DiamondRock Hospitality Co

Previous wording

We solely own hotels, a very different asset class from many other REITs. A typical healthcare REIT, for example, has long-term leases with third-party tenants, which provide a relatively stable long-term stream of revenue. Our TRS lessees, on the other hand, do not enter into leases with hotel managers. Instead, the TRS lessee engages the hotel manager pursuant to a management agreement and pays the manager a fee for managing the hotel. The TRS lessee receives all of the operating profit or losses at the hotel. Moreover, virtually all hotel guests stay at the hotel for only a few nights, so the rate and occupancy at each of our hotels changes every day. As a result, our earnings may be highly volatile.

Current wording

We own hotels, which may be a more volatile asset class than those owned by other REITs. A typical healthcare REIT, for example, has long-term leases with third-party tenants, which provide a relatively stable long-term stream of revenue. Our TRS lessees, on the other hand, engage a hotel manager pursuant to a management agreement and pay the manager a fee for managing the hotel. The TRS lessee receives all of the operating profit or losses at the hotel rather than predictable rent. Most hotel guests stay at the hotel for only a few nights, so the rate and occupancy at each of our hotels changes every day. As a result, our earnings may be highly volatile.

Previous wording

•dependence on business and commercial travelers and tourism, both of which vary with consumer and business confidence in the strength of the economy;

Current wording

•dependence on business travelers and tourism, both of which vary with consumer and business confidence in the strength of the economy;

Previous wording

•increases in energy and transportation costs and other expenses affecting travel, which may affect travel patterns and reduce the number of business and commercial travelers and tourists;

Current wording

•increases in energy and transportation costs and other expenses affecting travel, which may affect travel patterns and reduce the number of business travelers and tourists;

Previous wording

•changes in governmental laws and regulations, fiscal policies and zoning ordinances and the related costs of compliance.

Current wording

•changes in laws and regulations, fiscal policies and zoning ordinances and the related costs of compliance.

Previous wording

Our entire business is related to the lodging industry. The performance of the lodging industry is highly cyclical and has historically been linked to key macroeconomic indicators, such as U.S. GDP growth, employment, personal discretionary spending levels, corporate earnings and investment, foreign exchange rates and travel demand. Given that our hotels are concentrated in major urban markets and destination resort locations in the U.S., our business may be particularly sensitive to changes in foreign exchange rates or a negative international perception of the U.S. arising from its political or other positions. Furthermore, other macroeconomic factors, such as consumer confidence and conditions which negatively shape public perception of travel, including travel-related disruptions or incidents and their impact on travel, may have a negative effect on the lodging industry and may adversely impact our revenues and profitability.

Current wording

Our entire business is related to the lodging industry. The performance of the lodging industry is highly cyclical and has historically been linked to key macroeconomic indicators, such as U.S. GDP growth, employment, personal discretionary spending levels, corporate earnings and investment, foreign exchange rates and travel demand. Given that our hotels are concentrated in major urban markets and destination resort locations in the U.S., our business may be particularly sensitive to changes in foreign exchange rates, elevated interest rates or a negative international perception of the U.S. arising from its political or other positions. Other macroeconomic factors, such as consumer confidence and conditions which negatively shape public perception of travel, including travel-related disruptions or incidents and their impact on travel, may have a negative effect on the lodging industry and may adversely impact our revenues and profitability.

Previous wording

Currently, the markets where our hotels are located are very competitive. However, a material increase in the supply of new hotel rooms to a market can quickly destabilize that market and existing hotels can experience rapidly decreasing RevPAR and profitability. If such over-building occurs in one or more of our major markets, our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders may be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

The lodging industry is highly competitive. Our principal competitors are other owners and investors in upper upscale, full-service hotels, including other lodging REITs, as well as major hospitality chains with well-established and recognized brands. Our hotels face competition for individual guests, group reservations and conference business. We also compete against smaller hotel chains and independent and local hotel owners and operators. Additionally, we face competition from peer-to-peer inventory sources that allow travelers to stay at homes and apartments booked directly from owners. New hotels may be constructed, and these additions create new competitors, in some cases without corresponding increases in demand for hotel rooms. A material increase in the supply of new hotel rooms to a market can quickly destabilize that market and existing hotels can experience rapidly decreasing RevPAR and profitability. If such over-building occurs in one or more of the markets where our hotels are located, our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders may be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

