are accounted for as equity instruments.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted 461,378 SARs to employees with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $21.36. The fair value of each SAR was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-valuation model.
Restricted Stock Units—The Company grants both RSUs that may be settled in stock and RSUs that may be settled in cash. Each vested stock-settled RSU will be settled with a single share of our Class A common stock. The value of the stock-settled RSUs is based on the closing stock price of our Class A common stock as of the grant date. We record compensation expense for RSUs over the requisite service period of the individual grantee.

23



In certain situations we also grant cash-settled RSUs which are recorded as a liability instrument. The liability and related expense for cash-settled RSUs is insignificant as of, and for the three and nine months ended, September 30, 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted a total of 446,437 RSUs (an insignificant portion of which are cash-settled RSUs) to employees which, with respect to stock-settled RSUs, had a weighted-average grant date fair value of $56.50.
Performance Vested Restricted Stock—The Company has granted PSSs to certain executive officers. The number of PSSs that will ultimately vest with no further restrictions on transfer depends upon the performance of the Company at the end of the applicable three year performance period relative to the applicable performance target. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted to its executive officers a total of 146,902 PSSs, which vest in full if the maximum performance metric is achieved. The PSSs had a weighted-average grant date fair value of $56.27. The performance period is three years beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2017. The PSSs will vest at the end of the performance period only if the performance threshold is met; there is no interim performance metric. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a reversal of previously recorded compensation expense based on our current assessment of expected achievement relative to the applicable performance targets related to certain of these awards.
Our total unearned compensation for our stock-based compensation programs as of September 30, 2015 was $3 million for SARs, $22 million for RSUs and $3 million for PSSs, which will be recorded to compensation expense over the next four years with respect to SARs and RSUs, with a limited portion of the RSU awards extending to five years, and over the next two years with respect to PSSs.

13.    RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In addition to those included elsewhere in the Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements, related-party transactions entered into by us are summarized as follows:
Leases—Our corporate headquarters have been located at the Hyatt Center in Chicago, Illinois, since 2005. A subsidiary of the Company holds a master lease for a portion of the Hyatt Center and has entered into sublease agreements with certain related parties. Future expected sublease income for this space from related parties is $7 million.
Legal Services—A partner in a law firm that provided services to us throughout the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, is the brother-in-law of our Executive Chairman. We incurred $1 million and insignificant legal fees with this firm for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. We incurred $2 million of legal fees with this firm during each of the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014. Legal fees, when expensed, are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had $1 million and insignificant amounts due to the law firm, respectively.
Other Services—A member of our board of directors is a partner in a firm whose affiliates previously owned hotels, which were sold during the first quarter of 2015, from which we recorded no management and franchise fees and $2 million of management and franchise fees during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. We recorded insignificant and $4 million of management and franchise fees during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2015 we had no receivables due from these properties. As of December 31, 2014 we had insignificant receivables due from these properties.
Equity Method Investments—We have equity method investments in entities that own properties for which we provide management and/or franchise services and receive fees. We recorded fees of $7 million and $8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. We recorded fees of $19 million and $24 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had receivables due from these properties of $12 million and $11 million, respectively. In addition, in some cases we provide loans (see Note 5) or guarantees (see Note 10) to these entities. Our ownership interest in these equity method investments generally varies from 24% to 70%. See Note 3 for further details regarding these investments.
Class B Share Repurchase—During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we repurchased 1,776,501 shares of Class B common stock at a weighted-average price of $58.91 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $105 million. The shares repurchased represented approximately 1% of the

24



Company's total shares of common stock outstanding prior to the repurchase. The shares of Class B common stock were repurchased from trusts and limited partnerships owned indirectly by trusts held for the benefit of certain Pritzker family members in privately-negotiated transactions and were retired, thereby reducing the total number of shares outstanding and reducing the shares of Class B common stock authorized and outstanding by the repurchased share amount.

14.    SEGMENT INFORMATION
Our reportable segments are components of the business which are managed discretely and for which discrete financial information is reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision maker to assess performance and make decisions regarding the allocation of resources. Our chief operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer. We define our reportable segments as follows:
Owned and leased hotels—This segment derives its earnings from owned and leased hotel properties located predominantly in the United States but also in certain international locations and for purposes of segment Adjusted EBITDA, includes our pro rata share of the Adjusted EBITDA of our unconsolidated hospitality ventures, based on our ownership percentage of each venture.
Americas management and franchising—This segment derives its earnings primarily from a combination of hotel management and licensing of our portfolio of brands to franchisees located in the United States, Latin America, Canada and the Caribbean. This segment’s revenues also include the reimbursement of costs incurred on behalf of managed hotel property owners and franchisees with no added margin. These costs relate primarily to payroll costs at managed properties where the Company is the employer. These revenues and costs are recorded on the lines other revenues from managed properties and other costs from managed properties, respectively. The intersegment revenues relate to management fees that are collected from the Company’s owned hotels, which are eliminated in consolidation.
ASPAC management and franchising—This segment derives its earnings primarily from a combination of hotel management and licensing of our portfolio of brands to franchisees located in Southeast Asia, as well as China, Australia, South Korea and Japan. This segment’s revenues also include the reimbursement of costs incurred on behalf of managed hotel property owners and franchisees with no added margin. These costs relate primarily to reservations, marketing and IT costs. These revenues and costs are recorded on the lines other revenues from managed properties and other costs from managed properties, respectively. The intersegment revenues relate to management fees that are collected from the Company’s owned hotels, which are eliminated in consolidation.
EAME/SW Asia management—This segment derives its earnings primarily from hotel management of our portfolio of brands located primarily in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India and Nepal, as well as countries along the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. This segment’s revenues also include the reimbursement of costs incurred on behalf of managed hotel property owners with no added margin. These costs relate primarily to reservations, marketing and IT costs. These revenues and costs are recorded on the lines other revenues from managed properties and other costs from managed properties, respectively. The intersegment revenues relate to management fees that are collected from the Company’s owned hotels, which are eliminated in consolidation.
Our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance based on each segment’s revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to Hyatt Hotels Corporation plus our pro-rata share of unconsolidated hospitality ventures Adjusted EBITDA before equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures; asset impairments; gains on sales of real estate; other income (loss), net; net income attributable to noncontrolling interests; depreciation and amortization; interest expense; and provision for income taxes.

25



The table below shows summarized consolidated financial information by segment. Included within corporate and other are unallocated corporate expenses, our vacation ownership business prior to the sale in the fourth quarter of 2014, license fees related to Hyatt Residence Club, and our co-branded credit card.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Owned and leased hotels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owned and leased hotels revenues
$
500

 
$
555

 
$
1,549

 
$
1,695

Adjusted EBITDA
110

 
123

 
374

 
405

Depreciation and amortization
69

 
82

 
208

 
245

Americas management and franchising
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management and franchise fees revenues
85

 
80

 
269

 
247

Other revenues from managed properties
409

 
389

 
1,225

 
1,166

Intersegment revenues (a)
15

 
21

 
55

 
66

Adjusted EBITDA
74

 
66

 
224

 
201

Depreciation and amortization
5

 
4

 
14

 
13

ASPAC management and franchising
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management and franchise fees revenues
21

 
22

 
65

 
63

Other revenues from managed properties
19

 
18

 
59

 
53

Intersegment revenues (a)

 
1

 
1

 
2

Adjusted EBITDA
12

 
9

 
35

 
31

Depreciation and amortization

 
1

 
1

 
1

EAME/SW Asia management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management and franchise fees revenues
16

 
18

 
49

 
55

Other revenues from managed properties
12

 
13

 
40

 
38

Intersegment revenues (a)
4

 
4

 
10

 
11

Adjusted EBITDA
7

 
9

 
22

 
30

Depreciation and amortization
1

 
2

 
4

 
5

Corporate and other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
10

 
24

 
29

 
68

Other revenues from managed properties

 
11

 

 
30

Adjusted EBITDA
(31
)
 
(28
)
 
(104
)
 
(85
)
Depreciation and amortization
3

 
2

 
6

 
5

Eliminations (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
(19
)
 
(26
)
 
(66
)
 
(79
)
Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

TOTAL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
1,053

 
$
1,104

 
$
3,219

 
$
3,336

Adjusted EBITDA
172

 
179

 
551

 
582

Depreciation and amortization
78

 
91

 
233

 
269

(a)
Intersegment revenues are included in the management and franchise fees revenues and eliminated in Eliminations.
The table below provides a reconciliation of our consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to EBITDA and a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income attributable to Hyatt Hotels Corporation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014.

