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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO ANNUAL COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

                    , 2018
Dear Wyndham Worldwide Corporation Stockholder:

         I am pleased to inform you that the board of directors of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation ("Wyndham Worldwide") has approved the spin-off (the "spin-off") of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. ("Wyndham Hotels"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide. Upon completion of the spin-off, the stockholders of Wyndham Worldwide will own 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Wyndham Hotels, and will continue to own 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Wyndham Worldwide. Wyndham Hotels will be a new, publicly traded hotel franchising and management company with a portfolio of renowned brands. This business is comprised primarily of the operations that have constituted the Hotel Group operating segment of Wyndham Worldwide. Wyndham Hotels is the global leader in the economy segment of the hotel industry and has a substantial and growing presence in the midscale and upscale segments. Following the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide will continue to be the world's largest developer and marketer of vacation ownership products and the world's largest vacation exchange company.

         We believe the spin-off is in the best interests of Wyndham Worldwide, its stockholders and other constituents, as it will result in two publicly traded companies, each with increased strategic flexibility and an enhanced ability to maintain its focus on its core business and growth opportunities, facilitate future capital raising as needed, and make the changes necessary to respond to developments in its respective markets.

         The spin-off will be completed by way of a pro rata distribution of Wyndham Hotels common stock to Wyndham Worldwide's stockholders of record as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on                     , 2018, the spin-off record date. Each Wyndham Worldwide stockholder will receive one share of Wyndham Hotels common stock for each share of Wyndham Worldwide common stock held by such stockholder on the record date. The distribution of these shares will be made in book-entry form, meaning no physical share certificates will be issued. Wyndham Worldwide stockholder approval of the distribution is not required, and you will automatically receive your shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock.

         The distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including among other things: final approval of the distribution by the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors; the Registration Statement on Form 10, of which this information statement forms a part, being declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission; Wyndham Hotels common stock being approved for listing on                ; the receipt of opinions with respect to certain tax matters related to the distribution from Wyndham Worldwide's spin-off tax advisors; the receipt of solvency and surplus opinions from a nationally recognized valuation firm; the receipt of all material governmental approvals; no order, injunction or decree issued by any governmental entity preventing the consummation of all or any portion of the distribution being in effect; and the completion of the financing transactions described in this information statement. We expect that your receipt of shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock in the spin-off will be tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for cash received in lieu of fractional shares. You should consult your own tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences of the distribution to you, including potential tax consequences under state, local and non-U.S. tax laws.

         Immediately following the spin-off, you will own common stock in Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Hotels. Wyndham Worldwide common stock will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"                ." We intend to have Wyndham Hotels common stock listed on the                under the symbol
"                ."

         We have prepared the enclosed information statement, which describes the spin-off in detail and contains important information about Wyndham Hotels, including historical financial statements. Wyndham Worldwide stockholders will receive via mail a notice with instructions on how to access the information statement online. We urge you to carefully read the information statement.

         For more than a decade, we have remained focused on providing great experiences for our millions of guests around the world and delivering value and return on capital for our stockholders. Throughout this journey, we have remained guided by a fundamental commitment to deliver reliable growth in a disciplined and responsible way. These stockholder-focused principles will continue to guide Wyndham Hotels in the years to come. We thank you for supporting our mission to welcome people to experience travel the way they want, and look forward to your continued support in the future.

    Very truly yours,

 

 

Stephen P. Holmes
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Wyndham Worldwide Corporation

Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

                        , 2018

Dear Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Stockholder:

        It is my pleasure to welcome you to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. ("Wyndham Hotels"). We are the world's largest hotel franchisor, with more than 8,100 affiliated hotels located in over 80 countries and with the largest network of franchisees of any global hotel company. We are the leading brand provider to economy hotels in the world, and we have a substantial and growing presence in the midscale and upscale segments of the global hotel industry. Our portfolio of 20 renowned brands, including Wyndham, Super 8 and Days Inn, enables us to franchise hotels in virtually any market at a range of price points, catering to both our guests' and franchisees' preferences.

        Our business model is asset-light and easily adaptable to changing economic environments due to low operating cost structures, which, together with our recurring fee streams and limited capital expenditures, yield attractive margins and predictable cash flows.

        We invite you to learn more about Wyndham Hotels by reviewing the enclosed information statement. We look forward to our future as an independent, publicly traded company and to your support as a holder of Wyndham Hotels common stock. We also look forward to welcoming you as a new or returning guest at one of our hotels around the world.

    Sincerely,

 

 

Geoff A. Ballotti
President and Chief Executive Officer
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A Registration Statement on Form 10 relating to these securities has been confidentially submitted with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 20, 2017

INFORMATION STATEMENT

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Common Stock
(par value $0.01 per share)


        This information statement is being sent to you in connection with the separation of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. from Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries, "Wyndham Worldwide"), following which Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will be an independent, publicly traded company. As part of the separation, Wyndham Worldwide will undergo an internal reorganization, after which it will complete the separation by distributing all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. on a pro rata basis to the holders of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's common stock. We refer to this pro rata distribution as the "distribution" and we refer to the separation, including the internal reorganization and distribution, as the "spin-off." We expect that the distribution will be tax-free to the stockholders of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except to the extent of cash received in lieu of fractional shares. Each Wyndham Worldwide stockholder will receive one share of our common stock for each share of Wyndham Worldwide common stock held by such stockholder on                , 2018, the record date. The distribution of shares will be made in book-entry form only. Wyndham Worldwide will not distribute any fractional shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock. Instead, the distribution agent will aggregate fractional shares into whole shares, sell the whole shares in the open market at prevailing market prices and distribute the aggregate net cash proceeds from the sales pro rata to each holder who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fractional share in the spin-off. The distribution will be effective as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on                , 2018. Immediately after the distribution becomes effective, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will be an independent, publicly traded company.

        No vote or other action of Wyndham Worldwide stockholders is required in connection with the spin-off. We are not asking you for a proxy and you should not send us a proxy. Wyndham Worldwide stockholders will not be required to pay any consideration for the shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock they receive in the spin-off, and they will not be required to surrender or exchange their shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock or take any other action in connection with the spin-off.

        All of the outstanding shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock are currently owned, directly or indirectly, by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation. Accordingly, there is no current trading market for Wyndham Hotels common stock. We expect, however, that a limited trading market for Wyndham Hotels common stock, commonly known as a "when-issued" trading market, will develop at least one trading day prior to the record date for the distribution, and we expect "regular-way" trading of Wyndham Hotels common stock will begin on the first trading day following the distribution date. We intend to list Wyndham Hotels common stock on the                under the ticker symbol "             ."

        In reviewing this information statement, you should carefully consider the matters described in "Risk Factors" beginning on page 25 of this information statement.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this information statement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

        This information statement is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.

        The date of this information statement is                        , 2018.


        A Notice of Internet Availability of Information Statement Materials containing Instructions describing how to access this Information Statement was first mailed to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders on or about                , 2018.


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY

    1  

RISK FACTORS

   
25
 

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   
39
 

THE SPIN-OFF

   
40
 

TRADING MARKET

   
50
 

DIVIDEND POLICY

   
52
 

CAPITALIZATION

   
53
 

SELECTED HISTORICAL COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

   
54
 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   
56
 

THE HOTEL INDUSTRY

   
61
 

OUR BUSINESS

   
63
 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   
81
 

MANAGEMENT

   
95
 

EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

   
100
 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

   
111
 

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS

   
116
 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

   
117
 

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

   
118
 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

   
122
 

INDEX TO ANNUAL COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   
F-1
 

         Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references herein to "Wyndham Hotels & Resorts," "Wyndham Hotels," "we," "our," "us," the "Company" and "our company" refer (i) prior to the consummation of our internal reorganization described under "The Spin-Off—Manner of Effecting the Spin-Off—Internal Reorganization," to the entities holding substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Wyndham Worldwide Hotel Group business used in managing and operating the hotel business of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (the "Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses") and (ii) after the consummation of such internal reorganization, to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references herein to "Wyndham Worldwide" and "Parent" refer to Wyndham Worldwide Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

        Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, all information in this information statement gives effect to the effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws, the forms of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part.

I


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

        This information statement includes certain historical combined financial and other data for the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses. To effect the separation, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation will undertake an internal reorganization, following which Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will hold, directly or through its subsidiaries, the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is the registrant under the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part and will be the financial reporting entity following the consummation of the spin-off. Our historical combined financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 has been derived from the audited Combined Financial Statements included elsewhere in this information statement.

        Our historical combined financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 has been derived from our unaudited combined financial statements that are not included in this information statement. We have prepared our unaudited combined financial statements on the same basis as our audited Combined Financial Statements and, in our opinion, have included all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly in all material respects our financial position and results of operations. Our selected historical financial data is not necessarily indicative of our future performance and does not necessarily reflect what our financial position and results of operations would have been had we been operating as an independent, publicly traded company during the periods presented, including changes that will occur in our operations and capitalization as a result of the spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide.

        This information statement also includes an unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 and unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations data for the year ended December 31, 2016, which present our combined financial position and results of operations after giving effect to the spin-off, including the internal reorganization, the distribution and the other transactions described under "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements." The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the relevant transactions had been consummated on the date indicated, nor is it indicative of future operating results.

        You should read the sections titled "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data" and "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," each of which is qualified in its entirety by reference to the audited Combined Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this information statement and the financial and other information appearing elsewhere in this information statement, including in the sections titled "Risk Factors," "Capitalization" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

        Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. was formed in connection with the spin-off. The financial statements of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. have not been included in this information statement as it is a newly incorporated entity and has no business transactions or activities to date.


INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

        The market data and certain other statistical information used in this information statement are based on independent industry publications, government publications or other published independent sources. These sources generally state that the information they provide has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that the accuracy and completeness of the information are not guaranteed. The forecasts and projections are based on industry surveys and the preparers' experience in the industry, and there is no assurance that any of the projected amounts will be achieved. We believe that the surveys and market research others have performed are reliable, but we have not independently verified this information. STR is the primary source for third-party market data and industry statistics and forecasts. STR does not guarantee the performance of any company about which it collects and provides data. The reproduction of STR's data without their written permission is strictly prohibited. Nothing in the STR data should be construed as advice. Some data are also based on our good faith estimates.

II


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS

        Except where the context suggests otherwise, we define certain terms in this information statement as follows:

III


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

SUMMARY

        This summary highlights information contained in this information statement and provides an overview of the Company, our spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide and the distribution of our common stock by Wyndham Worldwide to its stockholders. For a more complete understanding of our business and the spin-off, you should read this entire information statement carefully, particularly the sections titled "Risk Factors" and "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements" and our audited Combined Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this information statement.


Our Company

        Wyndham Hotels is the world's largest hotel franchisor, with more than 8,100 affiliated hotels located in over 80 countries. We license our 20 renowned hotel brands to franchisees, who pay us royalty and other fees to use our brands and services. We are the leader in the economy segment and have a substantial and growing presence in the midscale and upscale segments of the global hotel industry. We have grown our franchised hotel portfolio over time both organically and through acquisitions, and we have a robust pipeline of hotel owners and developers looking to affiliate with our brands. In 2016, Wyndham Hotels generated revenues of $1,312 million, net income of $172 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $381 million.

        We enable our franchisees, who range from sole proprietors to public real estate investment trusts, to optimize their return on investment. We drive guest reservations to our franchisees' properties through strong brand awareness among consumers and businesses, our global reservation system, our award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program and our national, local and global marketing campaigns. We establish brand standards, provide our franchisees with property-based operational training and turn-key technology solutions, and help reduce their costs by leveraging our scale. These capabilities enhance returns for our franchisees and therefore help us to attract and retain franchisees. With over 5,500 franchisees, we have built the largest network of franchisees of any global hotel company.

        Our portfolio of brands enables us to franchise hotels in virtually any market at a range of price points, catering to both our guests' and franchisees' preferences. We welcome more than 130 million guests annually worldwide. We primarily target economy and midscale guests, as they represent the largest demographic in the United States and around the world. We have the leading position in the economy segment, where our hotel brands represent approximately two of every five branded rooms in the United States. Approximately 70% of the hotels affiliated with our brands are located in the United States and approximately 30% are located internationally. The following table summarizes our brand portfolio as of September 30, 2017 (hotel count does not yet include 202 hotels under the AmericInn brand, which we acquired in October 2017):

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

GRAPHIC

        Our business model is asset-light, as we generally receive a percentage of each franchised hotel's room revenues but do not own the underlying properties. Our business is easily adaptable to changing economic environments due to a low operating cost structure, which, together with our recurring fee streams and limited capital expenditures, yields attractive margins and predictable cash flows. Our franchise agreements are typically 10 to 20 years in length, providing significant visibility into future cash flows. Under these agreements, our franchisees pay us royalty fees and marketing and reservation fees, which are based on a percentage of their gross room revenues. We are required to spend marketing and reservation fees on marketing and reservation activities, enabling us to predictably match these expenses with an offsetting revenue stream on an annual basis. We also license the "Wyndham" trademark and certain other trademarks and intellectual property to Wyndham Worldwide through existing license agreements under which we receive royalty fees, and will continue to earn royalty fees following the spin-off under a long-term licensing agreement. In addition to hotel franchising, we provide hotel management services on a select basis. Our portfolio of managed hotels includes 113 third-party-owned properties and two owned properties. Approximately 99% of the hotels in our system are franchised to third parties, and substantially all of our Adjusted EBITDA is generated by our Hotel Franchising segment.

        We pursue multiple avenues of growth in an effort to generate returns for our stockholders. We use our scale, brands, guest loyalty and franchisee network to add new hotels to our system. Our long-established franchising experience and ability to innovate, together with favorable macroeconomic and lodging industry fundamentals, continue to support our organic growth around the world. Additionally, we intend to use our cash flow to continue to return capital to stockholders and to invest in the business and pursue external growth opportunities.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Our Competitive Strengths

        We believe our success has been and will be driven by significant competitive strengths that we have developed over time:

Industry-leading footprint in the hotel industry

        Wyndham Hotels is the world's largest hotel franchisor, with more than 8,100 affiliated hotels in over 80 countries. Our brands have substantial presence, welcoming more than 130 million guests annually worldwide. The following chart presents the number of branded hotels associated with each of the six largest hotel companies:


Global Hotel Companies by Number of Branded Hotels as of September 30, 2017

GRAPHIC

*    As of June 30, 2017.

Source: Companies' public disclosures.

        Our scale enhances brand awareness among consumers and businesses and provides numerous benefits to franchisees. Our global reservation system, extensive distribution network and our award-winning Wyndham Rewards program drive over 60 million guest reservations annually to our franchisees. We also help our franchisees reduce overall costs through our marketing campaigns, our technology solutions and our purchasing programs with third-party suppliers. Our ability to provide these benefits helps us to attract and retain franchisees.

Strong portfolio of well-known brands

        We have assembled a portfolio of 20 well-known hotel brands, from leading economy brands such as Super 8 and Days Inn to upscale brands such as Wyndham and Dolce. Our Super 8 brand, with over 2,800 affiliated hotels, has more hotel properties than any other hotel brand in the world. Our brands are located in primary, secondary and tertiary cities and are among the most recognized in the industry. Over 80% of the U.S. population lives within ten miles of one or more of our affiliated hotels.

        Our brands offer a breadth of options for franchisees and a wide range of price points and experiences for our guests, including members of our award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. Our brands have also won numerous industry awards, both for guest satisfaction and as franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs. With many of our affiliated hotels located along major highways, our brands not only drive online and telephone reservations to hotels, they also help attract guests on a "walk-in" or direct-to-hotel basis.

Global leader in the economy segment

        We have built a leading position in the economy segment of the hotel industry, with our brands representing some 30% of the branded global economy hotel inventory. Our central reservation channels generate more than half of our franchisees' occupied room-nights annually and approximately 60% of

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

guests at our franchised hotels in the United States. In addition, we have substantial experience in property design, establishing brand standards, advertising, structuring promotional offerings and online marketing for economy brands. Four of our hotel brands have been consistently ranked in the top five in J.D. Power's North American Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study for the economy segment.

        Our strength in the economy segment is attractive to potential franchisees and positions us well to benefit from favorable demographic and consumer demand trends. According to the Brookings Institution, the global middle class is expected to more than double from 2.0 billion to 4.9 billion people by 2030. As this population increasingly participates in the global travel and leisure industry, we expect the economy segment will be a natural entry point.

Award-winning loyalty program

        Wyndham Rewards, our award-winning loyalty program, is a key component of our ongoing efforts to build consumer and franchisee engagement while driving more guest reservations directly to our affiliated hotels. More than 53 million people have enrolled in Wyndham Rewards since its inception, and substantially all 8,145 hotels affiliated with our hotel brands participate in the program. In addition, over 20,000 Wyndham Worldwide vacation ownership and rental properties participate in the program. Wyndham Rewards generates significant repeat business by rewarding frequent stays with points. Since being redesigned in 2015, Wyndham Rewards has been recognized as one of the simplest, most rewarding loyalty programs in the hotel industry, providing more value to members than any other program. It has won nearly 50 awards, including "Best Hotel Loyalty Program" from US News & World Report and Most Rewarding Hotel Loyalty Program from IdeaWorks.

        Wyndham Rewards loyalty program members now account for approximately one-third of occupancy at our affiliated hotels. Total membership has been growing by approximately 10% annually. Our franchisees benefit from the program through increased guest loyalty and the nearly one million room-nights for which award points are redeemed each year. These members are an important driver of our growth, as they stay nearly twice as often and spend 85% more than other guests, on average.

Proven ability to create value through acquisitions

        We have built our portfolio of renowned hotel brands primarily through acquisitions, beginning with the Howard Johnson brand and the U.S. franchise rights for the Ramada brand in 1990. Since then, we have acquired 16 economy, midscale, upscale and extended-stay brands, enabling us to meet travelers' leisure and business travel needs across a wide range of price points, experiences and geographies. We have established an extensive track record of successfully integrating franchise systems and enhancing the performance of brands post-acquisition by leveraging our operating best practices, significant economies of scale, award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program and access to global distribution networks, while producing significant cost synergies for us and our franchisees. We intend to build upon our past success as we continue to opportunistically acquire and integrate brands into our franchising platform.

        In addition, we have grown many of the franchise systems we have acquired to be significantly larger than at acquisition. For example, after acquiring the economy-focused Baymont Inn portfolio in 2006, we re-positioned the brand within the midscale segment as Baymont Inn & Suites and have more than tripled its size from 115 hotels to 436 hotels in North and Latin America. Similarly, we have nearly doubled the size of our flagship Wyndham brand since we acquired it in 2005. We believe these capabilities, combined with our scale, enable us to be highly competitive for acquisition opportunities.

Strong and experienced management team

        Our executive management team is focused on building upon Wyndham Hotel Group's past success and track record of growth through its deep industry experience and leadership continuity. We benefit significantly from the experience of our executive officers who have an average of 18 years of experience in

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the travel and hospitality industries. Our chief executive officer, Geoffrey Ballotti, spent 20 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts before joining Wyndham Worldwide in 2008 and has been instrumental in transforming our business over the past several years through acquisitions and technology-related initiatives. Our non-executive chairman, Stephen Holmes, has 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has served as Wyndham Worldwide's chief executive officer since 2006. Our chief financial officer, David Wyshner, has 18 years of experience in the travel industry and previously served as president and chief financial officer of Avis Budget Group. As a group, our executive officers have extensive experience with leading global hospitality and consumer-brand companies.


Our Strategy

        Our objective is to continue to strengthen our position as the world's leading hotel franchisor and help our franchisees drive profitability through the brands, technology and reservation services we provide. We expect to achieve our goals by focusing on the following core strategic initiatives:

Attract, retain and develop franchisees

        We intend to attract and retain franchisees and to grow our system size by maintaining and increasing the value we provide to franchisees. With more than 5,500 franchisees, we have built the largest network of franchisees of any global hotel company. These hotel owners and developers provide the engine and platform for future growth. In order to attract, retain and serve franchisees, we plan to:

        We are focused on building brand awareness, brand preference and reservations by presenting the value propositions of each of our hotel brands in all relevant channels to consumers who are likely to have the greatest propensity to stay with us. We also provide our franchisees with fully integrated, turn-key property management, reservations and revenue management systems that have capabilities that were not previously affordable to hotels in the economy and midscale sectors. We continuously innovate in our e-commerce channels, including websites and mobile applications for our brands, to enhance the consumer experience and drive reservations to our franchisees. We also operate telephone reservation and customer service centers around the world, and provide easy access to third-party distribution channels for our franchisees. Finally, we develop strong, consultative relationships with our franchisees, beginning with the sales process, where we work with hotel owners to determine how our brands will optimize their investment. We nurture this relationship throughout the life of the contract, continually assessing our franchisees' needs, providing solutions to meet those needs and partnering with them to grow their business. These efforts help us to retain approximately 95% of our franchisees each year and to welcome an average of two new hotels into our system every day.

"Elevate the economy experience"

        We believe every type of traveler should have a great travel experience, regardless of price point. We are building on our leading position in the economy hotel segment to reshape and elevate the economy hotel experience. This process starts with our iconic economy brands—Days Inn, Super 8, Howard Johnson and Travelodge—which we have redefined to create new brand standards and new guest experiences. For instance, we have developed innovative new-construction prototypes and have introduced new design concepts and plans for conversion properties and renovations, such as the Super 8 Innovate room package. These changes enable our franchisees to create an upscale guest experience at an economy price point.

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        Our economy brands are among the most respected in the industry and have won numerous awards for the quality and consistency of service they provide. We intend to continue to drive favorable consumer perception of our brands through our brand standards, quality assurance, marketing and franchisee relations. As a result, we believe our reshaped and elevated economy brands will be a natural entry point for millennials and other price-conscious travelers, who are looking for quality branded experiences at an economy price point.

Expand our presence in the midscale space and beyond

        Our leading position in the economy segment provides a strong platform for our accelerated growth in the midscale sector, where our share of branded rooms is approximately 15%. We are able to effectively and easily leverage our industry-leading technology, marketing platform and infrastructure to serve midscale and upscale hotels. This capability provides an opportunity for our existing franchisees to "trade up" as their businesses grow and for us to attract hotel owners and developers focused on these segments.

        In addition to expanding our revenue opportunities, growing our presence outside the economy segment offers many advantages, including strengthening brand equity and building brand loyalty among higher-paying guests. Growth in the midscale and upscale segments, all within the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, will provide our loyalty members with increased flexibility to redeem points at a Wyndham Hotels brand that fits a member's specific preferences, further increasing brand loyalty.

Grow our footprint in new and existing international markets

        With a diverse, global network of brands already represented in more than 80 countries, we intend to expand in new and existing international markets. Over the past five years, our international portfolio has grown at a compound annual rate of 12%, to 2,500 hotels, and now represents approximately 30% of the hotels in our system.

        We have built a strong, flexible international franchise sales platform, with more than 100 sales professionals in key locations around the world, including in Europe, Latin America, India, China, Singapore and Australia. We typically focus on rapidly developing countries that are under-served by the hotel industry. We also look for flagship opportunities in higher-traffic markets throughout the world to aid international brand awareness and loyalty. We believe our flexibility as a sales organization and our diverse portfolio of brands enable us to effectively adapt our sales strategies in response to franchisees' and hotel developers' needs, and to changes in global supply and demand.

        Currently, our pipeline of franchise contracts and applications consists of approximately 1,200 hotels with 147,000 rooms, of which more than half are international. As we grow internationally, we are particularly focused on brand quality and property design, with approximately 90% of our existing international pipeline being new-construction projects.

Use cash flow to create value for stockholders

        We intend to use the cash flow generated by our operations to create value for stockholders. Our asset-light business model, with low fixed costs and stable, recurring franchise fee revenue, generates attractive margins and cash flow. In addition to investments in the business, including acquisitions of brands and businesses that would expand our presence and capabilities in the lodging industry, we expect to return capital to our stockholders through dividends and/or share repurchases. We expect to pay a regular dividend and use excess cash to repurchase shares.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Summary Risk Factors

        There are a number of risks relating to our business, our industry, the spin-off and our common stock, including:

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

        These and other risks relating to our business, our industry, the spin-off and our common stock are discussed in greater detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in this information statement. You should read and consider all of these risks carefully.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 


The Spin-Off

        The following provides only a summary of the terms of the spin-off. For a more detailed description of the matters described below, see "The Spin-Off."

Overview

        On August 2, 2017, Wyndham Worldwide announced its intention to implement the spin-off of Wyndham Hotels from Wyndham Worldwide, following which Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will be an independent, publicly traded company, and Wyndham Worldwide will have no continuing stock ownership interest in Wyndham Hotels.

        Before our spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide, we will enter into a Separation and Distribution Agreement and several other agreements with Wyndham Worldwide related to the spin-off. These agreements will govern the relationship between us and Wyndham Worldwide after completion of the spin-off and provide for the allocation between us and Wyndham Worldwide of various assets, liabilities, rights and obligations. These agreements will also include arrangements with respect to employee matters, tax matters, the licensing of trademarks and certain other intellectual property between us and Wyndham Worldwide, transitional services to be provided by Wyndham Worldwide to us, and by us to Wyndham Worldwide, and access to the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Wyndham Worldwide Related to the Spin-Off."

        The distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. In addition, until the distribution has occurred, the board of directors of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (the "Wyndham Worldwide board of directors") has the right to not proceed with the distribution, even if all of the conditions are satisfied. See "The Spin-Off—Conditions to the Distribution."

Financing Transactions

        Subject to market conditions, we expect to complete one or more financing transactions on or prior to the completion of the spin-off. As a result of these financing transactions, we expect to have total indebtedness of between $             million and $             million. We have not yet identified the specific sources of funds, and any financing transactions may not be completed in the timeframe or size indicated, or at all. The financing transactions will be described in greater detail in a subsequent amendment to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part. See "The Spin-Off—Financing Transactions" and "Description of Certain Indebtedness."

Questions and Answers About the Spin-Off

The following provides only a summary of the terms of the spin-off. For a more detailed description of the matters described below, see "The Spin-Off."

        Q:    What is the spin-off?

        A:    The spin-off is the method by which we will separate from Wyndham Worldwide. In the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation will distribute to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders all of the outstanding shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock. We refer to this as the distribution. Following the spin-off, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will be an independent, publicly traded company, and Wyndham Worldwide will not retain any ownership interest in Wyndham Hotels.

        Q:    What will I receive in the spin-off?

        A:    As a holder of Wyndham Worldwide common stock, you will retain your shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock and will receive one share of Wyndham Hotels common stock for each share of Wyndham Worldwide common stock you own as of the record date. The number of shares of Wyndham

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Worldwide common stock you own and your proportionate interest in Wyndham Worldwide will not change as a result of the spin-off. See "The Spin-Off."

        Q:    What is Wyndham Hotels?

        A:    After the spin-off is completed, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will be a new independent, publicly traded hotel franchising and management company with a portfolio of well-known hotel brands. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation.

        Q:    Why is the spin-off of Wyndham Hotels structured as a spin-off?

        A:    Wyndham Worldwide determined, and continues to believe, that a spin-off that is generally tax-free to Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Worldwide stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes will enhance the long-term value of both Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Hotels. Further, Wyndham Worldwide believes that a spin-off offers the most efficient way to accomplish a separation of its hotel business from Wyndham Worldwide, a higher degree of certainty of completion in a timely manner and a lower risk of disruption to current business operations. See "The Spin-Off—Reasons for the Spin-Off."

        Q:    What are the conditions to the distribution?

        A:    The distribution is subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, of the following conditions:

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

        See "The Spin-Off—Conditions to the Distribution."

        Q:    Can Wyndham Worldwide decide to not proceed with the distribution even if all of the conditions to the distribution have been met?

        A:    Yes. Until the distribution has occurred, the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors has the right to not proceed with the distribution, even if all of the conditions are satisfied.

        Q:    What is being distributed in the spin-off?

        A:    Approximately            shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock will be distributed in the spin-off, based on the number of shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock expected to be outstanding as of            , 2018, the record date, and assuming each holder of Wyndham Worldwide common stock will receive one share of Wyndham Hotels common stock for each share of Wyndham Worldwide common stock. The actual number of shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock distributed will be calculated as of the record date. The shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock distributed by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation will constitute all of the issued and outstanding shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock immediately prior to the distribution. See "Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock."

        Q:    When is the record date for the distribution?

        A:    The record date will be the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange on            , 2018.

        Q:    When will the distribution occur?

        A:    The distribution date of the spin-off is            , 2018. We expect that it will take the distribution agent, acting on behalf of Wyndham Worldwide, up to two weeks after the distribution date to fully distribute the shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders.

        Q:    What do I have to do to participate in the spin-off?

        A:    Nothing. You are not required to take any action, although we urge you to read this entire information statement carefully. No stockholder approval of the distribution is required or sought. You are not being asked for a proxy. No action is required on your part to receive your shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock. You will neither be required to pay anything for the new shares nor be required to surrender any shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock to participate in the spin-off.

        Q:    Do I have appraisal rights in connection with the spin-off?

        A:    No. Holders of Wyndham Worldwide common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the spin-off.

        Q:    How will fractional shares be treated in the spin-off?

        A:    Fractional shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock will not be distributed. Fractional shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock to which Wyndham Worldwide stockholders of record would otherwise be entitled will be aggregated and sold in the public market by the distribution agent at prevailing market prices. The distribution agent, in its sole discretion, will determine when, how, at what prices to sell these shares and through which broker-dealers, provided that such broker-dealers are not affiliates of Wyndham Worldwide or Wyndham Hotels. The aggregate net cash proceeds of the sales will be distributed ratably to those stockholders who would otherwise have received fractional shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock. See "The Spin-Off—Treatment of Fractional Shares" for a more detailed explanation. Receipt by a

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

stockholder of proceeds from these sales in lieu of a fractional share generally will result in a taxable gain or loss to those stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Each stockholder entitled to receive cash proceeds from these shares should consult his, her or its own tax advisor as to such stockholder's particular circumstances. We describe the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the distribution in more detail under "The Spin-Off—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution."

        Q:    Why has Wyndham Worldwide determined to undertake the spin-off?

        A:    The Wyndham Worldwide board of directors has determined that the spin-off is in the best interests of Wyndham Worldwide, Wyndham Worldwide stockholders and other constituents because the spin-off will provide a number of benefits, including: (1) enhanced strategic and management focus on the core business and growth of each company; (2) more efficient capital allocation, direct access to capital and expanded growth opportunities for each company; (3) the ability to implement a tailored approach to recruiting and retaining employees at each company; (4) improved investor understanding of the business strategy and operating results of each company; and (5) enhanced investor choice by offering investment opportunities in separate entities. For a more detailed discussion of the reasons for the spin-off, see "The Spin-Off—Reasons for the Spin-Off."

        Q:    What are the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the spin-off?

        A:    The spin-off is conditioned on the receipt of opinions of Wyndham Worldwide's spin-off tax advisors, confirming that the distribution and certain related transactions will be treated as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code in which no gain or loss is recognized by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation or its stockholders, except, in the case of Wyndham Worldwide stockholders, for cash received in lieu of fractional shares. Although Wyndham Worldwide has no current intention to do so, such condition is solely for the benefit of Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Worldwide stockholders and may be waived by Wyndham Worldwide in its sole discretion. In addition, Wyndham Worldwide has requested certain rulings (the "IRS Ruling") from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") regarding certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of aspects of the spin-off, although receipt of the IRS Ruling is not a condition to the spin-off. The material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the distribution are described in more detail under "The Spin-Off—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution."

        Q:    Will the Wyndham Hotels common stock be listed on a stock exchange?

        A:    Yes. Although there is not currently a public market for Wyndham Hotels common stock, before completion of the spin-off, Wyndham Hotels will apply to list its common stock on the            under the symbol "            ." It is anticipated that trading of Wyndham Hotels common stock will commence on a "when-issued" basis at least one trading day prior to the record date. "When-issued" trading refers to a sale or purchase made conditionally because the security has been authorized but not yet issued. "When-issued" trades generally settle within three trading days after the distribution date. On the first trading day following the distribution date, any "when-issued" trading with respect to Wyndham Hotels common stock will end, and "regular-way" trading will begin. "Regular-way" trading refers to trading after a security has been issued and typically involves a transaction that settles on the second full trading day following the date of the transaction. We cannot predict the trading prices of our common stock before, on or after the distribution date. See "Trading Market."

        Q:    Will my shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock continue to trade?

        A:    Yes. Wyndham Worldwide common stock will continue to be listed and trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "             ."

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

        Q:    If I sell, on or before the distribution date, shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock that I held as of the record date, am I still entitled to receive shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock distributable with respect to the shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock I sold?

        A:    Beginning on or shortly before the record date and continuing through the distribution date for the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide common stock will begin to trade in two markets on the New York Stock Exchange: a "regular-way" market and an "ex-distribution" market. If you hold shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock as of the record date for the distribution and choose to sell those shares in the "regular-way" market after the record date for the distribution and on or before the distribution date, you will also be selling the right to receive the shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock in connection with the spin-off. However, if you hold shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock as of the record date for the distribution and choose to sell those shares in the "ex-distribution" market after the record date for the distribution and on or before the distribution date, you will still receive the shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock in the spin-off.

        Q:    Will the spin-off affect the trading price of my Wyndham Worldwide common stock?

        A:    Yes. The trading price of shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock immediately following the distribution is expected to be lower than immediately prior to the distribution because its trading price will no longer reflect the value of the hotel business. However, we cannot predict the price at which the shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock will trade following the spin-off.

        Q:    What financing transactions will be undertaken in connection with the spin-off?

        A:    Subject to market conditions, we expect to complete one or more financing transactions on or prior to the completion of the spin-off. As a result of these financing transactions, we expect to have total indebtedness of between $             million and $             million. We have not yet identified the specific sources of funds and any financing transactions may not be completed in the timeframe or size indicated, or at all. The financing transactions will be described in greater detail in a subsequent amendment to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part. See "The Spin-Off—Financing Transactions" and "Description of Certain Indebtedness."

        Q:    Who will form the senior management team and board of directors of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. after the spin-off?

        A:    The executive officers and members of the board of directors of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. ("our board of directors") following the spin-off will include: Stephen P. Holmes, Non-Executive Chairman of our board of directors; Geoffrey A. Ballotti, President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors; David B. Wyshner, Chief Financial Officer; Thomas H. Barber, Chief Strategy and Development Officer; Bob D. Loewen, Chief Operating Officer; Barry S. Goldstein, Chief Marketing Officer; Paul F. Cash, General Counsel; and Mary R. Falvey, Chief Administrative Officer. We are in the process of identifying additional individuals who will serve as members of our board of directors following the spin-off. See "Management" for information on our executive officers and board of directors.

        Q:    What will the relationship be between Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Hotels after the spin-off?

        A:    Following the spin-off, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will be an independent, publicly traded company, and Wyndham Worldwide will have no continuing stock ownership interest in Wyndham Hotels. We will have entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement and several other agreements with Wyndham Worldwide related to the spin-off. These agreements will govern the relationship between us and Wyndham Worldwide after completion of the spin-off and provide for the allocation between us and Wyndham Worldwide of various assets, liabilities, rights and obligations. These agreements will also include arrangements with respect to employee matters, tax matters, the licensing of trademarks and

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

certain other intellectual property between us and Wyndham Worldwide, transitional services to be provided by Wyndham Worldwide to us, and by us to Wyndham Worldwide, and access to the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Wyndham Worldwide Related to the Spin-Off."

        Q:    What will Wyndham Hotels' dividend policy be after the spin-off?

        A:    We intend to pay regular quarterly cash dividends beginning            , 2018. However, any decision to declare and pay dividends will be made at the sole discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. There can be no assurance that a payment of a dividend will occur in the future. See "Dividend Policy."

        Q:    What are the anti-takeover effects of the spin-off?

        A:    Some provisions of Delaware law, certain of our agreements with Wyndham Worldwide, and the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of Wyndham Hotels and the amended and restated by-laws of Wyndham Hotels (as each will be in effect immediately following the spin-off) may have the effect of making it more difficult to acquire control of Wyndham Hotels in a transaction not approved by our board of directors. For example, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws will, among other things, require advance notice for stockholder proposals and nominations, place limitations on convening stockholder meetings and authorize our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock. Further, under the Tax Matters Agreement, Wyndham Hotels will agree, subject to certain terms, conditions and exceptions, not to enter into any transaction for a period of two years following the distribution involving an acquisition (including issuance) of Wyndham Hotels common stock or certain other transactions that could cause the distribution to be taxable to Wyndham Worldwide. The parties will also agree to indemnify each other for any tax resulting from any transaction to the extent a party's actions caused such tax liability, regardless of whether the indemnified party consented to such transaction or the indemnifying party was otherwise permitted to enter into such transaction under the Tax Matters Agreement, and for all or a portion of any tax liabilities resulting from the distribution under certain other circumstances. Generally, Wyndham Worldwide will recognize a taxable gain on the distribution if there are (or have been) one or more acquisitions (including issuances) of Wyndham Hotels capital stock representing 50% or more of Wyndham Hotels common stock, measured by vote or value, and the acquisitions are deemed to be part of a plan or series of related transactions that include the distribution. Any such acquisition of Wyndham Hotels common stock within two years before or after the distribution (with exceptions, including public trading by less-than-5% stockholders and certain compensatory stock issuances) generally will be presumed to be part of such a plan unless that presumption is rebutted. As a result, these obligations may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of Wyndham Hotels. See "Description of Capital Stock—Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Amended and Restated By-laws and Delaware Law" and "The Spin-Off—Treatment of the Spin-Off" for more information.

        Q:    What are the risks associated with the spin-off?

        A:    There are a number of risks associated with the spin-off and ownership of Wyndham Hotels common stock. These risks are discussed under "Risk Factors."

        Q:    Who will be the distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for Wyndham Hotels common stock?

        A:    The distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for Wyndham Hotels common stock will be             . For questions relating to the transfer or mechanics of the stock distribution, you should contact            toll-free at            .

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

        Q:    Where can I get more information?

        A:    If you have any questions relating to the mechanics of the distribution, you should contact the distribution agent at:

        Before the spin-off, if you have any questions relating to the spin-off, you should contact Wyndham Worldwide at:

        After the spin-off, if you have any questions relating to Wyndham Hotels, you should contact Wyndham Hotels at:

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Summary of the Spin-Off

Distributing Company   Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, a Delaware corporation. After the distribution, Wyndham Worldwide will not own any shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock.

Distributed Company

 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a Delaware corporation and, prior to the spin-off, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation. After the spin-off, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will be an independent, publicly traded company.

Distributed Securities

 

All of the outstanding shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock owned by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, which will be 100 percent of the Wyndham Hotels common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the distribution.

Record Date

 

The record date for the distribution is            , 2018.

Distribution Date

 

The distribution date is            , 2018.

Internal Reorganization

 

As part of the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide will effect an internal reorganization to properly align the appropriate businesses within each of Wyndham Hotels and Wyndham Worldwide. The internal reorganization will be described in greater detail in a subsequent amendment to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part. See "The Spin-Off—Manner of Effecting the Spin-Off—Internal Reorganization."

 

 

After completion of the spin-off:

 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will be an independent, publicly traded company (        :        ), and will own and operate Wyndham Worldwide's hotel business; and

 

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation will continue to be an independent, publicly traded company (New York Stock Exchange:            ) and continue to own and operate its timeshare, vacation exchange and vacation rentals businesses.