Many of our managers and franchisors contract with third-party internet travel intermediaries, including, but not limited to Expedia.com and Priceline.com and their subsidiaries. These internet intermediaries are generally paid commissions and transaction fees by our managers and franchisors for sales of our rooms through such agencies. These intermediaries initially focused on leisure travel, but have grown to focus on corporate travel and group meetings as well. If bookings through these intermediaries increase, these internet intermediaries may be able to negotiate higher commissions, reduced room rates or other contract concessions from us, our managers or our franchisors. In addition, internet intermediaries use extensive marketing, which could result in hotel consumers developing brand loyalties to the offered brands and such internet intermediary instead of our management or franchise brands. Further, internet intermediaries emphasize pricing and quality indicators, such as a star rating system, at the expense of brand identification. In response to these intermediaries, the brand operators and franchisors have launched initiatives to offer discounted rates for booking on their sites, which could put downward pressure on rates and revenue. In addition, an increasing number of companies have entered various aspects of the online travel market. An increase in hotel reservations made through these companies, such as Google, Apple, Amazon or Facebook, may reduce the value of our franchise brands, which may negatively affect our average rates and revenues.

Current wording

Many of our managers and franchisors contract with third-party internet travel intermediaries, including, but not limited to, Expedia.com and Priceline.com, to sell rooms to leisure travelers, as well as for corporate and group travel. These internet intermediaries are generally paid commissions and transaction fees before such sales. If bookings through these intermediaries increase, these internet intermediaries may be able to negotiate higher commissions, reduced room rates or other contract concessions. Further, internet intermediaries emphasize pricing and quality indicators, such as a star rating system, at the expense of brand identification. In response to these intermediaries, the brand operators and franchisors have launched initiatives to offer discounted rates for booking on their sites, which could put downward pressure on rates and revenue. In addition, an increasing number of companies have entered various aspects of the online travel market. An increase in hotel reservations made through these companies, including those that deploy artificial intelligence or automated recommendation tools, such as Google, Apple, Amazon or Meta, may reduce the value of our franchise brands, which may negatively affect our average rates and revenues. Search engines (including generative AI search) and peer-to-peer inventory sources also provide online travel services that compete with our hotels. If bookings shift to higher cost distribution channels, including these internet travel intermediaries, it could materially impact our profitability.

Previous wording

In addition to competing with traditional hotels and lodging facilities, we compete with alternative lodging, including third-party providers of short-term rental properties and serviced apartments, such as Airbnb, as well as alternative meeting and event space platforms, such as Convene. We compete based on a number of factors, including room rates, quality of accommodations, service levels, convenience of location, reputation, reservation systems, brand recognition and supply and availability of alternative lodging and event space. Increasing use of these alternative facilities could materially adversely affect the occupancy at our hotels and could put downward pressure on average rates and revenues.

Current wording

In addition to competing with traditional hotels and lodging facilities, we compete with alternative lodging, including third-party providers of short-term rental properties and serviced apartments, such as Airbnb, as well as alternative meeting and event space platforms, such as Convene. We compete based on a number of factors, including room rates, quality of accommodations, service levels, convenience of location, reputation, reservation systems, brand recognition and supply and availability of alternative lodging and event space. Increasing use of these alternative facilities and Internet travel intermediaries could materially and adversely affect the occupancy at our hotels and could put downward pressure on average rates and revenues.

Previous wording

The increased use of Zoom video conferencing, Microsoft Teams and other teleconferencing and video-conference technology by businesses has resulted in decreased business travel as companies have leveraged the use of technologies that allow multiple parties from different locations to participate in virtual meetings without traveling to a centralized meeting location, such as our hotels. To the extent that such technologies, or new technologies, continue to play a role in day-to-day business interactions and the necessity for business-related travel decreases, demand for hotel rooms may decrease and our hotels could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

The increased use of video conferencing technology by businesses has resulted in decreased business travel as companies have leveraged the use of technologies that allow multiple parties from different locations to participate in virtual meetings without traveling to a centralized meeting location, such as our hotels. To the extent that such technologies, or new technologies, continue to play a role in day-to-day business interactions and the necessity for business-related travel decreases, demand for hotel rooms may decrease, which may have a material adverse effect on our hotels, our results of operations and our financial condition.

Previous wording

These facts and any others that would impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our hotel properties could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition, as well as our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Current wording

These factors and any others that would impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our hotel properties could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition, as well as our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Previous wording

Due to restrictions in our hotel management agreements, franchise agreements, mortgage agreements and ground leases, we may not be able to sell our hotels at the highest possible price, or at all.

Current wording

Due to restrictions in our hotel management agreements, franchise agreements, mortgage agreements, if any, and ground leases, we may not be able to sell our hotels at the highest possible price, or at all.

