Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (RHP) FY 2023 MD&A

Item 7.            Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K generally discusses 2023 and 2022 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022. Discussions of 2021 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2022 and 2021 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

Overview

We are a Delaware corporation, originally incorporated in 1956, that, following our REIT conversion in 2012, began operating as a self-advised and self-administered REIT for federal income tax purposes on January 1, 2013, specializing in group-oriented, destination hotel assets in urban and resort markets. Our core holdings include a network of five upscale, meetings-focused resorts totaling 9,917 rooms that are managed by Marriott International, Inc. (“Marriott”) under the Gaylord Hotels brand. These five resorts, which we refer to as our Gaylord Hotels properties, consist of the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee (“Gaylord Opryland”), the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center near Orlando, Florida (“Gaylord Palms”), the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center

41

Table of Contents

near Dallas, Texas (“Gaylord Texan”), the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center near Washington D.C. (“Gaylord National”), and the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center near Denver, Colorado (“Gaylord Rockies”), which was previously owned by the Gaylord Rockies joint venture, in which we owned a 65% interest. On May 7, 2021, we purchased the remaining 35% interest in the Gaylord Rockies joint venture. Our other owned hotel assets managed by Marriott include the Inn at Opryland, an overflow hotel adjacent to Gaylord Opryland, the AC Hotel at National Harbor, Washington D.C. (“AC Hotel”), an overflow hotel adjacent to Gaylord National, and effective June 30, 2023, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa (“JW Marriott Hill Country”).

We also own a controlling 70% equity interest in a business comprised of a number of entertainment and media assets, known as the Opry Entertainment Group (“OEG”), which we report as our Entertainment segment. These assets include the Grand Ole Opry, the legendary weekly showcase of country music’s finest performers for 98 years; the Ryman Auditorium, the storied live music venue and former home of the Grand Ole Opry located in downtown Nashville; WSM-AM, the Opry’s radio home; Ole Red, a brand of Blake Shelton-themed bar, music venue and event spaces; two Nashville-based assets – the Wildhorse Saloon and the General Jackson Showboat; and as of May 31, 2022, Block 21, a mixed-use entertainment, lodging, office, and retail complex located in Austin, Texas (“Block 21”). See “OEG Transaction” below for additional disclosure regarding our sale of a 30% interest in OEG effective June 16, 2022.

Each of our award-winning Gaylord Hotels properties, as well as the JW Marriott Hill Country, incorporates not only high-quality lodging, but also at least 400,000 square feet (268,000 in the case of JW Marriott Hill Country) of meeting, convention and exhibition space, superb food and beverage options and retail and spa facilities within a single self-contained property. As a result, our Gaylord Hotels properties and JW Marriott Hill Country provide a convenient and entertaining environment for convention guests. Our Gaylord Hotels properties and JW Marriott Hill Country focus on the large group meetings market in the United States.

Our goal is to be the nation’s premier hospitality REIT for group-oriented, destination hotel assets in urban and resort markets.

See “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” under Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for important information regarding forward-looking statements made in this report and risks and uncertainties we face.

JW Marriott Hill Country

On June 30, 2023, we purchased JW Marriott Hill Country for approximately $800 million. Located amid approximately 600 acres in the Texas Hill Country region outside of San Antonio, JW Marriott Hill Country, which opened in 2010, is a premier group-oriented resort with 1,002 rooms and 268,000 total square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. The resort’s amenities include a 26,000 square foot spa; eight food and beverage outlets; a 9-acre water experience; and TPC San Antonio, which features two 18-hole golf courses. We funded the purchase price with approximately $395 million in net proceeds of an underwritten registered public offering of approximately 4.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock, approximately $393 million in net proceeds of a private placement of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior notes due 2028 and cash on hand. JW Marriott Hill Country assets are reflected in our Hospitality segment beginning June 30, 2023.

Credit Facility Refinancing

In May 2023, we completed the refinancing of our previous credit facility by entering into a new credit agreement, which extends the maturity of our $700 million revolving credit facility to 2027 and an increased $500 million term loan B to 2030. The new credit facility also includes an accordion feature that will allow us to increase the facilities by an aggregate total of up to $475 million. A portion of the proceeds of the term loan B were used to repay in full the approximately $370 million balance of our previous term loan B. The revolver was undrawn at closing.

​

42

Table of Contents

Issuance of $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes due 2028

In June 2023, the Operating Partnership and RHP Finance Corporation completed the private placement of $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior notes due 2028 (the “$400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes”), which are guaranteed by the Company and its subsidiaries that guarantee our credit agreement.

​

The net proceeds from the issuance of the $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes totaled approximately $393 million, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts, commissions and offering expenses. We used these proceeds to pay a portion of the purchase price for JW Marriott Hill Country discussed above.

​

Equity Offering

In June 2023, we completed an underwritten public offering of approximately 4.4 million shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a price to the public of $93.25 per share. Our net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other expenses paid by us, were approximately $395 million. We used these proceeds to pay a portion of the purchase price for JW Marriott Hill Country discussed above.

OEG Transaction

As more fully described in the “OEG Transaction” section of Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included herein, on June 16, 2022, we and certain of our subsidiaries, including OEG Attractions Holdings, LLC, which directly or indirectly owns the assets that comprise our Entertainment segment, consummated the transactions contemplated by an investment agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) with Atairos Group, Inc. (“Atairos”) and A-OEG Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Atairos (the “OEG Investor”), pursuant to which OEG issued and sold to the OEG Investor, and the OEG Investor acquired, 30% of the equity interests of OEG for approximately $296.0 million (the “OEG Transaction”). The purchase price for the OEG Transaction may be increased by $30.0 million if OEG achieves certain financial objectives in 2024.

We retained a controlling 70% equity interest in OEG and continue to consolidate OEG and the other subsidiaries comprising our Entertainment segment in our consolidated financial statements. After the payment of transaction expenses, we used substantially all of the net proceeds from the OEG Transaction, together with the net proceeds we received from the OEG Term Loan (as defined in “Principal Debt Agreements” below), to repay the then-outstanding balance of our former $300 million term loan A and to pay down substantially all borrowings then outstanding under our revolving credit facility.