Distribution Ratio

 

Each holder of Wyndham Worldwide common stock will receive one share of Wyndham Hotels common stock for each share of Wyndham Worldwide common stock held at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on            , 2018.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

    Immediately following the spin-off, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. expects to have approximately            record holders of shares of its common stock and approximately            shares of common stock outstanding, based on the number of stockholders and outstanding shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock on             , 2018 and the distribution ratio. The actual number of shares to be distributed will be determined as of the record date and will reflect any repurchases of shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock and issuances of shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock in respect of awards under Wyndham Worldwide Corporation equity-based incentive plans between the date the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors declares the dividend for the distribution and the record date for the distribution.

The Distribution

 

On the distribution date, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation will release the shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock to the distribution agent to distribute to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders. The distribution of shares will be made in book-entry form only, meaning that no physical share certificates will be issued. It is expected that it will take the distribution agent up to two weeks to issue shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock to you or to your bank or brokerage firm electronically on your behalf by way of direct registration in book-entry form. Trading of our shares will not be affected during that time. You will not be required to make any payment, surrender or exchange your shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock or take any other action to receive your shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock.

Fractional Shares

 

The distribution agent will not distribute any fractional shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders. Fractional shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock to which Wyndham Worldwide stockholders of record would otherwise be entitled will be aggregated and sold in the public market by the distribution agent. The aggregate net cash proceeds of the sales will be distributed ratably to those stockholders who would otherwise have received fractional shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock. Receipt of the proceeds from these sales generally will result in a taxable gain or loss to those stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Each stockholder entitled to receive cash proceeds from these shares should consult his, her or its own tax advisor as to such stockholder's particular circumstances. The material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the distribution are described in more detail under "The Spin-Off—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution."

Conditions to the Distribution

 

The distribution is subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, of the following conditions:

 

the final approval of the distribution by the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors, which approval may be given or withheld in its absolute and sole discretion;

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

 

our Registration Statement on Form 10, of which this information statement forms a part, shall have been declared effective by the SEC, with no stop order in effect with respect thereto, and a notice of internet availability of this information statement shall have been mailed to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders;

 

Wyndham Hotels common stock shall have been approved for listing on the            , subject to official notice of distribution;

 

Wyndham Worldwide shall have obtained opinions from its spin-off tax advisors, in form and substance satisfactory to Wyndham Worldwide, to the effect that the distribution of Wyndham Hotels common stock and certain related transactions will qualify as a reorganization under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code, in which no gain or loss is recognized by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation or its stockholders, except, in case of Wyndham Worldwide stockholders, for cash received in lieu of fractional shares;

 

Wyndham Worldwide shall have obtained opinions from a nationally recognized valuation firm, in form and substance satisfactory to Wyndham Worldwide, with respect to (i) the capital adequacy and solvency of both Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Hotels after giving effect to the spin-off and (ii) the adequate surplus of Wyndham Worldwide to declare the applicable dividend;

 

all material governmental approvals and other consents necessary to consummate the distribution or any portion thereof shall have been obtained and be in full force and effect;

 

no order, injunction or decree issued by any governmental entity of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of all or any portion of the distribution shall be in effect, and no other event shall have occurred or failed to occur that prevents the consummation of all or any portion of the distribution; and

 

the financing transactions described herein shall have been completed on or prior to the distribution date.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

    We are not aware of any material U.S. federal, non-U.S. or state regulatory requirements that must be complied with or any material approvals that must be obtained, other than compliance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, approval for listing on the            and the declaration of effectiveness of the Registration Statement on Form 10, of which this information statement forms a part, by the SEC, in connection with the distribution. Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Hotels cannot assure you that any or all of these conditions will be met and Wyndham Worldwide Corporation may waive any of the conditions to the distribution. In addition, until the distribution has occurred, the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors has the right to not proceed with the distribution, even if all of the conditions are satisfied. For more information, see "The Spin-Off—Conditions to the Distribution."

Trading Market and Symbol

 

We intend to list Wyndham Hotels common stock on the            under the ticker symbol "            ." We anticipate that, at least one trading day prior to the record date, trading of shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock will begin on a "when-issued" basis and will continue up to and including the distribution date, and we expect "regular-way" trading of Wyndham Hotels common stock will begin on the first trading day following the distribution date. We also anticipate that, at least one trading day prior to the record date, there will be two markets in Wyndham Worldwide common stock: (i) a "regular-way" market on which shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock will trade with an entitlement for the purchaser of Wyndham Worldwide common stock to shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock to be distributed pursuant to the distribution; and (ii) an "ex-distribution" market on which shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock will trade without an entitlement for the purchaser of Wyndham Worldwide common stock to shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock. For more information, see "Trading Market."

Tax Consequences of the Distribution

 

The distribution is conditioned upon, among other things, the receipt of opinions of Wyndham Worldwide's spin-off tax advisors to the effect that the distribution, and certain related transactions, will be treated as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code, in which no gain or loss is recognized by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation or its stockholders, except, in the case of Wyndham Worldwide stockholders, for cash received in lieu of fractional shares. In addition, Wyndham Worldwide has requested the IRS Ruling from the IRS regarding certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of aspects of the spin-off, although receipt of the IRS Ruling is not a condition to the spin-off. See "The Spin-Off—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution."

 

 

Each stockholder is urged to consult his, her or its tax advisor as to the specific tax consequences of the spin-off to such stockholder, including the effect of any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws and of changes in applicable tax laws.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Relationship with Wyndham Worldwide after the Spin-Off   Before our spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide, we will enter into a Separation and Distribution Agreement and several other agreements with Wyndham Worldwide related to the spin-off. These agreements will govern the relationship between us and Wyndham Worldwide after completion of the spin-off and provide for the allocation between us and Wyndham Worldwide of various assets, liabilities, rights and obligations. These agreements include:

 

a Separation and Distribution Agreement with Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, which will provide for the allocation of assets and liabilities between us and Wyndham Worldwide and will establish certain rights and obligations between the parties following the distribution;

 

a Transition Services Agreement with Wyndham Worldwide, pursuant to which certain services will be provided on an interim basis following the distribution;

 

an Employee Matters Agreement with Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, which will set forth the agreements between us and Wyndham Worldwide concerning certain employee, compensation and benefit-related matters;

 

a Tax Matters Agreement with Wyndham Worldwide, regarding the sharing of tax liabilities incurred, and tax assets generated, before and after completion of the spin-off, certain indemnification rights with respect to tax matters and certain restrictions on our conduct following the distribution intended to preserve the tax-free status of the distribution; and

 

a long-term license, development and noncompetition agreement with Wyndham Worldwide, which will govern (i) the grant by Wyndham Hotels to Wyndham Worldwide of a license to use the "Wyndham" trademark, and certain other trademarks and intellectual property, which shall be exclusive for the vacation ownership, vacation rental and vacation ownership exchange businesses, with certain limited exceptions; (ii) arrangements between Wyndham Hotels and Wyndham Worldwide with respect to the brand positioning, development and management of new projects; and (iii) non-compete obligations of Wyndham Hotels and Wyndham Worldwide.


 

 

We describe these arrangements in greater detail under "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Wyndham Worldwide Related to the Spin-Off," and describe some of the risks of these arrangements under "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Spin-Off."

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Dividend Policy   We intend to pay regular quarterly cash dividends beginning             , 2018. However, any decision to declare and pay dividends will be made at the sole discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. There can be no assurance that a payment of a dividend will occur in the future. See "Dividend Policy."

Financing Transactions

 

Subject to market conditions, we expect to complete one or more financing transactions on or prior to the completion of the spin-off. As a result of these financing transactions, we expect to have total indebtedness of between $            million and $            million. We have not yet identified the specific sources of funds and any financing transactions may not be completed in the timeframe or size indicated, or at all. The financing transactions will be described in greater detail in a subsequent amendment to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part. See "The Spin-Off—Financing Transactions" and "Description of Certain Indebtedness."

Transfer Agent

 

                    .

Risk Factors

 

We face both general and specific risks and uncertainties relating to our business and our industry, the spin-off and our common stock. We also are subject to risks relating to our relationship with Wyndham Worldwide and our being an independent, publicly traded company following the spin-off. You should carefully read the risk factors set forth in the section titled "Risk Factors" in this information statement.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

 

Summary Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data

        We derived the summary historical statement of income data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the summary historical balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 from the audited Combined Financial Statements of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses included elsewhere in this information statement. We derived the summary historical statement of income data for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the summary historical balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 from unaudited combined financial statements of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses that are not included in this information statement. We have prepared our unaudited combined financial statements on the same basis as our audited Combined Financial Statements and, in our opinion, have included all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly in all material respects our financial position and results of operations.

        Following the consummation of the spin-off, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will hold, directly or through its subsidiaries, the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses and will be the financial reporting entity. The following summary unaudited pro forma combined financial data of Wyndham Hotels as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 has been prepared to reflect the spin-off and related transactions described under "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements." The summary unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017 has been prepared to reflect the spin-off and related transactions as if they had occurred on December 31, 2016. The summary unaudited pro forma combined statement of income data for the year ended December 31, 2016 has been prepared to reflect the spin-off and related transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2016. The summary unaudited pro forma financial data is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the relevant transactions had been consummated on the date indicated, nor is it indicative of future operating results. The assumptions used and pro forma adjustments derived from such assumptions are based on currently available information, and we believe such assumptions are reasonable under the circumstances.

        This summary historical and unaudited pro forma combined financial data is not indicative of our future performance and does not necessarily reflect what our financial position and results of operations would have been had we been operating as an independent, publicly traded company during the periods presented, including changes that will occur in our operations and capitalization as a result of the spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide. For example, the historical combined financial statements of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses include certain indirect general and administrative costs allocated by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation for certain functions and services, including executive officer, finance and other administrative support. These costs may not be representative of the future costs we will incur as an independent, public company.

        The summary historical and unaudited pro forma combined financial data below should be read together with the audited Combined Financial Statements and related notes thereto, as well as the sections titled "Capitalization," "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Description of Certain Indebtedness," and the other financial information included elsewhere in this information statement.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

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  Pro Forma
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year Ended December 31,  
($ in millions, except for Operating Statistics)
  2016   2015   2014  

Summary Statement of Income Data:

                 

Net revenues

  $              $ 1,312   $ 1,301   $ 1,103  

Total expenses

               1,024   1,051   867  

Operating income

                   288     250     236  

Interest expense (income), net

               1   1   (1 )

Income before income taxes

                   287     249     237  

Provision for income taxes

               115   100   85  

Net income

                   172     149     152  

Other Financial Data:

                 

Royalties and franchise fees

  $              $ 353   $ 347   $ 332  

License and other fees from Parent

               65   64   47  

Adjusted EBITDA(1):

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Hotel Franchising segment

  $              $ 394   $ 366   $ 345  

Hotel Management segment

                   26     28     13  

Corporate and other(2)

               (39 ) (41 ) (39 )

Total(3)

  $              $ 381   $ 353   $ 319  

Operating Statistics:

                 

Total Company

                         

Number of properties(4)

               8,035   7,812   7,645  

Number of rooms(5)

                   697,607     678,042     660,826  

RevPAR(6)

  $              $ 36.67   $ 37.26   $ 37.57  

Average royalty rate(7)

                   3.65 %   3.68 %   3.60 %

United States

                 

Number of properties(4)

                   5,525     5,582     5,646  

Number of rooms(5)

               429,020   435,312   440,175  

RevPAR(6)

  $              $ 39.77   $ 39.13   $ 37.27  

Average royalty rate(7)

               4.35 % 4.37 % 4.28 %

 

    Pro Forma
As of
December 31,
  As of December 31,   

($ in millions)

  2016    2016    2015    2014   

Summary Balance Sheet Data:

                 

Cash

  $              $ 28   $ 38   $ 25  

Total assets

               1,983   1,959   1,891  

Debt due to Parent

                   174     95     105  

Total liabilities

               872   780   702  

Total net investment

                   1,111     1,179     1,189  

(1)
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income excluding interest expense, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, restructuring and related charges, contract termination costs, transaction-related costs (acquisition-, disposition-, or separation-related), stock-based compensation expense, early extinguishment of debt costs and income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized term under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or other measures of financial performance or liquidity derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For further discussion on Adjusted EBITDA, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Key Business and Financial Metrics and Terms Used by Management—Adjusted EBITDA." For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, which we believe is the most closely comparable U.S. GAAP financial

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

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(2)
Corporate and other reflects unallocated corporate costs that are not attributable to an operating segment.
(3)
For 2016 and 2015, refer to "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," for a reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA. The reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA for 2014 is as follows:


Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

($ in millions)
  2014  

Net income

  $ 152  

Provision for income taxes

    85  

Depreciation and amortization

    61  

Interest expense (income), net

    (1 )

Stock-based compensation

    9  

Restructuring

    5  

Impairment

    8  

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 319  
(4)
Represents the number of hotels at the end of the period.
(5)
Represents the number of rooms in hotel properties at the end of the period that are under franchise and/or management agreements, or are Company-owned.
(6)
Represents revenue per available room and is calculated by multiplying the average occupancy rate by the average daily rate.
(7)
Represents royalties divided by the gross room revenues of our franchisees.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

RISK FACTORS

        You should carefully consider each of the following risk factors and all of the other information set forth in this information statement. The risk factors generally have been separated into three groups: risks relating to our business and our industry, risks relating to the spin-off and risks relating to our common stock. Based on the information currently known to us, we believe that the following information identifies the most significant risk factors affecting our company in each of these categories of risks. However, the risks and uncertainties we face are not limited to those set forth in the risk factors described below. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business. In addition, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.

        If any of the following risks and uncertainties develops into actual events, these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline.


Risks Relating to Our Business and Our Industry

The hotel industry is highly competitive and we are subject to risks related to competition that may adversely affect our performance and growth.

        We will be adversely impacted if we cannot compete effectively in the highly competitive hotel industry. Our continued success depends upon our ability to compete effectively in markets that contain numerous competitors, some of whom may have significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have. Competition in the hotel industry is based primarily on brand name recognition and reputation, as well as location, room rates, property size and availability of rooms and conference space, quality of the accommodations, guest satisfaction, amenities and the ability to earn and redeem loyalty program points. New hotels may be constructed and these additions to supply create new competitors, in some cases without corresponding increases in demand for lodging. Competition may reduce fee structures, potentially causing us to lower our fees, which may adversely impact our profits. New competition or existing competition that employs a business model that is different from our business model may require us to change our model so that we can remain competitive.

We are subject to business, financial, operating and other risks common to the hotel, franchising and hotel management industries and which affect our franchisees, any of which could reduce our revenues and growth.

        A significant portion of our revenue is derived from fees based on room revenues at hotels franchised under our hotel brands. As such, our business is subject, directly or through our franchisees, to risks common in the hotel, franchising and hotel management industries, including risks related to:

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        Any of these factors could reduce our revenues, increase our costs or otherwise limit our opportunities for growth.

Our revenues are highly dependent on the travel industry and declines in or disruptions to the travel industry, such as those caused by economic conditions, terrorism, political strife, pandemics or threats of pandemics, acts of God and war, may adversely affect us.

        Declines in or disruptions to the travel and hotel industries may adversely impact us. Risks affecting the travel and hotel industries include: economic slowdown and recession; economic factors such as increased costs of living and reduced discretionary income adversely impacting decisions by consumers and businesses to use and consume travel services and products; terrorist incidents and threats and associated heightened travel security measures; political and regional strife; acts of God such as earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, volcanoes and other natural disasters; war; concerns with or threats of pandemics, contagious diseases or health epidemics; environmental disasters; lengthy power outages; increased pricing, financial instability and capacity constraints of air carriers; airline job actions and strikes; and increases in gasoline and other fuel prices. Any such disruptions to the travel or hotel industries may

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

adversely affect our affiliated hotels, the operations of current and potential franchisees and developers and owners of hotels with which we have hotel management contracts, thereby impacting our operations and the market price of our common stock.

Third-party Internet reservation systems, peer-to-peer online networks and alternative lodging channels may adversely impact us.

        Consumers increasingly use third-party Internet travel intermediaries and peer-to-peer online networks to search for and book their lodging accommodations. As the percentage of internet reservations increases, travel intermediaries may be able to obtain higher commissions and reduced room rates to the detriment of our business. Additionally, such travel intermediaries may divert reservations away from our direct online channels or increase the overall cost of Internet reservations for our affiliated hotels through their fees. As the use of these third-party reservation channels and peer-to-peer online networks increases, consumers may rely on these channels, adversely impacting our hotel brands, reservations and rates. In addition, if we fail to reach satisfactory agreements with intermediaries, our affiliated hotels may not appear on their websites and we could lose business as a result.

        In addition to competing with traditional hotels and lodging facilities, our franchisees compete with alternative lodging channels, including third-party providers of short-term rental properties and serviced apartments. Increasing use of these alternative lodging channels could materially adversely affect the occupancy and/or average rates at franchised hotels and our revenues.

We may be unable to enter into new, or renew existing, hotel management arrangements on favorable terms or at all, and certain of our management agreements may require that we fund shortfalls, any of which could reduce our revenue and the growth of our hotel management business.

        We provide hotel management services to certain of our hotel owners. Our current and future management arrangements may not continue and we may not be able to enter into new management arrangements in the future on favorable terms. Some of our management contracts with hotel owners, constituting approximately 30% of rooms under management contracts, require that we compensate the hotel owners for any shortfalls over the life of the management agreement up to a specified aggregate amount if the hotels do not attain specified levels of operating profit or owners do not receive a guaranteed minimum income. We may not be able to recover any funding of such performance guarantees. Any such factors could reduce our revenue and the growth of our hotel management business.

Our international operations are subject to additional risks not generally applicable to our domestic operations.

        Our international operations are subject to numerous risks including: exposure to local economic conditions; potential adverse changes in the diplomatic relations of foreign countries with the United States; hostility from local populations; political instability; threats or acts of terrorism; the effect of disruptions caused by severe weather, natural disasters, outbreak of disease or other events that make travel to a particular region less attractive or more difficult; the presence and acceptance of varying levels of business corruption in international markets; restrictions and taxes on the withdrawal of foreign investment and earnings; government policies against businesses or properties owned by foreigners; investment restrictions or requirements; diminished ability to legally enforce our contractual rights in foreign countries; forced nationalization of hotel properties by local, state or national governments; foreign exchange restrictions; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; conflicts between local laws and U.S. laws including laws that impact our rights to protect our intellectual property; withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries; and changes in and application of foreign taxation structures including value added taxes. Any adverse outcome resulting from the financial instability or performance of foreign economies, the instability of other currencies and the related volatility on foreign exchange and interest rates could impact our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Changes in U.S. federal, state and local or foreign tax law, interpretations of existing tax law or adverse determinations by tax authorities could increase our tax burden or otherwise adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

        We are subject to taxation at the federal, state and local levels in the United States and various other countries and jurisdictions. Our future effective tax rate and cash flows could be affected by changes in the composition of earnings in jurisdictions with differing tax rates, changes in statutory rates and other legislative changes, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in determinations regarding the jurisdictions in which we are subject to tax, and our ability to repatriate earnings from foreign jurisdictions. From time to time, U.S. federal, state and local and foreign governments make substantive changes to tax rules and their application, which could result in materially higher corporate taxes than would be incurred under existing tax law and could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. We are subject to ongoing and periodic tax audits and disputes in U.S. federal and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. An unfavorable outcome from any tax audit could result in higher tax costs, penalties and interest, thereby adversely affecting our financial condition or results of operations.

        In addition, we are directly and indirectly affected by new tax legislation and regulation and the interpretation of tax laws and regulations worldwide. Changes in such legislation, regulation or interpretation could increase our taxes and have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. This includes potential changes in tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws arising out of the Base Erosion Profit Shifting project initiated by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

We will be subject to certain risks related to our future indebtedness, hedging transactions, the cost and availability of capital and the extension of credit by us.

        Upon and following the consummation of the spin-off, we may borrow funds under credit facilities, senior notes, term loans and other debt structures. We extend credit when we provide development advance notes and mezzanine or other forms of subordinated financing to assist franchisees and hotel owners in converting to or building a new hotel under one of our hotel brands. We may use financial instruments to reduce or hedge our financial exposure to the effects of currency and interest rate fluctuations. In connection with our debt obligations, hedging transactions, the cost and availability of capital and the extension of credit by us, we may be subject to numerous risks, including:

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

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        Our access to credit and capital also depends in large measure on market liquidity factors, which we do not control. Our ability to access the credit and capital markets may be restricted at times when we require or want access, which could impact our business plans and operating model. Uncertainty or volatility in the equity and credit markets may also negatively affect our ability to access short-term and long-term financing on reasonable terms or at all, which would negatively impact our liquidity and financial condition. In addition, if one or more of the financial institutions that support our credit facilities fail, we may not be able to find a replacement, which would negatively impact our ability to borrow under the credit facilities. Disruptions in the financial markets may adversely affect our credit rating and the market value of our common stock. While we believe we have adequate sources of liquidity to meet our anticipated requirements for working capital, debt service and capital expenditures for the foreseeable future, if we are unable to refinance or repay our outstanding debt when due, our results of operations and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected.

Changes to estimates or projections used to assess the fair value of our assets or operating results that are lower than our current estimates may cause us to incur impairment losses and require us to write-off all or a portion of the remaining value of our goodwill or other intangibles of companies we have acquired.

        Our total assets include goodwill and other intangible assets. We evaluate our goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or at other times during the year if events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value is below the carrying value. We may be required to record a significant non-cash impairment charge in our financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill, other intangible assets or other assets is determined, negatively impacting our results of operations and stockholders' equity.

Acquisitions and other strategic transactions may not prove successful and could result in operating difficulties and failure to realize anticipated benefits.

        We regularly consider a wide array of acquisitions and other potential strategic transactions, including acquisitions of businesses and real property, joint ventures, business combinations, strategic investments and dispositions. Any of these transactions could be material to our business. We often compete for these opportunities with third parties, which may cause us to lose potential opportunities or to pay more than we may otherwise have paid absent such competition. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify and consummate strategic transactions and opportunities on favorable terms or that any such strategic transactions or opportunities, if consummated, will be successful.

We are subject to risks related to litigation.

        We are subject to a number of claims and legal proceedings and the risk of future litigation as described in this information statement. We cannot predict with certainty the ultimate outcome and related liability and costs of litigation and other proceedings filed by or against us. Unfavorable rulings or outcomes in litigation and other proceedings may materially harm our business.

Our operations are subject to extensive regulation and the cost of compliance or failure to comply with such regulations may adversely affect us.

        Our operations are regulated by federal, state and local governments in the countries in which we operate. In addition, U.S. and international federal, state and local regulators may enact new laws and regulations that may reduce our revenues, cause our expenses to increase or require us to modify our business practices substantially. If we are not in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including, among others, those governing franchising, hotel operations, lending, information security, data protection

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

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and privacy (including the General Data Protection Regulation), credit card security standards, marketing, sales, consumer protection and advertising, unfair and deceptive trade practices, fraud, bribery and corruption, telemarketing (including do-not-call and call-recording regulations), licensing, labor, employment, anti-discrimination, health care, health and safety, accessibility, immigration, gaming, environmental, intellectual property, securities, stock exchange listing, accounting, tax and regulations applicable under the Dodd-Frank Act, Office of Foreign Asset Control, Americans with Disabilities Act, the Sherman Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and local equivalents in international jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom Bribery Act, we may be subject to regulatory investigations or actions, fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, injunctions and potential criminal prosecution.

        While we continue to monitor all such laws and regulations, the cost of compliance with such laws and regulations impacts our operating costs. Future changes to such laws and regulations and the cost of compliance or failure to comply with such regulations may adversely affect us.

Failure to maintain the security of personally identifiable and other sensitive information, non-compliance with our contractual obligations regarding such information or a violation of our privacy and security policies with respect to such information could adversely affect us.

        In connection with our business, we and our service providers collect and retain large volumes of certain types of personal and other sensitive information pertaining to guests, stockholders and employees. Such information includes, but is not limited to, large volumes of guest credit and payment card information. We are at risk of attack by cyber-criminals operating on a global basis attempting to gain access to such information. In connection with data security incidents involving a group of Wyndham brand hotels that occurred between 2008 and 2010, we are subject to a settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, pursuant to which we are required to maintain an information security program for payment card information within our network, and we are provided with a safe harbor provided that we continue to meet certain requirements for reasonable data security as outlined in the settlement.

        While we maintain what we believe are reasonable security controls over personal and other sensitive information, including the personal information of guests, stockholders and employees, any breach of or breakdown in our systems that results in the unauthorized release of personal or other sensitive information, or our failure to comply with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission government settlement, could have a material adverse effect on our hotel brands, reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as subject us to significant regulatory actions and fines, litigation, losses, third-party damages and other liabilities. Such a breach or a breakdown could also materially increase our costs to protect such information and to protect against such risks.

        Additionally, the legal and regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy in the U.S. and international jurisdictions is constantly evolving. Should we violate or not comply with any of these laws or regulations, contractual requirements relating to data security and privacy, or with our own privacy and security policies, either intentionally or unintentionally, or through the acts of intermediaries, it could have a material adverse effect on our hotel brands, reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as subject us to significant fines, litigation, losses, third-party damages and other liabilities.

        Our information technology infrastructure, including but not limited to our, and our third-party service providers', information systems and legacy proprietary online reservation and management systems, has been and will likely continue to be vulnerable to system failures, computer hacking, cyber-terrorism, computer viruses and other intentional or unintentional interference, negligence, fraud, misuse and other unauthorized attempts to access or interfere with these systems and our personal and proprietary information. In addition, as we transition from our legacy systems to new, cloud-based technologies, we may face start-up issues that may negatively impact guests. The increased scope and complexity of our

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

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information technology infrastructure and systems could contribute to the potential risk of security breaches or breakdown.

The insurance we carry may not always pay, or be sufficient to pay or reimburse us, for our liabilities, losses or replacement costs.

        We carry insurance for general liability, property, business interruption and other insurable risks with respect to our business and franchised, managed and owned hotels. We also self-insure for certain risks up to certain monetary limits. The terms and conditions or the amounts of coverage of our insurance may not at all times be sufficient to pay or reimburse us for the amount of our liabilities, losses or replacement costs, and there may also be risks for which we do not obtain insurance in the full amount or any amount concerning a potential loss or liability, or at all, due to the cost or availability of such insurance. As a result, we may incur liabilities or losses in the operation of our business that are substantial, which are not sufficiently covered by the insurance we maintain, or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on information technologies and systems to operate our business, which involves reliance on third-party service providers and on uninterrupted operation of service facilities.

        We rely on information technologies and systems to operate our business, which involves reliance on third-party service providers and uninterrupted operations of service facilities, including those used for reservation systems, hotel/property management, communications, procurement, call centers, operation of our loyalty programs and administrative systems. We also maintain physical facilities to support these systems and related services. Any natural disaster, disruption or other impairment in our technology capabilities and service facilities or those of our vendors could harm our business. In addition, any failure of our ability to provide our reservation systems may deter prospective franchisees or hotel owners from entering into agreements with us, and may expose us to liability from existing franchisees or other parties with whom we have contracted to provide reservation services. Similarly, failure to keep pace with developments in technology could impair our operations or competitive position.

We are dependent on our senior management and the loss of any member of our senior management could harm our business.

        We believe that our future growth depends in part on the continued services of our senior management team. Losing the services of any members of our senior management team could adversely affect our strategic relationships and impede our ability to execute our business strategies. The market for qualified individuals may be highly competitive and finding and recruiting suitable replacements for senior management may be difficult, time consuming and costly.

We are subject to risks related to corporate social responsibility.

        Many factors influence our reputation and the value of our hotel brands including the perception held by guests, our franchisees, our other key stakeholders and the communities in which we do business. Our business faces increasing scrutiny related to environmental, social and governance activities and the risk of damage to our reputation and the value of our hotel brands if we fail to act responsibly or comply with regulatory requirements in a number of areas, such as safety and security, responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, supply chain management, climate change, modern slavery, diversity, human rights, philanthropy and support for local communities.

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Risks Relating to the Spin-Off

The distribution may not be completed on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, if at all.

        While we are actively engaged in planning for the distribution, unanticipated developments could delay or negatively affect the distribution, including those related to the filing and effectiveness of appropriate filings with the SEC, the listing of our common stock on a trading market and receiving any required regulatory approvals. In addition, until the distribution has occurred, the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors has the right to not proceed with the distribution, even if all of the conditions are satisfied. Therefore, the distribution may not be completed on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, if at all.

We may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve from our spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide.

        We believe that as a standalone, independent public company, our business will benefit from, among other things, allowing our management to design and implement corporate policies and strategies that are based primarily on the characteristics of our business, allowing us to focus our financial resources wholly on our own operations and implement and maintain a capital structure designed to meet our own specific needs. However, by separating from Wyndham Worldwide, we may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than we would have been were we still a part of Wyndham Worldwide. If we fail to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve as an independent company, or do not achieve them in the time we expect, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

We have no operating history as a separate public company; our historical and pro forma financial information is not necessarily representative of the results we would have achieved as a separate publicly traded company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results; we may be unable to make, on a timely or cost-effective basis, the changes necessary to operate as an independent company, and as a result, we may experience increased costs.

        Prior to the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide performed various corporate functions for us, including tax administration, governance, compliance, accounting, internal audit and external reporting. Our historical and pro forma financial results reflect allocations of corporate expenses from Wyndham Worldwide for these and similar functions that may be less than the comparable expenses we would have incurred had we operated as a separate publicly traded company. Prior to the spin-off, we shared economies of scope and scale in costs, employees, vendor relationships and relationships with our guests. While we expect to enter into short-term transition agreements and longer-term licensing, marketing and other agreements that will govern certain commercial and other relationships between us and Wyndham Worldwide, those arrangements may not capture the benefits our business has enjoyed as a result of being integrated with the other businesses of Wyndham Worldwide.

        Generally, our working capital requirements, including acquisitions and capital expenditures, have historically been satisfied as part of the corporate-wide cash management policies of Wyndham Worldwide. Following the completion of the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide will not be providing us with funds to finance our working capital or other cash requirements, and we may need to obtain financing from banks, through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities, strategic relationships or other arrangements. We may be unable to replace in a timely manner or on comparable terms and costs the services or other benefits that Wyndham Worldwide previously provided to us.

        The loss of the benefits from being a part of Wyndham Worldwide could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition following the completion of the spin-off. Other significant changes may occur in our cost structure, management, financing and business operations as a result of our operating as a company separate from Wyndham Worldwide.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

We may have received better terms from unaffiliated third parties than the terms we received in our agreements with Wyndham Worldwide entered into in connection with the spin-off.

        The agreements related to the spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide were negotiated in the context of the spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide while we were still part of Wyndham Worldwide. Although these agreements are intended to be on an arm's-length basis, they may not reflect terms that would have resulted from arm's-length negotiations among unaffiliated third parties. The terms of the agreements being negotiated in the context of the separation are related to, among other things, allocations of assets and liabilities, rights and indemnification and other obligations between us and Wyndham Worldwide. To the extent that certain terms of those agreements provide for rights and obligations that could have been procured from third parties, we may have received better terms from third parties because third parties may have competed with each other to win our business. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Wyndham Worldwide Related to the Spin-Off."

We expect to incur indebtedness as part of our spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide, and possibly in the future, which may subject us to various restrictions and decrease our profitability.

        In connection with the spin-off, we expect to incur indebtedness, and we will be responsible for servicing our own indebtedness and obtaining and maintaining sufficient working capital and other funds to satisfy our cash requirements. Our financing arrangements may contain restrictions, covenants and events of default that could limit our ability to respond to market conditions, provide for capital investment needs or take advantage of business opportunities by restricting our ability to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or requiring us to offer to repurchase such indebtedness in the event of a change of control; pay dividends or make distributions; make investments or acquisitions; sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of certain assets; create liens; consolidate or merge; enter into transactions with affiliates; and prepay and repurchase or redeem certain indebtedness. In addition, our financing costs may be higher than they were as part of Wyndham Worldwide.

Our accounting and other management systems and resources may not meet the financial reporting and other requirements to which we will be subject following the spin-off, and failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could have a material adverse effect on our business and the price of our common stock.

        As a result of the spin-off, we will be directly subject to reporting and other obligations under U.S. securities laws and will be required to comply with internal controls and reporting requirements thereunder. These reporting and other obligations may place significant demands on our management, administrative and operational resources, including accounting systems and resources and may require us to upgrade our systems, implement additional financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures and hire additional accounting and finance staff. If we are unable to obtain or maintain adequate financial and management controls, reporting systems, information technology systems and procedures in a timely and effective fashion, our ability to comply with the financial reporting requirements and other rules that apply to reporting companies under U.S. securities laws may be impaired. We expect to incur additional annual expenses for the purpose of addressing these requirements that may be significant.

The spin-off and related transactions may expose us to potential liabilities arising out of state and federal fraudulent conveyance laws and legal distribution requirements.

        While we will receive a solvency opinion from an investment bank confirming that we and Wyndham Worldwide will be adequately capitalized immediately after the spin-off, the spin-off could be challenged under various state and federal fraudulent conveyance laws. An unpaid creditor could claim that Wyndham Worldwide did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value in the spin-off, and that the spin-off left Wyndham Worldwide insolvent or with unreasonably small capital or that Wyndham

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Worldwide intended or believed it would incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature. If a court were to agree with such a plaintiff, then such court could void the spin-off as a fraudulent transfer and could impose a number of different remedies, including without limitation, returning our assets or your shares in our company to Wyndham Worldwide or providing Wyndham Worldwide with a claim for money damages against us in an amount equal to the difference between the consideration received by Wyndham Worldwide and the fair market value of our company at the time of the spin-off.

Our success will depend in part on our ongoing relationship with Wyndham Worldwide after the spin-off.

        In connection with the spin-off, we will enter into a number of agreements with Wyndham Worldwide that will govern the ongoing relationships between Wyndham Worldwide and us after the spin-off. Our success will depend, in part, on the maintenance of these ongoing relationships with Wyndham Worldwide, Wyndham Worldwide's performance of its obligations under these agreements, including Wyndham Worldwide's maintenance of the quality of products and services it sells under the "Wyndham" trademark, and certain other trademarks and intellectual property that we license to Wyndham Worldwide. In addition, pursuant to the license, development and noncompetition agreement, Wyndham Worldwide will pay us royalties that are projected to be approximately $             million annually. If we are unable to maintain a good relationship with Wyndham Worldwide, or if Wyndham Worldwide does not perform its obligations under these agreements, does not renew such agreements following their expiration, fails to maintain the quality of the products and services it sells under the "Wyndham" trademark, and certain other trademarks or intellectual property or fails to pay such royalties, our profitability and revenues could decrease and our growth potential may be adversely affected.

Certain directors who serve on our board of directors will serve as directors of the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors, and ownership of shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock or equity awards of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation by directors and executive officers of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. may create conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest.

        Certain of our directors who serve on our board of directors will continue to serve on the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors. This could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when our or Wyndham Worldwide's management and directors face decisions that could have different implications for us and Wyndham Worldwide, including the resolution of any dispute regarding the terms of the agreements governing the spin-off and the relationship between us and Wyndham Worldwide after the spin-off, any commercial agreements entered into in the future between us and Wyndham Worldwide and the allocation of such directors' time between us and Wyndham Worldwide.

        Because of their current or former positions with Wyndham Worldwide, substantially all of our executive officers and some of our non-employee directors will own shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock. The continued ownership of Wyndham Worldwide common stock by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.'s directors and executive officers following the spin-off creates or may create the appearance of conflicts of interest when these directors and executive officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for us and Wyndham Worldwide.

If the distribution, together with certain related transactions, were to fail to qualify as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code, then our stockholders, we and Wyndham Worldwide might be required to pay substantial U.S. federal income taxes (including as a result of indemnification under the Tax Matters Agreement).

        The distribution is conditioned upon Wyndham Worldwide's receipt of opinions of its spin-off tax advisors, to the effect that the distribution, together with certain related transactions, will qualify as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code in which no gain or loss is recognized by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation or its stockholders, except, in the case of Wyndham Worldwide stockholders, for cash received in lieu of fractional shares. The opinions of its

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

spin-off tax advisors will be based on, among other things, certain assumptions as well as on the continuing accuracy of certain factual representations and statements that we and Wyndham Worldwide make to the spin-off tax advisors. In rendering their opinion, the spin-off tax advisors will also rely on certain covenants that we and Wyndham Worldwide enter into, including the adherence by Wyndham Worldwide and us to certain restrictions on our future actions contained in the Tax Matters Agreement. If any of the representations or statements that we or Wyndham Worldwide make are or become inaccurate or incomplete, or if we or Wyndham Worldwide breach any of our covenants, the distribution and such related transactions might not qualify for such tax treatment. The opinions of its spin-off tax advisors are not binding on the IRS or a court, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the validity of the distribution and such related transactions as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code eligible for tax-free treatment, or that any such challenge ultimately will not prevail.

        In addition, Wyndham Worldwide has requested the IRS Ruling regarding certain U.S. federal income tax aspects of transactions related to the spin-off. Although the IRS Ruling generally will be binding on the IRS, the continued validity of the IRS Ruling will be based upon and subject to the continuing accuracy of factual statements and representations made to the IRS by Wyndham Worldwide. In addition, there is a risk that the IRS could promulgate new administrative guidance prior to the spin-off that could adversely impact the tax-free treatment of the distribution (even taking into account the receipt of the IRS Ruling). The IRS Ruling will be limited to specified aspects of the spin-off under Sections 355 and 361 of the Code and will not represent a determination by the IRS that all of the requirements necessary to obtain tax-free treatment to holders of Wyndham Worldwide common stock and to Wyndham Worldwide have been satisfied.

        If the distribution does not qualify as a tax-free transaction for any reason, including as a result of a breach of a representation or covenant, Wyndham Worldwide would recognize a substantial gain attributable to the hotel business for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In such case, under U.S. Treasury regulations, each member of the Wyndham Worldwide consolidated group at the time of the spin-off (including us and certain of our subsidiaries) would be jointly and severally liable for the entire resulting amount of any U.S. federal income tax liability. Additionally, if the distribution of our common stock does not qualify as tax-free under Section 355 of the Code, Wyndham Worldwide stockholders will be treated as having received a taxable distribution equal to the value of our stock distributed, treated as a taxable dividend to the extent of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's current and accumulated earnings and profits, and then would have a tax-free basis recovery up to the amount of their tax basis in their shares, and then would have taxable gain from the sale or exchange of the shares to the extent of any excess.

Our ability to engage in acquisitions and other strategic transactions is subject to limitations because we are agreeing to certain restrictions intended to support the tax-free nature of the distribution.

        The U.S. federal income tax laws that apply to transactions like the spin-off generally create a presumption that the distribution would be taxable to Wyndham Worldwide (but not to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders) if we engage in, or enter into an agreement to engage in, a transaction that would result in a 50% or greater change by vote or by value in our stock ownership during the four-year period beginning two years before the distribution date, unless it is established that the transaction is not pursuant to a plan or series or transactions related to the distribution. U.S. Treasury regulations currently in effect generally provide that whether an acquisition transaction and a distribution are part of a plan is determined based on all of the facts and circumstances, including specific factors listed in the Treasury regulations. In addition, these Treasury regulations provide several "safe harbors" for acquisition transactions that are not considered to be part of a plan that includes a distribution.

        There are other restrictions imposed on us under current U.S. federal income tax laws with which we will need to comply in order for the distribution and certain related transactions to qualify as a transaction that is tax-free under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code. For example, we will generally be

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

required to continue to own and manage our hotel business, and there will be limitations on issuances, redemptions and sales of our stock for cash or other property following the distribution, except in connection with certain stock-for-stock acquisitions and other permitted transactions. If these restrictions are not followed, the distribution could be taxable to Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Worldwide stockholders.