Previous wording

Our ground lease agreements with respect to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Bethesda, the Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown at City Creek, the Westin Boston Seaport District, the Hotel Palomar Phoenix, the Courtyard New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue and Cavallo Point, as well as the ground lease underlying our annex sublease at the Orchards Inn Sedona, require the consent of the lessor for assignment or transfer. These provisions of our ground leases may limit our ability to sell our hotels which, in turn, could adversely impact the price realized from any such sale. In addition, at any given time, investors may be disinterested in buying properties subject to a ground lease and may pay a lower price for such properties than for a comparable property owned in fee simple or they may not purchase such properties at any price. Accordingly, we may find it difficult to sell a property subject to a ground lease or may receive lower proceeds from any such sale. To the extent that we receive lower sale proceeds or are unable to sell the hotel at an opportune time or at all, our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to stockholders could be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

Our ground lease agreements with respect to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Bethesda, the Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown at City Creek, the Westin Boston Seaport District, the Hotel Palomar Phoenix, the Courtyard New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue and Cavallo Point, as well as the ground lease underlying our annex sublease at the L'Auberge de Sedona, require the consent of the lessor for assignment or transfer. These provisions of our ground leases may limit our ability to sell our hotels which, in turn, could adversely impact the price realized from any such sale. In addition, at any given time, investors may be disinterested in buying properties subject to a ground lease and may pay a lower price for such properties than for a comparable property owned in fee simple or they may not purchase such properties at any price. Accordingly, we may find it difficult to sell a property subject to a ground lease or may receive lower proceeds from any such sale. To the extent that we receive lower sale proceeds or are unable to sell the hotel at an opportune time or at all, our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to stockholders could be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

In order to remain competitive, our hotels have an ongoing need for renovations and other capital improvements, including replacements, from time to time, of furniture, fixtures and equipment. These capital improvements may give rise to the following risks:

Current wording

In order to remain competitive, our hotels have an ongoing need for renovations and other capital improvements, including replacements of furniture, fixtures and equipment. These capital improvements may give rise to the following risks:

Previous wording

•disruptions in the operations of the hotel as well as in demand for the hotel while capital improvements are underway; and

Current wording

•disruptions in operations or in demand for the hotel while capital improvements are underway; and

Previous wording

In addition, we may not be able to fund capital improvements or acquisitions solely from cash provided from our operating activities because we generally must distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains, each year to maintain our REIT tax status. As a result, our ability to fund capital expenditures or investments through retained earnings is very limited. Consequently, we rely upon the availability of debt or equity capital to fund our investments and capital improvements. These sources of funds may not be available on reasonable terms or conditions.

Current wording

In addition, we may not be able to fund capital improvements or acquisitions solely from cash provided from our operating activities because we generally must distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income each year to maintain our REIT tax status. As a result, our ability to fund capital expenditures or investments through retained earnings is very limited and we rely upon the availability of debt or equity capital to fund our investments and capital improvements, which may not be available on reasonable terms or conditions.

Previous wording

Any future pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of any highly infectious disease, could cause widespread disruptions to the U.S. and global economy and volatility and negative pressure in financial markets.

Current wording

The COVID-19 pandemic had a material adverse effect on our hotels and our business, including our results of operations and financial condition. Any future pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of any highly infectious disease, could cause widespread disruptions to the U.S. and global economy and volatility and negative pressure in financial markets and may materially and adversely affect, our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our ability to pay dividends, and may also have the effect of heightening many of the risks described below and within this “Risk Factors” section, including:

Previous wording

•the postponement or cancellation of conferences, conventions, festivals, sporting events, public events and other group business that would have otherwise brought individuals to the cities in which our hotels are located, which could cause a decrease in occupancy rates over a prolonged period of time and exacerbate the seasonal volatility at our hotels;

Current wording

•the postponement or cancellation of conferences, conventions, festivals, sporting events, public events and other group business that would have otherwise brought individuals to the cities in which our hotels are located, which could cause a decrease in occupancy rates;

Previous wording

•a decrease in individuals’ willingness to travel as a result of the public health risks and social impacts of such outbreak or a decrease in consumer spending, which could affect the ability of our hotels to generate sufficient revenues to meet operating and other expenses in the short- and long-term.

Current wording

•a decrease in individuals’ willingness to travel as a result of the public health risks and social impacts of such outbreak or a decrease in consumer spending, which could affect the ability of our hotels to generate sufficient revenues.

Previous wording

Various types of catastrophic losses, like earthquakes, floods, wildfires, losses from foreign terrorist activities, or losses from domestic terrorist activities may not be insurable or are generally not insured because of economic infeasibility, legal restrictions or the policies of insurers. Future lenders may require such insurance, and our failure to obtain such insurance could

Current wording

Coverage under our comprehensive insurance policies may not always be available on reasonable terms or may include significant deductibles. Certain catastrophic losses, such as from terrorism or extreme weather, may not be insurable or may exceed policy limits. Various types of catastrophic losses, like earthquakes, floods, wildfires, losses from foreign terrorist activities, or losses from domestic terrorist activities may not be insurable or are generally not insured because of economic infeasibility, legal restrictions or the policies of insurers, which may also affect our ability to obtain financing if a lender requires such insurance. Future lenders may require such insurance, and our failure to obtain such insurance could constitute a default under the loan agreements. Depending on our access to capital, liquidity and the value of the properties securing the affected loan in relation to the balance of the loan, a default could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and ability to obtain future financing. Past and future claims could also impact the availability and cost of insurance, which may adversely impact the availability or pricing of insurance available to us. In the event of an uninsured or underinsured loss, we could lose invested capital and future revenue from affected properties, and may remain liable for any related debt. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and our ability to make distributions to stockholders.

