10-K

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Extended Stay America, Inc.	Large accelerated filer x	Accelerated filer ¨
	Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company ¨

ESH Hospitality, Inc.	Large accelerated filer x	Accelerated filer ¨
	Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

As of June 30, 2014, the aggregate value of the registrants’ Paired Shares held by non-affiliates was approximately $812.2 million, based on the number of shares held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2014 and the closing price of the registrants’ Paired Shares on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2014.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes x No ¨

As of February 20, 2015, Extended Stay America, Inc. had 204,517,265 shares of common stock outstanding and ESH Hospitality, Inc. had 204,517,265 shares of Class B common stock and 250,303,494 shares of Class A common stock outstanding.

Portions of our proxy statements relating to the 2015 Annual Meetings of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this combined annual report on Form 10-K.

This combined annual report on Form 10-K is filed by Extended Stay America, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), and its controlled subsidiary, ESH Hospitality, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ESH REIT”). Both the Corporation and ESH REIT have securities that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which are publicly traded and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) as Paired Shares, as defined below. As further discussed below, unless otherwise indicated or the context requires, the terms “Company,” “Extended Stay,” “Extended Stay America,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to the Corporation, ESH REIT and their subsidiaries considered as a single enterprise.

We believe combining the annual reports on Form 10-K of the Corporation and ESH REIT into this single report results in the following benefits:

On November 18, 2013, the Corporation and ESH REIT completed their initial public offering (the “Offering”) of Paired Shares. Prior to the Offering, we completed the Pre-IPO Transactions (as defined in “Business—Our History—The Pre-IPO Transactions”), which restructured and reorganized the existing business. Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires:

See “Business—Our Corporate Structure” for a simplified structure chart reflecting our corporate structure.

As required by FASB ASC 810, “Consolidations,” due to the Corporation’s controlling financial interest in ESH REIT, the Corporation consolidates ESH REIT’s financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows with those of the Corporation. As such, selected financial data, management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and financial statements are presented herein for each of the Company, on a consolidated and combined basis, and ESH REIT. The Corporation’s stand-alone financial condition and related information is discussed herein where applicable. In addition, with respect to other financial and non-financial disclosure items required by Form 10-K, any material differences between the Corporation and ESH REIT are discussed separately herein.

To help investors understand the differences between the Company on a consolidated and combined basis, and ESH REIT, this combined annual report on Form 10-K presents the following sections or portions of sections for each of the Company on a consolidated and combined basis, and ESH REIT (where applicable):

This report also includes separate Part II Item 9A – Controls and Procedures sections and separate Exhibit 31 and 32 certifications for each of Extended Stay America, Inc. and ESH Hospitality, Inc. in order to establish that the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Extended Stay America, Inc. and the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of ESH Hospitality, Inc. have made the requisite certifications and that Extended Stay America, Inc. and ESH Hospitality, Inc. are compliant with Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. §1350.

The following are definitions of certain key lodging operating metrics used in this combined annual report on Form 10-K:

“ADR” or “average daily rate” means hotel room revenues divided by total number of rooms sold in a given period.

“Extended stay market” means the market of hotels with a fully equipped kitchenette in each guest room, which accept reservations and do not require a lease, as defined by The Highland Group.

“Hotel Operating Profit” means the sum of room and other hotel revenues less hotel operating expenses (excluding loss on disposal of assets) and “Hotel Operating Margin” means the ratio of Hotel Operating Profit divided by the sum of room and other hotel revenues.

“Mid-price extended stay segment” means the segment of the extended stay market that generally operates at a daily rate between $45 and $95, as defined by The Highland Group.

“Occupancy” or “occupancy rate” means the total number of rooms sold in a given period divided by the total number of rooms available during that period.

“RevPAR” or “revenue per available room” means the product of average daily room rate charged and the average daily occupancy achieved for a hotel or group of hotels in a given period. RevPAR does not include ancillary revenues, such as food and beverage revenues, or parking, pet, telephone or other guest service revenues.

The following terms, when used in connection with our company-wide initiatives to reinvest in or renovate our hotel properties, have the following meanings in this combined annual report on Form 10-K (in all cases, unless the context otherwise requires or where otherwise indicated):

“Hotel renovation” or “Platinum renovation package” refers to upgrades that typically include remodeling of common areas, new paint, carpet, signage, tile or vinyl flooring and counters in bathrooms and kitchens, as well as the refurbishment of furniture, replacement of aged mattresses and installation of new flat screen televisions, artwork, lighting and bedspreads.

“Room refresh” or “Silver refresh package” refers to upgrades that typically include the replacement of aged mattresses and installation of new flat screen televisions, lighting, bedspreads and signage.

