Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc.

Previous wording

Our business could be adversely affected by unstable economic and political conditions within the United States and foreign jurisdictions and geopolitical conflicts, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the more recent Israel-Hamas war. Because economic conditions in the United States may affect demand within the hospitality industry, current and future economic conditions in the United States, including slower growth, stock market volatility and recession fears, could have a material adverse impact on our earnings and financial condition. Economic conditions may be affected by numerous factors, including but not limited to, the pace of economic growth and/or recessionary concerns, inflation, increases in the levels of unemployment, energy prices, changes in currency exchange rates, uncertainty about government fiscal and tax policy, geopolitical events, the regulatory environment and the availability of credit and interest rates.

Current wording

Our business could be adversely affected by unstable economic and political conditions within the United States and foreign jurisdictions and geopolitical conflicts, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the more recent Israel-Hamas war. Because economic conditions in the United States may affect demand within the hospitality industry, current and future economic conditions in the United States, including slower growth, stock market volatility and recession fears, could have a material adverse impact on our earnings and financial condition. Economic conditions may be affected by numerous factors, including but not limited to, the pace of economic growth and/or recessionary concerns, inflation, increases in the levels of unemployment, energy prices, tariffs and trade barriers, changes in currency exchange rates, uncertainty about government fiscal and tax policy, geopolitical events, the regulatory environment and the availability of credit and interest rates. President Trump has indicated that his administration is likely to impose significant tariffs on imported goods. The imposition of such tariffs may strain international trade relations and increase the risk that foreign governments implement retaliatory tariffs on goods imported from the United States.

Previous wording

We regularly maintain cash balances at third-party financial institutions in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) insurance limit. The FDIC took control and was appointed receiver of Silicon Valley Bank, New York Signature Bank and First Republic Bank on March 10, 2023, March 12, 2023 and May 1, 2023, respectively. The Company does not have any direct exposure to Silicon Valley Bank, New York Signature Bank or First Republic Bank. However, if other banks and financial institutions enter receivership or become insolvent in the future in response to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets, our ability to access our existing cash, cash equivalents and investments may be threatened and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Current wording

We regularly maintain cash balances at our banks in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) insurance limit. If our banks enter receivership or become insolvent in the future in response to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets, our ability to access our existing cash, cash equivalents and investments may be threatened and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Previous wording

We did not pay dividends on our common stock in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 and we may not pay dividends on our common stock or preferred stock in the future.

Current wording

We may not pay dividends on our common stock or preferred stock in the future.

Previous wording

The board of directors declared cash dividends on the Company’s 5.5% Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, 8.25% Series D Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock and Series M Redeemable Preferred Stock for each quarter of 2022 and 2023 in amounts that such holders of our preferred stock are entitled to receive. We did not pay dividends on our common stock in fiscal years 2020 and 2021. In March 2022, the board of directors approved an update to our previously announced dividend policy for 2022 to revise our then-expectation to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.01 per share of common stock during 2022. Our board of directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.01 per diluted share for the Company’s common stock for the quarters ending March 30, 2022, June 30, 2022 and September 30, 2022. On December 8, 2022, our board of directors increased the quarterly cash dividend from $0.01 per diluted share to $0.05 per diluted share beginning with the Company’s common stock dividend for the fourth quarter of 2022 and approved the Company’s dividend policy for 2023. The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share for the Company’s common stock for 2023, or $0.20 per share on an annualized basis. The approval of our dividend policy does not commit our board of directors to declare future dividends with respect to any quantity or the amount thereof and the board of directors may decide not to pay any dividends on our common stock and/or preferred stock. We may not pay dividends on our common stock or preferred stock in the future. If we fail to pay dividends on our common stock or preferred stock, the market price of our common stock or preferred stock will likely be adversely affected.