Dividend Policy

In September 2022, our board of directors approved a dividend policy pursuant to which we will make minimum dividends of 100% of REIT taxable income annually, subject to the board of directors’ future determinations as to the amount of any distributions and the timing thereof. The dividend policy may be altered at any time by our board of directors (as otherwise permitted by our credit agreement) and certain provisions of our agreements governing our indebtedness may prohibit us from paying dividends in accordance with any policy we may adopt.

43

Table of Contents

Our Operations

Our ongoing operations are organized into three principal business segments:

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, our total revenues were divided among these business segments as follows:

​

Key Performance Indicators

The operating results of our Hospitality segment are highly dependent on the volume of customers at our hotels and the quality of the customer mix at our hotels, which are managed by Marriott. These factors impact the price that Marriott can charge for our hotel rooms and other amenities, such as food and beverage and meeting space. The following key performance indicators are commonly used in the hospitality industry and are used by management to evaluate hotel performance and potentially allocate capital expenditures:

In addition to GAAP measures such as revenues, net income and operating income, we also use certain “non-GAAP financial measures,” which are measures of our historical performance that are not calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP within the meaning of applicable SEC rules. These measures include:

​

44

Table of Contents

See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for further discussion.

For 2021, as compared to 2022 and historical periods prior to 2020, the closure and pandemic-constrained business levels then experienced by our Gaylord Hotels properties resulted in a significant decrease in performance reflected in these key performance indicators and relevant GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures.

The results of operations of our Hospitality segment are affected by the number and type of group meetings and conventions scheduled to attend our hotels in a given period. A variety of factors can affect the results of any interim period, including the nature and quality of the group meetings and conventions attending our hotels during such period, which meetings and conventions have often been contracted for several years in advance, the level of attrition our hotels experience, and the level of transient business at our hotels during such period. Increases in costs, including labor costs, insurance costs, costs of food and other supplies, and energy costs have affected our operations in 2023 and 2022 and in the future could negatively affect our results, particularly during an inflationary economic environment. We rely on Marriott, as the manager of our hotels, to manage these factors and to offset any identified shortfalls in occupancy.

Summary Financial Results

The following table summarizes our financial results for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands, except percentages and per share data):

​

2023 Results as Compared to 2022 Results

The increase in our total revenues during 2023, as compared to 2022, is attributable to increases in our Hospitality segment and Entertainment segment revenues of $295.5 million and $56.7 million, respectively, as presented in the tables below.

The increase in total operating expenses during 2023, as compared to 2022, is primarily the result of increases in Hospitality segment and Entertainment segment expenses of $187.8 million and $35.1 million, respectively, as presented in the tables below.

The above factors resulted in a $126.5 million improvement in operating income for 2023, as compared to 2022.

Our increase in net income of $206.9 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, was due to the change in our operating income described above, and the following factors, each as described more fully below:

​

45

Table of Contents

Factors and Trends Contributing to Performance and Current Environment

​

Important factors and trends contributing to our performance during 2023, as compared to 2022, which was partially impacted by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the first quarter of 2022, were:

​

46

Table of Contents

Operating Results – Detailed Segment Financial Information

Hospitality Segment

Total Segment Results. The following presents the financial results of our Hospitality segment for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands, except percentages and performance metrics):

Total Hospitality revenues in 2023 include $43.8 million in attrition and cancellation fee collections, a $13.5 million decrease from 2022.

​

47

Table of Contents

The percentage of group versus transient business based on rooms sold for our Hospitality segment for the years ended December 31 was approximately as follows:

​

The type of group based on rooms sold for our Hospitality segment for the years ended December 31 was approximately as follows:

​

Other hotel expenses for the following years ended December 31 included (in thousands):

​

Administrative employment costs include salaries and benefits for hotel administrative functions, including, among others, senior management, accounting, human resources, sales, conference services, engineering and security. Administrative employment costs increased during 2023, as compared to 2022, primarily due to the addition of JW Marriott Hill Country, as well as increases at Gaylord Opryland, Gaylord National and Gaylord Texan associated with increased business levels. Utility costs increased during 2023, as compared to 2022, primarily due to the addition of JW Marriott Hill Country, as well as an increase at Gaylord Opryland associated with increased utility rates. Property taxes increased during 2023, as compared to 2022, primarily due to the addition of JW Marriott Hill Country. Other expenses, which include supplies, advertising, maintenance costs and consulting costs, increased during 2023, as compared to 2022, primarily due to the addition of JW Marriott Hill Country, as well as various increases at Gaylord Opryland, Gaylord National, Gaylord Texan and Gaylord Palms due to increased business levels.

Each of our management agreements with Marriott requires us to pay Marriott a base management fee based on the gross revenues from the applicable property for each fiscal year or portion thereof. The applicable percentage for our Gaylord Hotels properties, excluding Gaylord Rockies, is approximately 2% of gross revenues, Gaylord Rockies is approximately 3% of gross revenues, and JW Marriott Hill Country is approximately 3.5% of gross revenues. Additionally, we pay Marriott an incentive management fee based on the profitability of our hotels. We incurred $41.3 million, $33.7 million and $17.1 million in total base management fees to Marriott related to our Hospitality segment during 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We also incurred $28.3 million, $12.8 million and $0 in incentive management fees for our Hospitality segment during 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Management fees are presented throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K net of the amortization of the deferred management rights proceeds discussed in Note 5, “Deferred Management Rights Proceeds,” to the consolidated financial statements included herein.

Hospitality segment depreciation and amortization expense decreased in 2023, as compared to 2022, primarily as a result of the intangible asset associated with advanced bookings at Gaylord Rockies when we purchased an additional interest in Gaylord Rockies in 2018 becoming fully amortized in 2022, partially offset by the increase related to JW Marriott Hill Country.