        We will enter into a Tax Matters Agreement with Wyndham Worldwide under which we will allocate, between Wyndham Worldwide and ourselves, responsibility for U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. income and other taxes relating to taxable periods before and after the spin-off and provide for computing and apportioning tax liabilities and tax benefits between the parties. In the Tax Matters Agreement, we will agree that, among other things, we may not take, or fail to take, any action following the distribution if such action, or failure to act: would be inconsistent with or prohibit the spin-off and certain restructuring transactions related to the distribution and certain related transactions from qualifying as a tax-free reorganization under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 and related provisions of the Code to Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Worldwide stockholders (except with respect to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares of our stock); or would be inconsistent with, or cause to be untrue, any representation, statement, information or covenant made in connection with the IRS Ruling, the tax opinions provided by Wyndham Worldwide's spin-off tax advisors or the Tax Matters Agreement relating to the qualification of the distribution and certain related transactions as a tax-free transaction under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 and related provisions of the Code.

        In addition, we will agree that we may not, among other things, during the two-year period following the spin-off, except under certain specified circumstances, issue, sell or redeem our stock or other securities (or those of certain of our subsidiaries); liquidate, merge or consolidate with another person; sell or dispose of assets outside the ordinary course of business or materially change the manner of operating our business; or enter into any agreement, understanding or arrangement, or engage in any substantial negotiations with respect to any transaction or series of transactions which would cause us to undergo a specified percentage or greater change in our stock ownership by value or voting power. These restrictions could limit our strategic and operational flexibility, including our ability to finance our operations by issuing equity securities, make acquisitions using equity securities, repurchase our equity securities, or raise money by selling assets or enter into business combination transactions. We will also agree to indemnify Wyndham Worldwide for certain tax liabilities resulting from any such transactions. Further, our stockholders may consider these covenants and indemnity obligations unfavorable as they might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control.


Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

There is no existing market for our common stock, and a trading market that will provide you with adequate liquidity may not develop for our common stock. In addition, once our common stock begins trading, the market price of shares of our common stock may fluctuate widely.

        There is currently no public market for our common stock and an active trading market for our common stock may not develop as a result of the distribution or be sustained in the future. The lack of an active trading market may make it more difficult for you to sell your shares and could lead to our share price being depressed or more volatile.

        We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock may trade after the distribution. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate widely, depending upon many factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including:

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        For many reasons, including the risks identified in this information statement, the market price of our common stock following the spin-off may be more volatile than the market price of Wyndham Worldwide common stock before the spin-off. These factors may result in short-term or long-term negative pressure on the value of our common stock. Stock markets in general have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

Your percentage ownership in Wyndham Hotels may be diluted in the future.

        Your percentage ownership in Wyndham Hotels may be diluted in the future because of equity awards that we expect will be granted to our directors, officers and employees, the accelerated vesting of certain equity awards with respect to our common stock, and any future sales of stock by the Company or any issuances thereof in connection with an acquisition. Upon completion of the spin-off, outstanding performance-vesting Wyndham Worldwide Corporation equity awards will fully time vest, without pro-ration, and performance vest based on actual performance determined as of the spin-off and will be settled in both Wyndham Worldwide common stock and our common stock; and outstanding time-vesting Wyndham Worldwide Corporation equity awards will be converted into equity awards with respect to Wyndham Worldwide common stock and our common stock. Unvested time-vesting awards with respect to our common stock held by directors, officers and employees of Wyndham Worldwide will vest upon completion of the spin-off, generally subject to the relevant individual's continued employment with Wyndham Worldwide through completion of the spin-off. Unvested time-vesting awards with respect to our common stock held by our directors, officers and employees will generally vest upon the earliest to occur of (i) the six-month anniversary of the completion of the spin-off, subject to the relevant individual's continued employment with us through such six-month anniversary date, (ii) our termination of the relevant individual's employment without "cause," or (iii) the date on which such equity award would have vested in accordance with the terms of the existing award agreement, subject to the relevant individual's continued employment with us through the applicable vesting date.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated by-laws and Delaware law may prevent or delay an acquisition of Wyndham Hotels, which could decrease the trading price of our common stock.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated by-laws and Delaware corporate law contain or will contain provisions that are intended to deter or delay coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. For example, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws will require advance notice for stockholder proposals, place limitations on convening stockholder meetings and authorize our Board to issue one or more series of preferred stock. Further information on such provisions in the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws can be found in the section titled "Description of Capital Stock."

        Delaware law also imposes some restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between us and any holder of 15% or more of our outstanding common stock. We believe these provisions protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirors to negotiate with our board of directors and by providing our board of directors with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make us immune from takeovers. However, these provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our board of directors determines is not in the best interests of our company and our stockholders.

Our amended and restated bylaws will designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, subject to limited exceptions, the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for derivative actions; claims related to a breach of a fiduciary duty, corporate law, our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws; or under the internal affairs doctrine. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees.

We may not pay dividends on our common stock, and the terms our indebtedness could limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock.

        We intend to pay regular quarterly cash dividends beginning                    , 2018. However, any decision to declare and pay dividends will be made at the sole discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. There can be no assurance that a payment of a dividend will occur in the future.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This information statement contains forward-looking statements including in the sections titled "Summary," "Risk Factors," "The Spin-Off," "Trading Market," "Dividend Policy," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Our Business," that are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding the performance of our business, our financial results, our liquidity and capital resources, the benefits resulting from the spin-off, the effects of competition and the effects of future legislation or regulations and other non-historical statements. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words "outlook," "believes," "expects," "outlook," "potential," "continues," "may," "might," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "approximately," "goals," "future," "projects," "predicts," "guidance," "target," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or the negative version of these words or other comparable words.

        The risk factors discussed in "Risk Factors" could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include general economic conditions, the performance of the financial and credit markets, the economic environment for the hotel industry, the impact of war, terrorist activity or political strife, operating risks associated with our hotel businesses, uncertainties that may delay or negatively impact the spin-off or cause the spin-off to not occur at all, uncertainties related to our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the spin-off, uncertainties related to our ability to successfully complete the spin-off on a tax-free basis within the expected time frame or at all, unanticipated developments that delay or otherwise negatively affect the spin-off, uncertainties related to our ability to obtain financing or the terms of such financing, unanticipated developments related to the impact of the spin-off on our relationships with our franchisees, hotel owners, guests, suppliers, employees, Wyndham Worldwide and others with whom we have relationships, unanticipated developments resulting from possible disruption to our operations resulting from the spin-off and, the potential impact of the spin-off and related transactions on our credit rating. There may be other risks and uncertainties that we are unable to predict at this time or that we currently do not expect to have a material adverse effect on our business. Any such risks could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements.

        Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements in this information statement. We do not have any obligation to update forward-looking statements after we distribute this information statement except as required by law.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


THE SPIN-OFF

Background

        On August 2, 2017, Wyndham Worldwide announced its intention to spin-off Wyndham Hotels, following which Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will be an independent, publicly traded company. As part of the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide will effect an internal reorganization to properly align the appropriate businesses within each of Wyndham Hotels and Wyndham Worldwide. See "—Manner of Effecting the Spin-Off—Internal Reorganization."

        To complete the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide will, following the internal reorganization, distribute to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders all of the outstanding shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock. The distribution will occur on the distribution date, which is expected to be                        , 2018. Each holder of Wyndham Worldwide common stock will receive one share of our common stock for each share of Wyndham Worldwide common stock held at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on                        , 2018, the record date. After completion of the spin-off:

        Each holder of Wyndham Worldwide common stock will continue to hold his, her or its shares in Wyndham Worldwide. No vote of Wyndham Worldwide stockholders is required or is being sought in connection with the spin-off, including the internal reorganization, and Wyndham Worldwide stockholders will not have any appraisal rights in connection with the spin-off.

        The distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. In addition, until the distribution has occurred, the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors has the right to not proceed with the distribution, even if all of the conditions are satisfied. See "—Conditions to the Distribution."


Reasons for the Spin-Off

        The Wyndham Worldwide board of directors believes that the spin-off is in the best interests of Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Worldwide stockholders because the spin-off is expected to provide various benefits, including: (i) enhanced strategic and management focus for each company; (ii) more efficient capital allocation, direct access to capital and expanded growth opportunities for each company; (iii) the ability to implement a tailored approach to recruiting and retaining employees at each company; (iv) improved investor understanding of the business strategy and operating results of each company; and (v) enhanced investor choices by offering investment opportunities in separate entities.

        Enhanced Strategic and Management Focus.    The hotel business and the vacation ownership, timeshare exchange and vacation rental businesses currently compete with each other for management attention and resources. The spin-off should permit each company to tailor its business strategies to best address market opportunities in its industry. In addition, the spin-off should allow the management of each company to enhance its strategic vision and focus on the core business and growth of each company. The spin-off should provide each company with the flexibility needed to pursue its own goals and serve its own needs.

        More Efficient Capital Allocation, Direct Access to Capital and Expanded Growth Opportunities.    As part of Wyndham Worldwide, the hotel business effectively competes with the vacation ownership, timeshare exchange and vacation rental businesses for capital resources. After the spin-off, however, each company should be able to access the capital markets directly to fund its growth strategy and to establish a

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

capital structure tailored to its business needs. Each company should be able to allocate capital and make investments as its management determines in order to grow its business. Moreover, the liquidity of its stock should enable Wyndham Hotels to use its securities to fund future growth. Accordingly, following the spin-off, Wyndham Hotels is expected to have additional flexibility to pursue acquisitions, including using its stock.

        Tailored Approach to Recruiting and Retaining Employees.    After the spin-off, each company should be able to recruit and retain employees with expertise directly applicable to its needs under compensation policies appropriate for its specific business. In particular, following the distribution, the value of equity-based incentive compensation arrangements reflected in each company's stock price should be more closely aligned with the performance of its business. Such equity-based compensation arrangements should also provide enhanced incentives for employee performance and improve the ability of each company to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, including management and key employees considered essential to that company's future success.

        Improved Investor Understanding.    After the spin-off, investors will receive disclosure about our operating results and Wyndham Worldwide's operating results on a stand-alone basis, which should enable them to better evaluate the financial performance of each company, as well as each company's strategy within the context of its industry, thereby increasing the likelihood that each company's common stock will be appropriately valued by the market.

        Enhanced Investor Choices by Offering Investment Opportunities in Separate Entities.    The Wyndham Worldwide board of directors believes that the hotel business and the vacation ownership, timeshare exchange and vacation rental businesses each appeal to different types of investors with different investment goals and risk profiles. Finding investors who want to invest in both industries together may be more challenging than finding investors for each individually. After the spin-off, investors will be able to pursue investment goals in either or both companies. In addition, the management of each company will be able to establish goals, implement business strategies and evaluate growth opportunities in light of investor expectations specific to that company's respective business, without undue consideration of investor expectations for the other business. Each company will also be able to focus its public relations efforts on cultivating its own separate identity.


Manner of Affecting the Spin-Off

        The general terms and conditions relating to the spin-off will be set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement between Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. and Wyndham Worldwide Corporation.

Internal Reorganization

        As part of the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide will effect an internal reorganization to properly align the appropriate businesses within each of Wyndham Hotels and Wyndham Worldwide. The internal reorganization will be described in greater detail in a subsequent amendment to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part.

Distribution of Shares of Our Common Stock

        Under the Separation and Distribution Agreement, the distribution will be effective as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on                        , 2018, the distribution date. As a result of the spin-off, on the distribution date, each holder of Wyndham Worldwide common stock will receive one share of our common stock for each share of Wyndham Worldwide common stock that he, she or it owns as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on                        , 2018, the record date. The actual number of shares to be distributed will be determined based on the number of shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock expected to be outstanding as of the record date and will be reduced to the extent that cash payments are to be made in lieu of the issuance

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

of fractional shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock. The actual number of shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock to be distributed will be calculated as of the record date. The shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock to be distributed by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation will constitute all of the issued and outstanding shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock immediately prior to the distribution.

        On the distribution date, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation will release the shares of our common stock to our distribution agent to distribute to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders. Our distribution agent will credit the shares of our common stock to the book-entry accounts of Wyndham Worldwide stockholders established to hold their shares of our common stock. Our distribution agent will send these stockholders a statement reflecting their ownership of our common stock. Book-entry refers to a method of recording stock ownership in our records in which no physical certificates are issued. For stockholders who own Wyndham Worldwide common stock through a broker or other nominee, their shares of our common stock will be credited to these stockholders' accounts by the broker or other nominee. It may take the distribution agent up to two weeks to distribute shares of our common stock to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders or to their bank or brokerage firm electronically by way of direct registration in book-entry form. Trading of our stock will not be affected by this delay in distribution by the distribution agent. As further discussed below, we will not issue fractional shares of our common stock in the distribution.

        Wyndham Worldwide stockholders will not be required to make any payment or surrender or exchange their shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock or take any other action to receive their shares of our common stock. No vote of Wyndham Worldwide stockholders is required or sought in connection with the spin-off, including the internal reorganization, and Wyndham Worldwide stockholders have no appraisal rights in connection with the spin-off.


Treatment of Fractional Shares

        The distribution agent will not distribute any fractional shares of our common stock to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders. Instead, as soon as practicable on or after the distribution date, the distribution agent will aggregate fractional shares of our common stock to which Wyndham Worldwide stockholders of record would otherwise be entitled into whole shares, sell them in the open market at the prevailing market prices and then distribute the aggregate net sale proceeds ratably to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders who would otherwise have been entitled to receive fractional shares of our common stock. The amount of this payment will depend on the prices at which the distribution agent sells the aggregated fractional shares of our common stock in the open market shortly after the distribution date and will be reduced by any amount required to be withheld for tax purposes and any brokerage fees and other expenses incurred in connection with these sales of fractional shares. Receipt of the proceeds from these sales generally will result in a taxable gain or loss to those Wyndham Worldwide stockholders. Each stockholder entitled to receive cash proceeds from these shares should consult his, her or its own tax advisor as to the stockholder's particular circumstances. The tax consequences of the distribution are described in more detail under "—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution."


Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution

        The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to the holders of shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock in connection with the distribution and certain related transactions. This summary is based on the Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, all as in effect as of the date of this information statement, and all of which are subject to differing interpretations and may change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change could affect the tax consequences described below. This summary assumes that the spin-off will be consummated in accordance with the Separation and Distribution Agreement and as described in this information statement.

42


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        This summary is limited to holders of shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock that are U.S. Holders, as defined immediately below. For purposes of this summary, a U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of Wyndham Worldwide common stock that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

        This summary does not discuss all tax considerations that may be relevant to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders in light of their particular circumstances, nor does it address the consequences to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as:

        This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders who do not hold shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock as a capital asset. Moreover, this summary does not address any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences, or any federal tax other than

43


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

U.S. federal income tax consequences (such as estate or gift tax consequences or the Medicare tax on certain investment income).

        If a partnership (or any other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in that partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partner and the partnership. Such a partner or partnership is urged to consult its tax advisor as to the tax consequences of the spin-off.

        WE URGE YOU TO CONSULT WITH YOUR TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE SPECIFIC U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL, AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPIN-OFF IN LIGHT OF YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.


Treatment of the Spin-Off

        The distribution is conditioned upon Wyndham Worldwide's receipt of the opinions of its spin-off tax advisors to the effect that the distribution of our common stock and certain related transactions will qualify as a reorganization under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code that is tax-free to Wyndham Worldwide Corporation and its stockholders, except, in the case of Wyndham Worldwide stockholders, for cash received in lieu of fractional shares. In addition to obtaining the opinions, Wyndham Worldwide expects to receive an IRS Ruling related to certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of aspects of the spin-off, although receipt of the IRS Ruling is not a condition to the spin-off. Assuming the distribution of our common stock qualifies for such treatment, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

        U.S. Holders that have acquired different blocks of Wyndham Worldwide common stock at different times or at different prices are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the allocation of their aggregate adjusted basis among, and their holding period of, our common stock and Wyndham Worldwide common stock.

        If a U.S. Holder receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock as part of the distribution, the U.S. Holder will be treated as though it first received a distribution of the fractional share in the distribution and then sold it for the amount of cash actually received. Such U.S. Holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the cash received for such fractional share and the U.S. Holder's tax basis in that fractional share, as determined above. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period for the Wyndham

44


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Worldwide common stock exceeds one year on the date of the distribution. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations.

        The opinions of the spin-off tax advisors will not address any U.S. state or local or non-U.S. consequences of the spin-off. The opinions will assume that the distribution and certain related transactions will be completed according to the terms of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, and will rely on the IRS Ruling (if received) and the facts as stated in the Separation and Distribution Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the other ancillary agreements, this information statement and a number of other documents. The opinions will also be based on, among other things, current law and certain assumptions and representations as to factual matters made by Wyndham Worldwide and us. Any change in currently applicable law, which may or may not be retroactive, or the failure of any factual representation or assumption to be true, correct and complete in all material respects, could adversely affect the conclusions reached by the spin-off tax advisors in the opinions. The opinions will be expressed as of the date issued and do not cover subsequent periods. The opinions will represent the spin-off tax advisors' best legal judgment based on current law. The opinions of the spin-off tax advisors will not be binding on the IRS or the courts, and the IRS or the courts may not agree with the conclusions expressed in the opinions. We cannot assure you that the IRS will agree with the conclusions set forth in the opinions, and it is possible that the IRS or another tax authority could adopt a position contrary to one or all of those conclusions and that a court could sustain that contrary position. If any of the facts, representations, assumptions or undertakings described or made in connection with the opinions are not correct, are incomplete or have been violated, our ability to rely on the opinions could be jeopardized. We are not aware of any facts or circumstances, however, that would cause these facts, representations or assumptions to be untrue or incomplete, or that would cause any of these undertakings to fail to be complied with, in any material respect.

        If, notwithstanding the conclusions included in the opinion and the potential IRS ruling, it is ultimately determined that the distribution of our common stock and certain related transactions do not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then Wyndham Worldwide could recognize taxable gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference, if any, of the fair market value of the shares of our common stock over its tax basis in such shares. In addition, if the distribution of our common stock does not qualify as tax-free under Section 355 of the Code, each Wyndham Worldwide stockholder that receives shares of our common stock in the spin-off would be treated as receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of our common stock that was distributed to the stockholder, which would generally be taxed as a dividend to the extent of the stockholder's pro rata share of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's current and accumulated earnings and profits, including Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's taxable gain, if any, on the spin-off, then treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the stockholder's basis in the Wyndham Worldwide stock and thereafter treated as capital gain from the sale or exchange of Wyndham Worldwide common stock.

        Under current U.S. federal income tax law, certain non-corporation citizens or residents of the United States (including individuals) currently are subject to U.S. federal income tax on dividends (assuming certain holding period requirements are met) and long-term capital gains (i.e., capital gains on assets held for more than one year) at reduced rates.

        Even if the distribution otherwise qualifies for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code, the spin-off may result in corporate level taxable gain to Wyndham Worldwide under Section 355(e) of the Code if 50% or more, by vote or value, of the Wyndham Worldwide stock or our stock is treated as acquired or issued as part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the distribution (including as a result of transactions occurring before the spin-off). The process for determining whether an acquisition or issuance triggering these provisions has occurred is complex, inherently factual and subject to interpretation of the facts and circumstances of a particular case, and any such acquisitions may not be within our or Wyndham Worldwide's control. For this purpose, any acquisitions or issuances of Wyndham Worldwide stock within two years before the distribution, and any acquisitions or issuances of our stock or

45


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Wyndham Worldwide stock within two years after the distribution generally are presumed to be part of such a plan (subject to certain exceptions and safe harbors), although we or Wyndham Worldwide, as applicable, may be able to rebut that presumption. If an acquisition or issuance of our stock or Wyndham Worldwide stock triggers the application Section 355(e) of the Code, Wyndham Worldwide or we could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities attributable to the distribution and certain related transactions, but the distribution would generally be tax-free to each of Wyndham Worldwide stockholders, as described above.

        Treasury regulations require each U.S. Holder that owns at least 5% of the total outstanding Wyndham Worldwide common stock to attach to their U.S. federal income tax returns for the year in which the spin-off occurs a statement setting forth certain information with respect to the transaction. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors to determine whether they are required to provide the foregoing statement and the contents thereof.


Results of the Spin-Off

        After the spin-off, we will be an independent, publicly traded company. Immediately following the spin-off, we expect to have approximately                         record holders of shares of our common stock and approximately                        shares of our common stock outstanding, based on the number of stockholders and outstanding shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock on                        , 2018 and assuming each holder of Wyndham Worldwide common stock will receive one share of Wyndham Hotels common stock for each share of Wyndham Worldwide common stock. The actual number of shares to be distributed will be determined as of the record date and will reflect any repurchases of shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock and issuances of shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock in respect of awards under Wyndham Worldwide Corporation equity-based incentive plans between the date the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors declares the dividend for the distribution and the record date for the distribution.

        The spin-off will result in the acceleration of certain outstanding equity awards granted to our directors, executive officers and employees under the Wyndham Worldwide Corporation equity incentive plan. Such equity awards will be converted into equity awards with respect to both Wyndham Worldwide common stock and our common stock. Time-vesting equity awards with respect to Wyndham Worldwide common stock and all performance-vesting equity awards will vest and become exercisable or be settled, as applicable, immediately upon completion of the spin-off. Time-vesting equity awards with respect to our common stock will vest upon the earliest to occur of (i) the six-month anniversary of the completion of the spin-off, subject to the relevant individual's continued employment with us through such six-month anniversary date, (ii) our termination of the relevant individual's employment without "cause," or (iii) the date on which such equity award would have vested in accordance with the terms of the existing award agreement, subject to the relevant individual's continued employment with us through the applicable vesting date. For information regarding the treatment of equity awards of directors and executive officers of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. which will either become exercisable or be settled in shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock and our common stock and will be outstanding after the distribution, see "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Wyndham Worldwide Related to the Spin-Off—Employee Matters Agreement" and "Management."

        Before the spin-off, we will enter into several agreements with Wyndham Worldwide to effect the spin-off and provide a framework for our relationship with Wyndham Worldwide after the spin-off. These agreements will govern the relationship between us and Wyndham Worldwide after completion of the spin-off and provide for the allocation between us and Wyndham Worldwide of the assets, liabilities, rights and obligations of Wyndham Worldwide. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Wyndham Worldwide Related to the Spin-Off."

46


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        In connection with the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide expects to pay transaction bonuses to certain of its executive officers and employees who will become our executive officers and employees following the spin-off in connection with their prior service and to ensure retention of such executive officers and employees following the consummation of the spin-off. See "Executive and Director Compensation—Agreements with Named Executive Officers" for a description of the transaction bonuses expected to be paid to our named executive officers.


Trading Prior to the Distribution Date

        It is anticipated that, at least one trading day prior to the record date and continuing up to and including the distribution date, there will be a "when-issued" market in our common stock. When-issued trading refers to a sale or purchase made conditionally because the security has been authorized but not yet issued. The when-issued trading market will be a market for shares of our common stock that will be distributed to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders on the distribution date. Any Wyndham Worldwide stockholder who owns shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, as of the record date will be entitled to shares of our common stock distributed in the spin-off. Wyndham Worldwide stockholders may trade this entitlement to shares of our common stock, without the shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock they own, on the when-issued market. On the first trading day following the distribution date, we expect when-issued trading with respect to our common stock will end and "regular-way" trading will begin. See "Trading Market."

        Following the distribution date, we expect shares of our common stock to be listed on the                , under the ticker symbol "                        ." We will announce the when-issued ticker symbol if and when it becomes available.

        It is also anticipated that, at least one trading day prior to the record date and continuing up to and including the distribution date, there will be two markets in Wyndham Worldwide common stock: a "regular-way" market and an "ex-distribution" market. Shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock that trade on the regular-way market will trade with an entitlement to shares of our common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution. Shares that trade on the ex-distribution market will trade without an entitlement to shares of our common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution. Therefore, if shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock are sold in the regular-way market up to and including the distribution date, the selling stockholder's right to receive shares of our common stock in the distribution will be sold as well. However, if Wyndham Worldwide stockholders own shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, as of the record date and sell those shares on the ex-distribution market up to and including the distribution date, the selling stockholders will still receive the shares of our common stock that they would otherwise receive pursuant to the distribution. See "Trading Market."


Financing Transactions

        In connection with the spin-off, subject to market conditions, Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Hotels will undertake a number of financing transactions. As a result of these financing transactions, we expect to have total indebtedness of between $             million and $             million. We have not yet identified the specific sources of funds and any financing transactions may not be completed in the timeframe or size indicated, or at all. The financing transactions undertaken in connection with the spin-off will be described in greater detail in a subsequent amendment to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part. See "Description of Certain Indebtedness."

47


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


Conditions to the Distribution

        We expect that the distribution will be effective as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on                        , 2018, the distribution date. The distribution is subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, of the following conditions:

        We are not aware of any material federal, foreign or state regulatory requirements that must be complied with or any material approvals that must be obtained, other than compliance with SEC rules and regulations, approval for listing on the                        and the declaration of effectiveness of the Registration Statement on Form 10, of which this information statement forms a part, by the SEC, in connection with the distribution. Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Hotels cannot assure you that any or all of these conditions will be met and Wyndham Worldwide Corporation may waive any of the conditions to the distribution. In addition, until the distribution has occurred, the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors has the right to not proceed with the distribution, even if all of the conditions are satisfied. In the event the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors determines to waive a material condition to the distribution, to modify a material term of the distribution or not to proceed with the distribution, Wyndham Worldwide intends to promptly issue a press release or other public announcement and file a Current Report on Form 8-K to report such event.

48


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


Reasons for Furnishing this Information Statement

        This information statement is being furnished solely to provide information to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders that are entitled to receive shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock in the spin-off. This information statement is not, and is not to be construed as, an inducement or encouragement to buy, hold or sell any of our securities or any securities of Wyndham Worldwide. We believe that the information in this information statement is accurate as of the date set forth on the cover. Changes may occur after that date and neither Wyndham Worldwide nor we undertake any obligation to update the information.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

TRADING MARKET

Market for Our Common Stock

        There is currently no public market for our common stock and an active trading market may not develop or may not be sustained. We anticipate that trading of our common stock will commence on a "when-issued" basis at least one trading day prior to the record date and continue through the distribution date. When-issued trading refers to a sale or purchase made conditionally because the security has been authorized but not yet issued. When-issued trades generally settle within three trading days after the distribution date. If you own shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, as of the record date, you will be entitled to shares of our common stock distributed pursuant to the spin-off. You may trade this entitlement to shares of our common stock, without the shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock you own, on the when-issued market. On the first trading day following the distribution date, any when-issued trading with respect to our common stock will end and "regular-way" trading will begin. We intend to list our common stock on the                under the ticker symbol "                ." We will announce our when-issued trading symbol when and if it becomes available.

        It is also anticipated that, at least one trading day prior to the record date and continuing up to and including the distribution date, there will be two markets in Wyndham Worldwide common stock: a "regular-way" market and an "ex-distribution" market. Shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock that trade on the regular-way market will trade with an entitlement to shares of our common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution. Shares that trade on the ex-distribution market will trade without an entitlement to shares of our common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution. Therefore, if you sell shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock in the regular-way market up to and including the distribution date, you will be selling your right to receive shares of our common stock in the distribution. However, if you own shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, as of the record date and sell those shares on the ex-distribution market up to and including the distribution date, you will still receive the shares of our common stock that you would otherwise receive pursuant to the distribution.

        We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock may trade before the spin-off on a "when-issued" basis or after the spin-off. Those prices will be determined by the marketplace. Prices at which trading in our common stock occurs may fluctuate significantly. Those prices may be influenced by many factors, including anticipated or actual fluctuations in our operating results or those of other companies in our industry, investor perception of Wyndham Hotels and the hotel industry, market fluctuations and general economic conditions. In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected the performance of many stocks and that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. These are just some factors that may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. See "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Common Stock" for further discussion of risks relating to the trading prices of our common stock.


Transferability of Shares of Our Common Stock

        On                , 2018, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation had approximately                shares of its common stock issued and outstanding. Based on this number, we expect that upon completion of the spin-off, we will have approximately                shares of common stock issued and outstanding. The shares of our common stock that you will receive in the distribution will be freely transferable, unless you are considered an "affiliate" of ours under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Persons who can be considered our affiliates after the spin-off generally include individuals or entities that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with, us, and may include certain of our officers and directors. As of the distribution date, we estimate that our directors and officers will beneficially own in the aggregate less than                  percent of our shares. In addition,

50


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

individuals who are affiliates of Wyndham Worldwide on the distribution date may be deemed to be affiliates of ours. Our affiliates may sell shares of our common stock received in the distribution only:

        In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, an affiliate will be entitled to sell, within any three-month period commencing 90 days after the date that the registration statement of which this information statement is a part is declared effective, a number of shares of our common stock that does not exceed the greater of:

        Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to restrictions relating to manner of sale and the availability of current public information about us.

        In the future, we may adopt new equity-based compensation plans and issue stock-based awards. We currently expect to file a registration statement under the Securities Act to register shares to be issued under these equity plans. Shares issued pursuant to awards after the effective date of that registration statement, other than shares issued to affiliates, generally will be freely tradable without further registration under the Securities Act.

        Except for our common stock distributed in the distribution and employee-based equity awards, we will have no equity securities outstanding immediately after the spin-off.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


DIVIDEND POLICY

        We intend to pay regular quarterly cash dividends beginning                    , 2018. However, any decision to declare and pay dividends will be made at the sole discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. There can be no assurance that a payment of a dividend will occur in the future.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth the cash and capitalization of Wyndham Hotels as of December 31, 2016 on a historical basis and on a pro forma basis to give effect to the spin-off and the related transactions, as if they occurred on December 31, 2016. Explanation of the pro forma adjustments made to the audited Combined Financial Statements can be found under the section titled "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements." The following table should be reviewed in conjunction with the sections titled "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our audited Combined Financial Statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this information statement.

 
  December 31, 2016  
(in millions, except per share amount)
  Actual   Pro Forma  

Cash

  $ 28   $    

             

Debt

 

 

 


 
 

Debt due to Wyndham Worldwide

 
$

174
 
$
 

Debt

 


 


 

Total debt

   
174
       

Equity

 

 

 


 
 

Common stock, $0.01 par value;            shares authorized,             shares issued and outstanding,            pro forma

   
       

Additional paid-in capital

 


 


 

Total net investment

   
1,111
       

Total Capitalization

 
$

1,285

 

$

 

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


SELECTED HISTORICAL COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following selected historical combined statement of income data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the selected historical combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are derived from the audited Combined Financial Statements of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses included elsewhere in this information statement. The selected historical combined statement of income data for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the selected historical combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are derived from unaudited combined financial statements of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses that are not included in this information statement. We have prepared our unaudited combined financial statements on the same basis as our audited Combined Financial Statements and, in our opinion, have included all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly in all material respects our financial position and results of operations.

        This selected historical financial data is not necessarily indicative of our future performance and does not necessarily reflect what our financial position and results of operations would have been had we been operating as an independent, publicly traded company during the periods presented, including changes that will occur in our operations and capitalization as a result of the spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide. For example, the historical combined financial statements of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses include allocations of expenses for certain functions and services provided by Wyndham Worldwide. These costs may not be representative of the future costs we will incur as an independent, public company.

        The selected historical combined financial data below should be read together with the audited Combined Financial Statements of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses, including the notes thereto, and the sections titled "Capitalization," "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Description of Certain Indebtedness" and the other financial information included elsewhere in this information statement included elsewhere in this information statement.

 
  For the Year Ended December 31,  
($ in millions)
  2016   2015   2014   2013   2012  

Statement of Income Data:

                     

Net revenues

  $ 1,312   $ 1,301   $ 1,103   $ 1,028   $ 890  

Total expenses

  1,024   1,051   867   828   687  

Operating income

    288     250     236     200     203  

Interest expense (income), net

  1   1   (1)   1   1  

Income before income taxes

    287     249     237     199     202  

Provision for income taxes

  115   100   85   80   77  

Net income

    172     149     152     119     125  

 

 
  As of December 31,  
($ in millions)
  2016   2015   2014   2013   2012  

Balance Sheet Data:

                     

Cash

  $ 28   $ 38   $ 25   $ 26   $ 33  

Total assets

  1,983   1,959   1,891   1,900   1,766  

Total debt due to Parent

    174     95     105     128     62  

Total liabilities

  872   780   702   681   537  

Total net investment

    1,111     1,179     1,189     1,219     1,229  

        In presenting the financial data above in conformity with U.S. GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Resources—Critical Accounting Policies," for a detailed discussion of the accounting policies that we believe require subjective and complex judgments that could potentially affect reported results.

Acquisitions

        Between January 1, 2012 and the date of this filing, we completed the following acquisitions:

        The results of operations and financial position of these acquisitions have been included beginning from the respective acquisition dates. See Notes 3—Acquisitions and 18—Subsequent Events to the audited Combined Financial Statements included herein for a discussion of acquisitions completed during 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Impairment, Restructuring and Other Charges

        During 2016, we recorded $2 million of charges related to restructuring initiatives, which were primarily focused on enhancing organizational efficiency. Additionally, in 2016, we recorded a $7 million charge related to the termination of a management contract. During 2015, we recorded $3 million of restructuring costs resulting from a realignment of brand services and call center operations. Additionally, in 2015, we recorded a $7 million non-cash impairment charge related to the write-down of terminated in-process technology projects resulting from our decision to outsource our reservation system to a third-party partner and a $14 million charge associated with the anticipated termination of a management contract within our hotel management business. During 2014, we recorded $6 million of restructuring and related costs associated with the departure of an executive, as well as initiatives targeted at improving the alignment of the organizational structure of our business with our strategic objectives. In addition, we reversed $1 million of previously recorded contract termination costs related to our 2013 organizational realignment initiative. Additionally, in 2014 we recorded an $8 million non-cash impairment charge related to the write-down of an investment in a joint venture. During 2013, we recorded $9 million of restructuring costs related to an organizational realignment initiative primarily focused on optimizing our marketing structure. In addition, we recorded $8 million of non-cash impairment charges primarily related to a partial write-down of our Hawthorn Suites trademark due to lower than anticipated growth in the brand.

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        The following unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 and unaudited pro forma combined statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 have been prepared to reflect the spin-off and related transactions, as described below, as if they had occurred on December 31, 2016 for the unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet and as of January 1, 2016 for the unaudited pro forma combined statement of income. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements of Wyndham Hotels have been derived from the audited historical combined financial statements of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses.

        On August 2, 2017, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation announced a plan to spin-off its hotel business as a separate, publicly traded company. The spin-off transaction, which is expected to be tax-free to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders, will be effected through a pro rata distribution of our stock to existing Wyndham Worldwide stockholders. Immediately following completion of the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide stockholders will own 100% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. After the spin-off, we will operate as an independent, publicly traded company.

        Wyndham Worldwide intends to transfer certain intellectual property to us prior to our spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide. We intend to enter into a license, development and noncompetition agreement with Wyndham Worldwide pursuant to which we will grant Wyndham Worldwide the right to use certain trademarks and related other intellectual property, including the "Wyndham" trademark, in their business for the term of the agreement. Wyndham Worldwide will pay us royalties under the agreement that are projected to be approximately $             million annually. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Wyndham Worldwide Related to the Spin-Off—License, Development and Noncompetition Agreement" for additional discussion of the agreement.

        Subject to market conditions, we expect to complete one or more financing transactions on or prior to the completion of the spin-off. As a result of these financing transactions, we expect to have total indebtedness of between $             million and $             million. We have not yet identified the specific sources of funds and any financing transactions may not be completed in the timeframe or size indicated, or at all. The financing transactions will be described in greater detail in a subsequent amendment to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part.

        The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the sections titled "Capitalization," "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data," "Our Business" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," as well as our audited Combined Financial Statements and notes thereto, which are included elsewhere in this information statement.

        The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements have been prepared for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of our financial position or results of operations had the transactions described herein for which we are giving pro forma effect actually occurred on the dates or for the periods indicated, nor is such unaudited pro forma financial information indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. A number of factors may affect our results. See "Risk Factors" and "Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements."

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WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2016
($ in millions, except per share amount)

 
  Historical   Pro Forma
Adjustments
   
  Pro Forma  

Assets

                 

Current assets:

   
 
   
 
 

 

   
 
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 
$

28

 

$

            

 

(a)

 
$

            
 

Trade receivables, net

   
184
                 

Prepaid expenses

 

24

 



 

 

 

Other current assets

   
19
                 

Total current assets

 

255

 



 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

   
277
   
            
 

(c)

       

Goodwill

 

377

 



 

 

 

Trademarks, net

   
643
   
            
 

(b)

       

Franchise agreements and other intangibles, net

 

239

 



 

 

 

Other non-current assets

   
192
                 

Total assets

 
$

1,983

 

$

            

 

 
$

            
 

Liabilities and net investment

   
 
   
 
 

 

   
 
 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 
 

Current portion of debt due to Parent

 
$

103
 
$

            
 

(a)

 
$

            
 

Current portion of long-term debt

 


 


            

 

(a)(c)

 

 

Accounts payable

   
27
                 

Deferred income

 

68

 



 

 

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   
174
                 

Total current liabilities

 

372

 



 

 

 

Debt due to Parent

   
71
   
            
 

(a)

       

Long-term debt

 


 


            

 

(a)(c)

 

 

Deferred income taxes

   
273
                 

Deferred income

 

81

 



 

 

 

Other non-current liabilities

   
75
   
            
           

Total liabilities

 

872

 



 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

   
 
   
 
 

 

   
 
 

Net investment

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 
 

Common stock, $0.01 par value

   
       

(d)

       

Additional paid-in-capital

 


 



 

(d)

 

 

Parent's net investment

   
1,111
       

(d)

       

Total net investment

 

1,111

 



 

 

 

Total liabilities and net investment

 
$

1,983
 
$

            
     
$

            
 

See notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

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WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 2016
($ in millions, except per share data)

 
  Historical   Pro Forma
Adjustments
  Pro Forma  

Revenues

 

 

 


 

 


 
 

Royalties and franchise fees

 
$

353
 
$
 
$
 

Marketing, reservation and loyalty

 

405

 



 


 

Hotel management

   
107
             

License and other fees from Parent

 

65

 



(e)


 

Cost reimbursements

   
271
             

Other

 

111

 



 


 

Net revenues

   
1,312
             

       

Expenses

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Marketing, reservation and loyalty

 

407

 



 


 

Operating

   
187
             

General and administrative

 

83

 



 


 

Cost reimbursements

   
271
             

Depreciation and amortization

 

73

 



(f)


 

Transaction-related

   
1
             

Restructuring

 

2

 



 


 

Total expenses

   
1,024
             

       

Operating income

   
288
             

Interest expense, net

 

1

 



(g)


 

                   

Income before income taxes

 

287

 



 


 

Provision for income taxes

   
115
   
(h)
     

Net income

 
$

172

 

$


 

$

 

                   

       

Earnings per share:

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Basic

 

NA

 

$


 

$

 

Diluted

   
NA
 
$
 
$
 

       

Weighted average shares outstanding:

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Basic

 

NA

 



(i)


 

Diluted

   
NA
   
(j)
     

See notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Pro Forma Presentation

        The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based on preliminary estimates, accounting judgments and currently available information and assumptions that management believes are reasonable. These adjustments are included only to the extent they are directly attributable to the spin-off and related transactions and the appropriate information is known and factually supportable.

