Gaylord Entertainment Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2000 Results

Press Release
March 7, 2001
NASHVILLE, TN -- Gaylord Entertainment Company (NYSE:GET) yesterday announced financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2000.

For the quarter, revenues were $137.8 million, a decline of 1.0% from $139.1 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 1999. Operating cash flow (operating income plus depreciation and amortization, and excluding nonrecurring charges), was $2.0 million for the latest quarter versus $7.8 million for the same quarter in 1999. Including nonrecurring items, the company's net loss for the quarter was $105.1 million, or $3.14 per diluted share, versus net income of $268.6 million, or $8.05 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 1999.

For 2000, revenues were $514.4 million, a decline of 3.4% from revenues of $532.6 million recorded in 1999. Operating cash flow was a negative $8.9 million for the year compared with a positive $47.9 million in 1999. Including nonrecurring items, the company's net loss for 2000 was $153.5 million, a loss of $4.60 per diluted share, compared with net income of $349.8 million, or $10.53 per diluted share, for 1999.

``Looking at the whole, 2000 was a difficult year from a financial perspective. A number of our investment initiatives, particularly in the Internet world, proved unfruitful. That, combined with unplanned senior management departures and weakness at our Word Entertainment group led to poor financial performance during 2000,'' said Dennis J. Sullivan, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer.

``To correct this situation, Gaylord Entertainment began a top-to-bottom review of all its businesses in the latter part of 2000 with the goal of returning the company to profitability. As a result of this ongoing process, we have significantly streamlined and consolidated our operations. Since our last earnings announcement, we made a number of important decisions and reached resolution on several transactions. We shuttered Internet start-up Gaylord Digital and sold Musicforce.com and Lightsource.com; we ceased operation of the Wildhorse Saloon Orlando; we sold the Opryland KOA campground; and we consolidated record labels and offices at Word Entertainment.

The table below summarizes the revenues and operating cash flow of the company's on-going business segments, excluding those operations listed above which are no longer part of the company. The table below also excludes country music record label development costs incurred during 2000, the operating results of television station KTVT which was divested in 1999, and development fees earned in 1999 on the Opry Mills shopping complex which did not recur in 2000.

(amounts in thousands)                   Three Months Ended
                                            December 31,
                                    ---------------------------
                                        2000           1999
                                    ------------   ------------
 Revenues
 Hospitality and attractions     $        70,039  $      71,334
 Music, media and entertainment           66,457         62,149
 Corporate and other                          64            244
                                    ------------    -----------
       Total revenues            $       136,560  $     133,727
                                    ============    ===========
 Operating cash flow
 Hospitality and attractions     $        22,545  $      20,089
 Music, media and entertainment           (8,546)        (2,131)
 Corporate and other                      (7,007)        (6,856)
                                    ------------    -----------
     Total operating cash flow   $         6,992  $      11,102
                                    ============    ===========

                                             Year Ended
                                            December 31,
                                    ---------------------------
                                        2000            1999
                                    ------------    -----------
Revenues
Hospitality and attractions      $       255,755  $     256,742
Music, media and entertainment           249,297        226,641
Corporate and other                           64            294
                                    ------------    -----------
      Total revenues             $       505,116  $     483,677
                                    ============    ===========
Operating cash flow
Hospitality and attractions      $        70,135  $      63,769
Music, media and entertainment           (22,582)          (275)
Corporate and other                      (29,282)       (23,933)
                                    ------------    -----------
    Total operating cash flow    $        18,271  $      39,561
                                    ============    ===========


The previously discussed review of operations and the related divestitures resulted in a number of nonrecurring charges in the fourth quarter of 2000. Although the majority of these items were noncash charges, they increased operating losses by $127.7 million in 2000. The chart below outlines the major components of these charges (amounts in thousands):

