UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

OR

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                            to                           

Commission File Number 1-3427


HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Delaware

 

36-2058176

(State or other jurisdiction

 

(I.R.S. Employer

of incorporation or organization)

 

Identification Number)

9336 Civic Center Drive

 

 

Beverly Hills, California

 

90210

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:   (310) 278-4321

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Name of each exchange

Title of each class

 

 

on which registered

 

Common Stock, par value $2.50 per share

 

New York

8% Quarterly Interest Bonds due 2031

 

New York

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:   None

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.   Yes o  No x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (Check one):

Large accelerated filer x

 

Accelerated filer o

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes o  No x

Based upon the June 30, 2006, New York Stock Exchange closing price of $28.28 per share, the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s outstanding Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $10.2 billion. There were 385,556,381 and 388,953,623 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of June 30, 2006 and January 31, 2007, respectively.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain portions of Registrant’s definitive proxy statement, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the close of the Registrant’s fiscal year, are incorporated by reference under Part III.

 




TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page No.

PART I

 

1

Item 1.

 

Business

 

1

General Information

 

1

Operations

 

3

Additional Information

 

15

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

21

Item 1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

25

Item 2.

 

Properties

 

25

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

25

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

25

PART II

 

26

Item 5.

 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

26

Rights Agreement

 

26

Performance Graph

 

28

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

 

29

Item 7.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

30

Overview

 

30

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

31

Development and Capital Spending

 

35

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

38

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

41

Results of Operations—Fiscal 2006 Compared with Fiscal 2005

 

42

Results of Operations—Fiscal 2005 Compared with Fiscal 2004

 

46

Other Matters

 

49

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

49

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

52

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

52

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

53

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

 

54

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

55

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

56

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

98

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

98

Supplementary Financial Information (Unaudited)

 

100

Five Year Summary

 

101

Item 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

102

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

102

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

102

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

102

i




 

Item 9B.

 

Other Information

 

103

PART III

 

103

Item 10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

103

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

 

103

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

103

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

104

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

 

105

Item 14.

 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 

105

PART IV

 

106

Item 15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

106

(a) Index to Financial Statements

 

106

(b) Exhibits

 

106

SIGNATURES

 

107

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

108

 

ii




PART I

Item 1.                        Business

GENERAL INFORMATION

Current Operations

Hilton Hotels Corporation is engaged, together with its subsidiaries, in the ownership, management and development of hotels, resorts and timeshare properties and the franchising of lodging properties. As of December 31, 2006, our system contained 2,935 properties with approximately 501,000 rooms in 78 countries and territories. Of such properties, we owned and operated 60 hotels, leased and operated 203 hotels, owned an interest in and operated 53 hotels, managed 343 hotels owned by others and franchised 2,242 hotels owned and operated by third parties. Also included in the number of properties in our system are 34 timeshare properties which we managed.

Our hotel brands include Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hampton, Scandic, Conrad and the Waldorf=Astoria Collection. We develop and operate domestic timeshare resorts through Hilton Grand Vacations Company and its related entities, which we wholly own. We are also engaged in various other activities related or incidental to the operation of hotels.

Hilton was organized in the State of Delaware on May 29, 1946. Our principal executive offices are located at 9336 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210, and our telephone number is (310) 278-4321.

Acquisition of Hilton International

On February 23, 2006, we consummated the acquisition of the lodging assets of Hilton Group plc (the “HI Acquisition”) including its operating subsidiary, Hilton International Co. (“HI”), for approximately £3.3 billion, equivalent to approximately $5.7 billion on the transaction date, excluding acquisition costs, in an all-cash transaction. As a result of the HI Acquisition, we believe we are one of the largest and most geographically diverse lodging companies in the world. The HI properties that we acquired consisted of 392 hotels with approximately 102,000 rooms, including 39 owned, 201 leased, four partially owned through joint ventures, 118 managed and 30 franchised properties. The hotels we acquired in the HI Acquisition consisted of 249 properties operated under the Hilton brand, 131 properties operated under the mid-market Scandic brand, one property under the Conrad brand and 11 other properties. We also acquired 80 LivingWell health clubs, primarily in Europe, and six timeshare properties. As a result of the HI Acquisition, we now wholly own the Hilton HHonors Worldwide frequent guest program and the Hilton Reservations Worldwide reservation system, both of which were previously owned equally by us and HI. We also obtained worldwide ownership of the luxury Conrad hotel brand, which had been operated as a joint venture between us and HI since 2002. As a result of the HI Acquisition, we now own all the rights to the Hilton and Conrad brands, including the right to develop these brands, along with all of our other proprietary brands, on a worldwide basis. See “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International” to the consolidated financial statements under Part II—Item 8.

Recent Developments

Hotel Properties

·       In 2006, we commenced management of the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa in Maui, Hawaii, the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, the La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, California and the Qasr Al Sharq in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.  These properties, together with the Waldorf=Astoria in New York, New York, are included in our new Waldorf=Astoria Collection of luxury hotels.




·       In the fourth quarter of 2006, we announced plans to form a joint venture with real estate developer DLF Limited to develop hotel properties and serviced apartments in India. The joint venture company plans to develop and own 50 to 75 mid-scale and extended-stay hotels over the next seven years. We also announced an alliance with Deutsche Asset Management and HQ Asia Pacific in which they will develop an initial 25 Hilton Garden Inns in Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin, China, which are expected to be franchised hotels.

·       In 2006, we sold the following assets we acquired as part of the HI Acquisition for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $1.281 billion as of the transaction dates: the Hilton London Metropole, the Hilton Birmingham Metropole and the Wembley hotel, all in the United Kingdom; the Hilton Toronto Airport, the Hilton Toronto Downtown, the Hilton Quebec City, the Hilton Montreal Airport and the Hilton Saint John, all in Canada; the stand alone LivingWell health clubs; and the leasehold for the Drake Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. We have retained multi-year management agreements on all of these dispositions except for LivingWell.

·       In 2006, we sold three wholly owned domestic properties and our minority interest in joint ventures owning three properties. We retained management or franchise agreements on each of these properties, which included four Hiltons and two Embassy Suites.

Timeshare Properties

·       We are continuing to develop a 1,582-unit timeshare resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, of which 45 percent of the planned four-tower project has been completed.

·       We are developing or have developed three timeshare resorts in Orlando, Florida: a 440-unit resort at Tuscany Village on International Drive, of which 376 units are opened; a completed resort adjacent to Sea World, of which 48 units were added in 2006; and a new resort at Ruby Lake, of which the first phase is expected to contain 141 units.

·       In Waikoloa, Hawaii, we have completed development of a 120-unit timeshare resort called Kohala Coast Vacation Suites, and commenced construction of a new timeshare project called Kings Land, of which 198 units are scheduled for completion in 2010.

·       In Honolulu, Hawaii, we have commenced construction of the Waikikian Tower, a new 331-unit timeshare project adjacent to the Hilton Hawaiian Village, scheduled for completion in late 2008.

·       In 2006, we announced the development of the 57th Street Tower, a new 161-unit timeshare project in New York City scheduled for completion in early 2009.

Additional Information

For a description of our planned expansion activities, see “Operations—Development.” For additional information, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Development and Capital Spending” under Part II—Item 7.

Industry Segments

As of December 31, 2006, we operated in three reportable business segments which are based on similar products or services: Hotel Ownership; Managing and Franchising; and Timeshare. For additional information, see “Note 16: Segment Information” to the consolidated financial statements under Part II—Item 8.

2




OPERATIONS

Hotel Properties

Owned Hotels

As of December 31, 2006, we owned a majority or controlling financial interest in and operated 60 hotels, representing 29,647 rooms. The owned hotels include some of our largest and most profitable hotels, including:

·       the 1,416-room Waldorf=Astoria;

·       the 1,980-room Hilton New York;

·       the 2,860-room Hilton Hawaiian Village;

·       the 1,240-room Hilton Waikoloa Village;

·       the 1,908-room Hilton San Francisco;

·       the 1,544-room Hilton Chicago;

·       the 1,119-room Hilton Washington; and

·       the 1,616-room Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

Our owned hotels include six properties for which we lease the underlying land. The expiration dates of the leases range up to 2044, with certain leases containing renewal options for 10 to 40 years. Under these leases, we own the buildings and leasehold improvements and all furniture and equipment; we are responsible for repairs, maintenance, operating expenses and lease rentals; and we retain complete managerial discretion over operations. Lease terms generally require us to pay a fixed monthly base rent and may require us to pay additional rent based on a percentage of revenue or income from the hotel. Upon the expiration of such leases, the buildings and other leasehold improvements presently owned by us revert to the landlords. For additional information, see “Note 17: Leases” to the consolidated financial statements under Part II—Item 8.

Leased Hotels

As of December 31, 2006, we leased 203 hotels, representing 46,663 rooms. Under these leases, we lease the hotel from its owner, manage the hotel and are generally responsible for all aspects of the hotel’s operations and recognize all revenue and substantially all expenses associated with the hotel’s operations. In general, replacement of furniture, fixtures and equipment is our responsibility. Our hotel leases may require the payment of fixed rent payments, variable rent payments based on a percentage of revenue or income, or the payment of rent equal to the greater of a minimum fixed rent or variable rent based on a percentage of revenue or income. The terms of our leases are for various periods expiring through 2097 and generally provide for certain renewal options, subject to certain termination rights. For additional information, see “Note 17: Leases” to the consolidated financial statements under Part II—Item 8.

Joint Ventures

As of December 31, 2006, we had a minority or non-controlling financial interest in and operated 53 hotels, representing 17,232 rooms. We have a right of first refusal to purchase additional equity interests in certain of these joint ventures. We manage each of the partially owned hotels for the entity owning the hotel.

3




Managed Hotels

As of December 31, 2006, we managed 343 hotels, representing 97,536 rooms, which are wholly owned by others. Under our standard management agreement, we operate a hotel for the benefit of its owner, which either owns or leases the hotel and the associated personal property. Our management fee is generally based on a percentage of each hotel’s gross revenue, operating profits, cash flow or a combination thereof. For the majority of properties, we may also earn an incentive fee based on operating performance. The terms of our management agreements are for various periods and generally contain renewal options, subject to certain termination rights.

In general, under our management agreements all operating and other expenses are paid by the owner and we are reimbursed for our out-of-pocket expenses. In turn, our managerial discretion is subject to approval by the owner in certain major areas, including the approval of capital expenditure budgets.

Franchise Hotels

As of December 31, 2006, we franchised 2,242 hotels, representing 306,660 rooms, which are owned and operated by third parties. In general, franchisees pay us an initial fee based on the number of rooms in a franchise hotel and a continuing fee based on a percentage of the hotel’s rooms revenue, which may be up to five percent of rooms revenue depending on the brand. Although we do not directly participate in the management or operation of franchise hotels, we conduct periodic inspections to ensure that our standards are maintained and render advice with respect to certain aspects of hotel operations. We generally approve the plans for, and the location of, franchise hotels and assist in their design.

Hotel Brands

We operate hotels through the brands described below, which target a wide variety of markets and geographic areas. According to data from Smith Travel Research, in 2006, our domestic Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Hampton brands all commanded market share premiums in the system-wide revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) index, which represents the share of RevPAR these properties attain versus their respective competitive sets.

Hilton

Hilton hotels are our upscale, full-service hotels that typically include swimming pools, gift shops and retail facilities, meeting and banquet facilities, restaurants and lounges, room service, parking facilities and other services. The Hilton brand also includes Hilton Suites hotels, which are upscale, all-suite hotels. As of December 31, 2006, there were 498 Hilton hotels, representing 172,605 rooms, located in 38 states, the District of Columbia and an additional 71 countries and territories throughout the world. As of December 31, 2006, 36 Hilton hotels were under construction, of which 20 are expected to be managed hotels and 16 are expected to be franchise hotels.

Hilton Garden Inn

Hilton Garden Inn hotels are our upper mid-market, focused service hotels that generally utilize a modular design constructed around a courtyard containing an indoor or outdoor swimming pool. In 2006, the Hilton Garden Inn brand earned the first place J.D. Power Award for “Highest Customer Satisfaction” in its category for a fifth consecutive year. As of December 31, 2006, there were 302 Hilton Garden Inn hotels, representing 41,669 rooms, located in 44 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Germany, Italy and Mexico. As of December 31, 2006, 57 Hilton Garden Inn hotels were under construction, of which 55 are expected to be franchise hotels and two are expected to be managed hotels.

4




Doubletree

Doubletree hotels are our full-service hotels in the mid-market to upscale hotel category. The Doubletree brand also includes the Doubletree Guest Suites all-suite hotels and the moderately priced Doubletree Club hotels. As of December 31, 2006, there were 173 Doubletree hotels, representing 45,119 rooms, located in 39 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and Latin America. As of December 31, 2006, six Doubletree hotels were under construction, all of which are expected to be franchise hotels.

Embassy Suites

Embassy Suites are our upscale, all-suite hotels that feature two-room guest suites with a separate living room and dining/work area and a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast. Most Embassy Suites hotels are built around a landscaped atrium. As of December 31, 2006, there were 185 Embassy Suites, representing 45,172 rooms, located in 38 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. As of December 31, 2006, eight Embassy Suites hotels were under construction, all of which are expected to be franchise hotels.

Homewood Suites by Hilton

Homewood Suites by Hilton are our upscale, extended-stay hotels that feature residential style accommodations including business centers, swimming pools, convenience stores and limited meeting facilities. As of December 31, 2006, there were 192 Homewood Suites, representing 21,141 rooms, located in 41 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. As of December 31, 2006, 28 Homewood Suites hotels were under construction, of which 26 are expected to be franchise hotels and two are expected to be managed hotels.

Hampton

Hampton Inn hotels are our moderately priced hotels with limited food and beverage facilities. The Hampton brand also includes Hampton Inn & Suites hotels which offer both traditional hotel room accommodations and apartment style suites within one property. As of December 31, 2006, there were 1,392 Hampton hotels, representing 138,487 rooms, located in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. As of December 31, 2006, 127 Hampton hotels were under construction, all of which are expected to be franchise hotels.

Scandic

Scandic hotels are our mid-market, full-service hotels located in Northern Europe. As of December 31, 2006, there were 129 Scandic hotels, representing 22,808 rooms, located in Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. As of December 31, 2006, one Scandic hotel was under construction, which is expected to be a leased hotel.

Conrad

Conrad hotels are our upscale, full-service hotels located primarily outside the United States. As of December 31, 2006 we managed, and in some cases partially owned, 15 Conrad hotels, representing 5,152 rooms, located in Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Belgium, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and the United Kingdom.  We have entered into agreements to manage new Conrad hotels in Shanghai, China and Koh Samui, Thailand.

5




Waldorf=Astoria Collection

In early 2006, we introduced a new brand line, the Waldorf=Astoria Collection. This elite brand designation debuted with New York’s legendary Waldorf=Astoria, which is wholly owned, along with three world-class luxury resorts managed by us under long-term agreements: the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa on the island of Maui in Hawaii; the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona; and the La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, California. Also in 2006, we commenced management of the Qasr Al Sharq in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the newest member of the Waldorf=Astoria Collection. We anticipate that the Waldorf=Astoria Collection will grow primarily through branding of existing landmark or boutique hotels and opening newly built Waldorf=Astoria hotels in select cities.

Hotels By Region

The following table sets forth the number of properties and rooms in our hotel system, excluding timeshare properties, by region and country as of December 31, 2006. The inclusion of hotels in regions in the table below is consistent with the reporting of regional information throughout this annual report.

Region/Country

 

 

 

Hotels

 

Rooms

 

North America

 

 

 

 

 

Canada

 

56

 

11,648

 

United States

 

2,416

 

376,700

 

Total

 

2,472

 

388,348

 

United Kingdom & Ireland

 

 

 

 

 

Ireland

 

5

 

750

 

United Kingdom

 

70

 

15,727

 

Total

 

75

 

16,477

 

Continental Europe

 

 

 

 

 

Austria

 

4

 

1,340

 

Belgium

 

8

 

1,684

 

Bulgaria

 

1

 

245

 

Croatia

 

1

 

147

 

Cyprus

 

2

 

492

 

Czech Republic

 

1

 

788

 

France

 

9

 

2,660

 

Germany

 

16

 

4,890

 

Greece

 

2

 

928

 

Hungary

 

2

 

552

 

Israel

 

2

 

1,064

 

Italy

 

14

 

3,265

 

Luxembourg

 

1

 

337

 

Malta

 

1

 

294

 

Netherlands

 

6

 

1,180

 

Romania

 

1

 

272

 

Spain

 

3

 

1,043

 

Switzerland

 

2

 

537

 

Turkey

 

8

 

2,607

 

Total

 

84

 

24,325

 

6




 

Africa

 

 

 

 

 

Algeria

 

1

 

410

 

Cameroon

 

1

 

257

 

Ethiopia

 

1

 

379

 

Kenya

 

1

 

293

 

Madagascar

 

1

 

170

 

Mauritius

 

1

 

193

 

Morocco

 

1

 

269

 

Nigeria

 

1

 

670

 

Republic of Seychelles

 

1

 

40

 

South Africa

 

2

 

654

 

Total

 

11

 

3,335

 

Middle East

 

 

 

 

 

Egypt

 

19

 

7,038

 

Kuwait

 

1

 

350

 

Oman

 

1

 

147

 

Saudi Arabia

 

4

 

2,207

 

United Arab Emirates

 

8

 

1,673

 

Total

 

33

 

11,415

 

Asia Pacific

 

 

 

 

 

Australia

 

7

 

2,507

 

China

 

5

 

2,537

 

Guam

 

1

 

682

 

India

 

8

 

1,409

 

Indonesia

 

1

 

298

 

Japan

 

8

 

3,876

 

Korea

 

4

 

1,564

 

Malaysia

 

4

 

1,478

 

Maldives

 

1

 

150

 

New Zealand

 

2

 

197

 

Philippines

 

1

 

246

 

Republic of Fiji

 

1

 

218

 

Singapore

 

2

 

931

 

Sri Lanka

 

2

 

552

 

Thailand

 

4

 

1,909

 

Vietnam

 

1

 

269

 

Total

 

52

 

18,823

 

Latin America & Caribbean

 

 

 

 

 

Argentina

 

1

 

418

 

Bahamas

 

1

 

291

 

Barbados

 

1

 

350

 

Brazil

 

2

 

846

 

Colombia

 

2

 

384

 

Costa Rica

 

1

 

100

 

Curacao

 

1

 

196

 

Dominican Republic

 

2

 

351

 

Ecuador

 

3

 

689

 

7




 

El Salvador

 

1

 

204

 

Honduras

 

1

 

120

 

Jamaica

 

1

 

303

 

Mexico

 

17

 

3,516

 

Nicaragua

 

1

 

104

 

Peru

 

1

 

110

 

Puerto Rico

 

5

 

1,739

 

Trinidad & Tobago

 

2

 

578

 

Venezuela

 

4

 

1,439

 

Total

 

47

 

11,738

 

Nordic

 

 

 

 

 

Denmark

 

20

 

3,455

 

Estonia

 

3

 

206

 

Finland

 

21

 

4,056

 

Lithuania

 

1

 

60

 

Norway

 

15

 

2,487

 

Sweden

 

67

 

13,013

 

Total

 

127

 

23,277

 

Total Hotel Properties (78 countries and territories)

 

2,901

 

497,738

 

 

North America

As of December 31, 2006, there were 2,472 properties, representing 388,348 rooms, in our hotel system located in the United States and Canada. These properties consist of 239 Hiltons, 296 Hilton Garden Inns, 172 Doubletrees, 179 Embassy Suites, 192 Homewood Suites by Hilton, 1,381 Hamptons, three Conrads and ten other hotels. Our properties in North America consist of 27 owned, five leased, 46 joint venture, 205 managed and 2,189 franchised hotels.

United Kingdom and Ireland

As of December 31, 2006, there were 75 properties, representing 16,477 rooms, in our hotel system located in the U.K. and Ireland, consisting of 70 Hiltons, three Conrads and two other hotels. Our properties in the U.K. and Ireland consist of 14 owned, 32 leased, one joint venture and 28 managed hotels.

Continental Europe

As of December 31, 2006, there were 84 properties, representing 24,325 rooms, in our hotel system located in 19 countries in Continental Europe (exclusive of the Nordic region). These properties consist of 70 Hiltons, three Hilton Garden Inns, seven Scandics, two Conrads and two other hotels. Our properties in Continental Europe consist of 12 owned, 33 leased, three joint venture, 26 managed and ten franchised hotels.

Africa

As of December 31, 2006, there were 11 properties, representing 3,335 rooms, in our hotel system located in ten countries in Africa, each of which is a Hilton branded hotel. Our properties in Africa consist of one owned, three leased, six managed and one franchised hotel.

8




Middle East

As of December 31, 2006, there were 33 properties, consisting of 11,415 rooms, in our hotel system located in five countries in the Middle East, consisting of 30 Hiltons, two Conrads and one other hotel. Our properties in the Middle East consist of two leased, one joint venture and 30 managed hotels.

Asia Pacific

As of December 31, 2006, there were 52 properties, representing 18,823 rooms, in our hotel system located in 16 countries and territories in the Asia Pacific region, consisting of 47 Hiltons and five Conrad hotels. Our properties in the Asia Pacific region consist of one owned, five leased, two joint venture, 31 managed and 13 franchised hotels.

Latin America & Caribbean

As of December 31, 2006, there were 47 properties, representing 11,738 rooms, in our hotel system located in 18 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean, consisting of 26 Hiltons, three Hilton Garden Inns, one Doubletree, six Embassy Suites, and 11 Hampton hotels. Our properties in Latin America and the Caribbean consist of two owned, four leased, 15 managed and 26 franchised properties.

Nordic

As of December 31, 2006, there were 127 properties, representing 23,277 rooms, in our hotel system located in 6 countries in the Nordic region, consisting of five Hiltons and 122 Scandic hotels. Our properties in the Nordic region consist of three owned, 119 leased, two managed and three franchised hotels.

Timeshare Operations

We conduct our domestic timeshare operations through Hilton Grand Vacations Company and its related entities (“HGVC”), which we wholly own. As of December 31, 2006, HGVC operated 34 timeshare resorts, consisting of 3,740 rooms, including 21 resorts in Florida, four in Hawaii, three in Nevada and one in each of Colorado and New York. We also operate three timeshare resorts in the United Kingdom and one in Egypt which we acquired in the HI Acquisition. HGVC operates HGVClub and Hilton Club, points-based reservation and exchange systems with 34 affiliated timeshare resorts.

Development

Hotel Properties

We intend to grow our hotel system through franchising and the addition of management contracts. We will also continue to invest in capital improvements and select projects at our owned hotels. In addition, we may seek to acquire ownership interests in hotel properties on a strategic and selective basis, either directly or through investments in joint ventures. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Development and Capital Spending” under Part II—Item 7.

During 2006, in addition to the properties added to our system in the HI Acquisition, we added a total of 223 properties, primarily franchises, with approximately 36,000 rooms to our system. A total of 74 properties, primarily franchises, with approximately 12,000 rooms were removed from our system in 2006.

Total hotel property additions to our system in 2006 included 204 franchise properties, 17 managed properties owned by third parties and two leased properties. These additions included 32 properties which, due in part to the market share leadership of our brands, were converted to our family of brands in 2006. The 32 conversions included 16 Doubletrees, eight Hiltons, five Hamptons and three Hilton Garden Inns.

9




Included in the property additions in 2006 are long-term management agreements we acquired for the following properties:  the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa on the island of Maui in Hawaii; the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona; and the La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, California. Also in 2006, we commenced management of the Qasr El Sharq in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. These properties are included in our new, elite brand designation, the Waldorf=Astoria Collection. See “Operations—Hotel Brands—Waldorf=Astoria Collection” above. In 2006, we also acquired a long-term management agreement for the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, we announced plans to form a joint venture with DLF Limited to develop hotel properties and serviced apartments in India. The joint venture company plans to develop and own 50 to 75 mid-scale and extended-stay hotels over the next seven years. We also announced an alliance with Deutsche Asset Management and HQ Asia Pacific in which they will develop an initial 25 Hilton Garden Inns in Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin, China, which are expected to be franchised hotels.

In 2007, we expect to add approximately 255 hotels and 35,000 rooms to our hotel system. We expect virtually all of this growth to be through franchise and management agreements.

Our current development pipeline is our largest to date, with more than 775 hotels, primarily franchises, with 110,000 rooms at December 31, 2006. Approximately 90 percent of the hotels in the current development pipeline are in the Americas (U.S., Canada, Mexico and South America), though international development is expected to comprise an increasingly larger percentage of our development pipeline within the next few years. The consummation of transactions in our development pipeline is subject to various conditions and uncertainties.

Our ability to grow the number of managed and franchised hotels is affected by the factors set forth under Item 1A “Risk Factors,” including but not limited to international, national and regional economic conditions; the effects of actual and threatened terrorist attacks and international conflicts; acts of God, such as natural disasters; credit availability; relationships with franchisees and property owners; and competition from other hotel brands.

Timeshare Properties

We have recently opened or are currently developing the following timeshare projects:

·       We are continuing to develop a 1,582-unit timeshare resort located at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. Phase two of this project, consisting of 431 units, opened in 2006. Approximately 45 percent of the planned four-tower project has been completed.

·       We are continuing to develop a timeshare resort at Tuscany Village on International Drive in Orlando, Florida, with seven phases and a total of 440 units. We have opened the first six phases of this project, consisting of 376 units, including 70 units opened in January 2007. The final phase of this project, consisting of 64 units, is scheduled for completion in spring 2008. Also in Orlando, we have added 48 units to our existing property adjacent to Sea World. In 2007, we began construction of our new timeshare project at Ruby Lake in Orlando. Phase I of the Ruby Lake project is expected to contain 141 units and is scheduled for completion in 2009.

·       In 2006, we completed the remaining 98 units of a 120-unit timeshare resort called Kohala Coast Vacation Suites in Waikoloa, Hawaii, near the Hilton Waikoloa Village. We are also developing a new timeshare project in Waikoloa called Kings Land, the first phase of which is expected to consist of 198 units and is scheduled for completion in 2010.

·       In 2006, we began construction of the Waikikian Tower, a new timeshare project in Honolulu, Hawaii, adjacent to the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The Waikikian Tower is expected to contain 331 units upon completion which is scheduled for late 2008.

10




·       In 2006, we announced the development of a new timeshare project in New York City on West 57th Street. The 57th Street Tower is expected to contain 161 units and is scheduled for completion in early 2009.

Property Dispositions

In 2006, we sold the following assets we acquired as part of the HI Acquisition: the Hilton London Metropole, the Hilton Birmingham Metropole and the Wembley hotel, all in the United Kingdom; the Hilton Toronto Airport, the Hilton Toronto Downtown, the Hilton Quebec City, the Hilton Montreal Airport and the Hilton Saint John, all in Canada; the stand alone LivingWell health clubs; and the leasehold for the Drake Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. We have retained multi-year management agreements on all of these dispositions except for LivingWell.

In 2006, we sold the following wholly owned domestic hotel properties: the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs in Arizona; the Hilton Minneapolis in Minnesota; and the Hilton Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. Also during 2006, we sold our minority interest in the joint ventures owning the following hotels:  the Hilton Times Square in New York; the Embassy Suites San Diego-La Jolla in California; and the Embassy Suites Battery Park in New York. We retained long-term management agreements for the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs, the Hilton Minneapolis and the Embassy Suites San Diego-La Jolla, and long-term franchise agreements for the Hilton Pittsburgh, the Hilton Times Square and the Embassy Suites Battery Park.

For additional information, see “Note 5: Acquisitions and Dispositions” to the consolidated financial statements under Part II—Item 8.

Development Financing

We have established franchise financing programs with third party lenders to support the growth of our brands. As of December 31, 2006, we have provided guarantees of $16 million on loans outstanding under these programs. In addition, we have guaranteed $27 million of debt and other obligations of unconsolidated affiliates and third parties, bringing our total guarantees to approximately $43 million. Our outstanding guarantees have terms ranging from one to 14 years. We also have commitments under letters of credit totaling $110 million as of December 31, 2006. We believe it is unlikely that material payments will be required under these guarantees or letters of credit. See “Note 18: Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements under Part II—Item 8.

Territorial Restrictions

Prior to the HI Acquisition, we were subject to certain restrictions on our right to operate hotels outside the U.S. identified as “Hilton” hotels. As a result of the HI Acquisition, we now own the right to develop each of our brands on a worldwide basis. See “General Information—Acquisition of Hilton International” above.

We have also entered into certain management and franchise agreements that contain provisions which may restrict our right to own, manage or franchise additional hotels in specified geographic areas.

Potential Acquisitions

We continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities and may, from time to time, negotiate to engage in a business combination transaction or other acquisition. However, there is no assurance that we will engage in any such transactions.

11




Property Transactions

We will continue to review our owned hotel portfolio for potential repositioning or rebranding opportunities and we may seek to sell certain assets, including assets acquired in the HI Acquisition. It is our intention to be opportunistic when evaluating potential asset sales and we will look to sell particular hotel properties to the extent we can obtain premium prices. We are currently marketing for sale certain of our owned and leased hotels, including ten hotels in continental Europe, the Hilton Caledonian in Scotland and six properties in the U.S. We are also marketing for sale the Scandic brand of hotels.

Seasonality

The hospitality industry is seasonal in nature. However, the periods during which our properties experience higher or lower levels of demand vary from property to property and depend principally upon location. Based upon historical results, we generally expect our revenue to be lower in the first fiscal quarter of each year than in each of the three subsequent quarters.