        Our historical combined financial statements include allocations of expenses for certain functions and services provided by Wyndham Worldwide, including expenses for costs related to functions such as executive office, finance, a shared service technology platform and other administrative support. Effective with the spin-off, we will assume responsibility for all of these functions and related costs though certain of these activities will continue to be performed by Wyndham Worldwide under transition service agreements for a limited period of time. The allocated costs may not be representative, either positively or negatively, of the future costs we will incur as a separate, public company. Due to the scope and complexity of these activities, the amount and timing of the actual costs could vary and, therefore, are not included as adjustments within the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements. We expect such incremental costs will range from $             million to $             million on an annual basis. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions."

2. License, Development and Noncompetition Agreement

        Wyndham Worldwide intends to transfer certain intellectual property to us prior to our spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide. We intend to enter into a license, development and noncompetition agreement with Wyndham Worldwide pursuant to which we will grant Wyndham Worldwide the right to use certain trademarks and other intellectual property, including the "Wyndham" trademark, in their business for the term of the agreement. Wyndham Worldwide will pay us royalties under the agreement that are projected to be approximately $             million annually. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Wyndham Worldwide Related to the Spin-Off—License, Development and Noncompetition Agreement" for additional discussion of the agreement.

3. Financing Transaction

        Subject to market conditions, we expect to complete one or more financing transactions on or prior to the completion of the spin-off. As a result of these financing transactions, we expect to have total indebtedness of between $             million and $             million. We have not yet identified the specific sources of funds and any financing transactions may not be completed in the timeframe or size indicated, or at all. The financing transactions will be described in greater detail in a subsequent amendment to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part.

4. Pro Forma Adjustments

        The pro forma adjustments are based on our preliminary estimates and assumptions and subject to change. The following adjustments have been reflected in the unaudited pro forma combined financial information:

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THE HOTEL INDUSTRY

        Companies in the hotel industry typically operate through a combination of one or more of the following business models.

        Franchise – Under the franchise model, a company typically grants the use of a brand name to a hotel owner in exchange for royalty fees, which are typically a percentage of gross room revenues and provides marketing and reservation services for a fee, which is calculated similarly. Since the royalty fees are a recurring revenue stream and the related cost structure is relatively low, the franchise model often yields attractive margins and steady, predictable cash flows. Franchisors generally do not directly participate in the daily management or operation of franchised hotels.

        Management – Under the management model, a company provides professional oversight and comprehensive operations support to hotel owners in exchange for base management fees, which are typically a percentage of total hotel revenue. A company can also earn incentive management fees which are tied to the financial performance of the hotel. In addition to management and incentive fees, typical management agreements include a provision that hotel owners will pay ongoing marketing and reservation fees, which are based on a percentage of gross room sales.

        Ownership – Under the ownership model, a company owns a hotel and bears all financial risks and rewards relating to the hotel, including appreciation and depreciation in the value of the property. Ownership requires a substantial capital commitment and typically has a high fixed-cost structure.

        The hotel industry is cyclical in nature. Companies operating under the franchise model are largely insulated from this risk when compared with the other two business models since they do not own the hotels and have limited operating costs. Therefore, a company's strategic positioning and presence within these business models can influence overall profitability, particularly in a volatile economy.

        According to STR, as of December 31, 2016, the global hotel market consisted of approximately 172,000 hotels with combined annual revenues of $468 billion. This represents over 16.2 million rooms, of which 54% are affiliated with a brand. The market is geographically concentrated in the ten most populous countries, which account for over 68% of total rooms. The United States has the largest presence in the global hotel industry with 5.0 million rooms, representing approximately 31% of the global market. China is the next largest concentration with 2.1 million rooms, representing approximately 13% of the global market. The geographical distribution as of December 31, 2016 was as follows:

Region
  Hotels   Room Supply
(millions)
  Revenues
(billions)
  Brand
Affiliation

United States/Canada

  60,289   5.5   $161   70%

Europe, Middle East and Africa

    67,189     5.4   165   40%

Asia Pacific

  33,082   4.3   110   52%

Latin America

    11,362     1.1   32   43%

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        Segmentation within the hotel industry is primarily measured through RevPAR. RevPAR growth is tracked and reported by STR on a geographical basis. Within the United States, hotels are classified into "chain scales" by STR as follows:

Chain Scale   ADR Range   % of
U.S. Market
  Typical Amenities
Economy   Less than $65   15%   Basic amenities

Midscale

 

$65 to $90

 

9%

 

Limited breakfast, selected business services

Upper Midscale

 

$90 to $110

 

18%

 

Restaurants, vending, selected business services and some recreational facilities

Upscale

 

$110 to $145

 

14%

 

Full range of on-property amenities and services, including restaurants, recreational facilities and business centers

Upper Upscale

 

$145 to $210

 

12%

 

Full range of on-property amenities and services

Luxury

 

$210 and above

 

2%

 

Luxury accommodations and extensive range of on-property amenities and services

Brand Affiliated

 


 

70%

 


Independents

 

 

 

30%

 

 

Total

 


 

100%

 

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OUR BUSINESS

        Wyndham Hotels is the world's largest hotel franchisor, with more than 8,100 affiliated hotels located in over 80 countries. We license our 20 renowned hotel brands to franchisees, who pay us royalty and other fees to use our brands and services. We are the leader in the economy segment and have a substantial and growing presence in the midscale and upscale segments of the global hotel industry. We have grown our franchised hotel portfolio over time both organically and through acquisitions, and we have a robust pipeline of hotel owners and developers looking to affiliate with our brands. In 2016, Wyndham Hotels generated revenues of $1,312 million, net income of $172 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $381 million.

        We enable our franchisees, who range from sole proprietors to public real estate investment trusts, to optimize their return on investment. We drive guest reservations to our franchisees' properties through strong brand awareness among consumers and businesses, our global reservation system, our award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program and our national, local and global marketing campaigns. We establish brand standards, provide our franchisees with property-based operational training and turn-key technology solutions, and help reduce their costs by leveraging our scale. These capabilities enhance returns for our franchisees and therefore help us to attract and retain franchisees. With over 5,500 franchisees, we have built the largest network of franchisees of any global hotel company.

        Our portfolio of brands enables us to franchise hotels in virtually any market at a range of price points, catering to both our guests' and franchisees' preferences. We welcome more than 130 million guests annually worldwide. We primarily target economy and midscale guests, as they represent the largest demographic in the United States and around the world. We have the leading position in the economy segment, where our hotel brands represent approximately two of every five branded rooms in the United States. Approximately 70% of the hotels affiliated with our brands are located in the United States and approximately 30% are located internationally. The following table summarizes our brand portfolio as of September 30, 2017 (hotel count does not yet include 202 hotels under the AmericInn brand, which we acquired in October 2017):

GRAPHIC

        Our business model is asset-light, as we generally receive a percentage of each franchised hotel's room revenues but do not own the underlying properties. Our business is easily adaptable to changing economic

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environments due to a low operating cost structure, which, together with our recurring fee streams and limited capital expenditures, yields attractive margins and predictable cash flows. Our franchise agreements are typically 10 to 20 years in length, providing significant visibility into future cash flows. Under these agreements, our franchisees pay us royalty fees and marketing and reservation fees, which are based on a percentage of their gross room revenues. We are required to spend marketing and reservation fees on marketing and reservation activities, enabling us to predictably match these expenses with an offsetting revenue stream on an annual basis. We also license the "Wyndham" trademark and certain other trademarks and intellectual property to Wyndham Worldwide through existing license agreements under which we receive royalty fees, and will continue to earn royalty fees following the spin-off under a long-term licensing agreement. In addition to hotel franchising, we provide hotel management services on a select basis. Our portfolio of managed hotels includes 113 third-party-owned properties and two owned properties. Approximately 99% of the hotels in our system are franchised to third parties, and substantially all of our Adjusted EBITDA is generated by our Hotel Franchising segment.

        We pursue multiple avenues of growth in an effort to generate returns for our stockholders. We use our scale, brands, guest loyalty and franchisee network to add new hotels to our system. Our long-established franchising experience and ability to innovate, together with favorable macroeconomic and lodging industry fundamentals, continue to support our organic growth around the world. Additionally, we intend to use our cash flow to continue to return capital to stockholders and to invest in the business and pursue external growth opportunities.

Our Competitive Strengths

        We believe our success has been and will be driven by significant competitive strengths that we have developed over time:

Industry-leading footprint in the hotel industry

        Wyndham Hotels is the world's largest hotel franchisor, with more than 8,100 affiliated hotels in over 80 countries. Our brands have substantial presence, welcoming more than 130 million guests annually worldwide. The following chart presents the number of branded hotels associated with each of the six largest hotel companies:


Global Hotel Companies by Number of Branded Hotels as of September 30, 2017

GRAPHIC

*
As of June 30, 2017.

Source: Companies' public disclosures.

        Our scale enhances brand awareness among consumers and businesses and provides numerous benefits to franchisees. Our global reservation system, extensive distribution network and our award-winning Wyndham Rewards program drive over 60 million guest reservations annually to our franchisees. We also help our franchisees reduce overall costs through our marketing campaigns, our technology

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solutions and our purchasing programs with third-party suppliers. Our ability to provide these benefits helps us to attract and retain franchisees.

Strong portfolio of well-known brands

        We have assembled a portfolio of 20 well-known hotel brands, from leading economy brands such as Super 8 and Days Inn to upscale brands such as Wyndham and Dolce. Our Super 8 brand, with over 2,800 affiliated hotels, has more hotel properties than any other hotel brand in the world. Our brands are located in primary, secondary and tertiary cities and are among the most recognized in the industry. Over 80% of the U.S. population lives within ten miles of one or more of our affiliated hotels.

        Our brands offer a breadth of options for franchisees and a wide range of price points and experiences for our guests, including members of our award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. Our brands have also won numerous industry awards, both for guest satisfaction and as franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs. With many of our affiliated hotels located along major highways, our brands not only drive online and telephone reservations to hotels, they also help attract guests on a "walk-in" or direct-to-hotel basis.

Global leader in the economy segment

        We have built a leading position in the economy segment of the hotel industry, with our brands representing some 30% of the branded global economy hotel inventory. Our central reservation channels generate more than half of our franchisees' occupied room-nights annually and approximately 60% of all guests at our franchised hotels in the United States. In addition, we have substantial experience in property design, establishing brand standards, advertising, structuring promotional offerings and online marketing for economy brands. Four of our hotel brands have been consistently ranked in the top five in J.D. Power's North American Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study for the economy segment.

        Our strength in the economy segment is attractive to potential franchisees and positions us well to benefit from favorable demographic and consumer demand trends. According to the Brookings Institution, the global middle class is expected to more than double from 2.0 billion to 4.9 billion people by 2030. As this population increasingly participates in the global travel and leisure industry, we expect the economy segment will be a natural entry point.

Award-winning loyalty program

        Wyndham Rewards, our award-winning loyalty program, is a key component of our ongoing efforts to build consumer and franchisee engagement while driving more guest reservations directly to our affiliated hotels. More than 53 million people have enrolled in Wyndham Rewards since its inception, and substantially all 8,145 hotels affiliated with our hotel brands participate in the program. In addition, over 20,000 Wyndham Worldwide vacation ownership and rental properties participate in the program. Wyndham Rewards generates significant repeat business by rewarding frequent stays with points. Since being redesigned in 2015, Wyndham Rewards has been recognized as one of the simplest, most rewarding loyalty programs in the hotel industry, providing more value to members than any other program. It has won nearly 50 awards, including "Best Hotel Loyalty Program" from US News & World Report and Most Rewarding Hotel Loyalty Program from IdeaWorks.

        Wyndham Rewards loyalty program members now account for approximately one-third of occupancy at our affiliated hotels. Total membership has been growing by approximately 10% annually. Our franchisees benefit from the program through increased guest loyalty and the nearly one million room-nights for which award points are redeemed each year. These members are an important driver of our growth, as they stay nearly twice as often and spend 85% more than other guests, on average.

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Proven ability to create value through acquisitions

        We have built our portfolio of renowned hotel brands primarily through acquisitions, beginning with the Howard Johnson brand and the U.S. franchise rights for the Ramada brand in 1990. Since then, we have acquired 16 economy, midscale, upscale and extended-stay brands, enabling us to meet travelers' leisure and business travel needs across a wide range of price points, experiences and geographies. We have established an extensive track record of successfully integrating franchise systems and enhancing the performance of brands post-acquisition by leveraging our operating best practices, significant economies of scale, award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program and access to global distribution networks, while producing significant cost synergies for us and our franchisees. We intend to build upon our past success as we continue to opportunistically acquire and integrate brands into our franchising platform.

        In addition, we have grown many of the franchise systems we have acquired to be significantly larger than at acquisition. For example, after acquiring the economy-focused Baymont Inn portfolio in 2006, we re-positioned the brand within the midscale segment as Baymont Inn & Suites and have more than tripled its size from 115 hotels to 436 hotels in North and Latin America. Similarly, we have nearly doubled the size of our flagship Wyndham brand since we acquired it in 2005. We believe these capabilities, combined with our scale, enable us to be highly competitive for acquisition opportunities.

Strong and experienced management team

        Our executive management team is focused on building upon Wyndham Hotel Group's past success and track record of growth through its deep industry experience and leadership continuity. We benefit significantly from the experience of our executive officers who have an average of 18 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industries. Our chief executive officer, Geoffrey Ballotti, spent 20 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts before joining Wyndham Worldwide in 2008 and has been instrumental in transforming our business over the past several years through acquisitions and technology-related initiatives. Our non-executive chairman, Stephen Holmes, has 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has served as Wyndham Worldwide's chief executive officer since 2006. Our chief financial officer, David Wyshner, has 18 years of experience in the travel industry and previously served as president and chief financial officer of Avis Budget Group. As a group, our executive officers have extensive experience with leading global hospitality and consumer-brand companies.


Our Strategy

        Our objective is to continue to strengthen our position as the world's leading hotel franchisor and help our franchisees drive profitability through the brands, technology and reservation services we provide. We expect to achieve our goals by focusing on the following core strategic initiatives:

Attract, retain and develop franchisees

        We intend to attract and retain franchisees and to grow our system size by maintaining and increasing the value we provide to franchisees. With more than 5,500 franchisees, we have built the largest network of franchisees of any global hotel company. These hotel owners and developers provide the engine and platform for future growth. In order to attract, retain and serve franchisees, we plan to:

        We are focused on building brand awareness, brand preference and reservations by presenting the value propositions of each of our hotel brands in all relevant channels to consumers who are likely to have

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the greatest propensity to stay with us. We also provide our franchisees with fully integrated, turn-key property management, reservations and revenue management systems that have capabilities that were not previously affordable to hotels in the economy and midscale sectors. We continuously innovate in our e-commerce channels, including websites and mobile applications for our brands, to enhance the consumer experience and drive reservations to our franchisees. We also operate telephone reservation and customer service centers around the world, and provide easy access to third-party distribution channels for our franchisees. Finally, we develop strong, consultative relationships with our franchisees, beginning with the sales process, where we work with hotel owners to determine how our brands will optimize their investment. We nurture this relationship throughout the life of the contract, continually assessing our franchisees' needs, providing solutions to meet those needs and partnering with them to grow their business. These efforts help us to retain approximately 95% of our franchisees each year and to welcome an average of two new hotels into our system every day.

"Elevate the economy experience"

        We believe every type of traveler should have a great travel experience, regardless of price point. We are building on our leading position in the economy hotel segment to reshape and elevate the economy hotel experience. This process starts with our iconic economy brands—Days Inn, Super 8, Howard Johnson and Travelodge—which we have redefined to create new brand standards and new guest experiences. For instance, we have developed innovative new-construction prototypes and have introduced new design concepts and plans for conversion properties and renovations, such as the Super 8 Innovate room package. These changes enable our franchisees to create an upscale guest experience at an economy price point.

        Our economy brands are among the most respected in the industry and have won numerous awards for the quality and consistency of service they provide. We intend to continue to drive favorable consumer perception of our brands through our brand standards, quality assurance, marketing and franchisee relations. As a result, we believe our reshaped and elevated economy brands will be a natural entry point for millennials and other price-conscious travelers, who are looking for quality branded experiences at an economy price point.

Expand our presence in the midscale space and beyond

        Our leading position in the economy segment provides a strong platform for our accelerated growth in the midscale sector, where our share of branded rooms is approximately 15%. We are able to effectively and easily leverage our industry-leading technology, marketing platform and infrastructure to serve midscale and upscale hotels. This capability provides an opportunity for our existing franchisees to "trade up" as their businesses grow and for us to attract hotel owners and developers focused on these segments.

        In addition to expanding our revenue opportunities, growing our presence outside the economy segment offers many advantages, including strengthening brand equity and building brand loyalty among higher-paying guests. Growth in the midscale and upscale segments, all within the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, will provide our loyalty members with increased flexibility to redeem points at a Wyndham Hotels brand that fits a member's specific preferences, further increasing brand loyalty.

Grow our footprint in new and existing international markets

        With a diverse, global network of brands already represented in more than 80 countries, we intend to expand in new and existing international markets. Over the past five years, our international portfolio has grown at a compound annual rate of 12%, to 2,500 hotels, and now represents approximately 30% of the hotels in our system.

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        We have built a strong, flexible international franchise sales platform, with more than 100 sales professionals in key locations around the world, including in Europe, Latin America, India, China, Singapore and Australia. We typically focus on rapidly developing countries that are under-served by the hotel industry. We also look for flagship opportunities in higher-traffic markets throughout the world to aid international brand awareness and loyalty. We believe our flexibility as a sales organization and our diverse portfolio of brands enable us to effectively adapt our sales strategies in response to franchisees' and hotel developers' needs, and to changes in global supply and demand.

        Currently, our pipeline of franchise contracts and applications consists of approximately 1,200 hotels with 147,000 rooms, of which more than half are international. As we grow internationally, we are particularly focused on brand quality and property design, with approximately 90% of our existing international pipeline being new-construction projects.

Use cash flow to create value for stockholders

        We intend to use the cash flow generated by our operations to create value for stockholders. Our asset-light business model, with low fixed costs and stable, recurring franchise fee revenue, generates attractive margins and cash flow. In addition to investments in the business, including acquisitions of brands and businesses that would expand our presence and capabilities in the lodging industry, we expect to return capital to our stockholders through dividends and/or share repurchases. We expect to pay a regular dividend and use excess cash to repurchase shares.

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History

        Our business was initially incorporated as Hospitality Franchise Systems, Inc. in 1990 to acquire the Howard Johnson brand and the franchise rights to the Ramada brand in the United States. It has been a part of Wyndham Worldwide and its predecessor since 1997 and has grown substantially over time through acquisitions and organic expansion.

GRAPHIC

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Our System

        With 8,145 affiliated hotels in our brand portfolio, our global footprint is substantially greater than that of any other hotel company in the world. Our brands can be found in over 80 countries, with the heaviest geographic concentration in the United States and China:

 
  # of
Properties
  % of
System
 

United States

 

5,492

 


68%
 

Asia Pacific

   
1,516
   
19%
 

Canada

 

512

 


6%
 

Europe/Middle East/Africa

   
428
   
5%
 

Latin America

 

197

 


2%
 

Global

   
8,145
   
100%
 

        We welcome more than 130 million guests annually worldwide. While our portfolio spans a wide array of hotel brand offerings, we are the leader in the economy segment and have been rapidly increasing our significant presence in the midscale segment.

 
  # of
Properties
  % of
System
 

Economy

 

6,099

 


75%
 

Midscale

   
1,572
   
19%
 

Lifestyle

 

197

 


3%
 

Upscale

   
167
   
2%
 

Extended Stay

 

110

 


1%
 

   
8,145
   
100%
 

        Our portfolio of brands appeals to a broad range of consumers. With diverse offerings across chain scales, geographies and price points, and a particular focus on economy and midscale hotels we seek to address the travel needs of the over two billion people in the expanding global middle class. Our brands combine innovative design, quality and affordability that attracts today's value-conscious consumer. While our typical guest is a leisure traveler, our industry-leading scale and presence in major, secondary and tertiary cities also attract business travelers. Approximately 1,300 hotels affiliated with our brands are located on interstate and highway roadsides, catering to value-oriented guests seeking quality accommodations in convenient locations. We also seek to appeal to the growing millennial generation through our investment in consumer-facing technology, online and social media marketing, innovative new-construction prototypes and redesigned lobbies.

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        The following table presents the changes in our portfolio for the last three years:

 
  As of December 31,  
 
  2016   2015   2014  
 
  Properties   Rooms   Properties   Rooms   Properties   Rooms  

Beginning balance

 

7,812

 


678,042

 


7,645

 


660,826

 


7,485

 


645,423

 

Additions

   
664
   
62,401
   
643
   
65,807
   
619
   
61,657
 

Terminations

 

(441

)


(42,836

)


(476

)


(48,591

)


(459

)


(46,254

)

Ending balance

   
8,035
   
697,607
   
7,812
   
678,042
   
7,645
   
660,826
 

        In addition to our existing franchisees, we have a development pipeline of nearly 1,200 hotels, representing 147,000 rooms as of September 30, 2017. Our pipeline is comprised of approximately 600 hotel executions, representing 82,000 rooms, and approximately 600 hotel contracts under negotiation, representing 65,000 rooms. Typically, 70% of executions open within the following 24 months. While there can be no assurance that any particular property in our pipeline will eventually become franchised by us, our pipeline is typically only a subset of our development activity in any given period. Approximately 60% of our annual hotel additions are executed and opened in less than 90 days and therefore may never appear in our pipeline.


Our Brands

        Through our diverse portfolio of well-recognized hotel brands, we offer consumers hotel options in markets throughout the world with a wide range of amenities and at a variety of price points.

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        As of December 31, 2016, our brand portfolio consisted of the following:

                                      Europe              

              North America     Asia Pacific     Middle East              

    Global
RevPAR
        United
States
    Canada     China     Rest of
Asia
    and
Africa
    Latin
America
    Total
 

Economy

                                     

Super 8

  $ 27.84   Properties     1,625     126     1,035         3     4     2,793  

    Rooms   98,003   8,098   70,318     422   350   177,191  

Days Inn

  $ 34.44   Properties     1,524     110     78     12     64     4     1,792  

    Rooms   115,573   8,733   13,662   1,634   3,777   231   143,610  

Howard Johnson

  $ 30.47   Properties     228     39     52         3     47     369  

    Rooms   18,376   2,729   18,174     243   2,824   42,346  

Travelodge

  $ 35.74   Properties     307     95                     402  

    Rooms   20,926   8,678           29,604  

Microtel

  $ 39.55   Properties     304     14         13         5     336  

    Rooms   21,527   1,178     924     595   24,224  

Knights Inn

  $ 22.90   Properties     347     30                     377  

    Rooms   21,775   1,137           22,912  

Midscale

                                                     

Ramada

  $ 39.58   Properties   376   80   77   53   214   34   834  

        Rooms     45,560     8,034     20,651     8,539     29,141     3,986     115,911  

Baymont

  $ 36.57   Properties   434   1         1   436  

        Rooms     34,263     233                 118     34,614  

Wingate

  $ 45.68   Properties   142   6         1   149  

        Rooms     12,902     625                 176     13,703  

Wyndham Garden

  $ 56.84   Properties   67   2   1   2   14   19   105  

        Rooms     11,344     311     289     287     1,826     2,573     16,630  

Ramada Encore

  $ 37.01   Properties       4   6   18   4   32  

        Rooms             675     1,421     2,317     485     4,898  

Extended Stay

                                     

Hawthorn Suites

  $ 54.60   Properties     105                 6         111  

    Rooms   10,307         652     10,959  

Lifestyle

                                                     

TRYP

  $ 51.06   Properties   3       1   91   20   115  

        Rooms     353             65     13,018     2,934     16,370  

Dazzler

  $ 53.39   Properties             11   11  

        Rooms                         1,464     1,464  

Esplendor

  $ 51.29   Properties             10   10  

        Rooms                         707     707  

Upscale

                                     

Wyndham

  $ 68.07   Properties     39         14     7     14     29     103  

    Rooms   11,308     4,271   1,041   2,755   6,261   25,636  

Wyndham Grand

  $ 67.60   Properties     12         17     1     9         39  

    Rooms   3,424     6,004   110   2,339     11,877  

Dolce

  $ 85.17   Properties     12     3             6         21  

    Rooms   3,379   276       1,296     4,951  

Total

  $ 36.67   Properties     5,525     506     1,278     95     442     189     8,035  

      Rooms   429,020   40,032   134,044   14,021   57,786   22,704   697,607  

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Super 8 | An American Road Original

        With more than 2,800 hotels across four continents, Super 8 is the world's largest and most recognized economy hotel brand. Super 8 is elevating the economy experience with reimagined guestrooms, free coffee available 24 hours a day, and a free, hot SuperStart breakfast.

Days Inn | A Fresh Burst of Energy

        With nearly 1,800 economy hotels throughout the world, Days Inn is greeting guests in travel destinations from downtown to small town, beaches to backroads, and airports to amusement parks. Days Inn energizes value-seeking business and leisure guests with its free and healthy Daybreak breakfast, DaysFitness Centers and free Wi-Fi.

Howard Johnson | A Smile in Every Town

        Built on a proud history of serving road-trippers, the tradition of Howard Johnson continues today with nearly 400 hotels in the economy segment spanning over a dozen countries worldwide. Staying with Howard Johnson means thoughtful amenities such as free Wi-Fi and a complimentary Rise & Dine breakfast and mid-century modern design, with most locations being pet-friendly.

Travelodge | Base Camp for Adventure

        Travelodge is rich in history and versatile in hotel type with over 400 locations, of which 60% are located near national parks and attractions. With a strong focus on the leisure traveler, Travelodge offers complimentary continental and "grab & go" breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

Microtel by Wyndham | Brilliantly Efficient

        Microtel is a purpose-built, award-winning, economy segment star. With an established footprint of more than 300 hotels globally, this brand offers a midscale experience at an economy price including text-for-service, social lobbies and complimentary breakfast. Microtel has earned 14 J.D. Power honors—the most of any hotel brand in the economy/budget segment.

Knights Inn | Basic Essentials

        Economy-driven Knights Inn provides accommodations and basic essentials at an affordable price. Knights Inn offers guests the essentials they need, including expanded cable TV and tea/coffee service.

Ramada Worldwide | Sample the World

        With nearly 850 mid- and upper-midscale full-service hotels spanning 64 countries and the most airport locations globally of our brands, Ramada is one of the most recognized hotel brands in the world. Most hotels feature an on-site restaurant, lounge or complimentary continental breakfast, meeting rooms, business services, fitness facilities and Wi-Fi. Ramada was named the Fastest Growing Hotel Brand in Europe for 2016 by PKF Hotelexperts.

Baymont Inn & Suites | Hotel Next Door

        Baymont Inn & Suites is a limited-service brand that was voted by Money Magazine in 2017 as the Best Budget-Friendly Brand. With more than 450 hotels across North America, Baymont offers accommodating suites, freshly baked cookies, free Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast at the Baymont Breakfast Corner and a fully equipped fitness center.

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Wingate by Wyndham | Modern Life in Balance

        Wingate continues to be a leader within the mid-priced, limited-service market segment. Wingate is built for today's modern leisure traveler offering spacious guest rooms furnished with ergonomic workspaces and flat-screen televisions, inviting social-tech lobbies and lounges, free Wi-Fi, a hot breakfast buffet, well-equipped fitness centers and flexible meeting spaces. Wingate has been ranked as the #1 midscale hotel in J.D. Power for the past three years and has been named among the top brands in its segment by Parents Magazine, Money Magazine and Business Travel News.

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham | Stay Longer. Stay Better

        With over 100 locations throughout North America, Hawthorn Suites is our extended-stay brand. Hawthorn is 100% pet-friendly and features many of the familiarities of home, including spacious one- and two-bedroom suites and in-room kitchens, on-site laundry, energizing fitness centers, complimentary healthy breakfast options, free Wi-Fi and a bike-sharing program.

Ramada Encore | Refreshingly Different

        Located in primarily urban locations throughout Europe and Latin America, Ramada Encore is a new-build, select-service hotel choice for the connected business traveler. This contemporary brand offers unique features such as a glass-paneled bathroom pod, vibrant colors and design, and an enriching social experience at the lobby called "The Hub."

AmericInn | America's Welcoming Neighbor

        With over 200 hotels in 21 states, AmericInn is the largest limited-service midscale brand in the upper Midwest of America. Built on genuine hospitality and treating guests like neighbors, AmericInn provides oversized guest rooms and signature suites, cozy lobbies, and a free, hot homestyle AmericInn Perk breakfast.

Wyndham Garden | Travel at Ease

        With over 100 upper-midscale full-service hotels, Wyndham Garden can be found in convenient urban, airport and suburban locations worldwide that provide travelers with an expedient and stress-free experience. Wyndham Garden's new global LEED-certified prototype, designed with natural materials, creates an upscale experience with modern architecture, abundant natural light, flexible meeting spaces, functional design and an all-day culinary concept.

TRYP by Wyndham | Powered by the City

        Located in the heart of some of the world's most exciting cities, TRYP is an upper-midscale lifestyle boutique brand celebrating the spirit of the urban traveler. Many TRYP properties contain oversized family rooms with bunk beds, fitness rooms with choice of exercise equipment and a signature breakfast buffet. Guests also experience local themed tapas restaurants. TRYP was recently named Best Boutique Hotel Brand at HotelPlanner's American Group Travel Awards 2016.

Dazzler Hotels | The Best of Us for the Best of You

        Dazzler Hotels are in key metropolitan areas throughout Latin America and attract corporate and leisure travelers looking for a modern feel. Distinguished by locations at the nerve center of cities near dining hotspots and bustling commercial districts, Dazzler Hotels combines function and aesthetics to create comfortable spaces and quality service, offering breakfast buffets, complimentary Wi-Fi, rooftop spaces, pools and spas.

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Esplendor Boutique Hotels | A Unique Experience

        A leader in the upscale boutique accommodations, Latin American-born Esplendor Hotels blend design and the avant-garde with unique guest experiences. Located throughout Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica and Peru, the hallmarks of Esplendor include intimate hotels with sophisticated style, premium rooms and unique art collections offering rooftop spaces, pools, complimentary breakfast buffets and high-speed internet.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts | Comfort Perfected

        An upscale, full-service brand with locations in major urban and resort destinations in over 22 countries, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts appeals to leisure and business guests alike. From thoughtfully-appointed guest rooms with plush WynRest bedding to distinct dining options, well-designed meeting spaces and fitness centers offering golf, tennis and beach access, Wyndham offers all the features expected at a world-class hotel.

Wyndham Grand | Approachable by Design

        Wyndham Grand is our upscale brand that offers an approachable atmosphere with local culture infused into each of its distinct hotels in some of the most exciting resort destinations and urban centers in the world. Wyndham Grand features well-designed guest rooms and social spaces, relaxing spas and exceptional dining.

Dolce Hotels and Resorts | Inspire Discovery

        An industry leader in meetings and group accommodations, Dolce is a full-service, fully-managed global brand offering state-of-the-art meeting spaces with advanced technology paired with its sophisticated Thoughtful Foods for Thoughtful Minds food and beverage program. Dolce was named Best Hotel Brand for Groups in the luxury category of the 2016 European Group Travel Awards.

Trademark Hotel Collection | Independence Redefined

        The Trademark Hotel Collection is our newly launched, global soft-branded collection of independent, landmark hotels. While maintaining a degree of independence and a discrete identity, this brand provides owners with access to our resources and capabilities, including our award-winning loyalty program and state-of-the-art technology solution.


Wyndham Rewards

        Wyndham Rewards is our award-winning guest loyalty program that supports our brand portfolio and entire system of affiliated hotels. The program generates substantial repeat business for our franchisees by rewarding frequent stays with points that can be redeemed for free nights or other rewards, such as airline tickets and gift cards. Based on the principles of being a generous and simple program, loyalty members earn a minimum of points for every qualified stay and are able to redeem a free night at any of our affiliated hotels for a fixed number of points. In addition to the 8,145 hotels in our system, Wyndham Rewards members are able to redeem points in over 20,000 Wyndham Worldwide vacation ownership and rentals properties. We expect to enter into agreements with Wyndham Worldwide to allow these properties to continue to participate in our loyalty program following the spin-off.

        Since inception, more than 53 million people have enrolled in Wyndham Rewards. As of September 30, 2017, Wyndham Rewards members generated approximately one-third of our franchisees reservations.

        We license the Wyndham Rewards name to Visa in a co-branded credit card arrangement. Wyndham Rewards members who have the Wyndham Rewards Visa credit card benefit by earning points for

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purchases that can be used to redeem stays at any of our affiliated hotels, as well as certain other rewards. We generate revenue primarily by cardholder spending activity and the enrollment of new holders. Our Wyndham Rewards Visa credit card program has been growing rapidly with cardholder spend activity up 70% from 2014.


Our Hotel Franchising Business

        We primarily license our brand names and associated trademarks to hotel owners under long-term franchise agreements. Our franchise agreements are typically 10 to 20 years in length and generally include a royalty fee of approximately 4% to 5% of gross room revenue and a marketing and reservation fee of approximately 3% to 5% of gross room revenue. Once a franchise agreement is executed, we will receive this cash flow stream throughout the term of the agreement. Our franchise business is easily adaptable to changing economic environments due to low operating cost structures and our ability to add affiliated hotels with little to no upfront capital investment by us. This, in addition to the recurring fee streams provided by royalty fees, results in a resilient business model that yields attractive margins and predictable cash flows and enables us to successfully manage industry fluctuations.

        Early in our international development efforts, we entered new markets through master franchise agreements, whereby we licensed our hotel brands and our associated trademarks to third parties that assumed the principal role of franchisor. Since we provide limited services to master franchisors, the fees we receive in connection with these agreements are typically lower than the fees we receive under a direct franchising model. As our international presence expanded, our need to enter into master franchise agreements decreased, enabling us to transition to a more traditional direct franchise relationship.

        Our franchise sales team consists of almost 100 sales professionals serving customers throughout the world. Our development team is focused on growing our franchise business through conversions of existing branded and independent hotels and partnering with developers to brand newly constructed hotels. Our franchise sales teams are generally responsible for selling all brands within a specified region and promoting the specific brand that is best suited for the specific property and location. In addition to a regional presence in the United States, we currently have development teams located in London, Istanbul, Dubai, Shanghai, Singapore, Delhi, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires. Our international presence in key countries allows us to quickly adapt to changes in the increasingly dynamic global marketplace and to capitalize on new opportunities throughout the world as they emerge. We occasionally provide financial support in the form of loans or development advances to help generate new business. In 2016, we executed 1,421 franchise agreements, and only 5% received financial support from us, totaling $9 million.

        Our typical franchisee is a first-time hotelier and single property owner. Frequently, the hotel is our franchisee's only source of income. We offer these small business owners a variety of services, including (i) education and training on best practices in hotel operations, (ii) distribution, (iii) marketing and loyalty initiatives, (iv) low cost procurement and (v) expansion and growth strategies, which help to drive return on their investment. We believe our ability to fulfill the needs of our franchisees is reflected in our franchisee retention, which is consistently high. We retain approximately 95% of our franchisees each year.

        A key element of our value proposition to franchisees is reservation delivery and profit optimization. Our cloud-based, web-enabled, state-of-the-art technology platform, which includes a fully integrated property management, reservation and revenue management system, is provided to all our franchisees at an affordable price. We provide our franchisees with the types of tools used by larger hotels, a capability that was effectively unaffordable to hotels in the economy and midscale sectors. Our scale enables franchisees to take advantage of attractive pricing, and this cloud-based, web-enabled solution eliminates the need for our franchisees to purchase or maintain an on-site server, which traditionally has been a significant cost to hotel owners. As of September 30, 2017, 4,300 of our franchised hotels have migrated to this new technology platform, with the remaining franchised hotels expected to be migrated in 2018.

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        Our reservation system is designed so that our franchisees have easy and fast access to incremental distribution channels. Using our fully automated and extensive partner network, we distribute rates and inventory through thousands of offline and online channels and connect to all major global distribution systems and online travel agencies, enabling our franchisees to leverage our scale to drive incremental bookings. We also offer around-the-clock handling of direct-to-property reservation calls for our franchisees. Our call center agents book reservations at a meaningful ADR premium as compared to direct-to-property reservation calls, enabling our franchisees to optimize revenue while reducing staffing costs.

        As of September 30, 2017, our franchising portfolio consisted of 8,030 hotels representing 684,119 rooms, which comprised 99% of our total system.

        During 2016, we generated $924 million of revenue from franchising activities, which represented approximately 80% of our total revenue (excluding cost reimbursements). Our franchise fees include (i) ongoing royalties that are generally calculated as a percentage of gross room revenue and permit the hotel owners and operators to use certain of the trademarks associated with our brand names, (ii) initial franchise fees, which relate to services provided to assist a franchised hotel to open under one of our brands, (iii) other franchise fees, which include franchise renewal fees, transfer fees and early termination fees, (iv) marketing, loyalty and reservation fees, which are intended to reimburse us for marketing and reservation activities, as well as loyalty member redemptions and program administration and (v) royalties derived from licensing our "Wyndham" trademark and certain other trademarks and intellectual property to Wyndham Worldwide Corporation.

        Other revenue sources generated from franchising activities include licensing fees, credit card program revenue and procurement services. Subsequent to the spin-off, we will earn royalties, which are projected to be approximately $             million annually, pursuant to the license, development and noncompetition agreement entered into with Wyndham Worldwide Corporation primarily for the use by Wyndham Worldwide of our "Wyndham" trademark and certain other trademarks and intellectual property. We earn revenue from our co-branded Wyndham Rewards Visa credit card program, which is primarily generated by cardholder spending activity and the enrollment of new cardholders. We also earn procurement services revenue from qualified vendors which is generated based on the level of goods and services purchased by franchisees and hotel guests from these qualified vendors.


Our Hotel Management Business

        By providing management services, we are able to appeal to hotel owners who may lack hotel operating experience and want a single-source solution for brand and management. We make decisions to manage hotels based on the strategic value it adds to our hotel brands, concentrating on brand and market location and the experience of the hotel owner. Internationally, particularly in developing markets, offering management services to hotel owners and developers is a prerequisite to successfully expand our presence in a region. Under our management arrangements, we provide all the benefits of a franchising agreement and also conduct the day-to-day-operations of the hotel on behalf of the owner. For the majority of hotels that we manage, we are responsible for the hiring, training and supervision of all hotel associates.

        The duration of our management agreements is typically 10 to 20 years. We earn a base management fee, which is based on a percentage of the hotel's total revenue, and in many cases we earn an incentive fee, which is based on achieving performance metrics agreed upon with hotel owners. As of September 30, 2017, we had 115 hotels under management contracts, including two owned hotels—the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa in Puerto Rico and the Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek. We manage hotels primarily under the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Grand, Dolce, TRYP, Hawthorn, Esplendor and Dazzler brands in major markets and resort destinations globally.

        Our development team is focused on growing our presence in the top 25 U.S. markets with properties and hotel owners who will raise the profile and performance of our hotel brands, which will better position

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us to win future franchise and management contracts under our hotel brands. Our international development efforts are focused on building scale in key cities and markets, improving our hotel brand recognition and broadening our appeal to domestic and international guests.