Current wording

The board of directors declared cash dividends on the Company’s 5.5% Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock and 8.25% Series D Cumulative Preferred Stock for each quarter of 2024 and 2023 and for the Company’s Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock and Series M Redeemable Preferred Stock for each month of 2024 and 2023. On December 8, 2022, our board of directors increased the quarterly cash dividend from $0.01 per diluted share to $0.05 per diluted share beginning with the Company’s common stock dividend for the fourth quarter of 2022. The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share for the Company’s common stock for each of 2023 and 2024, or $0.20 per share on an annualized basis. On December 10, 2024, our board of directors approved the Company’s dividend policy for 2025. The approval of our dividend policy does not commit our board of directors to declare future dividends with respect to any quantity or the amount thereof and the board of directors may decide not to pay any dividends on our common stock and/or preferred stock. We may not pay dividends on our common stock or preferred stock in the future. If we fail to pay dividends on our common stock or preferred stock, the market price of our common stock or preferred stock will likely be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We are required to make minimum base advisory fee payments to our advisor, Ashford Inc., under our advisory agreement, which must be paid even if our total market capitalization and performance decline. Similarly, we are required to make minimum base hotel management fee payments under our hotel management agreements with Remington Hospitality, a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., which must be paid even if revenues at our hotels decline significantly.

Current wording

We are required to make minimum base advisory fee payments to our Advisor, Ashford LLC, under our advisory agreement, which must be paid even if our total market capitalization and performance decline. Similarly, we are required to make minimum base hotel management fee payments under our hotel management agreements with Remington Hospitality, a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., which must be paid even if revenues at our hotels decline significantly.

Previous wording

Our hotels are located in the Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, Sarasota, Scottsdale, Seattle, Philadelphia, Chicago, Key West, Vail/Beaver Creek, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles and St. Thomas metropolitan areas. As a result, we are particularly susceptible to adverse market conditions in these areas and any additional areas in which we may acquire assets in the future, including industry downturns, relocation of businesses and any oversupply of hotel rooms or a reduction in lodging demand. Adverse economic developments in the markets in which we have a concentration of hotels, or in any of the other markets in which we operate, or any increase in hotel supply or decrease in lodging demand resulting from the local, regional or national business climate, could adversely affect our business, operating results and prospects.

Current wording

Our hotels are located in the Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Sarasota, Scottsdale, Seattle, Philadelphia, Chicago, Key West, Vail/Beaver Creek, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles and St. Thomas metropolitan areas. As a result, we are particularly susceptible to adverse market conditions in these areas and any additional areas in which we may acquire assets in the future, including industry downturns, relocation of businesses and any oversupply of hotel rooms or a reduction in lodging demand. Adverse economic developments in the markets in which we have a concentration of hotels, or in any of the other markets in which we operate, or any increase in hotel supply or decrease in lodging demand resulting from the local, regional or national business climate, could adversely affect our business, operating results and prospects.

Previous wording

Our future success depends, to a significant extent, upon the continued services of Ashford LLC’s management team. In particular, the hotel industry experience of Messrs. Monty J. Bennett, Richard J. Stockton, Alex Rose, Deric S. Eubanks, Justin Coe, and J. Robison Hays III, and the extent and nature of the relationships they have developed with hotel franchisors, operators, and owners and hotel lending and other financial institutions are critically important to the success of our business. The loss of services of one or more members of Ashford LLC’s management team could harm our business and our prospects.

Current wording

Our future success depends, to a significant extent, upon the continued services of Ashford LLC’s management team. In particular, the hotel industry experience of Messrs. Monty J. Bennett, Richard J. Stockton, Alex Rose, Deric S. Eubanks and Justin Coe, and the extent and nature of the relationships they have developed with hotel franchisors, operators, and owners and hotel lending and other financial institutions are critically important to the success of our business. The loss of services of one or more members of Ashford LLC’s management team could harm our business and our prospects.

Previous wording

We own interests in two hotels through a joint venture and we do not have sole decision-making authority regarding these two properties. In addition, we may continue to co-invest with third parties through partnerships, joint ventures or other entities, acquiring controlling or noncontrolling interests in, or sharing responsibility for, managing the affairs of a property, partnership, joint venture or other entity. We may not be in a position to exercise sole decision-making authority regarding any future properties that we may hold in a partnership or joint venture. Investments in partnerships, joint ventures or other entities may, under certain circumstances, involve risks not present were a third party not involved, including the possibility that partners or co-venturers might become bankrupt, suffer a deterioration in their financial condition or fail to fund their share of required capital contributions. Partners or co-venturers may have economic or other business interests or goals which are inconsistent with our business interests or goals, and may be in a position to take actions contrary to our policies or objectives. Such investments may also have the potential risk of impasses on decisions, such as a sale, budgets, or financing, because neither we nor the partner or co-venturer have full control over the partnership or joint venture. Disputes between us and partners or co-venturers may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and/or directors from focusing their time and effort on our business. Consequently, actions by, or disputes with, partners or co-venturers might result in subjecting properties owned by the partnership or joint venture to additional risk. In addition, we may in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of our third-party partners or co-venturers.