26



 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Adjusted EBITDA
$
172

 
$
179

 
$
551

 
$
582

Equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures
(17
)
 
6

 
(46
)
 
22

Asset impairments (a)
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(7
)
Gains on sales of real estate

 
3

 
9

 
65

Other income (loss), net (see Note 16)
11

 
2

 
(3
)
 
(11
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
Pro rata share of unconsolidated hospitality ventures Adjusted EBITDA
(21
)
 
(19
)
 
(63
)
 
(64
)
EBITDA
140

 
170

 
443

 
585

Depreciation and amortization
(78
)
 
(91
)
 
(233
)
 
(269
)
Interest expense
(17
)
 
(17
)
 
(51
)
 
(54
)
Provision for income taxes
(20
)
 
(30
)
 
(72
)
 
(100
)
Net income attributable to Hyatt Hotels Corporation
$
25

 
$
32

 
$
87

 
$
162

(a)
In conjunction with our regular assessment of impairment indicators, we identified property and equipment whose carrying value exceeded its fair value and as a result recorded impairment charges of $5 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, and $7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 to asset impairments within our owned and leased hotels segment on our condensed consolidated statements of income.

15.    EARNINGS PER SHARE
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share, including a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator, are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
25

 
$
33

 
$
87

 
$
164

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
Net income attributable to Hyatt Hotels Corporation
$
25

 
$
32

 
$
87

 
$
162

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
141,876,299

 
152,849,168

 
144,457,314

 
154,165,341

Share-based compensation
1,131,077

 
1,019,611

 
1,229,860

 
951,858

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
143,007,376

 
153,868,779

 
145,687,174

 
155,117,199

Basic Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
0.18

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.60

 
$
1.06

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
(0.01
)
 

 
(0.01
)
Net income attributable to Hyatt Hotels Corporation
$
0.18

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.60

 
$
1.05

Diluted Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
0.18

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.60

 
$
1.06

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
(0.01
)
 

 
(0.01
)
Net income attributable to Hyatt Hotels Corporation
$
0.18

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.60

 
$
1.05


27



The computations of diluted net income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 do not include the following shares of Class A common stock assumed to be issued as stock-settled SARs because they are anti-dilutive.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Stock-settled SARs
1,700

 
19,500

 
10,100

 
34,400


16.    OTHER INCOME (LOSS), NET
The table below provides a reconciliation of the components in other income (loss), net, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Recoveries on hotel loans, net (see Note 5)
$
8

 
$

 
$
6

 
$

Guarantee liability amortization (see Note 10)
3

 
2

 
8

 
6

Performance guarantee income (expense) (see Note 10)
2

 

 
(12
)
 
(13
)
Interest income
2

 
3

 
6

 
8

Foreign currency losses
(6
)
 
(1
)
 
(13
)
 
(2
)
Cost method investment income

 

 

 
1

Realignment costs

 
(1
)
 

 
(7
)
Transaction costs

 
(2
)
 

 
(5
)
Other
2

 
1

 
2

 
1

Other income (loss), net
$
11

 
$
2

 
$
(3
)
 
$
(11
)



28



Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
This quarterly report contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements about the Company's plans, strategies, financial performance, prospects or future events and involve known and unknown risks that are difficult to predict. As a result, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the factors discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the rate and the pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; levels of spending in business and leisure segments as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; limited visibility with respect to future bookings; loss of key personnel; hostilities, or fear of hostilities, including future terrorist attacks, that affect travel; travel-related accidents; natural or man-made disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, oil spills, nuclear incidents and global outbreaks of pandemics or contagious diseases or fear of such outbreaks; our ability to successfully achieve certain levels of operating profits at hotels that have performance guarantees in favor of our third party owners; the impact of hotel renovations; our ability to successfully execute our common stock repurchase program; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses; changes in distribution arrangements, such as through Internet travel intermediaries; changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers, including the entry of new competitors in the lodging business; relationships with associates and labor unions and changes in labor laws; financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party property owners, franchisees and hospitality venture partners; if our third-party owners, franchisees or development partners are unable to access capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and the introduction of new brand concepts; the timing of acquisitions and dispositions; failure to successfully complete proposed transactions (including the failure to satisfy closing conditions or obtain required approvals); unforeseen terminations of our management or franchise agreements; changes in federal, state, local or foreign tax law; increases in interest rates and operating costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations or currency restructurings; lack of acceptance of new brands or innovation; general volatility of the capital markets and our ability to access such markets; changes in the competitive environment in our industry and the markets where we operate; cyber risks and information technology failures; outcomes of legal or administrative proceedings; and violations of regulations or laws related to our franchising business. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake or assume any obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable laws. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes, which appear elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Executive Overview
We are a global hospitality company engaged in the development, operation, management, franchising, licensing and ownership of a portfolio of properties, including hotels, resorts and residential and vacation ownership properties around the world. As of September 30, 2015, our worldwide hotel portfolio consisted of 589 hotels (156,754 rooms), including:

258 managed properties (86,638 rooms), all of which we operate under management agreements with third-party property owners;
261 franchised properties (42,461 rooms), all of which are owned by third parties that have franchise agreements with us and are operated by third parties;
33 owned properties (17,300 rooms) (including 1 consolidated hospitality venture), 1 capital leased property (171 rooms), and 7 operating leased properties (2,411 rooms), all of which we manage;

29



19 managed properties and 10 franchised properties owned or leased by unconsolidated hospitality ventures (7,773 rooms).
Our worldwide property portfolio also includes:
5 all inclusive resorts (1,854 rooms), all of which are owned and operated by an unconsolidated hospitality venture that has franchise agreements with us;
16 vacation ownership properties (1,038 units), all of which are licensed by Interval Leisure Group ("ILG") under the Hyatt Residence Club brand and operated by third parties, including ILG and its affiliates; and
17 residential properties (2,150 units), which consist of branded residences and serviced apartments. We manage all of the serviced apartments and those branded residential units that participate in a rental program with an adjacent Hyatt-branded hotel.
We report our consolidated operations in U.S. dollars and manage our business within four reportable segments as described below:     

Owned and leased hotels, which consists of our owned and leased full service and select service hotels and, for purposes of segment Adjusted EBITDA, our pro rata share of the Adjusted EBITDA of our unconsolidated hospitality ventures, based on our ownership percentage of each venture;

Americas management and franchising, which consists of our management and franchising of properties located in the United States, Latin America, Canada and the Caribbean;

ASPAC management and franchising, which consists of our management and franchising of properties located in Southeast Asia, as well as China, Australia, South Korea, and Japan; and

EAME/SW Asia management, which consists of our management of properties located primarily in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India and Nepal, as well as countries along the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.
The results of our unallocated corporate overhead, our vacation ownership business prior to the sale in the fourth quarter of 2014, license fees related to Hyatt Residence Club, and Hyatt co-branded credit card are reported within corporate and other. See Note 14 for further discussion of our segment structure.
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we announced several transactions that are consistent with our goal to expand our brands. We opened seven select service hotels, including five hotels in the United States, one hotel in Dubai and our first hotel, a Hyatt Place, in Honduras. We opened two full service hotels, our first Hyatt-branded hotel on the Japanese island of Okinawa and our first Hyatt-branded hotel in Hubei Province in China. In addition, we announced plans for our first Hyatt Place hotel in Australia.
Our financial performance for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 reflects a decrease in our consolidated revenues of $51 million, or 5%, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2014. Owned and leased hotels revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 decreased by $55 million compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2014, which included net unfavorable currency impacts of $18 million. The decrease in owned and leased hotels revenues was driven by a decrease of $63 million in non-comparable hotels, including $4 million in net unfavorable currency impacts, due to dispositions in 2014 and 2015. See "—Segment Results" below for a discussion of the non-comparable owned and leased hotels' activity. These decreases were partially offset by increased comparable owned and leased hotels revenues of $8 million, which included $14 million in net unfavorable currency impacts and was primarily driven by revenue growth at our United States comparable full service hotels resulting from improved transient and group average daily rate ("ADR") and demand as well as increased food and beverage revenues.
Our management and franchise fees for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 increased $9 million compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2014. Fee increases were primarily due to increased franchise fees from new and converted hotels and improved performance at existing hotels in the Americas. Other fee revenues also increased as a result of amortization of deferred gains from hotels sold subject to long-term management agreements in the Americas and termination fees.
Our consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2015 decreased by $7 million compared to the third quarter of 2014, which included $7 million in net unfavorable foreign currency impacts. The decrease was primarily driven by dispositions affecting our owned and leased hotels segment which decreased $13 million combined with a decrease of $3 million in corporate and other, partially offset by increases in the Americas of $8 million. See "—Non-