​

48

Table of Contents

Property-Level Results. The following presents the property-level financial results of our Hospitality segment for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. In 2021, these properties experienced higher levels of attrition and cancellations and lower occupancy levels, which are directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and experienced heavily transient business. Therefore, the property-level financial results for 2021 are not comparable to 2023, 2022 or to historical periods prior to 2020. Total revenue at each of our Gaylord Hotels properties was lower for 2021 than that of historical periods due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating costs at each of our properties were lower for 2021 as a result of cost containment initiatives and lower variable costs due to lower occupancies.

Gaylord Opryland Results. The results of Gaylord Opryland for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (in thousands, except percentages and performance metrics):

49

Table of Contents

​

Gaylord Palms Results. Gaylord Palms results include 302 expansion rooms beginning in June 2021. The results of Gaylord Palms for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (in thousands, except percentages and performance metrics):

​

Gaylord Texan Results. The results of Gaylord Texan for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (in thousands, except percentages and performance metrics):

50

Table of Contents

​

Gaylord National Results. The results of Gaylord National for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (in thousands, except percentages and performance metrics):

Gaylord Rockies Results. The results of Gaylord Rockies for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (in thousands, except percentages and performance metrics):

​

​

51

Table of Contents

JW Marriott Hill Country Results. We purchased JW Marriott Hill Country June 30, 2023. The results of JW Marriott Hill Country for the period ended December 31, 2023 are as follows (in thousands, except percentages and performance metrics):

​

Entertainment Segment

Due to temporary closures and reopenings of various assets related to COVID-19 in 2021, the Entertainment segment financial results for 2021 are not comparable to 2023, 2022 or to historical periods prior to 2020. Entertainment segment financial results for 2023 and 2022 include Block 21 beginning May 31, 2022. The following presents the financial results of our Entertainment segment for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands, except percentages):

​

Revenues, operating expenses and depreciation and amortization increased in our Entertainment segment in 2023, as compared to 2022, primarily due to Block 21, which we acquired in May 2022. In addition, Entertainment segment revenues increased in 2023, as compared to 2022, due to increased revenues throughout our other OEG businesses as a result of increased attendance or volume, as applicable. Entertainment segment operating expenses also increased in 2023, as compared to 2022, due to increased variable expenses associated with higher business levels.

​

52

Table of Contents

Corporate and Other Segment

The following presents the financial results of our Corporate and Other segment for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands, except percentages):

​

Corporate and Other operating expenses, which consist primarily of costs associated with senior management salaries and benefits, legal, human resources, accounting, pension and other administrative costs, decreased slightly in 2023, as compared to 2022.

Operating Results – Preopening costs

We expense the costs associated with start-up activities and organization costs as incurred. Our preopening costs for 2023 primarily include costs associated with Ole Red Las Vegas, which opened in January 2024. Our preopening costs for 2022 primarily include costs associated with Ole Red Nashville International Airport, which opened in May 2022.

Operating Results – Loss on Sale of Assets

Loss on sale of assets for 2022 includes the sale of a parcel of land in Nashville, Tennessee.

Non-Operating Results Affecting Net Income (Loss)

General

The following table summarizes the other factors which affected our net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands, except percentages):

​

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $63.0 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, due primarily to higher interest rates and higher levels of indebtedness attributable to the 2022 OEG Term Loan and the Block 21 CMBS loan, as well as the May 2023 refinancing and increase of the term loan B and the June 2023 issuance of the $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes. Our weighted average interest rate on our borrowings, excluding capitalized interest, but including the impact of interest rate swaps, was 6.6% and 5.0% in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Cash interest expense increased $63.1 million to $200.8 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, and non-cash interest expense, which includes amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts or premiums and is offset by capitalized interest, decreased $0.1 million to $10.5 million in 2023, as compared to 2022.

​

53

Table of Contents

Interest Income

Interest income for 2023 primarily includes amounts earned on our larger than historical cash balances, as well as the bonds that were received in connection with the development of Gaylord National, which we hold as notes receivable. Interest income for 2022 primarily includes amounts earned on the bonds associated with Gaylord National.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

As a result of the May 2023 refinancing of our credit facility and the extension of the Gaylord Rockies $800 million term loan, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $2.3 million in 2023.

As a result of the June 2022 repayment of our previous $300 million term loan A with the proceeds from a $300 million OEG term loan, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.5 million in 2022.

Loss from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

The loss from unconsolidated joint ventures for 2023 and 2022 represents our equity method share of losses associated with Circle.

In September 2023, we determined to pivot from television network ownership in favor of a distribution approach. Therefore, we and our joint venture partner agreed to wind down Circle, and operations ceased on December 31, 2023. As a result, we incurred a loss related to Circle of approximately $10.5 million, which is included in loss from unconsolidated joint ventures in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for 2023.

Other Gains and (Losses), net

Other gains and (losses), net for 2023 and 2022 primarily includes a gain of $6.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively, from a fund associated with the Gaylord National bonds to reimburse us for certain marketing and maintenance expenses.

(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes

As a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal corporate income taxes on ordinary taxable income and capital gains income from real estate investments that we distribute to our stockholders. We are required to pay federal and state corporate income taxes on earnings of our TRSs.

During 2023 and 2022, we recorded an income tax (provision) benefit of $93.7 million and $(38.8) million, respectively. These results differ from the statutory rate primarily due to the REIT dividends paid deduction for both years and a change in valuation allowance at the TRSs in 2023.

We evaluate our deferred tax assets each reporting period to determine if it is more likely than not that those assets will be realized or if a valuation allowance is needed. In the fourth quarter of 2023, due to continued improvement in our financial results coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the projected future taxable income of our TRSs, we determined that the release of a significant portion of our federal and state valuation allowance was appropriate. This release of valuation allowance of $112.5 million was the primary factor in the large income tax benefit for 2023.