12




Statistical Information

The following table sets forth certain system-wide information for our properties with respect to the number of properties and rooms as of December 31, 2005 and 2006:

 

 

2005 Number of

 

2006 Number of

 

Change in Number of

 

 

 

Properties

 

Rooms

 

Properties

 

Rooms

 

Properties

 

Rooms

 

Hilton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

57

 

32,369

 

47

 

26,347

 

(10

)

(6,022

)

Leased

 

79

 

23,460

 

80

 

23,798

 

1

 

338

 

Joint Venture

 

16

 

6,844

 

14

 

6,156

 

(2

)

(688

)

Managed

 

137

 

47,709

 

152

 

56,633

 

15

 

8,924

 

Franchised

 

193

 

54,784

 

205

 

59,671

 

12

 

4,887

 

 

 

482

 

165,166

 

498

 

172,605

 

16

 

7,439

 

Hilton Garden Inn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

1

 

162

 

1

 

162

 

 

 

Joint Venture

 

1

 

128

 

1

 

128

 

 

 

Managed

 

7

 

886

 

7

 

886

 

 

 

Franchised

 

250

 

34,347

 

293

 

40,493

 

43

 

6,146

 

 

 

259

 

35,523

 

302

 

41,669

 

43

 

6,146

 

Doubletree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

3

 

1,349

 

3

 

1,349

 

 

 

Leased

 

5

 

1,746

 

4

 

1,554

 

(1

)

(192

)

Joint Venture

 

14

 

4,306

 

12

 

3,761

 

(2

)

(545

)

Managed

 

30

 

8,060

 

27

 

7,487

 

(3

)

(573

)

Franchised

 

108

 

26,707

 

127

 

30,968

 

19

 

4,261

 

 

 

160

 

42,168

 

173

 

45,119

 

13

 

2,951

 

Embassy Suites

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

3

 

663

 

3

 

664

 

 

1

 

Joint Venture

 

25

 

6,586

 

23

 

5,788

 

(2

)

(798

)

Managed

 

56

 

14,832

 

56

 

14,918

 

 

86

 

Franchised

 

98

 

22,348

 

103

 

23,802

 

5

 

1,454

 

 

 

182

 

44,429

 

185

 

45,172

 

3

 

743

 

Homewood Suites by Hilton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

1

 

140

 

1

 

140

 

 

 

Managed

 

41

 

4,706

 

41

 

4,706

 

 

 

Franchised

 

122

 

13,287

 

150

 

16,295

 

28

 

3,008

 

 

 

164

 

18,133

 

192

 

21,141

 

28

 

3,008

 

Hampton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

1

 

133

 

1

 

133

 

 

 

Managed

 

34

 

4,453

 

34

 

4,447

 

 

(6

)

Franchised

 

1,301

 

129,535

 

1,357

 

133,907

 

56

 

4,372

 

 

 

1,336

 

134,121

 

1,392

 

138,487

 

56

 

4,366

 

Scandic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

1

 

325

 

3

 

528

 

2

 

203

 

Leased

 

121

 

21,405

 

118

 

21,182

 

(3

)

(223

)

Managed

 

3

 

429

 

3

 

429

 

 

 

Franchised

 

5

 

715

 

5

 

669

 

 

(46

)

 

 

130

 

22,874

 

129

 

22,808

 

(1

)

(66

)

Conrad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joint Venture

 

3

 

1,395

 

3

 

1,399

 

 

4

 

Managed

 

12

 

3,660

 

12

 

3,753

 

 

93

 

 

 

15

 

5,055

 

15

 

5,152

 

 

97

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

2

 

630

 

1

 

324

 

(1

)

(306

)

Leased

 

2

 

666

 

1

 

129

 

(1

)

(537

)

Managed

 

6

 

1,311

 

11

 

4,277

 

5

 

2,966

 

Franchised

 

6

 

2,434

 

2

 

855

 

(4

)

(1,579

)

 

 

16

 

5,041

 

15

 

5,585

 

(1

)

544

 

Timeshare

 

40

 

4,272

 

34

 

3,740

 

(6

)

(532

)

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

69

 

35,771

 

60

 

29,647

 

(9

)

(6,124

)

Leased

 

207

 

47,277

 

203

 

46,663

 

(4

)

(614

)

Joint Venture

 

59

 

19,259

 

53

 

17,232

 

(6

)

(2,027

)

Managed

 

326

 

86,046

 

343

 

97,536

 

17

 

11,490

 

Franchised

 

2,083

 

284,157

 

2,242

 

306,660

 

159

 

22,503

 

Timeshare

 

40

 

4,272

 

34

 

3,740

 

(6

)

(532

)

TOTAL PROPERTIES

 

2,784

 

476,782

 

2,935

 

501,478

 

151

 

24,696

 

 

13




For purposes of the table above, “owned” properties include those in which we have a majority or controlling financial interest and “joint venture” properties are those in which we have a minority or non-controlling financial interest. Statistics are presented pro forma as if the HI Acquisition had occurred January 1, 2005. For additional information, see “Hotel Properties” above.

The following table sets forth certain system-wide information for our hotels with respect to occupancy rates, average room rates and RevPAR for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006:

 

 

2005(1)

 

2006(1)

 

Change

 

Hilton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occupancy

 

71.8

%

72.8

%

1.0

pts

Average Rate

 

$

138.55

 

$

149.86

 

8.2

%

RevPAR

 

$

99.50

 

$

109.11

 

9.7

%

Hilton Garden Inn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occupancy

 

70.0

%

71.4

%

1.4

pts

Average Rate

 

$

103.89

 

$

111.34

 

7.2

%

RevPAR

 

$

72.70

 

$

79.55

 

9.4

%

Doubletree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occupancy

 

70.4

%

71.6

%

1.2

pts

Average Rate

 

$

112.58

 

$

122.32

 

8.7

%

RevPAR

 

$

79.30

 

$

87.60

 

10.5

%

Embassy Suites

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occupancy

 

73.8

%

74.9

%

1.1

pts

Average Rate

 

$

129.93

 

$

140.18

 

7.9

%

RevPAR

 

$

95.85

 

$

105.05

 

9.6

%

Homewood Suites by Hilton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occupancy

 

75.2

%

75.8

%

0.6

pts

Average Rate

 

$

101.31

 

$

108.31

 

6.9

%

RevPAR

 

$

76.19

 

$

82.14

 

7.8

%

Hampton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occupancy

 

71.6

%

72.5

%

0.9

pts

Average Rate

 

$

87.80

 

$

94.69

 

7.8

%

RevPAR

 

$

62.87

 

$

68.66

 

9.2

%

Scandic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occupancy

 

64.0

%

65.1

%

1.1

pts

Average Rate

 

$

104.86

 

$

109.92

 

4.8

%

RevPAR

 

$

67.11

 

$

71.58

 

6.7

%

Conrad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occupancy

 

70.4

%

69.6

%

(0.8

)pts

Average Rate

 

$

153.35

 

$

173.75

 

13.3

%

RevPAR

 

$

107.90

 

$

120.94

 

12.1

%

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occupancy

 

75.2

%

79.5

%

4.3

pts

Average Rate

 

$

132.99

 

$

145.13

 

9.1

%

RevPAR

 

$

99.98

 

$

115.36

 

15.4

%

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occupancy

 

71.4

%

72.5

%

1.1

pts

Average Rate

 

$

115.43

 

$

124.58

 

7.9

%

RevPAR

 

$

82.46

 

$

90.27

 

9.5

%


(1)          Statistics are presented pro forma as if the HI Acquisition had occurred January 1, 2005. Includes hotels in our system as of December 31, 2006 which were in our hotel system or the hotel system of HI since January 1, 2005. Comparable hotels exclude data for HI franchise hotels and our owned hotels in New Orleans due to the interruption in operations as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

For additional information regarding our hotel brands, see “Hotel Brands” above.

14




The following table sets forth certain system-wide statistical information for our hotels by geographic region as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006:

Regions

 

 

 

Occupancy

 

Average Rate

 

RevPAR

 

North America

 

 

72.8

%

 

 

$

120.56

 

 

$

87.77

 

United Kingdom & Ireland

 

 

77.1

 

 

 

169.92

 

 

130.98

 

Continental Europe

 

 

69.0

 

 

 

161.27

 

 

111.29

 

Africa

 

 

71.3

 

 

 

133.52

 

 

95.16

 

Middle East

 

 

72.7

 

 

 

115.84

 

 

84.24

 

Asia Pacific

 

 

77.3

 

 

 

132.65

 

 

102.57

 

Latin America & Caribbean

 

 

71.4

 

 

 

128.03

 

 

91.47

 

Nordic

 

 

65.3

 

 

 

114.17

 

 

74.57

 

Total

 

 

72.5

 

 

 

124.58

 

 

90.27

 

 

In the table above, statistics are presented pro forma as if the HI Acquisition occurred January 1, 2005. This table includes hotels in our system as of December 31, 2006 which were in our hotel system or in the hotel system of HI since January 1, 2005. Comparable hotels exclude data for HI franchise hotels and our owned hotels in New Orleans due to the interruption in operations as a result of Hurricane Katrina. For additional information regarding our number of properties, number of available rooms and statistical information, see “Five Year Summary” under Part II—Item 8.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Casino Windsor

We own a 50% equity interest in Windsor Casino Limited, which operates the 400-room Casino Windsor in Windsor, Ontario, Canada for the Ontario provincial government under a management contract that expires in 2012. This hotel casino features a 75,000 square foot casino and entertainment and meeting facilities. See “Additional Information—Regulation and Licensing—Ontario Gaming Laws” below.

Design and Furnishing Services

Hilton Supply Management, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, provides design and furnishing services to our hotels and to hotels owned and operated by others. These services include the purchase and distribution of furniture, furnishings, equipment, food, beverage and operating supplies. The volume of this operation depends primarily on the number of new hotels we operate or franchise and on refurbishing and remodeling of our existing hotels.

Reservation System

Hilton Reservations Worldwide, LLC (“HRW”) oversees and operates a computerized, worldwide reservation system for hotels owned, operated or franchised by us, our affiliates and others. Prior to the HI Acquisition, Hilton and Hilton Group plc each owned a 50% interest in HRW. As a result of the HI Acquisition, HRW is now wholly owned by us. The domestic HRW reservation agents utilize an automated system that enables them to automatically cross-sell among all of our hotel brands which has benefited, and which we expect will continue to benefit, our hotel brands.

15




HHonors

Hilton HHonors Worldwide, LLC (“HHW”) operates our guest loyalty program (“HHonors”). Prior to the HI Acquisition, Hilton and Hilton Group plc each owned a 50% interest in HHW. As a result of the HI Acquisition, HHW is now wholly owned by us. The HHonors program is operated for the benefit of our family of brands worldwide. Members of the HHonors program earn points based on their spending at most of the hotel properties operated and franchised by us. HHonors accumulates and tracks points on the member’s behalf and fulfills awards upon request. Points can be redeemed for hotel stays at participating properties and for a variety of other awards such as airline tickets, cruises and car rentals. We expect HHonors to continue to have a positive impact on our brands. See “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Hilton HHonors” to the consolidated financial statements under Part II—Item 8.

Technology and Distribution

We operate the Hilton worldwide internet website (www.hiltonworldwide.com) and our various hotel brand websites which provide cost effective customer service, including online hotel reservations and HHonors enrollment. We also provide various business, technology and information services for our hotel guests, including high speed internet access at many of our hotels system-wide and self-service check-in kiosks at certain of our owned or managed hotels.

We operate our proprietary OnQ system, which is a single technology platform that links our brands and hotels to enhance customer service and loyalty, as well as to maximize operational efficiencies. The OnQ system has been installed at virtually all of the hotels in our domestic hotel system. We have commenced the installation of the OnQ system in the hotels we acquired in the HI Acquisition. We also utilize an integrated strategy related to electronic and online distribution of rooms in our systems. The strategy provides for brand standards that permit each hotel to establish its own room rates, but requires the hotel to offer such rates consistently across all designated distribution channels, including our proprietary websites, HRW call centers, the Global Distribution System used by travel agents, and through hotels directly. In addition, we have implemented enhancements to our major brand websites as part of the strategy.

“Our Best Rates. Guaranteed.” is our program which offers a price-matching guarantee that is designed to encourage customers to book their reservations through the above referenced distribution channels. We believe that this program, along with enhancements to our branded websites, has contributed to significantly increased numbers of transactions on our proprietary websites.

Trademarks

The following trademarks used herein are owned by us and are either registered or have been filed for registration as trademarks in the United States and/or in certain foreign countries: Conrad®, Double Dip®, Doubletree®, Doubletree Club Hotel®, Doubletree Guest Suites®, Doubletree by Hilton™, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Embassy Suites by Hilton™, Finn & Porter®, Garden Inn®, Hampton®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hampton by Hilton™, Hawaiian Village®, HGVClub®, HHonors®, Hilton®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations Club®, Hilton Hawaiian Village®, Hilton Suites®, Homewood Suites by Hilton®, LivingWell®, OnQ™, Points & Miles®, Scandic®, Senior HHonors®, Waldorf=Astoria® and Waldorf=Astoria Collection®. We consider all of these trademarks, and the associated name recognition, to be valuable to our business. See “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Brands” to the consolidated financial statements under Part II—Item 8.

16




Marketing

Our hotel properties offer multiple product lines to a broad range of customers in many geographic markets worldwide. Our properties include full-service and limited service hotels in urban, airport, resort and suburban locations, as well as timeshare resorts.

Our metropolitan and airport properties primarily serve the convention and meeting market and the business traveler market (business persons traveling as individuals or in small groups). Our resort properties primarily serve the tour and leisure market (tourists traveling either as individuals or in groups) and the convention and meeting market. Our suburban properties primarily serve the leisure and business traveler markets. As indicated in “Risk Factors” under Item 1A, these sources of business are sensitive to general economic and other conditions.

We are a sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team through 2008, which entitles our family of brands to use the official hotel sponsor designation and Olympic logo in advertising and marketing materials.

Competition

We seek to maintain the quality of our lodging business while expanding both domestically and internationally, primarily through franchising and the addition of management contracts. We intend to improve our business by leveraging our strong brand names, maximizing operating efficiencies, utilizing cost containment programs and technology, and expanding and enhancing properties. We may also acquire or develop properties as appropriate, either directly or through investments in joint ventures.

We believe that our position as a multi-branded owner, operator, manager and franchisor of hotels makes us one of the largest and most geographically diverse lodging companies in the world. Competition in the industry is based primarily on the level of service, quality of accommodations, convenience of locations and room rates. Competition from other hotels, motels and inns, including facilities owned by local interests and facilities owned by national and international chains, is vigorous in all areas in which we operate or franchise our facilities. Our hotels also generally compete with facilities offering similar services in cities and other locations where our hotels are not present. If hotel capacity is expanded by others in a city where our branded hotels are located, competition will increase. Our management agreements are generally for long-term periods, but most allow the hotel owner to terminate the arrangement if certain financial or performance standards are not met. Competition in the timeshare business is based primarily on the quality and location of timeshare resorts, the pricing of timeshare intervals and the availability of program benefits, such as exchange programs. We believe that our focus on core business strategies, combined with our financial strength, diverse market presence, strong brands and strategically located properties, will enable us to remain competitive. For additional information, see “Risk Factors” under Item 1A.

Environmental Matters

We are subject to various Federal, state, local and foreign laws, ordinances and regulations that:

(i)            govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water, as well as handling and disposal practices for solid and hazardous or toxic wastes; or

(ii)        may impose liability for the costs of cleaning up, and certain damages resulting from, sites of past spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes (together, “Environmental Laws”).

17




Environmental Laws could make us liable for costs of removing or cleaning up hazardous or toxic substances on, under or in property we currently own or operate or that we previously owned or operated. Those laws could impose liability without regard to whether we knew of, or were responsible for, the presence of hazardous or toxic substances or waste. We endeavor to maintain compliance with Environmental Laws but, from time to time, our operations may have resulted or may result in noncompliance or liability for cleanup pursuant to Environmental Laws. In that regard, as of December 31, 2006, we had been notified of contamination resulting from past disposals of waste at eight sites to which hazardous or non-hazardous waste may have been sent from our facilities in the past. Based on information reviewed by and available to us, including:

(i)            uncertainty whether our facilities in fact shipped any waste to such sites;

(ii)        the number of potentially responsible parties at such sites; and

(iii)    where available, the volume and type of waste sent to such sites;

we believe that any liability arising from such disposals under Environmental Laws would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. However, there can be no assurance that this will be the case.

Regulation and Licensing

Ontario Gaming Laws.   Ontario, Canada has laws and regulations governing the conduct of casino gaming. Ontario law requires that the operator of a casino must be found suitable and be registered. A registration once issued remains in force until revoked. Ontario law defines the grounds for registration, as well as revocation or suspension of such registration. The Ontario authorities have conducted an investigation and have found us and the other shareholder of Windsor Casino Limited suitable in connection with the Ontario registration of Windsor Casino Limited. See “Additional Information—Casino Windsor” above.

Other Laws and Regulations.   We are subject to the laws and regulations of 78 countries and territories. The hotels and timeshare resorts we operate are subject to extensive state, local and national regulations and, on a periodic basis, must obtain various licenses and permits, including those required to sell alcoholic beverages. National and state laws and regulations also require certain registration, disclosure statements and other practices with respect to the franchising of hotels. We believe that we have obtained all required licenses and permits and our businesses are conducted in substantial compliance with applicable laws.

Employees

At December 31, 2006, we had approximately 105,000 employees, of whom approximately 28,000 were covered by various collective bargaining agreements providing, generally, for basic pay rates, working hours, other conditions of employment and orderly settlement of labor disputes. We believe that the aggregate compensation benefits and working conditions afforded our employees compare favorably with those received by employees in the hotel industry generally. See “Risk Factors” under Item 1A.

18




Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation, those set forth under the captions Item 1 “—Business—Hotel Brands,” “—Operations—Development,” “—Development Financing,” “—Territorial Restrictions,” “—Potential Acquisitions,” ”—Property Transactions” and “—Seasonality” and “Additional Information—Reservation System,” “—HHonors,” “—Competition,” “—Environmental Matters” and “—Regulation and Licensing,” Item 2 “—Properties,” Item 3 “—Legal Proceedings” and Item 7 “—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and other statements relating to our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects,” “will,” “should,” “continues” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those identified under Item 1A “—Risk Factors” below and under “Operations—Territorial Restrictions” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  Any of these risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect current or future events or circumstances except as required by law.

Available Information

Our internet website is located at www.hiltonworldwide.com. We make available free of charge through this website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our internet website also contains our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for officers, employees and directors, including our Chief Executive Officer and senior finance officers (the “Code of Ethics”), our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Charters for our Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees and information regarding communications with our Board of Directors. See “hiltonworldwide.com,” click on “Investor Relations,” then “Corporate Governance.” See also “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” under Part III—Item 10. The information made available through our website is not incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K.

We will provide without charge to any person, on the written or oral request of such person, a copy of our annual report on Form 10-K, Code of Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Charters for our Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees. Requests should be directed to our Corporate Secretary, Hilton Hotels Corporation, 9336 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210 (telephone number (310) 278-4321).

19




Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive officers.

Name

 

Positions with the Company

 

Age

Stephen F. Bollenbach

 

Co-Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since May 2004, and prior thereto, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

64

Matthew J. Hart

 

President and Chief Operating Officer since May 2004, and prior thereto, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

54

Ian R. Carter

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer—Hilton International Co. (a subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation) since March 2006, Chief Executive Officer—Hilton International Co. (a subsidiary of Hilton Group plc) from January 2005 until March 2006, and prior thereto, President—Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, Black & Decker Corporation

 

45

Tim Harvey

 

Executive Vice President—Global Distribution Services and Chief Information Officer since January 2007, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer from January 2006 until January 2007, and prior thereto, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

 

48

Thomas L. Keltner

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer—Americas and Global Brands, since January 2007, and prior thereto, Executive Vice President and President—Brand Performance and Development Group

 

60

Madeleine A. Kleiner

 

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

 

55

Robert M. La Forgia

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2006, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from May 2004 until January 2006, and prior thereto, Senior Vice President and Controller

 

48

 

Unless otherwise noted in the table, all positions and offices indicated have been continuously held since January 2002. The executive officers are responsible for all major policy making functions and all other corporate and divisional officers are responsible to, and are under the supervision of, the executive officers. None of the executive officers listed above are related.

Messrs. Bollenbach and Hart also serve as directors of Hilton. Additional information for our directors will be included under “Election of Directors” in our definitive proxy statement to be used in connection with our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on May 24, 2007 (the “Proxy Statement”), and this information is incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K. See Cover Page—“Documents Incorporated by Reference.”

20




Item 1A.   Risk Factors

We are subject to all of the operating risks common in the lodging and timeshare industries and our results may be adversely impacted if any of these risks materialize.   Our results are significantly affected by occupancy and room rates achieved by our hotels, our ability to manage costs, foreign currency exchange rate movements related to our international operations, our relative mix of owned, leased, managed and franchised hotels, supply and demand changes for hotel rooms and timeshare intervals in our markets, the quantity and pricing of timeshare interval sales and changes in the number of available hotel rooms and timeshare intervals through acquisition, development and disposition. Unfavorable changes in these factors, as well as the occurrence of other events described below, could negatively impact hotel room demand and pricing which, in turn, could limit our ability to pass through operating cost increases in the form of higher room rates. Our ability to manage costs could be adversely impacted by significant increases in operating expenses, such as wages and other labor costs, healthcare, insurance, property taxes and energy, as well as increases in construction costs, resulting in lower operating margins. In addition, economic factors beyond our control in the U.S. and internationally may create challenges for the lodging industry and us in 2007 and beyond. A downturn in economic conditions could impact the demand for hotel rooms and put pressure on room rates. Increases in transportation and fuel costs, the financial condition of the airline industry and its impact on air travel and sustained recessionary periods in the U.S. and internationally could also unfavorably impact future results.

Certain of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements and labor disputes may disrupt our operations.   Employees at certain of our owned and managed hotels are covered by collective bargaining agreements. In July 2006, we announced a five-year agreement with UNITE HERE, the union representing a majority of our unionized employees, termed a “partnership for future growth” which includes agreement by the parties to work together toward labor peace in cities with collective bargaining. Since the announcement, collective bargaining agreements have been reached and ratified in key markets including New York, Chicago, Puerto Rico, San Francisco, Toronto and Honolulu. At this time, we cannot predict when or whether new agreements will be reached in other markets in which we have employees covered by collective bargaining agreements, and what the impact of prolonged negotiations could be. Labor disputes in markets in which we have employees covered by collective bargaining agreements could disrupt our operations by causing the diversion of business to other hotels, thereby impacting our financial results negatively.

We derive a significant portion of our revenue from operations of our owned hotels and events in the markets where these properties are located could adversely affect our overall financial results.   We derived approximately 31% of our revenue in 2006 from the operations of our owned hotels. A significant portion of this revenue was derived from our large convention hotels located in major U.S. cities. See “Operations—Hotel Properties—Owned Hotels” under Item 1. In addition, we acquired 39 owned properties in the HI Acquisition. Although we sold a number of owned properties since the HI Acquisition and are continuing to market certain properties for sale, soft economic conditions and reduced business travel in any of the markets where we currently own properties could adversely affect our results from these properties and, therefore, our overall financial results. Our owned properties are also subject to risks that generally relate to investments in commercial real estate, including governmental regulations; real estate, insurance, zoning, tax and eminent domain laws; the ongoing need for capital improvements to maintain or upgrade properties; fluctuations in real estate values; and the relative illiquidity of real estate compared to other investments. If our owned properties do not generate sufficient revenue to meet operating expenses, including debt service and capital requirements, our financial results will be adversely affected.

21




We face challenges in integrating the operations of HI, as well as risks related to owning and operating real estate and hotels in international locations.   We may experience difficulties in completing the integration of HI’s operations, including combining technology and distribution activities, consolidating regional infrastructure, integrating personnel with disparate business backgrounds and corporate cultures and managing relationships with hotel owners, lessors and other business partners on a worldwide basis. As a result of the HI Acquisition, we are subject to varying degrees of risk relating to international real estate generally, including risks related to changes in local, political, economic and market conditions, interest rates, zoning laws, currency exchange rate fluctuations, compliance with environmental laws, costs and terms of financing and the potential for uninsured casualty and other losses. A number of the leased properties we acquired in the HI Acquisition are subject to long-term contracts requiring fixed payments to the lessor. If these properties do not generate sufficient revenue, we may be required to fund shortfalls to the lessors which could adversely impact our financial results. We have assumed certain obligations and liabilities related to the business acquired in the HI Acquisition and have limited rights of indemnification with respect to such matters. As a result of the HI Acquisition, we are subject to the laws and regulations of 78 countries and territories, which exposes us to risks relating to changes in franchise, tax, environmental, zoning, employment, repatriation of money, liquor license and other laws in the countries in which we operate. As a U.S. company operating globally, we may be subject to inconsistent requirements resulting from conflicts between U.S. laws and the laws of the countries in which we operate. If taxation authorities in the countries in which we operate interpret our tax position in a manner that is materially different than our assumptions, our tax liabilities could increase which could materially adversely impact our financial results. Some international jurisdictions restrict the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings. Various international jurisdictions also have laws limiting the ability of non-U.S. entities to pay dividends and remit earnings to affiliated companies unless specified conditions have been met. Sales in international jurisdictions typically are made in local currencies, which subject us to risks associated with currency fluctuations. Currency devaluations and unfavorable changes in international monetary and tax policies could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and financing plans, as could other changes in the international regulatory climate and international economic conditions. In addition, the U.S. government prohibits U.S. companies from operating in certain countries that are subject to economic sanctions or are on the terrorist countries list. We will not do business in such countries, unless we develop or acquire a non-U.S. affiliate that is capable of managing hotels or we obtain authorization from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control to do so. Some investors would be prohibited by state law or self-imposed policies from investing in our securities if we were to do business in such countries.

We are more highly leveraged as a result of the HI Acquisition. If we are unable to complete planned dispositions of certain of our owned hotels acquired in the HI Acquisition, our ability to reduce our indebtedness could be impacted.   We have sold certain hotel properties we acquired in the HI Acquisition and are continuing to market additional properties for sale. See “Note 5: Acquisitions and Dispositions” to the consolidated financial statements under Part II—Item 8. We are required to use the net proceeds from such dispositions to repay amounts outstanding under our credit facilities which were incurred to finance the HI Acquisition. If we are unable to complete such dispositions on commercially reasonable terms within anticipated timeframes, our ability to reduce our outstanding borrowings may be adversely affected, which could negatively impact our cost of borrowings, our financial results and our ability to raise new capital to finance future growth. Our senior debt is currently rated Ba1 by Moody’s Investor Services and BB by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group. A downgrade by any rating agency of our credit rating could adversely impact the cost and availability of capital to us. Our higher level of debt and resulting interest expense may place us at a competitive disadvantage to competitors with lower amounts of indebtedness and/or higher credit ratings.

22




If we have disputes with the owners of hotels we manage, we could be subject to litigation.   For our managed hotels, we have the responsibility to manage each hotel at a level consistent with the standard required for its brand in the relevant management agreement. Such provisions vary in scope and may be subject to differing interpretations. In the ordinary course of business, we encounter disagreements with the owners of our managed hotels as to whether the duties in our management agreements have been satisfied. To the extent that such conflicts arise, we seek to resolve them by negotiation with the relevant parties. In the event that such resolution cannot be achieved, litigation may result in damages or other remedies against us. Such remedies could include termination of the right to manage the relevant property. We may not be able to negotiate successfully or otherwise resolve such conflicts in each instance.

In competing for management, franchise and timeshare agreements and leases, we may make loans or provide guarantees to third parties and could experience losses under these loans or guarantee arrangements.   The terms of our management, franchise and timeshare agreements and leases are influenced by contract terms offered by our competitors at the time such agreements are entered into. Accordingly, we may not enter into contracts or renew contracts in the future on terms that are as favorable to us as those under existing agreements. In connection with entering into these contracts, we may become obligated to make loans to or guarantee the obligations of third parties or guarantee minimum income to third parties. Most of our guarantees allow us to terminate the agreement rather than fund shortfalls if specified performance levels are not achieved. However, under certain agreements we are required to fund performance shortfalls. Weak performance, particularly as a result of a soft economy, as well as the financial condition of third party owners and franchisees, could give rise to losses under our loans and guarantees. Changes in legislation or regulatory changes may be implemented that have the effect of favoring franchisees relative to brand owners.

The growth of internet reservation channels could harm our profitability.   Some of our hotel rooms are booked through internet travel intermediaries. If these bookings increase, these intermediaries may be able to obtain higher commissions or other significant contract concessions from us. We believe that the aim of such intermediaries is to have consumers develop loyalties to their reservation systems rather than to our lodging brands. Although we expect most of our business to continue to be derived from traditional channels and our proprietary branded internet websites, if the amount of sales made through internet intermediaries increases significantly, our ability to control the supply, presentation and price of our room inventory and our profitability may be harmed.

We are a party to joint venture arrangements and investing through joint ventures decreases our ability to manage risk.   We have from time to time invested, and expect to continue to invest, as a co-venturer. Joint venturers often have shared control over the operation of the joint venture assets. Therefore, joint venture investments may involve risks such as the possibility that the co-venturer in an investment might become bankrupt, or have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals, or be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our policies or objectives. Consequently, actions by a co-venturer might subject hotels owned by the joint venture to additional risk. Additionally, we may be unable to take action without the approval of our joint venture partners, or our joint venture partners could take actions binding on the joint venture without our consent.

Our hotel and timeshare businesses are subject to risks related to the availability of capital.   Owners of our hotel and timeshare properties, including us, are required to spend money to construct, refurbish and maintain properties. This creates an ongoing need for cash which, if not generated by ongoing operations or otherwise obtained, is subject to the availability of credit in capital markets. The ability of our owners to spend money necessary to maintain the brand standards of our properties is significantly impacted by the cost and availability of capital, over which we have little control.

23




Our timeshare business is subject to extensive regulation and if we fail to comply with such regulation our timeshare business could suffer.   We develop, manage, market and sell timeshare intervals, which generally entitle the buyer to occupy a fully-furnished unit for a one-week period on either an annual or an alternative-year basis. We also provide financing to purchasers of timeshare intervals. Certain of these activities are subject to extensive state regulation in both the state in which the property is located and the states in which the property is marketed and sold, as well as Federal regulation of certain marketing practices. In addition, the laws of most states in which we sell timeshare intervals grant the purchaser a unilateral right to rescind the purchase contract within a statutory rescission period. If we fail to be in compliance with applicable Federal, state, and local laws and regulations to which timeshare properties, marketing, sales and operations are subject, including Federal telemarketing regulations, or a determination by a regulatory authority that we were not in compliance, our timeshare business could suffer.

Reported profits from our timeshare business may be negatively impacted by deferrals required under percentage-of-completion accounting.   During periods of construction, profits from timeshare sales are recognized under the percentage-of-completion accounting method. As we are currently constructing several new timeshare projects, we anticipate that this required accounting will negatively impact the reported profits from our timeshare business in 2007. We expect the impact of percentage-of-completion accounting on 2007 results to reverse in 2008. See “Note 2:  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—New Accounting Standards” to the consolidated financial statements under Part II—Item 8.

Our properties are subject to risks relating to acts of God, terrorist activity and war and any such event could materially adversely affect our operating results.   Our financial and operating performance may be adversely affected by acts of God, such as natural disasters, particularly in locations where we own and/or operate significant properties. Some types of losses, such as those from earthquake, hurricane, terrorism and environmental hazards, may be either uninsurable or too expensive to justify insuring against. Should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, we could lose all or a portion of the capital we have invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the property. In that event, we might nevertheless remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the property. Similarly, war (including the potential for war) and terrorist activity (including threats of terrorist activity), epidemics (such as SARS and bird flu), travel-related accidents, as well as geopolitical uncertainty and international conflict, which impact domestic and international travel, have caused in the past, and may cause in the future, our results to differ materially from anticipated results. Terrorism incidents such as the events of September 11, 2001 and wars such as the Iraq war significantly impact international travel and, consequently, global demand for hotel rooms. In addition, inadequate preparedness, contingency planning or recovery capability in relation to a major incident or crisis may prevent operational continuity and consequently impact the value of the brand or the reputation of our business.