        During 2016, we generated $388 million of revenue from our hotel management business, which is 30% of our total revenue. Hotel management revenues are comprised of (i) base fees, which are typically a percentage of the total hotel revenues, (ii) incentive fees, which are typically a percentage of hotel profitability, and (iii) for our two owned hotels, gross room revenue, food and beverage services revenue and other amenity service revenue, such as from spa, casino and golf offerings. Other revenue sources generated from hotel management activities include service fees, which include fees derived from accounting, design, construction and purchasing services and technical assistance provided to managed hotels. We also record revenue for cost reimbursements. These are reimbursable payroll-related costs for operational employees at certain of our managed hotels. These costs are funded by hotel owners but the accounting rules require us to report these fees on a gross basis as both revenue and expense. We do not mark up these costs, so the revenue and related expense have no impact on our operating income or net income.


Properties

        Our corporate headquarters is located in a leased office at 22 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey, with the lease expiring in 2029. We also lease space for our reservation center and/or data warehouses in Phoenix, Arizona and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada pursuant to leases that expire in 2020. We do not intend to renew our lease in Phoenix, Arizona since we are migrating a substantial portion of our data center activities to the cloud. In addition, we have twelve leases for office space in various countries outside the United States and four leases within the United States with expiration dates ranging between 2018 and 2021.

        Our owned hotel portfolio, which is part of our Hotel Management segment, currently consists of (i) the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa in Puerto Rico, located at Rio Mar Boulevard, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, and (ii) the Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek, located at Chelonia Parkway, Orlando, Florida. Aside from these hotels, we do not own any of the more than 8,100 properties within our franchised and managed portfolio.


Competition

        We encounter competition among hotel franchisors and lodging operators. We believe franchisees make decisions based principally upon the perceived value and quality of the brand and the services offered. We further believe that the perceived value of a brand name is partially a function of the success of the existing hotels franchised under the brand.

        The ability of an individual franchisee to compete may be affected by the location and quality of its property, the number of competitors in the vicinity, community reputation and other factors. A franchisee's success may also be affected by general, regional and local economic conditions. The potential negative effect of these conditions on our performance is substantially reduced by virtue of the diverse locations of our affiliated hotels and by the scale of our base. Our system is dispersed among approximately 5,500 franchisees, which reduces our exposure from any one franchisee. Our three master franchisors in China account for 15% of our franchised hotels. Apart from these relationships, no one franchisee accounts for more than 2% of our franchised hotels.


Relationship with Wyndham Worldwide

        Following the spin-off, we will continue to benefit from the existing relationship with Wyndham Worldwide, which operates, and expects to continue to operate, the world's largest vacation ownership and exchange businesses. Wyndham Hotels will continue to own the trademarks and other intellectual property

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

rights related to our hotel brands, including the "Wyndham" trademark, and will collect a royalty from Wyndham Worldwide for use of the "Wyndham" trademark, and certain other trademarks and intellectual property, under a license, development and noncompetition agreement. Under a Transition Services Agreement, Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Hotels will provide transitional services to each other for, among other things, finance, information technology, human resources, employee benefits and other services for a limited time to help ensure an orderly transition following the distribution. Additionally, Wyndham Hotels and Wyndham Worldwide will enter into agreements for certain marketing-related activities, including participation in the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, continuing the co-branded Wyndham Rewards Visa credit card program, and engaging in cross-marketing arrangements.

        For a more detailed description, see "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Wyndham Worldwide Related to the Spin-Off."


Seasonality

        While the hotel industry is seasonal in nature, periods of higher revenues vary property-by-property and performance is dependent on location and guest base. Based on historical performance, revenues from franchise and management fees are generally higher in the second and third quarters than in the first or fourth quarters due to increased leisure travel during the spring and summer months. The seasonality of our business may cause fluctuations in our quarterly operating results, earnings and profit margins. As we expand into new markets and geographical locations, we may experience increased or different seasonality dynamics that create fluctuations in operating results different from the fluctuations we have experienced in the past.


Intellectual Property

        Following the spin-off, Wyndham Hotels will continue to own the trademarks and other intellectual property rights related to our hotel brands, including the "Wyndham" brand. We actively use, directly or through our licensees, these trademarks and other intellectual property rights. We operate in a highly competitive industry in which the trademarks and other intellectual property rights related to our hotel brands are very important to the marketing and sales of our services. We believe that our hotel brand names have come to represent high standards of quality, caring, service and value to our franchisees and guests. We register the trademarks that we own in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, as well as with other relevant authorities, where we deem appropriate, and otherwise seek to protect our trademarks and other intellectual property rights from unauthorized use as permitted by law.


Government Regulation

        Our business is subject to various foreign and U.S. federal and state laws and regulations. In particular, our franchisees are subject to the local laws and regulations in each country in which such hotels are operated, including employment laws and practices, privacy laws and tax laws, which may provide for tax rates that exceed those of the United States and which may provide that our foreign earnings are subject to withholding requirements or other restrictions, unexpected changes in regulatory requirements or monetary policy and other potentially adverse tax consequences. Our franchisees and other aspects of our business are also subject to various foreign and U.S. federal and state laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar legislation in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States.

        The Federal Trade Commission, various states and other foreign jurisdictions regulate the offer and sale of franchises. The Federal Trade Commission requires us to furnish to prospective franchisees a franchise disclosure document containing prescribed information prior to execution of a binding franchise agreement or payment of money by the prospective franchisee. State regulations also require franchisors to make extensive disclosure to prospective franchisees, and a number of states also require registration of

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the franchise disclosure document prior to sale of any franchise within the state. Non-compliance with disclosure and registration laws can affect the timing of our ability to sell franchises in these jurisdictions. Additionally, laws in many states and foreign jurisdictions also govern the franchise relationship, such as imposing limits on a franchisor's ability to terminate franchise agreements or to withhold consent to the renewal or transfer of these agreements. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations has the potential to result in fines, injunctive relief, and/or payment of damages or restitution to individual franchisees or regulatory bodies, or negative publicity impairing our ability to sell franchises.

        In addition, our business operations in countries outside the United States are subject to a number of laws and regulations, including restrictions imposed by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, as well as trade sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act is intended to prohibit bribery of foreign officials and requires us to keep books and records that accurately and fairly reflect our transactions. The Office of Foreign Assets Control administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign states, organizations and individuals. In addition, some of our operations may be subject to additional laws and regulations of non-U.S. jurisdictions, including the U.K.'s Bribery Act 2010, which contains significant prohibitions on bribery and other corrupt business activities, and other local anti-corruption laws in the countries and territories in which we conduct operations.


Employees

        As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately 8,600 employees, including approximately 1,000 employees outside of the United States. Approximately 13% of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements governing their employment with our company.


Legal Proceedings

        We are involved in various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which, in the opinion of management, is expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. See Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies to the audited Combined Financial Statements for a description of claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business.

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses should be read in conjunction with "Summary—Summary Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data," "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data" and our audited Combined Financial Statements and related notes that appear elsewhere in this information statement. In addition to historical combined financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. See "Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements." Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this information statement, particularly in "Risk Factors."

        Following the consummation of the spin-off, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will hold, directly or through its subsidiaries, the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses and will be the financial reporting entity.


Business Overview

        Wyndham Hotels is the world's largest hotel franchisor, with more than 8,100 affiliated hotels located in over 80 countries. We license our 20 renowned hotel brands to franchisees, who pay us royalty and other fees to use our brands and services. We are the leader in the economy segment and have a substantial and growing presence in the midscale and upscale segments of the global hotel industry. We have grown our franchised hotel portfolio over time both organically and through acquisitions, and we have a robust pipeline of hotel owners and developers looking to affiliate with our brands. In 2016, Wyndham Hotels generated revenues of $1,312 million, net income of $172 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $381 million.

        We enable our franchisees, who range from sole proprietors to public real estate investment trusts, to optimize their return on investment. We drive guest reservations to our franchisees' properties through strong brand awareness among consumers and businesses, our global reservation system, our award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program and our national, local and global marketing campaigns. We establish brand standards, provide our franchisees with property-based operational training and turn-key technology solutions, and help reduce their costs by leveraging our scale. These capabilities enhance returns for our franchisees and therefore help us to attract and retain franchisees. With over 5,500 franchisees, we have built the largest network of franchisees of any global hotel company.

        Our portfolio of brands enables us to franchise hotels in virtually any market at a range of price points, catering to both our guests' and franchisees' preferences. We welcome more than 130 million guests annually worldwide. We primarily target economy and midscale guests, as they represent the largest demographic in the United States and around the world. We have the leading position in the economy segment, where our hotel brands represent approximately two of every five branded rooms in the United States. Approximately 70% of the hotels affiliated with our brands are located in the United States and approximately 30% are located internationally.

        Our business model is asset-light, as we generally receive a percentage of each franchised hotel's room revenues but do not own the underlying properties. Our business is easily adaptable to changing economic environments due to a low operating cost structure, which, together with our recurring fee streams and limited capital expenditures, yields attractive margins and predictable cash flows. Our franchise agreements are typically 10 to 20 years in length, providing significant visibility into future cash flows. Under these agreements, our franchisees pay us royalty fees and marketing and reservation fees, which are based on a percentage of their gross room revenues. We are required to spend marketing and reservation fees on marketing and reservation activities, enabling us to predictably match these expenses with an offsetting revenue stream on an annual basis. We also license the "Wyndham" trademark and certain other trademarks and intellectual property to Wyndham Worldwide through existing license agreements under

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which we receive royalty fees, and will continue to earn royalty fees following the spin-off under a long-term licensing agreement. In addition to hotel franchising, we provide hotel management services on a select basis. Our portfolio of managed hotels includes 113 third-party-owned properties and two owned properties. Approximately 99% of the hotels in our system are franchised to third parties, and substantially all of our Adjusted EBITDA is generated by our Hotel Franchising segment.

        We pursue multiple avenues of growth in an effort to generate returns for our stockholders. We use our scale, brands, guest loyalty and franchisee network to add new hotels to our system. Our long-established franchising experience and ability to innovate, together with favorable macroeconomic and lodging industry fundamentals, continue to support our organic growth around the world. Additionally, we intend to use our cash flow to continue to return capital to stockholders and to invest in the business and pursue external growth opportunities.

        Our primary source of revenue is franchise fees, which represents approximately 80% of our total revenue (excluding cost reimbursements). Our franchise fees include: (i) ongoing royalties that are generally calculated as a percentage of gross room revenue and permit the hotel owners and operators to use certain of the trademarks associated with our brand names, (ii) initial franchise fees, which relate to services provided to assist a franchised hotel to open under one of our brands, (iii) other franchise fees, which include franchise renewal fees, transfer fees and early termination fees, (iv) marketing, loyalty and reservation fees, which are intended to reimburse us for marketing and reservation activities, as well as loyalty member redemptions and program administration and (v) royalties derived from licensing our "Wyndham" trademark, certain other trademarks and intellectual property to Wyndham Worldwide Corporation.

The Spin-Off Transactions

        On August 2, 2017, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation announced plans for the spin-off of its hotel franchising business to stockholders as a separate, publicly traded company, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. The distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. In addition, until the distribution has occurred, the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors has the right to not proceed with the distribution, even if all of the conditions are satisfied. See "The Spin-Off—Conditions to the Distribution." Immediately following the distribution, Wyndham Worldwide will not own any shares of our outstanding common stock, and we will have entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement and several other agreements with Wyndham Worldwide related to the spin-off. These agreements will govern the relationship between us and Wyndham Worldwide after completion of the spin-off and provide for the allocation between us and Wyndham Worldwide of various assets, liabilities, rights and obligations. These agreements will also include arrangements with respect to employee matters, tax matters, the licensing of trademarks and certain other intellectual property between us and Wyndham Worldwide, transitional services to be provided by Wyndham Worldwide to us, and by us to Wyndham Worldwide, and access to the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Wyndham Worldwide Related to the Spin-Off."

        Following the spin-off, we will continue to benefit from the existing relationship with Wyndham Worldwide, which operates, and expects to continue to operate, the world's largest vacation ownership and exchange businesses. Additionally, following the spin-off, Wyndham Hotels will own certain of the trademarks and other intellectual property associated with Wyndham Worldwide's businesses and earn licensing fees from Wyndham Worldwide pursuant to the license, development and noncompetition agreement. Wyndham Worldwide will continue to participate in the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, and we will continue to support and promote cross-marketing opportunities to maintain the network benefits currently enjoyed by Wyndham Worldwide prior to the spin-off.

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Key Business and Financial Metrics and Terms Used by Management

Number of Rooms

        Represents the number of rooms at properties at the end of the period that are either under franchise and/or management agreements, which we receive a fee for reservation and/or other services provided.

RevPAR

        Represents revenue per available room and is calculated by multiplying average occupancy rate by average daily rate.

Adjusted EBITDA

        Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income excluding interest expense, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, restructuring and related charges, contract termination costs, transaction-related costs (acquisition-, disposition-, or separation-related), stock-based compensation expense, early extinguishment of debt costs and income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure that is not recognized under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or other measures of financial performance or liquidity derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

        We believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors about us and our financial condition and results of operations for the following reasons: (i) Adjusted EBITDA is among the measures used by our management team to evaluate our operating performance and make day-to-day operating decisions; and (ii) Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties as a common performance measure to compare results or estimate valuations across companies in our industry.

        See "—Results of Operations—Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA" included herein for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most closely comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, net income.


Results of Operations

        Discussed below are our key operating statistics, combined results of operations and the results of operations for each of our reportable segments. The reportable segments presented below represent our operating segments for which discrete financial information is available and used on a regular basis by our chief operating decision maker to assess performance and to allocate resources. In identifying our reportable segments, we also consider the nature of services provided by our operating segments. Management evaluates the operating results of each of our reportable segments and based upon net revenues and Adjusted EBITDA. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of performance for our segments and, when considered with U.S. GAAP measures, gives a more complete understanding of our operating performance. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies.

        We generate royalties and franchise fees, management fees and other revenues from hotel franchising and hotel management activities. In addition, pursuant to our franchise and management contracts with third-party hotel owners, we generate marketing, reservation and loyalty fee revenues and cost reimbursement revenues that over time, are offset, respectively, by the marketing, reservation and loyalty costs and property operating costs that we incur.

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Operating Statistics

        The table below presents our operating statistics for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. These operating statistics are the drivers of our revenues and therefore provide an enhanced understanding of our businesses. Refer to the Results of Operations section below for a discussion as to how these operating statistics affected our business for the periods presented.

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2016   2015   % Change  

Rooms(a)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

United States

   
429,000
   
435,300
   
(1

)

International

 

268,600

 


242,700

 


11

 

Total rooms

   
697,600
   
678,000
   
3
 

  

 


 


 

 


 

 

RevPAR(a)

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

United States

 
$

39.77

 

$

39.13

 


2

 

International(b)

   
31.32
   
33.67
   
(7

)

Total RevPAR(b)

 

36.67

 


37.26

 


(2

)

(a)
Includes the impact from acquisitions from the acquisition dates forward.
(b)
Excluding the effect of foreign currency, International RevPAR decreased 3% and total RevPAR was flat.


Year Ended December 31, 2016 vs. Year Ended December 31, 2015

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
($ in millions)
  2016   2015   % Change  

Net revenues

 
$

1,312

 

$

1,301

 


1

 

Expenses

   
1,024
   
1,051
   
(3

)

Operating income

 

288

 


250

 


15

 

Interest expense, net

   
1
   
1
   
 

Income before income taxes

 

287

 


249

 


15

 

Provision for income taxes

   
115
   
100
   
15
 

Net income

 
$

172

 

$

149

 


15

 

        During 2016, net revenues increased 1% from 2015 primarily due to global system growth and higher domestic RevPAR, partially offset by lower marketing, reservation and loyalty revenues. Foreign currency translation unfavorably impacted revenues by $4 million.

        During 2016, total expenses decreased 3% primarily due to (i) a 8% decline in general and administrative expenses resulting from lower information technology costs and a reduction in general overhead costs allocated from our parent and (ii) a $7 million lower contract termination charge. Foreign currency translation favorably impacted expenses by $2 million. During 2016:

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        Marketing, reservation and loyalty expenses exceeded marketing, reservation and loyalty revenues by $2 million and $9 million during 2016 and 2015, respectively.

        Our effective tax rates were 40.1% and 40.2% during 2016 and 2015, respectively.

        During 2016, as a result of the revenue increases and expense reductions, net income increased by $23 million, or 15%, from 2015.

        Following is a discussion of the 2016 results of each our segments compared to 2015:

 
  Net Revenues   Adjusted EBITDA  
($ in millions)
  2016   2015   % Change   2016   2015   % Change  

Hotel Franchising

 
$

924

 

$

912

 


1

 

$

394

 

$

366

 


8

 

Hotel Management

   
388
   
389
   
   
26
   
28
   
(7

)

Corporate and other(*)

 


 



 



 


(39

)


(41

)


5

 

Total Company

 
$

1,312
 
$

1,301
   
1
 
$

381
 
$

353
   
8
 

(*)
Includes the elimination of transactions between segments.

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

($ in millions)
  2016   2015  

Net income

 
$

172

 

$

149
 

Provision for income taxes

   
115
   
100
 

Depreciation and amortization

 

73

 


67
 

Interest expense, net

   
1
   
1
 

Stock-based compensation

 

10

 


9
 

Transaction-related

   
1
   
3
 

Restructuring

 

2

 


3
 

Impairment

   
   
7
 

Contract termination costs

 

7

 


14
 

Adjusted EBITDA

 
$

381
 
$

353
 

        In 2016, we reported net income of $172 million, which included after-tax charges of (i) $5 million for the termination of a management contract, (ii) $1 million for restructuring activities and (iii) $1 million related to transaction costs for acquisitions. In 2015, we reported net income of $149 million, which included after-tax charges of (i) $8 million for termination of a management contact, (ii) $5 million for an asset impairment, (iii) $4 million related to transaction costs for acquisitions including the establishment of a tax valuation allowance and (iv) $2 million for restructuring activities.

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Hotel Franchising

        Following is a discussion of the 2016 results for our Hotel Franchising segment compared to 2015:

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2016   2015   % Change  

Rooms(a)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

North America

   
455,600
   
461,700
   
(1

)

International

 

218,400

 


196,100

 


11

 

Total rooms

   
674,000
   
657,800
   
2
 

  

 


 


 

 


 

 

RevPAR(a)

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

North America

 
$

38.20

 

$

37.81

 


1

 

International(b)

   
28.44
   
30.72
   
(7

)

Total RevPAR(b)

 

35.21

 


35.81

 


(2

)

(a)
Includes the impact from acquisitions from the acquisition dates forward.
(b)
Excluding the effects of foreign currency, International RevPAR decreased 3% and total RevPAR was flat.

        Net revenues increased 1% during 2016 compared with 2015 primarily due to 11% international system growth and 1% higher RevPAR in North America, partially offset by a 1% decline in rooms in North America. Foreign currency translation unfavorably impacted revenues by $4 million.

        Adjusted EBITDA increased 8% during 2016 primarily due to higher revenues coupled with a 7% decrease in general and administrative expenses resulting from lower information technology costs. Foreign currency translation unfavorably impacted adjusted EBITDA by $2 million. During 2016:

        Marketing, reservation and loyalty revenues exceeded marketing, reservation and loyalty expenses by $3 million in 2016 and were lower than marketing, reservation and loyalty expenses by $3 million in 2015.

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Hotel Management

        Following is a discussion of the 2016 results for our Hotel Management segment compared to 2015:

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2016   2015   % Change  

Rooms(a)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

North America

   
13,500
   
13,800
   
(2

)

International

 

10,100

 


6,400

 


58

 

Total rooms

   
23,600
   
20,200
   
17
 

  

 


 


 

 


 

 

RevPAR(a)

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

North America

 
$

94.83

 

$

93.25

 


2

 

International(b)

   
63.24
   
71.31
   
(11

)

Total RevPAR(b)

 

83.31

 


86.74

 


(4

)

(a)
Includes the impact from acquisitions from the acquisition dates forward.
(b)
Excluding the effects of foreign currency, International RevPAR decreased 9% and total RevPAR decreased 3%.

        Net revenues declined $1 million during 2016 compared with 2015 primarily as a result of a $2 million reduction in cost reimbursement revenues.

        Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $2 million during 2016 compared with 2015. During 2016:

        Cost reimbursement revenue was equal to reimbursable expenses in both 2016 and 2015. Marketing, reservation and loyalty expenses exceeded marketing, reservation and loyalty revenues by $5 million and $6 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Corporate and Other

        Corporate expenses decreased $2 million during 2016 compared to 2015.

Restructuring and Other Charges

        During 2016, we recorded $2 million of charges related to restructuring initiatives, primarily focused on enhancing organizational efficiency. During 2015, we recorded $3 million of restructuring charges resulting from a realignment of brand services and call center operations.

        During 2016, we recorded a $7 million charge related to the termination of a management contract. During the third quarter of 2015, we recorded a $14 million charge associated with the anticipated termination of such management contract. During 2015, we also recorded a $7 million non-cash impairment charge related to the write-down of terminated in-process technology projects resulting from the decision to outsource our reservation system to a third-party partner.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Financial Condition

($ in millions)
  December 31,
2016
  December 31,
2015
  Change  

Total assets

 
$

1,983

 

$

1,959

 

$

24

 

Total liabilities

   
872
   
780
   
92
 

Total net investment

 

1,111

 


1,179

 


(68

)

        Total assets increased 1% from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 primarily due to goodwill related to the acquisition of Fen Hotels, a franchising and hotel management company with a focus on the Latin America region. Total liabilities increased 12% primarily due to debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of Fen Hotels. Total net investment decreased 6% from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 primarily due to a reduction in Parent's net investment.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Historically, our net cash was transferred to Wyndham Worldwide, where it was centrally managed. Following the spin-off, we will no longer participate in cash management and intercompany funding arrangements with Wyndham Worldwide. Our principal sources of liquidity following the spin-off will be our cash on hand, our ability to generate cash through operations and financing activities, as well as any available funding arrangements and financing facilities we enter into.

        Subject to market conditions, we expect to complete one or more financing transactions on or prior to the completion of the spin-off. As a result of these financing transactions, we expect to have total indebtedness of between $             million to $             million. We have not yet identified the specific sources of funds and any financing transactions may not completed in the timeframe or size indicated, or at all. The financing transactions will be described in greater detail in a subsequent amendment to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part.

        Our liquidity and access to capital may be impacted by our credit rating, financial performance and global credit market conditions. Please refer to the "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements" included elsewhere in this information statement for a discussion of the anticipated post-separation capital structure.

        We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, cash generated through operations and our expected access to financing facilities, together with funding through third-party sources such as commercial banks, will be sufficient to fund our operating activities, anticipated capital expenditures and growth needs.

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Cash Flow

        The following table summarizes our cash flows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
($ in millions)
  2016   2015  

Cash provided by/(used in)

 

 

 


 

 

Operating activities

 
$

270
 
$

287
 

Investing activities

 

(120

)


(104

)

Financing activities

   
(161

)
 
(170

)

Effects of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

 

1

 



 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 
$

(10

)

$

13
 

        During 2016, net cash provided by operating activities decreased 6% primarily due to a lower source of cash from working capital partially offset by an increase in net income compared with 2015. Net cash used in investing activities increased 15% primarily due to our acquisition of Fen Hotels for $70 million. Net cash used in financing activities decreased 5% compared to 2015 primarily reflecting higher borrowings from Wyndham Worldwide to affect our acquisitions of Fen Hotels partially offset by an increase in transfers to Wyndham Worldwide of $83 million under the cash pooling program.

Capital Deployment

        We focus on optimizing cash flow and seeking to deploy capital to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns in ways that are consistent with, and further, our strategic objectives. We intend to continue to invest in select capital and technological improvements across our business. We may also seek to obtain additional franchise agreements and hotel management contracts on a strategic and selective basis as well as grow the business through acquisitions. In addition, we expect to return cash to stockholders through the payment of dividends and the repurchase of common stock.

        We spent $42 million on capital expenditures during 2016, primarily on information technology enhancement projects and renovations at one of our owned hotels. In addition, during 2016, we spent $9 million on development advance notes to obtain new franchise and management agreements. In order to support our growth, we expect to continue to provide development advance notes and other forms of financial support to selected properties.

        We expect that the majority of the expenditures that will be required to pursue our capital spending programs and strategic investments (other than any significant acquisitions) will be financed with cash flow generated through operations. Additional expenditures will be financed with general unsecured corporate borrowings.

Stock Repurchase Program

        We expect to enter into a stock repurchase plan, pursuant to which we may, from time, purchase our common stock through various means, including, without limitation, open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or tender offers, subject to the terms of the Tax Matters Agreement.

Foreign Earnings

        We have determined that accumulated and undistributed net earnings of $39 million of certain foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016, are indefinitely reinvested in operations outside of the United States. These earnings could become subject to additional taxes if remitted as dividends, although the resulting

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U.S. income tax liabilities could be offset, in whole or in part, by credits allowable for taxes paid to foreign jurisdictions.

Contractual Obligations

        The following table summarizes our future contractual obligations for the 12-month periods beginning on January 1st of each of the years set forth below:

($ in millions)
  2017   2018   2019   2020   2021   Thereafter   Total  

Intercompany debt

 
$

103

 

$


 

$


 

$


 

$


 

$

71

 

$

174
 

Purchase commitments (a)

   
22
   
15
   
24
   
12
   
8
   
31
   
112
 

Operating leases

 

3

 


3

 


3

 


2

 


1

 



 


12
 

Interest on intercompany debt

   
5
   
5
   
5
   
5
   
5
   
22
   
47
 

Total (b)(c)

 
$

133

 

$

23

 

$

32

 

$

19

 

$

14

 

$

124

 

$

345
 

(a)
In the normal course of business, we make various commitments to purchase goods or services from specific suppliers. Purchase commitments made by us as of December 31, 2016 aggregated $112 million, of which $98 million were for information technology.
(b)
Excludes $14 million liability for unrecognized tax benefits associated with income taxes since the periods in which such liability would be settled with the respective tax authorities are not reasonably estimable.
(c)
Excludes other guarantees for which the periods in which such commitments would be settled are not reasonably estimable (See "Commitments and Contingencies" below).

Commitments and Contingencies

        We are involved in claims, legal and regulatory proceedings and governmental inquiries related to our business. Litigation is inherently unpredictable and, although we believe that our accruals are adequate and/or that we have valid defenses in these matters, unfavorable results could occur. As such, an adverse outcome from such proceedings for which claims are awarded in excess of the amounts accrued, if any, could be material to us with respect to earnings and/ or cash flows in any given reporting period. As of December 31, 2016, the potential exposure resulting from adverse outcomes of such legal proceedings could, in the aggregate, range up to approximately $10 million in excess of recorded accruals. However, we do not believe that the impact of such litigation will result in a material liability to us in relation to our combined financial position or liquidity.

        In the ordinary course of business, we enter into agreements that contain standard guarantees and indemnities whereby we indemnify another party for specified breaches of, or third-party claims relating to, an underlying agreement. Such underlying agreements are typically entered into by one of our subsidiaries. The various underlying agreements generally govern purchases, sales or outsourcing of products or services, leases of real estate, licensing of software. While a majority of these guarantees and indemnifications extend only for the duration of the underlying agreement, some survive the expiration of the agreement. We are not able to estimate the maximum potential amount of future payments to be made under these guarantees and indemnifications as the triggering events are not predictable.

        From time to time, we may enter into hotel management agreements that provide the hotel owner with a guarantee of a certain level of profitability based upon various metrics. Under such agreements, we would be required to compensate the hotel owner for any profitability shortfall over the life of the management agreement up to a specified aggregate amount. For certain agreements, we may be able to recapture a portion or all of the shortfall payments in the event that future operating results exceed targets. The original terms of our existing guarantees range from eight to ten years. As of December 31, 2016, the remaining maximum potential amount of future payments that may be made under these guarantees is

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$127 million with a combined annual cap of $31 million. These guarantees have a remaining life of four to eight years with a weighted average life of approximately six years. As of December 31, 2016, we maintained a liability of $24 million on our Combined Balance Sheet in connection with these guarantees. For guarantees subject to recapture provisions, we had a receivable of $36 million and $32 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, as a result of payments made by us to date that are subject to recapture and which we believe will be recoverable from future operating performance (see Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies to our Combined Financial Statements).

        In connection with the spin-off, we and Wyndham Worldwide may enter into certain guarantees with respect to each other's obligations including with respect to future deferred compensation obligations which will be updated in future filings. These arrangements are expected to be valued upon our separation with the assistance of independent valuation specialists under management's supervision in accordance with guidance for guarantees and recorded as liabilities on our balance sheet. To the extent such recorded liabilities are not adequate to cover the ultimate payment amounts, such excess will be reflected as an expense to our results of operations in future reporting periods.

Seasonality

        We experience seasonal fluctuations in our net revenues and net income from our franchise and management fees. Revenues from franchise and management fees are generally higher in the second and third quarters than in the first or fourth quarters due to increased leisure travel during the spring and summer months. The seasonality of our business may cause fluctuations in our quarterly operating results, earnings and profit margins. As we expand into new markets and geographical locations, we may experience increased or different seasonality dynamics that create fluctuations in operating results different from the fluctuations we have experienced in the past. Following our adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers on January 1, 2018, we expect that marketing and reservation expenses will typically exceed marketing and reservation revenues during the first quarter and that marketing and reservation revenues will exceed marketing and reservation expenses during the third quarter. This trend is primarily caused by the timing difference of when advertising dollars are typically spent versus when higher volume leisure hotel stays typically occur.

Critical Accounting Policies

        In presenting our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported therein. Several of the estimates and assumptions we are required to make relate to matters that are inherently uncertain as they pertain to future events. However, events that are outside of our control cannot be predicted and, as such, they cannot be contemplated in evaluating such estimates and assumptions. If there is a significant unfavorable change to current conditions, it could result in a material impact to our combined results of operations, financial position and liquidity. We believe that the estimates and assumptions we used when preparing our financial statements were the most appropriate at that time. Presented below are those accounting policies that we believe require subjective and complex judgments that could potentially affect reported results. However, the majority of our business activities are in environments where we are paid a fee for a service performed, and therefore the results of the majority of our recurring operations are recorded in our financial statements using accounting policies that are not particularly subjective, nor complex.

        Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.    With regard to goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded in connection with business combinations, we annually (during the fourth quarter of each year subsequent to completing our annual forecasting process), or more frequently if circumstances indicate that the value of goodwill may be impaired, review the reporting units' carrying values as required by the guidance for goodwill and other intangible assets. This is done either by performing a qualitative assessment or utilizing the two-step process, with an impairment being recognized only where the fair value is less than carrying value. In any given year, we can elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine

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whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is in excess of its carrying value. If it is not more likely than not that the fair value is in excess of the carrying value, or we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment, we would use the two-step process. The qualitative factors evaluated include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, our historical share price as well as other industry-specific considerations. We performed a qualitative assessment for impairment on each reporting unit's goodwill for 2016. Based on the results of our quantitative assessments performed during the fourth quarter of 2016, we determined that no impairment existed, nor do we believe there is a material risk of it being impaired in the near term at our (i) hotel franchising, (ii) hotel management and (iii) owned hotel reporting units. To the extent estimated market-based valuation multiples and/or discounted cash flows are revised downward, we may be required to write-down all or a portion of goodwill, which would adversely impact earnings.

        We also determine whether the carrying values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired on an annual basis or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. Application of the other indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test requires judgment in the assumptions underlying the approach used to determine fair value. The fair value of each other indefinite-lived intangible asset is estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology. This analysis requires significant judgments, including anticipated market conditions, operating expense trends, estimation of future cash flows, which are dependent on internal forecasts, and estimation of long-term rates of growth. The estimates used to calculate the fair value of other indefinite-lived intangible asset change from year to year based on operating results and market conditions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and the other indefinite-lived intangible assets' impairment.

        We also evaluate the recoverability of our other long-lived assets, including property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, pursuant to guidance for impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. This analysis is performed by comparing the respective carrying values of the assets to the current and expected future cash flows, on an undiscounted basis, to be generated from such assets. Property and equipment is evaluated separately within each segment. If such analysis indicates that the carrying value of these assets is not recoverable, the carrying value of such assets is reduced to fair value.

        Business Combinations.    A component of our growth strategy has been to acquire and integrate businesses that complement our existing operations. We account for business combinations in accordance with the guidance for business combinations and related literature. Accordingly, we allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of purchase. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

        In determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, we use various recognized valuation methods including present value modeling and referenced market values (where available). Further, we make assumptions within certain valuation techniques including discount rates and timing of future cash flows. Valuations are performed by management or independent valuation specialists under management's supervision, where appropriate. We believe that the estimated fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on reasonable assumptions that marketplace participants would use. However, such assumptions are inherently uncertain and actual results could differ from those estimates.

        Loyalty Programs.    Wyndham Hotels operates the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. Wyndham Rewards members accumulate points by staying in hotels operated under one of Wyndham Hotels' brands. Wyndham Rewards members may also accumulate points by purchasing everyday services and products with their co-branded credit card.

        Wyndham Hotels earns revenue from these programs (i) when a member stays at a participating hotel, from a fee charged by Wyndham Hotels to the franchisee, which is based upon a percentage of room

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revenues generated from such stay, and (ii) based upon a percentage of the members' spending on the co-branded credit cards, in which case such revenues are paid to Wyndham Hotels by a third-party issuing bank.

        As members earn points through the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, Wyndham Hotels records a liability for the estimated future redemption costs, which is calculated based on (i) an estimated cost per point and (ii) an estimated redemption rate of the overall points earned, which is determined through historical experience, current trends and the use of an actuarial analysis.

        Guarantees.    We have entered into performance guarantees related to certain hotels that we manage. Upon the inception date of the guarantee, we record a performance liability that is measured at fair value. In order to estimate its fair value, we use a weighted probability approach to determine the probability of possible outcomes. The valuation methodology requires that we make certain assumptions and judgments regarding discount rates, volatility and hotel operating results. The fair value is established at inception and is not revalued due to future changes in assumptions.

        Certain of our performance guarantees have recapture provisions, which allow us to recover amounts funded under such guarantees. We record receivables for amounts expected to be recovered in the future. We make certain assumptions and judgments regarding the recoverability of these receivables, which includes reviewing hotel operating results and current hotel projections.

        Income Taxes.    Current and deferred income taxes and related tax expense have been determined based on Wyndham Hotels' stand-alone results by applying a separate return methodology, as if the entities were separate taxpayers in the respective jurisdictions. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. We regularly review our deferred tax assets to assess their potential realization and establish a valuation allowance for portions of such assets that we believe will not be ultimately realized. In performing this review, we make estimates and assumptions regarding projected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and the implementation of tax planning strategies. A change in these assumptions may increase or decrease our valuation allowance resulting in an increase or decrease in our effective tax rate, which could materially impact our results of operations.

        For tax positions we have taken or expect to take in our tax return, we apply a more likely than not threshold, under which we must conclude a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, assuming that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information, in order to recognize or continue to recognize the benefit. In determining our provision for income taxes, we use judgment, reflecting our estimates and assumptions, in applying the more likely than not threshold.

Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements

        During 2015, we adopted guidance related to reporting discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity and disclosure of uncertainties about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. During 2016, we adopted guidance related to (i) management's evaluation of consolidation for certain legal entities, (ii) customer's accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement, (iii) simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs, (iv) simplifying the accounting for measurement-period adjustments and (v) balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. For detailed information regarding these standards and the impact thereof on our financial statements, see Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our Combined Financial Statements.

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QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        We use various financial instruments, particularly swap contracts and interest rate caps, to manage and reduce the interest rate risk related to our debt. Foreign currency forwards are also used to manage and reduce the foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our foreign currency denominated receivables and payables, and forecasted royalties, forecasted earnings and cash flows of foreign subsidiaries and other transactions.

        We are exclusively an end user of these instruments, which are commonly referred to as derivatives. We do not engage in trading, market making or other speculative activities in the derivatives markets. More detailed information about these financial instruments is provided in Note 12 to the Combined Financial Statements. Our principal market exposures are interest and foreign currency rate risks.

        We have foreign currency rate exposure to exchange rate fluctuations worldwide particularly with respect to the Canadian Dollar, the Chinese Yuan, the Euro, the British Pound and the Australian Dollar. We anticipate that such foreign currency exchange rate risk will remain a market risk exposure for the foreseeable future.

        We assess our market risk based on changes in interest and foreign currency exchange rates utilizing a sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis measures the potential impact in earnings, fair values and cash flows based on a hypothetical 10% change (increase and decrease) in interest and foreign currency exchange rates. A hypothetical 10% change in our effective weighted average interest rate would not generate a material change in interest expense.

        The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate carrying values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.

        We use a current market pricing model to assess the changes in the value of our foreign currency derivatives used by us to hedge underlying exposure that primarily consists of our non-functional-currency current assets and liabilities. The primary assumption used in these models is a hypothetical 10% weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar against all our currency exposures as of December 31, 2016. The gains and losses on the hedging instruments are largely offset by the gains and losses on the underlying assets, liabilities or expected cash flows. As of December 31, 2016, the absolute notional amount of our outstanding foreign exchange hedging instruments was $24 million. We have determined through such analyses, that a hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates would have resulted in approximately a $2 million increase or decrease to the fair value of our outstanding forward foreign currency exchange contracts, which would generally be offset by an opposite effect on the underlying exposure being economically hedged.

        Our total market risk is influenced by a wide variety of factors including the volatility present within the markets and the liquidity of the markets. There are certain limitations inherent in the sensitivity analyses presented. While probably the most meaningful analysis, these "shock tests" are constrained by several factors, including the necessity to conduct the analysis based on a single point in time and the inability to include the complex market reactions that normally would arise from the market shifts modeled.

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

        The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions (as of November 1, 2017) of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.'s expected directors and executive officers following the spin-off. We are in the process of identifying additional individuals who will serve as members of our board of directors following the spin-off.

Name   Age   Position
Stephen P. Holmes   60   Non-Executive Chairman
Geoffrey A. Ballotti   56   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
David B. Wyshner   50   Chief Financial Officer
Thomas H. Barber   46   Chief Strategy and Development Officer
Paul F. Cash   48   General Counsel
Mary R. Falvey   57   Chief Administrative Officer
Barry S. Goldstein   53   Chief Marketing Officer
Bob D. Loewen   52   Chief Operating Officer

        Stephen P. Holmes will serve as Non-Executive Chairman of our board of directors and has served as Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors since July 2006. Mr. Holmes will continue to serve as a member of the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors following the consummation of the spin-off but will not continue to be an officer of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation. Mr. Holmes was Vice Chairman and director of Cendant Corporation and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cendant Corporation's Travel Content Division from December 1997 to July 2006. Mr. Holmes was Vice Chairman of HFS Incorporated from September 1996 to December 1997, a director of HFS from June 1994 to December 1997 and Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of HFS from July 1990 to September 1996. Mr. Holmes was selected to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive public company experience, his leadership skills and his knowledge of our operations and industry.

        Geoffrey A. Ballotti will serve as a member of our board of directors and as our President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ballotti has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Hotel Group since March 2014. From March 2008 to March 2014, Mr. Ballotti served as Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Destination Network. From October 2003 to March 2008, Mr. Ballotti was President of North America Division of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. From 1989 to 2003, Mr. Ballotti held leadership positions of increasing responsibility at Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide including President of Starwood North America, Executive Vice President, Operations, Senior Vice President, Southern Europe and Managing Director, Ciga Spa, Italy. Prior to joining Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Mr. Ballotti was a Banking Officer in the Commercial Real Estate Group at the Bank of New England. Mr. Ballotti was selected to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive experience in the hotel industry and his years of experience as Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Hotel Group and at the company generally.