This combined annual report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this combined annual report on Form 10-K may be forward-looking.

Statements herein regarding our ongoing hotel reinvestment program, our ability to meet our debt service obligations, our future capital expenditures, our distribution policy, our plans, objectives, goals, beliefs, business strategies, future events, business conditions, results of operations, financial position and our business outlook, business trends and other information referred to under “Business,” “Risk Factors,” “Market for Registrants’ Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities – Distribution Policies” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” include forward-looking statements. When used in this combined annual report on Form 10-K, the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “will,” “look forward to” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon our current expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections, and various assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Our expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections will result or be achieved and actual results may vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements.

There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this combined annual report on Form 10-K. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors include, but are not limited to:

There may be other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including factors disclosed in this combined annual report on Form 10-K. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this combined annual report on Form 10-K in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

We caution you that the risks, uncertainties and other factors referenced above may not contain all of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that are important to you. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will realize the results, benefits or developments that we expect or anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect us or our business in the way expected. Estimates and forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

We are the largest integrated owner/operator of company-branded hotels in North America. Our business operates in the extended stay lodging industry, and as of December 31, 2014, we own and operate 682 hotels comprising 76,000 rooms located in 44 states across the United States and in Canada. We own and operate 632 of our hotels under our core brand, Extended Stay America, which serves the mid-price extended stay segment, and accounts for approximately half of the segment by number of rooms in the United States. In addition, we own and operate three Extended Stay Canada hotels and 47 hotels in the economy extended stay segment under the Crossland Economy Studios brand. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company had revenues of approximately $1.2 billion, Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $556.7 million and net income of approximately $150.6 million. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA.

Our extended stay hotels are designed to provide an affordable and attractive alternative to traditional lodging or apartment accommodations and are targeted toward self-sufficient, value-conscious guests. Our hotels feature fully-furnished rooms with in-room kitchens, complimentary grab-and-go breakfast, free WiFi, flat screen TVs and limited housekeeping service, which is typically provided on a weekly basis. Our guests include business travelers, professionals on temporary work or training assignments, persons relocating, temporarily displaced or purchasing a home and anyone else in need of temporary housing. Our guests generally rent accommodations on a weekly or longer term basis. For the year ended December 31, 2014, approximately 31%, 24% and 45% of our revenue was derived from guests with stays from 1-6 days, from 7-29 days, and over 30 days, respectively.

We were founded in January 1995 as a developer, owner and operator of extended stay hotels. Following a period focused primarily on new development, we became a consolidator of hotel properties by selectively acquiring extended stay companies and hotels, ultimately creating the largest mid-price extended stay company in the United States. We were acquired out of bankruptcy by the Sponsors on October 8, 2010. We now operate an extended stay hospitality platform with approximately 9,100 employees and are led by a management team with public company experience in hospitality, consumer retail and service businesses.

Prior to the Offering, we restructured and reorganized our then-existing business through the Pre-IPO Transactions. We believe that our business is now more operationally efficient because all of the assets, operations and management of our business, other than ownership of the hotel properties, is housed in one entity. Ownership of Paired Shares gives investors an ownership interest in our hotel properties through ESH REIT and in the operation of our hotels and other aspects of our business through the Corporation. This structure permits us to retain some, though not all, of the REIT benefits of our prior structure (i.e., while ESH REIT continues to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, all distributions paid by ESH REIT to the Corporation are subject to corporate level tax, effectively eliminating a majority of the tax benefit of REIT status for the consolidated enterprise).

Extended Stay America, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware on July 8, 2013. The Corporation operates the 682 hotels owned by ESH REIT. The hotels are operated by the Operating Lessees, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Corporation, pursuant to leases with ESH REIT, and are managed by ESA Management, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, pursuant to management agreements with the Operating Lessees.

The substantial majority of the hotels are operated under our core brand, Extended Stay America. ESH Strategies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, owns the brands related to our business.

ESH Hospitality, Inc. was formed as a limited liability company in Delaware on September 16, 2010 and was converted to a corporation on November 5, 2013. ESH REIT has elected to be taxed as a REIT. ESH REIT owns the Company’s 682 hotel properties, which are leased and operated by subsidiaries of the Corporation as described in the preceding paragraph.