Current wording

We own interests in one hotel through a joint venture and we do not have sole decision-making authority regarding this property. In addition, we may continue to co-invest with third parties through partnerships, joint ventures or other entities, acquiring controlling or noncontrolling interests in, or sharing responsibility for, managing the affairs of a property, partnership, joint venture or other entity. We may not be in a position to exercise sole decision-making authority regarding any future properties that we may hold in a partnership or joint venture. Investments in partnerships, joint ventures or other entities may, under certain circumstances, involve risks not present were a third party not involved, including the possibility that partners or co-venturers might become bankrupt, suffer a deterioration in their financial condition or fail to fund their share of required capital contributions. Partners or co-venturers may have economic or other business interests or goals which are inconsistent with our business interests or goals, and may be in a position to take actions contrary to our policies or objectives. Such investments may also have the potential risk of impasses on decisions, such as a sale, budgets, or financing, because neither we nor the partner or co-venturer have full control over the partnership or joint venture. Disputes between us and partners or co-venturers may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and/or directors from focusing their time and effort on our business. Consequently, actions by, or disputes with, partners or co-venturers might result in subjecting properties owned by the partnership or joint venture to additional risk. In addition, we may in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of our third-party partners or co-venturers.

Previous wording

Additionally, because U.S. federal income tax laws restrict REITs and their subsidiaries from operating or managing hotels, third parties must operate our hotels. A REIT may lease its hotels to TRSs in which the REIT can own up to a 100% interest. A TRS pays corporate-level income tax and may retain any after-tax income. A REIT must satisfy certain conditions to use the TRS structure. One of those conditions is that the TRS must hire, to manage the hotels, an “eligible independent contractor” (“EIC”) that is actively engaged in the trade or business of managing hotels for parties other than the REIT. An EIC cannot (i) own more than 35% of the REIT, (ii) be owned more than 35% by persons owning more than 35% of the REIT, or (iii) provide any income to the REIT (i.e., the EIC cannot pay fees to the REIT, and the REIT cannot own any debt or equity securities of the EIC). Accordingly, while we may lease hotels to a TRS that we own, the TRS must engage a third-party operator to manage the hotels. Thus, our ability to direct and control how our hotels are operated is less than if we were able to manage our hotels directly.

Current wording

Additionally, because U.S. federal income tax laws restrict REITs and their subsidiaries from operating or managing hotels, third parties must operate our hotels. A REIT may lease its hotels to TRSs in which the REIT can own up to a 100% interest. A TRS pays corporate-level income tax and may retain any after-tax income. A REIT must satisfy certain conditions to use the TRS structure. One of those conditions is that the TRS must hire, to manage the hotels, an “eligible independent contractor” (“EIC”) that is actively engaged in the trade or business of managing hotels for parties other than the REIT. An EIC cannot (i) own more than 35% of the REIT, (ii) be owned more than 35% by persons owning more than 35% of the REIT, or

Previous wording

Ten of our hotels currently operate under Marriott or Hilton brands; therefore, we are subject to risks associated with concentrating our portfolio in just two brand families.

Current wording

Eight of our hotels currently operate under Marriott or Hilton brands; therefore, we are subject to risks associated with concentrating our portfolio in just two brand families.

