La Quinta(R) Announces Second Quarter Financial Results

Press Release: La Quinta Corporation
August 2, 2002
DALLAS, TX -- La Quinta® Corporation (NYSE: LQI) yesterday announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2002. La Quinta held a conference call yesterday to discuss these results and other matters.

"We are pleased to report lodging results in line with our previously- issued guidance," said Francis W. ("Butch") Cash, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Although due primarily to easing comparisons, we are also pleased to report we expect to see positive increases in RevPAR and EBITDA for the second half of 2002."

     --   Second quarter revenues were $145.6 million, a 16.6% decline
          compared to 2001.
     --   Second quarter Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and
          Amortization (EBITDA) was $56.9 million, a 27.0% decline compared to
          2001.
     --   Second quarter net income available to common shareholders was
          $5.5 million, or $0.04 per share in 2002, versus a net loss of
          $17.0 million, or ($0.12) per share, in 2001.
     --   Excluding non-recurring items, La Quinta reported a net loss of
          $1.2 million, or ($0.01) per share, in the second quarter of 2002
          versus net income of $13.9 million, or $0.10 per share, in the
          second quarter of 2001.  Significant non-recurring items included
          gains on sale of assets and other income and expenses.
     --   Cash earnings were $33.8 million, or $0.24 per share, in the second
          quarter of 2002, versus $49.2 million, or $0.34 per share, in the
          second quarter of 2001.

A detailed schedule reconciling earnings available to common shareholders to recurring earnings, cash earnings and EBITDA is included in the supplemental tables.

Lodging Results

RevPAR for comparable hotels declined 8.5% to $39.38 during the second quarter. Occupancy for comparable hotels declined 2.9 percentage points to 66.0% during the second quarter, reflecting reduced lodging demand. ADR for comparable hotels fell 4.4% to $59.70 during the second quarter, primarily reflecting a change in business mix in response to reduced demand. Lodging EBITDA for the second quarter was $54.8 million, a 16.3% decrease over the same period last year. For every dollar of lodging revenue decline, La Quinta's impact on lodging EBITDA was only $0.65 due to cost savings.

"While pleased with our continued success at controlling hotel operating costs, we are not satisfied with our revenue performance and are committed to improving it," said Mr. Cash. "We have a number of initiatives underway to improve revenues, including the recent rollout of our new website. We are two-thirds complete with renovating our Inns under our Gold Medal Lite program and, as a result, are seeing improvements in guest satisfaction. We recently launched a new ad campaign -- Stay Three Times, Get a Free Night. -- to drive repeat business. At the same time, we are actively recruiting new Returns® Club members by providing express enrollment at the front desk. In the fall, we will introduce our new and improved Returns Club program and additional electronic booking channels. In addition, we have recently made changes in the leadership of our sales and marketing organization. While we have one of the highest occupancies in our segment and continue to perform in line with the overall industry, we are taking action to improve our revenue performance."

"During the second quarter, we opened 606 franchise rooms, for a total of 3,876 franchise rooms," continued Mr. Cash. "We recently celebrated the opening of our 50th franchise property in Stockbridge, Georgia. We continue to attract quality owner/operators to La Quinta and are off to one of the fastest franchising starts in lodging history. With our pipeline of over 4,000 rooms approved, we anticipate having approximately 6,000 franchise rooms (80 franchise hotels) open by year-end."

Financial Position

During the second quarter, La Quinta repaid $163 million of debt, including the entire remaining balance on its bank term loan. At June 30, 2002, total indebtedness was $812 million of which $24 million matures in 2002. The Company had no current borrowings under its $225 million revolving line of credit at June 30, 2002. La Quinta's cash position was $131 million at June 30, 2002.

As part of the Company's previously-announced program to upgrade its lodging portfolio, La Quinta sold two hotels during the second quarter for gross proceeds of $5 million and recorded a loss of approximately $1 million after previously recorded impairments of $4 million. As of June 30, 2002, the Company had 14 properties with a net book value of $35 million remaining to be sold under this program.

La Quinta also sold healthcare assets during the second quarter for gross proceeds of $147 million and recorded a gain of approximately $5 million after previously recorded impairments of $43 million. As of June 30, 2002, the Company had healthcare assets with a net book value of $51 million remaining to be sold.

"The sale of assets continues to add to our significant cash position," said David L. Rea, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "With proceeds from additional asset sales, availability under our revolver, cash on hand and the cash flow generated by our lodging operations, we have the financial flexibility to reinvest in our existing hotels, handle near-term debt maturities and expand our lodging business."