Previous wording

We and our hotel managers rely on information technologies and systems, including the Internet, to access, store, transmit, deliver and manage information and processes. Some of these information technologies and systems are provided by third-party vendors. We rely on commercially available systems, software, tools and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission and storage of certain confidential customer information, such as individually identifiable information, including information relating to financial accounts. Recently, a number of hotels and hotel management companies have been subject to cybersecurity incidents, including successful attacks seeking guest credit card information. Moreover, the risk of a cybersecurity incident has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world has increased.

Current wording

We and our hotel managers rely on information technologies and systems, including the Internet, to access, store, transmit, deliver and manage information and processes. Some of these information technologies and systems are provided by third-party vendors. We rely on commercially available systems, software, tools and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission and storage of certain confidential customer information, such as individually identifiable information, including information relating to financial accounts and guest credit card information. The risk of a cybersecurity incident continues to increase as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world has increased.

Previous wording

For these reasons, we and our hotel managers are subject to risks associated with cybersecurity incidents, whether through cyber-attacks such as ransomware or online fraud schemes, spoofed e-mails and social engineering efforts by bad actors aimed at obtaining confidential information. Any compromise of the function, security and availability of our network and systems or the network and systems of our hotel managers or our third-party vendors could result in disruptions to operations, misappropriated or compromised confidential hotel or guest information, systems disruptions, the shutdown of our hotels, exploited security vulnerability of our respective networks, delayed sales or bookings, lost guest reservations and damage to our reputation or the reputations of our hotel managers and third-party vendors. Although we and our hotel managers have taken steps to protect the security of these systems, there can be no assurance that such security measures will prevent failures, inadequacies or interruptions in system services, or that system security will not be breached through physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses, or other cybersecurity incidents. The costs to us to eliminate or alleviate cybersecurity incidents could be significant and may increase as the number, intensity and sophistication of such incidents increases. Disruptions in service, system shutdowns and cybersecurity incidents affecting either the information technologies and systems of our hotel managers, our third-party vendors or our own information technologies and systems, including unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, could have a material adverse effect on our business operations and results, our financial and compliance reporting and our reputation.

Current wording

For these reasons, we and our hotel managers are subject to risks associated with cybersecurity incidents, whether through cyber-attacks such as ransomware or online fraud schemes, spoofed e-mails and social engineering efforts by bad actors aimed at obtaining confidential information. Any compromise of the function, security and availability of our network and systems or the network and systems of our hotel managers or our third-party vendors could result in disruptions to operations, misappropriated or compromised confidential hotel or guest information, systems disruptions, the shutdown of our hotels, exploited security vulnerability of our respective networks, delayed sales or bookings, lost guest reservations and damage to our reputation or the reputations of our hotel managers and third-party vendors, or significant litigation or other legal expense. Although we and our hotel managers have taken steps to protect the security of these systems, there can be no assurance that such security measures will prevent failures, inadequacies or interruptions in system services, or that system security will not be breached through physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses, or other cybersecurity incidents. The costs to us to eliminate or alleviate cybersecurity incidents could be significant and may increase as the number, intensity and sophistication of such incidents increases. Disruptions in service, system shutdowns and cybersecurity incidents affecting either the information technologies and systems of our hotel managers, our third-party vendors or our own information technologies and systems, including unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, could have a material adverse effect on our business operations and results, our financial and compliance reporting and our reputation.

Previous wording

Many of our hotel managers carry cyber insurance policies to protect and offset a portion of potential costs that may be incurred from a cybersecurity incident. Additionally, we currently have cyber insurance policies to provide supplemental coverage above the coverage carried by our third-party managers. However, these insurance policies may not be adequate to cover all losses relating to cybersecurity incidents. Despite various precautionary steps to protect our hotels from losses resulting from cybersecurity incidents, any occurrence of a cybersecurity incident could still result in losses at our properties, which could affect our results of operations. We are not aware of any cybersecurity incidents that we believe to be material or that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Many of our hotel managers maintain cyber insurance policies to mitigate a portion of the potential costs associated with cybersecurity incidents, and we maintain separate cyber insurance policies to provide supplemental coverage above the coverage carried by our third-party managers. However, these insurance policies may not be adequate to cover all losses relating to cybersecurity incidents. Despite various precautionary steps to protect our hotels from losses resulting from cybersecurity incidents, any occurrence of a cybersecurity incident could still result in losses at our properties, which could affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

In order to qualify as a REIT, we cannot operate our hotel properties or control the daily operations of our hotel properties. Our TRS lessees may not operate these hotel properties and, therefore, they must enter into third-party hotel management agreements with one or more eligible independent contractors. Thus, third-party hotel management companies that enter into management contracts with our TRS lessees control the daily operations of our hotel properties.