Previous wording

Ten of our 16 hotels utilize brands owned by Marriott (or its affiliates) or Hilton (or its affiliates). As a result, our success is dependent in part on the continued success of Marriott and Hilton and their respective brands (or the brands of their affiliates). We believe that building brand value is critical to increase demand and build customer loyalty. Consequently, if market recognition or the positive perception of Marriott and/or Hilton is reduced or compromised, the goodwill associated with the Marriott- and Hilton-branded hotels in our portfolio may be adversely affected. Furthermore, if our relationship with Marriott or Hilton were to deteriorate as a result of disputes regarding the management of our hotels or for other reasons, Marriott and/or Hilton might terminate its current management agreements or franchise licenses with us or decline to manage or provide franchise licenses for hotels we may acquire in the future.

Current wording

Eight of our 15 hotels utilize brands owned by Marriott (or its affiliates) or Hilton (or its affiliates). As a result, our success is dependent in part on the continued success of Marriott and Hilton and their respective brands (or the brands of their affiliates). We believe that building brand value is critical to increase demand and build customer loyalty. Consequently, if market recognition or the positive perception of Marriott and/or Hilton is reduced or compromised, the goodwill associated with the Marriott- and Hilton-branded hotels in our portfolio may be adversely affected. Furthermore, if our relationship with Marriott or Hilton were to deteriorate as a result of disputes regarding the management of our hotels or for other reasons, Marriott and/or Hilton might terminate its current management agreements or franchise licenses with us or decline to manage or provide franchise licenses for hotels we may acquire in the future.

Previous wording

Some of our hotels are on land subject to ground leases, two of which cover the entire property. Accordingly, we only own a long-term leasehold or similar interest, rather than a fee interest, in those two hotels. If we fail to make a payment on a ground lease or are otherwise found to be in breach of a ground lease, we could lose the right to use the hotel or the portion of the hotel property that is subject to the ground lease. In addition, unless we can purchase the fee simple interest in the underlying land and improvements, or extend the terms of these ground leases before their expiration, we will lose our right to operate these properties and our interest in the improvements upon expiration of the ground leases. We may not be able to renew any ground lease upon its expiration, of if renewed, the terms may not be favorable. Our ability to exercise any extension options relating to our ground leases is subject to the condition that we are not in default under the terms of the ground lease at the time we exercise such options. If we lose the right to use a hotel due to a breach or non-renewal of the ground lease, we would be unable to derive income from such hotel and would need to purchase an interest in another hotel to attempt to replace that income, which could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and prospects. Our ability to refinance a hotel property subject to a ground lease may be negatively impacted as the ground lease expiration date approaches.

Current wording

Some of our hotels are on land subject to ground leases, one of which cover the entire property. Accordingly, we only own a long-term leasehold or similar interest, rather than a fee interest, in that hotel. If we fail to make a payment on a ground lease or are otherwise found to be in breach of a ground lease, we could lose the right to use the hotel or the portion of the hotel property that is subject to the ground lease. In addition, unless we can purchase the fee simple interest in the underlying land and improvements, or extend the terms of these ground leases before their expiration, we will lose our right to operate that hotel property and our interest in the improvements upon expiration of the ground lease. We may not be able to renew any ground lease upon its expiration, of if renewed, the terms may not be favorable. Our ability to exercise any extension options relating to our ground lease is subject to the condition that we are not in default under the terms of the ground lease at the time we exercise such options. If we lose the right to use a hotel due to a breach or non-renewal of the ground lease, we would be unable to derive income from such hotel and would need to purchase an interest in another hotel to attempt to replace that income, which could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and prospects. Our ability to refinance a hotel property subject to a ground lease may be negatively impacted as the ground lease expiration date approaches.

Previous wording

Ashford LLC and our hotel managers may purchase some of our information technology from vendors, on whom our systems will depend, and Ashford LLC relies on commercially available systems, software, tools and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission and storage of confidential operator and other customer information. We depend upon the secure transmission of this information over public networks. Ashford LLC’s and hotel managers’ networks and storage applications could be subject to unauthorized access by hackers or others through cyber-attacks, which are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated, or by other means, or may be breached due to operator error, malfeasance or other system disruptions. During the quarter ended September 30, 2023, we had a cyber incident that resulted in the potential exposure of certain employee personal information. We have completed an investigation and have identified certain employee information that may have been exposed, but we have not identified that any customer information was exposed. All systems have been restored. Privacy and information security risks have generally increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies, such as ransomware, and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. Further, there has been a surge in widespread cyber-attacks during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the use of remote work environments and virtual platforms may increase our risk of cyber-attack or data security breaches. In light of the increased risks, including due to the increased remote access associated with work-from-home arrangements as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashford LLC has dedicated additional resources on our behalf to strengthen the security of our computer systems. In the future, Ashford LLC may expend additional resources on our behalf to continue to enhance our information security measures and/or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities. Despite these steps, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer a significant data security incident in the future, that unauthorized parties will not gain access to sensitive data stored on our systems or that any such incident will be discovered in a timely manner.