30



GAAP Measure Reconciliation" below for an explanation of how we use Adjusted EBITDA, why we present it and material limitations on its usefulness.
Comparable full service Revenue per Available Room ("RevPAR") within our Americas management and franchising segment increased 4.0% (or 5.3% excluding the unfavorable effects of currency) during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014. The improvement in RevPAR was primarily driven by increased transient ADR and demand. Group booking activity increased during the quarter, representing the eleventh consecutive quarter of year over year increases. Group booking activity and pace continues to reflect strength due to increased demand from corporate and association groups. Comparable select service RevPAR within our Americas management and franchising segment increased 7.2% during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year, driven primarily by increased ADR.
Comparable RevPAR in our ASPAC management and franchising segment decreased 5.6% (or increased 3.1% excluding the unfavorable effects of currency) for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2014. Excluding the unfavorable currency impacts, the increase in comparable full service RevPAR was primarily driven by increased occupancy in most areas within the region and increased ADR in Japan, western China and Macau, partially offset by decreased ADR in northern China, Hong Kong and South Korea.
Our EAME/SW Asia management segment had comparable full service RevPAR declines of 7.5% (or an increase of 6.2% excluding the unfavorable effects of currency) for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014. Excluding the unfavorable currency impacts, the increase in comparable full service RevPAR during the three months ended September 30, 2015 was driven by increased occupancy in most areas of the region and increased ADR in Europe and Africa, partially offset by decreased ADR in the Middle East and India.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding the impact of rabbi trust, for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 decreased $13 million compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2014. The $13 million decrease includes an $8 million decrease due to the sale of our vacation ownership business in the fourth quarter of 2014. Excluding both rabbi trust and the impact from the sale of our vacation ownership business, selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased $5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014. This decrease was primarily driven by a $5 million decrease in payroll and related costs, primarily due to stock-based compensation expense as we recorded a reversal of previously recorded compensation expense based on our current assessment of expected achievement relative to reaching the applicable performance targets related to certain of these awards.
As of September 30, 2015, we had $569 million in cash and cash equivalents. At September 30, 2015, we had available credit facilities with banks for various corporate purposes. The amount of undrawn borrowing availability as of September 30, 2015 was approximately $1.5 billion.


31



Results of Operations
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared with Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Consolidated Results
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(In millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$
1,053

 
$
1,104

 
$
(51
)
 
(5
)%
DIRECT AND SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owned and leased hotels
385

 
422

 
37

 
9
 %
Depreciation and amortization
78

 
91

 
13

 
14
 %
Other direct costs
8

 
11

 
3

 
27
 %
Selling, general, and administrative
54

 
77

 
23

 
30
 %
Other costs from managed properties
440

 
431

 
(9
)
 
(2
)%
Direct and selling, general, and administrative expenses
965

 
1,032

 
67

 
6
 %
Net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund operating programs
(15
)
 
(3
)
 
(12
)
 
(400
)%
Equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures
(17
)
 
6

 
(23
)
 
(383
)%
Interest expense
(17
)
 
(17
)
 

 
 %
Asset impairments
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(100
)%
Gains on sales of real estate

 
3

 
(3
)
 
(100
)%
Other income (loss), net
11

 
2

 
9

 
450
 %
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
45

 
63

 
(18
)
 
(29
)%
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
(20
)
 
(30
)
 
10

 
33
 %
NET INCOME
25

 
33

 
(8
)
 
(24
)%
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 
(1
)
 
1

 
100
 %
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION
$
25

 
$
32

 
$
(7
)
 
(22
)%

32



 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$
3,219

 
$
3,336

 
$
(117
)
 
(4
)%
DIRECT AND SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owned and leased hotels
1,160

 
1,267

 
107

 
8
 %
Depreciation and amortization
233

 
269

 
36

 
13
 %
Other direct costs
20

 
29

 
9

 
31
 %
Selling, general, and administrative
221

 
244

 
23

 
9
 %
Other costs from managed properties
1,324

 
1,287

 
(37
)
 
(3
)%
Direct and selling, general, and administrative expenses
2,958

 
3,096

 
138

 
4
 %
Net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund operating programs
(6
)
 
9

 
(15
)
 
(167
)%
Equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures
(46
)
 
22

 
(68
)
 
(309
)%
Interest expense
(51
)
 
(54
)
 
3

 
6
 %
Asset impairments
(5
)
 
(7
)
 
2

 
29
 %
Gains on sales of real estate
9

 
65

 
(56
)
 
(86
)%
Other income (loss), net
(3
)
 
(11
)
 
8

 
73
 %
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
159

 
264

 
(105
)
 
(40
)%
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
(72
)
 
(100
)
 
28

 
28
 %
NET INCOME
87

 
164

 
(77
)
 
(47
)%
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 
(2
)
 
2

 
100
 %
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION
$
87

 
$
162

 
$
(75
)
 
(46
)%
Revenues.    Consolidated revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2015 decreased $51 million, or 5%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, which included $23 million in net unfavorable foreign currency impacts, and a $9 million increase in other revenues from managed properties. Consolidated revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 decreased $117 million, or 4%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, which included $61 million in net unfavorable foreign currency impacts, and a $37 million increase in other revenues from managed properties.
Owned and leased hotels revenues decreased $55 million and $146 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, which included $18 million and $48 million in net unfavorable currency impacts, respectively. Non-comparable owned and leased hotels revenues decreased $63 million and $180 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, which included $4 million and $9 million, respectively, in net unfavorable currency impacts. These decreases in non-comparable owned and leased hotels revenues were driven by dispositions during 2014 and 2015. See "—Segment Results" below for a discussion of the non-comparable owned and leased hotels activity.
Comparable owned and leased hotels revenues increased $8 million and $34 million during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year, which includes net unfavorable foreign currency impacts of $14 million and $39 million, respectively. The increases were primarily driven by increases of $22 million and $69 million, respectively, at our full service hotels in the United States, partially offset by decreases of $14 million and $35 million, respectively, at our international hotels. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, revenue growth at our United States comparable full service hotels was a result of improved transient and group ADR and demand as well as increased food and beverage revenues. The decreases in comparable international hotels were driven by the aforementioned unfavorable net currency impacts.

33



Management and franchise fees increased $9 million and $34 million during the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2015, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year, which included $4 million and $12 million in net unfavorable currency impacts, respectively.
Included in consolidated management and franchise fees for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 were the following:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Base management fees
$
47

 
$
45

 
$
2

 
4
 %
Incentive management fees
23

 
25

 
(2
)
 
(8
)%
Franchise fees
24

 
18

 
6

 
33
 %
Other fee revenues
9

 
6

 
3

 
50
 %
Total management and franchise fees
$
103

 
$
94

 
$
9

 
10
 %
Included in consolidated management and franchise fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 were the following:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Base management fees
$
140

 
$
134

 
$
6

 
4
%
Incentive management fees
83

 
80

 
3

 
4
%
Franchise fees
67

 
49

 
18

 
37
%
Other fee revenues
30

 
23

 
7

 
30
%
Total management and franchise fees
$
320

 
$
286

 
$
34

 
12
%
The increases in franchise fees during the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2015, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior year, were primarily driven by new and converted hotels and improved performance at existing hotels in the Americas. The increases in other fee revenues were driven by the amortization of deferred gains from hotels sold subject to long-term management agreements in the Americas. The three and nine month periods in the current year included termination fees of $2 million and $3 million, respectively, while the nine month period in the prior year included termination fees of $6 million.
Other revenues decreased $14 million and $42 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods ended September 30, 2014. The decreases were primarily driven by a $15 million and $48 million decrease, respectively, related to the sale of our vacation ownership business during the fourth quarter of 2014, which was partially offset by increased revenues of $1 million and $6 million, respectively, related to our co-branded credit card.
Other revenues from managed properties includes an increase in losses of $5 million and $8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, resulting from changes in the underlying assets held for our benefit programs funded through a rabbi trust. These losses are offset in other costs from managed properties, thus having no net impact to our earnings. Excluding these amounts, other revenues from managed properties increased $14 million, or 3%, in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014 and increased $45 million, or 4%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increases in other revenues from managed properties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, were due to a higher volume of reimbursements paid to us by our managed properties for increased participation in our Gold Passport program, increased payroll and related benefits expense, increased technology costs and increased marketing expense, which was driven in part by new hotel openings and previously owned hotels that were sold subject to long-term management agreements. These increases were partially offset by decreases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $11 million and $30 million, respectively, in reimbursements due to the sale of our vacation ownership business in 2014.