We may incur losses as a result of class actions or other lawsuits which have recently targeted hospitality companies.   Our financial results may be adversely impacted by legal or governmental proceedings brought by or on behalf of our employees or customers. In recent years, a number of hospitality companies have been subject to lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, alleging violations of federal and state law regarding workplace and employment matters, discrimination and similar matters. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in the payment of substantial damages by the defendants. Similar lawsuits have been and may be instituted against us from time to time, and we may incur substantial damages and expenses resulting from lawsuits of this type, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

24




If we fail to comply with privacy regulations, we could be subject to fines or other restrictions on our business.   We collect and maintain information relating to our guests for various business purposes, including maintaining guest preferences to enhance our customer service and for marketing and promotion purposes. The collection and use of personal data are governed by privacy laws and regulations enacted in the U.S. and other international jurisdictions in which we operate. Privacy regulation is an evolving area in which different jurisdictions may subject us to inconsistent compliance requirements. Compliance with applicable privacy regulations may increase our operating costs and/or adversely impact our ability to service our guests and market our products, properties and services to our guests. In addition, non-compliance with applicable privacy regulations by us (or in some circumstances non-compliance by third parties engaged by us) could result in fines or restrictions on our use or transfer of data.

We rely on our proprietary systems and any failures in such systems could negatively affect our business.   We invest in sophisticated technology and systems for property management, procurement, reservations and the operation of our HHonors customer loyalty program. If our systems fail to operate as anticipated, or we fail to replace our systems with new systems introduced by our competitors, our business could suffer. In addition, we are combining the systems used by the hotels acquired in the HI Acquisition with ours, and if we experience difficulties in merging these systems, it could disrupt our operations.

In addition, see the cautionary factors set forth under Item 1 “Business—Additional Information—Competition” and “—Environmental Matters.”

Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2.   Properties

We consider our hotels to be leading establishments with respect to desirability of location, size, facilities, physical condition, quality and the variety of services offered in most of the areas in which they are located. Obsolescence arising from age and condition of facilities is a factor in the hotel industry. Accordingly, we spend, and intend to continue to spend, substantial funds to maintain the condition of our owned facilities in order to remain competitive.

Hotels and timeshare properties owned, leased, managed and franchised by us are briefly described under Item 1 and, in particular, under the caption “Operations,” and are incorporated by reference herein. In addition, new properties presently under construction that we will operate are briefly described under “Operations—Development” under Item 1.

Item 3.   Legal Proceedings

The description of legal proceedings in “Note 18: Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements included under Part II—Item 8 is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable.

25




PART II

Item 5.                        Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is traded under the symbol “HLT.” As of December 31, 2006, we had approximately 11,500 stockholders of record, although we believe that there are a significantly larger number of beneficial holders of our Common Stock. The high and low reported sales prices per share of our Common Stock and dividends declared per share of Common Stock are set forth in the following table for the periods indicated:

 

 

High

 

Low

 

Dividend
Per Share

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Quarter

 

 

23.36

 

 

 

20.93

 

 

 

.02

 

 

2nd Quarter

 

 

25.06

 

 

 

21.37

 

 

 

.02

 

 

3rd Quarter

 

 

25.81

 

 

 

21.10

 

 

 

.04

 

 

4th Quarter

 

 

24.35

 

 

 

18.78

 

 

 

.04

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Quarter

 

 

26.05

 

 

 

22.76

 

 

 

.04

 

 

2nd Quarter

 

 

29.22

 

 

 

25.06

 

 

 

.04

 

 

3rd Quarter

 

 

28.53

 

 

 

23.19

 

 

 

.04

 

 

4th Quarter

 

 

35.79

 

 

 

27.16

 

 

 

.04

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Quarter (through February 23, 2007)

 

 

37.82

 

 

 

33.27

 

 

 

.04

 

 

 

Rights Agreement

On November 29, 1999, we adopted a preferred share purchase rights plan (the “Rights Plan”) and declared a dividend distribution of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) on each outstanding share of our Common Stock. We have entered into a rights agreement, dated as of November 29, 1999, which was amended as of February 15, 2001 to provide for the substitution of The Bank of New York as Rights Agent (as amended, the “Rights Agreement”). The Rights are transferred only with the Common Stock, unless and until they become exercisable. The Rights will expire on November 29, 2009, subject to our right to extend, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by us or terminated.

Generally, the Rights become exercisable only if a person or group (other than Hilton Interests, as defined below):

(i)            acquires beneficial ownership of 20 percent or more of the Common Stock (such person or group, an “Acquiring Person”); or

(ii)        announces a tender offer, the consummation of which would result in ownership by a person or group of 20 percent or more of the Common Stock.

When exercisable, each Right entitles a shareholder to purchase from us one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $80, subject to adjustment (the “Purchase Price”).

26




After a person becomes an Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right (other than Rights owned by the Acquiring Person) will have the right to receive, upon exercise of such Right, a number of shares of Common Stock having a market value equal to two times the then current Purchase Price of the Right. After a person becomes an Acquiring Person, if we engage in certain mergers or transfers of assets, each holder of a Right (other than Rights owned by the Acquiring Person) will have the right to receive upon exercise, at the Right’s exercise price, a number of the acquiring company’s common shares having a market value of twice the Right’s Purchase Price.

Once a person becomes an Acquiring Person, but prior to their acquisition of 50 percent or more of the outstanding Common Stock, our Board of Directors may cause us to exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by an Acquiring Person), in whole or in part, for shares of Common Stock at an exchange ratio based on the value of the Common Stock at that time, subject to adjustment.

Prior to a person or group becoming an Acquiring Person, the Rights are redeemable for $.001 per Right at the option of our Board of Directors.

“Hilton Interests” refer to Barron Hilton and the Conrad N. Hilton Fund and the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by them.

The Rights Agreement, as amended, has been filed as Exhibits 4.8 and 4.9 to this Form 10-K, and the foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference thereto.

27




Performance Graph

The graph below shows the cumulative total stockholder return for the five years ended December 31, 2006, assuming the investment of $100 on December 31, 2001 (and the reinvestment of dividends and common stock equivalents) in each of our Common Stock, the S&P 500 Stock Index and the S&P 500 Hotels, Resorts and Cruise Lines Index.

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return of the Company, S&P 500 Stock Index
and S&P 500 Hotels, Resorts and Cruise Lines Index

GRAPHIC

 

 

12/01

 

12/02

 

12/03

 

12/04

 

12/05

 

12/06

 

Hilton Hotels Corporation

 

$

100.00

 

117.13

 

158.76

 

211.65

 

225.59

 

328.43

 

S&P 500 Stock Index

 

$

100.00

 

77.90

 

100.25

 

111.15

 

116.61

 

135.03

 

S&P 500 Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines Index

 

$

100.00

 

89.56

 

136.22

 

198.37

 

201.40

 

230.83

 

 

28




Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2002 through 2006 has been derived from our consolidated financial statements. The following data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, the related notes thereto contained under Item 8 and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Item 7.

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2002

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Results of Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

3,816

 

3,819

 

4,146

 

4,437

 

8,162

 

Net income

 

198

 

164

 

238

 

460

 

572

 

Net income per share—Basic

 

.53

 

.43

 

.62

 

1.20

 

1.49

 

Net income per share—Diluted

 

.53

 

.43

 

.60

 

1.13

 

1.39

 

Other Financial Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends per common share

 

$

.08

 

.08

 

.08

 

.12

 

.16

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

8,348

 

8,183

 

8,242

 

8,743

 

16,481

 

Long-term debt

 

4,565

 

4,139

 

3,647

 

3,619

 

6,968

 

 

Long-term debt includes current maturities and excludes non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities.

On February 23, 2006, we acquired Hilton International in a business combination accounted for as a purchase. Accordingly, our consolidated financial results include the results of Hilton International from the date of acquisition. See “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8.

29




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

OVERVIEW

We are engaged in the ownership, management and development of hotels, resorts and timeshare properties and the franchising of lodging properties. At December 31, 2006, our system contained 2,935 properties totaling approximately 501,000 rooms in 78 countries and territories. Our brands include Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hampton, Scandic, Conrad and the Waldorf=Astoria Collection. In addition, we develop and operate timeshare resorts through Hilton Grand Vacations Company and its related entities. We are also engaged in various other activities related or incidental to the operation of hotels.

The number of properties and rooms at December 31, 2006 by brand and by type are as follows:

Brand

 

 

 

Properties

 

Rooms

 

Type

 

 

 

Properties

 

Rooms

 

Hilton

 

498

 

172,605

 

Owned(1)

 

60

 

29,647

 

Hilton Garden Inn

 

302

 

41,669

 

Leased

 

203

 

46,663

 

Doubletree

 

173

 

45,119

 

Joint Venture

 

53

 

17,232

 

Embassy Suites

 

185

 

45,172

 

 

 

316

 

93,542

 

Homewood Suites by Hilton

 

192

 

21,141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hampton

 

1,392

 

138,487

 

Managed

 

343

 

97,536

 

Scandic

 

129

 

22,808

 

Franchised

 

2,242

 

306,660

 

Conrad

 

15

 

5,152

 

 

 

2,585

 

404,196

 

Other

 

15

 

5,585

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timeshare

 

34

 

3,740

 

Timeshare

 

34

 

3,740

 

Total

 

2,935

 

501,478

 

Total

 

2,935

 

501,478

 


(1)          Includes majority owned and controlled hotels.

Our operations consist of three reportable segments which are based on similar products or services: Hotel Ownership, Managing and Franchising, and Timeshare. The Hotel Ownership segment derives earnings from owned, majority owned and leased hotel properties and equity earnings from unconsolidated affiliates (primarily hotel and other real estate joint ventures). The Managing and Franchising segment provides services including hotel management and licensing of our family of brands to franchisees. This segment generates its revenue from fees charged to hotel owners. As a manager of hotels, we are typically responsible for supervising or operating the hotel in exchange for fees based on a percentage of the hotel’s gross revenue, operating profits, cash flow, or a combination thereof. We charge franchise fees, depending on the brand, of up to five percent of rooms revenue in exchange for the use of one of our brand names.  The Timeshare segment consists of multi-unit timeshare resorts. This segment sells and finances timeshare intervals and operates timeshare resorts.

Our results are significantly affected by occupancy and room rates achieved by our hotels, our ability to manage costs, foreign currency exchange rate movements related to our international operations, our relative mix of owned, leased, managed and franchised hotels, the quantity and pricing of timeshare interval sales and changes in the number of available hotel rooms and timeshare intervals through acquisition, development and disposition. Results are also impacted by economic conditions and capacity. Unfavorable changes in these factors could negatively impact hotel room demand and pricing which, in turn, could limit our ability to pass through operating cost increases in the form of higher room rates.   Additionally, our ability to manage costs could be adversely impacted by significant increases in operating expenses, resulting in lower operating margins. See “Risk Factors” under Item 1A for a description of these and other conditions that could adversely affect our results of operations.

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The hospitality industry is seasonal in nature. However, the periods during which our properties experience higher or lower levels of demand vary from property to property and depend principally upon location. Based upon historical results, we generally expect our revenue to be lower in the first fiscal quarter of each year than in each of the three subsequent quarters.

We anticipate that a favorable economic environment will continue to benefit the lodging industry and us in 2007. A continuation of strong hotel demand among business, group and leisure travelers, combined with limited full-service hotel supply growth, should enable us to charge higher room rates. We also anticipate growth in our management and franchise fee business as the number of hotels in our system continues to increase. Increases in construction costs could result in downward pressure on the margins achieved by our timeshare business. Reported revenue and expenses from our timeshare business are also expected to be negatively impacted by deferrals required under percentage-of-completion accounting as we begin construction of new timeshare projects. We will continue to focus on managing our costs, achieving revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) premiums in the markets where we operate, increasing occupancy, adding new units to our family of brands, leveraging technology and delivering outstanding customer service. We believe that our focus on these objectives, combined with our financial strength, diverse market presence, strong brands, strategically located properties and ability to grow our brands internationally will enable us to remain competitive.

In July 2006, we announced a five-year agreement with UNITE HERE, the union representing a majority of our unionized employees, termed a “partnership for future growth” which includes agreement by the parties to work together toward labor peace in cities with collective bargaining. Since the announcement, collective bargaining agreements have been reached and ratified in key markets including New York, Chicago, Puerto Rico, San Francisco, Toronto and Honolulu. A description of certain risks relating to potential labor disputes is described in “Risk Factors” under Item 1A. At this time, we cannot predict when or whether new agreements will be reached in other markets in which we have employees covered by collective bargaining agreements, and what the impact of prolonged negotiations could be.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other factors we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.

We believe the following critical accounting policies, among others, affect our more significant estimates and assumptions used in preparing our consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from our estimates and assumptions.

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable are reflected net of an estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts. For timeshare notes receivable, this estimate is based primarily on historical experience and assumptions with respect to future payment trends. Allowances for uncollectible amounts of other notes receivable, which include notes from managed, franchised and unconsolidated joint venture properties, are estimated based primarily on historical trends and analysis of underlying real estate collateral. Assessment of collateral may include estimates of future cash flow from the underlying real estate. Total notes receivable, including timeshare, totaled $401 million and $479 million, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $24 million and $35 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

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Property and Investments

Property and equipment acquired in acquisitions that were accounted for as purchases are recorded at their estimated fair value as of the date acquired, less accumulated depreciation. Other property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. We also maintain cost and equity method investments in entities that own and operate hotel properties and entities that perform other activities related or incidental to the operation of hotels. The assessment of long-lived assets for possible impairment requires us to make certain judgments, including estimates of real estate values and future cash flow from the respective properties and investments. We review the recoverability of our long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. Results in 2004 and 2005 include pre-tax impairment charges to long-lived assets of approximately $5 million in each year to reduce the value of property and equipment and equity method investments to estimated fair value. There were no impairment charges in 2006.

Sales of Real Estate

We account for the sale of real estate in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) 66, “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate.”  To the extent we realize gains from the sale of real estate and maintain significant continuing involvement in the form of a long-term management contract, the gain is deferred and recognized in revenue over the term of the contract. The deferral of pre-tax gains on such sales totaled $5 million, $236 million and $5 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively. Results in 2004, 2005 and 2006 include the recognition of pre-tax deferred gains totaling $15 million, $23 million and $38 million, respectively. The deferral of gain recognition is dependent on the structure of individual sale transactions.

Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets include management and franchise contracts, leases, brands and goodwill. We account for management and franchise contracts and leases in accordance with FAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” which requires that we review our management and franchise contracts and leases for impairment when circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The values of our management and franchise contracts and leases are amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the agreements. The assessment of management and franchise contracts and leases requires us to make certain judgments, including estimates of future cash flow from the respective properties. Management and franchise contracts, net, totaled $302 million and $1.18 billion at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Leases, net, totaled $107 million and $319 million at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively. We account for brands and goodwill in accordance with FAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which requires that intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but are reviewed annually for impairment. The annual impairment review requires estimates of future cash flow with respect to the brands and estimates of the fair value of our company and its components with respect to goodwill.

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Self-Insurance

We are self-insured for various levels of general liability, workers’ compensation and employee medical and dental insurance coverage at our owned locations. We purchase insurance coverage for claim amounts which exceed our self-insured retentions. Depending on the type of insurance, these self-insured retentions generally range from $250,000 to $500,000 per occurrence in the U.S. and approximately $2,000 to $500,000 internationally. Our self-insurance reserves totaled $146 million and $156 million at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Our insurance reserves are accrued based on estimates of the ultimate cost of claims expected to occur during the covered period. These estimates are prepared with the assistance of outside actuaries and consultants. Our actuaries periodically review the volume and amount of claims activity, and based upon their findings, we adjust our insurance reserves accordingly. The ultimate cost of claims for a covered period may differ from our original estimates.

Commitments and Contingencies

We have issued letters of credit and guaranteed certain debt and obligations of unconsolidated affiliates and third parties totaling $153 million at December 31, 2006. Under certain circumstances, we may be obligated to provide additional letters of credit or guarantees totaling $74 million. Assessment of the probability that we will be required to fund under these commitments requires us to make estimates of the ability of others to meet their obligations.

We have also provided performance guarantees to certain owners of hotels we operate under management contracts. Most of these guarantees allow us to terminate the contract rather than fund shortfalls if specified performance levels are not achieved. In limited cases, we are obligated to fund performance shortfalls. At December 31, 2006, we have six contracts containing performance guarantees with possible cash outlays totaling approximately $523 million through 2020. Funding under these performance guarantees totaled approximately $2 million in 2006 and is expected to total approximately $3 million in 2007. Funding under these guarantees in future periods is dependent upon the operating performance levels of these hotels over the remaining term of the performance guarantees. In 2006 we increased the reserve for the performance guarantee at a managed hotel by approximately $12 million based on our estimate of the guarantee payment that will be required at the end of the contract term in 2012. Although we anticipate that the future operating performance levels of these hotels will be largely achieved, there can be no assurance that this will be the case. In addition, we do not anticipate losing a significant number of management contracts in 2007 pursuant to these guarantees.

Our consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2005 and 2006 include liabilities of approximately $6 million and $18 million, respectively, for potential obligations under our outstanding guarantees.

Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates and the related gains and losses, net of applicable deferred income taxes, are reflected in stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in earnings. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses from foreign exchange rate changes related to intercompany receivables and payables of a long-term nature are generally included in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign exchange rate movement related to intercompany receivables and payables that are not of a long-term nature are reported currently in income.

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Hilton HHonors

Hilton HHonors is a guest loyalty program operated by Hilton HHonors Worldwide, LLC (“HHW”), a wholly owned and consolidated subsidiary as of December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2005, HHW was a 50% joint venture accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As part of the acquisition of the lodging assets of Hilton Group plc on February 23, 2006 (the “HI Acquisition”), we acquired the remaining 50% ownership interest. The HHonors program is operated for the benefit of our family of brands worldwide. Members of the HHonors program earn points based on their spending at most of the hotel properties operated and franchised by us. HHW accumulates and tracks points on the member’s behalf and fulfills awards upon request. Points can be redeemed for hotel stays at participating properties and for a variety of other awards such as airline tickets, cruises and car rentals.

HHonors is provided as a guest loyalty program to participating hotels. HHW charges the cost of operating the program, including the estimated cost of award redemptions, to participating hotels based on members’ qualifying expenditures. These charges do not include a markup or profit element. Our owned hotels record our share of program costs when qualified members stay at our owned hotels. When the members redeem awards at our hotels, our owned hotels recognize revenue for reward stays.

We use outside actuaries to assist in determining the fair value of the future award redemption obligation based on statistical formulas which project future point redemptions based on factors including historical experience, an estimate of points that will never be redeemed, an estimate of the points that will eventually be redeemed and the cost of reimbursing hotels and other third parties in respect to other redemption opportunities available to members. These estimates are used to determine the required liability for outstanding points. Actual expenditures for awards may differ from the actuarially determined liability. The total liability recorded for outstanding points as of December 31, 2006 was $421 million.

Purchase Accounting

In connection with the HI Acquisition, we allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired, including goodwill and other intangible assets, and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at the acquisition date in accordance with FAS 141 “Business Combinations.”  In valuing acquired assets and assumed liabilities, fair values are based on factors including, but not limited to, quoted market prices, expected future cash flows, current replacement cost, disposition values of certain assets acquired in the HI Acquisition, market rate assumptions and appropriate discount and growth rates. See “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International” to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8 for more information.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is generally recognized as services are performed. Owned and leased hotel revenue represents primarily room rentals and food and beverage sales from owned, majority owned and leased hotels.

Management fees represent fees earned from hotels managed by us, usually under long-term contracts with the hotel owner. Management fees include a base fee, which is generally a percentage of hotel revenue, and an incentive fee, which is generally based on a fixed or variable percent of hotel profits after a stated return threshold to the owner. We recognize base fees as revenue when earned in accordance with the terms of the contract. In interim periods we recognize the incentive fees that would be due if the contract were terminated at the end of the interim period.

Franchise fees represent fees received in connection with the licensing of our brand names, usually under long-term contracts with the hotel owner. Depending on the brand, we charge franchise royalty fees of up to five percent of room revenue. We recognize fee revenue as earned, in accordance with FAS 45, “Accounting for Franchise Fee Revenue.”

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Timeshare and other income primarily consists of earnings from our timeshare operations. Timeshare revenue is generated primarily from the sale and financing of timeshare intervals and operating timeshare resorts. We recognize revenue from deeded timeshare sales in accordance with FAS 66, “Accounting for Real Estate Sales.”  Sales are included in revenue when a minimum of a 10 percent down payment has been received, certain minimum sales thresholds have been attained, the purchaser’s period to cancel for a refund has expired and the related receivable is deemed to be collectible. We defer revenue recognition for sales that do not meet these criteria. During periods of construction, profits from timeshare sales are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method. Our Hilton City Club timeshare product is accounted for as a long-term lease with a reversionary interest rather than the sale of a deeded interest in real estate. Hilton City Club sales revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

We incur certain reimbursable costs on behalf of managed hotel properties and franchisees. We report reimbursements received from managed properties and franchisees as revenue and the costs incurred on their behalf as expenses. These costs, which relate primarily to payroll costs at managed properties where we are the employer, are included in other revenue and expenses from managed and franchised properties in the consolidated statements of income. Since the reimbursements are made based upon the costs incurred with no added margin, the presentation of these reimbursable costs has no effect on our operating income, total or per share net income, cash flow or financial position.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with FAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and to recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.

Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for estimated taxes payable or refundable due to temporary differences and carryforwards. All available evidence, both positive and negative, is considered to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed for some portion or all of a deferred tax asset. Judgment is used in considering the relative impact of negative and positive evidence.

Use of Estimates

The estimates and assumptions related to notes receivable, long-lived assets, intangible assets, self-insurance, commitments and contingencies, HHonors, purchase accounting, revenue recognition and income taxes are subject to change based on the factors identified above. We believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable and have resulted in accurate measurement of the related accounts in our historical financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Because estimates are used, it is reasonably likely that there will be some variability between projected results and actual results over time. In addition, given the significance of these accounts to our consolidated financial position, the variability between projected and actual results could be material to our financial position or results of operations.

DEVELOPMENT AND CAPITAL SPENDING

Overview

On February 23, 2006, we completed the acquisition of the lodging assets of Hilton Group plc for cash consideration of approximately £3.3 billion, equivalent to approximately $5.7 billion as of the transaction date, excluding acquisition costs. The HI Acquisition was financed with existing cash on hand and with borrowings under our new senior credit facilities (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financing” and “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8). As a result of the HI Acquisition, we added approximately 400 properties and 103,000 rooms to our system.

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We also intend to grow our hotel system through franchising and the addition of management contracts. We will also continue to invest in capital improvements and select projects at our owned hotels and the development of timeshare properties. In addition, we may seek to acquire ownership interests in hotel properties on a strategic and selective basis, either directly or through investments in joint ventures.

In addition to the properties added to our system in the HI Acquisition, we added a total of 223 properties, primarily franchises, with approximately 36,000 rooms to our system during 2006. A total of 74 properties, primarily franchises, with approximately 12,000 rooms were removed from our system in 2006. We believe the continued strong performance of our brands has enabled us to significantly enhance our development pipeline versus our industry competitors. We have more than 775 hotels, primarily franchises, with 110,000 rooms in our development pipeline at December 31, 2006. Approximately 90 percent of the hotels in the current development pipeline are in the Americas (U.S., Canada, Mexico and South America), though international development is expected to comprise an increasingly larger percentage of our development pipeline over the next few years. In 2007, we expect to add approximately 255 hotels and 35,000 rooms to our hotel system. We expect virtually all of this growth to be through franchise and management agreements. The actual opening of hotels in our development pipeline is subject to various conditions and uncertainties.

We believe our brand growth strategy continues to benefit from the significant market share premiums most of our brands command over their respective competitive sets. With 100 representing a brand’s fair share of the market, our domestic brands (according to Smith Travel Research) posted RevPAR index numbers as follows for 2006: Embassy Suites, 124.7; Hampton Inn, 122.9; Homewood Suites by Hilton, 114.3; Hilton Garden Inn, 112.4; Hilton, 105.6; and Doubletree, 101.5.

Our ability to grow the number of hotels in our system is affected by the factors referenced under Item 1A “Risk Factors,” such as international, national and regional economic conditions; the effects of actual and threatened terrorist attacks and international conflicts; acts of God, such as natural disasters; credit availability; relationships with franchisees and property owners; and competition from other hotel brands.

In total, we anticipate spending approximately $985 million on capital expenditures in 2007, which includes approximately $320 million for routine improvements and technology, approximately $315 million for timeshare projects and approximately $350 million for hotel renovation, hotel investment and special projects. Routine improvements include expenditures for equipment, hotel fixtures, and wall and floor coverings. Expenditures required to complete our capital spending programs are expected to be financed through available cash flow from operations and general corporate borrowings. To the extent we complete additional asset sales in 2007, capital expenditures can be expected to decrease. Anticipated capital expenditures are subject to change due to, among other things, changes in business operations and economic conditions.

We will continue to review our owned hotel portfolio for potential repositioning or re-branding opportunities (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Acquisitions and Dispositions”) and we may seek to sell certain assets, including assets acquired in the HI Acquisition. It is our intention to be opportunistic when evaluating potential asset sales and we will look to sell particular hotel properties to the extent we can obtain premium prices. We are currently marketing for sale certain of our owned and leased hotels, including ten hotels in continental Europe, the Hilton Caledonian in Scotland and six properties in the U.S. We are also marketing for sale the Scandic brand of hotels. As discussed in “Note 5: Acquisitions and Dispositions” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8, until the necessary approvals have been received and substantive conditions to the buyer’s obligation to perform have been satisfied, we do not consider a sale to be probable. When we sell a hotel property, it is generally our preference to retain a management or franchise agreement; however, we may sell hotels without retaining our brand.

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Hotel Ownership

Capital expenditures during 2006 excluding timeshare projects totaled $613 million, consisting primarily of routine improvements and renovation projects at our owned and leased hotels. The 2006 expenditures include approximately $92 million for renovations at the Waldorf=Astoria, Hilton New York and Hilton Hawaiian Village. Renovation projects are expected to continue at these three properties in 2007. We continue to place a priority on making appropriate capital expenditures to maintain and upgrade our owned assets.

Managing and Franchising

Total property additions to our system in 2006 included 204 franchise properties, 17 managed properties owned by third parties and two leased properties. These additions included 32 properties which, due in part to the market share leadership of our brands, were converted to our family of brands in 2006. The 32 conversions included 16 Doubletrees, eight Hiltons, five Hamptons and three Hilton Garden Inns.

In early 2006, we introduced a new brand line, the Waldorf=Astoria Collection. This elite brand designation debuted with New York’s legendary Waldorf=Astoria, along with three world-class luxury resorts managed by us: the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa on the island of Maui in Hawaii; the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix; and the La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, California. Also in 2006, we commenced management of the Qasr Al Sharq in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We anticipate that the Waldorf=Astoria Collection will continue to grow primarily through branding of existing landmark or boutique hotels and opening newly built properties in select cities.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, we announced plans to form a joint venture with real estate developer DLF Limited to develop hotel properties and serviced apartments in India. The joint-venture company plans to develop and own 50 to 75 mid-scale and extended-stay hotels over the next seven years. We also announced an alliance with Deutsche Asset Management and HQ Asia Pacific in which they will develop an initial 25 Hilton Garden Inns in Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin, China, which are expected to be franchised hotels.

Timeshare

We are currently developing new timeshare projects in Las Vegas, Nevada, Orlando, Florida, New York, New York, Honolulu and Waikoloa, Hawaii. The Waikoloa (Kohala Coast Vacation Suites) project opened its remaining 98 units in 2006; this project contains 120 units in total. At our International Drive property in Orlando (Tuscany Village), the first six phases totaling 376 units are open, including 70 units opened in January 2007. Construction has begun on the final 64 units, which are scheduled to open in spring 2008. Also in Orlando, we added 48 units in 2006 to our existing property adjacent to Sea World. The second phase of our property on the Las Vegas Strip, which consists of 431 units, was completed in 2006. Approximately 45 percent of the planned four-tower, 1,582-unit project has been completed.

In 2006, we began construction of a new timeshare project in Honolulu, Hawaii at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Upon completion scheduled for late 2008, the Waikikian Tower is expected to contain 331 units. We also began development of a new project in Waikoloa, Hawaii (“Kings Land”). Phase I of the Kings Land development is expected to contain 198 units and is scheduled for completion in 2010. In September 2006, we announced our development of a new timeshare project in New York, New York on West 57th Street. Upon completion in early 2009, the 57th Street Tower is expected to contain 161 units. In 2007, we began construction of our new timeshare project at Ruby Lake in Orlando. Phase I of the Ruby Lake project is expected to contain 141 units and is scheduled for completion in 2009.

As we are currently constructing several new timeshare projects, our timeshare business is expected to be negatively impacted, from a reporting standpoint, by percentage-of-completion accounting associated with new projects in 2007. We expect the impact of percentage-of-completion accounting on 2007 results to reverse in 2008.

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Capital expenditures associated with our timeshare operations during 2006 totaled $261 million. Timeshare capital expenditures are expected to increase to approximately $315 million in 2007 as we continue to invest in the development of new product in Las Vegas, Orlando, Hawaii and New York. The capital expenditures associated with our non-lease timeshare products are reflected as inventory until the timeshare intervals are sold. We also provide financing to the buyers of our timeshare intervals. During 2006, we issued approximately $335 million of loans related to timeshare financings. Principal collections on timeshare notes during the same period were approximately $226 million.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $548 million, $486 million and $652 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The net increase in 2006 relates primarily to improved operating results and operating cash flow as a result of the HI Acquisition, partially offset by net cash used for timeshare construction in excess of timeshare sales and increased restricted cash balances. The net decrease in 2005 compared to 2004 relates primarily to net cash used by timeshare construction in excess of timeshare sales and a reduction in deferred income taxes resulting from the sale of assets in 2005. These decreases were partially offset by improved operating results.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2004 and 2005 each benefited from a reduction in the valuation allowance for capital loss tax carryforwards which reduced the provision for income taxes (See “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Acquisitions and Dispositions” below, and “Note 13: Income Taxes” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8). Our ability to utilize capital loss tax carryforwards to reduce our provision for income taxes is dependent on the availability of capital loss tax carryforwards and the existence of transactions that enable these capital loss carryforwards to be utilized. Therefore, it should not be assumed that such benefits will be available to us in the future.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $4.598 billion in 2006 and net cash provided by investing activities totaled $620 million in 2005. The net cash used in investing activities in 2006 was primarily due to the HI Acquisition (see “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8), the acquisition of management contracts and higher capital expenditures. These increases in cash used in investing activities were partially offset by an increase in proceeds from asset sales in 2006 over the prior year and an increase in payments received on notes and other. Net cash used in investing activities totaled $132 million in 2004 and net cash provided by investing activities totaled $620 million in 2005. The increase in net cash provided by investing activities was primarily due to an increase in net proceeds from asset dispositions in 2005 compared to the prior year, partially offset by higher capital expenditures.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $255 million in 2005 and net cash provided by financing activities totaled $2.918 billion in 2006. The net change between periods is primarily due to the new senior credit facilities used to partially fund the HI Acquisition, net of repayments, and share repurchases in the prior year. Net cash used in financing activities totaled $122 million in 2004 compared to $255 million in 2005. The increase in 2005 reflects increased share repurchases and lower proceeds from the issuance of common stock, reflecting a lower volume of stock option exercises, partially offset by a lower level of debt repayments in the 2005 period.

Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 was 2.2x, 3.1x and 2.3x, respectively.