Current wording

In order to qualify as a REIT, we cannot operate our hotel properties or control the daily operations of our hotel properties and therefore our TRS lessees must enter into third-party hotel management agreements with one or more eligible independent contractors. Thus, third-party hotel management companies that enter into management contracts with our TRS lessees control the daily operations of our hotel properties.

Previous wording

-18- operate our hotel properties under the terms of the hotel management agreements. While we and our TRS lessees closely monitor the performance of our hotel managers, we do not have the authority to require any hotel property to be operated in a particular manner or to govern any particular aspect of its operations (for instance, setting room rates and cost structures). Thus, even if we believe that our hotel properties are being operated inefficiently or in a manner that does not result in satisfactory occupancy rates, ADRs and operating profits, we may not have sufficient rights under our hotel management agreements to enable us to force the hotel management company to change its method of operation. We can only seek redress if a hotel management company violates the terms of the applicable hotel management agreement with the TRS lessee, and then only to the extent of the remedies provided for under the terms of the hotel management agreement. Three of our current management agreements are non-terminable, subject to certain exceptions for cause or failure to achieve certain performance targets. In the event that we need to replace any of our hotel management companies pursuant to termination for cause or performance, we may experience significant disruptions at the affected properties and the new management companies may not meet our performance expectations, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Current wording

Under the terms of the hotel management agreements that we have entered into, or that we will enter into in the future, our ability to participate in operating decisions regarding our hotel properties is limited to certain matters, including approval of the annual operating budget. We currently rely, and will continue to rely, on these hotel management companies to adequately operate our hotel properties under the terms of the hotel management agreements. While we and our TRS lessees closely monitor the performance of our hotel managers, we do not have the authority to require any hotel property to be operated in a particular manner or to govern any particular aspect of its operations (for instance, setting room rates and cost structures). Thus, even if we believe that our hotel properties are being operated inefficiently or in a manner that does not result in satisfactory occupancy rates, ADRs and operating profits, we may not have sufficient rights under our hotel management agreements to enable us to force the hotel management company to change its method of operation. We can only seek remedies available under the applicable hotel management agreement if a hotel management company violates the terms of such hotel management agreement with the TRS lessee. Four of our current management agreements are non-terminable, subject to certain exceptions for cause or failure to achieve certain performance targets. In the event that we need to replace any of our hotel management companies pursuant to termination for cause or performance, we may experience significant disruptions at the affected properties and the new management companies may not meet our performance expectations, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Previous wording

As of the date of this report, 19 of our 36 hotels operate under Marriott, Hilton, or IHG franchise agreements. The maintenance of the franchise licenses for branded hotel properties is subject to the franchisors’ operating standards and other terms and conditions set forth in the applicable franchise agreement. Franchisors periodically inspect hotel properties to ensure that we, our TRS lessees and management companies follow their brand standards.

Current wording

As of the date of this report, 18 of our 35 hotels operate under Marriott, Hilton, or IHG franchise agreements. The maintenance of the franchise licenses for branded hotel properties is subject to the franchisors’ operating standards and other terms and conditions set forth in the applicable franchise agreement. Franchisors periodically inspect hotel properties to ensure that companies follow their brand standards.

Previous wording

Our management and franchise agreements with third-party hotel managers require us and the applicable third-party hotel manager to comply with operational and performance conditions that are subject to interpretation and could result in disagreements, and we expect this will be true of any management and franchise agreements that we enter into with future third-party hotel managers or franchisors. At any given time, we may be in disputes with one or more third-party hotel managers or franchisors.

Current wording

At any given time, we may be in disputes with one or more third-party hotel managers or franchisors with respect to the parties’ compliance with operational and performance conditions.

Previous wording

Consolidation among companies in the lodging industry may reduce our bargaining power in negotiating management agreements and franchise agreements due to decreased competition among major brand companies. We believe this could provide the major brand companies with leverage when negotiating for property improvement plans where the franchisor or hotel brand requires renovations to bring the physical condition of a hotel into compliance with the specifications and standards each franchisor or hotel brand has developed.