​

54

Table of Contents

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We present the following non-GAAP financial measures, which we believe are useful to investors as key measures of our operating performance:

EBITDAre, Adjusted EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDAre, Excluding Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Joint Venture Definition

We calculate EBITDAre, which is defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) in its September 2017 white paper as net income (calculated in accordance with GAAP) plus interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, gains or losses on the disposition of depreciated property (including gains or losses on change in control), impairment write-downs of depreciated property and of investments in unconsolidated affiliates caused by a decrease in the value of depreciated property of the affiliate, and adjustments to reflect the entity’s share of EBITDAre of unconsolidated affiliates.

Adjusted EBITDAre is then calculated as EBITDAre, plus to the extent the following adjustments occurred during the periods presented:

We then exclude the pro rata share of Adjusted EBITDAre related to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures to calculate Adjusted EBITDAre, Excluding Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Joint Venture.

We use EBITDAre, Adjusted EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDAre, Excluding Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Joint Venture to evaluate our operating performance. We believe that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors regarding our operating performance and debt leverage metrics, and that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures, when combined with the primary GAAP presentation of net income, is beneficial to an investor’s complete understanding of our operating performance. We make additional adjustments to EBITDAre when evaluating our performance because we believe that presenting Adjusted EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDAre, Excluding Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Joint Venture provides useful information to investors regarding our operating performance and debt leverage metrics.

FFO, Adjusted FFO, and Adjusted FFO available to common stockholders and unit holders Definition

We calculate FFO, which definition is clarified by NAREIT in its December 2018 white paper as net income (calculated in accordance with GAAP) excluding depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts), gains and losses from the sale of certain real estate assets, gains and losses from a change in control, impairment write-downs of certain real estate assets and investments in entities when the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciated real estate held by the entity, income (loss) from consolidated joint ventures attributable to noncontrolling interest, and pro rata adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures.

​

​

55

Table of Contents

To calculate Adjusted FFO available to common stockholders and unit holders, we then exclude, to the extent the following adjustments occurred during the periods presented:

​

​

FFO available to common stockholders and unit holders and Adjusted FFO available to common stockholders and unit holders exclude the ownership portion of the joint ventures not controlled or owned by the Company.

​

We believe that the presentation of FFO available to common stockholders and unit holders and Adjusted FFO available to common stockholders and unit holders provides useful information to investors regarding the performance of our ongoing operations because they are a measure of our operations without regard to specified non-cash items such as real estate depreciation and amortization, gain or loss on sale of assets and certain other items, which we believe are not indicative of the performance of our underlying hotel properties. We believe that these items are more representative of our asset base than our ongoing operations. We also use these non-GAAP financial measures as measures in determining our results after considering the impact of our capital structure.

​

We caution investors that amounts presented in accordance with our definitions of Adjusted EBITDAre, Adjusted EBITDAre, Excluding Noncontrolling Interest, FFO available to common stockholders and unit holders, and Adjusted FFO available to common stockholders and unit holders may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies, because not all companies calculate these non-GAAP measures in the same manner. These non-GAAP financial measures, and any related per share measures, should not be considered as alternative measures of our Net Income (Loss), operating performance, cash flow or liquidity. These non-GAAP financial measures may include funds that may not be available for our discretionary use due to functional requirements to conserve funds for capital expenditures and property acquisitions and other commitments and uncertainties. Although we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures can enhance an investor’s understanding of our results of operations, these non-GAAP financial measures, when viewed individually, are not necessarily better indicators of any trend as compared to GAAP measures such as Net Income (Loss), Operating Income (Loss), or cash flow from operations.

​

​

56

Table of Contents

The following is a reconciliation of our consolidated GAAP net income (loss) to EBITDAre and Adjusted EBITDAre for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

​

​

The following is a reconciliation of our consolidated GAAP net income (loss) to FFO and Adjusted FFO for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

​

57

Table of Contents

​

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows Provided By Operating Activities. Cash flow from operating activities is the principal source of cash used to fund our operating expenses, interest payments on debt, maintenance capital expenditures, and dividends to stockholders. During 2023, our net cash flows provided by operating activities were $557.1 million, primarily reflecting our net income before depreciation expense, amortization expense and other non-cash charges of approximately $500.6 million and favorable changes in working capital of approximately $56.5 million. The favorable changes in working capital primarily resulted from an increase in deferred revenues associated with increased advanced room deposits on future hotel room stays.

During 2022, our net cash flows provided by operating activities were $419.9 million, primarily reflecting our net income before depreciation expense, amortization expense and other non-cash charges of approximately $387.6 million, and favorable changes in working capital of approximately $32.3 million. The favorable changes in working capital primarily resulted from an increase in deferred revenues associated with increased advanced ticket purchases at our OEG venues and advanced room deposits on future hotel room stays, and an increase in general accrued expenses, including an increase in management fees and incentive compensation, as a result of the increase in business levels. These favorable changes in working capital were partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable due to an increase in group business at our Gaylord Hotels properties.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities.

During 2023, our primary use of funds for investing activities was the use of $791.5 million in net cash to purchase JW Marriott Hill Country and purchases of property and equipment, which totaled $206.8 million. Purchases of property and equipment consisted primarily of the construction of Ole Red Las Vegas, enhancements at Gaylord Rockies to better position the property for our group customers, a rooms, restaurant and meeting space renovation at Gaylord Palms, enhancements to the offerings at Block 21, and ongoing maintenance capital expenditures for each of our existing properties.

During 2022, our primary use of funds for investing activities was the use of $94.0 million in net cash to fund a portion of the purchase price of Block 21 and purchases of property and equipment, which totaled $89.5 million. Purchases of property and equipment consisted primarily of enhancements at Gaylord Rockies to better position the property for our group customers, a re-concepting of the food and beverage options at Gaylord National, the construction of our Ole Red locations in Las Vegas and the Nashville International Airport, and ongoing maintenance capital expenditures for our existing properties.

Cash Flows Provided By Financing Activities. Our cash flows from financing activities primarily reflect the incurrence and repayment of long-term debt and the payment of cash dividends. During 2023, net cash flows provided by financing activities were $711.9 million, primarily reflecting the issuance of the $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes, $395.4 million in net proceeds from the issuance of approximately 4.4 million shares of our common stock, and the net borrowing of $121.3 million under our refinanced credit facility, partially offset by the payment of $176.0 million in cash distributions and the payment of $23.4 million in deferred financing costs.