Current wording

Ashford LLC and our hotel managers may purchase some of our information technology from vendors, on whom our systems will depend, and Ashford LLC relies on commercially available systems, software, tools and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission and storage of confidential operator and other customer information. We depend upon the secure transmission of this information over public networks. Ashford LLC’s and hotel managers’ networks and storage applications could be subject to unauthorized access by hackers or others through cyber-attacks, which are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated, or by other means, or may be breached due to operator error, malfeasance or other system disruptions. During the quarter ended September 30, 2023, we had a cyber incident that resulted in the potential exposure of certain personal information. We have completed an investigation and have identified certain information that may have been exposed and notified potentially impacted individuals pursuant to applicable state guidelines. All systems have been restored. Privacy and information security risks have generally increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies, such as ransomware, and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. Further, there has been a surge in widespread cyber-attacks during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the use of remote work environments and virtual platforms may increase our risk of cyber-attack or data security breaches. In light of the increased risks, including due to the increased remote access associated with work-from-home arrangements as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashford LLC has dedicated additional resources on our behalf to strengthen the security of our computer systems. In the future, Ashford LLC may expend additional resources on our behalf to continue to enhance our information security measures and/or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities. Despite these steps, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer a significant data security incident in the future, that unauthorized parties will not gain access to sensitive data stored on our systems or that any such incident will be discovered in a timely manner.

Previous wording

Our properties are susceptible to extreme weather conditions, which may cause property damage or interrupt business, which could harm our business and results of operations. Certain of our hotels are located in areas that may be subject to extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, floods, tornados and winter storms in the United States and the Caribbean. Such extreme weather conditions may interrupt our operations, damage our hotels, and reduce the number of guests who visit our hotels in such areas. In addition, our operations could be adversely impacted by a drought or other cause of water shortage. A severe drought of extensive duration experienced in California or in the other regions in which we operate or source critical supplies could adversely affect our business. Over time, these conditions could result in declining hotel demand, significant damage to our properties or our inability to operate the affected hotels at all.

Current wording

Our properties are susceptible to extreme weather conditions, which may cause property damage or interrupt business, which could harm our business and results of operations. Certain of our hotels are located in areas that may be subject to extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, floods, tornados, fires and winter storms in the United States and the Caribbean. Such extreme weather conditions may interrupt our operations, damage our hotels, and reduce the number of guests who visit our hotels in such areas. In addition, our operations could be adversely impacted by a drought or other cause of water shortage. A severe drought of extensive duration experienced in California or in the other regions in which we operate or source critical supplies could adversely affect our business. Over time, these conditions could result in declining hotel demand, significant damage to our properties or our inability to operate the affected hotels at all.

Previous wording

We believe that our properties are adequately insured, consistent with industry standards, to cover reasonably anticipated losses that may be caused by hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, floods and other severe weather conditions and natural disasters. Nevertheless, we are subject to the risk that such insurance will not fully cover all losses and, depending on the severity of the event and the impact on our properties, such insurance may not cover a significant portion of the losses including but not limited to the costs associated with evacuation. These losses may lead to an increase in our cost of insurance, a decrease in our anticipated revenues from an affected property or a loss of all or a portion of the capital we have invested in an affected property. In addition, we may not purchase insurance under certain circumstances if the cost of insurance exceeds, in our judgment, the value of the coverage relative to the risk of loss.