                                          Three Months Ended
                                             December 31,
                                       -----------------------
                                          2000         1999
                                       ---------    ----------
Asset impairments and other
Gaylord Digital                         $(48,127)   $      --
Wildhorse Saloon - Orlando               (15,854)          --
Word Entertainment                        (8,188)          --
Unison Records                            (4,905)     (12,201)
Other intangible assets                   (8,325)          --
Programming, film and other content      (15,035)          --
Other fixed assets                        (4,181)          --
Other charges                               (923)          --
                                       ---------    ---------
   Total asset impairments and other    (105,538)     (12,201)

Restructuring charges
Gaylord Digital                          (10,963)          --
Other restructuring charges               (5,230)          --
                                       ---------    ---------
   Total restructuring charges           (16,193)          --
Merger costs                                  --           --
Other nonrecurring charges                (6,003)          --
                                       ---------    ---------
   Total nonrecurring charges          $(127,734)   $ (12,201)
                                       =========    =========

                                             Year Ended
                                            December 31,
                                       ----------------------
                                          2000         1999
                                       ----------   ---------
Asset impairments and other
Gaylord Digital                        $ (48,127)   $      --
Wildhorse Saloon - Orlando               (15,854)          --
Word Entertainment                        (8,188)          --
Unison Records                            (4,905)     (12,201)
Other intangible assets                   (8,325)          --
Programming, film and other content      (15,035)          --
Other fixed assets                        (4,181)          --
Other charges                               (923)          --
                                       ---------    ---------
   Total asset impairments and other    (105,538)     (12,201)

Restructuring charges
Gaylord Digital                          (10,963)          --
Other restructuring charges               (5,230)      (3,102)
                                       ---------    ---------
   Total restructuring charges           (16,193)      (3,102)
Merger costs                                  --        1,741
Other nonrecurring charges                (6,003)          --
                                       ---------    ---------
   Total nonrecurring charges          $(127,734)   $ (13,562)
                                       =========    =========


Excluding businesses that have been divested, nonrecurring gains on KTVT and equity participation rights in 1999, and the nonrecurring charges discussed above, the company's pro forma net loss for the quarter was $13.1 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, compared with a pro forma net loss of $3.0 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 1999. For the year 2000, pro forma losses were $43.1 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, compared with a pro forma net loss for 1999 of $10.5 million, or $0.32 per diluted share.

Hospitality and attractions - Revenues for this group decreased 1.9% for the quarter, however, operating cash flow rose 12.1% due to improved margins. The Opryland Hotel Nashville had an occupancy rate of 79.1% for the quarter, versus 82.0% for the fourth quarter of 1999, and an average daily rate of $150.71 compared with $147.09, resulting in a slight decline in RevPAR (revenue per available room) of 1.3% during the quarter compared to the corresponding prior year period. For the year, occupancy came in at 75.9%, and the average daily rate was $143.86, resulting in a 2% growth in RevPAR.

Although fourth-quarter revenues decreased 3.3% at the Opryland Hotel Nashville, stringent cost controls resulted in an operating cash flow increase of 11.0% over the fourth quarter of 1999. The other businesses in hospitality and attractions as a group had solid increases in revenues and operating cash flow, led by the Radisson Hotel at Opryland and the General Jackson showboat.

For 2000, the hospitality and attractions group's revenues decreased 0.4% ($256.7 million in 2000 compared to $257.7 million in 1999), while its operating cash flow grew by 10.1% ($70.2 million in 2000 compared to $63.8 million in 1999).

Music, media and entertainment - Fourth quarter revenues were $67.5 million, a 2.1% increase over the $66.1 million recorded in the same period last year. Operating cash flow was a negative $13.6 million for the latest quarter compared with a negative $6.6 million in the fourth quarter of 1999. Excluding divested businesses in this segment, operating cash flow was a negative $8.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2000 compared to a negative $2.1 million in the corresponding prior year period.

This segment's pro forma performance in the fourth quarter was hampered by poorer than expected results in the company's film and sports programming businesses. Word Entertainment's results also contributed to the decline, impacted by increases in inventory reserves and higher than expected costs related to new audio and video product development. The company's live entertainment business also had negative comparisons in the quarter due primarily to an increase in bad debt reserves.