34



The table below provides a breakdown of revenues by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014. For further discussion of segment revenues for the periods presented, please refer to "—Segment Results" below.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Owned and leased hotels
$
500

 
$
555

 
$
(55
)
 
(10
)%
Americas management and franchising
494

 
469

 
25

 
5
 %
ASPAC management and franchising
40

 
40

 

 
 %
EAME/SW Asia management
28

 
31

 
(3
)
 
(10
)%
Corporate and other
10

 
35

 
(25
)
 
(71
)%
Eliminations
(19
)
 
(26
)
 
7

 
27
 %
Consolidated revenues
$
1,053

 
$
1,104

 
$
(51
)
 
(5
)%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Owned and leased hotels
$
1,549

 
$
1,695

 
$
(146
)
 
(9
)%
Americas management and franchising
1,494

 
1,413

 
81

 
6
 %
ASPAC management and franchising
124

 
116

 
8

 
7
 %
EAME/SW Asia management
89

 
93

 
(4
)
 
(4
)%
Corporate and other
29

 
98

 
(69
)
 
(70
)%
Eliminations
(66
)
 
(79
)
 
13

 
16
 %
Consolidated revenues
$
3,219

 
$
3,336

 
$
(117
)
 
(4
)%
Owned and leased hotels expense.    Owned and leased hotels expense decreased $37 million and $107 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Non-comparable owned and leased hotels expense decreased $44 million and $122 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year, due to the sale of four full service hotels and 52 select service hotels in 2014 and the sale of one full service hotel and one select service hotel in 2015. Comparable owned and leased hotels expense increased $9 million and $19 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increase in the three months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily driven by increased rent expense and property taxes at certain properties. The increase in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily driven by increased rent expense and property taxes at certain properties and higher commissions resulting from increased group business. Additionally, expenses recognized with respect to our employee benefit programs funded through a rabbi trust decreased $2 million and $4 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014. In each reporting period, changes in these expenses are fully offset within net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund operating programs, thus having no net impact to our earnings.
Depreciation and amortization expense.    Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $13 million and $36 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The decreases were driven by non-comparable hotel depreciation expense due primarily to hotels sold during 2014 and 2015, partially offset by acquired or newly opened hotels.
Other direct costs.    Other direct costs decreased $3 million and $9 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily due to the sale of our vacation ownership business, partially offset by increased costs related to our co-branded credit card.

35



Selling, general, and administrative expenses.    The table below provides a reconciliation of selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
$
54

 
$
77

 
$
23

 
30
 %
Less: rabbi trust gains (losses)
12

 
2

 
(10
)
 
(500
)%
Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses
66

 
79

 
13

 
16
 %
Less: vacation ownership business

 
(8
)
 
(8
)
 
(100
)%
Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses excluding impact of sale of vacation ownership business
$
66

 
$
71

 
$
5

 
7
 %
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
$
221

 
$
244

 
$
23

 
9
 %
Less: rabbi trust gains (losses)
5

 
(6
)
 
(11
)
 
(183
)%
Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses
226

 
238

 
12

 
5
 %
Less: vacation ownership business

 
(24
)
 
(24
)
 
(100
)%
Adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses excluding impact of sale of vacation ownership business
$
226

 
$
214

 
$
(12
)
 
(6
)%
Included in selling, general, and administrative expenses is the financial performance of the investment securities held in a rabbi trust to fund certain benefit programs, which are offset in net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund operating programs, thus having no net impact to our earnings. Included in adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses are the results of our vacation ownership business prior to the sale in the fourth quarter of 2014. Excluding these impacts during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, the $5 million decrease in expenses was primarily driven by a $5 million decrease in payroll and related costs, primarily due to stock-based compensation expense as we recorded a reversal of previously recorded compensation expense based on our current assessment of expected achievement relative to the applicable performance targets related to certain of these awards. Excluding these impacts for the nine month period, the $12 million increase in expenses was driven by a $6 million increase in payroll and related costs and a $4 million increase in professional fees. The increase in payroll and related costs was driven by increased bonus, salaries and wages, and stock grants in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 for certain individuals, which were expensed in full upon grant. These increases were partially offset by decreased stock compensation expense driven by the aforementioned reversal of previously recorded stock-based compensation expense.

36



Net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund operating programs.    Net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund operating programs includes securities held to fund our benefit programs funded through a rabbi trust and securities held to fund our Gold Passport program. The gains and losses generated from these securities are driven by the market performance of the underlying securities. The gains and losses on securities held in the rabbi trust are offset by our owned and leased hotels expense for our hotel colleagues and by our selling, general, and administrative expenses for our corporate colleagues and personnel supporting our business segments, having no net impact on our earnings. The gains and losses on securities held to fund our Gold Passport program and related to our owned and leased hotels are offset by corresponding changes to our owned and leased hotels revenues, thus having no net impact on our earnings. The table below provides a reconciliation of net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund operating programs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Rabbi trust impact allocated to selling, general, and administrative expenses
$
(12
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(10
)
 
(500
)%
Rabbi trust impact allocated to owned and leased hotels expense
(3
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(200
)%
Net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund our Gold Passport program allocated to owned and leased hotels revenues

 

 

 
 %
Net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund operating programs
$
(15
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(12
)
 
(400
)%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Rabbi trust impact allocated to selling, general, and administrative expenses
$
(5
)
 
$
6

 
$
(11
)
 
(183
)%
Rabbi trust impact allocated to owned and leased hotels expense
(2
)
 
2

 
(4
)
 
(200
)%
Net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund our Gold Passport program allocated to owned and leased hotels revenues
1

 
1

 

 
 %
Net gains (losses) and interest income from marketable securities held to fund operating programs
$
(6
)
 
$
9

 
$
(15
)
 
(167
)%
Equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures.    Equity losses from unconsolidated hospitality ventures were $17 million and $46 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to equity earnings from unconsolidated hospitality ventures of $6 million and $22 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The $23 million decrease during the three months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, was primarily driven by the sale of an entity that held an interest in one of our foreign currency denominated unconsolidated hospitality ventures which resulted in the release of $21 million of accumulated foreign currency translation losses upon sale. The $68 million decrease during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, was impacted by the aforementioned $21 million loss on the sale of an entity that held an interest in one of our foreign unconsolidated hospitality ventures. The decrease is also attributable to (i) a $12 million increase in foreign currency losses at one of our joint ventures which holds loans denominated in a currency other than its functional currency, resulting in losses due to currency volatility during the period, (ii) an $11 million decrease attributable to operating and non-operating losses related to one of our joint ventures which was driven primarily by interest, tax, and other nonrecurring expenses recorded during the period and (iii) the recognition during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $22 million related to gains on sales of hotels by hospitality ventures in which we held an interest.
Interest expense.    Interest expense was flat and decreased $3 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The decrease compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to a reduction in interest expense on the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress capital lease, for which we exercised our purchase option during 2014.

37



Asset impairments.    Asset impairments are recorded as necessary based on our regular evaluation of impairment indicators. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recognized $5 million in asset impairment charges related to property and equipment within our owned and leased hotels segment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized $7 million in asset impairment charges related to property and equipment within our owned and leased hotels segment.
Gains on sales of real estate.    During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we sold Hyatt Regency Indianapolis for $69 million, net of closing costs, to an unrelated third party resulting in a pre-tax gain of $8 million, and entered into a long-term franchise agreement with the owner of the property. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we also sold a select service property for $5 million to an unrelated third party resulting in a $1 million pre-tax gain. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we sold nine select service properties and one full service property for a total of $311 million, net of closing costs, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $65 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, of which $3 million was recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2014 due to post-closing adjustments. We recognize the gains on sales of real estate on our condensed consolidated statements of income in the period of sale when we have concluded we do not retain significant continuing involvement with the hotel.
Other income (loss), net.    The table below provides a breakdown of other income (loss), net, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Recoveries on hotel loans, net
$
8

 
$

 
$
8

 
100
 %
Guarantee liability amortization
3

 
2

 
1

 
50
 %
Performance guarantee income (expense)
2

 

 
2

 
100
 %
Interest income
2

 
3

 
(1
)
 
(33
)%
Foreign currency losses (1)
(6
)
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
 
(500
)%
Realignment costs (2)

 
(1
)
 
1

 
100
 %
Transaction costs (3)

 
(2
)
 
2

 
100
 %
Other
2

 
1

 
1

 
100
 %
Other income (loss), net
$
11

 
$
2

 
$
9

 
450
 %
(1)
Includes foreign currency losses recorded by entities which hold loans denominated in a currency other than its functional currency, resulting in losses due to currency volatility primarily related to the Brazilian Real during the period.
(2)
Amounts represent separation, recruiting and relocation costs incurred associated with the realignment of key management positions.
(3)
Represents transaction costs incurred to acquire the Park Hyatt New York and costs incurred in connection with the sale of Hyatt Residential Group.