Current wording

We believe that our properties are adequately insured, consistent with industry standards, to cover reasonably anticipated losses that may be caused by hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, floods, fires and other severe weather conditions and natural disasters. Nevertheless, we are subject to the risk that such insurance will not fully cover all losses and, depending on the severity of the event and the impact on our properties, such insurance may not cover a significant portion of the losses including but not limited to the costs associated with evacuation. These losses may lead to an increase in our cost of insurance, a decrease in our anticipated revenues from an affected property or a loss of all or a portion of the capital we have invested in an affected property. In addition, we may not purchase insurance under certain circumstances if the cost of insurance exceeds, in our judgment, the value of the coverage relative to the risk of loss.

Previous wording

Remington Hospitality, a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., currently manages the Pier House Resort & Spa, the Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Hotel Yountville and Cameo Beverly Hills. We expect Remington Hospitality will manage certain of the hotels we acquire in the future. Premier, also a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., currently provides design and construction services to us. We expect Premier will also provide design and construction services to us in the future. Conflicts of interest in general and specifically relating to Remington Hospitality and Premier may lead to management decisions that are not in our stockholders’ best interest. Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr., beneficially owned 100% of Remington Lodging prior to its acquisition by Ashford Inc. on November 6, 2019.

Current wording

Remington Hospitality, a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., currently manages the Pier House Resort & Spa, the Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Hotel Yountville and Cameo Beverly Hills. We expect Remington Hospitality will manage certain of the hotels we acquire in the future. Premier, also a subsidiary of Ashford Inc., currently provides design and construction services to us. We expect Premier will also provide design and construction services to us in the future. Conflicts of interest in general and specifically relating to Remington Hospitality and Premier may lead to management decisions that are not in our stockholders’ best interest.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, chairman of our board of directors and chairman, chief executive officer and a significant stockholder of Ashford Inc. and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr. together owned approximately 610,261 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock, which represented an approximate 19.0% ownership interest in Ashford Inc., and owned 18,758,600 shares of Ashford Inc. Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, which, along with all unpaid accrued and accumulated dividends thereon, was convertible (at a conversion price of $117.50 per share) into an additional approximate 4,229,668 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock, which if converted as of December 31, 2023 would have increased the Bennetts’ ownership interest in Ashford Inc. to 65%. The 18,758,600 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock owned by Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr. include 360,000 shares owned by trusts.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, chairman of our board of directors and chairman, chief executive officer and a significant stockholder of Ashford Inc. and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr. together owned approximately 809,937 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock, which represented an approximate 46.6% ownership interest in Ashford Inc., and owned 18,758,600 shares of Ashford Inc. Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, which, along with all unpaid accrued and accumulated dividends thereon, was convertible (at a conversion price of $117.50 per share) into an additional approximate 4,395,281 shares of Ashford Inc. common stock, which if converted as of December 31, 2024 would have increased the Bennetts’ ownership interest in Ashford Inc. to 84.9%. The 18,758,600 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock owned by Mr. Monty J. Bennett and Mr. Archie Bennett, Jr. include 360,000 shares owned by trusts.

Previous wording

Pursuant to the terms of our hotel management MEA with Remington Hospitality, if investment opportunities that satisfy our investment criteria are identified by Remington Hospitality or its affiliates, Remington Hospitality will give us a written notice and description of the investment opportunity. We will have 10 business days to either accept or reject the investment opportunity. If we reject the opportunity, Remington Hospitality may then pursue such investment opportunity, subject to a right of first refusal in favor of Ashford Trust pursuant to an existing agreement between Ashford Trust and Remington Hospitality, on materially the same terms and conditions as offered to us. If we reject such an investment opportunity, either Ashford Trust or Remington Hospitality could pursue the opportunity and compete with us. In such a case, Mr. Monty J. Bennett, chairman of our board, in his capacity as chairman and chief executive officer of Ashford Trust could be in a position of directly competing with us, and Remington Hospitality may compete with us with respect to certain investments that we may want to acquire.