The Corporation was formed for the purpose of effecting the Pre-IPO Transactions. Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH Hospitality Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Holdings”), owned all of ESH REIT’s then-outstanding common units. Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Sponsors owned an approximate 99% interest in Holdings and the remaining interests were owned by certain members of the board of managers of Holdings and executives of HVM. Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Operating Lessees were each taxable REIT subsidiaries that leased the hotel properties from ESH REIT pursuant to operating leases. HVM was an eligible independent contractor, within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9) of the Code, that managed the hotels pursuant to management agreements with the Operating Lessees. Subsidiaries of ESH Strategies owned the trademarks and licensed their use to the Operating Lessees pursuant to trademark license agreements.

Through the Pre-IPO Transactions, the existing business was restructured and reorganized such that Holdings was liquidated and substantially all of the common stock of ESH REIT was distributed to the Sponsors; the Operating Lessees, ESH Strategies and the assets and obligations of HVM were transferred to the Corporation; the shareholders of ESH REIT transferred to the Corporation all of the Class A common stock of ESH REIT; and 100% of the common stock of the Corporation and all of the Class B common stock of ESH REIT were paired, forming the Paired Shares.

The Corporation, through its direct wholly-owned subsidiaries, now leases the hotel properties from ESH REIT, owns the trademarks related to the business and manages the hotels. In addition, the Corporation owns all of the Class A common stock of ESH REIT, which represents approximately 55% of the outstanding shares of common stock of ESH REIT. The Corporation used the majority of the proceeds it received in the Offering to purchase a sufficient number of additional shares of Class A common stock of ESH REIT to ensure that, upon the completion of the Offering, the Class A common stock of ESH REIT owned by the Corporation represented approximately 55% of the outstanding common stock of ESH REIT.

We own and operate substantially all of our hotels under our core brand, Extended Stay America, and during 2013 completed a rebranding program to consolidate hotels that were operated under the former brands of Homestead Studio Suites, Studio Plus and Extended Stay Deluxe under this single brand. Our Extended Stay America-branded hotels feature:

We own and operate 632 Extended Stay America-branded hotels with approximately 69,600 rooms in the United States and three hotels with 500 rooms in Canada under the Extended Stay Canada brand. Additionally, we own and operate 47 hotels with approximately 5,900 rooms under the Crossland Economy Studios brand. Crossland Economy Studios-branded hotels operate in a lower price tier than Extended Stay America-branded hotels, offering fewer amenities and smaller room sizes and primarily appeal to guests with longer duration stays.

The chart below summarizes our corporate structure as of the date of this combined annual report on Form 10-K.

The lodging industry is a significant part of the U.S. economy, generating over $133.4 billion of room revenues in 2014 and comprising approximately 4.9 million hotel rooms as of December 31, 2014, according to STR, Inc. (f/k/a “Smith Travel Research, Inc.”) (“STR”). Lodging industry performance is generally tied to both macro-economic and micro-economic trends in the United States and, similar to other industries, experiences both positive and negative operating cycles. Since the 2008 to 2009 recession, demand in the U.S. lodging industry has begun to recover while supply growth has remained at historically low rates. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (“PwC”), room supply grew 0.9% in 2014 and is expected to grow 1.5% in 2015, which is still well below historical annual supply growth of 1.9% over the last 15 years. RevPAR has grown in the U.S. lodging industry for each year starting in 2010. According to PwC, RevPAR for the overall U.S. lodging industry grew 8.3% in 2014, and is expected to grow 7.4% in 2015.

Extended stay hotels represent a growing segment within the U.S. lodging industry with approximately 372,933 rooms for the year ended December 31, 2014, according to The Highland Group. The extended stay segment tends to follow the cyclicality of the overall lodging industry. Extended stay hotels are further differentiated by price point into economy, mid-price and upscale segments. Our business is focused primarily on the mid-price extended stay segment, which comprised approximately half of the supply of extended stay rooms in 2014.

The lodging industry is seasonal in nature. Based upon the operating history of our hotels, we believe that our business is not as seasonal in nature as the overall lodging industry. However, the Company’s revenues are generally lower during the first and fourth quarters of each calendar year as is typical in the U.S. lodging industry. Because many of the Company’s expenses are fixed and do not fluctuate with changes in revenues, declines in revenues can cause disproportionate fluctuations or decreases in the Company’s quarterly earnings and cash flows during these periods.

ESH REIT’s revenues and earnings are generally highest during the fourth quarter of each calendar year as rental revenues contingent upon Operating Lessee hotel revenues are not earned for accounting purposes until certain revenue thresholds are achieved, which typically occur in the fourth quarter. ESH REIT’s cash flows generally remain consistent each quarter of the calendar year.