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Cash and equivalents totaled $138 million at December 31, 2006, a decrease of $1.016 billion from December 31, 2005. The decrease in cash and equivalents is due primarily to cash being used to partially fund the HI Acquisition. Restricted cash totaled $293 million, an increase of $111 million from the prior year resulting primarily from an increase in cash reserves related to our collateralized borrowings and the addition of three consolidated non-controlled entities as part of the HI Acquisition. Restricted cash includes cash related to certain consolidated hotels, the use of which is restricted for hotel purposes under the terms of collateralized borrowings; refundable deposits on the sale of timeshare intervals; and cash balances held by consolidated non-controlled entities. We believe that our operating cash flow, available borrowings under our revolving credit facilities and our ability to obtain additional financing through various financial markets are sufficient to meet our liquidity needs (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financing”). However, any projections of future financial needs and sources of working capital are subject to uncertainty. See “Results of Operations” below and “Additional Information—Forward-Looking Statements” under Item 1 and “Risk Factors” under Item 1A for further discussion of conditions that could adversely affect our estimates of future financial needs and sources of working capital.

Financing

In connection with the HI Acquisition in February 2006 (see “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8), we entered into new senior credit facilities in an initial aggregate principal U.S. dollar equivalent of approximately $5.75 billion with a syndicate of financial institutions. These facilities replaced our $1 billion revolving credit facility and are secured by a pledge of the capital stock of certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries. The senior credit facilities consist of the following:

·       U.S. Dollar Denominated Revolver—5 year, $3.25 billion available in U.S. dollars, British Pounds, Euros and Swedish Kronor or other currencies acceptable to the administrative agent. Interest is at a variable rate depending upon our leverage ratio and senior debt ratings, with initial borrowings at applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 150 basis points (which includes a 25 basis point annual facility fee). The capacity under our revolver was also used to support certain outstanding letters of credit. Total revolving debt capacity of approximately $1.42 billion was available to us at December 31, 2006.

·       Foreign Currency Denominated Term Loan A—5 year, approximate equivalent of $2.32 billion at December 31, 2006, denominated in £675 million, 675 million and Australian $140 million. Interest is at a variable rate depending upon our leverage ratio and senior debt ratings, with initial borrowings at applicable LIBOR plus 150 basis points.

·       U.S. Dollar Denominated Term Loan B—7 year, $500 million term loan available only in U.S. dollars. Interest at LIBOR plus 137.5 basis points.

We also have the option to increase the credit facilities by $500 million. At December 31, 2006, we have an aggregate principal U.S. dollar equivalent of approximately $3.219 billion outstanding under these facilities.

Subsequent to our announcement in December 2005 of our agreement to acquire the lodging assets of Hilton Group plc, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group lowered our senior debt rating from BBB- to BB. In addition, Moody’s Investor Services lowered our senior debt rating from Baa3 to Ba2. These downgrades are reflected in the interest rates and facility fee of our $5.75 billion senior credit facilities. On February 26, 2007, Moody’s Investor Services upgraded our senior debt rating to Ba1.

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Under the terms of the senior credit facilities, proceeds, if any, from the sale of certain owned properties acquired as part of the HI Acquisition are required to be used for the repayment of our senior credit facilities. In addition, we expect that excess cash flow, if any, will be used to repay outstanding debt balances.

In October 1997, we filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering up to $2.5 billion in debt or equity securities. At December 31, 2006, available financing under the shelf totaled $825 million. The terms of any additional securities offered under the shelf will be determined by market conditions at the time of issuance.

Provisions under various loan agreements require us to comply with certain covenants which include limiting the amount of our outstanding indebtedness. Our revolving credit facilities contain two significant financial covenants: a leverage ratio and debt service coverage ratio. We are in compliance with our financial covenants as of December 31, 2006.

Provisions of the financing agreement related to our 7.95% collateralized borrowings due 2010 require that certain cash reserves be maintained and also restrict the transfer of excess cash generated by the related properties to us if net cash flow falls below a specified level (the cash trap). The cash trap became effective in 2003 due to reduced cash flow from the collateralized properties, primarily the Hilton San Francisco. As of December 31, 2006, cash restricted under the terms of the collateralized borrowings, including required reserves and the cash trap, totaled $214 million. The impact of the cash trap, which is expected to remain in effect throughout 2007, is not expected to have a material impact on our liquidity.

As of December 31, 2006, approximately 53% of our long-term debt, including the impact of interest rate swaps and excluding non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities, was floating rate debt. Our total debt, excluding non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations, has a weighted-average life of approximately 6.1 years and a weighted-average interest rate of approximately 6.6%.

The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2006, including long-term debt and operating lease commitments:

 

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

 

 

 

 

Less than

 

1 – 3

 

4 – 5

 

After

 

Contractual Obligations (in millions)

 

 

 

Total

 

1 year

 

years

 

years

 

5 years

 

Long-term debt

 

 

$

7,468

 

 

 

522

 

 

 

1,447

 

 

 

3,810

 

 

 

1,689

 

 

Operating leases

 

 

4,159

 

 

 

294

 

 

 

564

 

 

 

526

 

 

 

2,775

 

 

Less: Non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities

 

 

(500

)

 

 

(110

)

 

 

(25

)

 

 

(26

)

 

 

(339

)

 

Total contractual obligations

 

 

$

11,127

 

 

 

706

 

 

 

1,986

 

 

 

4,310

 

 

 

4,125

 

 

 

Both total debt and operating lease commitments increased from December 31, 2005 as a result of the HI Acquisition (see “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International” and “Note 11: Long-Term Debt” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8 for further information). Our total debt includes debt and capital lease obligations related to variable interest entities consolidated under FIN 46(R) that are non-recourse to us. These balances, totaling $500 million, have been deducted in arriving at the total contractual obligations as of December 31, 2006. These amounts are reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities.

40




Development Financing and Other Commercial Commitments

We have issued guarantees in connection with development financing programs in order to support the growth of our brands. The following table summarizes our development financing and other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2006:

 

 

 

 

Amount of Commitment Expiration
Per Period

 

 

 

 

 

Less than

 

1 – 3

 

4 – 5

 

After

 

Commercial Commitments (in millions)

 

Total

 

1 year

 

years

 

years

 

5 years

 

Letters of credit

 

 

$

110

 

 

 

110

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantees

 

 

43

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

20

 

 

Total commercial commitments

 

 

$

153

 

 

 

114

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

See “Note 18: Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8 for further discussion of our development financing and other commercial commitments.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

In February 2006, we completed the acquisition of the lodging assets of Hilton Group plc (see “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8). Additionally, during 2006, we acquired four long-term management contracts and sold 11 wholly owned hotels, three joint venture interests, one leased hotel and the LivingWell health clubs (see “Note 5:  Acquisitions and Dispositions” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8).

Stockholders’ Equity

In the 2005 third quarter, our Board of Directors approved an increase to our common stock dividend of $.02 per share to $.04 per share. Annual dividends paid on common shares were $.08, $.12 and $.16 per share in 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.

In 2004, we repurchased approximately 2.3 million shares of our common stock at a total cost of approximately $48 million. During 2005, we repurchased approximately 12.3 million shares of our common stock at a total cost of approximately $271 million. No shares were repurchased in 2006. The timing of stock purchases is made at the discretion of management. As of December 31, 2006, approximately 44.7 million shares remained authorized for repurchase.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We have outstanding guarantees issued in connection with our development financing programs and other guarantees of debt and other obligations of unconsolidated affiliates and third parties, as well as commitments under letters of credit. See “Note 18: Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8. We maintain investments in unconsolidated affiliates, including hotel joint ventures as well as other entities that support the operations of our hotel properties. We do not have investments in or obligations with respect to unconsolidated special purpose entities.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion presents an analysis of our results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2006. Our operations consist of three reportable segments which are based on similar products or services: Hotel Ownership, Managing and Franchising, and Timeshare.

41




FISCAL 2006 COMPARED WITH FISCAL 2005

Overview

A summary of our consolidated results for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 is as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

% Change

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Revenue

 

 

$

4,437

 

 

 

8,162

 

 

 

84

%

 

Operating income

 

 

805

 

 

 

1,274

 

 

 

58

 

 

Net income

 

 

460

 

 

 

572

 

 

 

24

 

 

Basic EPS

 

 

1.20

 

 

 

1.49

 

 

 

24

 

 

Diluted EPS

 

 

1.13

 

 

 

1.39

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

Revenue and operating income in 2006 benefited from the HI Acquisition and from strong rate increases and high demand in most of our major markets, which resulted in significant RevPAR gains at many of our comparable owned hotels. Management and franchise fee revenue was our highest ever, increasing 51 percent over the prior year as a result of the HI Acquisition, continued RevPAR growth and the addition of new units. Results in 2006 also benefited from strong results at our timeshare business. Net income in 2006 was impacted by increases in depreciation, amortization and interest expense due to the HI Acquisition, and benefited from net gains on foreign currency transactions. Net income in 2005 benefited from higher gains on property transactions compared to 2006, as well as a lower effective tax rate compared to 2006.

Revenue from owned hotels totaled $2.521 billion in 2006, a 23 percent increase from $2.049 billion in 2005, and total expenses in 2006 were up 22 percent to $1.780 billion. Strong results at our comparable owned hotels and the impact of the HI Acquisition were partially offset by the impact of asset sales and renovation disruptions in New York and Hawaii. Total revenue from comparable owned hotels (excluding the impact of asset sales, revenue from our two owned properties in New Orleans which were impacted by Hurricane Katrina, and the results of the acquired HI owned hotels) was up eight percent to $1.675 billion from $1.558 billion in the 2005 period, while comparable owned hotel expenses increased seven percent to $1.180 billion in 2006 from $1.098 billion in 2005.

Results at our comparable owned properties benefited from continued strong demand and average rate increases from groups, business and leisure travelers. Results in Chicago, San Francisco and Phoenix were particularly strong in 2006, each reporting double-digit RevPAR gains over the prior year. RevPAR growth at our owned hotels in New York City (the Waldorf=Astoria and the Hilton New York) and at the Hilton Hawaiian Village was significantly impacted by renovation disruptions, though all three properties achieved strong gains in average daily rate (“ADR”). Renovation disruptions are expected to continue to impact these three properties in 2007. RevPAR for comparable North American owned properties increased 8.8 percent for the year, with occupancy rising 0.2 points to 78.7 percent and ADR up 8.6 percent to $199.24.

Margins at our comparable North American owned hotels (revenue less expenses as a percentage of revenue for comparable owned hotels) improved 10 basis points in 2006 to 29.6 percent. The aforementioned renovation disruptions combined with higher insurance and marketing costs in the year negatively impacted margins by approximately 170 basis points. Cost-per-occupied-room increased 7.7 percent in 2006.

42




Leased hotel revenue totaled $2.347 billion in 2006 compared to $111 million in 2005, while leased hotel expenses were $1.985 billion in the current year versus $99 million in the prior year. In the 2006 period, leased hotel revenue and expenses include approximately 200 leased hotels acquired in the HI Acquisition. Prior to the HI Acquisition, we operated six leased hotels. Results from the leased hotels acquired in the HI Acquisition reflect business strength in the U.K., continental Europe and the Nordic region. Due to the relatively large size of the lease payments required in a hotel operating lease, the leased properties operate at margins significantly lower than our owned hotels. Leased hotel revenue and expenses are included with our owned hotels in our Hotel Ownership segment results.

Operating income from unconsolidated affiliates increased $13 million in 2006 to $57 million. The increase relates primarily to the addition of unconsolidated affiliates acquired in the HI Acquisition combined with improved operating results over the 2005 period. Operating income from unconsolidated affiliates is included in our Hotel Ownership segment results.

Management and franchise fee revenue in 2006 increased $232 million or 51 percent to $684 million. Fee revenue is based primarily on rooms revenue at franchise properties and total operating revenue (and to a lesser extent gross operating profits or cash flow) at managed properties. The strong demand among business, groups and leisure travelers that benefited our owned hotels also resulted in strong RevPAR gains for each of our brands on a system-wide basis (including managed and franchised properties). The increase in management and franchise fees in 2006 also reflects $109 million of fee revenue as a result of the HI Acquisition and $26 million of contract termination fees related to the Hilton Times Square and the Embassy Suites Battery Park in New York. The Times Square and Battery Park properties were sold in 2006 and we entered into franchise agreements with the new owners. Additionally, strong domestic development activity as well as the large number of conversions to management and franchise contracts resulting from our owned asset sales favorably impacted fee revenue.

Revenue from our timeshare operations (included in timeshare and other income) totaled $650 million, an increase of $96 million or 17 percent from $554 million in 2005. Timeshare expenses in 2006 (included in other operating expenses) were $491 million compared to $420 million in the prior year. Timeshare revenue and earnings are generated through developing timeshare resorts and selling the related intervals, financing the sale of timeshare intervals and through management of timeshare resorts. Overall timeshare unit sales were up two percent in 2006, while the average unit sales price increased 10 percent across the system. Timeshare revenue and profitability also benefited from higher financing income and the recognition of previously deferred revenue and expenses due to the required percentage-of-completion accounting.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $142 million in 2006 to $441 million. This net increase reflects additional depreciation and amortization associated with the tangible and intangible assets acquired in the HI Acquisition, partially offset by a reduction in depreciation expense associated with asset sales.

Results in 2005 include impairment loss and related costs totaling $7 million, which includes a pre-tax charge of $5 million to reduce the value of an owned hotel and our minority interests in eight joint venture hotels to their estimated fair values and a $2 million pre-tax charge representing the write down of a non-hotel cost basis investment to its estimated fair value. The $5 million charge is included in our Hotel Ownership segment results, while the $2 million charge is not allocated among our reportable segments. There were no impairment losses in the 2006 period.

43




Corporate Activity

Corporate expense totaled $171 million in 2006, an increase of $68 million, or 66 percent, from 2005. The increase is primarily the result of incremental corporate costs related to the HI Acquisition, $12 million of non-recurring charges related to the HI Acquisition and the expensing of stock options under FAS 123(R) (see “Note 4: Stock Based Compensation” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8). Other operating expenses in 2006 include a $12 million pre-tax charge to increase a performance guarantee reserve for a managed hotel (see “Note 18: Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8). Corporate expense is not allocated among our reportable business segments.

Interest and dividend income decreased $5 million compared to the prior year. This decrease reflects higher cash balances in 2005 due primarily to proceeds from asset sales prior to the HI Acquisition. Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, increased $239 million compared to 2005, due primarily to borrowings under our new senior credit facilities in order to partially fund the HI Acquisition. Net interest from unconsolidated affiliates and non-controlled interests increased by $19 million to $45 million in 2006, primarily due to the addition of non-consolidated interests as part of the HI Acquisition.

The net gain on foreign currency transactions of $24 million in 2006 is primarily the result of movement in the value of the British Pound prior to our completion of the HI Acquisition, which was funded in British Pounds. The net gain also includes the impact of foreign currency movements on intercompany loans that are deemed to be short-term in nature.

The $72 million net other gain in 2006 includes net gains from asset sales of $1 million (see “Note 5: Acquisitions and Dispositions” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8), a $33 million gain from settlement recoveries related to mold found in certain areas of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in 2002, a $24 million gain on sales of certain marketable securities, a $17 million net gain related to insurance proceeds received in excess of the book value of assets written off as a result of damage from Hurricane Katrina (see “Note 19: Insurance Recoveries” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8), a $3 million pre-tax loss on derivative instruments (see “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Derivative Instruments” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8) based on the market value of the derivatives at December 31, 2006, a $3 million loss on the termination of various management and franchise contracts to which we had value assigned, and $3 million in net other gains. The $103 million net other gain in 2005 includes gains from asset sales of $112 million, a $10 million loss on our foreign currency options based on the market value of the options at December 31, 2005, a $3 million gain on our oil futures derivative, and $2 million of other losses.

The loss from non-operating affiliates totaling $17 million and $16 million in 2005 and 2006, respectively, represents equity losses associated with our 24 percent minority interest in a coal-based synthetic fuel facility. The synthetic fuel produced at this facility qualifies for tax credits based on Section 45K of the Internal Revenue Code; these credits reduce our provision for income taxes (see “Note 5: Acquisitions and Dispositions” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8).

The effective income tax rate for 2006 increased to 31% from 26% in 2005. The effective rate in 2006 reflects the utilization of Section 45K synthetic fuel production credits of approximately $11 million and a net benefit of $15 million primarily due to the favorable resolution of IRS audits for the years 2002 and 2003 and the required treatment of certain foreign currency gains. The effective rate in 2005 includes a benefit of $28 million resulting from closures of IRS audits, a reduction in the valuation allowance for capital loss tax carryforwards totaling $34 million associated with asset sales and the utilization of Section 45K synthetic fuel production credits of approximately $17 million. The 2005 effective tax rate also includes net state tax credits of approximately $2 million. Our effective tax rate is determined by the level and composition of pre-tax income and the mix of income subject to varying foreign, state and local taxes.

44




Excluding the aforementioned items, our effective rate was 34% in 2006 and 39% in 2005. The reduction in effective rate for 2006 compared to 2005 is primarily the result of the HI Acquisition. In 2005 and earlier, our tax liability was principally comprised of U.S. and state taxes imposed on domestic income. As a result of our acquisition of HI, our tax liability is comprised of both U.S. and foreign taxes and is impacted by the composition of pre-tax income by jurisdiction. Income from foreign jurisdictions is subject to lower levels of tax resulting in an overall worldwide blended effective rate that is lower than our 2005 effective rate.

Minority and non-controlled interests expense, net, decreased $5 million to $7 million in 2006, primarily due to a distribution to our minority partner on the sale of the Hilton Glendale in 2005 (see “Note 5: Acquisitions and Dispositions” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8).

Hotel Statistics

RevPAR for U.S. owned hotels and system-wide for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 is as follows:

 

 

North America (U.S. owned)(1)

 

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

% Change

 

Hilton

 

 

$

151.85

 

 

 

165.03

 

 

 

8.7

%

 

All other

 

 

91.45

 

 

 

101.06

 

 

 

10.5

 

 

Total

 

 

144.05

 

 

 

156.73

 

 

 

8.8

 

 

 


(1)          Statistics are for comparable U.S. hotels, and include only hotels in the system as of December 31, 2006, and owned by us since January 1, 2005. Comparable hotels exclude our owned hotels in New Orleans due to the interruption in operations as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

 

 

System-wide(2)

 

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

% Change

 

Hilton

 

 

$

99.50

 

 

 

109.11

 

 

 

9.7

%

 

Hilton Garden Inn

 

 

72.70

 

 

 

79.55

 

 

 

9.4

 

 

Doubletree

 

 

79.30

 

 

 

87.60

 

 

 

10.5

 

 

Embassy Suites

 

 

95.85

 

 

 

105.05

 

 

 

9.6

 

 

Homewood Suites by Hilton

 

 

76.19

 

 

 

82.14

 

 

 

7.8

 

 

Hampton

 

 

62.87

 

 

 

68.66

 

 

 

9.2

 

 

Scandic

 

 

67.11

 

 

 

71.58

 

 

 

6.7

 

 

Conrad

 

 

107.90

 

 

 

120.94

 

 

 

12.1

 

 

Other

 

 

99.98

 

 

 

115.36

 

 

 

15.4

 

 

Total

 

 

82.46

 

 

 

90.27

 

 

 

9.5

 

 

 


(2)          Statistics are presented pro forma as if the HI Acquisition had occurred January 1, 2005. Includes hotels in our system as of December 31, 2006 which were in our hotel system or the hotel system of HI since January 1, 2005. Comparable hotels exclude data for HI franchise hotels and our owned hotels in New Orleans due to the interruption in operations as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

45




FISCAL 2005 COMPARED WITH FISCAL 2004

Overview

A summary of our consolidated results for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 is as follows:

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

% Change

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Revenue

 

 

$

4,146

 

 

 

4,437

 

 

 

7

%

 

Operating income

 

 

658

 

 

 

805

 

 

 

22

 

 

Net income

 

 

238

 

 

 

460

 

 

 

93

 

 

Basic EPS

 

 

.62

 

 

 

1.20

 

 

 

94

 

 

Diluted EPS

 

 

.60

 

 

 

1.13

 

 

 

88

 

 

 

Results in 2005 benefited from strong increases in room nights and ADR across all business segments, with particularly strong increases in ADR, resulting in double-digit RevPAR growth and margin improvement at many of our comparable owned hotels. Management and franchise fee revenue increased 18 percent over 2004 as a result of RevPAR growth and the addition of new units. Results in 2005 also benefited from strong results at our timeshare business. Net income in 2005 also benefited from gains associated with the sale of owned hotels and a reduction in the provision for income taxes. Revenue growth was adversely impacted by the aforementioned asset sales and the impact of Hurricane Katrina on our two owned hotels in New Orleans.

Revenue from owned hotels totaled $2.049 billion in 2005, a one percent decrease from $2.062 billion in 2004, and total expenses in 2005 were down three percent to $1.459 billion. Strong results at our comparable owned hotels were partially offset by the impact of asset sales and Hurricane Katrina. Our two owned hotels in New Orleans are excluded from the comparable numbers due to interruptions in operations caused by the hurricane. Excluding the impact of assets sales and our two owned hotels in New Orleans, owned hotel revenue in 2005 was up 10 percent to $1.670 billion from $1.519 billion in 2004, while owned hotel expenses increased seven percent to $1.190 billion from $1.109 billion in 2004.

Results at our comparable owned properties benefited from continued strong demand and average rate increases from groups, business and leisure travelers, including double-digit rate and RevPAR increases from the leisure and business segments. Results in New York and Hawaii were particularly strong in 2005. Strong results were also reported at our owned hotels in Boston, Washington D.C. and Atlanta, while San Francisco remained comparably weak. RevPAR for comparable owned properties increased 11.9 percent for the year, with occupancy rising 2.2 points to 77.3 percent and ADR up 8.7 percent to $178.35. Approximately 75 percent of the RevPAR increase in comparable owned hotels was attributable to rate gains.

While strong RevPAR increases led to solid growth in rooms revenue, other comparable owned hotel revenue also performed well, with food and beverage revenue increasing seven percent over 2004. Group room nights, which typically generate higher margin food and beverage business, were up two percent at our comparable owned hotels. Margins at our comparable owned hotels (revenue less expenses as a percentage of revenue for comparable owned hotels) improved 180 basis points in 2005 to 28.8 percent. Cost-per-occupied-room increased 4.5 percent in 2005, reflecting a 17 percent increase in energy costs.

Leased hotel revenue totaled $111 million in 2005, consistent with 2004, while leased hotel expenses decreased two percent to $99 million. Operating income from unconsolidated affiliates decreased $5 million in 2005 to $44 million. The decrease relates primarily to a $10 million pre-tax gain in the 2004 period, resulting from a joint venture that developed a condominium project in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This decrease was partially offset by improved results at joint venture properties and the termination or sale of certain joint venture interests that generated losses in 2004.

46




Management and franchise fee revenue increased $68 million or 18 percent to $452 million in 2005. The strong demand among business, groups and leisure travelers that benefited our owned hotels also resulted in strong RevPAR gains for each of our brands on a system-wide basis (including managed and franchised properties). The increase in management and franchise fees in 2005 also reflects the addition of new units to our system of hotels.

Revenue from our timeshare operations totaled $554 million, an increase of $133 million or 32 percent from $421 million in 2004. Timeshare expenses in 2005 were $420 million compared to $316 million in the prior year. Overall timeshare unit sales were up eight percent in 2005, reflecting continued strong sales at our projects in Hawaii, Las Vegas and Orlando. The average unit sales price increased two percent across the system. Timeshare revenue and profitability also benefited from higher resort fees and higher financing income due to increased sales. Timeshare results in 2005 also reflect the recognition of previously deferred revenue and expenses at our Waikoloa project, due to the required percentage-of-completion accounting. Construction at the Waikoloa project was approximately 75 percent complete at the end of 2005. In contrast, construction was not beyond a preliminary stage at the end of 2004.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $31 million in 2005 to $299 million, primarily due to asset sales and lower amortization expense related to certain long-term management and franchise agreements that were either terminated or expired.

Results in 2005 include impairment loss and related costs totaling $7 million, which includes a pre-tax charge of $2 million related to an owned hotel and a $3 million pre-tax charge related to our minority interests in eight joint venture hotels to reduce their respective carrying values to their estimated fair values. The 2005 charge also includes a $2 million pre-tax charge representing the write down of a non-hotel cost basis investment to its estimated fair value. The $5 million impairment charge is included in our Hotel Ownership segment results, while the $2 million charge on the non-hotel investment is not allocated among our reportable segments. Results in 2004 include impairment loss and related costs totaling $5 million. This pre-tax charge was to reduce the value of an owned hotel to its estimated fair value and is included in Hotel Ownership segment results.

Corporate Activity

Corporate expense totaled $103 million in 2005, an increase of $18 million from 2004. The increase is primarily the result of increased expense associated with stock-based compensation, increased hotel team member performance awards and contributions to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Interest and dividend income in 2005 increased $6 million compared to 2004. This increase reflects higher cash balances in 2005 due primarily to proceeds from asset sales. This increase was partially offset by lower interest income due to the repayment by Caesars Entertainment, Inc. of the $325 million 7% Senior Notes in July 2004. Interest on the notes is reflected as both interest income and interest expense in our consolidated statements of income through repayment in July 2004. Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, decreased $15 million compared to 2004, due primarily to the aforementioned repayment by Caesars.

The $103 million net other gain in 2005 includes gains from asset sales of $112 million, a $10 million loss on our foreign currency options based on the market value of the options at December 31, 2005, and a $3 million gain on our oil futures derivative based on the market value of the contract at December 31, 2005. Also included in 2005 is a net loss of $1 million related to the write-off of several long-term management and franchise agreements which were terminated during the year and a $1 million loss on the disposition of other fixed assets. The $5 million net other loss in 2004 represents the sale of two Doubletree properties, the write off of the value assigned to several long-term management and franchise agreements which were terminated during the year and a loss due to the fair market value adjustment of our derivative instruments, partially offset by the gain from the sale of certain investments.

47




The loss from non-operating affiliates of $6 million and $17 million in 2004 and 2005, respectively, represents equity losses associated with our 24 percent minority interest in a coal-based synthetic fuel facility. The synthetic fuel produced at this facility qualifies for tax credits based on Section 45K of the Internal Revenue Code; these credits reduce our provision for income taxes. We acquired our minority interest in August 2004, which results in the comparably low amount in that year.

The effective income tax rate for 2005 decreased to 26% from 34% in 2004. The effective rate in 2005 includes a benefit of $28 million resulting from the resolution of IRS audits, a reduction in the valuation allowance for capital loss tax carryforwards totaling $34 million associated with asset sales and the utilization of Section 45K synthetic fuel production credits of approximately $17 million. The 2005 effective tax rate also includes net state tax credits of approximately $2 million. The effective tax rate in 2004 benefited from a reduction in the valuation allowance for capital loss tax carryforwards of approximately $7 million resulting from the sale of three Doubletree properties (La Posada in Arizona, as well as Bakersfield and Modesto in California) and the sale of our interest in Travelweb. In addition, the 2004 effective tax rate also reflects the utilization of Section 45K synthetic fuel production credits of approximately $7 million. Excluding the aforementioned items, our effective rate was 39% in 2005 and 38% in 2004. Our effective tax rate is determined by the level and composition of pre-tax income and the mix of income subject to varying foreign, state and local taxes.

Minority and non-controlled interests expense, net, increased $4 million to $12 million in 2005, reflecting a distribution to our minority partner on the sale of the Hilton Glendale.

Hotel Statistics

RevPAR for U.S. owned hotels and system-wide for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 is as follows:

 

 

U.S. owned(1)

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

% Change

 

Hilton

 

 

$

128.32

 

 

 

144.00

 

 

 

12.2

%

 

All other

 

 

84.58

 

 

 

91.45

 

 

 

8.1

 

 

Total

 

 

123.24

 

 

 

137.90

 

 

 

11.9

 

 


(1)          Statistics are for comparable U.S. hotels, and include only hotels in the system as of December 31, 2005 and owned by us since January 1, 2004. Comparable hotels exclude our owned hotels in New Orleans due to the interruption in operations as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

 

 

System-wide(2)

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

% Change

 

Hilton

 

 

$

90.06

 

 

 

100.68

 

 

 

11.8

%

 

Hilton Garden Inn

 

 

68.14

 

 

 

74.47

 

 

 

9.3

 

 

Doubletree

 

 

69.78

 

 

 

77.01

 

 

 

10.4

 

 

Embassy Suites

 

 

87.01

 

 

 

95.09

 

 

 

9.3

 

 

Homewood Suites by Hilton

 

 

70.93

 

 

 

76.05

 

 

 

7.2

 

 

Hampton

 

 

56.00

 

 

 

62.22

 

 

 

11.1

 

 

Other

 

 

95.33

 

 

 

106.33

 

 

 

11.5

 

 


(2)          Statistics are for comparable hotels, and include only hotels in the system as of December 31, 2005 and owned, operated or franchised by us since January 1, 2004. Comparable hotels exclude our owned hotels in New Orleans due to the interruption in operations as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

48




OTHER MATTERS

New Accounting Standards

See “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—New Accounting Standards” to the consolidated financial statements under Item 8, for discussion of new accounting standards.

Other

We are involved in various legal matters arising in the normal course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals are recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect that the resolution of all pending overtly threatened claims and litigation as of December 31, 2006 will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial position. However, depending on the amount and timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect our future results of operations in a particular period.

Item 7A.                Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk in the form of changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rate movements. In certain instances, we attempt to reduce volatility in earnings and cash flow associated with interest rate and foreign exchange rate risks by entering into financial arrangements intended to provide hedges against a portion of the associated risks. We continue to have exposure to such risks to the extent that they are not hedged.

We are exposed to market risk in the form of changes in interest rates and the potential impact such changes may have on the cash flow from our floating rate debt and the fair values of our fixed rate debt. We attempt to limit the impact of changes in interest rates to our debt portfolio by attaining an appropriate mix of floating rate borrowings relative to our long-term fixed rate debt. We are also exposed to interest rate risk on our floating rate notes receivable and the fair values of our fixed rate notes receivable. We utilize, on a selective basis, interest rate swaps to manage our relative levels of fixed and floating rate debt. As of December 31, 2006, we had a derivative contract which swaps the fixed interest payments on our $375 million 7.95% Senior Notes due 2007 to a floating interest rate equal to the six-month LIBOR rate plus 415 basis points.

We are also exposed to market risk in the form of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the potential impact such changes may have on the cash flow related to our foreign currency denominated debt and our cash flows from operations. In limited circumstances, we seek to reduce volatility in earnings and by entering into financial arrangements intended to provide a hedge against a potion of the associated risk. In August 2001, we issued $100 million of 7.43% bonds due 2009 denominated in Chilean Pesos. Payments of principal and interest on the bonds are adjusted for movements of the Unidad de Fomento (the Chilean inflation index) published monthly by the Central Bank of Chile. We have swapped out the Chilean currency exchange rate and inflation risk by entering into a derivative contract which swaps the principal payment to a fixed U.S. dollar amount of $100 million with fixed interest payments at 7.65% of that amount. We believe it is unlikely that the counterparty will be unable to perform under the terms of the derivative instrument.