During 2022, net cash flows provided by financing activities were $50.7 million, primarily reflecting the net proceeds of the OEG Transaction of $285.9 million and the incurrence of the OEG Term Loan and the repayment of our former term loan A, partially offset by the repayment of $195.0 million under our credit facility and the payment of $15.4 million in deferred financing costs.

​

58

Table of Contents

Liquidity

At December 31, 2023, we had $591.8 million in unrestricted cash and $745.4 million available for borrowing in the aggregate under our revolving credit facility and the OEG revolving debt facility. During 2023, we issued $400 million in new senior notes for net proceeds of $393 million, received net proceeds of $395.4 million from the issuance of approximately 4.4 million shares of our common stock, net borrowed $121.3 million as part of the May 2023 upsizing of our Term Loan B from $370.0 million to $500.0 million, used $791.5 million in net cash to purchase JW Marriott Hill Country, incurred capital expenditures of $206.8 million and paid $176.0 million in cash distributions. These changes, as well as the cash flows provided by operations discussed above, were the primary factors in the increase in our cash balance from 2022 to 2023.

We anticipate investing in our operations during 2024 by spending between approximately $360 million and $440 million in capital expenditures, which includes projects at Gaylord Rockies to construct a new events pavilion, enhance the grand lodge and reposition its food and beverage outlets; enhancements to meeting spaces at Gaylord Opryland to further appeal to our target group customers; a rooms renovation at the W Hotel and common area enhancements at Block 21; the conversion of the Wildhorse Saloon to Category 10; the completion of Ole Red Las Vegas; a rooms renovation at Gaylord Palms; and ongoing maintenance capital for each of our current facilities. Further, our dividend policy provides that we will make minimum dividends of 100% of REIT taxable income annually. Following completion of the one-year extension of the Gaylord Rockies Loan (as defined and discussed below), we currently have no debt maturities until July 2024. We believe we will be able to refinance our debt agreements prior to their maturities, including extension options.

We believe that our cash on hand and cash flow from operations, together with amounts available for borrowing under each of our revolving credit facility and the OEG revolving credit facility, will be adequate to fund our general short-term commitments, as well as: (i) current operating expenses, (ii) interest expense on long-term debt obligations, (iii) financing lease and operating lease obligations, (iv) declared dividends and (v) the capital expenditures described above. Our ability to draw on our credit facility and the OEG revolving credit facility is subject to the satisfaction of provisions of the credit facility and the OEG revolving credit facility, as applicable.

Our outstanding principal debt agreements are described below. At December 31, 2023, there were no defaults under the covenants related to our outstanding debt.

Principal Debt Agreements

Credit Facility. On May 18, 2023, we entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, as a guarantor, the Operating Partnership, as borrower, certain other subsidiaries of the Company party thereto, as guarantors, certain subsidiaries of the Company party thereto, as pledgors, the lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, which replaced the Company’s previous credit facility. The Credit Agreement provides for a $700.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) and a $500.0 million senior secured term loan B (the “Term Loan B”), as well as an accordion feature that will allow us to increase the facilities following the closing date by an aggregate of up to $475 million, which may be allocated between the Revolver and the Term Loan B at our option.

Each of the Revolver and Term Loan B is guaranteed by us, each of our subsidiaries that own the Gaylord Hotels properties, other than Gaylord Rockies, and certain of our other subsidiaries. Each of the Revolver and the Term Loan B is secured by equity pledges of our subsidiaries that are the fee owners of Gaylord Opryland and Gaylord Texan, their respective direct and indirect parent entities, and the equity of Ryman Hotel Operations Holdco, LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company. Assets and equity of Gaylord Rockies and OEG are not subject to the liens of the Credit Agreement.

​

59

Table of Contents

In addition, each of the Revolver and Term Loan B contains certain covenants which, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, investments, dividends, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, mergers and consolidations, liens and encumbrances and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. The material financial covenants, ratios or tests contained in the Credit Agreement are as follows:

If an event of default shall occur and be continuing under the Credit Agreement, the commitments under the Credit Agreement may be terminated and the principal amount outstanding under the Credit Agreement, together with all accrued unpaid interest and other amounts owing in respect thereof, may be declared immediately due and payable.

Revolving Credit Facility. The maturity date of the Revolver is May 18, 2027, with the option to extend the maturity date for a maximum of one additional year through either (i) a single 12-month extension option or (ii) two individual six-month extensions. Borrowings under the Revolver bear interest at an annual rate equal to, at our option, either (i) Adjusted Term SOFR plus the applicable margin ranging from 1.40% to 2.00%, dependent upon our funded debt to total asset value ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), (ii) Adjusted Daily Simply SOFR plus the applicable margin ranging from 1.40% to 2.00%, dependent on our funded debt to total asset value ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or (iii) a base rate as set in the Credit Agreement plus the applicable margin ranging from 0.40% to 1.00%, dependent upon our funded debt to asset value ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Principal is payable in full at maturity, and the Revolver was undrawn at closing.

For purposes of the Revolver, Adjusted Term SOFR is calculated as the sum of Term SOFR plus an adjustment of 0.10% (all as more specifically described in the Credit Agreement), subject to a floor of 0.00%. Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is calculated as the sum of SOFR plus an adjustment of 0.10% (all as more specifically described in the Credit Agreement), subject to a floor of 0.00%.

At December 31, 2023, no amounts were outstanding under the Revolver, and the lending banks had issued $14.6 million of letters of credit under the Credit Agreement, which left $685.4 million of availability under the Revolver (subject to the satisfaction of debt incurrence tests under the indentures governing our $600 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2029 (the “$600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes”), our $700 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2027 (the “$700 Million 4.75% Senior Notes”) and our $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes, which we met at December 31, 2023).