        David B. Wyshner will serve as our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Wyshner has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation since August 2017. Previously, Mr. Wyshner served as Chief Financial Officer of Avis Budget Group, Inc. from August 2006 to June 2017 and also served as Avis Budget Group's President from January 2016 to June 2017. At Avis Budget Group, Mr. Wyshner held the titles of Senior Executive Vice President from October 2011 to December 2015 and Executive Vice President from August 2006 to October 2011. Mr. Wyshner previously held several key roles at Cendant Corporation, starting in 1999, including as Executive Vice President and Treasurer, and Vice Chairman of the Travel Content Division, which included the Avis and Budget vehicle rental

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businesses as well as many of Wyndham Worldwide's businesses. Prior to joining Cendant Corporation, Mr. Wyshner served as Vice President in Merrill Lynch & Co.'s investment banking division.

        Thomas H. Barber will serve as our Chief Strategy and Development Officer. Mr. Barber served as Senior Vice President, M&A and Operational Excellence at Wyndham Worldwide Corporation since January 2012. From June 2004 until January 2012, Mr. Barber served as Director, Mergers & Acquisitions at Credit Suisse Securities. Prior to joining Credit Suisse Securities, he served as Manager, Strategy Consulting at Gemini Consulting and as a business development and product manager at Microsoft Corporation.

        Paul F. Cash will serve as our General Counsel. Mr. Cash served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Wyndham Hotel Group since October 2017. From April 2005 through September 2017, Mr. Cash served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel and in legal executive positions with increasing leadership responsibility for Wyndham Destination Network. From January 2003 to April 2005, Mr. Cash was a partner in the Mergers and Acquisitions, International and Entertainment and New Media practice groups of Alston & Bird LLP and from February 1997 to December 2002 he was an associate at Alston & Bird LLP. From August 1995 until February 1997, Mr. Cash was an associate at the law firm Pünder, Volhard, Weber & Axster in Frankfurt, Germany.

        Mary R. Falvey will serve as our Chief Administrative Officer. Ms. Falvey served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation since July 2006. Ms. Falvey was Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources for Cendant Corporation's Vacation Network Group from April 2005 to July 2006. From March 2000 to April 2005, Ms. Falvey served as Executive Vice President, Human Resources for RCI. From January 1998 to March 2000, Ms. Falvey was Vice President of Human Resources for Cendant Corporation's Hotel Division and Corporate Contact Center group. Prior to joining Cendant Corporation, Ms. Falvey held various leadership positions in the human resources division of Nabisco Foods Company.

        Barry S. Goldstein will serve as our Chief Marketing Officer. Mr. Goldstein has served as Chief Marketing Officer of Wyndham Hotel Group since March 2017. From March 2015 to March 2017, Mr. Goldstein served as Chief Digital and Distribution Officer for Wyndham Hotel Group. From September 2009 until March 2015, Mr. Goldstein served as Chief Revenue and Information Officer for Dolce Hotels & Resorts. From June 2004 to July 2009, Mr. Goldstein was Vice President, Global Sales Strategy, Technology and Operations, at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

        Bob D. Loewen will serve as our Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Loewen served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Wyndham Hotel Group since March 2013. From April 2002 to March 2013, Mr. Loewen served as Chief Financial Officer for Wyndham Hotel Group. Mr. Loewen joined Wyndham Worldwide in April 2000 as Director, Corporate Audit.


Our Corporate Governance

        We have not yet finalized the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and a description of our corporate governance will be included in an amendment to this information statement.


Composition of the Board of Directors Following the Spin-Off

        We have not yet finalized the composition of our board of directors and will include a description in an amendment to this information statement.


Committees of the Board of Directors

        Following the spin-off, our board of directors will have an audit committee, a compensation committee and a corporate governance committee, each of which will have the composition and

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responsibilities described below and whose members will satisfy the applicable independence standards of the SEC and the transition periods provided under the rules and regulations of the             . The charter of each such standing committee will be posted on our website in connection with the spin-off. Our board of directors may also establish from time to time any other committees that it deems necessary or desirable.

Audit Committee

        Upon completion of the spin-off, we expect our audit committee will consist of          ,           and                , with           serving as chair. The audit committee's responsibilities will include, among other things:

        The responsibilities of our audit committee, which are anticipated to be substantially the same as the responsibilities of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's audit committee, will be more fully described in our audit committee charter. Our board of directors has determined that          ,           and          are independent as defined under the rules and regulations of the SEC and the          applicable to board members generally and audit committee members specifically. Our board of directors has also determined that          ,           and          are financially literate within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the          and that                qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" as defined under applicable SEC rules and regulations.

Compensation Committee

        Upon completion of the spin-off, we expect our compensation committee will consist of          ,           and          , with           serving as chair. The compensation committee's responsibilities will include, among other things:

        The responsibilities of our compensation committee, which are anticipated to be substantially the same as the responsibilities of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's compensation committee, will be more

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fully described in our compensation committee charter. Our board of directors has determined that          ,           and          are independent as defined under the rules and regulations of the SEC and the                applicable to board members generally and compensation committee members specifically.

Corporate Governance Committee

        Upon completion of the spin-off, we expect our corporate governance committee will consist of          ,           and           , with          serving as chair. The corporate governance committee's responsibilities will include, among other things:

        The responsibilities of our corporate governance committee, which are anticipated to be substantially the same as the responsibilities of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's corporate governance committee, will be more fully described in our corporate governance committee charter. Our board of directors has determined that          ,           and          are independent as defined under the rules and regulations of the          .


Director Independence

        We expect that our board of directors, upon recommendation of our Corporate Governance Committee, will formally determine the independence of our directors following the spin-off. We expect that our board of directors will determine that the following directors, who are anticipated to be elected to our board of directors, are independent:           ,          ,          and          . We expect that our board of directors will determine the independence of directors annually based on a review by the directors and the Corporate Governance Committee. In determining whether a director is independent, we expect that our board of directors will determine whether each director meets the objective standards for independence set forth in the          Listing Standards.


Meetings of Independent Directors

        We expect that we will require that the independent directors meet without management present at least twice a year. We expect our board of directors will adopt corporate governance guidelines that provide that one of our independent directors should serve as our Lead Director at any time when our Chief Executive Officer serves as the Chairman of our board of directors or if the Chairman is not otherwise independent. The Lead Director would preside over meetings in which our independent directors meet without management, and would serve as the principle liaison between management and the independent directors.


Risk Oversight

        Our board of directors is expected to have an active role, as a whole and at the committee level, in providing oversight with respect to management of our risks. Our board of directors focuses on the most significant risks facing us and our general risk management strategy and seeks to ensure that risks undertaken by us are consistent with a level of risk that is appropriate for our company and aligned with the achievement of our business objectives and strategies.

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        Our board of directors regularly reviews information regarding risks associated with our finances, credit and liquidity; our business, operations and strategy; legal, regulatory and compliance matters; and reputational exposure. The Audit Committee provides oversight on our programs for risk assessment and risk management, including with respect to financial accounting and reporting, information technology, cybersecurity and compliance. The Compensation Committee provides oversight on our assessment and management of risks relating to executive compensation. The Corporate Governance Committee provides oversight on our management of risks associated with the independence of our board of directors and potential conflicts of interest. While each committee is responsible for providing oversight with respect to the management of risks, our entire board of directors is regularly informed about our risks through committee reports and management presentations.

        While our board of directors and the committees provide oversight with respect to our risk management, our Chief Executive Officer and other senior management are primarily responsible for day-to-day risk management analysis and mitigation and report to our full board of directors or the relevant committee regarding risk management. Our leadership structure, with Mr. Ballotti serving as Chief Executive Officer, also enhances our board of directors' effectiveness in risk oversight due to Mr. Ballotti's extensive knowledge of our business and operations, facilitating our board of directors' oversight of key risks. We believe this division of responsibility and leadership structure is the most effective approach for addressing our risk management.


Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        We expect that none of the members of our compensation committee will have at any time been one of our executive officers or employees. We expect that none of our executive officers will currently serve, or will have served during the last completed fiscal year, on our compensation committee or board of directors of any other entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or compensation committee.


Code of Ethics

        We expect to adopt a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors with ethics guidelines specifically applicable to directors. In addition, we will adopt Business Principles applicable to all our employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer. We will disclose on our website any amendment to or waiver from a provision of our Business Principles or Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors as may be required and within the time period specified under applicable SEC and           rules. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors and our Business Principles will be available on our website.

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EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

        Under "Executive and Director Compensation," "we," "us," "our," "Wyndham Hotels" and "our company" refer to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. and not to any of its subsidiaries.

        Wyndham Hotels has not yet paid compensation to the individuals who will become its executive officers. Because our compensation committee will not be established until the spin-off occurs, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's compensation committee intends to approve, prior to the spin-off, certain compensation arrangements for individuals who will be Wyndham Hotels' executive officers, including employment agreements for certain individuals who are expected to be Wyndham Hotels' named executive officers; all such arrangements will become effective upon completion of the spin-off. Once established, our compensation committee will make determinations with respect to the compensation of Wyndham Hotels' executive officers following the spin-off. Information as to historical compensation provided by Wyndham Worldwide to certain individuals who will become executive officers of Wyndham Hotels is not indicative of the compensation of those individuals following completion of the spin-off. Accordingly, we have not included information regarding compensation and other benefits paid to those executive officers during 2016 or prior years.

        Effective upon completion of the spin-off, we expect the following individuals to be the named executive officers of Wyndham Hotels:

        The final named executive officer will be determined prior to the spin-off.

        Upon completion of the spin-off, our board of directors will have a compensation committee as described above, and the compensation committee will commence oversight over and determine the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers of Wyndham Hotels and evaluate and determine the appropriate executive compensation philosophy and objectives for Wyndham Hotels. Once established, the compensation committee will evaluate and determine the appropriate design of Wyndham Hotels' executive compensation program and make any adjustment to the compensation arrangements currently contemplated and described below. If determined to be necessary or appropriate by the compensation committee, the compensation committee will retain a compensation consultant to provide advice and support to the compensation committee in the design and implementation of the executive compensation program for Wyndham Hotels.


Compensation Philosophy

        Following consummation of the spin-off, the compensation committee will review and consider our compensation philosophy and may make such adjustments as it determines are necessary or appropriate. Wyndham Hotels' compensation philosophy will aim to attract, retain and motivate superior senior management talent. Wyndham Hotels intends to support a high-performance environment by linking the compensation of named executive officers with both Wyndham Hotels' and the named executive officer's individual performance, and Wyndham Hotels will ensure that its named executive officers have the long-term focus that is necessary to align their interests with the interests of Wyndham Hotels' stockholders.

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Key Elements of Expected Executive Compensation

        We expect that our executive compensation program will consist of the following key elements:

        Base Salary.    Base salary is the fixed element of a named executive officer's annual cash compensation and is intended to attract and retain highly qualified executives and to compensate for expected day-to-day performance. Each of our named executive officers will be paid a base salary. Factors that we expect the compensation committee to consider in making determinations about the base salaries for our named executive officers following consummation of the spin-off include the relevant named executive officer's position, responsibilities, experience, expertise, and value to the organization, as well as market factors, salary levels of the other members of our executive team, and our overall compensation philosophy.

        Annual Cash Incentive Compensation.    We also anticipate that our named executive officers will be eligible for annual cash incentive compensation awards, which are intended to motivate the named executive officers to achieve identified short-term performance goals, thereby driving our short-term financial and operating performance and creating value for our stockholders. Following consummation of the spin-off, we expect that the compensation committee will establish an annual cash incentive compensation plan and an annual cash incentive compensation framework for our named executive officers.

        Long-Term Equity-Based Incentive Awards.    We expect that following consummation of the spin-off, our named executive officers will be eligible to participate in our long-term equity incentive compensation program, which will focus on aligning the named executive officers' interests with those of our stockholders, achieving competitiveness with the external market, rewarding key talent contributions and retention. The amount and timing of any long-term equity-based incentive compensation to be paid or awarded to our named executive officers following consummation of the spin-off will be determined by the compensation committee. Any incentive equity awards granted, paid or awarded to our named executive officers following the spin-off will generally be granted pursuant to our new incentive equity plan, as discussed under "— Wyndham Hotels 2018 Equity and Incentive Plan."

        Certain of our named executive officers hold Wyndham Worldwide Corporation equity awards. Upon consummation of the spin-off, outstanding performance-vesting Wyndham Worldwide Corporation equity awards held by such named executive officers will fully time vest, without pro-ration, and performance vest based on actual performance determined as of the spin-off and will be settled in both Wyndham Worldwide common stock and our common stock; and outstanding time-vesting Wyndham Worldwide Corporation equity awards will be converted into equity awards covering shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock and our common stock. Unvested time-vesting awards covering shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock held by such named executive officers will vest upon completion of the spin-off, generally subject to such named executive officer's continued employment with Wyndham Worldwide through completion of the spin-off. Unvested time-vesting awards covering shares of our common stock held by such named executive officers will generally vest upon the earliest to occur of (i) the six-month anniversary of the completion of the spin-off, subject to the relevant named executive officer's continued employment with us through such six-month anniversary date, (ii) our termination of the relevant named executive officer's employment without "cause," or (iii) the date on which such equity award would have vested in accordance with the terms of the existing award agreement, subject to the relevant named executive officer's continued employment with us through the applicable vesting date. The foregoing treatment of equity awards upon consummation of the spin-off is consistent with the treatment of equity awards held by our non-executive employees.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


Perquisites and Other Benefits

        We expect to provide our named executive officers with perquisites that management and the compensation committee believe are reasonable, competitive and consistent with the compensation committee's compensation strategy. We believe that our perquisites will help us retain highly talented managers and allow them to operate more effectively.

        Additionally, we intend to provide our named executive officers with perquisites that are consistent with market practices. Accordingly, following the spin-off, we expect our compensation committee to approve certain perquisites for named executive officers, including a leased automobile and financial planning services.


Agreements with Named Executive Officers

        Mr. Ballotti.    Mr. Ballotti, currently Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Hotel Group, LLC, is party to an employment agreement with Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, as amended, which provides for (i) a minimum base salary of $550,000 per year (with Mr. Ballotti's current base salary equal to $745,000 per year), (ii) an annual cash incentive compensation award, with the target cash incentive compensation award equal to 100% of base salary, subject to the achievement of specified performance goals, (iii) the opportunity to receive annual long-term incentive compensation awards as determined by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's compensation committee, and (iv) participation in the employee benefit plans and perquisite programs generally available to Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's executive officers.

        Pursuant to his employment agreement, in the event of a termination by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation without "cause" (not due to death or disability) or a termination by Mr. Ballotti due to a "constructive discharge" (as such terms are defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Ballotti will receive a lump sum cash payment equal to 200% multiplied by the sum of (i) his then-current base salary, and (ii) an amount equal to the highest annual cash incentive compensation award paid to him for any of the three fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which his employment is terminated (but in no event will the amount in clause (ii) exceed 100% of his then-current base salary). Additionally, all of Mr. Ballotti's then-outstanding time-based equity awards that would otherwise vest within the one year period following his termination will vest, and any such awards that are stock options or stock appreciation rights remain exercisable until the earlier of: the second anniversary of such termination and the original expiration date of the awards. Any then-outstanding performance-based long-term incentive awards will vest and be paid on a prorated basis following the end of the performance period, subject to achievement of the designated performance goals, based upon the portion of the full performance period during which Mr. Ballotti was employed plus twelve months (or, if less, the entire performance period).

        Mr. Ballotti's employment agreement also provides for customary restrictive covenants including non-competition and non-solicitation covenants effective during the period of employment and for (i) one year following termination, if his employment terminates after the expiration of his employment agreement, and (ii) two years following termination, if his employment terminates before the expiration of his employment agreement.

        Mr. Wyshner.    Mr. Wyshner, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, is party to an employment agreement with Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, which provides for (i) a minimum base salary of $650,000 per year (which is Mr. Wyshner's current base salary), (ii) an annual cash incentive compensation award, with the target cash incentive compensation award equal to 100% of base salary, subject to the achievement of specified performance goals, (iii) the opportunity to receive annual long-term incentive compensation awards as determined by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's compensation committee, and (iv) participation in the employee benefit plans and perquisites generally available to Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's executive officers.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        Pursuant to his employment agreement, in the event of a termination by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation without "cause" (not due to death or disability) or a termination by Mr. Wyshner due to a "constructive discharge" (as such terms are defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Wyshner will receive a lump sum cash payment equal to 200% multiplied by the sum of (i) his then-current base salary, and (ii) an amount equal to the highest annual cash incentive compensation award paid to him for any of the three fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which his employment is terminated (but in no event will the amount in clause (ii) exceed 100% of his then-current base salary, and if Mr. Wyshner is terminated before completion of the first three fiscal years following the effective date of the employment agreement, the amount will be $650,000). In addition, subject to his election of COBRA continuation coverage, Mr. Wyshner will receive reimbursement for the costs associated with COBRA continuation coverage until the earlier of: (A) 18 months and (B) the date he becomes eligible for health and medical benefits from a subsequent employer. Additionally, all of Mr. Wyshner's then-outstanding time-based equity awards that would otherwise vest within the one year period following his termination will vest, and any such awards that are stock options or stock appreciation rights remain exercisable until the earlier of: (x) the second anniversary of such termination and (y) the original expiration date of the awards. Any then-outstanding performance-based long-term incentive awards will vest and be paid on a prorated basis following the end of the performance period, subject to achievement of the designated performance goals, based upon the portion of the full performance period during which Mr. Wyshner was employed plus twelve months (or, if less, the entire performance period).

        Mr. Wyshner's employment agreement also provides for customary restrictive covenants including non-competition and non-solicitation covenants effective during the period of employment and for (i) one year following termination, if his employment terminates after the expiration of his employment agreement, and (ii) two years following termination, if his employment terminates before the expiration of his employment agreement.

        Pursuant to his employment agreement, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation will assign Mr. Wyshner's employment agreement to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., and effective upon such assignment, Mr. Wyshner will enter into a new employment agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. that is consistent in all material respects with his employment agreement with Wyndham Worldwide Corporation.

        Ms. Falvey.    Ms. Falvey, currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, is party to a letter agreement, which provides for (i) a base salary of $300,000 per year (with Ms. Falvey's current base salary equal to $510,000 per year), (ii) an annual cash incentive compensation award, with the target cash incentive compensation award equal to 100% of base salary, subject to the achievement of specified performance goals, and (iii) participation in the employee benefit plans and perquisites generally available to Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's executive officers.

        Pursuant to her employment agreement, in the event of a termination by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation other than for "cause" or due to her disability which prevents her from performing services for Wyndham Worldwide Corporation for a period of six months, Ms. Falvey will receive a lump sum cash payment equal to 200% multiplied by the sum of (i) her then-current base salary, and (ii) an amount equal to the highest annual cash incentive compensation award paid to her for any of the three fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which her employment is terminated (but in no event will the amount in clause (ii) exceed 100% of her then-current base salary). Additionally, all of Ms. Falvey's then-outstanding long term incentive awards that would otherwise vest within the one year period following her termination will vest, and any such awards that are stock options or stock appreciation rights remain exercisable until the earlier of: (A) the second anniversary of such termination and (B) the original expiration date of the awards. Any of Ms. Falvey's then-outstanding performance-based long-term incentive awards will vest and be paid on a prorated basis following the end of the performance period, subject to achievement of the designated performance goals, based upon the portion of the full performance period during which Ms. Falvey was employed plus twelve months (or, if less, the entire performance period).

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        In connection with the spin-off, we expect to enter into new employment or letter agreements with certain named executive officers; however, the terms and conditions of such agreements have not yet been determined (other than the key terms of Mr. Wyshner's employment agreement as described above). The terms of such agreements will be approved by the compensation committee of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation prior to the spin-off and will become effective upon the completion of the spin-off.

        Additionally, in connection with the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation expects to pay transaction bonuses to certain of its executive officers who will become our named executive officers following the spin-off, with such bonuses payable upon the earlier of (i) the completion of the spin-off or (ii) August 2, 2018. Such transaction bonuses are expected to be an amount equal to either 50% or 100% of the relevant named executive officer's base salary.


Wyndham Hotels 2018 Equity and Incentive Plan

        In connection with the spin-off, we expect to adopt a new omnibus incentive plan (the "Equity Plan"). We expect the material terms of the Equity Plan to include the following:

        Purpose.    The purpose of the Equity Plan will be to afford an incentive to select officers, employees, non-employee directors, advisors and consultants of Wyndham Hotels and its affiliates, to increase their efforts on behalf of Wyndham Hotels and its affiliates, to align their interests with the interests of Wyndham Hotels' stockholders and to promote the success of our business.

        Types of Awards.    The Equity Plan provides for the grant of stock options (including incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock- and cash-based awards.

        Eligibility.    Awards may be granted to officers, employees, non-employee directors, advisors and consultants of Wyndham Hotels and its affiliates who are selected for participation in the Equity Plan by our compensation committee (the "Committee").

        Administration.    The Equity Plan is expected to be administered by the Committee, which satisfies the provisions of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, Code Section 162(m) and the applicable stock exchange rules. The Committee will have the authority, among other things, to determine who will be granted awards and all of the terms and conditions of the awards. The Committee also will be authorized to: (i) determine performance goals (if applicable), (ii) determine to what extent an award may be settled, cancelled, forfeited, exchanged or surrendered, (iii) interpret the Equity Plan and any awards granted thereunder and (iv) make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Equity Plan. Where the vesting or payment of an award under the Equity Plan is subject to the attainment of performance goals, the Committee will be responsible for certifying that the performance goals have been attained. Except in connection with a corporate transaction involving Wyndham Hotels, the Committee will not have the authority under the Equity Plan (without the approval of our stockholders) to amend the terms of outstanding awards to (A) reduce the exercise price of outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights or (B) replace or cancel outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights in exchange for cash, other awards or stock options or stock appreciation rights with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original stock options or stock appreciation rights.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        Number of Shares of Stock Subject to the Equity Plan.    We expect that the maximum number of shares of Wyndham Hotels common stock reserved for the grants of awards under the Equity Plan, including all shares to be issued pursuant to our Non-Employee Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, Savings Restoration Plan and Officer Deferred Compensation Plan, will be 10,000,000. The Equity Plan will include limits on the maximum amount of awards (and types thereof) that may be granted to any participant in any calendar year. We expect that, under the Equity Plan, no more than:

provided that the aggregate number of shares of common stock subject to the awards described above issued to any individual shall not exceed 1,000,000.

        All share limits in the Equity Plan, including the maximum number of shares reserved under the Equity Plan, will be subject to adjustments as provided in the Equity Plan and described below.

        If any shares subject to an award granted under the Equity Plan are forfeited, cancelled, exchanged or surrendered or if an award terminates or expires without a distribution of shares to the participant, or if shares of common stock are surrendered or withheld as payment of either the exercise price of an award and/or withholding taxes in respect of an award, the number of shares of common stock underlying such award will again be available for awards under the Equity Plan.

        In the event that the Committee determines that any corporate event, such as a stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, repurchase or share exchange affects Wyndham Hotels common stock such that an adjustment is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of Equity Plan participants, then the Committee will make certain equitable adjustments as it deems necessary or appropriate to the number and kind of shares or other property available for awards, the exercise price, grant price or purchase price relating to any award, the terms of outstanding awards, the annual award limitations and the performance goals.

        Non-Employee Director Limitation.    The aggregate grant date fair market value of all awards granted under the Equity Plan to any non-employee director in any fiscal year (excluding awards made pursuant to deferred compensation arrangements made in lieu of all or a portion of cash retainers and any dividend payable in respect of outstanding awards) will not exceed $1,000,000.

        Terms of Award and Performance Goals.    Except as otherwise set forth in the Equity Plan or as may be determined by the Committee, each award granted under the Equity Plan will be evidenced by an award agreement containing such terms and conditions as determined by the Committee in a manner consistent with the purposes of the Equity Plan, including whether the vesting or payment of an award will be subject to the attainment of performance goals.

        The performance goals that may be applicable to awards granted under the Equity Plan will be based upon one or more of the following criteria, applied to one or more of Wyndham Hotels, its subsidiaries or affiliates or one of the divisions or strategic business units of any of the foregoing and determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP where applicable: pre-tax income or after-tax income, pre-tax or after-tax profits, income or earnings, including operating income, earnings before or after taxes, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, earnings before or after interest, depreciation, amortization, or extraordinary or special items, or a combination of any or all of the foregoing: net income, excluding

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

amortization of intangible assets, depreciation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets and/or excluding charges attributable to the adoption of new accounting pronouncements, earnings or book value per share (basic or diluted), return on assets (gross or net), return on investment, return on capital, return on invested capital or return on equity, return on revenues, cash flow, free cash flow, cash flow return on investment (discounted or otherwise), net cash provided by operations, or cash flow in excess of cost of capital, economic value created, operating margin or profit margin (gross or net), stock price or total stockholder return, income or earnings from continuing operations, after-tax or pre-tax return on stockholders' equity, growth in the value of an investment in our common stock assuming the reinvestment of dividends, operating profits or net operating profits, working capital, gross or net sales, revenue and growth of sales revenue (either before or after cost of goods, selling and general administrative expenses, and any other expenses or interest), cost targets, reductions and savings (including, without limitation, the achievement of a certain level of, reduction of, or other specified objectives with regard to limiting the level of increase in, all or a portion of, Wyndham Hotels' bank debt or other long-term or short-term public or private debt or other similar financial obligations of Wyndham Hotels, which may be calculated net of such cash balances and/or other offsets and adjustments as may be established by the Committee), expense management, productivity and efficiencies, strategic business criteria, consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified market penetration or market share, geographic business expansion, guest satisfaction, employee satisfaction, human resources management, supervision of litigation, information technology, and goals relating to divestitures, joint ventures and similar transactions, franchise and/or royalty income, market share, strategic objectives, development of new product lines and related revenue, sales and margin targets, franchisee growth and retention, co-branding or international operations, comparisons of continuing operations to other operations, management fee or licensing fee growth, revenue per available room, Wyndham Hotels' loyalty programs, and any combination of the foregoing.

        To the extent permitted by law, the Committee may equitably adjust the performance goals based on certain events specified in the Equity Plan, including for example, unusual or non-recurring events.

        Terms of Awards.    The term of each award is expected to be determined by the Committee, provided that all awards granted under the Equity Plan will have a minimum vesting period of twelve months.

        Stock Options.    Stock options granted under the Equity Plan may be incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options. The exercise price of stock purchasable under a stock option granted under the Equity Plan will be determined by the Committee but will not be less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.

        Stock options will be exercisable over the exercise period which may not exceed ten years, at such times and upon such conditions as the Committee may determine, as reflected in the applicable award agreement; provided that the Committee will have the authority to accelerate the exercisability of any outstanding option. The exercise price of an option generally may be paid in cash, exchange of stock previously owned, through a "broker cashless exercise" or a combination thereof, or if permitted in an award agreement, by withholding shares of common stock.

        An option may not be exercised unless the grantee of such option is then a director of, in the employ of, or providing services to, us or our affiliates and unless the grantee has remained continuously so employed, or continuously maintained such relationship, since the date of grant of the option; provided that the applicable award agreement may contain provisions extending the exercisability of options, in the event of specified terminations of employment or service, to a date not later than the expiration date of such option.

        Options may be subject to such other conditions, including, but not limited to, restrictions on transferability of the shares acquired upon exercise of such options, as the Committee may prescribe or as may be required by applicable law.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        Stock Appreciation Rights.    Unless the Committee determines otherwise, a stock appreciation right granted in tandem with a nonqualified stock option may be granted at the time of grant of the related option or at any time thereafter, or if granted in tandem with an incentive stock option, may only be granted at the time of grant of the related option. A stock appreciation right granted in tandem with an option will be exercisable only to the extent the underlying option is exercisable. A stock appreciation right confers on the participant the right to receive, upon exercise of the stock appreciation right, an amount with respect to each share subject to the stock appreciation right equal to the excess of the fair market value of one share of our common stock on the date of exercise over the grant price of the stock appreciation right. The grant price per share of common stock subject to a stock appreciation right will be determined by the Committee at the time of grant; provided that the per share grant price of a stock appreciation right, whether or not it is granted in tandem with a stock option, may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock at the time of grant.

        Stock appreciation rights will be exercisable over the exercise period, which may not exceed ten years, at such times and upon such conditions as the Committee may determine, as reflected in the applicable award agreement; provided that the Committee will have the authority to accelerate the exercisability of any outstanding stock appreciation right. A stock appreciation right may not be exercised unless the grantee of such award is then a director, in the employ of, or providing services to, us or our subsidiaries or affiliates, and unless the grantee has remained continuously so employed, or continuously maintained such relationship, since the date of grant of the stock appreciation right; provided that the applicable award agreement may contain provisions extending the exercisability of the stock appreciation right, in the event of specified terminations of employment or service, to a date not later than the expiration date of such stock appreciation right (or, in the case of a tandem stock appreciation right, its related award).

        Stock appreciation rights may be subject to such other conditions including, but not limited to, restrictions on transferability of the shares acquired upon exercise of such stock appreciation rights, as the Committee may prescribe or as may be required by applicable law. In no event shall the Committee award or pay dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to the stock appreciation rights, whether vested or unvested.

        Restricted Stock.    A restricted stock award granted under the Equity Plan will consist of shares of our common stock and will be subject to such restrictions on transferability and other restrictions, if any, as the Committee may impose. Except to the extent restricted under an award agreement, a participant granted restricted stock will have all of the rights of a stockholder including, without limitation, the right to vote the restricted stock and the right to receive dividends on the restricted stock; provided that such dividends may not be paid before the underlying restricted stock vests. Stock distributed in connection with a stock split or stock dividend, and cash or other property distributed as a dividend, will be subject to restrictions and a risk of forfeiture to the same extent as the restricted stock with respect to which such stock or other property has been distributed, and will be settled at the same time as the restricted stock to which it relates.

        Restricted Stock Units.    A restricted stock unit is an award of a right to receive stock or cash, as determined by the Committee, at the end of a specified restricted period. The Committee may award dividend equivalents relating to restricted stock units on terms and conditions as it determines; provided that such dividend equivalents may not be paid before the underlying restricted stock units vest.

        We also issue restricted stock units pursuant to the Equity Plan for the purpose of fulfilling our obligations under our Non-Employee Directors Deferred Compensation Plan; provided that certain terms and conditions of the grant and payment of such restricted stock units set forth in the Non-Employee Directors Deferred Compensation Plan will supersede the terms generally applicable to restricted stock units granted under the Equity Plan. Such restricted stock units granted pursuant to the Non-Employee Directors Deferred Compensation Plan need not be evidenced by an award agreement. We issue restricted stock units payable only in stock (unless the committee determines otherwise) pursuant to our

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

non-employee director deferred compensation program, and will issue stock in settlement of such restricted stock units in accordance with such program and the terms of the Equity Plan.

        Performance-Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.    The Committee may place restrictions on restricted stock and restricted stock units that will lapse, in whole or in part, only upon the attainment of certain performance goals and may designate an award of restricted stock or restricted stock units as "performance-based compensation" under Code Section 162(m) by conditioning the award or the lapse of restriction on the achievement of performance goals and satisfying other Code Section 162(m) requirements.

        Effect of Termination of Employment on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.    Upon a termination of employment with, service to, or cessation of the director or independent contractor relationship with, us or our affiliates during the applicable restriction or deferral period (as applicable), or, with respect to the restricted stock units, upon failure to satisfy any other conditions precedent to the delivery of stock or cash to which such restricted stock units relate, all restricted stock and restricted stock units and any accrued but unpaid dividends or dividend equivalents that are then subject to deferral or restriction will be forfeited. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may provide or determine that restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to restricted stock or restricted stock units will be waived in whole or in part in the event of termination resulting from specified causes, and the Committee may in other cases waive in whole or in part the forfeiture of restricted stock or restricted stock units; provided that any such awards that are intended to comply with Code Section 162(m) will be based on the actual achievement of the performance goals through a specified date.

        Restrictions.    Shares acquired upon exercise of stock options or stock appreciation rights or otherwise granted under the Equity Plan may be subject to such other conditions including, but not limited to, restrictions on transferability of such shares as the Committee may prescribe or as may be required by applicable law.

        Other Stock- or Cash-Based Awards.    The Equity Plan provides for other stock- and cash-based awards, the form and terms of which are determined by the Committee. The value and payment of these awards may be contingent upon performance goals, and the Committee may designate any such stock-or cash-based award as "performance-based compensation" under Code Section 162(m) by conditioning the award or the lapse of restrictions on the achievement of performance goals so long as such goals relate to periods of performance in excess of one calendar year. The maximum value of the aggregate payment that any grantee may receive pursuant to any such award in respect of any calendar year will be $10,000,000. Payments earned with respect to such awards may be decreased or, with respect to certain grantees, increased in the sole discretion of the Committee based on such factors as it deems appropriate. The Committee shall have the authority to accelerate vesting of awards that are subject to Code Section 162(m) at such time and under such circumstances as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

        Annual Incentive Program.    The Committee may grant stock- and cash-based awards pursuant to Wyndham Hotels' annual incentive program, under such terms and conditions as deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the Equity Plan. Awards granted under the annual incentive program may be granted with value and payment contingent upon performance goals, so long as such goals relate to periods of performance of one calendar year or less. The Committee may designate an award granted under the annual incentive program as "performance-based compensation" under Code Section 162(m) by conditioning the award or the lapse of restrictions on the achievement of performance goals; provided that the Committee shall establish the objective performance goals at such time required under Code Section 162(m) and while the outcome of the performance goals are substantially uncertain. Grantees will be selected by the Committee with respect to participation for a calendar year.

        The maximum value of the aggregate payment that any grantee may receive under the annual incentive program in respect of any calendar year will be $10,000,000. Payments earned with respect to

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

such awards may be decreased or, with respect to certain grantees who are not "covered employees" (as defined in the Equity Plan), increased in the sole discretion of the Committee based on such factors as it deems appropriate.

        Change in Control.    The Equity Plan will provide that, unless otherwise determined by the committee at the time of grant and evidenced in the applicable award agreement, upon the consummation of a "change in control" (as defined in the Equity Plan), (i) any exercisable award granted under the Equity Plan that was not previously vested and exercisable will become fully vested and exercisable; and (ii) the restrictions, deferral limitations, payment conditions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any other awards granted under the Equity Plan will lapse and such awards will be deemed fully vested, and any performance conditions imposed with respect to awards will be deemed to be fully achieved.

        Term; Amendment.    No awards will be made under the Equity Plan following the tenth anniversary of                        , 2018. Awards that are intended to be "performance-based" under Code Section 162(m) will not be made after the fifth anniversary of the date of the last stockholder approval of the performance goals in the Equity Plan as described above. Our board of directors may alter, amend, suspend or terminate the Equity Plan at any time; provided that any amendment or termination does not adversely affect any rights of the grantee under any award previously granted without such grantee's consent. An amendment that requires stockholder approval in order for the Equity Plan to continue to comply with any applicable law, regulation or stock exchange requirement will not be effective unless approved by the requisite vote of stockholders.


Change-in-Control Arrangements

        We expect that, in the event of a change-in-control of Wyndham Hotels, the named executive officers will receive cash severance payments only if their employment is terminated following the change-in-control without "cause" or for "good reason." Our named executive officers would not be entitled to any excise tax gross-up in connection with their change-in-control arrangements.


Deferred Compensation Plans

        In connection with the spin-off, we expect to adopt a nonqualified officer deferred compensation plan, in which our named executive officers will be eligible to participate. The officer deferred compensation plan would enable our named executive officers to elect to defer base salary and annual incentive compensation. We expect to match executive contributions to the officer deferred compensation plan, although the amount which we anticipate matching has not been determined.

        In addition to adopting the officer deferred compensation plan, we expect to adopt a savings restoration plan, which would allow our named executive officers who do not participate in the officer deferred compensation plan to defer compensation in excess of the amounts permitted by the Code. We do not expect to match contributions for these deferrals.


Director Compensation

        Following consummation of the spin-off, we expect to establish compensation practices for our eligible non-employee directors that will be aligned with creating and sustaining equityholder value whereby such directors will receive customary compensation, including cash and stock-based compensation, for their service as members of our board of directors and its committees. We also expect that all members of our board of directors will be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such service. Our non-employee director compensation practices are expected to be consistent with the non-employee director compensation practices of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, which are described below.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        The following table describes annual retainer and committee chair and membership fees we expect to establish for our eligible non-employee directors. In addition, we expect to grant to our non-employee directors an annual equity award with a grant date fair value equal to approximately $100,000.

  Cash-Based   Stock-Based   Total  

Non-Executive Chairman

  $ 160,000   $ 160,000   $ 320,000  

Lead Director

  132,500   132,500   265,000  

Director

    105,000     105,000     210,000  

Audit Committee chair

  22,500   22,500   45,000  

Audit Committee member

    12,500     12,500     25,000  

Compensation Committee chair

  17,500   17,500   35,000  

Compensation Committee member

    10,000     10,000     20,000  

Corporate Governance Committee chair

  15,000   15,000   30,000  

Corporate Governance Committee member

    8,750     8,750     17,500  

        We expect that the annual director retainer and committee chair and membership fees will be paid on a quarterly basis, with fifty percent of such fees to be paid in cash and fifty percent in our common stock. The number of shares of common stock issued to the directors will be based on our common stock price on the quarterly determination date. Directors may elect to receive the stock-based portion of their fees in the form of common stock or deferred stock units ("DSUs"). Additionally, directors may elect to defer any cash-based compensation or vested restricted stock units ("RSUs") in the form of DSUs. A DSU entitles a director to receive one share of common stock following the director's retirement or termination of service from our board of directors for any reason and is credited with dividend equivalents during the deferral period. Directors who hold DSUs may not sell or receive value from any DSU prior to a termination of service. The requirement for directors to receive at least fifty percent of their aggregate director fees in our equity further aligns their interests with those of our stockholders.

        We also expect to provide each director with a term life insurance policy owned by us with a $1.1 million benefit of which $1 million is payable to us and will be donated to a charitable beneficiary of the director's choice and $100,000 of which is payable directly to the director's personal beneficiary. In the event of a change in control or a director's retirement, we will pay the premiums for the life insurance policies for one year following the change in control or retirement, as applicable.

        Additionally, we expect to match non-employee directors' qualifying charitable contributions up to a maximum of $75,000 per year.

        We also expect to adopt a policy to award to our non-employee directors 500,000 Rewards Points annually. We expect that the Rewards Points will have an approximate value of $2,500 and may be redeemed for numerous rewards options, including stays at properties. This benefit will provide our directors with ongoing, first-hand exposure to hotel property and operations, furthering their understanding and evaluation of our business.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Agreements with Wyndham Worldwide Related to the Spin-Off

        This section of the information statement summarizes material agreements between us and Wyndham Worldwide that will govern the ongoing relationships between the two companies after the spin-off and are intended to provide for an orderly transition to our status as an independent, publicly traded company. Additional or modified agreements, arrangements and transactions, which would be negotiated at arm's length, may be entered into between us and Wyndham Worldwide after the spin-off. These summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the applicable agreements, which will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement which this information statement forms a part.

        Following the spin-off, we and Wyndham Worldwide will operate independently, and neither company will have any ownership interest in the other. Before the spin-off, we will enter into a Separation and Distribution Agreement and several other agreements with Wyndham Worldwide related to the spin-off. These agreements will govern the relationship between us and Wyndham Worldwide after completion of the spin-off and provide for the allocation between us and Wyndham Worldwide of various assets, liabilities, rights and obligations. The following is a summary of the terms of the material agreements we expect to enter into with Wyndham Worldwide.

Separation and Distribution Agreement

        We intend to enter into a Separation and Distribution Agreement with Wyndham Worldwide Corporation prior to the distribution of shares of our common stock to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders. The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide for the allocation of assets and liabilities between us and Wyndham Worldwide and will establish certain rights and obligations between the parties following the distribution. We have not yet finalized all of the terms of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, and we intend to include additional details on the terms of this agreement in an amendment to this information statement.

        Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities.    The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide for those transfers of assets and assumptions of liabilities that are necessary in connection with our spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide so that each of Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Hotels is allocated the assets necessary to operate its respective business and retains or assumes the liabilities allocated to it in accordance with the separation plan. The Separation and Distribution Agreement will also provide for the settlement or extinguishment of certain liabilities and other obligations among Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Hotels. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements."

        Further Assurances.    To the extent that any transfers of assets or assumptions of liabilities contemplated by the Separation and Distribution Agreement have not been consummated on or prior to the date of the distribution, the parties will agree to cooperate with each other and use commercially reasonable efforts to effect such transfers or assumptions as promptly as practicable following the date of the distribution. In addition, each of the parties will agree to cooperate with each other and use commercially reasonable efforts to take or to cause to be taken all actions, and to do, or to cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary under applicable law or contractual obligations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by the Separation and Distribution Agreement and the ancillary agreements.

        Representations and Warranties.    In general, neither we nor Wyndham Worldwide will make any representations or warranties regarding any assets or liabilities transferred or assumed, any consents or approvals that may be required in connection with such transfers or assumptions, the value or freedom from any lien or other security interest of any assets transferred, the absence of any defenses relating to any claim of either party or the legal sufficiency of any conveyance documents, or any other matters.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Except as expressly set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement or in any ancillary agreement, all assets will be transferred on an "as is, where is" basis.

        The Distribution.    The Separation and Distribution Agreement will govern certain rights and obligations of the parties regarding the proposed distribution and certain actions that must occur prior to the proposed distribution, such as the election of officers and directors and the adoption of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws. Prior to the distribution, we will deliver all the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock to the distribution agent. Following the distribution date, the distribution agent will electronically deliver the shares of our common stock to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders based on each holder of Wyndham Worldwide common stock receiving one share of Wyndham Hotels common stock for each share of Wyndham Worldwide common stock. The Wyndham Worldwide board of directors will have the sole and absolute discretion to determine (and change) the terms of, and whether to proceed with, the distribution and, to the extent it determines to so proceed, to determine the date of the distribution.

        Conditions.    The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide that the distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. For further information regarding these conditions, see "The Spin-Off—Conditions to the Distribution." The Wyndham Worldwide board of directors may, in its sole discretion, determine the distribution date and the terms of the distribution and, until the distribution has occurred, the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors has the right to not proceed with the distribution, even if all of the conditions are satisfied.

        Termination.    The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide that it may be terminated by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation at any time in its sole discretion prior to the date of the distribution.

        Intercompany Accounts.    The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide that, subject to any provisions in the Separation and Distribution Agreement or any ancillary agreement to the contrary, prior to the distribution, intercompany accounts will be settled as will be set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

        Release of Claims and Indemnification.    We and Wyndham Worldwide will agree to broad releases pursuant to which we will each release the other and certain related persons specified in the Separation and Distribution Agreement from any claims against any of them that arise out of or relate to events, circumstances or actions occurring or failing to occur or alleged to occur or to have failed to occur or any conditions existing or alleged to exist at or prior to the time of the distribution. These releases will be subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Separation and Distribution Agreement and the ancillary agreements.

        The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide for cross-indemnities that, except as otherwise provided in the Separation and Distribution Agreement, are principally designed to place financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities of our business with us, and financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities of Wyndham Worldwide's business with Wyndham Worldwide.

        The amount of each party's indemnification obligations will be subject to reduction by any insurance proceeds received by the party being indemnified. The Separation and Distribution Agreement will also specify procedures with respect to claims subject to indemnification and related matters. Indemnification with respect to taxes will be governed solely by the Tax Matters Agreement.

        Insurance.    The Separation and Distribution Agreement will provide for the allocation among the parties of benefits under existing insurance policies for occurrences prior to the distribution and sets forth procedures for the administration of insured claims. The Separation and Distribution Agreement will allocate among the parties the right to proceeds and the obligation to incur deductibles under certain insurance policies.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

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        Other Matters Governed by the Separation and Distribution Agreement.    Other matters governed by the Separation and Distribution Agreement will include access to financial and other information, confidentiality, access to and provision of records and treatment of outstanding guarantees and similar credit support.

Employee Matters Agreement

        We intend to enter into an Employee Matters Agreement with Wyndham Worldwide Corporation that will govern the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of Wyndham Worldwide and us after the spin-off. The Employee Matters Agreement will address the allocation of employees between Wyndham Worldwide and us, defined benefit pension plans, qualified defined contribution plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans, employee health and welfare benefit plans, incentive plans, equity-based awards, collective bargaining agreements and other employment, compensation and benefits-related matters. The Employee Matters Agreement will provide for, among other things, the allocation and treatment of assets and liabilities related to incentive plans, retirement plans and employee health and welfare benefit plans in which transferred employees participated prior to the spin-off. The Employee Matters Agreement will also provide for the treatment of outstanding Wyndham Worldwide Corporation's equity-based awards in connection with the spin-off. After the spin-off, our employees will no longer participate in Wyndham Worldwide's plans or programs (other than continued participation in employee health and welfare benefit plans for a limited period of time following the spin-off in conjunction with the Transition Services Agreement described below), and we will establish plans or programs for our employees as described in the Employee Matters Agreement. We will also establish or maintain plans and programs outside of the United States as may be required under applicable law or pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement.

Tax Matters Agreement

        We intend to enter into a Tax Matters Agreement with Wyndham Worldwide that will govern the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of Wyndham Worldwide and us after the spin-off with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax attributes, tax contests and other tax sharing regarding U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income taxes, other tax matters and related tax returns. As a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide, we have (and will continue to have following the spin-off) several liability with Wyndham Worldwide to the IRS for the combined U.S. federal income taxes of the Wyndham Worldwide consolidated group relating to the taxable periods in which we were part of that group. However, the Tax Matters Agreement will specify the portion, if any, of this tax liability for which we will bear responsibility, and Wyndham Worldwide will agree to indemnify us against any amounts for which we are not responsible. The Tax Matters Agreement will also provide special rules for allocating tax liabilities in the event that the spin-off is not tax-free. The Tax Matters Agreement will provide for certain covenants that may restrict our ability to pursue strategic or other transactions that otherwise could maximize the value of our business. Although valid as between the parties, the Tax Matters Agreement will not be binding on the IRS.

Transition Services Agreement

        We intend to enter into a Transition Services Agreement with Wyndham Worldwide under which Wyndham Worldwide will provide us with certain services, and we will provide Wyndham Worldwide with certain services, for a limited time to help ensure an orderly transition following the distribution.

        We anticipate that the services that Wyndham Worldwide will agree to provide us under the Transition Services Agreement and that we will provide Wyndham Worldwide may include certain finance, information technology, human resources, employee benefits and other services. We will pay Wyndham Worldwide for any such services used at agreed amounts as set forth in the Transition Services Agreement. In addition, from time to time during the term of the agreement, we and Wyndham Worldwide may mutually agree on additional services to be provided.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

License, Development and Noncompetition Agreement

        In connection with the spin-off, we intend to enter into a license, development and noncompetition agreement with Wyndham Worldwide granting Wyndham Worldwide the right to use the "Wyndham" trademark, and certain other trademarks and intellectual property, in their business, which shall be exclusive for the vacation ownership, vacation rental and vacation ownership exchange businesses, with certain limited exceptions. This agreement will have a term of                    years, and Wyndham Worldwide will pay us royalties under the agreement that are projected to be approximately $             million annually.

        In addition to granting to Wyndham Worldwide the right to use the "Wyndham" trademark, and certain other trademarks and intellectual property, the license, development and noncompetition Agreement will govern (i) arrangements between Wyndham Worldwide and us with respect to the brand positioning, development and management of new projects; and (ii) non-compete obligations of Wyndham Worldwide and us.

        Under our existing license arrangements with Wyndham Worldwide, we license the "Wyndham" trademark and certain other trademarks to subsidiaries of Wyndham Worldwide for use outside the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses and receive an annual royalty based on a percentage of revenue for rights to operate under these trademarks. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we received from Wyndham Worldwide license fees of $65 million and $64 million, respectively.

Real Estate Agreements

        Our owned real property and leased space will be allocated to Wyndham Worldwide or us, as the case may be, in a manner that is consistent with the different business uses and needs of Wyndham Worldwide and us. To the extent the desired allocation is not legally possible, owned property or leased space needs to be shared by Wyndham Worldwide and us or services will be provided by one of the companies to the other in respect of any owned property or leased space, we will enter into agreements with Wyndham Worldwide governing the respective parties' rights and obligations with respect to any such shared space or services provided.

Mixed-Use Site Management Agreements

        We intend to enter into one or more management agreements with Wyndham Worldwide pertaining to certain mixed-use properties that will be effective upon completion of the spin-off.

Wyndham Hotels 2018 Equity and Incentive Plan

        We intend to adopt the Equity Plan effective prior to and in connection with the spin-off. The Equity Plan will provide for grants of, among other things, stock options, restricted stock and performance awards. Our directors, officers and other employees and persons who engage in services for us will be eligible for grants under the Equity Plan. The purpose of the Equity Plan is to provide these individuals with incentives to maximize stockholder value and otherwise contribute to our success and to enable us to attract, retain and reward the best available persons for positions of responsibility. 10,000,000 shares of our common stock will be authorized for issuance under the Equity Plan, subject to adjustment in the event of a reorganization, stock split, merger or similar change in our corporate structure or the outstanding shares of common stock, of which            will remain available for issuance or use after giving effect to incentive equity grants to be made in connection with the spin-off. Our compensation committee will administer the Equity Plan. Our board of directors also has the authority to administer the Equity Plan and to take all actions that our compensation committee is otherwise authorized to take under the Equity Plan. The terms and conditions of each award made under the Equity Plan, including vesting requirements, will be set forth consistent with the Equity Plan in a written agreement with the grantee.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Statement of Policy Regarding Transactions with Related Persons

        In addition, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, the Business Principles applicable to all our employees and Related Person Transaction Policy will require that all of our employees and directors inform the Company of any material transaction or relationship that comes to their attention that could reasonably be expected to create a conflict of interest. Further, at least annually, each Director and executive officer will complete a detailed questionnaire that asks questions about any business relationship that may give rise to a conflict of interest and all transactions in which we are involved and in which the executive officer, a Director or a related person has a direct or indirect material interest.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS

        From and after the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Hotels will, in general, each be responsible for the debts, liabilities, rights and obligations related to the business or businesses that it owns and operates following consummation of the spin-off. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Wyndham Worldwide Related to the Spin-Off."

Financing Transactions in Connection with the Spin-Off

        Subject to market conditions, we expect to complete one or more financing transactions on or prior to the completion of the spin-off. As a result of these financing transactions, we expect to have total indebtedness of between $             million and $             million. We have not yet identified the specific sources of funds and any financing transactions may not be completed in the timeframe or size indicated, or at all. The financing transactions will be described in greater detail in a subsequent amendment to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        As of the date of this information statement, all of the outstanding shares of our common stock are indirectly beneficially owned by Wyndham Worldwide. After the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide will not own any shares of our common stock.

        The following tables provide information with respect to the anticipated beneficial ownership of our common stock by:

        To the extent our directors and executive officers own Wyndham Worldwide common stock at the record date of the spin-off, they will participate in the distribution on the same terms as other holders of Wyndham Worldwide common stock.

        Except as otherwise noted in the footnotes below, each person or entity identified in the tables below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the securities owned by such person or entity. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each named person is c/o            .

        Immediately following the spin-off, we estimate that approximately            shares of our common stock will be issued and outstanding, based on the number of shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock expected to be outstanding as of the record date and based on each holder of Wyndham Worldwide common stock receiving one share of Wyndham Hotels common stock for each share of Wyndham Worldwide common stock. The actual number of shares of our common stock outstanding following the spin-off will be determined on                    , 2018, the record date.

Name of Beneficial Owner
  Shares of
Common
Stock
Beneficially
Owned

  Percentage of
Class

 

5% Stockholders:

         

Capital Research Global Investors

                   %

The Vanguard Group

             %

BlackRock, Inc.

                   %

Iridian Asset Management LLC

             %

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

   
 
   
 
 

Stephen P. Holmes

             %

Geoffrey A. Ballotti

                   %

David B. Wyshner

             %

Bob D. Loewen

                   %

Mary R. Falvey

             %

        

             

All directors and officers as a group (       persons)

             %

*
Represents less than 1%.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

        Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws will be amended and restated prior to the consummation of the spin-off. The following description of certain terms of our common stock as it will be in effect upon completion of the spin-off is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated by-laws. We have not yet finalized the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated by-laws and will include expanded descriptions thereof in an amendment to this information statement. The certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each in a form expected to be in effect at the time of the distribution, will be included as exhibits to the registration statement on Form 10, of which this information statement forms a part. See "Where You Can Find More Information."

        Under "Description of Capital Stock," "we," "us," "our" and "our company" refer to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. and not to any of its subsidiaries.

Authorized Capital Stock

        Prior to the distribution date, our board of directors and Wyndham Worldwide, as our sole stockholder, will approve and adopt amended and restated versions of our certificate of incorporation and by-laws. Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, authorized capital stock will consist of            shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and            shares of our preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Common Stock

        We estimate that            shares of our common stock will be issued and outstanding immediately after the spin-off, based on the number of shares of Wyndham Worldwide common stock that we expect will be outstanding as of the record date. The actual number of shares of our common stock outstanding following the spin-off will be determined on                    , 2018, the record date.

        Dividends.    Subject to prior dividend rights of the holders of any preferred shares, holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. We are incorporated in Delaware and are governed by Delaware law. Delaware law allows a corporation to pay dividends only out of surplus, as determined under Delaware law, or, if no such surplus exists, out of the corporation's net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year (provided that such payment will not reduce capital below the amount of capital represented by all classes of shares having a preference upon the distribution of assets).

        Voting Rights.    Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Holders of shares of our common stock do not have cumulative voting rights. In other words, a holder of a single share of common stock cannot cast more than one vote for each position to be filled on our board of directors. A consequence of not having cumulative voting rights is that the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in the election of directors can elect all directors standing for election, which means that the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors.

        Liquidation Rights.    In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, after the satisfaction in full of the liquidation preferences of holders of any preferred shares, holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to ratable distribution of the remaining assets available for distribution to stockholders. The shares of our common stock are not subject to redemption by operation of a sinking fund or otherwise. Holders of shares of our common stock are not currently entitled to pre-emptive rights.

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        Fully Paid.    All of our outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable, and the shares of common stock we will issue in connection with the spin-off will also be fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of our common stock have no preemptive rights and no rights to convert their common stock into any other securities, and our common stock will not be subject to any redemption or sinking fund provisions.

Preferred Stock

        We are authorized to issue up to            shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. No shares of our preferred stock were issued and outstanding as of                    , 2018.

        Our board of directors, without further action by the holders of our common stock, may issue shares of our preferred stock. Our board of directors is vested with the authority to fix by resolution the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and such qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including, without limitation, redemption rights, dividend rights, liquidation preference and conversion or exchange rights of any class or series of preferred stock, and to fix the number of classes or series of preferred stock, the number of shares constituting any such class or series and the voting powers for each class or series.

        The authority possessed by our board of directors to issue preferred stock could potentially be used to discourage attempts by third-parties to obtain control of our company through a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise by making such attempts more difficult or more costly. Our board of directors may issue preferred stock with voting rights or conversion rights that, if exercised, could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common stock. There are no current agreements or understandings with respect to the issuance of preferred stock and our board of directors has no present intention to issue any shares of preferred stock.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Amended and Restated By-laws and Delaware Law

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated by-laws and Delaware statutory law contain provisions that may impact the prospect of an acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer or a proxy contest. These provisions may discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. Although we have not yet finalized such terms in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws, we believe that the benefits of such increased protection would give us the potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us and outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging those proposals because negotiation of the proposals could result in an improvement of their terms. We have not yet finalized these provisions, and will provide expanded descriptions of these provisions in an amendment to this information statement.

        Our amended and restated by-laws will establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and nomination of candidates for election as directors other than nominations made by or at the direction of our board of directors or a committee of our board of directors.

        We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, an anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date such person becomes an interested stockholder, unless the business combination or the transaction in which such person becomes an interested stockholder is approved in a prescribed manner. Generally, a "business combination" includes a merger, asset or stock

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Generally, an "interested stockholder" is a person that, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of a corporation's voting stock. The existence of this provision may have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by our board of directors and the anti-takeover effect includes discouraging attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of our common stock.

No Cumulative Voting

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

        The authorization in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation of undesignated preferred stock will make it possible for our board of directors to issue our preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of us. The provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizing such preferred stock may have the effect of deferring hostile takeovers or delaying changes of control of our management.

Exclusive Jurisdiction of Certain Actions

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will require, to the fullest extent permitted by law that derivative actions brought in the name of Wyndham Hotels, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware. Although we believe this provision benefits Wyndham Hotels by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.

Limitations on Liability of Directors and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

        Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify directors and officers as well as other employees and individuals against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any threatened, pending or completed actions, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which such person is made a party by reason of the fact that the person is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation—a "derivative action"), if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person's conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification extends only to expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, and the statute requires court approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation's by-laws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement or otherwise.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that no Director shall be liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation on liability is not permitted under the DGCL, as now in effect or as amended. Currently, Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL requires that liability be imposed for the following:

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Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws will provide that, to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by the DGCL, as now in effect or as amended, we will indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was our Director or officer, or by reason of the fact that our Director or officer is or was serving, at our request, as a Director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans maintained or sponsored by us. We will indemnify such persons against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interests and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reason to believe such person's conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification extends only to expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such actions, and court approval is required before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to us. Any amendment of this provision will not reduce our indemnification obligations relating to actions taken before an amendment.

        We are in the process of drafting policies meant to insure our directors and officers and those of our subsidiaries against certain liabilities they may incur in their capacities as directors and officers. Under these policies, the insurer, on our behalf, may also pay amounts for which we have granted indemnification to the directors or officers.

Listing

        Our shares of common stock will be listed on the                . Our shares trade under the ticker symbol "                ."

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is                .

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Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We have filed a Registration Statement on Form 10 with the SEC with respect to the shares of common stock that Wyndham Worldwide stockholders will receive in the distribution. This information statement does not contain all of the information contained in the Registration Statement on Form 10 and the exhibits and schedules to the Registration Statement on Form 10. Some items are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For additional information relating to us and the spin-off, reference is made to the Registration Statement on Form 10 and the exhibits to the Registration Statement on Form 10, which are on file at the offices of the SEC. Statements contained in this information statement as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and in each instance, if the contract or document is filed as an exhibit, reference is made to the copy of the contract or other documents filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form 10. Each statement is qualified in all respects by the relevant reference.

        You may inspect and copy the Registration Statement on Form 10 and the exhibits to the Registration Statement on Form 10 that we have filed with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site at www.sec.gov, from which you can electronically access the Registration Statement on Form 10, including the exhibits and schedules to the Registration Statement on Form 10.

        We maintain an Internet site at www.            .com. Our Internet site and the information contained on that site, or connected to that site, are not incorporated into the information statement or the Registration Statement on Form 10.

        As a result of the distribution, we will be required to comply with the full informational requirements of the Exchange Act. We will fulfill our obligations with respect to these requirements by filing periodic reports and other information with the SEC.

        We plan to make available, free of charge, on our Internet site our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, reports filed pursuant to Section 16 of the Exchange Act and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the SEC.

        You should rely only on the information contained in this information statement or to which we have referred you. We have not authorized any person to provide you with different information or to make any representation not contained in this information statement.

122


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

INDEX TO ANNUAL COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  F-2

Combined Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

F-3

Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

F-4

Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

F-5

Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

F-6

Combined Statements of Parent's Net Investment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

F-7

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

F-8

F-1


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation
Parsippany, New Jersey

We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses (the "Company"), consisting of the entities holding substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Wyndham Worldwide Hotel Group business used in managing and operating the hotel businesses of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation ("Wyndham Worldwide"), as further discussed in Note 1 to the combined financial statements, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related combined statements of income, comprehensive income, parent's net investment, and cash flows for the years then ended. These combined financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the combined financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the combined financial statements, 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, such combined financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts businesses as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As described in Note 1 to the combined financial statements, the accompanying combined financial statements have been prepared from the separate records maintained by the Company. The combined financial statements also include expense allocations for certain corporate functions historically provided by Wyndham Worldwide. These allocations may not be reflective of the actual expense that would have been incurred had the Company operated as a separate entity apart from Wyndham Worldwide. A summary of transactions with related parties is included in Note 17 to the combined financial statements.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Parsippany, New Jersey
November 20, 2017

F-2


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS BUSINESSES
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions)

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2016   2015  

Net revenues

         

Royalties and franchise fees

  $ 353   $ 347  

Marketing, reservation and loyalty

  405   409  

Hotel management

    107     105  

License and other fees from Parent

  65   64  

Cost reimbursements

    271     272  

Other

  111   104  

Net revenues

    1,312     1,301  

  

         

Expenses

             

Marketing, reservation and loyalty

  407   418  

Operating

    187     191  

General and administrative

  83   90  

Cost reimbursements

    271     272  

Depreciation and amortization

  73   67  

Transaction-related

    1     3  

Impairment

    7  

Restructuring

    2     3  

Total expenses

  1,024   1,051  

  

             

Operating income

  288   250  

Interest expense, net

    1     1  

  

         

Income before income taxes

    287     249  

Provision for income taxes

  115   100  

Net income

  $ 172   $ 149  

See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.

F-3


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS BUSINESSES
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2016   2015  

Net income

  $ 172   $ 149  

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

             

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (1 ) (3 )

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

    (1 )   (3 )

Comprehensive income

  $ 171   $ 146  

See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.

F-4


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS BUSINESSES
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share data)

 
  December 31,
2016
  December 31,
2015
 

Assets

         

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 28   $ 38  

Trade receivables, net

    184     185  

Prepaid expenses

  24   26  

Other current assets

    19     22  

Total current assets

  255   271  

Property and equipment, net

    277     293  

Goodwill

  377   329  

Trademarks, net

    643     633  

Franchise agreements and other intangibles, net

  239   240  

Other non-current assets

    192     193  

Total assets

  $ 1,983   $ 1,959  

             

Liabilities and net investment

         

Current liabilities:

             

Current portion of debt due to Parent

  $ 103   $ 95  

Accounts payable

    27     24  

Deferred income

  68   60  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    174     198  

Total current liabilities

  372   377  

Debt due to Parent

    71      

Deferred income taxes

  273   246  

Deferred income

    81     81  

Other non-current liabilities

  75   76  

Total liabilities

    872     780  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

         

Net investment:

             

Parent's net investment

  1,111   1,178  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

        1  

Total net investment

  1,111   1,179  

Total liabilities and net investment

  $ 1,983   $ 1,959  

See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.

F-5


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS BUSINESSES
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2016   2015  

Operating Activities

         

Net income

  $ 172   $ 149  

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

         

Depreciation and amortization

    73     67  

Impairment charges

    7  

Deferred income taxes

    24     10  

Net change in assets and liabilities, excluding the impact of acquisitions:

         

Trade receivables

        (17 )

Prepaid expenses

  2   (1 )

Other current assets

    8     4  

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

  (18 ) 26  

Deferred income

    7     37  

Long-term assets

  (7 ) (5 )

Other, net

    9     10  

Net cash provided by operating activities

  270   287  


        

             

Investing Activities

         

Property and equipment additions

    (42 )   (51 )

Net assets acquired, net of cash acquired

  (70 ) (57 )

Payments of development advance notes

    (9 )   (9 )

Proceeds from development advance notes

  3   6  

Loan advances

    (2 )    

Loan repayments

    6  

Other, net

        1  

Net cash used in investing activities

  (120 ) (104 )

Financing Activities

             

Net transfer to Parent

  (239 ) (156 )

Proceeds from/(repayments of) borrowings from Parent

    79     (10 )

Capital lease payments

  (2 ) (2 )

Other, net

    1     (2 )

Net cash used in financing activities

  (161 ) (170 )

Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

    1      

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  (10 ) 13  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    38     25  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 28   $ 38  

See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.

F-6


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83


WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS BUSINESSES
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF PARENT'S NET INVESTMENT
(In millions)

 
  Parent's
Net Investment
 

Balance as of January 1, 2015

  $ 1,185  

Net income

    149  

Net transfers to Parent

  (156 )

Balance as of December 31, 2015

  $ 1,178  

Net income

  172  

Net transfers to Parent

    (239 )

Balance as of December 31, 2016

  $ 1,111  

See Notes to Combined Financial Statements.

F-7


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise noted, all amounts are in millions)

1.     Organization

Business

        Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Businesses ("Wyndham Hotels" or the "Company") is a leading global hotel franchisor, licensing its renowned hotel brands to hotel owners in more than 80 countries around the world. The Company is currently wholly owned by Wyndham Worldwide Corporation ("Wyndham Worldwide," and collectively, with its consolidated subsidiaries, "Parent") and includes the entities which hold or will hold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of, Wyndham Worldwide Hotel Group business used in managing and operating the hotel businesses of Wyndham Worldwide. On August 2, 2017, Wyndham Worldwide announced plans to spin-off the Company to its stockholders through a pro rata distribution of the Company's stock to existing Wyndham Worldwide stockholders. The spin-off transaction is expected to be tax-free to Wyndham Worldwide stockholders. See Note 18—Subsequent Events for further detail.

        Wyndham Hotels' combined results of operations, financial position and cash flows may not be indicative of its future performance and do not necessarily reflect what its combined results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had Wyndham Hotels operated as a separate, stand-alone entity during the periods presented, including changes in its operations and capitalization as a result of the separation and distribution from Wyndham Worldwide.

        The distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including, among other things: final approval of the distribution by the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors; the Registration Statement on Form 10, of which this information statement forms a part, being declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission; Wyndham Hotels common stock being approved for listing on a national securities exchange; the receipt of opinions with respect to certain tax matters related to the distribution from Wyndham Worldwide's spin-off tax advisors; the receipt of solvency and surplus opinions from a nationally recognized valuation firm; the receipt of all material governmental approvals; no order, injunction or decree issued by any governmental entity preventing the consummation of all or any portion of the distribution being in effect; and the completion of the financing transactions described in this information statement.

Basis of Presentation

        The accompanying Combined Financial Statements include the accounts and transactions of Wyndham Hotels, as well as the entities in which Wyndham Hotels directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest. The accompanying Combined Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the Combined Financial Statements.

        Wyndham Hotels' Combined Financial Statements include certain indirect general and administrative costs allocated to it by Parent for certain functions and services including, but not limited to, executive office, finance and other administrative support. These expenses have been allocated to Wyndham Hotels on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated primarily on a pro-rata basis of combined revenues or headcount of Wyndham Hotels. Both Wyndham Hotels and Parent consider the basis on which expenses have been allocated to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by Wyndham Hotels during the periods presented.

        In presenting the Combined Financial Statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and related disclosures. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. In management's

F-8


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

opinion, the Combined Financial Statements contain all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of annual results reported.

Business Description

        Wyndham Hotels operates in the following segments:

2.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

        The Combined Financial Statements presented herein have been prepared on a stand-alone basis and are derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Wyndham Worldwide. The consolidated financial statements include Wyndham Hotels' assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows and all entities in which Wyndham Hotels has a controlling financial interest.

        When evaluating an entity for consolidation, Wyndham Hotels first determines whether an entity is within the scope of the guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities ("VIE") and if it is deemed to be a VIE. If the entity is considered to be a VIE, Wyndham Hotels determines whether it would be considered the entity's primary beneficiary. Wyndham Hotels consolidates those VIEs for which it has determined that it is the primary beneficiary. Wyndham Hotels will consolidate an entity not deemed a VIE upon a determination that it has a controlling financial interest. For entities where Wyndham Hotels does not have a controlling financial interest, the investments in such entities are classified as available-for-sale securities or accounted for using the equity or cost method, as appropriate.

Revenue Recognition

        The principal source of revenues from franchising hotels is ongoing royalty fees, which are typically a percentage of gross room revenues of each franchised hotel and are recognized as revenue upon becoming due from the franchisee. An estimate of uncollectible ongoing royalty fees is charged to bad debt expense and included in operating expenses on the Combined Statements of Income. Wyndham Hotels also receives initial franchise fees, which are recognized as revenues when all material services or conditions have been substantially performed, which is either when a franchised hotel opens for business or when a franchise agreement is terminated after it has been determined that the franchised hotel will not open.

        Wyndham Hotels' franchise agreements also require the payment of marketing and reservation fees, which are intended to reimburse Wyndham Hotels for expenses associated with operating an international, centralized, brand-specific reservations system, e-commerce channels such as Wyndham Hotels' brand.com websites, as well as access to third-party distribution channels, such as online travel agencies, advertising and marketing programs, global sales efforts, operations support, training and other related services. Marketing and reservation fees are recognized as revenue upon becoming due from the franchisee. An estimate of uncollectible ongoing marketing and reservation booking fees is charged to bad debt expense and included in marketing and reservation expenses in the Combined Statements of Income.

        Generally, Wyndham Hotels is contractually obligated to expend the marketing and reservation fees it collects from franchisees in accordance with the franchise agreements; as such, revenues earned in excess of costs incurred are accrued as a liability for future marketing or reservation costs. Costs incurred in excess of revenues earned are expensed as incurred. In accordance with its franchise agreements,

F-9


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Wyndham Hotels includes an allocation of costs required to carry out marketing and reservation activities within marketing and reservation expenses.

        Wyndham Hotels also earns revenues from its Wyndham Rewards loyalty program when a member stays at a participating hotel. These revenues are derived from a fee Wyndham Hotels charges based upon a percentage of room revenues generated from such stay. These fees are to reimburse Wyndham Hotels for expenses associated with member redemptions and activities that are related to the overall administration and marketing of the program. These fees are recognized as revenue upon becoming due from the franchisee. Since Wyndham Hotels is obligated to expend the fees it collects from franchisees, revenues earned in excess of costs incurred are accrued as a liability for future costs to support the program. In addition, Wyndham Hotels earns revenue from its co-branded Wyndham Rewards Visa credit card program and other third-party arrangements. Advance payments received under such arrangements are deferred and recognized as earned over the term of the arrangement.

        Wyndham Hotels also provides management services for hotels under management contracts. In addition to the standard franchise services described above, the Company's hotel management business provides hotel owners with professional oversight and comprehensive operations support services such as hiring, training and supervising the managers and employees that operate the hotels as well as annual budget preparation, financial analysis and extensive food and beverage services. Wyndham Hotels' standard management agreement typically has a term of up to 25 years. Hotel management revenues are comprised of (i) base fees, which are typically a percentage of total hotel revenues, (ii) incentive fees, which are typically a percentage of hotel profitability, and (iii) for Wyndham Hotels' two owned hotels, gross room revenue, food and beverage services revenue and other amenity service revenue, such as from spa, casino and golf offerings. Management fee revenues are recognized as the services are performed and when the earnings process is complete and are recorded as a component of Hotel management revenues on the Combined Statements of Income. Management fee revenues were $15 million during both 2016 and 2015. Wyndham Hotels also recognizes as revenue reimbursable payroll-related costs for operational employees at certain of Wyndham Hotels' managed hotels. Although these costs are funded by hotel owners, accounting guidance requires Wyndham Hotels to report these fees on a gross basis as both revenues and expenses. As such, there is no effect on Wyndham Hotels' operating income. Revenues related to these reimbursable costs were $271 million and $272 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are reported on the Combined Statements of Income.

        Wyndham Hotels also earns revenues from hotel ownership. Wyndham Hotels' ownership portfolio is limited to two hotels in locations where Parent had developed timeshare units. Revenues earned from Wyndham Hotels' owned hotels consist primarily of gross room night rentals, food and beverage services and on-site spa, casino, golf and shop revenues. These revenues are recognized upon the completion of services to guests.

        Wyndham Hotels recognizes royalties from Wyndham Worldwide for use of the "Wyndham" trademark and certain other trademarks.

Income Taxes

        Current and deferred income taxes and related tax expense have been determined based on Wyndham Hotels' stand-alone results by applying a separate return methodology, as if the entities were separate taxpayers in the respective jurisdictions.

        Wyndham Hotels recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated based upon the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. These differences are based upon estimated differences between the book and tax basis of the assets and liabilities for Wyndham Hotels as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

F-10


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        Wyndham Hotels' deferred tax assets are recorded net of a valuation allowance when, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. Decreases to the valuation allowance are recorded as reductions to Wyndham Hotels' provision for income taxes and increases to the valuation allowance result in additional provision for income taxes. The realization of Wyndham Hotels' deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance, is primarily dependent on estimated future taxable income. A change in Wyndham Hotels' estimate of future taxable income may require an addition to or reduction from the valuation allowance.

        For tax positions Wyndham Hotels has taken or expects to take in a tax return, Wyndham Hotels applies a more likely than not threshold, under which Wyndham Hotels must conclude a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, assuming that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information, in order to recognize or continue to recognize the benefit. In determining Wyndham Hotels' provision for income taxes, Wyndham Hotels uses judgment, reflecting its estimates and assumptions, in applying the more likely than not threshold.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Wyndham Hotels considers highly-liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Receivable Valuation

        Wyndham Hotels provides for estimated bad debts based on its assessment of the ultimate realizability of receivables, considering historical collection experience, the economic environment and specific guest information. When Wyndham Hotels determines that an account is not collectible, the account is written-off to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The following table illustrates Wyndham Hotels' allowance for doubtful accounts activity for the year ended December 31:

 
  2016   2015  

Beginning balance

 
$

98

 

$

107

 

Bad debt expense

   
3
   
8
 

Write-offs

 

(24

)


(17

)

Ending balance

 
$

77
 
$

98
 

Loyalty Programs

        Wyndham Hotels operates the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. Wyndham Rewards members primarily accumulate points by staying in hotels franchised under one of Wyndham Hotels' brands. Wyndham Rewards members may also accumulate points by purchasing everyday services and products utilizing their co-branded credit cards.

        Members may redeem their points for hotel stays, airline tickets, rental cars, electronics, sporting goods, movie and theme park tickets and gift certificates, as well as for stays at Wyndham Destination Network properties and Wyndham Vacation Ownership maintenance fees and annual membership dues and exchange fees for transactions. The points cannot be redeemed for cash. Wyndham Hotels earns revenue from these programs when a member stays at a participating hotel, from a fee charged by Wyndham Hotels to the franchisee, which is based upon a percentage of room revenues generated from such stay. Such revenues are recorded within marketing, reservation and loyalty revenue on the Combined Statements of Income. In addition, Wyndham Hotels also maintains a Wyndham Rewards co-branded credit card program for which it earns revenues based upon a percentage of the members' spending on the co-branded credit cards and such revenues are paid to Wyndham Hotels by a third-party issuing bank.

F-11


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Wyndham Hotels also incurs costs to support these programs, which primarily relate to marketing expenses to promote the programs, costs to administer the programs and costs of members' redemptions.

        As members earn points through the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, Wyndham Hotels records a liability for the estimated future redemption costs, which is calculated based on (i) an estimated cost per point and (ii) an estimated redemption rate of the overall points earned, which is determined through historical experience, current trends and the use of an actuarial analysis. Expenses relating to the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program amounted to $96 million during both 2016 and 2015. The liability for estimated future redemption costs as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $66 million and $55 million, respectively, and is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities in the Combined Balance Sheets.

Advertising Expense

        Advertising costs are generally expensed in the period incurred. Advertising expenses, which are primarily recorded within marketing and reservation expenses on the Combined Statements of Income, were $77 million and $78 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

        The preparation of the Combined Financial Statements requires Wyndham Hotels to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Combined Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates and assumptions are based on Wyndham Hotels' knowledge of current events and actions Wyndham Hotels may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from estimates and assumptions.

Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements) are recorded at cost, and presented net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation, recorded as a component of depreciation and amortization on the Combined Statements of Income, is computed utilizing the straight-line method over the lesser of the lease terms or estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements, also recorded as a component of depreciation and amortization, is computed utilizing the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated benefit period of the related assets or the lease terms. Useful lives are generally 30 years for buildings, up to 20 years for building and leasehold improvements and from three to seven years for furniture, fixtures and equipment.

        Wyndham Hotels capitalizes the costs of software developed for internal use in accordance with the guidance for accounting for costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. Capitalization of software developed for internal use commences during the development phase of the project. Wyndham Hotels amortizes software developed or obtained for internal use on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life which is generally three to five years. Such amortization commences when the software is substantially ready for use.

        The net carrying value of software developed or obtained for internal use was $75 million and $83 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

        Wyndham Hotels has goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded in connection with business combinations. Wyndham Hotels annually (during the fourth quarter of each year), or more frequently if circumstances indicate that the value of goodwill may be impaired, reviews the reporting units' carrying values as required by the guidance for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets.

F-12


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

In accordance with the guidance, Wyndham Hotels has determined that it has three reporting units, which are: (i) hotel franchising, (ii) hotel management and (iii) owned hotels.

        Under current accounting guidance, goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization. However, goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite lives are subject to fair value-based rules for measuring impairment, and resulting write-downs, if any, are reflected as an expense. Wyndham Hotels has goodwill recorded at its hotel franchising, hotel management and owned hotels reporting units. Wyndham Hotels completed its annual goodwill impairment test by performing a quantitative analysis for each of its reporting units as of October 1, 2016 and determined that no impairment exists.

        Wyndham Hotels also evaluates the recoverability of its other long-lived assets, including property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, pursuant to guidance for impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. This analysis is performed by comparing the respective carrying values of the assets to the current and expected future cash flows, on an undiscounted basis, to be generated from such assets. Property and equipment is evaluated separately within each segment. If such analysis indicates that the carrying value of these assets is not recoverable, the carrying value of such assets is reduced to fair value.

Accounting for Restructuring Activities

        Wyndham Hotels' restructuring activities require it to make significant estimates in several areas including (i) expenses for severance and related benefit costs, (ii) the ability to generate sublease income, as well as its ability to terminate lease obligations, and (iii) contract terminations. The amounts that Wyndham Hotels has accrued as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 represent its best estimate of the obligations incurred in connection with these actions, but could be subject to change due to various factors including market conditions and the outcome of negotiations with third parties.

Guarantees

        Wyndham Hotels may enter into performance guarantees related to certain hotels that it manages. Wyndham Hotels records a liability for the fair value of these performance guarantees at their inception date. The corresponding offset is recorded to other assets. For performance guarantees not subject to a recapture provision, Wyndham Hotels amortizes the liability for the fair value of the guarantee over the term of the guarantee using a systematic and rational approach. On a quarterly basis, Wyndham Hotels evaluates the likelihood of funding under a guarantee. To the extent Wyndham Hotels determines an obligation to fund under a guarantee is both probable and estimable, Wyndham Hotels will record a separate contingent liability. The expense related to this separate contingent liability is recognized in the period that Wyndham Hotels determines funding is probable for that period.

        For performance guarantees subject to a recapture provision, Wyndham Hotels records a liability for the fair value of these performance guarantees at their inception date. To the extent Wyndham Hotels is required to fund an obligation under a guarantee subject to a recapture provision, Wyndham Hotels records a receivable for amounts expected to be recovered in the future. On a quarterly basis, Wyndham Hotels evaluates the likelihood of recovering such receivables.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

        Accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") consists of accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments. Foreign currency translation adjustments exclude income taxes related to indefinite investments in foreign subsidiaries. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries having non-U.S.-dollar functional currencies are translated at exchange rates at the Combined Balance Sheet dates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the periods presented. The gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars, net of hedging gains or losses and taxes, are included in AOCI on the Combined Balance Sheets. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the Combined Statements of Income.