We have three tranches of long-term debt denominated in foreign currencies which qualify as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of our net investment in foreign operations acquired as part of the HI Acquisition. The gains or losses on the long-term debt are included in accumulated other comprehensive income as part of the cumulative translation adjustment to the extent that the instruments are effective as a hedge. The gains or losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are relieved when we substantially exit foreign operations in a market covered by our hedging instruments.

49




We also enter into short-term foreign currency forward and swap agreements in the normal course of business to hedge certain of our cash flows from foreign operations. The gains or losses on the hedging instruments are largely offset by gains or losses on the underlying asset or liability. At December 31, 2006, the notional amount of our foreign currency hedging instruments is approximately $72 million. A theoretical 10 percent change in the foreign currency exchange rates would result in an increase or decrease of approximately $7 million in the fair value of the hedging instruments at December 31, 2006. Such a change would be offset by an opposite effect on the underlying assets and liabilities.

In January 2006, we entered into a derivative contract covering 1.85 million barrels of oil relating to our investment in a synthetic fuel facility. This contract was effective for the calendar year ending December 31, 2006. The contract involved two call options that provided for net cash settlement at expiration based on the full year 2006 average trading price of oil in relation to the strike price of the options. The settlement of the options yielded no payment at December 31, 2006. The purpose of the transaction was to provide economic protection against an increase in oil prices that could limit or eliminate the amount of tax credits available under Section 45K of the Internal Revenue Code to the point of a negative return on our investment. The strike prices of the two options were intended to approximate the price ranges under which the expected tax credits available under Section 45K of the Internal Revenue Code would be reduced to an amount which no longer covered our after-tax production costs in the investment for the 2006 calendar year.

In December 2006, we entered into a derivative contract covering two million barrels of oil relating to our investment in a synthetic fuel facility. This contract is effective for the calendar year ending December 31, 2007. The contract involves two call options that provide for net cash settlement at expiration based on the full year 2007 average trading price of oil in relation to the strike price of the options. If the average price of oil in 2007 is less than $72 per barrel, the derivative will yield no payment. If the average price of oil exceeds $72 per barrel, the derivative will yield a payment equal to the excess of the average price over $72 per barrel, up to a maximum price per barrel of $76. The purpose of the transaction is to provide economic protection against an increase in oil prices that could limit or eliminate the amount of tax credits available under Section 45K of the Internal Revenue Code to the point of a negative return on our investment. The strike prices of the two options are intended to approximate the price ranges under which the expected tax credits available under Section 45K of the Internal Revenue Code could be reduced to an amount which no longer covers our after-tax production costs in the investment for the 2007 calendar year.

50




The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities and the total fair value of our derivative and other financial instruments, excluding non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities, as of December 31, 2006:

 

 

Maturities by Period

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After

 

Carrying

 

Total Fair

 

 

 

year

 

2 years

 

3 years

 

4 years

 

5 years

 

5 years

 

Amount

 

Value

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

ASSETS—Maturities represent principal receipts, fair values represent assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timeshare notes receivable

 

 

$

54

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

67

 

 

 

68

 

 

64

 

 

138

 

 

 

454

 

 

 

459

 

 

Average interest rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

Other notes receivable

 

 

$

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

24

 

 

Average interest rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES—Maturities represent principal payments, fair values represent liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate debt

 

 

$

(18

)

 

 

(995

)

 

 

(409

)

 

 

(559

)

 

(304

)

 

(985

)

 

 

(3,270

)

 

 

(4,058

)

 

Average interest rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

Floating rate debt

 

 

$

(394

)

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(5

)

 

 

(5

)

 

(2,916

)

 

(365

)

 

 

(3,698

)

 

 

(3,326

)

 

Average interest rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

INTEREST RATE SWAPSMaturities represent notional amounts, fair values represent assets (liabilities)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed to variable

 

 

$

372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

372

 

 

 

(3

)

 

Average pay rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

Average receive rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed (CLP) to Fixed ($US)

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

145

 

 

 

57

 

 

Average pay rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

Average receive rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call options on oil prices

 

 

$

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

At December 31, 2006, our senior credit facilities contain approximately $1.601 billion in floating rate foreign currency denominated loans, including 675 million, £326 million and Australian $93 million. At December 31, 2006, these facilities have interest rates ranging from 4.49% to 7.39% and have a maturity date of February 2011.

As of December 31, 2006, approximately 53% of our long-term debt (including the impact of interest rate swaps and excluding non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities) was floating rate debt.

51




Item 8.                        Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Hilton Hotels Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned hotels

 

$

2,062

 

2,049

 

2,521

 

Leased hotels

 

111

 

111

 

2,347

 

Management and franchise fees

 

384

 

452

 

684

 

Timeshare and other income

 

463

 

606

 

767

 

 

 

3,020

 

3,218

 

6,319

 

Other revenue from managed and franchised properties

 

1,126

 

1,219

 

1,843

 

 

 

4,146

 

4,437

 

8,162

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned hotels

 

1,501

 

1,459

 

1,780

 

Leased hotels

 

101

 

99

 

1,985

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

330

 

299

 

441

 

Impairment loss and related costs

 

5

 

7

 

 

Other operating expenses

 

395

 

497

 

736

 

Corporate expense

 

85

 

103

 

171

 

 

 

2,417

 

2,464

 

5,113

 

Other expenses from managed and franchised properties

 

1,120

 

1,212

 

1,832

 

 

 

3,537

 

3,676

 

6,945

 

Operating income from unconsolidated affiliates

 

49

 

44

 

57

 

Operating Income

 

658

 

805

 

1,274

 

Interest and dividend income

 

26

 

32

 

27

 

Interest expense

 

(274

)

(259

)

(498

)

Net interest from unconsolidated affiliates and non-controlled interests

 

(26

)

(26

)

(45

)

Net gain on foreign currency transactions

 

 

 

24

 

Net other (loss) gain

 

(5

)

103

 

72

 

Loss from non-operating affiliates

 

(6

)

(17

)

(16

)

Income Before Taxes and Minority and Non-Controlled Interests

 

373

 

638

 

838

 

Provision for income taxes

 

(127

)

(166

)

(259

)

Minority and non-controlled interests, net

 

(8

)

(12

)

(7

)

Net Income

 

$

238

 

460

 

572

 

Basic Earnings Per Share

 

$

.62

 

1.20

 

1.49

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

$

.60

 

1.13

 

1.39

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

52




Hilton Hotels Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions)

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents

 

 

$

1,154

 

 

 

138

 

 

Restricted cash

 

 

182

 

 

 

293

 

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

312

 

 

 

659

 

 

Inventories

 

 

219

 

 

 

430

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

85

 

 

 

95

 

 

Current portion of notes receivable, net

 

 

40

 

 

 

55

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

 

97

 

 

 

239

 

 

Total current assets

 

 

2,089

 

 

 

1,909

 

 

Investments, Property and Other Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments and notes receivable, net

 

 

707

 

 

 

759

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

2,985

 

 

 

4,983

 

 

Management and franchise contracts, net

 

 

302

 

 

 

1,184

 

 

Leases, net

 

 

107

 

 

 

319

 

 

Brands

 

 

970

 

 

 

2,846

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

1,216

 

 

 

3,710

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

85

 

 

Other assets

 

 

367

 

 

 

686

 

 

Total investments, property and other assets

 

 

6,654

 

 

 

14,572

 

 

Total Assets

 

 

$

8,743

 

 

 

16,481

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

$

772

 

 

 

1,901

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

 

47

 

 

 

412

 

 

Current maturities of non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities

 

 

 

 

 

110

 

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

45

 

 

 

44

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

864

 

 

 

2,467

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

3,572

 

 

 

6,556

 

 

Non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities

 

 

100

 

 

 

390

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

678

 

 

 

2,065

 

 

Insurance reserves and other

 

 

718

 

 

 

1,276

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

5,932

 

 

 

12,754

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock, $2.50 par value, 382 million and 387 million shares outstanding, respectively

 

 

1,010

 

 

 

1,023

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

1,158

 

 

 

1,248

 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

1,125

 

 

 

1,663

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(11

)

 

 

262

 

 

 

 

 

3,282

 

 

 

4,196

 

 

Less treasury stock, at cost

 

 

(471

)

 

 

(469

)

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

2,811

 

 

 

3,727

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

$

8,743

 

 

 

16,481

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

53




Hilton Hotels Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(in millions)

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

238

 

460

 

572

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

330

 

299

 

441

 

Amortization of loan costs

 

9

 

9

 

17

 

Net other loss (gain)

 

5

 

(103

)

(72

)

Loss from non-operating affiliates

 

6

 

17

 

16

 

Impairment loss and related costs

 

5

 

7

 

 

Change in working capital components:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

45

 

(77

)

(163

)

Accounts receivable

 

(24

)

(41

)

4

 

Other current assets

 

(9

)

18

 

(69

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

59

 

99

 

44

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

41

 

(119

)

Restricted cash

 

(90

)

(19

)

(79

)

Change in deferred income taxes

 

27

 

(63

)

67

 

Change in other liabilities

 

49

 

(35

)

93

 

Unconsolidated affiliates’ distributions in excess of earnings

 

20

 

1

 

9

 

Change in timeshare notes receivable

 

(105

)

(99

)

(109

)

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

 

 

 

(12

)

Other

 

(17

)

(28

)

12

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

548

 

486

 

652

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(178

)

(423

)

(613

)

Additional investments

 

(72

)

(47

)

(146

)

Proceeds from asset dispositions

 

80

 

1,041

 

1,450

 

Payments received on notes and other

 

38

 

49

 

171

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

(5,460

)

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

(132

)

620

 

(4,598

)

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in revolving loans, net of issuance costs

 

(160

)

 

1,582

 

Long-term borrowings, net of issuance costs

 

 

14

 

2,626

 

Reduction of long-term debt

 

(14

)

(15

)

(1,303

)

Issuance of common stock

 

131

 

63

 

63

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

(48

)

(271

)

 

Cash dividends

 

(31

)

(46

)

(62

)

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

 

 

 

12

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(122

)

(255

)

2,918

 

Exchange rate effect on Cash and Equivalents

 

 

 

12

 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Equivalents

 

294

 

851

 

(1,016

)

Cash and Equivalents at Beginning of Year

 

9

 

303

 

1,154

 

Cash and Equivalents at End of Year

 

$

303

 

1,154

 

138

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

54




Hilton Hotels Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

COMMON STOCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

971

 

997

 

1,010

 

Issuance of common stock

 

 

1

 

1

 

Exercise of stock options

 

26

 

12

 

12

 

Balance at end of year

 

$

997

 

1,010

 

1,023

 

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

970

 

1,086

 

1,158

 

Issuance of common stock

 

(4

)

6

 

(8

)

Exercise of stock options

 

105

 

51

 

51

 

Deferred compensation

 

15

 

15

 

47

 

Balance at end of year

 

$

1,086

 

1,158

 

1,248

 

RETAINED EARNINGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

456

 

689

 

1,125

 

Net income

 

238

 

460

 

572

 

Exercise of stock options

 

26

 

22

 

28

 

Common dividends ($.08, $.12 and $.16 per share, respectively)

 

(31

)

(46

)

(62

)

Balance at end of year

 

$

689

 

1,125

 

1,663

 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

(1

)

(3

)

(11

)

Cash flow hedge adjustment, net of deferred tax

 

7

 

 

 

Cumulative translation adjustment, net of deferred tax

 

 

(1

)

251

 

Change in unrealized gain / loss on marketable securities, net of deferred tax

 

3

 

2

 

(10

)

Minimum pension obligation adjustment, net of deferred tax

 

(12

)

(9

)

32

 

Balance at end of year(1)

 

$

(3

)

(11

)

262

 

TREASURY STOCK, AT COST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

(157

)

(201

)

(471

)

Issuance of common stock

 

4

 

1

 

2

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

(48

)

(271

)

 

Balance at end of year

 

$

(201

)

(471

)

(469

)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

2,239

 

2,568

 

2,811

 

Net income

 

238

 

460

 

572

 

Cash flow hedge adjustment, net of deferred tax

 

7

 

 

 

Cumulative translation adjustment, net of deferred tax

 

 

(1

)

251

 

Change in unrealized gain / loss on marketable securities, net of deferred tax

 

3

 

2

 

(10

)

Minimum pension obligation adjustment, net of deferred tax

 

(12

)

(9

)

32

 

Comprehensive income

 

236

 

452

 

845

 

Issuance of common stock

 

 

8

 

(5

)

Exercise of stock options

 

157

 

85

 

91

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

(48

)

(271

)

 

Deferred compensation

 

15

 

15

 

47

 

Common dividends ($.08, $.12 and $.16 per share, respectively)

 

(31

)

(46

)

(62

)

Balance at end of year

 

$

2,568

 

2,811

 

3,727

 


(1)           At December 31, 2006, accumulated other comprehensive income consists of $250 million of cumulative translation adjustment, $8 million of cumulative adjustments to derivative instruments, $3 million of cumulative minimum pension liability adjustments and $1 million of cumulative unrealized gains on securities.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

55




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ORGANIZATION

Hilton Hotels Corporation is engaged, together with its subsidiaries, in the ownership, management and development of hotels, resorts and timeshare properties and the franchising of lodging properties. We operate in 78 countries and territories and believe we are one of the largest lodging companies in the world. Revenue and income are derived from three reportable segments: Hotel Ownership, Managing and Franchising, and Timeshare.

On February 23, 2006, we acquired the lodging assets of Hilton Group plc (known collectively as “Hilton International” or “HI”) in a business combination accounted for as a purchase (the “HI Acquisition”). Accordingly, our consolidated financial results include the results of Hilton International from the date of acquisition. See “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International” for more information.

NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hilton Hotels Corporation, our wholly owned subsidiaries, variable interest entities where we are the primary beneficiary and entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. The determination of controlling financial interest is based upon the terms of individual joint venture agreements, including evaluation of rights held by other ownership interests. Entities in which we have a controlling financial interest are generally comprised of majority owned joint ventures. All material intercompany transactions are eliminated and net earnings are reduced by the portion of earnings of affiliates applicable to other ownership interests.

Cash and Equivalents

Cash and equivalents include all highly liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash includes cash related to certain consolidated hotels, the use of which is restricted for hotel purposes under the terms of collateralized borrowings, refundable deposits on the sale of timeshare intervals and cash balances held by consolidated non-controlled entities.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are reflected net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $25 million and $31 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. Included in inventories at December 31, 2005 and 2006, are unsold intervals at our timeshare properties of $209 million and $392 million, respectively. The capital expenditures associated with our non-lease timeshare products are reflected as inventory until the timeshare intervals are sold. The company uses the relative sales value method of costing our timeshare sales and relieving inventory in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) 67, “Accounting for Costs and Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects.”

56




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Investments

We maintain investments in unconsolidated affiliates, primarily hotel joint ventures. Investments are accounted for using the equity method when we exercise significant influence over the venture but lack a controlling financial interest, which is determined based upon the terms of individual joint venture agreements, including evaluation of rights held by other ownership interests. Generally, we account for investments using the equity method when we own more than a minimal investment but have no more than a 50% ownership interest. When we have a controlling financial interest in the venture, which is generally when our ownership exceeds 50%, the balance sheet and results of operations are consolidated. We also consolidate variable interest entities when we are the primary beneficiary. Net earnings are reduced by the portion of earnings applicable to other ownership interests. All other investments in unconsolidated affiliates are generally accounted for under the cost method. The hotels in which we own a non-controlling financial interest are an integral component of our hotel ownership segment and are strategically and operationally important to that segment’s results. Therefore, our operating income from unconsolidated affiliates is included as a component of consolidated operating income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable are reflected net of an estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts. For timeshare notes receivable, this estimate is based primarily on historical experience and assumptions with respect to future payment trends. Allowances for uncollectible amounts of other notes receivable, which include notes from managed, franchised and unconsolidated joint venture properties, are estimated based primarily on historical trends and analysis of underlying real estate collateral. Assessment of collateral may include estimates of future cash flow from the underlying real estate. Total notes receivable, including timeshare, totaled $401 million and $479 million, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $24 million and $35 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates and the related gains and losses, net of applicable deferred income taxes, are reflected in stockholders’ equity. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses from foreign exchange rate changes related to intercompany receivables and payables of a long-term nature are generally included in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign exchange rate changes related to intercompany receivables and payables that are not of a long-term nature are reported currently in income and amounted to a net gain of approximately $6 million in 2006. The net gains or losses in 2004 and 2005 were insignificant. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are reported currently in income and amounted to a net gain of approximately $18 million in 2006 and insignificant amounts in 2004 and 2005.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

The carrying value of our long-lived assets are reviewed when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined that an impairment loss has occurred based on the lowest level of identifiable expected future cash flow, then a loss is recognized in the income statement using a fair value based model.

57




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment acquired in acquisitions that were accounted for as purchases are recorded at their estimated fair value as of the date acquired, less accumulated depreciation. Other property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Interest incurred during construction of facilities is capitalized and depreciated over the life of the asset. Costs of improvements are capitalized. These capitalized costs may include structural costs, equipment, fixtures and floor and wall coverings. Costs of normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the asset life or lease term. The estimated useful lives of assets are generally 40 years for buildings and three to eight years for building improvements and furniture and equipment. Depreciation expense, including depreciation of assets recorded under capital leases, for 2004, 2005 and 2006 was $271 million, $247 million and $324 million, respectively.

Amortizable Intangible Assets

Management and franchise contracts acquired in acquisitions that were accounted for as purchases are recorded at the estimated present value of net cash flow expected to be received over the lives of the contracts. This value is amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining contract lives. Costs incurred to acquire individual management and franchise contracts are amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the respective contract. Accumulated amortization of management and franchise contracts totaled $227 million and $291 million at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

Leases acquired in acquisitions that were accounted for as purchases are recorded at the estimated present value of net cash flow expected to be received over the lives of the lease agreements. This value is amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining lease terms. Accumulated amortization of leases totaled $23 million and $41 million at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets is expected to be $121 million, $115 million, $107 million, $101 million and $97 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 through 2011, respectively.

Brands

The brand names of hotels acquired in acquisitions that were accounted for as purchases are assigned a fair market value. To arrive at a value for each brand name, an estimation is made of the amount of royalty income that could be generated from the brand name if it was licensed to an independent third-party owner. The resulting cash flow is discounted back using the estimated weighted-average cost of capital for each respective brand name. We account for brands in accordance with FAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which requires that intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but are reviewed annually for impairment.

58




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. We account for goodwill in accordance with FAS 142, which requires that goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed annually for impairment. During 2006, the amount of goodwill increased by $2.49 billion due to an addition of approximately $2.33 billion as a result of the HI Acquisition (see “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International”) and a $176 million increase due to foreign exchange rate movements, partially offset by a $10 million decrease resulting from the sale of the Pointe Hilton Tapitio Cliffs (see “Note 5: Acquisitions and Dispositions”).

Derivative Instruments

We have an outstanding swap agreement which qualifies for hedge accounting as a cash flow hedge of a foreign currency denominated liability. The gain or loss on the change in fair value of the derivative is included in earnings to the extent it offsets the earnings impact of changes in fair value of the hedged obligation. Any difference is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity.

We have an interest rate swap on certain fixed rate senior notes which qualifies as a fair value hedge. This derivative impacts earnings to the extent of increasing or decreasing actual interest expense on the hedged notes to simulate a floating interest rate. Changes in the fair value of the derivative are offset by an adjustment to the value of the hedged notes.

We have three tranches of long-term debt denominated in foreign currencies which qualify as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of our net investment in foreign operations acquired as part of the HI Acquisition. The gains or losses on the long-term debt are included in accumulated other comprehensive income as part of the cumulative translation adjustment to the extent that the instruments are effective as a hedge. The net loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income related to our net investment hedge totaled $254 million at December 31, 2006. The gains or losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are relieved when we substantially exit foreign operations in a market covered by our hedging instruments.

We assess on a quarterly basis the effectiveness of our hedges in offsetting the variability in the cash flow or fair values of the hedged assets or obligations. There were no amounts recognized or reclassified into earnings for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 or 2006 due to hedge ineffectiveness or due to excluding from the assessment of effectiveness any component of the derivatives.

We enter into short-term foreign currency forward and swap agreements in the normal course of business to hedge certain of our cash flows from foreign operations. The gains or losses on the hedging instruments are largely offset by gains or losses on the underlying asset or liability. At December 31, 2006, the notional amount of our foreign currency hedging instruments is approximately $72 million. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

59




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

In August 2004, January 2006 and December 2006, we entered into derivative contracts relating to our investment in a synthetic fuel facility effective for the calendar years ending December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. These contracts covered 2.5 million, 1.85 million, and 2.0 million barrels of oil, respectively. The contracts involved two call options that provide for net cash settlement at expiration based on the effective full year average trading price of oil in relation to the strike price of the options. The call prices of the options were $55 and $68 per barrel for 2005, $68.50 and $72.50 per barrel for 2006 and $72 and $76 per barrel for 2007. If the average price of oil in the effective year was less than the low call price per barrel, the derivative will yield no payment. If the average price of oil exceeds the low call price per barrel, the derivative will yield a payment equal to the excess of the average price over the low call price per barrel, up to a maximum price per barrel of the high call price per barrel. The purpose of these transactions is to provide economic protection against increases in oil prices that could limit or eliminate the amount of tax credits available under Section 45K of the Internal Revenue Code to the point of a negative return on our investment. The strike prices of the two options for each year are intended to approximate the price ranges under which the expected tax credits could be reduced to an amount which no longer covered our after-tax production costs for the respective calendar years. These agreements do not qualify for hedge accounting and, as a result, changes in the fair value of the derivative agreements are reflected in earnings. Results in 2004, 2005 and 2006 include a pre-tax loss of $1 million, a pre-tax gain of $3 million, and a pre-tax loss of $3 million, respectively, resulting from changes in the market value of the derivative contracts. These amounts are included in net other (loss) gain in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Concurrent with the announcement of our agreement to acquire HI in December 2005 (see “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International”), we entered into foreign currency options to mitigate the risk associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates on our agreement to fund the acquisition price in British Pounds. These options, which were sold in the 2006 first quarter, were purchased for a total of approximately $54 million and covered approximately £2.3 billion. These derivatives included options to purchase British Pounds with U.S. dollars and Euros. As of December 31, 2005, the options had a carrying value of approximately $44 million and were reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet in other current assets. These foreign currency options did not qualify for hedge accounting and, as a result, changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments were reflected in earnings. Results in 2005 include a pre-tax loss of $10 million which is reflected in net other (loss) gain in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Unamortized Loan Costs

Debt discount and issuance costs incurred in connection with the placement of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the lives of the related debt using the effective interest method. These balances are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

60




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Self-Insurance

We are self-insured for various levels of general liability, workers’ compensation and employee medical and dental insurance coverage at our owned locations. Managed properties may be required to participate in certain of the programs where we are the employer of the employees at the hotel. Managed properties may also elect to participate in our self-insured liability insurance program. We purchase insurance coverage for claim amounts which exceed our self-insured retentions. Depending on the type of insurance, these self-insured retentions range from $250,000 to $500,000 per occurrence in the U.S. and approximately $2,000 to $500,000 internationally. Our self-insurance reserves are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses (current portion) and insurance reserves and other (long-term portion) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Our self-insurance reserves totaled $146 million and $156 million at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

Our insurance reserves are accrued based on estimates of the ultimate cost of claims expected to occur during the covered period. These estimates are prepared with the assistance of outside actuaries and consultants. Our actuaries periodically review the volume and amount of claims activity, and based upon their findings, we adjust our insurance reserves accordingly. The ultimate cost of claims for a covered period may differ from our original estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is generally recognized as services are performed. Owned and leased hotel revenue represents primarily room rentals and food and beverage sales from owned, majority owned and leased hotels.

Management fees represent fees earned from hotels managed by us, usually under long-term contracts with the hotel owner. Management fees include a base fee, which is generally a percentage of hotel revenue, and an incentive fee, which is generally based on a fixed or variable percent of hotel profits after a stated return threshold to the owner. We recognize base fees as revenue when earned in accordance with the terms of the contract. In interim periods we recognize the incentive fees that would be due if the contract were terminated at the end of the interim period.

Franchise fees represent fees received in connection with the licensing of our brand names, usually under long-term contracts with the hotel owner. Depending on the brand, we charge franchise royalty fees of up to five percent of room revenue. We recognize fee revenue as earned, in accordance with FAS 45, “Accounting for Franchise Fee Revenue.”

Timeshare and other income primarily consists of earnings from our timeshare operations. Timeshare revenue is generated primarily from the sale and financing of timeshare intervals and operating timeshare resorts. We recognize revenue from deeded timeshare sales in accordance with FAS 66, “Accounting for Real Estate Sales.” Sales are included in revenue when a minimum of a 10 percent down payment has been received, certain minimum sales thresholds have been attained, the purchaser’s period to cancel for a refund has expired and the related receivable is deemed to be collectible. We defer revenue recognition for sales that do not meet these criteria. During periods of construction, profits from timeshare sales are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method. Our Hilton City Club timeshare product is accounted for as a long-term lease with a reversionary interest rather than the sale of a deeded interest in real estate. Hilton City Club sales revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

61




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Timeshare and other income also includes revenue generated by the incidental support of hotel operations and the recognition of deferred gains on asset sales. We account for the sale of real estate in accordance with FAS 66. To the extent we realize gains from the sale of real estate and maintain significant continuing involvement in the form of a long-term management contract, the gain is deferred and recognized in revenue over the term of the contract. The deferral of pre-tax gains on such sales totaled $5 million, $236 million and $5 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Results in 2004, 2005 and 2006 include the recognition of pre-tax deferred gains totaling $15 million, $23 million and $38 million, respectively. The deferral of gain recognition is dependent on the structure of individual sale transactions.

We incur certain reimbursable costs on behalf of managed hotel properties and franchisees. We report reimbursements received from managed properties and franchisees as revenue and the costs incurred on their behalf as expenses. These costs, which relate primarily to payroll costs at managed properties where we are the employer, are included in other revenue and expenses from managed and franchised properties in the consolidated statements of income. Since the reimbursements are made based upon the costs incurred with no added margin, the presentation of these reimbursable costs has no effect on our operating income, total or per share net income, cash flow or financial position.

Hilton HHonors

Hilton HHonors is a guest loyalty program operated by Hilton HHonors Worldwide, LLC (“HHW”), a wholly owned and consolidated subsidiary as of December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2005, HHW was a 50% joint venture accounted for under the equity method of accounting as we exercised significant influence over the operation of HHW but lacked a controlling financial interest. As part of the HI Acquisition, we acquired the remaining 50% ownership interest. The HHonors program is operated for the benefit of our family of brands worldwide.

Members of the HHonors program earn points based on their spending at most of the hotel properties operated and franchised by us. HHW accumulates and tracks points on the member’s behalf and fulfills awards upon request. Points can be redeemed for hotel stays at participating properties and for a variety of other awards such as airline tickets, cruises and car rentals.

HHonors is provided as a guest loyalty program to participating hotels. HHW charges the cost of operating the program, including the estimated cost of award redemptions, to participating hotels based on members’ qualifying expenditures. These charges do not include a markup or profit element. Our owned hotels record our share of program costs when qualified members stay at our owned hotels. When the members redeem awards at our hotels, our owned hotels recognize revenue for reward stays.

We use outside actuaries to assist in determining the fair value of the future award redemption obligation based on statistical formulas which project future point redemptions based on factors including historical experience, an estimate of points that will never be redeemed, an estimate of the points that will eventually be redeemed and the cost of reimbursing hotels and other third parties in respect to other redemption opportunities available to members. These estimates are used to determine the required liability for outstanding points.

The total liability recorded for outstanding points as of December 31, 2006 was $421 million. Approximately $126 million is classified as current and is recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets. The remaining $295 million is long-term and is recorded in insurance reserves and other in our consolidated balance sheets.

62




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for 2004, 2005 and 2006 were 384 million, 383 million and 385 million, respectively. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted. The dilutive effect of stock-based compensation and convertible securities increased the weighted average number of common shares by 34 million in 2004 and 2005 and 35 million in 2006. In addition, the increase to net income resulting from interest on convertible securities assumed to have not been paid for use in calculating diluted EPS was approximately $12 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from our estimates and assumptions.

Reclassifications

The consolidated financial statements for prior years reflect certain reclassifications to conform with classifications adopted in 2006. These classifications have no effect on net income.

New Accounting Standards

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FAS 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” which eliminates the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and generally requires that such transactions be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative. FAS 123(R) also requires that the tax benefit associated with these share-based payments be classified as financing activities in the statement of cash flow rather than operating activities. We adopted FAS 123(R) effective January 1, 2006 (see “Note 4: Stock-Based Compensation” for a detailed discussion).

As permitted by FAS 123(R), we previously accounted for share-based payments to employees using APB 25’s intrinsic value method and, as such, generally recognized no compensation expense for employee stock options. Had we adopted FAS 123(R) in prior periods, the impact of the standard would have approximated the impact of FAS 123(R) as described in the disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per share (see “Note 4: Stock-Based Compensation”).

63




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

In December 2004, the FASB issued FAS 152, “Accounting for Real Estate Time-Sharing Transactions.” FAS 152 amends existing accounting guidance to reference the financial accounting and reporting guidance for real estate time-sharing transactions provided in AICPA Statement of Position 04-02, “Accounting for Real Estate Time-Sharing Transactions.” FAS 152 is effective for our financial statements issued after January 1, 2006. The new accounting guidance requires, among other things, that costs incurred to sell timeshare units generally be charged to expense as incurred, including indirect sales and marketing expenses. The new standard also requires a change in the classification of certain items previously reported as expenses, requiring these items to be reflected as reductions of revenue. The new classifications have not affected timeshare operating income, and the timeshare segment operating margin has improved.

FAS 152 also impacts the timing of expense recognition when pre-sales of projects under construction occur and we use the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. We were previously allowed to defer sales and marketing expenses in the same proportion as the deferred revenue during construction. FAS 152 allows only the deferral of “direct” sales and marketing expenses. This results in earlier recognition of sales and marketing expenses during the construction period but does not impact the total sales and marketing expenses recognized. This change has not materially affected reported results in 2006.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), to clarify the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Effective January 1, 2007, FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The adoption of FIN 48 is not expected to result in a material adjustment to retained earnings.

In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” FAS 157 defines fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the disclosures required for fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require fair value measurements; it does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We do not expect this statement will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.

In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.” FAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability, respectively, in its balance sheet and to recognize changes in that funded status as unrealized gain or loss through accumulated other comprehensive income when the changes occur. FAS 158 also requires an employer to measure its defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end. FAS 158 is effective for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2006 (see “Note 15: Employee Benefit Plans”).