38



 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Recoveries on hotel loans, net
$
6

 
$

 
$
6

 
100
 %
Guarantee liability amortization
8

 
6

 
2

 
33
 %
Performance guarantee income (expense) (1)
(12
)
 
(13
)
 
1

 
8
 %
Interest income
6

 
8

 
(2
)
 
(25
)%
Foreign currency losses (2)
(13
)
 
(2
)
 
(11
)
 
(550
)%
Cost method investment income

 
1

 
(1
)
 
(100
)%
Realignment costs (3)

 
(7
)
 
7

 
100
 %
Transaction costs (4)

 
(5
)
 
5

 
100
 %
Other
2

 
1

 
1

 
100
 %
Other income (loss), net
$
(3
)
 
$
(11
)
 
$
8

 
73
 %
(1)
Includes $16 million and $15 million expense in the first quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively, as we were required to pay the owner of the four managed hotels in France in accordance with our agreement. In the second quarters of 2015 and 2014, we outperformed the operating profit threshold and recorded $1 million and $3 million, respectively, of income for the four managed hotels in France. In the third quarters of 2015 and 2014, we outperformed the operating profit threshold and recorded $1 million and $1 million, respectively, of income for the four managed hotels in France. See Note 10 for further details.
(2)
Includes foreign currency losses recorded by entities which hold loans denominated in a currency other than its functional currency, resulting in losses due to currency volatility primarily related to the Brazilian Real during the period.
(3)
Amounts represent separation, recruiting and relocation costs incurred associated with the realignment of key management positions.
(4)
Represents transaction costs incurred in connection with the sale of Hyatt Residential Group and costs incurred to acquire the Park Hyatt New York.
Provision for income taxes. Our effective income tax rate was 44.6% and 47.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, and 45.3% and 37.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
For the three months ended September 30, 2015, our effective tax rate was higher than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to the effect of state taxes on operations, the effect of certain foreign joint venture losses that are not benefited and a $4 million adjustment to true-up the provision for the U.S. tax return filing. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, our effective tax rate was higher than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to the above-mentioned items, as well as a benefit of $4 million (including $3 million of interest and penalties) related to the expiration of statutes of limitations in certain foreign locations, a benefit of $2 million related to a state legislative change enacted in the second quarter of 2015, and a $2 million benefit for deferred tax adjustments to reflect the impact of regulations issued by the IRS in the first quarter of 2015.
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, our effective tax rate was higher than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of our earnings in locations with higher tax rates and an expense of $6 million (including $1 million of interest) due to a provision for uncertain tax positions, primarily offset by other insignificant items. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, our effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to the above-mentioned items, offset by a $4 million benefit for the release of a valuation allowance of a foreign subsidiary and a benefit of $2 million related to a state legislative change enacted in the first quarter of 2014.
Segment Results
We evaluate segment operating performance using segment revenue and segment Adjusted EBITDA, as described in Note 14. The segment results presented below are presented before intersegment eliminations.
Owned and Leased Hotels.    The tables below provide a reconciliation of owned and leased hotels revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014.

39



 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
 
Currency Impact
Comparable owned and leased hotels revenues
$
463

 
$
455

 
$
8

 
1.8
 %
 
$
(14
)
Non-comparable owned and leased hotels revenues
37

 
100

 
(63
)
 
(63.0
)%
 
(4
)
Total Owned and Leased Hotels Revenues
$
500

 
$
555

 
$
(55
)
 
(9.9
)%
 
$
(18
)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
 
Currency Impact
Comparable owned and leased hotels revenues
$
1,445

 
$
1,411

 
$
34

 
2.4
 %
 
$
(39
)
Non-comparable owned and leased hotels revenues
104

 
284

 
(180
)
 
(63.4
)%
 
(9
)
Total Owned and Leased Hotels Revenues
$
1,549

 
$
1,695

 
$
(146
)
 
(8.6
)%
 
$
(48
)
The increases in comparable hotels revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were primarily driven by increases of $22 million and $69 million, respectively, at our full service hotels in the United States, partially offset by decreases of $14 million and $35 million, respectively, at our international hotels. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, revenue growth at our United States comparable full service hotels was a result of improved transient and group ADR and demand as well as food and beverage revenues. The decreases in comparable international hotels during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were driven by unfavorable net currency impacts of $14 million and $39 million, respectively.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
RevPAR
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
(Comparable Owned and Leased
Hotels)
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change in
Occ % pts
 
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
Total Owned and Leased Hotels
$
167

 
$
163

 
2.5
%
 
78.4
%
 
77.4
%
 
1.0
%
 
$
213

 
$
211

 
1.2
%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
RevPAR
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
(Comparable Owned and Leased
Hotels)
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change in
Occ % pts
 
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
Total Owned and Leased Hotels
$
168

 
$
164

 
2.6
%
 
77.7
%
 
76.8
%
 
0.9
%
 
$
216

 
$
213

 
1.4
%
Comparable RevPAR at our owned and leased hotels in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased by 2.5% (or 5.9% excluding the net unfavorable currency impacts) and 2.6% (or 5.7% excluding the net unfavorable currency impacts), respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Excluding the unfavorable currency impacts, these increases were primarily driven by improved ADR at our United States comparable full service hotels.
The decreases in non-comparable owned and leased hotels revenues were driven by the following activity, in order of significance:
the sale of four full service hotels and 52 select service hotels in 2014; and
the sale of one full service hotel in 2015.
These decreases in revenues were partially offset by the following activity:
the acquisition of one full service hotel from an unconsolidated hospitality venture in 2014; and
the acquisition of one full service and one select service hotel opening in 2014.
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, no properties were removed from the comparable owned and leased hotels results. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we removed two properties that were sold during the period from the comparable owned and leased hotels results.

40



The tables below provide a reconciliation of owned and leased hotels Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Owned and Leased hotels Adjusted EBITDA
$
89

 
$
104

 
$
(15
)
 
(14.4
)%
Pro rata share of unconsolidated hospitality ventures Adjusted EBITDA
21

 
19

 
2

 
10.5
 %
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
110

 
$
123

 
$
(13
)
 
(10.6
)%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Owned and Leased hotels Adjusted EBITDA
$
311

 
$
341

 
$
(30
)
 
(8.8
)%
Pro rata share of unconsolidated hospitality ventures Adjusted EBITDA
63

 
64

 
(1
)
 
(1.6
)%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
374

 
$
405

 
$
(31
)
 
(7.7
)%
Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $13 million (including $4 million in net unfavorable currency impacts) and $31 million (including $9 million in net unfavorable currency impacts) in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Adjusted EBITDA at our comparable owned and leased properties decreased $1 million and increased $13 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014, which included $3 million and $6 million, respectively, in net unfavorable currency impacts. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, revenue increases were primarily due to improved transient and group ADR and demand as well as food and beverage revenues at our full service hotels in the United States. The three months ended September 30, 2015 was impacted negatively by increased rent expense and increased property taxes at certain properties. The nine months ended September 30, 2015 was impacted by increased rent expense and property taxes at certain properties and higher commissions resulting from increased group business. Adjusted EBITDA at our non-comparable hotels decreased $14 million and $43 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily due to dispositions, and partially offset by openings and acquisitions during 2014 and 2015.
Americas management and franchising.    Americas management and franchising segment revenues increased by $25 million and $81 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, which included $1 million and $3 million in net unfavorable currency impacts, respectively. Other revenues from managed properties increased by $20 million and $59 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. These increases in other revenues from managed properties were due to a higher volume of reimbursements paid to us by our managed properties for increased participation in our Gold Passport program, increased payroll and related benefits expense, increased technology costs and increased marketing expense. The increased volume of reimbursements was driven in part by new hotel openings and previously owned hotels that have been sold subject to long-term management agreements.
Management, franchise and other fees increased by $5 million and $22 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Franchise fees increased $6 million and $18 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year, primarily driven by new and converted hotels and improved performance at existing hotels. Management fees decreased $4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year driven by a $2 million decrease in base fees and a $2 million decrease in incentive fees. Management fees were flat during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year. Other fee revenues increased $3 million and $4 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year, primarily due to amortization of deferred gains from hotels sold subject to long-term management agreements of $2 million and $8 million, respectively. The three and nine month periods in the current year included termination fees of $2 million and $3 million, respectively. The nine month period in the prior year included termination fees of $5 million.