Term Loan B. The Term Loan B has a maturity date of May 18, 2030. The applicable interest rate margins for borrowings under the Term Loan B are, at our option, either (i) Term SOFR plus 2.75%, (ii) Daily Simple SOFR plus 2.75% or (iii) a base rate as set in the Credit Agreement plus 1.75%. At December 31, 2023, the interest rate on the Term Loan B was Term SOFR plus 2.75%. The Term Loan B amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.0% of the original principal amount of $500.0 million, with the balance due at maturity. In addition, if for any fiscal year there is Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement), an additional principal amount is required. Amounts borrowed under the Term Loan B that are repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. At December 31, 2023, $496.3 million in borrowings were outstanding under the Term Loan B. A portion of the proceeds from the Term Loan B were used to repay in full the approximately $370 million balance of our previous term loan B.

60

Table of Contents

For purposes of the Term Loan B, each of Term SOFR and Daily Simply SOFR are subject to a floor of 0.00%.

$700 Million 4.75% Senior Notes. In September 2019, the Operating Partnership and RHP Finance Corporation (“Finco”) completed the private placement of $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2027, which are guaranteed by the Company and its subsidiaries that guarantee the Credit Agreement. The $500 Million 4.75% Senior Notes and guarantees were issued pursuant to an indenture by and among the issuing subsidiaries and the guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association as trustee. The $500 Million 4.75% Senior Notes have a maturity date of October 15, 2027 and bear interest at 4.75% per annum, payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The $500 Million 4.75% Senior Notes are general unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the issuing subsidiaries and rank equal in right of payment with such subsidiaries’ existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness, including the $600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes, and senior in right of payment to future subordinated indebtedness, if any. The $500 Million 4.75% Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to the issuing subsidiaries’ secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The guarantees rank equally in right of payment with the applicable guarantor’s existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and senior in right of payment to any future subordinated indebtedness of such guarantor. The $500 Million 4.75% Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness of any guarantor to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other obligations of the Operating Partnership’s subsidiaries that do not guarantee the $500 Million 4.75% Senior Notes.

In October 2019, we completed a tack-on private placement of $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.75% senior notes due 2027 (the “additional 2027 notes”) at an issue price of 101.250% of their aggregate principal amount plus accrued interest from the September 19, 2019 issue date for the $500 Million 4.75% Senior Notes. The additional 2027 notes and the $500 Million 4.75% Senior Notes constitute a single class of securities (collectively, the “$700 Million 4.75% Senior Notes”). All other terms and conditions of the additional 2027 notes are identical to the $500 Million 4.75% Senior Notes.

​

The $700 Million 4.75% Senior Notes are currently redeemable, in whole or in part, at a redemption price expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof, which percentage is 102.375%, 101.188%, and 100.00% beginning on October 15 of 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the redemption date.

We completed a registered offer to exchange the $700 Million 4.75% Senior Notes for registered notes with substantially identical terms as the $700 Million 4.75% Senior Notes in July 2020.

$400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes. On June 22, 2023, the Operating Partnership and Finco completed the private placement of $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior notes due 2028, which are guaranteed by the Company and its subsidiaries that guarantee the Credit Agreement. The $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes and guarantees were issued pursuant to an indenture by and among the issuing subsidiaries, the guarantors and U.S. Bank Trust Company National Association as trustee. The $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes have a maturity date of July 15, 2028 and bear interest at 7.25% per annum, payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on January 15 and July 15 each year, beginning January 15, 2024. The $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes are general unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the issuing subsidiaries and rank equal in right of payment with such subsidiaries’ existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness, including the $700 Million 4.75% Senior Notes and $600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes, and senior in right of payment to future subordinated indebtedness, if any. The $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to the issuing subsidiaries’ secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The guarantees rank equally in right of payment with the applicable guarantor’s existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and senior in right of payment to any future subordinated indebtedness of such guarantor. The $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness of any guarantor to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other obligations of the Operating Partnership’s subsidiaries that do not guarantee the $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes.

The $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes are redeemable before July 15, 2025, in whole or in part, at 100.00%, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the redemption date, plus a make-whole premium. The $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after July 15, 2025 at a redemption price expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof, which percentage is 103.625%, 101.813% and

61

Table of Contents

100.000% beginning on July 15 of 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the redemption date.

$600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes. On February 17, 2021, the Operating Partnership and Finco completed the private placement of $600.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2029, which are guaranteed by the Company and its subsidiaries that guarantee the Credit Agreement. The $600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes and guarantees were issued pursuant to an indenture by and among the issuing subsidiaries and the guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association as trustee. The $600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes have a maturity date of February 15, 2029 and bear interest at 4.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on February 15 and August 15 each year. The $600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes are general unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the issuing subsidiaries and rank equal in right of payment with such subsidiaries’ existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness, including the $700 Million 4.75% Senior Notes, and senior in right of payment to future subordinated indebtedness, if any. The $600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to the issuing subsidiaries’ secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The guarantees rank equally in right of payment with the applicable guarantor’s existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and senior in right of payment to any future subordinated indebtedness of such guarantor. The $600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness of any guarantor to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other obligations of the Operating Partnership’s subsidiaries that do not guarantee the $600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes.

The $600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes are redeemable before February 15, 2024, in whole or in part, at 100.00%, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the redemption date, plus a make-whole premium. The $600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after February 15, 2024 at a redemption price expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof, which percentage is 102.250%, 101.500%, 100.750%, and 100.000% beginning on February 15 of 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the redemption date.

Each of the indentures governing the $700 Million 4.75% Senior Notes, the $600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes and the $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes contain certain covenants which, among other things and subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, investments, dividends, transactions with affiliates, assets sales, acquisitions, mergers and consolidations, liens and encumbrances and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. In addition, if the Company experiences certain kinds of changes of control, the Company must offer to repurchase some or all of the senior notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to, but excluding, the repurchase date.