64




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

The incremental pre-tax effect of adopting FAS 158 in our consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

 

Before Adopting

 

Adjustments to

 

After Adopting

 

 

 

FAS 158

 

Adopt FAS 158

 

FAS 158

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

 

$

11

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

28

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance reserves and other

 

 

(81

)

 

 

6

 

 

 

(75

)

 

Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss

 

 

17

 

 

 

(23

)

 

 

(6

)

 

 

The separate pre-tax adjustments of retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from adopting FAS 158 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

Adjustments to

 

Comprehensive

 

(Income)

 

 

 

Adopt FAS 158

 

(Income)

 

Loss

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

47

 

 

Decrease in additional minimum liability included in
accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

(30

)

 

 

(30

)

 

Adjustments to adopt FAS 158

 

 

(23

)

 

 

 

 

 

(23

)

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(6

)

 

 

NOTE 3:  PURCHASE OF HILTON INTERNATIONAL

On December 29, 2005, we announced an agreement to acquire HI for approximately £3.3 billion, equivalent to approximately $5.7 billion on the transaction date, excluding acquisition costs. On February 23, 2006, we completed the acquisition of the lodging assets of Hilton Group plc in an all-cash transaction (the “HI Acquisition”). The HI properties that we acquired consisted of 392 hotels with approximately 102,000 rooms, including 39 owned, 201 leased, four partially owned through joint ventures, 118 managed and 30 franchised properties. The hotels we acquired in the HI Acquisition consisted of 249 properties operated under the Hilton brand, 131 properties operated under the mid-market Scandic brand, one property operated under the Conrad brand and 11 other properties. We also acquired 80 LivingWell health clubs, primarily in Europe, and six timeshare properties. As a result of the HI Acquisition, we now wholly own the Hilton HHonors Worldwide frequent guest program and the Hilton Reservations Worldwide reservation system, both of which were previously owned equally by us and HI. We also obtained worldwide ownership of the luxury Conrad hotel brand, which had been operated as a joint venture between us and HI since 2002. As a result of the HI Acquisition, we now own all the rights to the Hilton and Conrad brands, including the right to develop these brands, along with all of our other proprietary brands, on a worldwide basis. Results of operations in 2006 include the income of the acquired properties from February 23, 2006.

65




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

In order to fund the HI Acquisition, we used approximately $867 million of cash and equivalents and borrowed approximately $4.8 billion under new senior credit facilities with a syndicate of financial institutions (see “Note 11: Long-Term Debt”). The aggregate cash consideration for the HI Acquisition is as follows:

 

 

(in millions)

 

Payment to Hilton Group plc from cash on hand

 

 

$

867

 

 

Payment to Hilton Group plc from new senior credit facilities

 

 

4,809

 

 

Total consideration paid to Hilton Group plc

 

 

5,676

 

 

Direct acquisition costs

 

 

85

 

 

Total

 

 

$

5,761

 

 

 

Allocation of Purchase Price

FAS 141, “Business Combinations,” requires that the total purchase price be allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the acquisition date. In valuing acquired assets and assumed liabilities, fair values are based on factors including, but not limited to, quoted market prices, expected future cash flows, current replacement costs, market rate assumptions and appropriate discount and growth rates.

Under the purchase method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of Hilton International were recorded at their respective fair values as of the date of the acquisition. Subsequent to the acquisition date, we reduced the preliminary goodwill balance by approximately $389 million reflecting adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocations of certain items including property and equipment, amortizable intangible assets, brands, deferred income taxes and other assets and liabilities to reflect revised fair values. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Current assets, including $467 in cash and equivalents

 

 

$

961

 

 

Property and equipment

 

 

2,911

 

 

Amortizable intangible assets

 

 

963

 

 

Brands

 

 

1,741

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

2,328

 

 

Other assets

 

 

310

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

(1,269

)

 

Long-term debt, including capital lease obligations

 

 

(612

)

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(1,282

)

 

Other liabilities

 

 

(290

)

 

 

 

 

$

5,761

 

 

 

66




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Pro Forma Financial Information

The following pro forma consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 assume that the HI Acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2005:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

(in millions,
except per share 
amounts)

 

Total revenue

 

$

8,333

 

8,675

 

Net income

 

$

454

 

552

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

1.12

 

1.34

 

 

The pro forma amounts represent the historical operating results of Hilton Hotels Corporation and HI with adjustments for purchase price allocation and for translation from International Financial Reporting Standards to United States GAAP.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Acquired

Goodwill resulting from the HI Acquisition totaled approximately $2.33 billion. We do not expect any of the goodwill to be tax deductible. Goodwill has been assigned to our segments as follows:  Hotel Ownership - $1.35 billion; and Managing and Franchising - $976 million. We also have an intangible asset relating to the brand names acquired in the HI Acquisition totaling $1.74 billion as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and brands are considered to have an indefinite life and are not amortized, but rather are reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.

Intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization acquired in the HI Acquisition are as follows:

 

 

 

 

Weighted-Average

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Amortization Period

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

(in years)

 

Leases

 

 

$

263

 

 

 

25

 

 

Management contracts

 

 

648

 

 

 

20

 

 

Franchise contracts

 

 

52

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

$

963

 

 

 

21

 

 

 

NOTE 4:  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

As of December 31, 2006, we maintained the 2004 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (“2004 Plan”) which provides for the grant of options, stock units, performance units and other stock-based awards. In addition, we maintained three stock plans with substantially identical terms that provide for the grant of options. At December 31, 2006, there are approximately 21 million shares available for issuance under the 2004 Plan and no authorized shares remaining available for grant under the other three stock plans.

67




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted FAS 123(R). In accordance with the modified prospective transition method of FAS 123(R), financial results for prior periods have not been restated. We recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, taking into consideration the applicable estimated forfeiture rates. Compensation expense associated with performance units is subject to adjustments for changes in estimates relating to whether the performance objective will be achieved (see Restricted Stock Units below). Total pre-tax compensation expense included in net income was $10 million, $22 million and $46 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. The adoption of FAS 123(R) resulted in incremental pre-tax expense of $16 million ($10 million, net of tax) for 2006. The impact to both basic and diluted EPS was $.03 and $.02 for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the impact to basic and diluted EPS, was $.03 and $.02, respectively.

Prior to the adoption of FAS 123(R), benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation costs were reported as operating cash flows. FAS 123(R) requires that excess tax benefits be reported as a financing cash inflow rather than as a reduction of taxes paid. Such amounts totaled $12 million for 2006. As of December 31, 2006, there was $73 million of unrecognized compensation cost which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 23 months.

Prior to January 1, 2006, we applied APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations in accounting for our stock-based compensation plans. Compensation cost for stock units and performance units awarded in 2004 and 2005 is being expensed over the respective vesting periods and is included in net income. No compensation cost related to stock option awards was reflected in net income for the periods prior to 2006, as all stock options had an exercise price greater than or equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

Had the expense for all forms of our stock-based compensation been determined using the fair value based method defined in FAS 123(R), our net income and net income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated as follows:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Net income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

 

$

238

 

 

 

460

 

 

 

572

 

 

Add back: Compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax

 

 

6

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

28

 

 

Deduct: Fair-value compensation expense for all awards, net of tax

 

 

(18

)

 

 

(23

)

 

 

(28

)

 

As adjusted

 

 

$

226

 

 

 

451

 

 

 

572

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

 

$

.62

 

 

 

1.20

 

 

 

1.49

 

 

As adjusted

 

 

$

.59

 

 

 

1.18

 

 

 

1.49

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

 

$

.60

 

 

 

1.13

 

 

 

1.39

 

 

As adjusted

 

 

$

.57

 

 

 

1.11

 

 

 

1.39

 

 

 

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $67 million, $48 million and $68 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock units vested was $8 million and $15 million for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively. No restricted stock units vested in 2004.

68




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Stock Options

Options may be granted to salaried officers, directors and other key employees to purchase our common stock at not less than the fair market value at the date of grant. Generally, options vest over a four year period, contingent upon continued employment, and remain outstanding for ten years from the date of grant. Options are generally exercisable in installments commencing one year after the date of grant.

We granted 400,000 and 2,530,165 stock options in 2005 and 2006 with weighted-average exercise prices of $22.19 and $25.35 per share, respectively, and estimated weighted-average grant date fair values of approximately $13.12 and $13.44 per share, respectively. No options were granted in 2004. Cash received from options exercised under all share-based payment arrangements in 2006 was $63 million. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from options exercised was $26 million, $22 million and $28 million for 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

The fair values of the options granted in 2005 and 2006 were estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

Dividend yield

 

1.0

%

0.7

%

Expected volatility

 

55.0

%

55.0

%

Weighted-average risk-free interest rate

 

4.1

%

4.5

%

Expected term of option (in years)

 

8

 

6

 

 

Volatility is based on historical information with terms consistent with the expected life of our non-qualified stock options. The risk-free rate is based on the quoted treasury yield curve at the time of grant, with terms consistent with the expected life of our non-qualified stock options. The dividend yield is based on the annual dividend payment of $0.12 and $0.16 per share for 2005 and 2006, respectively.

A summary of stock option activity under our equity plans for the year ended December 31, 2006 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

Remaining

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

Average Exercise

 

Contractual

 

Intrinsic

 

Option Activity

 

 

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Term

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(years)

 

(in millions)

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

 

16,896,920

 

 

 

$

14.52

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

2,530,165

 

 

 

25.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

(4,834,204

)

 

 

13.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(177,043

)

 

 

18.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

(15,000

)

 

 

18.66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

 

14,400,838

 

 

 

16.87

 

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

$

265

 

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2006

 

 

8,186,604

 

 

 

12.31

 

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

$

188

 

 

 

69




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

At December 31, 2006, outstanding stock options issued under our stock plans are as follows:

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

Number

 

Remaining

 

Average

 

Number

 

Average

 

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding

 

Contractual Life

 

Exercise Price

 

Exercisable

 

Exercise Price

 

$  6.65 –   9.81

 

 

787,842

 

 

 

3.0

 

 

 

$

9.16

 

 

 

787,842

 

 

 

$

9.16

 

 

11.18 – 13.40

 

 

7,619,726

 

 

 

5.3

 

 

 

11.93

 

 

 

6,255,142

 

 

 

11.94

 

 

13.95 – 20.56

 

 

1,143,620

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

16.52

 

 

 

1,143,620

 

 

 

16.52

 

 

22.19 – 27.53

 

 

4,849,650

 

 

 

9.1

 

 

 

25.98

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.65 – 27.53

 

 

14,400,838

 

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

16.87

 

 

 

8,186,604

 

 

 

12.31

 

 

 

A summary of unvested options as of December 31, 2006 and the changes during the year then ended is as follows:

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

Average Grant

 

Unvested Option Activity

 

 

 

Shares

 

Date Fair Value

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

 

6,796,688

 

 

 

$

4.97

 

 

Granted

 

 

2,530,165

 

 

 

13.44

 

 

Vested

 

 

(2,935,576

)

 

 

8.35

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(177,043

)

 

 

4.18

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

 

6,214,234

 

 

 

8.70

 

 

 

Restricted Stock Units

During 2004, 2005 and 2006, we awarded restricted stock under our 2004 Plan in the form of time-based units (“TBU”) and performance-based units (“PBU”). TBU awards generally vest annually in a straight-line method over four years. PBU awards have a performance and vesting period established by our Compensation Committee, which was three years for the PBUs granted in 2004, 2005 and 2006. PBUs are payable from 0% to 150% of the target amount depending upon on the level of achievement of performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. Compensation expense for the TBU and PBU awards is measured at the fair value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and is adjusted for estimated forfeitures. Compensation expense associated with the PBU awards is also subject to adjustments for changes in estimates relating to the achievement of the established performance goals.

In 2004, we granted 1,560,670 TBUs and 765,309 PBUs, both with grant date fair values of approximately $17.37 per share.

In 2005, we granted 1,272,313 TBUs and 810,749 PBUs (the “Original 2005 PBUs”), both with a grant date fair value of approximately $22.19 per share.  On March 31, 2006, the Compensation Committee determined that, in light of the HI Acquisition on February 23, 2006, the performance goals established for the Original 2005 PBUs were no longer appropriate because they do not take into account the impact of the HI Acquisition on the performance of the new combined company. Accordingly, to encourage retention and to better align compensation incentives with the performance of the new combined company, the Compensation Committee issued new grants under the 2004 Plan consisting of PBUs, TBUs and stock options to all of the recipients of the Original 2005 PBU grants, as described in the table below (the “Special Grants”).

70




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

With respect to the Special Grants, the PBUs have a performance and vesting period ending on December 31, 2007, and the TBUs and stock options vest in full on January 5, 2008. On March 31, 2006, the Compensation Committee cancelled the Original 2005 PBUs, except for grants made to certain executive officers. With respect to those executive officers, following the December 31, 2007 simultaneous close of the performance periods for both the Original 2005 PBUs and the PBU portion of the Special Grants, the Compensation Committee will assess our overall performance in relation to the performance objectives established for the Original 2005 PBUs and the PBU portion of the Special Grants and the individual performance of each holder of those units and determine what payment is warranted based on such performance. The Compensation Committee believes that the amount payable with respect to the Original 2005 PBUs based on actual performance will be minimal or zero at the end of the full performance period. However, in the unlikely event that any amount becomes payable with respect to the Original 2005 PBUs, the Compensation Committee may nevertheless exercise its discretionary authority under the Original 2005 PBUs and the PBU portion of the Special Grants to reduce the amount payable thereunder so that the total compensation paid to each holder reflects the Compensation Committee’s intent with regard to appropriate pay-for-performance under both grants and remains fair and reasonable in light of both company and individual performance over the period.

In the first quarter 2006, we granted 2,845,001 TBUs and 910,272 PBUs with weighted-average grant date fair values of approximately $23.69 and $24.30 per share, respectively. The TBUs vest in full on January 5, 2009 and the PBUs have a performance and vesting period ending on December 31, 2008. On March 31, 2006, the Compensation Committee adjusted the 2006 PBU grants for all recipients as follows: (i) the target number of PBUs granted to each recipient was reduced by 50%; and (ii) each recipient received a nonqualified stock option grant under the 2004 Plan at a fair market value exercise price of $25.53, which vests in three equal annual installments on January 5 of each of 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The changes to the original 2005 and 2006 PBU awards are as follows:

Original 2005 PBU Grants

 

Special Grants

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

Average Grant

 

 

 

 

 

Average Grant

 

 

 

 

 

Date Fair

 

 

 

 

 

Date Fair

 

Type

 

 

 

Units

 

Value

 

Type

 

Units

 

Value

 

PBU

 

 

810,749

 

 

 

$

22.19

 

 

 

TBU

 

 

 

253,295

 

 

 

$

25.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PBU

 

 

 

253,295

 

 

 

25.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

 

 

759,884

 

 

 

13.56

 

 

 

Original 2006 PBU Grants

 

Adjusted 2006 Grants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

Average Grant

 

 

 

 

 

Average Grant

 

 

 

 

 

Date Fair

 

 

 

 

 

Date Fair

 

Type

 

 

 

Units

 

Value

 

Type

 

Units

 

Value

 

PBU

 

 

910,272

 

 

 

$

24.30

 

 

 

PBU

 

 

 

456,761

 

 

 

$

25.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

 

 

1,370,281

 

 

 

13.56

 

 

 

Total incremental cost resulting from the grants made on March 31, 2006 is expected to be approximately $13 million, expensed over 33 months from the date of grant. As a result of the modification, we recognized additional compensation expense of approximately $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.

In the third quarter of 2006, we granted 13,540 TBUs with a grant date fair value of $27.76 per share.

71




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

A summary of the activity of TBUs and PBUs granted under our 2004 Plan for the year ended December 31, 2006 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

Average Grant

 

 

 

Units

 

Date Fair Value

 

TBUs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

 

2,330,078

 

 

 

$

19.84

 

 

Granted

 

 

3,111,836

 

 

 

23.86

 

 

Vested

 

 

(639,402

)

 

 

19.62

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(317,764

)

 

 

21.27

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

 

4,484,748

 

 

 

22.56

 

 

PBUs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

 

1,519,907

 

 

 

$

19.84

 

 

Granted

 

 

1,620,328

 

 

 

24.84

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(89,774

)

 

 

20.83

 

 

Cancelled

 

 

(1,459,871

)

 

 

23.50

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

 

1,590,590

 

 

 

21.51

 

 

 

Supplemental Retention and Retirement Plan

We also provide supplemental retirement benefits to eligible senior officers in the form of stock units that settle in shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. The compensation expense associated with the benefits is expensed over the four-year vesting period. At December 31, 2006, an insignificant amount of stock units remain unvested. The pre-tax compensation expense under these plans was $4 million, $1 million  and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

NOTE 5:  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

We consider properties to be held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan to actively market a property for sale, executes a formal sales contract, allows the buyer to complete its due diligence review and receives a non-refundable deposit. Until necessary approvals have been received and substantive conditions to the buyer’s obligation to perform have been satisfied, we do not consider a sale to be probable.

Upon designation as an asset held for sale, we review the carrying value of the property and, as appropriate, adjust the value to the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value less estimated cost to sell, and we stop recording depreciation expense.

To the extent we realize a gain from the sale of real estate and maintain significant continuing involvement in the form of a long-term management contract, the gain is deferred and recognized in revenue over the term of the contract. The deferral of pre-tax gains on such sales totaled $5 million, $236 million and $5 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Results for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 include the recognition of pre-tax deferred gains totaling $15 million, $23 million and $38 million, respectively.

72




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Fiscal Year 2006 Transactions

In the first quarter of 2006, we acquired the long-term management contracts for the Hilton Anatole, in Dallas, Texas; the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa in Maui, Hawaii; the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona; and the La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, California.

On February 23, 2006, we completed the acquisition of the lodging assets of Hilton Group plc operated by its subsidiary, Hilton International Co., for approximately £3.3 billion, equivalent to approximately $5.7 billion on the transaction date, excluding acquisition costs, in an all-cash transaction (see “Note 3:  Purchase of Hilton International”).

In March 2006, we completed the sale of two wholly owned hotels. The Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs in Arizona was sold for cash of approximately $85 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of approximately $33 million. The sale of the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs resulted in a reduction in our consolidated goodwill balance of approximately $10 million. The Hilton Minneapolis in Minnesota was sold for cash of approximately $92 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of approximately $5 million. We have retained long-term management agreements on both of the aforementioned properties. In addition to the sales of these wholly owned hotels, we sold our minority interest in the Hilton Times Square in New York, a joint venture property, for cash of approximately $27 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $11 million.

In May 2006, in connection with the sale of the Hilton Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, we received cash of approximately $17 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $8 million. The hotel will continue to operate as a Hilton-branded property under the terms of a 20-year franchise agreement. In addition, we sold our minority interest in the Embassy Suites Hotel San Diego-La Jolla in California, a joint venture property, for cash of approximately $5 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of approximately $2 million.

In the three months ended September 30, 2006, we sold certain assets acquired as part of the HI Acquisition. The assets sold include the Hilton Toronto Airport, the Hilton Toronto Downtown, the Hilton Quebec City, the Hilton Montreal Airport and the Hilton Saint John, all in Canada; the Wembley hotel in the United Kingdom; the stand alone LivingWell health clubs; and the leasehold in the Drake Hotel in Chicago. We have retained multi-year management agreements on all of these dispositions except for LivingWell. Proceeds totaled a U.S. dollar equivalent of approximately $467 million as of the transaction dates. No gains or losses have been recognized in earnings related to the sale of assets previously acquired as part of the HI Acquisition. In accordance with FAS 141, the preliminary purchase price allocation has been adjusted to reflect revised fair values based on the sales transactions, with the differences between the preliminary and final valuations reflected in goodwill (see “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International”).

In October 2006, we sold our minority interest in the Embassy Battery Park in New York, a joint venture property, for cash of approximately $35 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $22 million. We maintain a long-term franchise contract on this property.

In November 2006, we completed the sale of two wholly owned hotels. The Hilton London Metropole and the Hilton Birmingham Metropole were sold for cash of a U.S. dollar equivalent of approximately $814 million as of the transaction date. We have retained long-term management agreements on both of the aforementioned properties. No gains or losses have been recognized in earnings related to the sale of assets previously acquired as part of the HI Acquisition in accordance with FAS 141.

73




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

The $72 million net other gain in our consolidated statements of income for 2006 also includes $33 million of gains on settlement recoveries related to mold found in certain areas of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in 2002, a $24 million gain on sales of certain marketable securities, a $17 million net gain from insurance proceeds related to Hurricane Katrina (see “Note 19: Insurance Recoveries”), a $3 million pre-tax loss on derivative instruments based on their market value at December 31, 2006 (see “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Derivative Instruments”), a $3 million loss on the termination of various management and franchise contracts to which we had value assigned, and $3 million in other net gains.

We have engaged Eastdil Secured, LLC to act as our broker for the sale or financing of certain of our owned hotels. Fees earned by Eastdil related to owned hotels in 2005 and 2006 were approximately $million and $2 million, respectively. Benjamin V. Lambert, a director of our company, is Chairman of Eastdil.

Fiscal Year 2005 Transactions

In the 2005 first quarter, we sold the Hilton Tarrytown in New York for cash of approximately $9 million. The sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $5 million. After the sale, the hotel was converted to a Doubletree under a long-term franchise agreement.

In April 2005, we completed the sale of the Red Lion Austin in Texas for cash of approximately $6 million. As the purchase price approximated our carrying value, no gain or loss was recorded on the sale. In May 2005, we completed the sale of two Homewood Suites by Hilton properties for total cash of approximately $17 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of approximately $1 million. We continue to manage both hotels under long-term management agreements.

In the second quarter of 2005, we completed two transactions whereby we acquired land on Hawaii’s Big Island. The first transaction occurred in April 2005 involving the acquisition of 62 acres of land on which the Hilton Waikoloa Village is located. The purchase price for this transaction was approximately $115 million. We had previously leased the land pursuant to an agreement expiring in 2061. In May 2005, we completed the second transaction whereby we acquired 112 acres of undeveloped land located within the Waikoloa Beach Resort for approximately $65 million.

In June 2005, we completed the sale of seven wholly owned and one majority owned hotel. The Hilton Suites Phoenix in Arizona, Hilton Suites Anaheim in California and Embassy Suites Cleveland-Beachwood in Ohio were sold for cash totaling approximately $72 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain totaling approximately $16 million. Each of the hotels continues to operate under long-term franchise agreements. In addition, we continue to manage the Hilton Suites Phoenix under a long-term management agreement. A pre-tax gain totaling approximately $13 million on the Hilton Suites Phoenix has been deferred, due to our continuing involvement in management of the hotel, and is being recognized over the life of the five-year management contract retained on this property. These three properties were sold to the RLJ Urban Lodging Fund, a hotel investment fund created by RLJ Development, LLC (“RLJ”). Robert L. Johnson was a director of the Company and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RLJ at the time of the sale. In addition, we have a limited partnership interest in the RLJ Urban Lodging Fund totaling approximately $13 million at December 31, 2005, which is accounted for as a cost basis investment.

74




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

The Doubletree Bellevue in Washington was sold in June 2005 for approximately $49 million in cash, resulting in a pre-tax loss of approximately $13 million. The Hilton Suites Brentwood in Tennessee was sold for approximately $6 million in cash, resulting in a pre-tax loss of approximately $5 million. The Hilton Alexandria in Virginia was sold for cash of approximately $93 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $37 million, and the Hilton Charlotte in North Carolina was sold for cash of approximately $56 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $5 million. The sale of the Hilton Charlotte resulted in a reduction in our consolidated goodwill balance of approximately $3 million. We have retained long-term franchise agreements on each of the aforementioned properties.

Also in June 2005, we sold the majority owned Hilton Glendale in California for cash of approximately $80 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $30 million. Amounts attributable to the minority partner, totaling approximately $7 million on a pre-tax basis, are reflected in the consolidated statements of income, net of tax, in minority and non-controlled interests, net. We have retained a long-term franchise agreement on the hotel.

In addition to the sales of wholly owned and majority owned hotels, we sold our minority or non-controlling interests in five joint venture hotel properties in the second quarter. Proceeds totaled approximately $26 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $6 million.

In July 2005, we sold the Hilton East Brunswick in New Jersey for cash of approximately $43 million. Results in 2005 include an impairment charge of $2 million to reduce this asset to its fair market value. We managed the hotel on a short-term basis and retain a long-term franchise agreement. Also in July 2005, we sold our minority interests in eight joint venture hotels. Proceeds totaled approximately $2 million. Results for the year ended December 31, 2005 include an impairment charge of $3 million to reduce the joint venture investment to its fair market value.

In August 2005, we sold the Palmer House Hilton in Illinois for cash of approximately $230 million. We continue to manage the Palmer House Hilton under a long-term management agreement. A pre-tax gain totaling approximately $168 million has been deferred, due to our continuing involvement in management of the hotel, and will be recognized over the ten-year life of the management contract retained on this property.

In October 2005, we sold the Hilton Boston Back Bay in Massachusetts for cash of approximately $110 million. We continue to manage the Hilton Boston Back Bay under a long-term management agreement. A pre-tax gain totaling approximately $35 million has been deferred, due to our continuing involvement in management of the hotel, and is being recognized over the 20 year life of the management contract retained on this property. The sale of the Hilton Boston Back Bay resulted in a reduction in our consolidated goodwill balance of approximately $1 million.

In November 2005, we sold the Hilton Southfield in Michigan for cash of approximately $6 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $3 million. In addition, we have retained a long-term franchise agreement.

75




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

In December 2005, we completed the sale of four wholly owned hotels. The Hilton Portland in Oregon was sold for cash of approximately $84 million. We continue to manage the Hilton Portland under a long-term management agreement. A pre-tax gain totaling approximately $19 million has been deferred due to our continuing involvement in the management of the hotel, and is being recognized over the 20 year life of the management contract retained on this property. The Hilton San Diego in California was sold for cash of approximately $90 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $66 million. The Hilton Dallas Fort Worth in Texas was sold for cash of approximately $66 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of approximately $23 million and the Hilton Anchorage in Alaska was sold for cash of approximately $65 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of approximately $1 million. The sale of the Hilton Dallas Fort Worth resulted in a reduction in our consolidated goodwill balance of approximately $7 million. We retain long-term franchise agreements on each of the aforementioned properties.

The $103 million net other gain in our consolidated statement of income for 2005 also includes a $3 million unrealized gain on our oil futures derivative based on the market value of the contract at December 31, 2005, and a $10 million loss on foreign currency options based on the market value of the options as of December 31, 2005. Also included in the 2005 period are a net loss of $1 million related to the disposition of certain management and franchise agreements to which value had been assigned, and a $1 million loss on the sale of other fixed assets. The asset dispositions in 2005 also generated capital gains for tax purposes, which enabled us to utilize capital loss tax carryforwards that had been fully reserved. The utilization of these capital loss carryforwards resulted in a net benefit to our income tax provision of approximately $34 million in 2005.

Tax-Deferred Asset Exchange

The sale of the Palmer House Hilton in 2005 was effectuated through a reverse Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange with the two land acquisitions on Hawaii’s Big Island. As such, the sale was completed through an exchange facilitator that received and held the cash proceeds for our benefit until the exchange was completed.

In addition, certain of the owned hotel sales closed in the second quarter of 2005 were also completed through an exchange facilitator in order to serve as potential substitutes to the Palmer House in completing the exchange with the land in Hawaii or to facilitate a separate exchange pursuant to which other property might be acquired. As a result, approximately $267 million of sale proceeds from asset sales completed in the second quarter of 2005 were held for our benefit by the exchange facilitator. As a result of the sale of the Palmer House Hilton in the third quarter, approximately $119 million of these proceeds were released to us and the cash became unrestricted. In October, approximately $84 million of the proceeds from the sale of the Palmer House Hilton were released to us and became unrestricted with the completion of the tax deferred-exchange related to the 112 acres of undeveloped land in Hawaii. The remaining $64 million of restricted cash related to exchange activity became unrestricted in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Fiscal Year 2004 Transactions

In the 2004 first quarter, we sold the Doubletree La Posada Resort - Scottsdale in Arizona for approximately $30 million, including approximately $6 million in cash and a note receivable for approximately $24 million. The note receivable was repaid in the first quarter of 2005. No book gain or loss was realized on the sale; however, the transaction generated a capital gain for tax purposes, which enabled us to utilize existing capital loss tax carryforwards that had been fully reserved in prior periods. The transaction resulted in a net benefit to our income tax provision of approximately $2 million.

76




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

In the second quarter of 2004, we sold the Doubletree Modesto and Doubletree Bakersfield, both in California for a total of approximately $40 million in cash. Gains of approximately $3 million on Modesto and approximately $2 million on Bakersfield were deferred and, due to our continuing involvement with each hotel, are being recognized over the life of the long-term management agreement retained on each hotel. Both management agreements are for a term of ten years. The transaction also generated a capital gain for tax purposes, which enabled us to utilize existing capital loss tax carryforwards that had been fully reserved in prior periods. The transaction resulted in a net benefit to our income tax provision of approximately $4 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2004, we sold the Doubletree Jantzen Beach and the Doubletree Columbia River, both near Portland Oregon, for a total of approximately $29 million in cash. The sale resulted in a pre-tax loss of approximately $3 million. The net other loss of $5 million in 2004 includes the $3 million loss on the sale of the two Doubletrees, a $4 million loss related to the write-off of values assigned to certain long-term management and franchise agreements that were terminated in 2004 and a $1 million loss due to the fair market value adjustment of our derivative instruments. These losses were partially offset by a $3 million gain from the sale of our investment in Travelweb.

In August 2004, we acquired a 24 percent minority interest in a coal-based synthetic fuel facility for approximately $32 million. Our investment is accounted for using the equity method as we lack a controlling financial interest. The facility produced operating losses, our share of which totaled approximately $6 million, $17 million and $16 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively. This loss is reflected as loss from non-operating affiliates in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

The synthetic fuel produced at this facility qualifies for tax credits based on Section 45K of the Internal Revenue Code, which reduce our provision for income taxes. The Section 45K credits are expected to continue to be available for fuel produced at the facility through 2007. The tax credits, combined with the tax benefit associated with the operating losses, totaled approximately $9 million, $23 million and $17 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. As a result, the benefit to our net income of the investment totaled approximately $3 million, $6 million and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.

NOTE 6:  VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

We manage two hotels in which we have variable interests, as defined in FASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 46(R) “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” as revised, due to the terms of performance guarantees. The performance guarantee associated with one of the hotel management agreements does not expose us to the majority of expected cash flow variability; therefore, we are not the primary beneficiary and this hotel is not consolidated. Our maximum exposure to loss on this contract consists of future management fees and our potential obligation to fund the performance guarantee which, as of December 31, 2006, totaled approximately $33 million through 2012.

77




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

The second of the two contracts contains provisions that expose us to the majority of expected cash flow variability. As a result, we are considered to be the primary beneficiary under FIN 46(R), and are required to consolidate the balance sheet and results of operations of the hotel. Our consolidated balance sheets at both December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006 include the assets and liabilities of this non-controlled hotel, including approximately $10 million and $9 million, respectively, of cash and equivalents (reflected as restricted cash) and $100 million of debt in both years, which is non-recourse to us. The debt is secured by the fixed assets of the hotel with a historical cost of approximately $82 million. The net equity of the hotel is a retained deficit of approximately $60 million and $63 million at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively, and is reflected on our consolidated balance sheets in other assets. The revenue and operating expenses of this property are included in other revenue and expenses from managed and franchised properties in the consolidated statements of income. Our financial exposure to this property consists of the fees we earn under the management agreement and costs we may incur under the performance guarantee. The net effect of the other earnings of this property, which belongs to the hotel owners, is eliminated from our consolidated results through minority and non-controlled interests expense in the consolidated statements of income.