Corporate and Other - Operating cash flow in this segment was a negative $7.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2000 compared to a negative $5.7 million in the fourth quarter of 1999. The change in operating cash flow can be attributed primarily to Opry Mills development fees recorded during the construction period in 1999 which did not recur in 2000.

``We are glad to have 2000 behind us, and we continue to pursue initiatives that we believe will create value for our shareholders. For instance, the Opryland Hotel Florida, scheduled to open Feb. 2, 2002, now has more than 770,000 room nights under contract, including more than 50% of available rooms in 2002, with almost a year's selling time remaining before opening. In our music, media and entertainment group, we have successfully re-branded Country Music Television International to MusicCountry. Our most recent introductions of MusicCountry, which offers a variety of musical styles tailored to regional audiences, were in Argentina, Brazil and Australia. MusicCountry now has approximately 8.5 million subscribers,'' Sullivan said.

Effective October 1, 2000, the company adopted the provisions of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, ``Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements,'' as amended (``SAB 101''), and certain related authoritative literature. Accordingly, the company has classified certain amounts as revenue that historically, in accordance with industry practice, had been reported as a reduction to operating expenses. The adoption of SAB 101 and the related authoritative literature had no impact on reported operating cash flow or operating income. All prior periods have been restated to conform to the new guidance contained in the authoritative literature.

Gaylord Entertainment will hold a conference call to discuss this release today at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time. Investors will have the opportunity to listen to the conference call over the Internet at www.streetevents.com. To listen to the live call, please go to the web site at least fifteen minutes early to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call through the end of business on April 5, 2001.

This press release contains statements with respect to the company's beliefs and expectations of the outcome of future events that are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including the outcome of the company's strategic decisions and the development schedules, bookings and utilization of the company's hotels are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. Other factors that could cause operating and financial results to differ are described in the filings of Gaylord Entertainment with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additional risks may be detailed from time to time in reports to be filed with the Commission. Gaylord Entertainment does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements made herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Gaylord Entertainment is a diversified entertainment company whose businesses operate in two groups: hospitality and attractions, and music, media and entertainment. It is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., and its stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:GET).

          GAYLORD ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS
             (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

                                         Three Months Ended
                                            December 31,
                                        ---------------------     %
                                          2000        1999       chg
                                        ---------   ---------   -----
 Revenues
 Hospitality and attractions            $  70,209   $  71,538    (1.9)
 Music, media and entertainment            67,489      66,090     2.1
 Corporate and other                           64       1,494   (95.7)
                                        ---------   ---------   -----
     Total revenues                       137,762     139,122    (1.0)
                                        =========   =========   =====
 Operating cash flow (a)
 Hospitality and attractions               22,519      20,084    12.1
 Music, media and entertainment           (13,555)     (6,610) (105.1)
 Corporate and other                       (7,007)     (5,677)  (23.4)
                                        ---------   ---------   -----
     Total operating cash flow              1,957       7,797   (74.9)
                                        =========   =========   =====
 Operating income (loss)
 Hospitality and attractions               15,389      13,285    15.8
 Music, media and entertainment           (21,007)    (12,656)  (66.0)
 Corporate and other                       (8,643)     (7,600)  (13.7)
 Nonrecurring items                      (127,734)    (12,201)      -
                                        ---------   ---------   -----
     Total operating income (loss)       (141,995)    (19,172)      -
 Interest expense                         (11,647)     (4,815) (141.9)
 Interest income                            1,355       2,006   (32.5)
 Gain on divestiture of KTVT                    -     459,307       -
 Gain on equity participation rights            -           -       -
 Other                                     (2,116)       (405) (422.5)
                                        ---------   ---------   -----
 Income (loss) before taxes              (154,403)    436,921       -
 Income taxes                             (49,267)    168,305       -
                                        ---------   ---------   -----
 Net income (loss)                      $(105,136)  $ 268,616       -
                                        =========   =========   =====
 Net income (loss) per share - basic    $   (3.14)  $    8.12       -
                                        =========   =========   =====
 Avg. shares outstanding - basic           33,450      33,079     1.1
                                        =========   =========   =====
 Net income (loss) per share - diluted  $   (3.14)  $    8.05       -
                                        =========   =========   =====
 Avg. shares outstanding - diluted         33,450      33,380     0.2
                                        =========   =========   =====