The Company recorded a net gain from non-recurring items of $10 million during the second quarter of 2002. This amount reflects $4 million of gains on asset sales and a $6 million settlement of obligations and receivables related to properties previously sold. This amount is net of severance expense resulting from headcount reductions in La Quinta's San Antonio reservations center as well as changes made in La Quinta's management.

Outlook for 2002

Given the prolonged weakness in business travel, lodging demand for business travel is not expected to significantly recover in the second half of 2002. As a result, La Quinta currently anticipates full year 2002 total company RevPAR growth to be down approximately 3%. Lodging EBITDA is currently anticipated to be approximately $185 million. The change from previous guidance primarily reflects lowered expectations for a lodging demand recovery and additional investments in our frequent stayer program, which will have a positive impact on future periods. The Company maintains its goal of returning La Quinta towards its late 1990s same-store EBITDA levels; however, the slower-than-expected recovery this year will delay the beginning of the three-year growth period to next year. Full year EPS is currently anticipated to be approximately ($3.24), reflecting significant non-recurring items from the first and second quarters. Recurring EPS is currently anticipated to be approximately ($0.11) for the full year. Cash EPS is currently anticipated to be approximately $0.76 for the full year. Capital expenditures for the year are currently anticipated to be approximately $120 million.

"During the second half of 2002, we expect to see RevPAR growth of approximately 5% and lodging EBITDA increases of approximately 10% with the improvements weighted towards the fourth quarter," said Mr. Cash. "The year- over-year improvements we are expecting to see in the second half of 2002 are primarily due to easing comparisons, given the dramatic weakness in the second half of 2001, as well as increases in leisure travel."

For the third quarter of 2002, La Quinta currently anticipates total company RevPAR to increase approximately 2%. Lodging EBITDA is currently anticipated to be approximately $49 million in the third quarter, down slightly from last year. EPS is currently anticipated to be approximately ($0.01) and cash EPS is currently anticipated to be approximately $0.21 in the third quarter.

Conference Call and Where You Can Find Additional Information

As previously announced, at 11:00AM (EDT) on August 1, 2002, La Quinta held a conference call and audio webcast to discuss its financial results and operating strategy. Simultaneous with the conference call, an audio web cast of the call was made available via a link on the La Quinta website, www.laquinta.com , in the Investor Relations-Audio/Webcasts section. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 800-257-1836 (International: 303-262-2175). An access code is not required. A replay of the call will be available at the same Internet address or by dialing 800-405-2236 (International: 303-590-3000) and entering the access code of 488350. The replay will be available from 1:00 PM (EDT) on August 1, 2002 through 1:00 PM (EDT) on August 7, 2002.

About La Quinta Corporation

Dallas-based La Quinta Corporation, a mid-scale limited service lodging company, owns, operates or franchises over 330 La Quinta Inns and La Quinta Inn & Suites in 33 states. Today's news release, as well as other information about La Quinta, is available on the Internet at www.LQ.com .

Certain matters discussed in this press release may constitute "forward- looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "estimates," "projects" and other similar expressions, which are predictions of or indicate future events and trends, typically identify forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or the timing of certain events to differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the expectations set forth in these forward-looking statements will be attained. Some of the factors that could cause actual results or the timing of certain events to differ from those described in these forward- looking statements include, without limitation, our ability to successfully grow the revenues and profitability of our lodging business and franchising program; our ability to realize sustained labor or other cost savings; the availability and costs of insurance for our properties and business; competition within the lodging industry, including in the franchising of the La Quinta® brand; our ability to generate attractive rates of return on new lodging investments; the cyclicality of the lodging business; the continued unpredictable results of the events of September 11, 2001 on our business; the effects of the general economic slowdown, including decreases in consumer confidence and business spending, which may continue to adversely affect our business and industry; interest rates; the ultimate outcome of litigation filed against us; the availability of capital for corporate purposes including for debt repayment, acquisitions and capital expenditures; the conditions of the capital markets in general; our ability to continue to successfully sell healthcare assets or additional lodging assets; and other risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the risks described in our Joint Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 entitled "Certain Factors You Should Consider About Our Companies, Our Businesses and Our Securities". We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

                       Supplemental Schedules
             Financial Results                    A
             Supplemental Financial Data          B
             Other Supplemental Information       C
             Summary Lodging Statistics           D