The lodging industry is cyclical and its fundamental performance tends to follow the general economy, albeit on a lagged basis. There is a history of increases and decreases in demand for hotel rooms, occupancy levels and rates realized by owners of hotel properties through economic cycles. Variability of results through some economic cycles in the past has been more severe due to changes in the supply of hotel rooms in given markets or in given categories of hotels. The combination of changes in economic conditions and in the supply of hotel rooms can result in significant volatility in results of operations for owners of hotel properties. The costs of running a hotel tend to be more fixed than variable. Because of this, in an environment of either increasing or decreasing revenues, the rate of change in earnings will be greater than the rate of change in revenues. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Lodging Industry—The lodging industry, including the extended stay segment, is cyclical and a worsening of general economic conditions or low levels of economic growth could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders.”

We operate in a highly competitive industry. Competition in the lodging industry is based on a number of factors, including room rates, quality of accommodations, service levels, convenience of location, reputation, reservation systems, brand recognition and the supply and availability of lodging in local markets, including short-term lease apartments and other limited service hotels. Competitors may include new participants in the lodging industry and participants in other segments of the lodging industry that may enter the extended stay segment. They may also include existing participants in the extended stay segment that may increase their product offerings to include facilities in the economy or mid-price segments. We also compete for travelers with hotels outside the extended stay segment as well as serviced apartments. In addition, we face competition for both quality locations to build new facilities and for guests to fill and pay for those facilities. We also face competition from third-party internet travel intermediaries, such as Priceline.com, Expedia.com and Travelocity.com, and specialized intermediaries that locate and reserve hotel rooms for corporate lodgers. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Lodging Industry—We operate in a highly competitive industry.”

We employ approximately 9,100 employees. Approximately 8,700 of these employees are hotel property-level employees, comprised of approximately 3,600 full time employees and approximately 5,100 part time employees. None of our employees are represented by unions or covered by collective bargaining agreements. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.

Our sales team is made up of approximately 125 sales professionals focused on growing our business with key accounts, building relationships with new customers and coaching our property operations teams on local sales. We are organized regionally and by account, and our team focuses on the following customers: major Fortune 500 companies; small and medium sized businesses; travel agencies; relocation and staffing consultants; and medical, technology, government and educational organizations. Approximately 40% of our total revenue in 2014 was derived from accounts managed by this team. Our upgraded brand and amenity offerings now allow our sales team to target a broader corporate customer base. We are currently piloting a new sales structure that provides more centralized support as we believe further penetration of corporate accounts will yield a more profitable customer base.

We seek to maximize revenue in each hotel through our revenue management team, made up of approximately 40 professionals. They are responsible for determining prices and managing the availability of room inventory to different channels and customer segments. Historically, we had very limited staffing and focus on this area. Beginning in 2012, we significantly expanded our staffing and investment in revenue management. We have centralized our approach and developed several analytical tools to inform pricing and inventory decisions. We are currently in the process of rolling out an automated revenue management system at each of our hotels which will allow us to automatically price against demand from our short and long term guests. We believe that this system will further improve our sales team’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Our marketing strategy is focused on growing awareness of our core brand, Extended Stay America, and demand for our hotels through a combination of media channels, including TV, print, public relations and email marketing. We also put a significant emphasis on our internet activity, buying search engine placement, internet display advertising and other media to drive traffic to our website. We maintain a customer database and use it for targeted marketing activity. Additionally, we have introduced marketing in new channels, such as TV and digital streaming videos, in part to support our recent consolidation to substantially one core brand, Extended Stay America. During the first quarter of 2015, we expect to launch our new customer loyalty program, called Extended Perks. The program will be built around the idea of “instant rewards – no points required” with members receiving discounts on our rooms, offers and discounts from our merchandise partners, as well as check-in and room preference priorities.

We use a central reservation system to provide access to our hotel inventory through a wide variety of channels—property-direct, our central call center, our desktop and mobile websites, travel agency global distribution systems and our wholesale and online booking partners. We outsource our reservation system, our call center and management of our website. For the year ended December 31, 2014, approximately 46% of our revenue was derived from property-direct reservations, approximately 18% was derived from our central call center, approximately 18% was derived from our own proprietary website, approximately 9% was derived from online booking partners and approximately 9% was derived from global distribution systems. We believe we also have an opportunity to increase the power and reach of our distribution network by enhanced connections with additional agency, merchant and wholesale partners.