Current wording

Consolidation among companies in the lodging industry may reduce our bargaining power in negotiating management agreements and franchise agreements due to decreased competition among major brand companies. We believe this could provide the major brand companies with leverage when negotiating for property improvement plans where the hotel brand requires renovations to bring the physical condition of a hotel into compliance with the specifications and standards required by the brand.

Previous wording

Industry consolidation could also result in the lack of differentiation among the brands, which could impact the ability to drive higher rates in those brands. In addition, to the extent that consolidation among hotel brand companies adversely affects the loyalty reward program offered by one or more of our hotels, customer loyalty to those hotels may suffer and demand for guestrooms may decrease. Furthermore, because each hotel brand company relies on its own network of reservation systems, hotel management systems and customer databases, the integration of two or more networks may result in a disruption to operations of these systems, such as disruptions in processing guest reservations, delayed bookings or sales, or lost guest reservations, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, following the completion of a merger of companies, the costs to integrate the companies may be absorbed by our impacted hotel or hotels and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Industry consolidation could also result in the lack of differentiation among the brands, which could impact the ability to drive higher rates in those brands. In addition, to the extent that consolidation among hotel brand companies adversely affects the loyalty reward program offered by one or more of our hotels, customer loyalty to those hotels may suffer and demand for guestrooms may decrease. Furthermore, because each hotel brand company relies on its own network of reservation systems, hotel management systems and customer databases, the integration of two or more networks may result in a disruption to operations of these systems, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, following the completion of a merger of companies, the costs to integrate the companies may be absorbed by our impacted hotel or hotels and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We hold a leasehold or subleasehold interest in all or a portion of the land underlying eight of our hotels owned as of December 31, 2024 (Embassy Suites by Hilton Bethesda, Courtyard New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue, Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown at City Creek, Westin Boston Seaport District, Hotel Clio, Orchards Inn Sedona, Hotel Palomar Phoenix, and Cavallo Point), and a parking area near the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. We may acquire additional hotels in the future subject to ground leases. In the past, from time to time, secured lenders have been unwilling to lend, or otherwise charged higher interest rates, for loans secured by a leasehold mortgage compared to loans secured by a fee simple mortgage. For this reason, we may have a difficult time selling a property subject to a ground lease or may receive lower proceeds from a sale. Finally, as the lessee under our ground leases, we are exposed to the possibility of losing the hotel, or a portion of the hotel, upon termination, or an earlier breach by us, of the ground lease, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Current wording

We hold a leasehold or subleasehold interest in all or a portion of the land underlying eight of our hotels owned as of December 31, 2025 and we may acquire additional hotels in the future subject to ground leases. In the past, from time to time, secured lenders have been unwilling to lend, or otherwise charged higher interest rates, for loans secured by a leasehold mortgage compared to loans secured by a fee simple mortgage. For this reason, we may have a difficult time selling a property subject to a ground lease or may receive lower proceeds from a sale. Finally, as the lessee under our ground leases, we are exposed to the possibility of losing the hotel, or a portion of the hotel, upon maturity or termination, or an earlier breach by us, of the ground lease, which would mean we would no longer receive operating income from the hotel and could therefore result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Previous wording

One component of our long-term business strategy is expansion through hotel acquisitions and investments. However, we may not be successful in identifying or completing acquisitions or investments that are consistent with our strategy. We compete with institutional pension funds, private equity funds, REITs, hotel companies and others who are engaged in hotel acquisitions and investments. This competition for hotel investments may increase the price we pay for hotels and these competitors may succeed in acquiring those hotels that we seek to purchase. In addition, the number of entities competing for suitable hotels may increase in the future, which would increase demand for these hotels and the prices we must pay to acquire them. If we pay higher prices for hotels, our returns on investment and profitability may be reduced. Also, future acquisitions of hotels, hotel companies or hotel investments may not yield the returns we expect, especially if we cannot obtain financing without paying higher borrowing costs, and may result in stockholder dilution.

Current wording

One component of our long-term business strategy is expansion through hotel acquisitions and investments. However, we may not be successful in identifying or completing acquisitions or investments that are consistent with our strategy. We compete with other investors who are engaged in hotel acquisitions and investments and this competition for hotel investments may increase the price we pay for hotels and these competitors may succeed in acquiring those hotels that we seek to purchase. In addition, the number of entities competing for suitable hotels may increase in the future, which would increase demand for these hotels and the prices we must pay to acquire them. If we pay higher prices for hotels, our returns on investment and profitability may be reduced. Also, future acquisitions of hotels, hotel companies or hotel investments may not yield the returns we expect, especially if we cannot obtain financing without paying higher borrowing costs, and may result in stockholder dilution.