                                              Year Ended
                                             December 31,
                                        ---------------------     %
                                           2000        1999      chg
                                        ---------   ---------   -----
 Revenues
 Hospitality and attractions            $ 256,722   $ 257,709    (0.4)
 Music, media and entertainment           257,594     269,637    (4.5)
 Corporate and other                           64       5,294   (98.8)
                                        ---------   ---------   -----
     Total revenues                       514,380     532,640    (3.4)
                                        =========   =========   =====
 Operating cash flow (a)
 Hospitality and attractions               70,202      63,785    10.1
 Music, media and entertainment           (49,826)      3,348       -
 Corporate and other                      (29,282)    (19,223)  (52.3)
                                        ---------   ---------   -----
     Total operating cash flow             (8,906)     47,910       -
                                        =========   =========   =====
 Operating income (loss)
 Hospitality and attractions               43,053      38,270    12.5
 Music, media and entertainment           (75,295)    (16,962) (343.9)
 Corporate and other                      (35,119)    (25,972)  (35.2)
 Nonrecurring items                      (127,734)    (13,562)      -
                                        ---------   ---------   -----
     Total operating income (loss)       (195,095)    (18,226)      -
 Interest expense                         (31,629)    (16,101)  (96.4)
 Interest income                            4,729       6,275   (24.6)
 Gain on divestiture of KTVT                    -     459,307       -
 Gain on equity participation rights            -     129,875       -
 Other                                     (4,548)        392       -
                                        ---------   ---------   -----
 Income (loss) before taxes              (226,543)    561,522       -
 Income taxes                             (73,073)    211,730       -
                                        ---------   ---------   -----
 Net income (loss)                      $(153,470)  $ 349,792       -
                                        =========   =========   =====
 Net income (loss) per share - basic    $   (4.60)  $   10.63       -
                                        =========   =========   =====
 Avg. shares outstanding - basic           33,389      32,908     1.5
                                        =========   =========   =====
 Net income (loss) per share - diluted  $   (4.60)  $   10.53       -
                                        =========   =========   =====
 Avg. shares outstanding - diluted         33,389      33,213     0.5
                                        =========   =========   =====

(a) Operating income plus depreciation, amortization and
    nonrecurring items.


            GAYLORD ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      December 31, 2000 and 1999
                        (Amounts in thousands)

                                           2000             1999
                                        -----------     -----------
 ASSETS
 Current assets:
      Cash                              $    48,519     $    18,696
      Trade receivables                      66,869          83,289
      Other current assets                  100,265          62,051
                                        -----------     -----------
          Total current assets              215,653         164,036

 Property and equipment, net of
   accumulated depreciation                 778,960         611,582
 Intangible assets, net of
   accumulated amortization                 103,792         141,874
 Investments                                606,006         742,155
 Long-term notes receivable                  19,284          19,715
 Other assets                               215,858          53,022
                                        -----------     -----------

      Total assets                      $ 1,939,553     $ 1,732,384
                                        ===========     ===========

 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 Current liabilities:
      Current portion of long-term debt $   176,878     $   299,788
      Accounts payable and accrued
        liabilities                         151,845         128,123
                                        -----------     -----------
          Total current liabilities         328,723         427,911

 Long-term debt                              20,551          10,335
 Secured forward contract liability         613,054               -
 Deferred income taxes                      204,805         292,966
 Other liabilities                           43,009          38,693
 Minority interest                            1,546           1,320
 Stockholders' equity                       727,865         961,159
                                        -----------     -----------

      Total liabilities and
        stockholders' equity            $ 1,939,553     $ 1,732,384
                                        ===========     ===========


--------------------------------------------------------------

Contact: 
     Gaylord Entertainment Company, Nashville
     Media:
     Tom Adkinson, 615/316-6302
     E-mail: tadkinson@gaylordentertainment.com
     or
     Investor:
     J. Russell Worsham, 615/316-6564
     rworsham@gaylordentertainment.com