Our hotel properties are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws that impose liability for contamination. Under these laws, governmental entities have the authority to require us, as the current or former owner of the property, to perform or pay for the clean-up of contamination (including hazardous substances, waste or petroleum products) at or emanating from the property and to pay for natural resource damage arising from contamination. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of or caused the contamination. Such liability can be joint and several, so that each covered person can be responsible for all of the costs involved, even if more than one person may have been responsible for the contamination. We can also be liable to private parties for costs of remediation, personal injury and death and/or property damage resulting from contamination at or emanating from our hotel properties. Moreover, environmental contamination can affect the value of a property and, therefore, an owner’s ability to borrow funds using the property as collateral or to sell the property on favorable terms or at all. Furthermore, persons who sent waste to a waste disposal facility, such as a landfill or an incinerator, may be liable for costs associated with cleanup of that facility.

Phase I environmental assessments were obtained for substantially all of our hotel properties in 2012 and for all hotel properties purchased since that time. The Phase I environmental assessments were intended to identify potential contamination, but did not include any invasive sampling procedures, such as soil or ground water sampling. The Phase I environmental assessments identified a number of known or potential environmental conditions associated with historic uses of the hotel properties or adjacent properties. However, the Phase I environmental assessments did not identify any environmental liability that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, assets, results of operations or liquidity. It is possible that these environmental assessments did not reveal all potential environmental liabilities, such as the presence of former underground tanks for the storage of petroleum-based or waste products, that could create a potential for release of hazardous substances. In addition, it is possible that environmental liabilities have arisen since the assessments were completed. No assurances can be given that (i) future regulatory requirements will not impose any material environmental liability, or (ii) the current environmental condition of our hotel properties will not be affected by the condition of properties in the vicinity of our hotel properties (such as the presence of leaking underground storage tanks) or by third parties unrelated to us.

We have obtained environmental insurance subject to limits, deductibles and exclusions customarily carried for similar businesses. We believe that our environmental insurance policy is appropriate and adequate given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the coverage and industry practice; however, our environmental insurance coverage may not be sufficient to fully cover our losses.

In addition, our hotels (including our real property, operations and equipment) are subject to various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety regulatory requirements that address a wide variety of issues, including, but not limited to, the use, management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, air emissions, discharges of waste materials (such as refuge or sewage), the registration, maintenance and operation of our boilers and storage tanks, asbestos, and lead-based paint. Some of our hotels also routinely handle and use hazardous or regulated substances and wastes as part of their operations, which are subject to regulation (for

example, swimming pool chemicals or biological waste). Our hotels incur costs to comply with these environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, and if these regulatory requirements are not met or become more stringent in the future, or unforeseen events result in the discharge of dangerous or toxic substances at our hotel properties, we could be subject to increased costs of compliance, fines and penalties for non-compliance, and material liability from third parties for harm to the environment, damage to real property or personal injury and death. We are aware of no past or present environmental liability for non-compliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, assets or results of operations.

Certain hotels we currently own or those we acquire in the future contain, may contain, or may have contained asbestos-contaminating material (“ACM”). Environmental, health and safety laws require that ACM be properly managed and maintained, and include requirements to undertake special precautions, such as removal or abatement, if ACM would be disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition of a building. These laws regarding ACM may impose fines and penalties on building owners, employers and operators for failure to comply with these requirements or expose us to third-party liability. We are not presently aware of any ACM at our hotel properties that would result in a material adverse effect on our business, assets or results of operations.

In addition, when excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased as exposure to mold may cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. As a result, the presence of significant mold at any of our hotel properties could require us to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold from the affected property. In addition, the presence of significant mold could expose us to liability from our guests, employees and others if or when property damage or health concerns arise. We are not presently aware of any indoor air quality issues at our hotel properties that would result in a material adverse effect on our business, assets or results of operations.

A number of states and local governments regulate the licensing of hotels by requiring registration, disclosure statements and compliance with specific standards of conduct. We believe that each of our hotels has the necessary permits and approvals to operate its respective business and we intend to continue to obtain these permits and approvals for any new hotels. We are also subject to laws governing our relationship with our employees, including minimum wage requirements, overtime, working conditions and work permit requirements. An increase in the minimum wage rate, employee benefit costs or other costs associated with employees could materially adversely affect our business, including our results of operations. There are frequently proposals under consideration, at the federal and state levels, to increase the minimum wage.

Under the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the “ADA”), all public accommodations are required to meet certain federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. We attempt to satisfy ADA requirements in the designs for our hotels, but we cannot assure you that we will not be subjected to a material ADA claim. If that were to happen, we could be ordered to spend substantial sums to achieve compliance, fines could be imposed against us, and we could be required to pay damage awards to private litigants. The ADA and other regulatory initiatives could materially adversely affect our business as well as the lodging industry in general.