$800 Million Term Loan (Gaylord Rockies). On July 2, 2019, Aurora Convention Center Hotel, LLC (“Hotel Owner”) and Aurora Convention Center Hotel Lessee, LLC (“Tenant” and collectively with Hotel Owner, the “Loan Parties”), subsidiaries of the entities comprising the previous Gaylord Rockies joint venture, entered into a Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the “Gaylord Rockies Loan”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, which refinanced Gaylord Rockies’s existing $500 million construction loan and $39 million mezzanine loan, which were scheduled to mature in December 2019. The Gaylord Rockies Loan consists of an $800.0 million secured term loan facility and matures July 2, 2024 with two, one-year extension options remaining, subject to certain requirements in the Gaylord Rockies Loan. The first one-year extension option was successfully completed in May 2023. The Gaylord Rockies Loan bears interest at Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR plus 2.50%. We have entered into an interest rate swap to fix the SOFR portion of the interest rate at 5.2105% for the fifth year of the loan. We have designated this interest rate swap as an effective cash flow hedge.

​

The Gaylord Rockies Loan is secured by a deed of trust lien on the Gaylord Rockies real estate and related assets. Generally, the Gaylord Rockies Loan is non-recourse to the Company, subject to customary non-recourse carve-outs.

​

On June 30, 2020, the Loan Parties entered into Amendment No. 1 (the “Loan Amendment”) to the Gaylord Rockies Loan, by and among the Loan Parties, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto. The Loan Amendment modified the Gaylord Rockies Loan to (i) provide for the ability to use cash for certain purposes, even during a Cash Sweep Period (as defined in the Loan Agreement) and (ii) provide

62

Table of Contents

favorable changes to the debt service coverage ratio provisions. The Loan Amendment includes restrictions on distributions to our subsidiaries that own Gaylord Rockies.

​

Further, on May 2, 2023, the Loan Parties entered into a Benchmark Replacement Modification Agreement to the Gaylord Rockies Loan Agreement, which replaced LIBOR with Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR.

​

OEG Credit Agreement. On June 16, 2022, OEG Borrower, LLC (“OEG Borrower”) and OEG Finance, LLC (“OEG Finance”), each a wholly owned direct or indirect subsidiary of OEG, entered into a credit agreement (the “OEG Credit Agreement”) among OEG Borrower, as borrower, OEG Finance, certain subsidiaries of OEG Borrower from time to time party thereto as guarantors, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The OEG Credit Agreement provides for (i) a senior secured term loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million (the “OEG Term Loan”) and (ii) a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $65.0 million (the “OEG Revolver”). The OEG Term Loan matures on June 16, 2029, and the OEG Revolver matures on June 16, 2027. The OEG Term Loan bears interest at a rate equal to either, at OEG Borrower’s election, (i) the Alternate Base Rate plus 4.00% or (ii) Adjusted Term SOFR plus 5.00% (all as specifically more described in the OEG Credit Agreement). In November 2022, OEG entered into an interest rate swap to fix the SOFR portion of the interest rate on $100.0 million of borrowings at 4.533% through December 2025. The OEG Revolver bears interest at a rate equal to either, at OEG Borrower’s election, (i) the Alternate Base Rate plus 3.75% or (ii) Adjusted Term SOFR plus 4.25%, which shall be subject to reduction in the applicable margin based upon OEG’s First Lien Leverage Ratio (all as specifically more described in the OEG Credit Agreement). The OEG Term Loan and OEG Revolver are each secured by substantially all of the assets of OEG Finance and each of its subsidiaries (other than Block 21 and Circle, as more specifically described in the OEG Credit Agreement). The net proceeds we received from the OEG Term Loan were used to repay the outstanding balance of our former term loan A. At December 31, 2023, $296.3 million was outstanding under the OEG Term Loan and $5.0 million was outstanding under the OEG Revolver.

Block 21 CMBS Loan. At the closing of the purchase of Block 21 on May 31, 2022, a subsidiary of the Company assumed a $136 million, ten-year, non-recourse term loan secured by a mortgage on Block 21 (the “Block 21 CMBS Loan”). The Block 21 CMBS Loan has a fixed interest rate of 5.58% per annum, payable monthly, matures January 5, 2026, and provides for payments due monthly based on a 30-year amortization. At December 31, 2023, $131.9 million was outstanding under the Block 21 CMBS Loan.

The Block 21 CMBS Loan contains customary financial covenants and other restrictions, including sponsor net worth and liquidity requirements, and debt service coverage ratio targets that Block 21 must meet in order to avoid a “Trigger Period,” the occurrence of which does not constitute a default. During the Trigger Period, any cash generated in excess of amounts necessary to fund loan obligations, budgeted operating expenses and specified reserves will not be distributed to Block 21. Block 21 was in a Trigger Period as of our purchase date but exited the Trigger Period with first quarter 2023 results.

Additional Debt Limitations. Pursuant to the terms of the management agreements and pooling agreement with Marriott for our Gaylord Hotels properties, excluding Gaylord Rockies, we are subject to certain debt limitations described below.

The management agreements provide for the following limitations on indebtedness encumbering a hotel:

​

63

Table of Contents

The pooled limitations on Secured Debt (as defined in the pooling agreement) are as follows:

Gaylord Rockies is not a Pooled Hotel for this purpose.

Estimated Interest on Principal Debt Agreements

Based on the stated interest rates on our fixed-rate debt and the rates in effect at December 31, 2023 for our variable-rate debt after considering interest rate swaps, our estimated interest obligations over the next five years are $783.9 million. These estimated obligations are $198.5 million in 2024, $166.4 million in 2025, $158.5 million in 2026, $150.6 million in 2027, and $110.0 million in 2028. Variable rates, as well as outstanding principal balances, could change in future periods. See “Principal Debt Agreements” above for a discussion of our outstanding long-term debt. See “Supplemental Cash Flow Information” in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included herein for a discussion of the interest we paid during 2023, 2022 and 2021.

​

Inflation

​

Inflation has had a more meaningful impact on our business during recent periods than in historical periods. However, favorable occupancy, ADR and outside-the-room spend in our Hospitality segment and business levels in our Entertainment segment have reduced the impact of increased operating costs, including increased wages and increased insurance and food and beverage costs, on our financial position and results of operations.