As part of the HI Acquisition on February 23, 2006, we acquired a minority ownership interest in three joint ventures that lease hotels which are managed by us. We have variable interests, as defined in FIN 46(R), which expose us to the majority of expected cash flow variability of the joint ventures. As a result, we are considered to be the primary beneficiary under FIN 46(R), and are required to consolidate the balance sheet and results of operations of the joint ventures. In addition, two of the hotel leases are accounted for as capital leases under FAS 13, “Accounting for Leases.” As of December 31, 2006, our consolidated balance sheets include the assets and liabilities of these non-controlled joint ventures, including $14 million of cash and equivalents, which is reflected as restricted cash in our consolidated balance sheets and $400 million of debt and capital lease obligations, which are non-recourse to us and are reflected in non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities in our consolidated balance sheets.

The net equity of the hotels is a retained deficit of approximately $75 million at December 31, 2006, and is reflected on our consolidated balance sheet in other assets. The revenue and operating expenses of these properties are included in leased hotel revenue and expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The net effect of the earnings of these properties applicable to other ownership interests is eliminated from our consolidated results through minority and non-controlled interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

NOTE 7:  IMPAIRMENT LOSS AND RELATED COSTS

There are no impairment loss and related costs for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Results in 2005 include pre-tax impairment loss and related costs totaling $7 million. This includes a $2 million pre-tax charge related to an owned hotel and a $3 million pre-tax charge related to our minority interests in eight joint venture hotels to reduce their respective carrying values to their estimated fair values. These two charges are included in Hotel Ownership segment results. The hotel and joint venture interests were sold in July 2005 (see “Note 5: Acquisitions and Dispositions”). The charge in 2005 also includes a $2 million pre-tax charge in the first quarter, representing the write down of a non-hotel cost basis investment to its estimated fair value. This charge is included in corporate and other unallocated expenses in our reported segment results.

78




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Results in 2004 include impairment loss and related costs totaling $5 million. This pre-tax charge is to reduce the value of an owned hotel to its estimated fair value and is included in Hotel Ownership segment results.

NOTE 8:  INVESTMENTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE

Investments and notes receivable at December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Equity investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotels

 

 

$

269

 

 

 

309

 

 

Other

 

 

28

 

 

 

8

 

 

Timeshare notes receivable, with an average rate of 12.9%, due 2007 to 2016

 

 

351

 

 

 

454

 

 

Other notes receivable, with an average rate of 6.7%, due 2007 to 2015

 

 

50

 

 

 

25

 

 

Marketable securities

 

 

29

 

 

 

6

 

 

Foreign currency options

 

 

44

 

 

 

 

 

Other investments

 

 

20

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

 

 

791

 

 

 

819

 

 

Less current portion

 

 

(84

)

 

 

(60

)

 

Total

 

 

$

707

 

 

 

759

 

 

 

Notes receivable are reflected net of an estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts. For timeshare notes receivable, this estimate is based primarily on historical experience and assumptions with respect to future payment trends. Allowances for uncollectible amounts of other notes receivable, which includes notes from managed, franchised and unconsolidated joint venture properties, are estimated based primarily on historical trends and analysis of underlying real estate collateral. Assessment of collateral may include estimates of future cash flow from the underlying real estate. For timeshare notes receivable, interest income is recognized monthly from the date that the loan is closed. Any fees, including processing fees and late fees, are recognized in the month of collection. The activity in the allowance for uncollectible amounts for timeshare notes receivable is as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Beginning balance

 

 

$

6

 

 

 

10

 

 

Additions

 

 

8

 

 

 

16

 

 

Write-offs

 

 

(4

)

 

 

(10

)

 

Balance at December 31,

 

 

$

10

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

Total notes receivable, including timeshare, totaled $401 million and $479 million, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $24 million and $35 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

79




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Timeshare notes receivable maturities are as follows:

 

 

(in millions)

 

2007

 

 

$

56

 

 

2008

 

 

64

 

 

2009

 

 

69

 

 

2010

 

 

70

 

 

2011

 

 

66

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

145

 

 

 

 

 

470

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

(16

)

 

Total

 

 

$

454

 

 

 

Our investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for under the equity method totaled $297 million and $317 million at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively, representing approximately three percent and two percent of total assets at the end of 2005 and 2006, respectively. At December 31, 2006, our unconsolidated affiliates accounted for under the equity method had total assets of approximately $2 billion and total debt of approximately $969 million. Of the $969 million of total debt, $966 million is secured solely by the affiliate’s assets or is guaranteed by other partners without recourse to us. We are the creditor on $17 million of the $969 million of debt.

Sales of our marketable securities are accounted for using the specific identification method. During 2006, we sold certain marketable securities for proceeds of approximately $34 million, resulting in gains of approximately $24 million which were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and recognized in earnings during the year.

During December 2005 we entered into foreign currency options to mitigate the risk associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates on our agreement to fund the HI Acquisition price in British Pounds. These options were sold in the 2006 first quarter and were carried at fair market value in other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2005. There were no foreign currency options outstanding as of December 31, 2006. (see “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Derivative Instruments”).

NOTE 9:  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment at December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Land

 

$

590

 

 

1,065

 

 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

 

3,009

 

 

4,335

 

 

Furniture and equipment

 

703

 

 

1,041

 

 

Property held for sale or development

 

48

 

 

47

 

 

Construction in progress

 

32

 

 

44

 

 

 

 

4,382

 

 

6,532

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(1,397

)

 

(1,549

)

 

Total

 

$

2,985

 

 

4,983

 

 

 

80




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

At December 31, 2006, property and equipment included approximately $380 million of capital lease assets, primarily buildings and leasehold improvements, net of $26 million of accumulated depreciation.  Amounts recorded under capital leases at December 31, 2005 were insignificant.

NOTE 10:  ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Accounts and notes payable

 

 

$

139

 

 

429

 

Accrued compensation and benefits

 

 

153

 

 

392

 

HHonors current point liability(1)

 

 

 

 

126

 

Deposits

 

 

40

 

 

119

 

Deferred income

 

 

19

 

 

90

 

Accrued taxes

 

 

37

 

 

80

 

Insurance reserves

 

 

45

 

 

59

 

Accrued interest

 

 

37

 

 

51

 

Foreign currency derivative payable

 

 

54

 

 

 

Other accrued expenses

 

 

248

 

 

555

 

Total

 

 

$

772

 

 

1,901

 


(1)          As a result of the HI Acquisition, the HHonors program is now consolidated (see “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”).

NOTE 11:  LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt at December 31, 2005 and 2006 is as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Industrial development revenue bonds at adjustable rates, due 2015

 

$

82

 

 

82

 

 

Senior notes, with an average rate of 8.0%, due 2007 to 2031(1)

 

2,040

 

 

2,045

 

 

Mortgage notes, 5.8% to 8.6%, due 2007 to 2016

 

310

 

 

289

 

 

7.95% Collateralized borrowings, due 2010

 

463

 

 

454

 

 

Chilean inflation-indexed note, effective rate of 7.65%, due 2009(1)

 

148

 

 

145

 

 

3.375% Contingently convertible senior notes due 2023

 

575

 

 

575

 

 

Capital lease obligations, 6.34% to 8.75%, due 2007 to 2097

 

1

 

 

142

 

 

Term loan A, at adjustable rates, due 2011

 

 

 

1,302

 

 

Term loan B, at adjustable rates, due 2013

 

 

 

283

 

 

Revolving loans, at adjustable rates, due 2011

 

 

 

1,634

 

 

Other

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

 

3,619

 

 

6,968

 

 

Less current maturities of long-term debt

 

(47

)

 

(412

)

 

Net long-term debt

 

$

3,572

 

 

6,556

 

 

 


(1)          Interest rates include the impact of interest rate swaps.

81




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

In addition to our long-term debt, our consolidated balance sheets include debt and capital lease obligations related to variable interest entities consolidated under FIN 46(R) that are non-recourse to us. Non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities at December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Mortgage note, 5.97%, due 2007

 

$

100

 

 

100

 

 

Capital lease obligations, 6.34%, due 2007 to 2025

 

 

 

370

 

 

Other

 

 

 

30

 

 

 

 

100

 

 

500

 

 

Less current maturities of non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities

 

 

 

(110

)

 

Net non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities

 

$

100

 

 

390

 

 

 

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized, was $246 million, $244 million and $469 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Capitalized interest totaled $3 million, $8 million and $13 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

Debt maturities, including non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities, are as follows:

 

(in millions)

 

2007

 

 

$

522

 

 

2008

 

 

1,020

 

 

2009

 

 

427

 

 

2010

 

 

577

 

 

2011

 

 

3,233

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

1,689

 

 

Total

 

 

$

7,468

 

 

 

In February 2006, in connection with the HI Acquisition (see “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International”), we entered into new senior credit facilities in an initial aggregate principal U.S. dollar equivalent of approximately $5.75 billion with a syndicate of financial institutions. These facilities replaced our $1 billion revolving credit facility and are secured by a pledge of the capital stock of certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries. The senior credit facilities consist of the following:

·       U.S. Dollar Denominated Revolver—5 year, $3.25 billion available in U.S. dollars, British Pounds, Euros and Swedish Kronor or other currencies acceptable to the administrative agent. Interest is at a variable rate depending upon our leverage ratio and senior debt ratings, with initial borrowings at applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 150 basis points (which includes a 25 basis point annual facility fee). The capacity under our revolver was also used to support certain outstanding letters of credit. Total revolving debt capacity of approximately $1.42 billion was available to us at December 31, 2006.

·       Foreign Currency Denominated Term Loan A—5 year, approximate equivalent of $2.32 billion at December 31, 2006, denominated in £675 million, 675 million and Australian $140 million. Interest is at a variable rate depending upon our leverage ratio and senior debt ratings, with initial borrowings at applicable LIBOR plus 150 basis points.

82




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

·       U.S. Dollar Denominated Term Loan B—7 year, $500 million term loan available only in U.S. dollars. Interest at LIBOR plus 137.5 basis points.

We also have the option to increase the credit facilities by $500 million.

In February 2006, we borrowed an aggregate principal U.S. dollar equivalent of approximately $4.8 billion under these facilities to partially fund the HI Acquisition.

Subsequent to our announcement in December 2005 of our agreement to acquire the lodging assets of Hilton Group plc, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group lowered our senior debt rating from BBB- to BB. In addition, Moody’s Investor Services lowered our senior debt rating from Baa3 to Ba2. These downgrades are reflected in the interest rates and facility fee of our $5.75 billion senior credit facilities. On February 26, 2007, Moody’s Investor Services upgraded our senior debt rating to Ba1.

Under the terms of the senior credit facilities, proceeds, if any, from the sale of certain owned properties acquired as part of the HI Acquisition are required to be used for the repayment of our senior credit facilities. In addition, we expect that excess cash flow, if any, will be used to repay outstanding debt balances.

In addition to our new senior credit facilities, our December 31, 2006 consolidated balance sheet includes approximately $25 million of long-term debt, $140 million of capital lease obligations, and $400 million of non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations related to obligations assumed in the HI Acquisition.

In October 1997, we filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering up to $2.5 billion in debt or equity securities. At December 31, 2006, available financing under the shelf totaled $825 million. The terms of any additional securities offered under the shelf will be determined by market conditions at the time of issuance.

In 2003, we sold $575 million of 3.375% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2023 in a private placement transaction. The notes are convertible into approximately 25.6 million shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $22.50 per share of common stock, upon our stock trading at 120% of the conversion price for 20 consecutive days during the last 30 day period of a financial quarter. As of December 31, 2006, the conversion trigger was met, and the notes are convertible at the discretion of the bond holders. No conversions have taken place as of December 31, 2006.

In November 2002, we entered into a derivative contract which swaps the fixed interest payments on our $375 million 7.95% Senior Notes due 2007 to a floating interest rate equal to the six-month LIBOR plus 415 basis points. In connection with our $100 million 7.43% bonds due 2009 denominated in Chilean pesos, we have a derivative contract which swaps the principal payment to a fixed U.S. dollar amount of $100 million and fixed interest payments at 7.65% of that amount.

As of December 31, 2006, approximately 53% of our long-term debt, including the impact of interest rate swaps and excluding non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations of non-controlled entities, was floating rate debt.  Our total debt, excluding non-recourse debt and capital lease obligations, has a weighted-average life of approximately 6.1 years and a weighted-average interest rate of approximately 6.6%.

Provisions under various loan agreements require us to comply with certain covenants which include limiting the amount of our outstanding indebtedness. Our revolving credit facilities contain two significant financial covenants: a leverage ratio and a debt service coverage ratio. We are in compliance with our financial covenants as of December 31, 2006.

83




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Provisions of the financing agreement related to our 7.95% collateralized borrowings due 2010 require that certain cash reserves be maintained and also restrict the transfer of excess cash generated by the related properties to us if net cash flow falls below a specified level (the cash trap). The cash trap became effective in 2003 due to reduced cash flow from the collateralized properties, primarily the Hilton San Francisco. As of December 31, 2006, cash restricted under the terms of the collateralized borrowings, including required reserves and the cash trap, totaled $214 million. The impact of the cash trap, which is expected to remain in effect throughout 2007, is not expected to have a material impact on our liquidity.

NOTE 12:  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments at December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

 

 

Amount

 

Value

 

Amount

 

Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Cash and equivalents and long-term marketable securities

 

$

1,183

 

 

1,183

 

 

 

144

 

 

 

144

 

 

Restricted cash

 

182

 

 

182

 

 

 

293

 

 

 

293

 

 

Timeshare notes receivable (including current portion)

 

351

 

 

356

 

 

 

454

 

 

 

459

 

 

Other notes receivable (including current portion)

 

50

 

 

59

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

24

 

 

Derivative assets

 

107

 

 

107

 

 

 

58

 

 

 

58

 

 

Long-term debt (including current maturities)

 

(3,619

)

 

(3,849

)

 

 

(6,968

)

 

 

(7,384

)

 

Derivative liabilities

 

(6

)

 

(6

)

 

 

(3

)

 

 

(3

)

 

 

Our estimates of the fair value of financial instruments at December 31, 2005 and 2006 were determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methods. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair value. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methods may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

Cash Equivalents, Long-Term Marketable Securities and Restricted Cash

The fair value of cash equivalents, long-term marketable securities and restricted cash is estimated based on the quoted market price of the investments.

Timeshare and Other Notes Receivable

The estimated fair value of timeshare and other notes receivable is based on recent market prices or the expected future cash flows discounted at risk adjusted rates.

Long-Term Debt

The estimated fair value of long-term debt is based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities and considering the collateral. In determining the current market rate for fixed rate debt, a market spread is added to the quoted yields on federal government treasury securities with similar maturity dates.

Derivative Instruments

The fair value of derivative assets and liabilities is based on the present value of estimated future cash flow, including the use of foreign currency forward exchange rates, as appropriate.

84




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

NOTE 13:  INCOME TAXES

The provisions for income taxes for the three years ended December 31 are as follows:

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Pre-tax income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

350

 

 

619

 

 

 

594

 

 

Foreign

 

23

 

 

19

 

 

 

244

 

 

Total

 

$

373

 

 

638

 

 

 

838

 

 

Current

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

114

 

 

207

 

 

 

102

 

 

Foreign

 

5

 

 

2

 

 

 

55

 

 

State and local

 

20

 

 

50

 

 

 

35

 

 

 

 

139

 

 

259

 

 

 

192

 

 

Deferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

(12

)

 

(89

)

 

 

43

 

 

Foreign

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

24

 

 

State and local

 

 

 

(5

)

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

127

 

 

166

 

 

 

259

 

 

 

During 2004, 2005 and 2006, we paid income taxes of $99 million, $209 million and $260 million, respectively, net of refunds received.

85




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

The income tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting that gave rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Deferred tax assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign tax credits

 

 

$

 

 

436

 

Net operating loss carryforwards

 

 

6

 

 

188

 

Compensation

 

 

115

 

 

113

 

Insurance reserves

 

 

48

 

 

48

 

Deferred income

 

 

68

 

 

32

 

Other reserves

 

 

22

 

 

32

 

System funds

 

 

22

 

 

29

 

Other

 

 

1

 

 

37

 

 

 

 

282

 

 

915

 

Valuation allowance

 

 

(11

)

 

(393

)

 

 

 

271

 

 

522

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brands

 

 

(383

)

 

(1,010

)

Amortizable intangibles

 

 

(153

)

 

(530

)

Unrealized foreign currency gains

 

 

 

 

(301

)

Unremitted foreign earnings

 

 

 

 

(217

)

Property and equipment

 

 

(186

)

 

(203

)

Prepaid royalties

 

 

 

 

(53

)

Accrued interest

 

 

(33

)

 

(49

)

Investments

 

 

(105

)

 

(44

)

Other

 

 

(4

)

 

 

 

 

 

(864

)

 

(2,407

)

Net deferred tax liability

 

 

$

(593

)

 

(1,885

)

 

The reconciliations of the Federal income tax rate to our effective tax rate for the three years ended December 31 are as follows:

 

 

    2004    

 

    2005    

 

    2006    

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Federal income tax rate

 

 

35.0

%

 

 

35.0

 

 

 

35.0

 

 

Increase (reduction) in taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State and local income taxes, net of Federal tax benefits

 

 

4.7

 

 

 

5.9

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

Foreign taxes

 

 

1.3

 

 

 

.4

 

 

 

9.4

 

 

Foreign earnings subject to lower rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6.8

)

 

Federal income tax credits

 

 

(4.3

)

 

 

(4.1

)

 

 

(11.2

)

 

Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance

 

 

(2.3

)

 

 

(5.1

)

 

 

2.5

 

 

Closing of prior years’ tax audits

 

 

 

 

 

(8.0

)

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

(.4

)

 

 

1.9

 

 

 

(.1

)

 

Effective tax rate

 

 

34.0

%

 

 

26.0

 

 

 

30.9

 

 

 

86




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Net operating loss carryforwards are generally recorded as deferred tax assets and are fully reserved until evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the benefit will be realized. Approximately $6 million of net operating loss carryforwards expire between 2008 and 2021 with approximately $5 million of that amount expiring in 2009. Approximately $182 million of net operating loss carryforwards have indefinite lives. Foreign tax credits are recorded as deferred tax assets. With respect to certain jurisdictions, foreign tax credits are reserved to the extent evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the federal tax benefit of those foreign tax credits will not be realized.

Our tax provision, deferred taxes and effective rate in 2006 were impacted by the utilization of synthetic fuel tax credits of approximately $11 million (see “Note 5: Acquisitions and Dispositions”) and a net benefit of $15 million, primarily due to the favorable resolution of IRS audits for the years 2002 and 2003 and the required treatment of certain foreign currency gains. Our tax provision, deferred taxes and effective rate in 2005 were impacted by the utilization of synthetic fuel tax credits of approximately $17 million, a reduction in the valuation allowance for capital loss tax carryforwards of approximately $34 million and a net benefit of $28 million from the reversal of tax reserves no longer required as the result of the completion of IRS audits of our 1997 through 2001 Federal income tax returns, partially offset by increases in state tax reserves and deferred tax liabilities principally attributable to statutory tax increases in various jurisdictions. The provision for income taxes also reflects a net benefit of approximately $2 million related to state tax credits received in 2005. Excluding the aforementioned items, our effective rate was 34 percent in 2006 and 39 percent in 2005.

The reduction in effective rate for 2006 compared to 2005 is primarily the result of the HI Acquisition. In 2005 and earlier, our tax liability was principally comprised of U.S. and state taxes imposed on domestic income. As a result of our acquisition of HI, our tax liability is comprised of both U.S. and foreign taxes and is impacted by the composition of pre-tax income by jurisdiction. Income from foreign jurisdictions is subject to lower levels of tax resulting in an overall worldwide blended effective rate that is lower than our 2005 effective rate.

In accordance with the provisions of FAS 109, the reversal of reserve balances arising from the completion of the IRS audits that relate to our acquisition of Promus Hotel Corporation in 1999 were reflected as an adjustment of goodwill and did not impact our tax provision in 2005. These adjustments resulted in a reduction of both goodwill and other liabilities totaling approximately $13 million in 2005.

Our tax provision, deferred taxes and effective rate in 2004 were impacted by a reduction in the valuation allowance for capital loss tax carryforwards, primarily as a result of the sale of three Doubletree properties and the sale of our interest in Travelweb. The 2004 effective rate also reflects the utilization of Section 45K synthetic fuel production credits. Excluding the impact of these items, our effective rate in 2004 was 38 percent.

NOTE 14:  STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Five hundred million shares of common stock with a par value of $2.50 per share are authorized, of which 404 million and 409 million were issued at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively, including treasury shares of 22 million at both December 31, 2005 and 2006. We have 25 million shares of preferred stock with a par value of $1.00 per share authorized for issuance. No preferred shares were issued or outstanding at December 31, 2005 and 2006.

87




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

There were no stock repurchases in the year ended December 31, 2006. During 2005, we repurchased a total of 12.3 million shares of our common stock at a total cost of approximately $271 million. During 2004, we repurchased approximately 2.3 million shares of our common stock at a total cost of approximately $48 million. The timing of stock purchases is at the discretion of management. As of December 31, 2006, approximately 44.7 million shares remained authorized for repurchase.

We have a Preferred Share Purchase Rights Plan under which a right is attached to each share of our common stock. The rights may only become exercisable under certain circumstances involving actual or potential acquisitions of 20% or more of our common stock by certain people or groups. Depending on the circumstances, if the rights become exercisable, the holder may be entitled to purchase units of our junior participating preferred stock, shares of our common stock or shares of common stock of the acquirer. The rights remain in existence until November 2009 unless they are terminated, exercised or redeemed (see “Rights Agreement” under Item 5).

NOTE 15:  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

We sponsor multiple domestic and international pension plans. We have a noncontributory retirement plan in the United States (the “Domestic Plan”) which covers certain non-union employees. Benefits are based upon years of service and compensation. The annual measurement date for the Domestic Plan is December 31. Since December 31, 1996, employees have not accrued additional benefits under the Domestic Plan. Therefore, the projected benefit obligation is equal to the accumulated benefit obligation. Plan assets will be used to pay benefits due employees for service through December 31, 1996. As employees have not accrued additional benefits since 1996, we do not utilize salary or pension inflation assumptions in calculating our benefit obligation for the Domestic Plan.

As a result of the HI Acquisition, we acquired multiple employee benefit plans that cover many of our international employees. These plans include a plan that covers workers in the United Kingdom (the “U.K. Plan”) and a number of smaller plans that cover workers in various countries across the world (the “International Plans”). The measurement date for both the U.K. Plan and the International Plans is December 31.

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International

 

 

 

Domestic Plan

 

U.K. Plan

 

Plans

 

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2006

 

2006

 

Discount rate

 

 

5.3

%

 

 

5.8

 

 

 

5.1

 

 

 

4.8

 

 

Salary inflation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.9

 

 

 

3.0

 

 

Pension inflation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.9

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

88




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

The rollforwards of our benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International

 

 

 

Domestic Plan

 

U.K. Plan

 

Plans

 

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2006

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of
year

 

 

$ 324

 

 

 

328

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions and divestures, net

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

342

 

 

 

221

 

 

Service cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

11

 

 

Interest cost

 

 

17

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

8

 

 

Employee contributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial loss (gain)

 

 

8

 

 

 

(19

)

 

 

(17

)

 

 

(4

)

 

Benefits paid

 

 

(21

)

 

 

(18

)

 

 

(9

)

 

 

(13

)

 

Curtailment gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2

)

 

Settlement gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

Currency loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41

 

 

 

9

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

 

 

$ 328

 

 

 

314

 

 

 

383

 

 

 

229

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International

 

 

 

Domestic Plan

 

U.K. Plan

 

Plans

 

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2006

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning
of year

 

 

$ 288

 

 

 

279

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions and divestures, net

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

339

 

 

 

164

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

 

12

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

12

 

 

Employer contributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

12

 

 

Employee contributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

 

(21

)

 

 

(18

)

 

 

(9

)

 

 

(13

)

 

Currency gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

42

 

 

 

4

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of
year

 

 

$ 279

 

 

 

296

 

 

 

404

 

 

 

179

 

 

 

The accumulated benefit obligation for the U.K. Plan and the International Plans totaled $361 million and $219 million, respectively, at December 31, 2006.

The investment objectives for the various plans are preservation of capital, current income and long-term growth of capital. Substantially all plan assets are managed by outside investment managers. Asset allocations are reviewed periodically.

For the Domestic Plan, equity securities include S&P 500 and S&P 400 index funds and foreign equity funds. Equity securities also include our common stock in the amounts of $11 million and $16 million at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively, representing approximately 4% and 5% of total plan assets in each period. Debt securities are primarily U.S. Treasury and government agency debt securities. The expected long-term return on plan assets is based on assumed rates of return for the assets held of 4% to 7% for debt securities and 7% to 9% for equity securities.

89




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

For the U.K. and International Plans, plan assets are primarily in pooled funds managed by outside investment managers. Equity securities are in global equity and regional international funds. Debt funds are in fixed interest and index-linked bond funds. Property funds are in a global real estate fund. The expected long-term return on plan assets is based on assumed rates of return for the assets held of 3% to 6% for debt securities, 7% to 9% for equity securities, and 6% to 8% for property funds.

The asset allocations as a percentage of total plan assets at December 31, 2005 and 2006, are as follows:

 

Domestic Plan

 

U.K. Plan

 

International
Plans(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

 

 

Percentage of

 

Percentage of

 

 

 

Target

 

Plan Assets

 

Target

 

Plan Assets

 

Plan Assets

 

 

 

Allocation

 

2005

 

2006

 

Allocation

 

2006

 

2006

 

Equity securities

 

 

50

%

 

 

62

 

 

 

54

 

 

 

56

 

 

 

56

 

 

 

50

 

 

Debt securities

 

 

50

 

 

 

38

 

 

 

46

 

 

 

30

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

31

 

 

Property funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

8

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

11

 

 

Total

 

 

100

%

 

 

100

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

100

 

 


(1)   International Plans assets are managed to individual target allocations depending on the plan and region.

At December 31, 2006, we have adopted FAS 158 (see “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—New Accounting Standards”). The following tables provide the reconciliation between the funded status of our plans and the accrued benefit cost liability on the consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, as well as the other components recognized in our consolidated balance sheets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International

 

 

 

Domestic Plan

 

U.K. Plan

 

Plans

 

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2006

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Funded status

 

 

$ (50

)

 

 

(18

)

 

 

21

 

 

 

(50

)

 

Unrecognized actuarial loss

 

 

47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized prior service cost

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net amount recognized at end of year

 

 

$ —

 

 

 

(18

)

 

 

21

 

 

 

(50

)

 

 

90




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International

 

 

 

Domestic Plan

 

U.K. Plan

 

Plans

 

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

2006

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Noncurrent asset

 

 

$ —

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

21

 

 

 

6

 

 

Current liability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

Noncurrent liability

 

 

 

 

 

(19

)

 

 

 

 

 

(55

)

 

Additional minimum liability

 

 

(50

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible asset

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, excluding tax impact

 

 

47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net amount recognized

 

 

$ —

 

 

 

(18

)

 

 

21

 

 

 

(50

)

 

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:

 

Domestic

 

 

 

International

 

 

 

Plan

 

U.K. Plan

 

Plans

 

 

 

2006

 

2006

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net actuarial loss (gain)

 

 

$ 16

 

 

 

(16

)

 

 

(8

)

 

Prior service cost

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net amount recognized

 

 

$ 18

 

 

 

(16

)

 

 

(8

)

 

 

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International

 

 

 

Domestic Plan

 

U.K. Plan

 

Plans

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2006

 

2006

 

Discount rate

 

 

6.0

%

 

 

5.5

 

 

 

5.3

 

 

 

4.7

 

 

 

4.4

 

 

Expected long-term return on plan assets

 

 

7.3

 

 

 

7.3

 

 

 

7.3

 

 

 

7.1

 

 

 

5.5

 

 

Salary inflation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.7

 

 

 

2.6

 

 

Pension inflation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.6

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

Our annual benefit income (cost) for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International

 

 

 

Domestic Plan

 

U.K. Plan

 

Plans

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2006

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

$ 20

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

8

 

 

Service cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9

)

 

 

(11

)

 

Interest cost

 

 

(18

)

 

 

(17

)

 

 

(17

)

 

 

(15

)

 

 

(8

)

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curtailment gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

Settlement gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

Amortization of net loss

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net annual benefit income (cost)

 

 

$   1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(8

)

 

 

91




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

We expect to contribute approximately $9 million to the U.K. Plan and approximately $14 million to the International Plans in 2007. We do not expect to make any contribution to the Domestic Plan in 2007. Amortization from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2007 of actuarial losses and prior service cost is not expected to be material for the Domestic, U.K. or International Plans. As of December 31, 2006, the benefits expected to be paid in the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter are as follows:

 

Domestic

 

 

 

International

 

 

 

Plan

 

U.K. Plan

 

Plans

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2007

 

 

$ 19

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

11

 

 

2008

 

 

19

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

12

 

 

2009

 

 

19

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

12

 

 

2010

 

 

19

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

13

 

 

2011

 

 

19

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

14

 

 

2012 - 2016

 

 

101

 

 

 

83

 

 

 

68

 

 

 

As of January 1, 2007, the Domestic Plan and plans maintained for certain domestic hotels currently or formerly managed by us were merged into a multiple employer plan. We are the sponsor of this plan and as such could be liable to fund any contributions not funded by the owners of any of the properties covered by the plan. As of January 1, 2007, the multiple employer plan had combined assets of $332 million and a projected benefit obligation of $340 million.

We also have plans covering qualifying employees and non-officer directors (the “Supplemental Plans”). Benefits for the Supplemental Plans are based upon years of service and compensation. Since December 31, 1996, employees and non-officer directors have not accrued additional benefits under the Supplemental Plans. These plans are self-funded by us and therefore have no plan assets isolated to pay benefits due employees. At both December 31, 2005 and 2006, these plans have benefit obligations of $10 million, which are fully accrued in our consolidated balance sheets. Pension expense under the Supplemental Plans for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 was not significant.

Certain employees are covered by union sponsored, collectively bargained multi-employer pension plans. We contributed and charged to expense $19 million, $23 million and $21 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively, for such plans. Information from the plans’ administrators is not sufficient to permit us to determine our share, if any, of unfunded vested benefits.