Previous wording

-21- addition, the acquisition and subsequent integration of the additional hotels into our existing portfolio may require significant time and focus from our management team and may divert attention from the day-to-day operations of our business, which could delay the achievement of our strategic objectives. Acquired properties may be located in markets where we may face risks associated with a lack of market knowledge or understanding of the local economy, lack of business relationships in the area and unfamiliarity with local governmental and permitting procedures. Further, the acquired properties may present other unique risks due to the nature of the assets acquired. Any delay or failure on our part to operate acquired properties to meet our financial expectations could impede our growth and have an adverse effect on us, including our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow.

Current wording

-19- risks associated with a lack of market knowledge or understanding of the local economy, lack of business relationships in the area and unfamiliarity with local governmental and permitting procedures. Further, the acquired properties may present other unique risks due to the nature of the assets acquired. Any delay or failure on our part to operate acquired properties to meet our financial expectations could impede our growth and have an adverse effect on us, including our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.

Previous wording

Many of our costs, such as operating expenses, interest expense and acquisition and renovation costs, could be adversely impacted by periods of heightened inflation.

Current wording

Many of our costs, such as operating expenses, interest expense and acquisition and renovation costs, remain elevated and could be adversely impacted by periods of heightened inflation.

Previous wording

During 2024, inflation began to moderate, but remained elevated relative to the years preceding 2021. Inflationary increases in certain of our operating expenses, including, but not limited to, labor costs, employee-related benefits, food, beverage and utility costs, repairs and maintenance expenses, property taxes and insurance premiums, have and may continue to negatively impact our business and results of operations. While, in general, operators of hotels possess the ability to adjust room rates daily to reflect the effects of inflation, competitive pressures, customer resistance to higher booking costs or other factors may limit the ability of our management companies to raise room rates. Additionally, inflation may have a negative effect on our ability to renovate or make capital improvements, including replacements, from time to time, of furniture, fixtures and equipment. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Business and Operations—We are subject to risks associated with our ongoing need for renovations and capital improvements as well as financing for such expenditures.”

Current wording

During 2025, inflation began to moderate, but our expenses remained significantly elevated relative to the years preceding 2021. Inflationary increases in certain of our operating expenses, including, but not limited to, labor costs, employee-related benefits, food, beverage and utility costs, repairs and maintenance expenses, property taxes and insurance premiums, have and may continue to negatively impact our business and results of operations. While, in general, operators of hotels possess the ability to adjust room rates daily to reflect the effects of inflation or higher costs, competitive pressures, customer resistance to higher booking costs or other factors may limit the ability of our management companies to raise room rates. Additionally, inflation may have a negative effect on our ability to renovate or make capital improvements, including replacements, from time to time, of furniture, fixtures and equipment. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Business and Operations—We are subject to risks associated with our ongoing need for renovations and capital improvements as well as financing for such expenditures.”

Previous wording

Our corporate credit facility and term loans contain several financial covenants, the most constraining of which limits the amount of debt that we may incur compared to the value of our hotels (our leverage covenant) and the amount of debt service we pay compared to our cash flow (our debt service coverage covenant). If we were to default under either of these covenants or were unable to obtain a waiver of such default, the lenders may require us to repay all amounts then outstanding under our credit facility and term loans and may terminate our credit facility and term loans. These and our other financial covenants constrain us from incurring material amounts of additional debt or from selling properties that generate a material amount of income. In addition, our credit facility requires that we maintain a minimum number of our hotels as unencumbered assets.

Current wording

Our corporate credit facility and term loans contain several financial covenants, the most constraining of which limits the amount of debt that we may incur compared to the value of our hotels (our leverage covenant) and the amount of debt service we pay compared to our cash flow (our debt service coverage covenant). In addition, our credit facility requires that we maintain a minimum number of our hotels as unencumbered. If we were to default under either of these covenants or were unable to obtain a waiver of such default, the lenders may require us to repay all amounts then outstanding under our credit facility and term loans and may terminate our credit facility and term loans. These and our other financial covenants constrain us from incurring material amounts of additional debt or from selling properties that generate a material amount of income.

Previous wording

In the future, we and our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional debt, including secured debt. Although borrowing costs are expected to decrease slightly throughout 2025, they remain elevated following steady increases since 2021 and, as a result, borrowing costs on new and refinanced debt may continue to be more expensive. Our existing debt, and any additional debt borrowed in the future could subject us to many risks, including the risks that:

Current wording

In the future, we and our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional debt, including secured debt, and borrowing costs on new and refinanced debt may continue to be more expensive. Our existing debt, and any additional debt borrowed in the future could subject us to many risks, including the risks that:

Previous wording

Refinanced debt could reduce the amounts available for distribution to our stockholders, as well as reduce funds available for our operations, future investment opportunities or other purposes.