41



Our full service hotels comparable RevPAR improved 4.0% (or 5.3% excluding the unfavorable currency impacts) and 5.9% (or 6.9% excluding the unfavorable currency impacts) in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increase in the three months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to increased transient ADR and demand. The increase in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to increased transient and group ADR and demand.
Comparable RevPAR at our select service hotels in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased by 7.2% and 8.1%, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, driven primarily by increased ADR.
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we removed one property that left the chain from the comparable Americas full service systemwide hotels and no properties were removed from the comparable Americas select service systemwide hotels. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we removed two properties that left the chain from the comparable Americas full service systemwide hotels and no properties were removed from the comparable Americas select service systemwide hotels.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
RevPAR
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
(Comparable Systemwide Hotels)
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change in
Occ % pts
 
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
Americas Full Service
$
152

 
$
146

 
4.0
%
 
79.0
%
 
78.5
%
 
0.5
%
 
$
192

 
$
186

 
3.2
%
Americas Select Service
106

 
99

 
7.2
%
 
81.9
%
 
80.2
%
 
1.7
%
 
130

 
124

 
5.0
%
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Segment Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management, Franchise and Other Fees
$
85

 
$
80

 
$
5

 
6.3
%
Other Revenues from Managed Properties
409

 
389

 
20

 
5.1
%
Total Segment Revenues
$
494

 
$
469

 
$
25

 
5.3
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
74

 
$
66

 
$
8

 
12.1
%
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
RevPAR
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
(Comparable Systemwide Hotels)
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change in
Occ % pts
 
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
Americas Full Service
$
150

 
$
142

 
5.9
%
 
77.1
%
 
76.0
%
 
1.1
%
 
$
195

 
$
186

 
4.5
%
Americas Select Service
102

 
94

 
8.1
%
 
78.9
%
 
77.9
%
 
1.0
%
 
129

 
121

 
6.7
%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Segment Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management, Franchise and Other Fees
$
269

 
$
247

 
$
22

 
8.9
%
Other Revenues from Managed Properties
1,225

 
1,166

 
59

 
5.1
%
Total Segment Revenues
$
1,494

 
$
1,413

 
$
81

 
5.7
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
224

 
$
201

 
$
23

 
11.4
%
Adjusted EBITDA increased by $8 million and $23 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively (which included net unfavorable currency impacts of $1 million and $3 million, respectively), compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 due primarily to the aforementioned $5 million and $22 million increase in management, franchise and other fees. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, primarily due to decreased payroll and related costs and professional fees. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, primarily due to decreased payroll and related costs.

42



ASPAC management and franchising.  ASPAC management and franchising segment revenues were flat and increased $8 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively (which included $2 million and $4 million, respectively, in net unfavorable currency impacts), compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Management, franchise and other fees decreased $1 million and increased $2 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decrease in the three months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily driven by a decrease in incentive fees at certain properties in South Korea, while the increase in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily driven by increased base and incentive fees at certain properties in Japan and China, partially offset by declines at certain properties in South Korea.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, comparable full service RevPAR decreased 5.6% (or increased 3.1% excluding the unfavorable currency impacts) and decreased 3.3% (or increased 3.8% excluding the unfavorable currency impacts), respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Excluding the aforementioned unfavorable currency impacts, the increase in comparable full service RevPAR during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was driven by increased occupancy in most areas within the region and increased ADR in Japan, western China and Macau, partially offset by decreased ADR in northern China, Hong Kong and South Korea.
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we removed one property from the comparable ASPAC full service systemwide hotels as a result of a significant renovation. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we removed three properties from the comparable ASPAC full service systemwide hotels, one property that left the chain and two properties as a result of a significant renovation at each of those properties.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
RevPAR
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
(Comparable Systemwide Hotels)
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change in
Occ % pts
 
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
ASPAC Full Service
$
148

 
$
157

 
(5.6
)%
 
72.3
%
 
70.0
%
 
2.3
%
 
$
205

 
$
225

 
(8.6
)%
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Segment Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management, Franchise and Other Fees
$
21

 
$
22

 
$
(1
)
 
(4.5
)%
Other Revenues from Managed Properties
19

 
18

 
1

 
5.6
 %
Total Segment Revenues
$
40

 
$
40

 
$

 
 %
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
12

 
$
9

 
$
3

 
33.3
 %
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
RevPAR
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
(Comparable Systemwide Hotels)
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change in
Occ % pts
 
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
ASPAC Full Service
$
149

 
$
154

 
(3.3
)%
 
69.7
%
 
67.3
%
 
2.4
%
 
$
214

 
$
229

 
(6.6
)%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Segment Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management, Franchise and Other Fees
$
65

 
$
63

 
$
2

 
3.2
%
Other Revenues from Managed Properties
59

 
53

 
6

 
11.3
%
Total Segment Revenues
$
124

 
$
116

 
$
8

 
6.9
%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
35

 
$
31

 
$
4

 
12.9
%
Adjusted EBITDA increased $3 million and $4 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively (which included $1 million and $3 million net unfavorable currency impacts, respectively), compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The increase during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014 was driven by a

43



decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $4 million which included decreased payroll and related costs, partially offset by the aforementioned decrease in management, franchise and other fees. The increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was driven by a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $2 million as well as the aforementioned increase in management, franchise and other fees. Selling, general and administrative expenses in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 included $2 million of owner accommodation costs.
EAME/SW Asia management.  EAME/SW Asia management segment revenues decreased $3 million and $4 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively (including $2 million and $6 million in net unfavorable currency impacts, respectively), compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Management and other fees decreased $2 million and $6 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The decreases were due to a $1 million and $4 million decrease in incentive fees and a $1 million and $3 million decrease in base fees, primarily driven by properties in Europe due to impacts from the stronger U.S. dollar and decreased performance at certain properties in the Middle East.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, comparable full service RevPAR decreased 7.5% (or increased 6.2% excluding unfavorable currency impacts) and decreased 9.7% (or increased 2.4% excluding unfavorable currency impacts), respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. Excluding the unfavorable currency impacts, the increase in comparable full service RevPAR during the three months ended September 30, 2015 was driven by increased ADR in Europe and Africa and increased occupancy in most areas of the region, partially offset by decreased ADR in the Middle East and India. Excluding the unfavorable currency impacts, the increase in comparable full service RevPAR during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was driven by increased occupancy in India, Africa, and parts of western Europe and increased ADR in Europe and Africa. These increases were partially offset by decreased occupancy in the Middle East and eastern Europe and decreased ADR in the Middle East and India.
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, no properties were removed from the comparable EAME/SW Asia full service systemwide hotel results. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we removed one property that experienced a partial closure from the comparable EAME/SW Asia full service systemwide hotel results.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
RevPAR
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
(Comparable Systemwide Hotels)
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change in
Occ % pts
 
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
EAME/SW Asia Full Service
$
136

 
$
147

 
(7.5
)%
 
65.6
%
 
63.6
%
 
2.0
%
 
$
207

 
$
230

 
(10.3
)%
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Segment Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management and Other Fees
$
16

 
$
18

 
$
(2
)
 
(11.1
)%
Other Revenues from Managed Properties
12

 
13

 
(1
)
 
(7.7
)%
Total Segment Revenues
$
28

 
$
31

 
$
(3
)
 
(9.7
)%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
7

 
$
9

 
$
(2
)
 
(22.2
)%

44



 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
RevPAR
 
Occupancy
 
ADR
(Comparable Systemwide Hotels)
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change in
Occ % pts
 
2015
 
2014
 
Better /
(Worse)
EAME/SW Asia Full Service
$
137

 
$
152

 
(9.7
)%
 
65.8
%
 
64.7
%
 
1.1
%
 
$
208

 
$
235

 
(11.2
)%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Segment Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management and Other Fees
$
49

 
$
55

 
$
(6
)
 
(10.9
)%
Other Revenues from Managed Properties
40

 
38

 
2

 
5.3
 %
Total Segment Revenues
$
89

 
$
93

 
$
(4
)
 
(4.3
)%
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
22

 
$
30

 
$
(8
)
 