                            La Quinta Corporation
                                  Schedule A
                              Financial Results
                                 (Unaudited)

                                     Three months ended   Six months ended
    Operating Data                        June 30,            June 30,
    (In thousands, except
     per share data)                    2002     2001       2002      2001
    Revenues
      Lodging                       $ 142,308  $158,694  $274,026  $311,690
      Other                             3,332    16,008     9,952    51,986
    Total revenues                    145,640   174,702   283,978   363,676

    Expenses
      Direct lodging operations        59,395    64,668   117,439   127,089
      Other lodging expenses           18,538    19,335    38,268    39,137
      General and administrative       10,835    12,788    25,277    24,761
      Interest, net                    18,580    23,829    37,176    58,286
      Depreciation and amortization    32,663    29,697    62,422    59,244
      Amortization of goodwill            ---     5,526       ---    11,212
      Impairment of real estate
       assets, mortgages and notes
       receivable                         ---    33,767       ---    60,608
      Other                            (9,942)   (2,848)  (12,602)    7,226
    Total expenses                    130,069   186,762   267,980   387,563
    Income (loss) before minority
     interest, income taxes, and
     cumulative effect of change in
     accounting principle              15,571   (12,060)   15,998   (23,887)
      Minority interest                (4,631)     (196)   (9,257)     (365)
      Income tax expense               (5,424)     (217) (202,096)     (393)
    Income (loss) before cumulative
     effect of change in accounting
     principle                          5,516   (12,473) (195,355)  (24,645)
      Cumulative effect of change
       in accounting principle            ---       ---  (258,957)      856
    Net income (loss)                   5,516   (12,473) (454,312)  (23,789)
      Preferred stock dividends           ---     4,500       ---     9,000
    Net income (loss) available to
     common shareholders                5,516  $(16,973)$(454,312) $(32,789)

    Net income (loss) per
     paired common share:
    Basic                               $0.04    $(0.12)   $(3.18)   $(0.23)
    Diluted                             $0.04    $(0.12)   $(3.18)   $(0.23)

    Weighted average shares
     outstanding:
    Basic                             143,143   143,034   143,062   142,992
    Diluted                           144,974   143,034   143,062   142,992


                            La Quinta Corporation
                                  Schedule B
                         Supplemental Financial Data
                                 (Unaudited)

Neither EBITDA, recurring net (loss) income available to common shareholders or cash earnings are intended to represent any measure of performance in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). EBITDA, recurring net income and cash earnings are included herein because management believes that certain investors find them to be useful tools for measuring the Company's performance. Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure of cash flow generated by the Company to support its maintenance capital expenditures, debt reduction and growth initiatives.

    Recurring Net Income (Loss),
     Cash Earnings & EBITDA     Three months ended        Six months ended
     Reconciliation                  June 30,                 June 30,
    (In thousands)               2002        2001        2002         2001
    Net income (loss)
     available to common
     shareholders (per GAAP)   $5,516      $(16,973) $(454,312)    $(32,789)
      Add:
      Cumulative effect of
       change in accounting
       principle                  ---           ---    258,957         (856)
      Non-recurring
       restructuring
       income tax charge          ---           ---    196,520          ---
      Other, net               (6,732)(A)    30,919     (8,276)(B)   67,834
    Recurring net (loss) income
     available to common
     shareholders (Non-GAAP)   (1,216)       13,946     (7,111)      34,189
      Add:
      Depreciation and
       amortization            32,663        29,697     62,422       59,244
      Amortization of goodwill    ---         5,526        ---       11,212
      Deferred income tax
       benefit                  2,322 (C)       ---      1,174 (D)      ---
    Cash Earnings (Non-GAAP)   33,769        49,169     56,485      104,645
      Add:
      Minority interest         4,631           196      9,257          365
      Dividends/distributions
       to shareholders            ---         4,500        ---        9,000
      Current income tax
       (benefit) expense         (108)          217         76          393
      Interest expense         18,580        23,829     37,176       58,286
    Total EBITDA (Non-GAAP)   $56,872       $77,911   $102,994     $172,689

    Recurring net (loss)
     income per paired
     common share (Basic)     $ (0.01)        $0.10     $(0.05)       $0.24
    Cash earnings per paired
     common share (Basic)       $0.24         $0.34      $0.40        $0.73

     (A) Other for the three months ended June 30, 2002 is comprised of net
         pre-tax income of $9,942,000 less the related tax provision of
         $3,210,000.
     (B) Other for the six months ended June 30, 2002 is comprised of net
         pre-tax income of $12,602,000 less the related tax provision of
         $4,326,000.
     (C) Deferred income tax benefit for the three months ended June 30, 2002
         was $5,532,000 less $3,210,000 associated with non-recurring items.
     (D) Deferred income tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2002
         was $5,500,000 less $4,326,000 associated with non-recurring items.