We currently have the types and amounts of insurance coverage that we consider appropriate for a company in our business. While we believe that our insurance coverage is adequate, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected if we were held liable for amounts exceeding the limits of our insurance coverage or for claims outside the scope of our insurance coverage.

Our website address is www.extendedstay.com. Our combined annual reports on Form 10-K, combined quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, are available free of charge through our website under “Investor Relations,” as soon as reasonably practicable after the electronic filing of these reports is made with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website, is expressly not incorporated by reference in this combined annual report on Form 10-K.

You should carefully consider the following risks as well as the other information included in this combined annual report on Form 10-K. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders.

The lodging industry is highly competitive. We compete with traditional hotels and lodging facilities (including limited service hotels), other purpose built extended stay hotels (including those owned and operated by major hospitality chains with well-established and recognized brands and individually-owned extended stay hotels) and alternative lodging (including serviced apartments). We expect that competition within the mid-price and economy segments of the extended stay lodging market will continue as we face increased competition from third-party internet travel intermediaries, such as Priceline.com, Expedia.com and Travelocity.com, and specialized intermediaries that locate and reserve hotel rooms for corporate lodgers. We compete based on a number of factors, including room rates, quality of accommodations, service levels, convenience of location, reputation, reservation systems, brand recognition, supply and availability of alternative lodging and ability to reach people through multiple channels. See “Business—Competition.” To maintain our rates, we may face pressure to offer increased services and amenities at our hotel properties, comparable to those offered at traditional hotels, which could increase our operating costs and reduce our profitability. We do not expect to increase our rates to match our competitors, and a number of our competitors have a significant number of individuals participating in well established guest loyalty programs, which may enable them to attract more customers and more effectively retain such customers. Our competitors may also have greater financial and marketing resources than we do, which could allow them to reduce their rates, offer greater convenience, services or amenities, build new hotels in direct competition with our existing hotels, improve their properties, and expand and improve their marketing efforts, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The lodging industry, including the extended stay segment, is cyclical and a worsening of general economic conditions or low levels of economic growth could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders.

The performance of the lodging industry, including the extended stay segment, is closely linked to the performance of the general economy and is sensitive to business and personal discretionary spending levels. Declines in corporate budgets and spending and consumer demand due to adverse general economic conditions, risks affecting or reducing travel patterns, lower consumer confidence and high unemployment or adverse political conditions can lower the revenues and profitability of our hotels.

Changes in consumer demand and general business cycles can subject, and have subjected, our revenues to significant volatility. The majority of our expenses are relatively fixed. These fixed expenses include labor costs, interest, real estate taxes, insurance and utilities, all of which may increase at a greater rate than our revenues. The expenses of owning and operating hotels are not significantly reduced when circumstances such as market

and economic factors and competition cause a reduction in revenues. Where cost-cutting efforts are insufficient to offset declines in revenues, we could experience a material decline in margins and reduced operating cash flows or losses. If we are unable to decrease our expenses significantly or rapidly when demand for our hotels decreases, the decline in our revenues could have a material adverse effect on our net operating cash flows and profitability. This effect can be especially pronounced during periods of economic contraction or slow economic growth, such as the recent economic recession.

In addition to general economic conditions, new hotel room supply is an important factor that can affect the lodging industry’s performance and overbuilding has the potential to further exacerbate the negative effect of an economic downturn or precipitate a cycle turn. Room rates and occupancy, and thus RevPAR, tend to increase when demand growth exceeds supply growth. Decline in hotel room demand, or a continued growth in hotel room supply, could result in revenues that are substantially below expectations or result in losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders. See “Business—Our Industry” for a description of increases in hotel room supply.

The extended stay segment has tended to follow the overall cyclicality of the lodging industry. In periods of declining demand, competition for guests may result in more reliance on longer-term guests, who generally pay lower rates than shorter-term guests, which could reduce revenues, margins and profitability. Equally, in periods of increasing demand, a transition to shorter-term guests paying higher rates might result in increased hotel expenses for amenities considered necessary to attract those guests, such as daily rather than weekly housekeeping, potentially reducing operating margins.

Uncertainty regarding the rate and pace of recovery from the recent economic downturn and the impact any such recovery may have on the lodging industry makes it difficult to predict future profitability levels. A slowing of the current economic recovery or new economic weakness could materially adversely affect our revenues and profitability.

Changes in general and local economic and market conditions and other factors beyond our control as well as the business, financial, operating and other risks common to the lodging industry and inherent to the ownership of hotels could materially adversely affect demand for lodging products and services. This includes demand for rooms at hotel properties that we own, operate and potentially develop or acquire. These factors include:

These factors can adversely affect, and from time to time have materially adversely affected, individual hotel properties, particular regions or our business as a whole. How we manage any one or more of these factors, or any crisis, could limit or reduce demand and the rates we are able to charge for rooms or services, which could materially adversely affect our operating results and future growth. These factors may be exacerbated by the relatively illiquid nature of our real estate holdings, which limits our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions.