Current wording

Pursuant to the terms of our hotel management MEA with Remington Hospitality, if investment opportunities that satisfy our investment criteria are identified by Remington Hospitality or its affiliates, Remington Hospitality will give us a written notice and description of the investment opportunity. We will have 10 business days to either accept or reject the investment opportunity. If we reject the opportunity, Remington Hospitality may then pursue such investment opportunity, subject to a right of first refusal in favor of Ashford Trust pursuant to an existing agreement between Ashford Trust and Remington Hospitality, on materially the same terms and conditions as offered to us. If we reject such an investment opportunity, either

Previous wording

We have adopted a conflicts of interest policy to address specifically some of the conflicts relating to our activities which requires the approval of a majority of our disinterested directors to approve any transaction, agreement or relationship in which any of our directors or officers, Ashford LLC or its employees, Ashford Trust or Stirling Inc. has an interest. In connection with this policy, our board of directors has established a Related Party Transactions Committee (consisting of Messrs. Vaziri and Rinaldi and Ms. Carter), which is empowered to deny a new proposed interested party transaction or recommend the transaction for approval by a majority of the independent directors. Our policies, however, may not be adequate to address all of the conflicts that may arise. In addition, it may not address such conflicts in a manner that is favorable to us.

Current wording

We have adopted a conflicts of interest policy to address specifically some of the conflicts relating to our activities which requires the approval of a majority of our disinterested directors to approve any transaction, agreement or relationship in which any of our directors or officers, Ashford LLC or its employees, Ashford Trust or Stirling Inc. has an interest. In connection with this policy, our board of directors has established a Related Party Transactions Committee (consisting of Mr. Rinaldi and Ms. Carter), which is empowered to deny a new proposed interested party transaction or recommend the transaction for approval by a majority of the independent directors. Our policies, however, may not be adequate to address all of the conflicts that may arise. In addition, it may not address such conflicts in a manner that is favorable to us.

Previous wording

•subject to the terms of any outstanding classes or series of preferred stock, issue additional shares without obtaining stockholder approval, which could dilute the ownership of our then-current stockholders;

Current wording

•subject to the terms of any outstanding classes or series of preferred stock, issue additional shares of common stock and/or common units without obtaining stockholder approval, which could dilute the ownership of our then-current stockholders;

Previous wording

Our charter authorizes the issuance of up to 250,000,000 shares of common stock and 80,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of March 12, 2024, we had 66,520,711 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding, 3,078,017 shares of our Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, 1,600,000 shares of our Series D Cumulative Preferred Stock, 16,159,670 shares of our Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock and 1,774,180 shares of our Series M Redeemable Preferred Stock. We have also classified 10,000,000 shares of our authorized preferred stock as Series C Preferred Stock. As of March 12, 2024, no shares of Series C Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding. Our charter allows us to create new series of preferred stock at any time. Accordingly, we may issue up to an additional 183,479,289 shares of common stock and 57,388,133 shares of preferred stock.

Current wording

Our charter authorizes the issuance of up to 250,000,000 shares of common stock and 80,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of March 10, 2025, we had 67,046,523 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding, 3,078,017 shares of our Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, 1,600,000 shares of our Series D Cumulative Preferred Stock, 14,012,020 shares of our Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock and 1,463,654 shares of our Series M Redeemable Preferred Stock. We have also classified 10,000,000 shares of our authorized preferred stock as Series C Preferred Stock. As of March 10, 2025, no shares of Series C Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding. Our charter allows us to create new series of preferred stock at any time. Accordingly, we may issue up to an additional 182,953,477 shares of common stock and 59,846,309 shares of preferred stock.

Previous wording

Note that although partnerships have traditionally not been subject to U.S. federal income tax at the entity level as described above, new audit rules, effective for tax years ending after December 31, 2017, will generally apply to the partnership. Under the new rules, unless an entity elects otherwise, taxes arising from audit adjustments are required to be paid by the entity rather than by its partners or members. We will have the authority to utilize, and intend to utilize, any exceptions available under the new provisions (including any changes) and Treasury Regulations so that the partners, to the fullest extent possible, rather than the partnership itself, will be liable for any taxes arising from audit adjustments to the issuing entity’s taxable income. One such exception is to apply an elective alternative method under which the additional taxes resulting from the adjustment are assessed from the affected partners (often referred to as a “push-out election”), subject to a higher rate of interest than otherwise would apply. When a push-out election causes a partner that is itself a partnership to be assessed with its share of such additional taxes from the adjustment, such partnership may cause such additional taxes to be pushed out to its own partners. In addition, Treasury Regulations provide that a partner that is a REIT may be able to use deficiency dividend procedures with respect to such adjustments. Many questions remain as to how the partnership audit rules will apply, and it is not clear at this time what effect these rules will have on us. However, it is possible that these changes could increase the U.S.