(26.7
)%
Adjusted EBITDA decreased $2 million and $8 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, (which included $1 million and $4 million net unfavorable currency impacts), compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA during the three months ended September 30, 2015 was driven by the aforementioned $2 million decrease in management and other fees. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was driven by the aforementioned $6 million decrease in management and other fees and a $2 million increase in selling, general, and administrative costs, primarily driven by an increase in payroll and related costs.
Corporate and other.    Corporate and other includes unallocated corporate expenses, the results of our vacation ownership business prior to the sale in the fourth quarter of 2014, license fees related to Hyatt Residence Club, and the results of our co-branded credit card. Corporate and other revenues decreased $25 million and $69 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014. As a result of the sale of our vacation ownership business, other revenues decreased $15 million and $48 million and other revenues from managed properties decreased $11 million and $30 million during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $1 million and $6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 due to growth of our co-branded credit card program. We recorded $3 million in license fees related to Hyatt Residence Club during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Corporate and other revenues
$
10

 
$
35

 
$
(25
)
 
(71.4
)%
 
$
29

 
$
98

 
$
(69
)
 
(70.4
)%
Corporate and other Adjusted EBITDA
$
(31
)
 
$
(28
)
 
$
(3
)
 
(10.7
)%
 
$
(104
)
 
$
(85
)
 
$
(19
)
 
(22.4
)%
Adjusted EBITDA decreased $3 million and $19 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. These decreases were driven by the aforementioned $25 million and $69 million decreases in other revenues which were partially offset by decreases in other costs from managed properties, selling, general and administrative costs and other direct costs. Expenses decreased $23 million and $68 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year due to the sale of our vacation ownership business. Excluding the impact of the sale of our vacation ownership business, selling, general and administrative costs increased $1 million and $13 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increase in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to increased payroll and related costs, professional fees and marketing costs. Direct costs increased $1 million and $5 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year from our co-branded credit card program.
Eliminations.    Eliminations of $19 million and $66 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and eliminations of $26 million and $79 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, primarily represent fees charged by our management and franchising segments to our owned and leased hotels segment for managing their operations.

45



Non-GAAP Measure Reconciliation
We use the term Adjusted EBITDA throughout this quarterly report. Adjusted EBITDA, as we define it, is a non-GAAP measure. We define consolidated Adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to Hyatt Hotels Corporation plus our pro-rata share of unconsolidated hospitality ventures Adjusted EBITDA using our ownership percentage of each venture, adjusted to exclude the following items:
equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures;
asset impairments;
gains on sales of real estate;
other income (loss), net;
net income attributable to noncontrolling interests;
depreciation and amortization;
interest expense; and
provision for income taxes.
We calculate consolidated Adjusted EBITDA by adding the Adjusted EBITDA of each of our reportable segments to corporate and other Adjusted EBITDA.
Our board of directors and executive management team focus on Adjusted EBITDA as a key performance and compensation measure both on a segment and on a consolidated basis. Adjusted EBITDA assists us in comparing our performance over various reporting periods on a consistent basis because it removes from our operating results the impact of items that do not reflect our core operating performance both on a segment and on a consolidated basis. Our President and Chief Executive Officer, who is our chief operating decision maker, also evaluates the performance of each of our reportable segments and determines how to allocate resources to those segments, in significant part, by assessing the Adjusted EBITDA of each segment. In addition, the compensation committee of our board of directors determines the annual variable compensation for certain members of our management based in part on consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, segment Adjusted EBITDA or some combination of both.
We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it provides investors the same information that we use internally for purposes of assessing our operating performance and making compensation decisions.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a substitute for net income attributable to Hyatt Hotels Corporation, net income, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure prescribed by GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP measures such as Adjusted EBITDA. Although we believe that Adjusted EBITDA can make an evaluation of our operating performance more consistent because it removes items that do not reflect our core operations, other companies in our industry may define Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do. As a result, it may be difficult to use Adjusted EBITDA or similarly named non-GAAP measures that other companies may use to compare the performance of those companies to our performance. Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of the income generated by our business or discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. Our management compensates for these limitations by reference to our GAAP results and using Adjusted EBITDA supplementally. See our condensed consolidated statements of income and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows in our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this quarterly report.
The following table sets forth Adjusted EBITDA by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Owned and leased hotels
$
110

 
$
123

 
$
(13
)
 
(10.6
)%
Americas management and franchising
74

 
66

 
8

 
12.1
 %
ASPAC management and franchising
12

 
9

 
3

 
33.3
 %
EAME/SW Asia management
7

 
9

 
(2
)
 
(22.2
)%
Corporate and other
(31
)
 
(28
)
 
(3
)
 
(10.7
)%
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
$
172

 
$
179

 
$
(7
)
 
(3.9
)%

46



 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
Better / (Worse)
Owned and leased hotels
$
374

 
$
405

 
$
(31
)
 
(7.7
)%
Americas management and franchising
224

 
201

 
23

 
11.4
 %
ASPAC management and franchising
35

 
31

 
4

 
12.9
 %
EAME/SW Asia management
22

 
30

 
(8
)
 
(26.7
)%
Corporate and other
(104
)
 
(85
)
 
(19
)
 
(22.4
)%
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
$
551

 
$
582

 
$
(31
)
 
(5.3
)%
The table below provides a reconciliation of our consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to EBITDA and a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income attributable to Hyatt Hotels Corporation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014:
(in millions)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Adjusted EBITDA
$
172

 
$
179

 
$
551

 
$
582

Equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated hospitality ventures
(17
)
 
6

 
(46
)
 
22

Asset impairments
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(7
)
Gains on sales of real estate

 
3

 
9

 
65

Other income (loss), net
11

 
2

 
(3
)
 
(11
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
Pro rata share of unconsolidated hospitality ventures Adjusted EBITDA
(21
)
 
(19
)
 
(63
)
 
(64
)
EBITDA
140

 
170

 
443

 
585

Depreciation and amortization
(78
)
 
(91
)
 
(233
)
 
(269
)
Interest expense
(17
)
 
(17
)
 
(51
)
 
(54
)
Provision for income taxes
(20
)
 
(30
)
 
(72
)
 
(100
)
Net income attributable to Hyatt Hotels Corporation
$
25

 
$
32

 
$
87

 
$
162


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
We finance our business primarily with existing cash, short-term investments and cash generated from our operations. As part of our business strategy, we also recycle capital by using net proceeds from dispositions to support our acquisitions and new investment opportunities. When appropriate, we borrow cash under our revolving credit facility or from other third-party sources, and may also raise funds by issuing debt or equity securities as necessary. We maintain a cash investment policy that emphasizes preservation of capital. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $634 million and $815 million, respectively. We believe that our cash position, short-term investments and cash from operations, together with borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility and our access to the capital markets, will be adequate to meet all of our funding requirements and capital deployment objectives for the foreseeable future.
We may, from time to time, seek to retire or purchase additional amounts of our outstanding equity and/or debt securities through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, including pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we continued to make purchases of our common stock under our approved repurchase program. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we repurchased $195 million and $539 million of the Company's common stock, respectively. The common stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of common stock and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any

47



time. See Note 11 for further details of our existing repurchase program. As of September 30, 2015, we had $305 million remaining under the share repurchase authorization.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we sold Hyatt Regency Indianapolis for a net sales price of $69 million. We entered into a long-term franchise agreement with the purchaser.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we sold land and construction in progress for $14 million to an unconsolidated hospitality venture in which Hyatt has a 40% ownership interest. Also during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we sold a Hyatt House hotel for a net sales price of $5 million.
Our current expectation for is that our operating performance guarantees will not have a significant impact on our liquidity and capital resources in 2015. See Note 10 for further information.
Sources and Uses of Cash
At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had cash and cash equivalents of $569 million and $685 million, respectively. Additionally, we had short-term investments in certificates of deposits and marketable securities of $65 million and $130 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
(in millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2015
 
2014
Cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
396

 
$
362

Investing activities
24

 
(250
)
Financing activities
(534
)
 
(287
)
Effect of changes in exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents
(2
)
 
(4
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(116
)
 
(179
)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year
685

 
454

Cash and cash equivalents classified as assets held for sale

 
(12
)
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
569

 
$
263

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $396 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $362 million in the same period last year. The increase was driven by restricted cash released from our captive insurance company and the timing of income tax payments. This increase was partially offset by the timing of certain accruals.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash flows provided by investing activities totaled $24 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to cash used in investing activities of $250 million in the same period last year. Specific activity in each period was as follows:
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015:
We sold Hyatt Regency Indianapolis for approximately $69 million.
We sold land and construction in progress for approximately $14 million, of which $12 million has been received.
We sold a Hyatt House hotel for approximately $5 million.
We released $143 million from escrow to cash and cash equivalents related to release of proceeds from like-kind exchanges.
Capital expenditures were $185 million (see "Capital Expenditures" below).
We invested $29 million in unconsolidated hospitality ventures.
We received proceeds of $28 million from financing receivables.
We received net proceeds of $75 million from the maturity of time deposits.