The lodging industry is seasonal in nature. The Company’s occupancy rates and revenues generally are lower during the first and fourth quarter of each calendar year. Quarterly variations in hotel revenues could materially adversely affect the Company’s near term operating revenues and cash flows, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we fail to implement our business strategies, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Our financial performance and success depend in large part on our ability to successfully implement our business strategies. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully implement our business strategies, realize any benefit from our strategies or be able to continue improving our results of operations. We may spend significant amounts in connection with our business strategies, which would result in increased costs but may not result in expected increased revenues or improved results of operations.

Implementation of our business strategies could be affected by a number of factors beyond our control, such as increased competition, legal and regulatory developments, general economic conditions or increases in our operating costs. Any failure to successfully implement our business strategies could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may, in addition, decide to alter or discontinue certain aspects of our business strategies at any time.

Our capital expenditures may not result in our expected improvements in our business.

We are executing a phased hotel reinvestment program across our portfolio in order to seek to drive incremental market share gains. As of December 31, 2014, we have substantially completed Platinum renovations at 335 hotels, with total incurred costs of approximately $331.8 million. Also, as of December 31,

2014, we are in the process of implementing Platinum renovations at 47 additional hotels, with estimated total costs of approximately $46.2 million. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s Boards of Directors approved Platinum renovations for an additional 95 hotels totaling approximately $85.0 million, which are expected to be completed by early 2016. Once complete, we will have completed Platinum renovations at 477 hotels, which is approximately 75% of our Extended Stay America-branded hotels. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Capital Expenditures.”

The realization of returns on our investments in line with our expectations is dependent on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, general economic conditions, events beyond our control, whether our assumptions in making the investment were correct and changes in the factors underlying our investment decision, such as changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers. We can provide no assurance that we will continue to see returns on our previous capital expenditure investments, that we will realize our expected returns on our current investments, or any returns at all, or that our future investments will result in our expected returns on investments, returns that are consistent with our prior returns on capital expenditure investments, or any returns at all. Growth that we do realize as a result of our capital expenditures is expected to stabilize over time. A failure to realize our expected returns on our investments in our hotel properties could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Access to capital, timing, budgeting and other risks associated with the ongoing need for capital expenditures at our hotel properties could materially adversely affect our financial condition and limit our ability to compete effectively and pay distributions to our shareholders.

The lodging industry is a capital intensive business that requires significant capital expenditures to own and operate hotel properties. In addition, we must maintain, renovate and improve our hotel properties in order to remain competitive, maintain the value and brand standards of our hotel properties and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Maintenance, renovations and improvements to our hotel properties create an ongoing need for cash and, to the extent we cannot fund expenditures from cash generated by operations, funds must be borrowed or otherwise obtained. We also intend to pay regular distributions, which means we may not retain cash for future capital expenditures. Access to the capital that we need to renovate and maintain our existing hotel properties and to develop or acquire new hotel properties is critical to the continued growth of our business and our revenues. The availability of capital or the conditions under which we can obtain capital can have a significant impact on the overall level, cost and pace of future renovation or development and therefore the ability to meaningfully grow our revenues. As of December 31, 2014, we had total indebtedness of approximately $2.9 billion. Our substantial indebtedness may impair our ability to borrow additional amounts. Our ability to access additional capital could also be limited by the terms of our indebtedness and any future indebtedness, which restrict or will restrict our ability to incur debt under certain circumstances. In particular, ESH REIT’s $2.52 billion mortgage loan entered into on November 30, 2012 (the “ 2012 Mortgage Loan”) and ESH REIT’s $375.0 million term loan facility entered into on June 23, 2014 (the “2014 Term Loan”) prohibit any further encumbrances on the collateral securing that indebtedness, which is comprised of substantially all of our hotels. In the past, reduced investments in our properties resulted in declining performance of our business.

Additionally, our ongoing operations and capital expenditures subject us to the following risks:

If the cost of funding renovations or enhancements exceeds budgeted amounts, and/or the time period for renovation is longer than initially anticipated, our profits could be reduced. If we are forced to spend larger amounts of cash from operations than anticipated to operate, maintain or renovate existing hotel properties, then our ability to use cash for other purposes, including paying distributions to our shareholders or the potential development or acquisition of hotel properties, could be limited and our profits could be reduced. Similarly, if we cannot access the capital we need to fund our operations or implement our business strategies, we may need to postpone or cancel planned maintenance, renovations or improvements plans, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are exposed to the risks resulting from real estate ownership, which could increase our costs, reduce our profitability and limit our ability to respond to market conditions.