We have various employee investment plans whereby we contribute matching percentages of employee contributions. The aggregate expense under these plans totaled $12 million, $13 million and $26 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

92




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

NOTE 16:  SEGMENT INFORMATION

Our operations consist of three reportable segments which are based on similar products or services: Hotel Ownership, Managing and Franchising, and Timeshare. The Hotel Ownership segment derives revenue primarily from owned, majority owned and leased hotel properties. The Managing and Franchising segment provides services including hotel management and licensing of our family of brands to franchisees. This segment generates its revenue from fees charged to hotel owners. Managing and Franchising revenue includes reimbursements from managed properties and franchisees for certain costs incurred on their behalf, which are included in other revenue from managed and franchised properties in the consolidated statements of income. The Timeshare segment consists of multi-unit timeshare resorts. This segment produces its results from the sale and financing of timeshare intervals and operating timeshare resorts. Segment results are presented net of consolidating eliminations for fee-based services at the operating income level, without allocating corporate expenses, which is the basis used by management to evaluate segment performance.

Segment results for the three years ended December 31 are as follows:

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel Ownership

 

$

2,215

 

 

2,212

 

 

 

4,985

 

 

Managing and Franchising

 

1,510

 

 

1,671

 

 

 

2,527

 

 

Timeshare

 

421

 

 

554

 

 

 

650

 

 

 

 

$

4,146

 

 

4,437

 

 

 

8,162

 

 

Operating income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel Ownership

 

$

394

 

 

450

 

 

 

904

 

 

Managing and Franchising

 

343

 

 

417

 

 

 

600

 

 

Timeshare

 

99

 

 

129

 

 

 

152

 

 

Corporate and other unallocated expenses

 

(178

)

 

(191

)

 

 

(382

)

 

Total operating income

 

658

 

 

805

 

 

 

1,274

 

 

Interest and dividend income

 

26

 

 

32

 

 

 

27

 

 

Interest expense

 

(274

)

 

(259

)

 

 

(498

)

 

Net interest from unconsolidated affiliates and non-controlled
interests

 

(26

)

 

(26

)

 

 

(45

)

 

Net gain on foreign currency transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

24

 

 

Net other (loss) gain

 

(5

)

 

103

 

 

 

72

 

 

Loss from non-operating affiliates

 

(6

)

 

(17

)

 

 

(16

)

 

Income before taxes and minority and non-controlled interests

 

373

 

 

638

 

 

 

838

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

(127

)

 

(166

)

 

 

(259

)

 

Minority and non-controlled interests, net

 

(8

)

 

(12

)

 

 

(7

)

 

Net Income

 

$

238

 

 

460

 

 

 

572

 

 

 

93




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Segment assets as of December 31 are as follows:

 

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel Ownership

 

$

4,283

 

9,681

 

Managing and Franchising

 

2,083

 

5,191

 

Timeshare

 

659

 

1,078

 

Corporate and other

 

1,718

 

531

 

Total assets

 

$

8,743

 

16,481

 

 

At December 31, 2006, the Hotel Ownership segment includes goodwill and brand values totaling $2.05 billion and $1.02 billion, respectively, and the Managing and Franchising segment includes goodwill and brand values totaling $1.66 billion and $1.83 billion, respectively.

The following table presents revenue and long-lived assets by geographical region (in millions):

 

Revenue

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

(in millions)

 

United States

 

 

$

4,095

 

 

 

4,382

 

 

 

4,926

 

 

 

$

4,040

 

 

 

4,008

 

 

United Kingdom

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

880

 

 

 

 

 

 

610

 

 

All other international

 

 

50

 

 

 

54

 

 

 

2,356

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

1,810

 

 

Total

 

 

$

4,146

 

 

 

4,437

 

 

 

8,162

 

 

 

$

4,059

 

 

 

6,428

 

 

 

Other than the United Kingdom, there are no individual international countries which comprised at least 10 percent of our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 or 2006 or at least 10 percent of our total long-lived assets as of December 31, 2005 or 2006.

NOTE 17:  LEASES

We lease hotel properties and land under operating and capital leases. At December 31, 2005 and 2006, we leased six and 196 hotels, respectively, under operating leases. We also operated seven hotels under capital leases as of December 31, 2006. Two of the capital leases at December 31, 2006 are consolidated under FIN 46(R) (see “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Investments”) and are non-recourse to us. The increase in our operating and capital leases is due to the HI Acquisition on February 23, 2006 (see “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton International”). Our hotel operating leases may require the payment of fixed rent payments, variable rent payments based on a percentage of revenue or income, or the payment of rent equal to the greater of a minimum fixed rent or variable rent based on a percentage of revenue or income. Our hotel leases expire through 2097, with varying renewal options. Our land leases represent ground leases for certain owned hotels and, in addition to minimum rental payments, may require the payment of additional rents based on varying percentages of revenue or income. Total rent expense incurred under our leases was $57 million, $55 million and $528 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively, which included minimum rent payments of approximately $41 million in both 2004 and 2005 and $269 million in 2006.

94




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

Minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable operating and capital leases are as follows:

 

 

Operating

 

Capital

 

Non-Recourse

 

December 31,

 

 

 

Leases

 

Leases

 

Capital Leases

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2007

 

 

$

294

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

30

 

 

2008

 

 

292

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

30

 

 

2009

 

 

272

 

 

 

56

 

 

 

30

 

 

2010

 

 

266

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

30

 

 

2011

 

 

260

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

30

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

2,775

 

 

 

178

 

 

 

447

 

 

 

 

 

$

4,159

 

 

 

280

 

 

 

597

 

 

Less imputed interest at 6.34%

 

 

 

 

 

 

(138

)

 

 

(227

)

 

Present value of net minimum lease payments

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

142

 

 

 

370

 

 

 

NOTE 18:  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We have established franchise financing programs with third party lenders to support the growth of our brands. As of December 31, 2006, we have provided guarantees of $16 million on loans outstanding under these programs. In addition, we have guaranteed $27 million of debt and other obligations of unconsolidated affiliates and third parties, bringing our total guarantees to approximately $43 million. Our outstanding guarantees have terms ranging from one to 14 years. We also have commitments under letters of credit totaling $110 million as of December 31, 2006. We believe it is unlikely that material payments will be required under these guarantees or letters of credit.

In addition, we remain a guarantor on 12 operating leases sold as part of the sale of the Red Lion hotel chain in 2001. We have entered into an indemnification and reimbursement agreement with Red Lion Hotels Corporation (“RLH”), which requires RLH to reimburse us for any costs and expenses incurred in connection with the guarantee. The minimum lease commitment under these 12 operating leases totals approximately $5 million annually through 2020.

We have also provided performance guarantees to certain owners of hotels we operate under management contracts. Most of these guarantees allow us to terminate the contract rather than fund shortfalls if specified performance levels are not achieved. In limited cases, we are obligated to fund performance shortfalls. At December 31, 2006, we have six contracts containing performance guarantees with possible cash outlays totaling approximately $523 million through 2020. Funding under these performance guarantees totaled approximately $2 million in 2006 and is expected to total approximately $3 million in 2007. Funding under these guarantees in future periods is dependent upon the operating performance levels of these hotels over the remaining term of the performance guarantees. In 2006 we increased the reserve for the performance guarantee at a managed hotel by approximately $12 million based on our estimate of the guarantee payment that will be required at the end of the contract term in 2012.   The charge is included in other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Although we anticipate that the future operating performance levels of these hotels will be largely achieved, there can be no assurance that this will be the case. In addition, we do not anticipate losing a significant number of management contracts in 2007 pursuant to these guarantees.

Our consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2005 and 2006 include liabilities of approximately $6 million and $18 million, respectively, for potential obligations under our outstanding guarantees. Under certain circumstances, we may be obligated to provide additional guarantees or letters of credit totaling $74 million at December 31, 2006.

95




Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006 (Continued)

At December 31, 2006, we had contractual commitments of approximately $399 million for construction and renovation projects at certain owned and majority owned properties, including timeshare. Our construction contracts contain clauses which allow us to cancel all or some portion of the work. The minimum commitments would be for cost incurred under the contract and two to five percent of the remaining contract value.

We are involved in various legal matters arising in the normal course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals are recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated in accordance with FAS 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.” While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect that the resolution of all pending overtly threatened claims and litigation as of December 31, 2006 will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial position. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect our future results of operations in a particular period.

NOTE 19:  INSURANCE RECOVERIES

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, affecting two of our consolidated hotels; the majority owned Hilton New Orleans Riverside and the wholly owned Hilton New Orleans Airport. Both properties suffered some physical damage, and both properties were closed to paying guests for a period following the hurricane. We have insurance policies that provide coverage for physical damage and business interruption, including lost profits. These policies also reimburse us for other costs and expenses incurred relating to the damages and losses suffered.

Based on the claims we filed and initial estimates from the insurance carriers, we expected to receive insurance payments in excess of the approximate $4 million net book value of the damaged assets. As a result, the impairment charge related to the damaged assets was offset by the expected recovery in our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2005.

In addition, based on the claims we filed and initial estimates from the insurance carriers, we expected that the other costs and expenses incurred during the period in the aftermath of the hurricane would be less than the business interruption and other insurance proceeds to be received. As such, post-storm costs incurred in 2005 totaling approximately $22 million were offset by the expected recovery and did not impact results in the year. We received approximately $15 million in insurance recoveries in 2005.

In 2006, we recognized approximately $26 million of business interruption insurance proceeds. These proceeds are recorded as owned hotel revenue in the consolidated statements of income. Additionally, we recognized approximately $17 million of insurance recoveries related to building and property losses during the year ended December 31, 2006, which are recorded as net other gain in our consolidated statements of income.

96




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Hilton Hotels Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hilton Hotels Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flow for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hilton Hotels Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flow for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 123(R), Share-based Payment, on January 1, 2006 and adopted FAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, on December 31, 2006.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Hilton Hotels Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

GRAPHIC

Los Angeles, California
February 26, 2007

97




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Hilton Hotels Corporation

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K, that Hilton Hotels Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Hilton Hotels Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As indicated in the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of the lodging assets acquired from Hilton Group plc on February 23, 2006, which is included in the December 31, 2006 consolidated financial statements of Hilton Hotels Corporation and constituted 51% of total assets as of December 31, 2006 and 38% of revenue for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Hilton Hotels Corporation also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of the lodging assets acquired from Hilton Group plc on February 23, 2006.

98




In our opinion, management’s assessment that Hilton Hotels Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, Hilton Hotels Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the COSO criteria.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Hilton Hotels Corporation as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flow for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 of Hilton Hotels Corporation and our report dated February 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

GRAPHIC

 

Los Angeles, California
February 26, 2007

99




SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Quarterly Financial Data

 

 

1st

 

2nd

 

3rd

 

4th

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

$

1,519

 

 

 

2,204

 

 

 

2,207

 

 

 

2,232

 

 

 

8,162

 

 

Operating income

 

 

235

 

 

 

366

 

 

 

315

 

 

 

358

 

 

 

1,274

 

 

Net income

 

 

104

 

 

 

144

 

 

 

117

 

 

 

207

 

 

 

572

 

 

Basic EPS(1)

 

 

$

.27

 

 

 

.37

 

 

 

.30

 

 

 

.53

 

 

 

1.49

 

 

Diluted EPS(1)

 

 

$

.26

 

 

 

.35

 

 

 

.29

 

 

 

.50

 

 

 

1.39

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

$

1,076

 

 

 

1,176

 

 

 

1,102

 

 

 

1,083

 

 

 

4,437

 

 

Operating income

 

 

163

 

 

 

246

 

 

 

203

 

 

 

193

 

 

 

805

 

 

Net income

 

 

64

 

 

 

202

 

 

 

89

 

 

 

105

 

 

 

460

 

 

Basic EPS(1)

 

 

$

.17

 

 

 

.53

 

 

 

.23

 

 

 

.28

 

 

 

1.20

 

 

Diluted EPS

 

 

$

.16

 

 

 

.49

 

 

 

.22

 

 

 

.26

 

 

 

1.13

 

 


(1)          EPS for the full year differs from the sum of quarterly EPS amounts due to the required method of computing EPS in the respective periods.

Comparable System-Wide Statistical Information(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Occupancy

 

Average Rate

 

RevPAR

 

Hilton

 

 

72.8

%

 

 

$

149.86

 

 

 

$

109.11

 

 

Change from prior year

 

 

1.0pts

 

 

 

8.2

%

 

 

9.7

%

 

Hilton Garden Inn

 

 

71.4

%

 

 

$

111.34

 

 

 

$

79.55

 

 

Change from prior year

 

 

1.4pts

 

 

 

7.2

%

 

 

9.4

%

 

Doubletree

 

 

71.6

%

 

 

$

122.32

 

 

 

$

87.60

 

 

Change from prior year

 

 

1.2pts

 

 

 

8.7

%

 

 

10.5

%

 

Embassy Suites

 

 

74.9

%

 

 

$

140.18

 

 

 

$

105.05

 

 

Change from prior year

 

 

1.1pts

 

 

 

7.9

%

 

 

9.6

%

 

Homewood Suites by Hilton

 

 

75.8

%

 

 

$

108.31

 

 

 

$

82.14

 

 

Change from prior year

 

 

0.6pts

 

 

 

6.9

%

 

 

7.8

%

 

Hampton

 

 

72.5

%

 

 

$

94.69

 

 

 

$

68.66

 

 

Change from prior year

 

 

0.9pts

 

 

 

7.8

%

 

 

9.2

%

 

Scandic

 

 

65.1

%

 

 

$

109.92

 

 

 

$

71.58

 

 

Change from prior year

 

 

1.1pts

 

 

 

4.8

%

 

 

6.7

%

 

Conrad

 

 

69.6

%

 

 

$

173.75

 

 

 

$

120.94

 

 

Change from prior year

 

 

(0.8)pts

 

 

 

13.3

%

 

 

12.1

%

 

Other

 

 

79.5

%

 

 

$

145.13

 

 

 

$

115.36

 

 

Change from prior year

 

 

4.3pts

 

 

 

9.1

%

 

 

15.4

%

 


(2)          Statistics are presented pro forma as if the HI Acquisition had occurred January 1, 2005. Includes hotels in our system as of December 31, 2006 which were in our hotel system or the hotel system of HI since January 1, 2005. Comparable hotels exclude data for HI franchise hotels and our owned hotels in New Orleans due to the interruption in operations as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

As of December 31, 2006 there were approximately 11,500 stockholders of record.

100




FIVE YEAR SUMMARY

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2002

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Operating data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

3,816

 

3,819

 

4,146

 

4,437

 

8,162

 

Net income

 

$

198

 

164

 

238

 

460

 

572

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

.53

 

.43

 

.62

 

1.20

 

1.49

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

.53

 

.43

 

.60

 

1.13

 

1.39

 

Cash dividends per common share

 

$

.08

 

.08

 

.08

 

.12

 

.16

 

Other information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of properties at year end

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned(1)

 

63

 

55

 

50

 

30

 

60

 

Leased

 

7

 

7

 

7

 

6

 

203

 

Joint venture

 

65

 

67

 

65

 

54

 

53

 

Managed

 

201

 

206

 

206

 

210

 

343

 

Franchised

 

1,721

 

1,808

 

1,900

 

2,054

 

2,242

 

Timeshare

 

27

 

30

 

31

 

34

 

34

 

Total

 

2,084

 

2,173

 

2,259

 

2,388

 

2,935

 

Available rooms at year end

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned(1)

 

34,664

 

32,526

 

31,068

 

22,971

 

29,647

 

Leased

 

2,650

 

2,643

 

2,643

 

2,245

 

46,663

 

Joint venture

 

19,093

 

20,556

 

20,186

 

17,040

 

17,232

 

Managed

 

52,004

 

52,088

 

51,380

 

53,115

 

97,536

 

Franchised

 

225,588

 

237,026

 

249,391

 

275,350

 

306,660

 

Timeshare

 

3,117

 

3,644

 

3,740

 

3,948

 

3,740

 

Total

 

337,116

 

348,483

 

358,408

 

374,669

 

501,478

 


(1)          Includes majority owned and controlled hotels.

101




Item 9.                        Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.                Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Security and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Also, we have investments in certain unconsolidated entities. As we do not control these entities, our disclosure controls and procedures with respect to such entities are necessarily substantially more limited than those we maintain with respect to our consolidated subsidiaries.

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2006, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

As of December 31, 2006, management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). As permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, management’s evaluation as of December 31, 2006 excludes the lodging assets acquired from Hilton Group plc on February 23, 2006. Such businesses represent approximately 51% of our total assets as of December 31, 2006 and 38% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2006 (see “Note 3: Purchase of Hilton Group plc” under Item 8). Based on this assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 was effective.

Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006. The report, which expresses unqualified opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is included in Part II—Item 8 under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

102




There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.               Other Information

None.

PART III

Item 10.                 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Certain of the information respecting executive officers required by this Item is set forth under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” under Item 1. Other information respecting executive officers, as well as the required information for directors, will be set forth under “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Proxy Statement, and reference is expressly made to the Proxy Statement for the specific information incorporated in this Form 10-K.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that applies to our officers, employees and directors, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller or persons performing similar functions. This Code of Ethics is also posted on our internet website located at www.hiltonworldwide.com (click on “Investor Relations,” then “Corporate Governance”), and is available in print to any person requesting a copy from the Secretary of the Company at our World Headquarters at 9336 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210. See “Additional Information—Available Information” under Item 1. In the event of any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethics that applies to any of the aforementioned officers that relates to the requirements of Regulation S-K Item 406, we intend to disclose such information on our website.

Item 11.                 Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item will be set forth under “Executive Compensation” in our Proxy Statement, and reference is expressly made to the Proxy Statement for the specific information incorporated in this Form 10-K.

Item 12.                 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Certain of the information required by this Item will be set forth under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Executive Officers” and “Election of Directors” in our Proxy Statement, and reference is expressly made to the Proxy Statement for the specific information incorporated in this Form 10-K.

103




Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2006 with respect to shares of our Common Stock that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans:

Plan category

 

 

 

Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)

 

Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights
(b)

 

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1)

 

 

20,476,176

 

 

 

$

16.87

(4)

 

 

20,553,501

(6)

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(2)

 

 

2,495,501

(3)

 

 

N/A

(5)

 

 

638,274

(7)

 

Total

 

 

22,971,677

 

 

 

$

16.87

(4)

 

 

21,191,775

 

 


(1)          Consists of our 1990 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, 1997 Independent Director Stock Option Plan and 2004 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan. Of such plans, the 2004 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan is the only plan with shares remaining available for grant as of December 31, 2006.

(2)          Consists of our Supplemental Retirement and Retention Plan and Directors’ Stock and Deferred Retainer Plan.

(3)          Consists of 2,453,947 units under the Supplemental Retirement and Retention Plan and 41,554 units under the Directors’ Stock and Deferred Retainer Plan that entitle the recipients to receive an equivalent number of shares of Common Stock, subject to satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the respective plans.

(4)          Represents the weighted average exercise price of outstanding stock options. There are no exercise prices associated with grants of restricted stock units and performance stock units under the 2004 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan.

(5)          There are no exercise prices associated with units included in the referenced plans.

(6)          Consists of 20,553,501 shares available for future issuance under the 2004 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan.

(7)          Consists of 638,274 shares available for future issuance under the Supplemental Retirement and Retention Plan. The Directors’ Stock and Deferred Retainer Plan does not limit the number of shares that may be issued thereunder.

104




Supplemental Retirement and Retention Plan

The Supplemental Retirement and Retention Plan (the “SRRP”) was approved by our Board of Directors as of June 9, 2000. The SRRP is not a stockholder approved plan. Under the SRRP, a total of up to 3,500,000 supplemental retirement benefit units (“Units”) may be granted to our senior officers. Each grant of Units vests 25% per year over a four-year period and entitles the grantee to receive shares of Common Stock on a one-for-one basis upon retirement, with limited distribution available during employment. The SRRP also provides for an upward adjustment in the number of Units in a participant’s account based upon dividends and distributions paid by us with respect to the underlying shares of Common Stock, until distribution of such shares. The Units will become immediately vested in the event of a change of control of Hilton, as defined in the SRRP. Shares of Common Stock issued under the SRRP consist of our treasury shares. As of December 31, 2006, 2,453,947 Units were outstanding under the SRRP and 638,274 Units remained available for grant.

Directors’ Stock and Deferred Retainer Plan

The Directors’ Stock and Deferred Retainer Plan (the “Director Retainer Plan”) was approved by our Board of Directors on September 11, 2001, effective as of January 1, 2002. The Director Retainer Plan is not a stockholder approved plan. The Director Retainer Plan provides non-employee directors the right to elect to receive their annual retainer fees in the form of (i) cash; (ii) Common Stock payable on a quarterly basis; or (iii) deferred units that vest immediately and are payable in shares of Common Stock on a one-for-one basis subsequent to a director’s retirement from the Board. The number of shares of Common Stock or deferred units received by a participant each quarter is based upon the closing price of our Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the last trading date of such quarter. Shares of Common Stock issued under the Director Retainer Plan consist of our treasury shares. As of December 31, 2006, nine non-employee directors were eligible to defer all or a portion of their annual retainer fees into Common Stock or deferred units under the Director Retainer Plan. As of December 31, 2006, 41,720 shares of Common Stock had been issued under the Director Retainer Plan and 41,554 deferred units were allocated to the accounts of non-employee directors.

Item 13.                 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

The information required by this Item will be set forth under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Corporate Governance Information—Director Independence” in our Proxy Statement, and reference is expressly made to the Proxy Statement for the specific information incorporated in this Form 10-K.

Item 14.                 Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this Item will be set forth under “Election of Directors—Audit Fee Summary” and “—Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy” in our Proxy Statement, and reference is expressly made to the Proxy Statement for the specific information incorporated in this Form 10-K.

105




PART IV

Item 15.                 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)   Index to Financial Statements

1.                 Financial Statements:

The consolidated financial statements and supplementary data are set forth under Part II—Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

2.                 Financial Statement Schedules:

All schedules are inapplicable or the required information is included elsewhere herein.

(b)   Exhibits

Reference is made to the Index to Exhibits, immediately preceding the exhibits to this Form 10-K.

106




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, as of February 28, 2007.

 

HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ ROBERT M. LA FORGIA

 

 

Robert M. La Forgia

 

 

Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated as of February 28, 2007.

/s/ STEPHEN F. BOLLENBACH

 

/s/ ROBERT M. LA FORGIA

Stephen F. Bollenbach

 

Robert M. La Forgia

Co-Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Chief Accounting Officer)

/s/ BARBARA BELL COLEMAN

 

/s/ BENJAMIN V. LAMBERT

Barbara Bell Coleman

 

Benjamin V. Lambert

Director

 

Director

/s/ A. STEVEN CROWN

 

/s/ JOHN H. MYERS

A. Steven Crown

 

John H. Myers

Director

 

Director

/s/ CHRISTINE GARVEY

 

/s/ JOHN L. NOTTER

Christine Garvey

 

John L. Notter

Director

 

Director

/s/ MATTHEW J. HART

 

/s/ DONNA F. TUTTLE

Matthew J. Hart

 

Donna F. Tuttle

Director

 

Director

/s/ BARRON HILTON

 

/s/ PETER V. UEBERROTH

Barron Hilton

 

Peter V. Ueberroth

Co-Chairman of the Board

 

Director

 

107




INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number

 

 

Description

 

2.1

 

Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2005, among Registrant, Hilton Group plc, Ladbroke Group International Limited, Ladbroke Group Limited and Town & County Factors Limited (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 30, 2005)

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-18523))

3.2

 

Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, relating to Exhibit 3.1 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1997)

3.3

 

Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, relating to Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Appendix F to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-89437))

3.4

 

By-Laws of Registrant, as amended and restated (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 23, 2006)

4.1

 

Indenture, dated as of July 1, 1988, between Registrant and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, regarding Registrant’s Senior Debt Securities (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Post Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 2-99967))

4.2

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 30, 1992, between Registrant and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, regarding Registrant’s Senior Debt Securities, relating to Exhibit 4.1 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.3 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992)

4.3

 

Indenture, dated as of April 22, 2003, between Registrant and BNY Western Trust Company, as Trustee, regarding Registrant’s 3.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, including the form of Note thereof (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-107159))

4.4.1

 

Indenture, dated as of April 15, 1997, between Registrant and BNY Western Trust Company, as Trustee, regarding Registrant’s Debt Securities (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.3 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 15, 1997)

4.4.2

 

Officers’ Certificate containing terms of 7.95% Senior Notes due 2007 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 15, 1997)

4.4.3

 

Officers’ Certificate containing terms of 7.20% Senior Notes due 2009 and 7.5% Senior Notes due 2017 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 17, 1997)

4.4.4

 

Officers’ Certificate containing terms of 8.25% Senior Notes due 2011 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99.01 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 12, 2001)

4.4.5

 

Officers’ Certificate containing terms of 7.625% Senior Notes due 2008 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99.01 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 10, 2001)

108




 

4.4.6

 

Officers’ Certificate containing terms of 8% Quarterly Interest Bonds due 2031 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99.01 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 16, 2001)

4.4.7

 

Officers’ Certificate containing terms of 7.43% Chilean Inflation Indexed (UF) Notes due 2009 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99.01 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 29, 2001)

4.4.8

 

Officers’ Certificate containing terms of 7.625% Senior Notes due 2012 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99.01 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 21, 2002)

4.5

 

Credit Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2006, among Registrant, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and Issuing Lender, UBS Loan Finance, as Syndication Agent, and the financial institutions signatory thereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 28, 2006)

4.6

 

Loan Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2000, among Phoenix SP Hilton LLC, S.F. Hilton, Inc., Chicago Hilton LLC, Short Hills Hilton LLC and McLean Hilton LLC, as Borrowers, and Secore Financial Corporation, as Lender (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99.01 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2000)

4.7

 

First Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2000, among Phoenix SP Hilton LLC, S.F. Hilton, Inc., Chicago Hilton LLC, Short Hills Hilton LLC and McLean Hilton LLC, as Borrowers, and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mortgage Capital Inc., as Lender, relating to Exhibit 4.6 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99.02 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2000)

4.8

 

Rights Agreement, dated as of November 29, 1999, between Registrant and ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., as Rights Agent (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated December 1, 1999)

4.9

 

Amendment to Rights Agreement Changing Rights Agent, dated as of February 15, 2001, between Registrant and The Bank of New York, as Rights Agent, relating to Exhibit 4.8 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.22 to Registrant’s Annual Report on From 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000)

10.1

 

1990 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan of Registrant, together with the Stock Option Agreement relating thereto, both as amended (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990)*

10.2

 

Amendment, dated January 20, 1994, to the 1990 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibit 10.1 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993)*

10.3

 

Amendment, dated January 19, 1995, to the 1990 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)*

109




 

10.4

 

Amendment, dated November 14, 1996, to the 1990 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.7 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)*

10.5

 

Fourth Amendment, dated as of December 31, 1998, to the 1990 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibits 10.1 through 10.4 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99.9 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 8, 1999)*

10.6

 

Amended and Restated 1996 Stock Incentive Plan of Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-04273))*

10.7

 

Amendment, dated as of November 14, 2001, to the Amended and Restated 1996 Stock Incentive Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibit 10.6 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.11 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001)*

10.8

 

1997 Independent Director Stock Option Plan of Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.10 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997)*

10.9

 

First Amendment, dated as of December 31, 1998, to the 1997 Independent Director Stock Option Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibit 10.8 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99.11 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 8, 1999)*

10.10

 

Second Amendment, dated as of November 11, 1999, to the 1997 Independent Director Stock Option Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibits 10.8 and 10.9 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.15 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999)*

10.11

 

Third Amendment, dated as of November 14, 2001, to the 1997 Independent Director Stock Option Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibits 10.8, 10.9 and 10.10 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.17 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001)*

10.12

 

2004 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan of Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit B to Registrant’s Proxy Statement, dated as of April 8, 2004)*

10.12.1

 

Form of stock unit grant agreement under 2004 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan of Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.12.1 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004)*

10.12.2

 

Form of performance unit grant agreement under 2004 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan of Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.12.2 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004)*

10.13

 

Amendment 2006-1 to 2004 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibit 10.12 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2006)*

10.14

 

Directors’ Stock and Deferred Retainer Plan of Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-72906))*

110




 

10.15

 

Amendment 2005-1 to Directors’ Stock and Deferred Retainer Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibit 10.14 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.14 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005)*

10.16

 

Annual Incentive Plan of Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit C to Registrant’s Proxy Statement, dated as of April 8, 2004)*

10.17

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan of Registrant, as amended (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991)*

10.18

 

Amendment, effective April 1, 1994, to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibit 10.17 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.10 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)*

10.19

 

Amendment, effective December 31, 1996, to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibits 10.17 and 10.18 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.19 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)*

10.20

 

Doubletree Hotels Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated as of February 15, 1997, as amended by letter dated December 9, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.29 to the Promus Hotel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998)*

10.21

 

Directors’ Retirement Benefit Plan of Registrant, as amended (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.7 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991)*

10.22

 

First Amendment, dated July 31, 1997, to the Directors’ Retirement Benefit Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibit 10.21 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.22 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997)*

10.23

 

Retirement Benefit Replacement Plan of Registrant, as amended (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.9 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992)*

10.24

 

Amendment, dated as of January 1, 1994, to the Retirement Benefit Replacement Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibit 10.23 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.12 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993)*

10.25

 

Amendment, effective April 1, 1994, to the Retirement Benefit Replacement Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibits 10.23 and 10.24 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.14 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)*

10.26

 

Amendment, effective December 31, 1996, to the Retirement Benefit Replacement Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibits 10.23, 10.24 and 10.25 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.24 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)*

10.27

 

Executive Deferred Compensation Plan of Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-122019))*

111




 

10.28

 

Amendment 2005-1 to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibit 10.27 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.27 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005)*

10.29

 

2005 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan of Registrant, as amended and restated (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.28 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005)*

10.30

 

Promus Hotel Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.27 to the Promus Hotel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998)*

10.31

 

Supplemental Retirement and Retention Plan of Registrant, dated as of June 1, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.42 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000)*

10.32

 

First Amendment to the Supplemental Retirement and Retention Plan of Registrant, relating to Exhibit 10.31 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.46 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001)*

10.33

 

Form of Change of Control Agreement between Registrant and each of Matthew J. Hart, Madeleine A. Kleiner and Robert M. La Forgia (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.43 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999)*

10.34

 

First Amendment to form of Change of Control Agreement, relating to Exhibit 10.33 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.48 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001)*

10.35

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of November 11, 2004 and amended as of January 27, 2005, between Registrant and Stephen F. Bollenbach (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.30 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004)*

10.36

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2006, between Registrant and Stephen F. Bollenbach, relating to Exhibit 10.35 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 6, 2006)*

10.37

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of January 18, 2007, between Registrant and Stephen F. Bollenbach, relating to Exhibits 10.35 and 10.36 hereto (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 19, 2007)*

10.38

 

Employment Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2006, between Hilton U.K. Hotels Limited and Ian R. Carter (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 14, 2006)*

11

 

Computation of Per Share Earnings

12

 

Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

21

 

List of Registrant’s Subsidiaries

23

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

112




 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

99

 

Undertakings


*                    Management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K by Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K, previously filed where indicated and incorporated herein by reference.

Pursuant to Regulation §229.601, Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, upon request of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish a copy of any unfiled instrument which defines the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Registrant and its consolidated subsidiaries (and for any of its unconsolidated subsidiaries for which financial statements are required to be filed) wherein the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of the total consolidated assets of the Registrant.

113