F-13


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Stock-based Compensation

        In accordance with the guidance for stock-based compensation, Wyndham Hotels measures all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and records the related expense in its Combined Statements of Income.

        Wyndham Hotels recognizes the cost of stock-based compensation awards to employees as they provide services and the expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period and includes an estimate of forfeitures. The requisite service period is the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for an award. Forfeiture rates are estimated based on historical employee terminations for each grant cycle. Compensation expense for awards with performance conditions is recognized over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance condition will be satisfied. If such performance conditions are not considered probable, no compensation expense for these awards is recognized.

Parent's Net Investment

        The Parent's net investment in the Combined Balance Sheets represents Wyndham Worldwide's historical net investment in Wyndham Hotels resulting from various transactions with and allocations from the Parent. Balances due to and due from the Parent and accumulated earnings attributable to Wyndham Hotels operations have been presented as components of Parent investment. Cash presented in the Combined Balance Sheets represents cash that had not yet been transferred to the Parent.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        Revenue from Contracts with Customers.    In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The guidance also requires disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Entities have the option to apply the new guidance under a retrospective approach to each prior reporting period presented or a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new guidance recognized at the date of initial application within the Statement of Combined Financial Position. Wyndham Hotels currently expects to adopt the new guidance utilizing the full retrospective transition method on its effective date of January 1, 2018.

        The Company has substantially completed its assessment of the new guidance and is finalizing its quantification of the impact of its loyalty program based on the latest available guidance. The Company estimates that its 2016 revenues will increase between $10 million and $20 million and its 2016 net income will increase by $2 million to $4 million. The Company estimates that its 2016 beginning retained earnings will be reduced by $10 million to $20 million as a result of this adoption. Additionally, the Company expects a change in the timing of recognition of marketing, reservation and loyalty expenses reflecting a shift of net income from the first quarter to the third quarter.

        The Company believes the most significant impacts are associated with the accounting for initial fees, upfront costs, loyalty revenues and marketing and reservation expenses. Specifically, under the new guidance, the Company expects initial fees to be recognized ratably over the life of the noncancelable period of the franchise agreement and incremental upfront contract costs to be deferred and expensed over the life of the noncancelable period of the franchise agreement. The Company expects loyalty revenues to be deferred and primarily recognized over the loyalty points redemption pattern. The Company will no longer accrue a liability for future marketing and reservation costs when marketing and reservation revenues earned exceed costs incurred. Marketing and reservation costs incurred in excess of revenues earned will continue to be expensed as incurred.

F-14


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        Leases.    In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance which requires companies generally to recognize on the balance sheet operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Wyndham Hotels is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Combined Financial Statements.

        Compensation - Stock Compensation.    In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance is expected to impact Wyndham Hotels' provision for income taxes on its Combined Statements of Income and its operating and financing cash flows on its Combined Statements of Cash Flows. Wyndham Hotels will adopt the new guidance on January 1, 2017, using the prospective transition approach. The impact of this new guidance will result in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation being recorded within operating activities on its Combined Statements of Cash Flows. The magnitude of such impacts are dependent upon Wyndham Hotels' future grants of stock-based compensation, Wyndham Hotels' stock price in relation to the fair value of awards on grant date, and the exercise behavior of Wyndham Hotels' equity compensation holders.

        Statement of Cash Flows.    In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This guidance requires the retrospective transition method and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Wyndham Hotels believes the impact of this new guidance will result in development advance notes being recorded within operating activities on its Combined Statements of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes the effect of the new guidance:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
Increase/(decrease):
  2016   2015  

Operating Activities

  $ (6 ) $ (3 )

Investing Activities

    6     3  

        Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory.    In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance which requires companies to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. This guidance requires the modified retrospective approach and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Wyndham Hotels is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Combined Financial Statements.

        Clarifying the Definition of a Business.    In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the definition of a business, which assists entities when evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions of businesses or assets. This guidance is effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Wyndham Hotels is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Combined Financial Statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

        Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.    In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance on reporting discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity. This guidance changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and enhances the related disclosure requirements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014 and for interim periods within those fiscal

F-15


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

years, with early adoption permitted. Wyndham Hotels adopted the guidance on January 1, 2015, as required. There was no material impact on the Combined Financial Statements resulting from the adoption.

        Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.    In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on disclosure of uncertainties about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. This guidance addresses management's responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Management's evaluation should be based on relevant conditions and events that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued. This guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Wyndham Hotels early adopted the guidance on January 1, 2015. There was no impact on the Combined Financial Statements resulting from the adoption.

        Consolidation.    In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance related to management's evaluation of consolidation for certain legal entities. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Wyndham Hotels adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016, as required. There was no material impact on the Combined Financial Statements resulting from the adoption.

        Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.    In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on determining whether a cloud computing arrangement contains a software license that should be accounted for as internal-use software. If a cloud computing arrangement does not contain a software license, it should be accounted for as a service contract. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Wyndham Hotels adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016, as required. There was no material impact on the Combined Financial Statements resulting from the adoption.

        Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.    In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs. The guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. In August 2015, the FASB further clarified its issued guidance by stating that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangements. This guidance required retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Wyndham Hotels adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016, as required. There was no material impact on the Combined Financial Statements resulting from the adoption.

        Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement—Period Adjustments.    In September 2015, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the accounting for measurement—period adjustments related to a business combination. The guidance requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Wyndham Hotels adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016, as required. There was no material impact on the Combined Financial Statements resulting from the adoption.

        Income Taxes.    In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The guidance requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current in the Combined Balance Sheet. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. This guidance may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods

F-16


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

presented. Wyndham Hotels early adopted the guidance on a retrospective basis on June 30, 2016. This guidance has been applied to all periods presented in the Combined Balance Sheet.

3.     Acquisitions

        Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations were recorded on the Combined Balance Sheets as of the respective acquisition dates based upon their estimated fair values at such dates. The results of operations of businesses acquired by Wyndham Hotels have been included in the Combined Statements of Income since their respective dates of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed was allocated to goodwill. In certain circumstances, the allocations of the excess purchase price are based upon preliminary estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, the allocations may be subject to revision when Wyndham Hotels receives final information, including appraisals and other analyses. Any revisions to the fair values during the measurement period will be recorded by Wyndham Hotels as further adjustments to the purchase price allocations. Although, in certain circumstances, Wyndham Hotels has substantially integrated the operations of its acquired businesses, additional future costs relating to such integration may occur. These costs may result from integrating operating systems, relocating employees, closing facilities, reducing duplicative efforts and exiting and consolidating other activities. These costs will be recorded on the Combined Statements of Income as expenses.

        Fen Hotels.    During November 2016, Wyndham Hotels completed the acquisition of Fen Hotels, a hotel franchising and manager of properties with a focus in the Latin America region, for $70 million, net of cash acquired. This acquisition is consistent with Wyndham Hotels' strategy to expand its managed portfolio within its hotel management business. The acquisition resulted in the addition of two brands (Dazzler and Esplendor) to Wyndham Hotels' portfolio.

        The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with Wyndham Hotels' acquisition of Fen Hotels:

 
  Amount  

Trade receivables, net

 
$

1
 

Goodwill (a)

   
48
 

Management contracts

 

16
 

Trademarks (b)

   
10
 

Total assets acquired

 

75
 

Other current liabilities

   
1
 

Other non-current liabilities

 

4
 

Total liabilities acquired

   
5
 

Net assets acquired

 
$

70
 

(a)
Goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
(b)
Trademarks have a weighted average life of 20 years.

        This acquisition was assigned to the Company's Hotel Franchising and Hotel Management segments and was not material to Wyndham Hotels' results of operations, financial position or cash flows. In connection with the acquisition of Fen Hotels, Wyndham Hotels incurred $1 million of acquisition-related costs, which are reflected in transaction-related costs within the Combined Statements of Income.

F-17


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        Dolce Hotels and Resorts.    During January 2015, Wyndham Hotels completed the acquisition of Dolce Hotels and Resorts ("Dolce"), a franchisor and manager of properties focused on group accommodations. The net consideration of $57 million was comprised of $52 million in cash, net of cash acquired, for the equity of Dolce and $5 million related to debt repaid at closing. This acquisition is consistent with Wyndham Hotels' strategy to expand its managed portfolio within its hotel management business.

        The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with Wyndham Hotels' acquisition of Dolce:

 
  Amount  

Trade receivables, net

 
$

4
 

Goodwill (a)

   
29
 

Management contracts (b)

 

28
 

Trademarks

   
14
 

Other current and non-current assets

 

5
 

Total assets acquired

   
80
 

Other current liabilities

 

7
 

Other non-current liabilities

   
16
 

Total liabilities acquired

 

23
 

Net assets acquired

 
$

57
 

(a)
Goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
(b)
Managements contracts have a weighted average life of 15 years.

        This acquisition was assigned to the Company's Hotel Franchising and Hotel Management segments and was not material to Wyndham Hotels' results of operations, financial position or cash flows. In connection with the acquisition of Dolce, Wyndham Hotels incurred $3 million of acquisition-related costs, which are reflected in transaction-related costs within the Combined Statements of Income.

4.     Franchising and Marketing/Reservation Activities

        Royalties and franchise fee revenues on the Combined Statements of Income include initial franchise fees of $15 million and $12 million, for 2016 and 2015, respectively.

        In accordance with the franchise agreements, generally Wyndham Hotels is contractually obligated to expend the marketing and reservation fees it collects from franchisees for the operation of an international, centralized, brand-specific reservation system and for marketing purposes such as advertising, promotional and co-marketing programs, and training for the respective franchisees. Additionally, Wyndham Hotels is required to provide certain services to its franchisees, including referrals, technology and volume purchasing.

        Wyndham Hotels may, at its discretion, provide development advance notes to certain franchisees or hotel owners in order to assist them in converting to one of Wyndham Hotels' brands, building a new hotel to be flagged under one of Wyndham Hotels' brands or in assisting in other franchisee expansion efforts. Provided the franchisee/hotel owner is in compliance with the terms of the franchise/management agreement, all or a portion of the development advance notes may be forgiven by Wyndham Hotels over the period of the franchise/management agreement, which typically ranges from 10 to 20 years. Otherwise, the related principal is due and payable to Wyndham Hotels. In certain instances, Wyndham Hotels may earn interest on unpaid franchisee development advance notes. Such interest was not significant during

F-18


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

2016 and 2015. Development advance notes recorded on the Combined Balance Sheets amounted to $73 million and $81 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are classified within other non-current assets on the Combined Balance Sheets. During 2016 and 2015, Wyndham Hotels recorded $7 million and $8 million respectively, related to the forgiveness of these notes. Such amounts are recorded as a reduction of franchise fees on the Combined Statements of Income. Wyndham Hotels recorded $1 million during 2016 and 2015 of bad debt expenses related to development advance notes. Such expenses were reported within operating expenses on the Combined Statements of Income.

5.     Intangible Assets

        Intangible assets consisted of:

 
  As of December 31, 2016   As of December 31, 2015  
 
  Gross
Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Carrying
Amount
  Gross
Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Carrying
Amount
 

Unamortized Intangible Assets:

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 
 

Goodwill

 
$

377
             
$

329
             

Trademarks (a)

 
$

633

 



 



 

$

633

 



 


 

Amortized Intangible Assets:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Franchise agreements (b)

 
$

594

 

$

401

 

$

193

 

$

594

 

$

386

 

$

208
 

Management agreements (c)

   
48
   
5
   
43
   
32
   
3
   
29
 

Trademarks (d)

 

10

 



 


10

 



 



 


 

Other (e)

   
6
   
3
   
3
   
5
   
2
   
3
 

 
$

658

 

$

409

 

$

249

 

$

631

 

$

391

 

$

240
 

(a)
Comprised of various trademarks (primarily including the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Ramada, Days Inn, Baymont Inn & Suites, Microtel Inns & Suites, Hawthorn by Wyndham, TRYP by Wyndham and Dolce Hotels and Resorts trade names) that Wyndham Hotels has acquired. These trademarks are expected to generate future cash flows for an indefinite period of time.
(b)
Generally amortized over a period ranging from 14 to 40 years with a weighted average life of 35 years.
(c)
Generally amortized over a period ranging from 13 to 25 years with a weighted average life of 17 years.
(d)
Generally amortized over a period of 20 years with a weighted average life of 20 years.
(e)
Includes design prototypes generally amortized over a period ranging from three to five years with a weighted average life of five years.

Goodwill

        During the fourth quarters of 2016 and 2015, Wyndham Hotels performed its annual goodwill impairment test and determined that no impairment existed as the fair value of goodwill at its reporting units was in excess of the carrying value.

        The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

 
  Balance as of
December 31,
2015
  Goodwill
Acquired
During
2016
  Balance as of
December 31,
2016
 

Hotel Franchising

 
$

305

 

$

35

 

$

340
 

Hotel Management

   
24
   
13
   
37
 

Total

 
$

329

 

$

48

 

$

377
 

F-19


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        Amortization expense relating to amortizable intangible assets was as follows:

 
  2016   2015  

Franchise agreements

 
$

15

 

$

15
 

Management agreements

   
2
   
2
 

Other

 

1

 


1
 

Total (*)

 
$

18
 
$

18
 

(*)
Included as a component of depreciation and amortization on the Combined Statements of Income.

        Based on Wyndham Hotels' amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 2016, the Company expects related amortization expense as follows:

 
  Amount  

2017

 
$

20
 

2018

   
19
 

2019

 

18
 

2020

   
18
 

2021

 

18
 

6.     Income Taxes

        The income tax provision consists of the following for the year ended December 31:

 
  2016   2015  

Current

 

 

 


 

 

Federal

 
$

66
 
$

63
 

State

 

16

 


15

 

Foreign

   
9
   
12
 

 

91

 


90

 

Deferred

   
 
   
 
 

Federal

 

21

 


9

 

State

   
3
   
2
 

Foreign

 


 


(1

)

   
24
   
10
 

Provision for income taxes

 
$

115

 

$

100

 

F-20


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        Pretax income for domestic and foreign operations consisted of the following for the year ended December 31:

 
  2016   2015  

Domestic

 
$

264

 

$

229
 

Foreign

   
23
   
20
 

Pretax income

 
$

287

 

$

249
 

        Deferred income tax assets and liabilities, as of December 31, are comprised of the following:

 
  2016   2015  

Deferred income tax assets:

 

 

 


 

 

Net operating loss carryforward

 
$

12
 
$

13
 

Accrued liabilities and deferred income

 

59

 


65

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

   
43
   
51
 

Other

 

3

 


5

 

Valuation allowance (*)

   
(11

)
 
(11

)

Deferred income tax assets

 

106

 


123

 

        

   
 
   
 
 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

 

 

 


 

 

Depreciation and amortization

   
374
   
364
 

Other

 

3

 


3

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

   
377
   
367
 

Net deferred income tax liabilities

 
$

271

 

$

244

 

        

   
 
   
 
 

Reported in:

 

 

 


 

 

Deferred income taxes

 
$

273
 
$

246
 

Other non-current assets

 

2

 


2

 

Net deferred income tax liabilities

 
$

271
 
$

244
 

(*)
The valuation allowance at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 relate to net operating loss carryforwards. The valuation allowances will be reduced when and if the Company determines it is more likely than not that the related deferred income tax assets will be realized.

        As of December 31, 2016, the Company's net operating loss carryforwards primarily relate to state net operating losses which are due to expire at various dates, but no later than 2036.

        No provision has been made for U.S. federal deferred income taxes on $39 million of accumulated and undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 since it is currently managements' intention to reinvest the undistributed earnings indefinitely in those foreign operations. The determination of the amount of unrecognized U.S. federal deferred income tax liability for unremitted earnings is not practicable as a result of the large number of assumptions necessary to compute the tax.

F-21


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

These earnings could become subject to additional taxes if remitted as dividends; the resulting U.S. income tax liabilities could be offset, in whole or in part, by credits allowable for taxes paid to foreign jurisdictions.

        The Company's effective income tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate as follows for the year ended December 31:

 
  2016   2015  

Federal statutory rate

 

35.0

%


35.0

%

State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefits

   
4.5
   
4.5
 

Taxes on foreign operations at rates different than U.S. federal statutory rates

 

(0.3

)


0.4

 

Taxes on foreign income, net of tax credits

   
0.1
   
0.5
 

Valuation allowance

 

(0.2

)


(0.2

)

Other

   
1.0
   
 

 

40.1

%


40.2

%

        The effective income tax rate for 2016 and 2015 differs from the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to state taxes.

        The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company's unrecognized tax benefits:

 
  2016   2015  

Beginning balance

 
$

11

 

$

9

 

Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period

   
1
   
3
 

Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period

 

3

 


2

 

Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities

   
   
(1

)

Decreases as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations

 

(1

)


(2

)

Decreases related to tax positions taken during a prior period

   
(1

)
 
 

Ending balance

 
$

13

 

$

11

 

        The gross amount of the unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate was $13 million and $11 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company recorded both accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of provision for income taxes on the Combined Statements of Income. The Company also accrued potential penalties and interest related to these unrecognized tax benefits of $1 million during both 2016 and 2015. The Company had a liability for potential penalties of $2 million and $1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and potential interest of $2 million and $1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Such liabilities are reported as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the Combined Balance Sheets. The Company does not expect the unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.

F-22


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        The Company files U.S., state and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. The 2014 through 2016 tax years generally remain subject to examination by federal tax authorities. The 2009 through 2016 tax years generally remain subject to examination by many state tax authorities. In significant foreign jurisdictions, the 2008 through 2016 tax years generally remain subject to examination by their respective tax authorities. The statute of limitations is scheduled to expire within 12 months of the reporting date in certain taxing jurisdictions, and the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by between $1 million and $2 million.

        The Company is part of a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with Wyndham Worldwide and other subsidiaries that are not included in its Combined Financial Statements. Income taxes as presented in the Company's Combined Financial Statements present current and deferred income taxes of the consolidated federal tax filing attributed to the Company using the separate return method. The separate return method applies the accounting guidance for income taxes to the financial statements as if the Company was a separate taxpayer. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, Wyndham Worldwide paid $78 million and $72 million, respectively, of federal and state income tax liabilities related to the Company, which is reflected in its Combined Financial Statements as an increase to Parent's net investment. Additionally, the Company made foreign income tax payments, net refunds of $7 million and $7 million during 2016 and 2015, respectively.

7. Property and Equipment, net

        Property and equipment, net, as of December 31, consisted of:

 
  2016   2015  

Land

 
$

24

 

$

24

 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

   
182
   
167
 

Capitalized software

 

242

 


223

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

   
66
   
71
 

Capital leases

 

4

 


4

 

Construction in progress

   
5
   
17
 

 

523

 


506

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

   
246
   
213
 

 
$

277

 

$

293

 

        During 2016 and 2015, Wyndham Hotels recorded depreciation and amortization expense of $55 million and $49 million, respectively, related to property and equipment.

F-23


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

8. Other Non-Current Assets

        Other non-current assets, as of December 31, consisted of:

 
  2016   2015  

Development advances

 
$

73

 

$

81

 

Hotel management guarantee receivable

   
36
   
31
 

Hotel management guarantee asset

 

28

 


31

 

Notes receivable

   
19
   
13
 

Other

 

36

 


37

 

 
$

192
 
$

193
 

9. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

        Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, as of December 31, consisted of:

 
  2016   2015  

Accrued payroll and related

 
$

58

 

$

66

 

Accrued loyalty programs

   
38
   
31
 

Accrued advertising and marketing

 

31

 


41

 

Accrued taxes payable

   
12
   
11
 

Accrued legal settlements

 

2

 


10

 

Other

   
33
   
39
 

 
$

174

 

$

198

 

10. Deferred Income

        Deferred income, as of December 31, consisted of:

 
  2016   2015  

Initial franchise fees

 
$

52

 

$

51

 

Credit card fees

   
47
   
41
 

Property management system fees

 

22

 


25

 

Management fees

   
15
   
11
 

Other fees

 

13

 


13

 

Total deferred income

   
149
   
141
 

Less: Current deferred income

 

68

 


60

 

Non-current deferred income

 
$

81
 
$

81
 

F-24


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        Deferred initial franchise fees are recognized when all material services or conditions have been performed which is typically within two years. Deferred credit card fees represent payments received in advance from Wyndham Hotels' co-branded credit card partner, the majority of which is recognized within one year. Deferred property management system fees represents payments received from franchisees for the property management system used over the life of the franchise agreement, which is typically between 10 and 20 years. Deferred management fees are recognized when all contractual contingencies are resolved and the earnings process is complete, which is typically greater than one year.

11. Debt Due to Parent

        Wyndham Hotels had $174 million and $95 million of outstanding borrowings from the Parent as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. At December 31, 2016, $71 million of the outstanding borrowings was attributable to an agreement with a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide to fund Wyndham Hotels' acquisition of Fen Hotels in November 2016. The borrowing bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.33% per annum and is payable in a lump sum on December 1, 2026. In the event that Wyndham Hotels ceases to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide, the loan will become payable upon demand. All of the remaining outstanding borrowings from the Parent are short-term and bear interest at the LIBOR plus 65 basis points. Wyndham Hotels' interest expense was $1 million during 2016 and 2015.

        In addition, Wyndham Hotels had $2 million of outstanding capital lease obligations at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

12. Fair Value

        Wyndham Hotels measures its financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis and utilizes the fair value hierarchy to determine such fair values. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

        The fair value of financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values resulting from trading on a national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques, as appropriate. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. In addition, the carrying value of the Debt due to Parent approximated fair value at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Financial Instruments

        Changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates expose Wyndham Hotels to market risk. Wyndham Hotels also uses cash flow hedges as part of its overall strategy to manage its exposure to market risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. As a matter of

F-25


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

policy, Wyndham Hotels only enters into transactions that it believes will be highly effective at offsetting the underlying risk and it does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

Foreign Currency Risk

        Wyndham Hotels has foreign currency rate exposure to exchange rate fluctuations worldwide particularly with respect to the Canadian Dollar, the Chinese Yuan, the Euro, the British Pound and the Australian Dollar. Wyndham Hotels uses foreign currency forward contracts at various times to manage and reduce the foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with its foreign currency denominated receivables and payables, and forecasted royalties, and forecasted earnings and cash flows of foreign subsidiaries and other transactions. Gains and (losses) recognized in income were not material for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Credit Risk and Exposure

        Wyndham Hotels is exposed to counterparty credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to various agreements and sales transactions. Wyndham Hotels manages such risk by evaluating the financial position and creditworthiness of such counterparties and often by requiring collateral in instances in which financing is provided. Wyndham Hotels mitigates counterparty credit risk associated with its derivative contracts by monitoring the amounts at risk with each counterparty to such contracts, periodically evaluating counterparty creditworthiness and financial position, and where possible, dispersing its risk among multiple counterparties.

        Wyndham Hotels has a $36 million management guarantee receivable related to a single hotel management agreement that provides the hotel owner with a guarantee of a certain level of profitability based upon various metrics. The collectability of this receivable is contingent on the future profitability of the managed hotels subject to the management agreement. See Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies for further detail.

        As of December 31, 2016, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk with any individual counterparty or groups of counterparties.

Market Risk

        Wyndham Hotels is subject to risks relating to the geographic concentrations of areas in which Wyndham Hotels has hotel operations, which may result in the Company's results of operations being more sensitive to local and regional economic conditions and other factors, including competition, natural disasters and economic downturns, than Wyndham Hotels' results of operations would be, absent such geographic concentrations. Local and regional economic conditions and other factors may differ materially from prevailing conditions in other parts of the world. Florida is an area with concentrations of owned, managed and franchise operations. Approximately 10% of net revenues were generated from transactions in the state of Florida in 2016.

F-26


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

13. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

Leases

        Wyndham Hotels has noncancelable operating lease commitments covering various facilities and equipment. Future minimum lease payments required under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2016 are as follows:

 
  Noncancelable
Operating
Leases
 

2017

 
$

3

 

2018

   
3
 

2019

 

3

 

2020

   
2
 

2021

 

1

 

 
$

12
 

        Wyndham Hotels incurred total rental expense of $4 million during 2016 and 2015.

Purchase Commitments

        In the normal course of business, Wyndham Hotels makes various commitments to purchase goods or services and other capital expenditures from specific suppliers. Purchase commitments entered into by Wyndham Hotels aggregated $112 million as of December 31, 2016, of which $98 million was for information technology.

Litigation

        Wyndham Hotels is involved in claims, legal and regulatory proceedings and governmental inquiries arising in the ordinary course of its business including but not limited to: breach of contract, fraud and bad faith claims between franchisors and franchisees in connection with franchise agreements and with owners in connection with management contracts, negligence, breach of contract, fraud, employment, consumer protection and other statutory claims asserted in connection with alleged acts or occurrences at owned, franchised or managed properties or in relation to guest reservations and bookings.

        Wyndham Hotels records an accrual for legal contingencies when it determines, after consultation with outside counsel, that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In making such determinations, Wyndham Hotels evaluates, among other things, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and, when it is probable that a liability has been incurred, its ability to make a reasonable estimate of loss. Wyndham Hotels reviews these accruals each reporting period and makes revisions based on changes in facts and circumstances including changes to its strategy in dealing with these matters.

        Wyndham Hotels believes that it has adequately accrued for such matters with reserves of $2 million and $10 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For matters not requiring accrual, Wyndham Hotels believes that such matters will not have a material effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows based on information currently available. However, litigation is inherently unpredictable and, although Wyndham Hotels believes that its accruals are adequate and/or that it has valid defenses in these matters, unfavorable results could occur. As such, an adverse outcome from such proceedings for which claims are awarded in excess of the amounts accrued, if any, could be material to

F-27


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

Wyndham Hotels with respect to earnings and/or cash flows in any given reporting period. As of December 31, 2016, the potential exposure resulting from adverse outcomes of such legal proceedings could, in the aggregate, range up to $10 million in excess of recorded accruals. However, Wyndham Hotels does not believe that the impact of such litigation will result in a material liability to Wyndham Hotels in relation to its combined financial position or liquidity.

Guarantees/Indemnifications

Standard Guarantees/Indemnifications

        In the ordinary course of business, Wyndham Hotels enters into agreements that contain standard guarantees and indemnities whereby Wyndham Hotels indemnifies another party for specified breaches of or third-party claims relating to an underlying agreement. The various underlying agreements generally govern purchases, sales or outsourcing of products or services, leases of real estate, licensing of software. While a majority of these guarantees and indemnifications extend only for the duration of the underlying agreement, some survive the expiration of the agreement. Wyndham Hotels is not able to estimate the maximum potential amount of future payments it may be required to make under these guarantees and indemnifications as the triggering events are not predictable.

Hotel Management Guarantees

        From time to time, Wyndham Hotels may enter into a hotel management agreement that provides the hotel owner with a guarantee of a certain level of profitability based upon various metrics. Under such an agreement, Wyndham Hotels would be required to compensate such hotel owner for any profitability shortfall over the life of the management agreement up to a specified aggregate amount. For certain agreements, Wyndham Hotels may be able to recapture all or a portion of the shortfall payments in the event that future operating results exceed targets. The original terms of Wyndham Hotels' existing guarantees range from eight to ten years. As of December 31, 2016, the maximum potential amount of future payments that may be made under these guarantees was $127 million with a combined annual cap of $31 million. These guarantees have a remaining life of four to eight years with a weighted average life of approximately six years.

        In connection with such performance guarantees, Wyndham Hotels maintained a liability of $24 million, as of December 31, 2016, of which $17 million was included in other non-current liabilities and $7 million was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on its Combined Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2016, Wyndham Hotels also had a corresponding $32 million asset related to these guarantees, of which $28 million was included in other non-current assets and $4 million was included in other current assets on its Combined Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2015, Wyndham Hotels maintained a liability of $25 million, of which $24 million was included in other non-current liabilities and $1 million was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on its Combined Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2015, Wyndham Hotels also had a corresponding $35 million asset related to the guarantees, of which $31 million was included in other non-current assets and $4 million was included in other current assets on its Combined Balance Sheet. Such assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the agreements. The amortization expense for the assets noted above was $4 million during both 2016 and 2015.

        For guarantees subject to recapture provisions, Wyndham Hotels had a receivable of $36 million as of December 31, 2016, which was included in other non-current assets on its Combined Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2015, Wyndham Hotels had a receivable of $32 million, of which $1 million was included in other current assets and $31 million was included in other non-current assets on its Combined Balance Sheet. Such receivables were the result of payments made to date by the Company that are subject to recapture and which Wyndham Hotels believes will be recoverable from future operating performance.

F-28


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

14. Stock-Based Compensation

        Wyndham Worldwide maintains a stock-based compensation plan (the "Stock Plan") for the benefit of its officers, directors and employees. The following disclosures represent the portion of the Stock Plan expenses attributable to Wyndham Hotels employees. All share-based compensation awards granted under the Stock Plan relate to Wyndham Worldwide common stock. As such, all related equity account balances are reflected in the Wyndham Worldwide's Consolidated Statements of Equity and have not been reflected in Wyndham Hotels' Combined Financial Statements.

Incentive Equity Awards Granted by Wyndham Worldwide

        The activity related to incentive equity awards granted by Wyndham Worldwide to Wyndham Hotels employees for the year ended December 31, 2016 consisted of the following:

 
  RSUs   PSUs  
 
  Number of
RSUs
  Weighted
Average
Grant Price
  Number
of
PSUs
  Weighted
Average
Grant Price
 

Balance as of December 31, 2015

  0.3   $ 75.25   0.1   $ 71.65  

Granted(a)

   
0.1
   
71.59
   
       

Vested/exercised

 

(0.1

)


67.22

 



 


 

Balance as of December 31, 2016

    0.3 (b)(c) $ 75.91     0.1 (d) $ 77.75  

(a)
Primarily represents awards granted by Wyndham Worldwide on February 25, 2016.
(b)
Aggregate unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock units ("RSUs") was $18 million as of December 31, 2016, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years.
(c)
Approximately 0.3 million RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2016 are expected to vest over time.
(d)
Maximum aggregate unrecognized compensation expense related to performance vested restricted stock units ("PSUs") was $3 million as of December 31, 2016, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

        Under the Stock Plan, Wyndham Worldwide awarded RSUs and PSUs to certain employees. Stock-based compensation expense for these awards amounted to $10 million and $9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In August 2017, in conjunction with the proposed spin-off of the hotel franchising business, the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors approved certain modifications to the incentive equity awards granted by Wyndham Worldwide which modifications are contingent upon the completion of the proposed spin-off.

15.   Segment Information

        The reportable segments presented below represent the Wyndham Hotels' operating segments for which separate financial information is available and which is utilized on a regular basis by its chief operating decision maker to assess performance and to allocate resources. In identifying its reportable segments, Wyndham Hotels also considers the nature of services provided by its operating segments. Management evaluates the operating results of each of its reportable segments based upon net revenues and "Adjusted EBITDA", which is defined as net income excluding interest expense, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, restructuring and related charges, contract termination costs, transaction-related costs (acquisition-, disposition-, or separation-related), stock-based compensation expense, early extinguishment of debt costs and income taxes. Wyndham Hotels believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of performance for its industry segments which, when considered with U.S. GAAP measures, Wyndham Hotels believes gives a more complete understanding of its operating

F-29


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

performance. Wyndham Hotels' presentation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies.

Year Ended or as of December 31, 2016

 
  Hotel
Franchising
  Hotel
Management
  Corporate
and
Other(*)
  Total  

Net revenues

  $ 924   $ 388   $   $ 1,312  

Adjusted EBITDA

   
394
   
26
   
(39

)
 
381
 

Depreciation and amortization

 

58

 


15

 



 


73
 

Segment assets

   
1,549
   
426
   
8
   
1,983
 

Capital expenditures

 

30

 


12

 



 


42
 

Year Ended or as of December 31, 2015

 
  Hotel
Franchising
  Hotel
Management
  Corporate
and
Other(*)
  Total  

Net revenues

  $ 912   $ 389   $   $ 1,301  

Adjusted EBITDA

   
366
   
28
   
(41

)
 
353
 

Depreciation and amortization

 

54

 


13

 



 


67
 

Segment assets

   
1,547
   
405
   
7
   
1,959
 

Capital expenditures

 

35

 


16

 



 


51
 

(*)
Includes the elimination of transactions between segments.

        Provided below is a reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted EBITDA.

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2016   2015  

Net income

  $ 172   $ 149  

Provision for income taxes

   
115
   
100
 

Depreciation and amortization

 

73

 


67
 

Interest expense, net

   
1
   
1
 

Stock-based compensation

 

10

 


9
 

Transaction-related

   
1
   
3
 

Restructuring

 

2

 


3
 

Impairment

   
   
7
 

Contract termination costs

 

7

 


14
 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 381   $ 353  

F-30


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

        The geographic segment information provided below is classified based on the geographic location of Wyndham Hotels' subsidiaries.

 
  United
States
  All Other
Countries
  Total  

Year Ended or As of December 31, 2016

             

Net revenues

 
$

1,107
 
$

205
 
$

1,312
 

Net long-lived assets

 

1,332

 


204

 


1,536
 

Year Ended or As of December 31, 2015

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Net revenues

 
$

1,111

 

$

190

 

$

1,301
 

Net long-lived assets

   
1,365
   
130
   
1,495
 

16.   Restructuring, Impairments and Other Charges

        During 2016, Wyndham Hotels recorded $3 million of charges related to restructuring initiatives, all of which were personnel-related primarily focused on enhancing organizational efficiency and subsequently reversed $1 million in 2016. These initiatives resulted in a reduction of 60 employees. The remaining liability of $1 million as of December 31, 2016 is expected to be paid primarily by the end of 2017.

        During 2015, Wyndham Hotels recorded $4 million of charges related to restructuring initiatives, primarily focused on a realignment of brand services and call center operations and subsequently reversed $1 million in 2015. These initiatives resulted in a reduction of 295 employees.

        The activity associated with all of Wyndham Hotels' restructuring plans is summarized by category as follows:

 
   
  2015 Activity    
 
 
  Liability as
of
December 31,
2014
  Liability as
of
December 31,
2015
 
 
  Costs
Recognized
  Cash
Payments
  Other  

Personnel-related

  $ 3   $ 4   $ 4   $ (1) * $ 2  

 

 
   
  2016 Activity    
 
 
   
  Liability as
of
December 31,
2016
 
 
  Liability as
of
December 31, 2015
  Costs
Recognized
  Cash
Payments
  Other  

Personnel-related

  $ 2   $ 3   $ 3   $ (1) * $ 1  

*
Represents reversal of charges.

Impairments

        During 2015, Wyndham Hotels recorded a $7 million non-cash impairment charge, all of which was within the hotel franchising business and related to the write-down of terminated in-process technology projects resulting from the decision to outsource its reservation system to a third-party partner. Such charge is recorded within asset impairments on the Combined Statement of Income.

Other Charges

        During 2015, Wyndham Hotels recorded a $14 million charge associated with the anticipated termination of a management contract. During 2016, Wyndham Hotels recorded an additional $7 million charge, all of which was within the hotel management business and related to the termination of such

F-31


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

management contract. These charges were recorded within operating expenses on the Combined Statements of Income.

17.   Related Party Transactions

Wyndham Worldwide

        Wyndham Hotels has a number of existing arrangements whereby the Parent has provided services to Wyndham Hotels. In connection with the spin-off, Wyndham Hotels will enter into agreements with Wyndham Worldwide and others that have either not existed historically, or that may be on different terms than the terms of the arrangement or agreements that existed prior to the spin-off. These Combined Financial Statements do not reflect the effect of these new and/or revised agreements.

Cash Management

        The Parent uses a centralized cash management process. The majority of Wyndham Hotels' daily cash receipts are transferred to the Parent and the Parent funds Wyndham Hotels' operating and investing activities as needed. Accordingly, the cash and cash equivalents held by the Parent were not allocated to Wyndham Hotels for any of the periods presented. Wyndham Hotels reflects transfers of cash between the Company and the Parent as a component of Due from the Parent, net on its Combined Balance Sheets.

Net Parent Transfers

        The components of net transfers from (to) Parent in the Combined Statements of Parent's Net Investment were as follows:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2016   2015  

Cash pooling and general financing activities

  $ (381 ) $ (295 )

Corporate allocations

   
64
   
67
 

Income taxes

 

78

 


72

 

Net transfers from (to) Parent

 
$

(239

)

$

(156

)

Debt Due to Parent

        Wyndham Hotels had $174 million and $95 million of outstanding borrowings from the Parent as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Note 11—Debt Due to Parent for further detail.

Services Provided by the Parent

        Wyndham Hotels' combined financial statements include costs for services provided to us by the Parent and services that the Parent provides to the Company including, but not limited to, information technology support, financial services, human resources and other shared services. Historically, these costs were charged to Wyndham Hotels on a basis determined by the Parent to reflect a reasonable allocation of actual costs incurred to perform the services. During the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, Wyndham Hotels was charged $20 million and $21 million, respectively, for such services, which were included in Operating and General and administrative expenses in Wyndham Hotels' Combined Statements of Income.

        Additionally, the Parent allocated indirect general corporate overhead costs to Wyndham Hotels for certain functions and services provided, including, but not limited to, executive facilities, shared service technology platforms, finance and other administrative support. Accordingly, the Company recorded

F-32


Confidential Treatment Requested by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Section 200.83

$34 million and $37 million of expenses for indirect general corporate overhead from the Parent for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which are included in General and administrative within its Combined Statements of Income.

        These allocations may not, however, reflect the expense Wyndham Hotels would have incurred as an independent, publicly traded company for the periods presented. Actual costs that may have been incurred had Wyndham Hotels been a stand-alone company would depend on a number of factors, including the chosen organizational structure, the functions Wyndham Hotels might have performed itself or outsourced and strategic decisions Wyndham Hotels might have made in areas such as information technology and infrastructure. Following the spin-off, Wyndham Hotels will perform these functions using its own resources or purchased services from either the Parent or third parties. For an interim period some of these functions will continue to be provided by the Parent under a transition services agreement.

Insurance

        The Parent provides us with insurance coverage for general liability, group health insurance, property, business interruption and other risks with respect to business operations and charges us a fee based on estimates of claims. During each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, Wyndham Hotels was charged $3 million, which was included in the Combined Statements of Income.

Defined Contribution Benefit Plans

        The Parent administers and maintains domestic defined contribution savings plans and a domestic deferred compensation plan that provide eligible employees of Wyndham Hotels an opportunity to accumulate funds for retirement. Wyndham Worldwide matches the contributions of participating employees on the basis specified by each plan. Wyndham Hotels' cost for these plans was $5 million during both 2016 and 2015.

18.   Subsequent Events

The Spin-Off Transactions

        On August 2, 2017, Wyndham Worldwide announced plans to spin-off the Company to its stockholders through a pro-rata distribution of the Company's stock to existing Wyndham Worldwide stockholders. The distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. In addition, until the distribution has occurred, the Wyndham Worldwide board of directors has the right to not proceed with the distribution, even if all of the conditions are satisfied.

AmericInn Acquisition

        During October 2017, Wyndham Hotels completed the acquisition of the AmericInn hotel brand and its management company for $142 million, net of cash acquired. This acquisition is consistent with Wyndham Hotels' strategy to expand its franchised portfolio within its hotel franchising business. The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in the recognition of $46 million of goodwill, none of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes, $46 million of trademarks and $49 million of definite-lived intangible assets, all of which were assigned to the Company's Hotel Franchising segment.

F-33