Current wording

Due to increased borrowing costs or less favorable terms, refinanced debt could reduce the amounts available for distribution to our stockholders, as well as reduce funds available for our operations, future investment opportunities or other purposes.

Previous wording

Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies. For instance, following consistent rate increases throughout 2022 and 2023, the U.S. Federal Reserve made several cuts to its benchmark interest rate in the second half of 2024 and has indicated it will continue to assess rate cuts in 2025, as rates remain elevated relative to the years preceding 2021. Higher interest rates could increase debt service requirements on any of our floating rate debt, including our unsecured term loans and any outstanding balance on our senior unsecured credit facility, and could reduce the amounts available for distribution to our stockholders, as well as reduce funds available for our operations, future business opportunities or other purposes.

Current wording

Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies. Higher interest rates could increase debt service requirements on any of our floating rate debt, including our unsecured term loans and any outstanding balance on our senior unsecured credit facility, and could reduce the amounts available for distribution to our stockholders, as well as reduce funds available for our operations, future business opportunities or other purposes. As of December 31, 2025, approximately 70% of our outstanding debt has unhedged variable interest rates.

Previous wording

We manage certain exposure to interest rate volatility by using interest rate hedging, such as swap agreements, to hedge against the possible negative effects of interest rate fluctuations. We may continue to do so in the future. However, hedging can be expensive, particularly during periods of volatile interest rates, available interest rate hedges may not correspond directly with the interest rate risk for which protection is sought, the duration of the interest rate hedge may not match the duration of the related liability, and we cannot assure you that any hedging will adequately mitigate the adverse effects of interest rate increases or that counterparties under these agreements will honor their obligations. As a result, our hedging transactions could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations.

Current wording

We manage certain exposure to interest rate volatility by using interest rate hedging, such as swap agreements, to hedge against the possible negative effects of interest rate fluctuations, and we may continue to do so in the future. However, hedging can be expensive, particularly during periods of volatile interest rates, available interest rate hedges may not correspond directly with the interest rate risk for which protection is sought, the duration of the interest rate hedge may not match the duration of the related liability, and we cannot assure you that any hedging will adequately mitigate the adverse effects of interest rate increases or that counterparties under these agreements will honor their obligations. In addition, if interest rates decline, our hedging arrangements may limit our ability to benefit from lower market rates and could result in higher interest expense than we would otherwise incur. As a result, our hedging transactions could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations.

Previous wording

Our hotels are also subject to various federal, state, and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that address a wide variety of issues, including, but not limited to, storage tanks, air emissions from emergency generators, storm water and wastewater discharges, asbestos, lead-based paint, mold and mildew and waste management. Some of our hotels routinely handle and use hazardous or regulated substances and wastes as part of their operations, which substances and wastes are subject to regulation (e.g., swimming pool chemicals). Our hotels incur costs to comply with these laws and regulations, and could be subject to fines and penalties for noncompliance. Additionally, various court decisions have established that third parties may recover damages for injury caused by property contamination. For instance, a person exposed to asbestos while staying or working in a hotel may seek to recover damages if he or she suffers injury from the asbestos.

Current wording

-22- water and wastewater discharges, asbestos, lead-based paint, mold and mildew and waste management. Some of our hotels routinely handle and use hazardous or regulated substances and wastes as part of their operations, which substances and wastes are subject to regulation (e.g., swimming pool chemicals). Our hotels incur costs to comply with these laws and regulations, and could be subject to fines and penalties for noncompliance. Additionally, various court decisions have established that third parties may recover damages for injury caused by property contamination. For instance, a person exposed to asbestos while staying or working in a hotel may seek to recover damages if he or she suffers injury from the asbestos.

Previous wording

We could be responsible for the costs associated with a contaminated property, including the costs to clean up a contaminated property or to defend against a claim, and such costs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. Additionally, we regularly incur costs to comply with environmental laws and we cannot assure you that future laws or regulations will not impose material environmental liabilities or that the current environmental condition of our hotels will not be affected by the condition of the properties in the vicinity of our hotels (such as the presence of leaking underground storage tanks) or by third parties unrelated to us.

Current wording

We could be responsible for the costs associated with a contaminated property, including the costs to clean up a contaminated property or to defend against a claim, and such costs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. Additionally, we regularly incur costs to comply with environmental laws and we cannot assure you that future laws or regulations will not impose material environmental liabilities or that the current environmental condition of our hotels will not be affected by the condition of the properties in the vicinity of our hotels (such as the presence of leaking underground storage tanks) or by third parties unrelated to us. In addition, treaties or laws related to carbon emissions or climate change could affect the operation of our properties or result in significant additional expense and operating restrictions on us or our hotel managers or adversely affect our ability to sell properties or to use properties as collateral.