Current wording

Note that although partnerships have traditionally not been subject to U.S. federal income tax at the entity level as described above, new audit rules, effective for tax years ending after December 31, 2017, will generally apply to the partnership. Under the new rules, unless an entity elects otherwise, taxes arising from audit adjustments are required to be paid by the entity rather than by its partners or members. We will have the authority to utilize, and intend to utilize, any exceptions available under the new provisions (including any changes) and Treasury Regulations so that the partners, to the fullest extent possible, rather than the partnership itself, will be liable for any taxes arising from audit adjustments to the issuing entity’s taxable income. One such exception is to apply an elective alternative method under which the additional taxes resulting from the adjustment are assessed from the affected partners (often referred to as a “push-out election”), subject to a higher rate of interest than otherwise would apply. When a push-out election causes a partner that is itself a partnership to be assessed with its share of such additional taxes from the adjustment, such partnership may cause such additional taxes to be pushed out to its own partners. In addition, Treasury Regulations provide that a partner that is a REIT may be able to use deficiency dividend procedures with respect to such adjustments. Many questions remain as to how the partnership audit rules will apply, and it is not clear at this time what effect these rules will have on us. However, it is possible that these changes could increase the U.S. federal income tax, interest, and/or penalties otherwise borne by us in the event of a U.S. federal income tax audit of a subsidiary partnership (such as our operating partnership).

Previous wording

In addition, the stock market has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market prices of many companies in industries similar or related to ours and may have been unrelated to operating performances of these companies. These broad market fluctuations could reduce the market price of our common stock. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, our high common stock price was $5.60 and the low common stock price was $1.91.

Current wording

In addition, the stock market has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market prices of many companies in industries similar or related to ours and may have been unrelated to operating performances of these companies. These broad market fluctuations could reduce the market price of our common stock. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, our high common stock price was $3.95 and the low common stock price was $1.79.

Previous wording

Our board of directors has approved a share repurchase program under which we may purchase up to $25 million of our common stock from time to time. The specific timing, manner, price, amount and other terms of the repurchases, if any, will be at management’s discretion and will depend on market conditions, corporate and regulatory requirements and other factors. We are not required to repurchase shares under the repurchase program, and the board of directors may modify, suspend or terminate the repurchase program at any time for any reason. As of March 12, 2024, we have completed the $25.0 million repurchase authorization. We cannot predict the impact that future repurchases, if any, of our common stock under this program will have on our stock price or earnings per share. Important factors that could cause us to discontinue or decrease our share repurchases include, among others, unfavorable market conditions, the market price of our common stock, the nature of other investment or strategic opportunities presented to us from time to time, the rate of dilution of our equity compensation programs, our ability to make appropriate, timely, and beneficial decisions as to when, how, and whether to purchase shares under the stock repurchase program, and the availability of funds necessary to continue purchasing stock. If we curtail our repurchase program, our stock price may be negatively affected.

Current wording

Our board of directors has approved a share repurchase program under which we may purchase up to $50 million of our common stock from time to time. The specific timing, manner, price, amount and other terms of the repurchases, if any, will be at management’s discretion and will depend on market conditions, corporate and regulatory requirements and other factors. We are not required to repurchase shares under the repurchase program, and the board of directors may modify, suspend or terminate the repurchase program at any time for any reason. As of March 10, 2025, we have not repurchased any shares of our common stock under the current $50.0 million repurchase authorization. We cannot predict the impact that future repurchases, if any, of our common stock under this program will have on our stock price or earnings per share. Important factors that could cause us to discontinue or decrease our share repurchases include, among others, unfavorable market conditions, the market price of our common stock, the nature of other investment or strategic opportunities presented to us from time to time, the rate of dilution of our equity compensation programs, our ability to make appropriate, timely, and beneficial decisions as to when, how, and whether to purchase shares under the stock repurchase program, and the availability of funds necessary to continue purchasing stock. If we curtail our repurchase program, our stock price may be negatively affected.