                            Three months ended          Six months ended
    EBITDA by Segment            June 30,                   June 30,
    (In thousands)           2002         2001          2002          2001
      Lodging             $ 54,787       $65,478      $96,815      $127,151
      Other                  2,085        12,433        6,179        45,538
      Total EBITDA        $ 56,872       $77,911     $102,994      $172,689

                            Three months ended          Six months ended
    Capital Expenditures         June 30,                   June 30,
    (In thousands)           2002         2001          2002          2001
    Capital expenditures  $ 29,252       $25,654      $58,362       $41,505


                            La Quinta Corporation
                                  Schedule C
                        Other Supplemental Information
                                 (Unaudited)

    Capitalization Schedule

    (In millions, except for percentages)            June 30,   December 31,
                                                       2002         2001
    Cash                                               $(131)         $(138)
    Total indebtedness                                   812          1,000
    Minority interest                                    207              7
    Equity                                             1,373          2,025
    Total capitalization                               2,261          2,894
    Net debt to total capitalization                     30%            30%


    Summary Balance Sheet Data
    (In millions)                                    June 30,   December 31,
                                                       2002         2001
    Property, Plant and Equipment, net                $2,397         $2,540
    Cash and cash equivalents                            131            138
    Total assets                                       2,791          3,215
    Total indebtedness                                   812          1,000
    Total liabilities                                  1,211          1,184
    Minority interest                                    207              7
    Total shareholders' equity                         1,373          2,025


    Debt Maturity Schedule
    (In millions)                            June 30, 2002

                              Notes         Bank       Bonds and
              Year           Payable      Notes (C)  Mortgages (C)    Total
              2002             $24         $ ---        $ ---           $24
              2003 (A)         169           ---          ---           169
              2004 (B)         218           ---          ---           218
              2005             116           ---          ---           116
              2006              20           ---          ---            20
      2007 and thereafter      265           ---          ---           265
           Total debt         $812         $ ---        $ ---          $812

     (A) Assumes $141 million of Notes due in 2026 are put to the Company.
     (B) Assumes $143 million of Notes due in 2011 are put to the Company.
     (C) The Company repaid all bank notes and bonds and mortgages during the
         first half of 2002.


                            La Quinta Corporation
                                  Schedule D
                          Summary Lodging Statistics
                                   (Unaudited)

     Occupancy Percentage (Occ), Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Revenue per
      Available Room (RevPAR) Data

                   Three months ended  Three months ended
                     June 30, 2002       June 30, 2001           Change
                  Occ   ADR   RevPAR  Occ   ADR   RevPAR    Occ    ADR  RevPAR
    Comparable
     Hotels
     (A,B)       66.0% $59.70 $39.38 68.9% $62.48 $43.06 -2.9 pts -4.4%  -8.5%
    Company-
     Owned (A)   65.4% $59.64 $39.00 68.3% $61.80 $42.21 -2.9 pts -3.5%  -7.6%

                   Six months ended    Six months ended
                     June 30, 2002       June 30, 2001           Change
                  Occ   ADR   RevPAR  Occ   ADR   RevPAR    Occ    ADR  RevPAR
    Comparable
     Hotels
     (A,B)       62.5% $60.36 $37.72 66.9% $63.06 $42.16 -4.4 pts -4.3% -10.5%
    Company-
     Owned (A)   62.2% $60.33 $37.49 66.3% $62.47 $41.44 -4.1 pts -3.4%  -9.5%


    Hotel and Room Count Data

                                June 30, 2002              June 30, 2001
                            Number of   Number of      Number of    Number of
                              Hotels      Rooms          Hotels       Rooms
    Comparable Hotels (A,B)    284        36,912          284        36,868
    Company-Owned (A)          289        37,717          297        38,468
    Franchised Hotels           50         3,876            3           283
    Total                      339        41,593          300        38,751

     (A) Excludes franchised operating statistics.
     (B) Comparable hotels exclude four hotels that were undergoing
         redevelopment last year, representing 529 rooms in aggregate, and
         one new, 276 room hotel also under development last year.  All
         5 properties are now open.


SOURCE: La Quinta Corporation