​

Additionally, increased interest rates have driven higher interest expense on our higher debt levels. In an effort to mitigate the impact of increased interest rates, at December 31, 2023, 80% of our outstanding debt is fixed-rate debt, after considering the impact of interest rate swaps.

​

We continue to monitor inflationary pressures and may need to consider potential mitigation actions in future periods. A prolonged inflationary environment could adversely affect our operating costs, customer spending and bookings, and our financial results.

​

Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information

​

The Company’s $400 Million 7.25% Senior Notes, $600 Million 4.50% Senior Notes and $700 Million 4.75% Senior Notes were each issued by the Issuers and are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company (as the parent company), each of the Operating Partnership’s subsidiaries that own the Gaylord Hotels properties, excluding Gaylord Rockies, and certain other of the Company’s subsidiaries, each of which also guarantees the Operating Partnership’s Credit Agreement, as amended (such subsidiary guarantors, together with the Company, the “Guarantors”). The Guarantors are 100% owned by the Operating Partnership or the Company, and the guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The guarantees rank equally in right of payment with each Guarantor’s existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness, if any, of such Guarantor. Not all of the Company’s subsidiaries have guaranteed these senior notes, and the guarantees are structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other obligations of such subsidiaries that have not guaranteed these senior notes.

​

64

Table of Contents

The following tables present summarized financial information for the Issuers and the Guarantors on a combined basis and the intercompany balances and transactions between these parties, as well as any investments in or equity in earnings from non-guarantor subsidiaries, have been eliminated (amounts in thousands):

​

​

​

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accounting estimates are an integral part of the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and the financial reporting process and are based upon current judgments. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Certain accounting estimates are particularly sensitive because of their complexity and the possibility that future events affecting them may differ materially from our current judgments and estimates.

This listing of critical accounting policies is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by generally accepted accounting principles, with no need for management’s judgment regarding accounting policy. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included herein, the following involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.

Impairment of long-lived and other assets. In accounting for our long-lived and other assets, we assess our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets or asset groups may not be recoverable. Factors we consider when assessing whether impairment indicators exist include (i) significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results, (ii) significant changes in the manner of our use of assets or the strategy for our overall business, or (iii) significant negative industry or economic trends.

Recoverability of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets that will continue to be used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset or asset group to the related total future undiscounted net cash flows. If an asset or asset group’s carrying value is not recoverable through those cash flows, the asset group is considered to be impaired. The impairment is measured by the difference between the assets’ carrying amount and their fair value, which is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses that utilize comprehensive cash flow projections, as well as observable

65

Table of Contents

market data to the extent available. Estimating the total future undiscounted net cash flows, as well as the fair value of assets or asset groups, if necessary, requires management to make assumptions and projections of future cash flows, long-term growth rates, asset holding periods, and other factors. The assumptions used to assess impairment consider historical trends, macroeconomic conditions, and projections consistent with our operating strategy. Changes in these estimates and assumptions can have a significant impact on the assessment, which could result in material impairment losses.

Credit losses on financial assets. We assess our financial assets, including the bonds we received in 2008 related to the Gaylord National construction (“Gaylord National Bonds”), and our accounts receivable for credit losses utilizing the expected loss model prescribed by ASC 326, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” and record a reserve, in the form of an allowance for credit losses, against the amortized cost basis for the portion of the financial asset that will not be recovered due to credit losses.

We provide credit loss reserves for the Gaylord National Bonds by comparing the amortized cost basis to their fair value. If the amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value, an expected credit loss exists and the allowance for credit losses is measured as the difference between the bonds’ amortized cost basis and fair value, which is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses that utilize comprehensive cash flow projections over the contractual life of the bonds, as well as observable market data to the extent available. Our estimate of the fair value of the Gaylord National Bonds is sensitive to the significant assumptions of the discounted cash flow analysis, which include the projections of hotel taxes (which are based on expected hotel rooms revenues) and property taxes, both of which are affected by expectations about future market and economic conditions, particularly those in the Washington D.C. market. Further, such assumptions require significant judgment as the Gaylord National Bonds and related projected cash flows continue for an extended period of time through 2037.

We provide for credit loss reserves for trade receivables based upon a percentage of accounts receivable that considers historical write-offs, current economic conditions, and management’s expectations about future economic conditions, as well as periodic evaluations of the aging of accounts receivable.

Income taxes. As a REIT, generally we will not be subject to federal corporate income taxes on ordinary taxable income and capital gains income from real estate investments that we distribute to our stockholders. We will continue to be required to pay federal and state corporate income taxes on earnings of our TRSs.

Our deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

We must assess the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, the provision for taxes is increased by recording a reserve, in the form of a valuation allowance, against the estimated deferred tax assets that will not ultimately be recoverable.

In addition, we must evaluate uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in the calculation of tax liabilities. We provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. We make this assessment based on only the technical merits of the tax position. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had no accruals for unrecognized tax benefits. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in income tax expense. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we have accrued no interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

​

Acquisitions and Purchase Price Allocations. Accounting for the acquisition of an entity as a business combination, becoming the primary beneficiary of a previously unconsolidated variable interest entity, or a significant asset acquisition requires an allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the transaction based on their respective estimated fair values, which requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities assumed. We may engage third parties to provide valuation services to assist in the fair value determinations of the long-lived assets acquired and the liabilities

66

Table of Contents

assumed. The most difficult estimations of individual fair values are those involving long-lived assets, such as property, equipment, and intangible assets, that are assumed as part of the transaction, as well as any noncontrolling interests. When making fair value determinations, we consider market data for similar assets, expected cash flows discounted at risk-adjusted rates, and replacement cost for assets, among other information. Management judgment is required when making the significant assumptions used to value long-lived and identifiable intangible assets, which include projected revenue growth, estimated cash flows, discount rates, and other factors.

Legal Contingencies. We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. We record an accrual for loss contingencies when a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the determination of which requires significant judgment. We review these accruals each reporting period and make revisions based on changes in facts and circumstances, but resolution of legal matters in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

For a discussion of recently issued accounting standards, see Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included herein.