48



We purchased net $114 million of marketable securities and short-term investments related to Hyatt Gold Passport and our insurance captive.
We released $19 million from restricted cash related to the development of a hotel in Brazil.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
We sold nine select service properties and one full service property for $310 million, net of closing costs and cash transferred, of which $232 million was classified as restricted cash in anticipation of consummation of a like-kind exchange agreement and was released upon the completion of the like-kind exchange.
We released $74 million from restricted cash in conjunction with the 2013 sale of Hyatt Key West and the consummation of a like-kind exchange agreement.
We acquired the Park Hyatt New York hotel, for a net purchase price of $391 million.
Capital expenditures were $168 million (see "Capital Expenditures" below).
We invested $97 million in investments which includes $84 million in unconsolidated hospitality ventures.
We purchased a net total of $21 million of marketable securities and short-term investments.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities totaled $534 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $287 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company repurchased 9,614,463 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $539 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 4,048,230 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $229 million of which $228 million was settled in cash during the period.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company exercised its purchase option to acquire the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress hotel for $191 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we did not draw on our revolving credit facility. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we drew $170 million on our revolving credit facility and repaid $40 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, we drew $12 million and $14 million, respectively, on a construction loan for the development of a hotel in Brazil.
The following is a summary of our debt to capital ratios:
(in millions, except percentages)
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Consolidated debt (1)
$
1,377

 
$
1,390

Stockholders’ equity
4,130

 
4,627

Total capital
5,507

 
6,017

Total debt to total capital
25.0
%
 
23.1
%
Consolidated debt (1)
1,377

 
1,390

Less: Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments
634

 
815

Net consolidated debt (cash and short-term investments)
$
743

 
$
575

Net debt to total capital
13.5
%
 
9.6
%
(1)
Excludes approximately $682 million and $638 million of our share of unconsolidated hospitality venture indebtedness as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, substantially all of which is non-recourse to us.
Capital Expenditures
We routinely make capital expenditures to enhance our business. We classify our capital expenditures into maintenance, enhancements to existing properties and investment in new properties.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, we had total capital expenditures of $185 million and $168 million, respectively. Maintenance expenditures were $81 million and $64

49



million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, with the increase driven by increased spending at full service properties and increased technology spending, partially offset by decreased spending related to owned select service hotels driven by dispositions during 2014. Expenditures related to investments in new properties were $69 million and $56 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. Expenditures related to investments in new properties in 2015 were primarily driven by construction spending on our development of a hotel in Brazil. Expenditures related to investments in new properties in 2014 were primarily driven by construction spending on our development of a hotel in Brazil and spending related to owned select service hotels which were subsequently sold during 2014. Enhancements to existing properties were $35 million and $48 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The decrease is primarily driven by decreased spending at owned select service hotels driven by dispositions during 2014 and decreased renovation activity at international full service properties, partially offset by increased spending at full service properties in the United States. We have been and will continue to be prudent with respect to our capital spending, taking into account our cash flow from operations.
Senior Notes
The table below sets forth the outstanding principal balance of our Senior Notes. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually.
Description
Principal Amount (in millions)
2016 Notes
$
250

2019 Notes
196

2021 Notes
250

2023 Notes
350

Total
$
1,046

We are in compliance with all applicable covenants under the indenture governing our Senior Notes as of September 30, 2015.
Revolving Credit Facility
On January 6, 2014, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with a syndicate of lenders that amended and restated our prior revolving credit facility to extend the facility's expiration from September 9, 2016 to January 4, 2019. The revolving credit facility is intended to provide financing for working capital and general corporate purposes, including commercial paper back-up and permitted investments and acquisitions.
There were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and the average daily borrowings under the revolving credit facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $22 million. There was no outstanding balance on this credit facility at September 30, 2015, or at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, however, we had $9 million in outstanding undrawn letters of credit that we issued under our revolving credit facility (which reduces the availability thereunder by the corresponding amount). As of September 30, 2015, we had available borrowing capacity of approximately $1.5 billion.
We are in compliance with all applicable covenants under the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2015.
Letters of Credit
We issue letters of credit either under the revolving credit facility or directly with financial institutions. We had a total of $56 million and $65 million in letters of credit outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. We had letters of credit issued directly with financial institutions of $56 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The letters of credit issued directly with financial institutions had weighted-average fees of 94 basis points at September 30, 2015. The range of maturity on these letters of credit was up to one year as of September 30, 2015.

50



Other Debt Obligations
We are in compliance with all applicable covenants under all other debt instruments as of September 30, 2015.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. We have discussed those estimates that we believe are critical and require the use of complex judgment in their application in our 2014 Form 10-K. Since the date of our 2014 Form 10-K, there have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies or the methodologies or assumptions we apply under them.

51



Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We are exposed to market risk primarily from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. In certain situations, we seek to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates by entering into financial arrangements to provide a hedge against a portion of the risks associated with such volatility. We continue to have exposure to such risks to the extent they are not hedged. We enter into derivative financial arrangements to the extent they meet the objectives described above, and we do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. At September 30, 2015, we were a party to hedging transactions, including the use of derivative financial instruments, as discussed below.
Interest Rate Risk
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes due to our borrowing activities. Our objective is to manage the risk of interest rate changes on the results of operations, cash flows, and the market value of our debt by creating an appropriate balance between our fixed and floating-rate debt. We enter into interest rate derivative transactions from time to time, including interest rate swaps, in order to maintain a level of exposure to interest rate variability that the Company deems acceptable. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we held no interest rate swap contracts.
Foreign Currency Exposures and Exchange Rate Instruments
We transact business in various foreign currencies and utilize foreign currency forward contracts to offset our exposure associated with the fluctuations of certain foreign currencies. These foreign currency exposures typically arise from intercompany loans and other intercompany transactions.
The U.S. dollar equivalent of the notional amount of the outstanding forward contracts, the majority of which relate to intercompany loans, with terms of less than one year, is as follows (in U.S. dollars):
(in millions)
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Pound Sterling
$
170

 
$
171

Canadian Dollar
64

 
72

Korean Won
34

 
32

Swiss Franc
8

 
10

Brazilian Real
4

 

Total notional amount of forward contracts
$
280

 
$
285


We intend to offset the gains and losses related to our intercompany loans and transactions with gains or losses on our foreign currency forward contracts such that there is a negligible effect on net income. The effects of these derivative instruments within other income (loss), net were gains of $12 million and $16 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the effect of these derivative instruments were gains of $9 million and $1 million, respectively. We expect to continue this practice relating to our intercompany loans and transactions, and we will continue to manage the risks associated with other transactional and translational foreign currency volatility within our business.

52



Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures.    The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules and forms. In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company's Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.    There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the Company's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.



53



PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.
We are involved in various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business, including proceedings involving tort and other general liability claims, workers' compensation and other employee claims, intellectual property claims and claims related to our management of certain hotel properties. Most occurrences involving liability, claims of negligence and employees are covered by insurance with solvent insurance carriers. We recognize a liability when we believe the loss is probable and reasonably estimable. We currently believe that the ultimate outcome of such lawsuits and proceedings will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

At September 30, 2015, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in response to Item 1A. to Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company's purchases of shares of Class A common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2015:
 
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Weighted Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
 

Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
under the
Program
July 1 to July 31, 2015
 
430,659

 
$
57.02

 
430,659

 
$
75,281,771

August 1 to August 31, 2015
 
1,669,634

 
$
52.32

 
1,669,634

 
$
387,928,372

September 1 to September 30, 2015
 
1,635,167

 
$
50.61

 
1,635,167

 
$
305,168,061

Total
 
3,735,460

 
$
52.11

 
3,735,460

 
 

(1)
On each of December 11, 2014 and August 4, 2015, we announced the approvals of expansions of our share repurchase program pursuant to which we are authorized to purchase up to an additional $400 million and $400 million, respectively, of Class A and Class B common stock in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise, including pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan. The repurchase programs do not have an expiration date. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had approximately $305 million remaining under the share repurchase authorization.

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Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

Item 5.    Other Information.

None.
 


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Item 6.    Exhibits.
Exhibit Number
Exhibit Description
 
 
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hyatt Hotels Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 (File No. 001-34521) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2015)
 
 
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Hyatt Hotels Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34521) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2014)
 
 
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 




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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 3, 2015
By:  
/s/ Mark S. Hoplamazian
 
 
 
Mark S. Hoplamazian
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the undersigned, in his capacity as the principal financial officer of the registrant.
 
 
 
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 3, 2015
By:  
/s/ Atish Shah
 
 
 
Atish Shah
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Interim Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)



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