Our principal assets consist of real property. Our real estate ownership subjects us to additional risks not applicable to those competitors in the lodging industry that only manage or franchise hotel properties, including:

Economic and other conditions may materially adversely affect the valuation of our hotel properties resulting in impairment charges that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and earnings.

We hold goodwill, intangible assets and a significant amount of long-lived assets. We evaluate our tangible and intangible assets annually for impairment, or more frequently based on various triggers, including when a property has current or projected operating losses or when other material trends, contingencies or changes in circumstances indicate that a triggering event has occurred, such that an asset’s value may not be recoverable. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies.” Times of economic distress, declining demand and declining earnings often result in declining asset values for real estate and real property. As a result, we have incurred, and are likely to incur in the future, impairment charges, which may be material and adversely affect our results of operations and earnings.

We have a significant amount of debt and the agreements governing our indebtedness place, and any future indebtedness may place, restrictions on us, reducing operational flexibility and creating default risks.

We have a significant amount of debt. As of December 31, 2014, we had total indebtedness of approximately $2.9 billion and the Company had a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.1x. In the future, subject to compliance with the covenants included in our current indebtedness, we may incur significant additional indebtedness and intercompany indebtedness to finance future hotel acquisitions, developments, renovation and improvement activities and for other corporate purposes. Our substantial level of indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition because it could, among other things:

We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flows to enable us to pay our indebtedness, fund our other liquidity needs or pay distributions to our shareholders. If we are unable to meet our debt service obligations, our indebtedness will prevent us from paying cash distributions with respect to our stock. In such case, in order to satisfy the REIT distribution requirements imposed by the Code, ESH REIT may distribute taxable stock dividends to its shareholders in the form of additional shares of its stock.

We expect that we will need to refinance all or a portion of our debt on or before maturity. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our debt on attractive terms on or before maturity, commercially reasonable terms or at all, particularly because of our substantial levels of debt and because of restrictions on debt prepayment and additional debt incurrence contained in the agreements governing our existing debt. Our future results of operations and our ability to service, extend or refinance our indebtedness will be subject to future economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

The agreements governing our indebtedness contain covenants that place restrictions on us. These covenants may restrict, among other activities, our ability to:

In addition, under the 2012 Mortgage Loan, the occurrence of (i) an Event of Default, (ii) a Debt Yield Trigger Event (a Debt Yield, as defined, of less than 9.0%) or (iii) a Guarantor Bankruptcy Event would result in a Cash Trap Event, each as defined. During the period of a Cash Trap Event, any excess cash flow, after all monthly requirements are fully funded (including the payment of budgeted management fees and operating expenses), would be held by the loan service agent as additional collateral for the 2012 Mortgage Loan, which would prevent ESH REIT from making cash distributions.

Under the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility, the occurrence of a Debt Yield Trigger Event or an Adjusted Debt Yield Trigger event (each as defined of less than 12.0% as of the last day of any calendar month), a Default or an Event of Default (each as defined) would require the Corporation to prepay advances existing under the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility and cash collateralize outstanding letters of credit. The Corporation may cure a Trigger Event by (a) repaying advances and cash collateralizing outstanding letters of credit, and (b) maintaining the threshold Debt Yield level for three consecutive months following the month in which the Trigger Event occurred. During a Trigger Event, a Default or an Event of Default, the Corporation is restricted from making cash distributions. As of December 31, 2014, the Corporation’s Debt Yield and Adjusted Debt Yield were 21.0% and 18.2%, respectively, and a Cash Trap Event was not in effect.

Under the ESH Revolving Credit Facility and 2014 Term Loan, the occurrence of a Debt Yield Trigger Event or an Adjusted Debt Yield Trigger Event, (each as defined of less than 11.5% as of the last day of any calendar month), a Default or an Event of Default (each as defined) would require ESH REIT to prepay advances existing under ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility and cash collateralize outstanding letters of credit. ESH REIT may cure a Trigger Event by (a) repaying advances and cash collateralizing outstanding letters of credit, and (b) maintaining the threshold Debt Yield level for three consecutive months following the month in which the Trigger Event occurred. During a Trigger Event, a Default or an Event of Default, ESH REIT is restricted from making cash distributions (subject to certain exceptions to be agreed). As of December 31, 2014, ESH REIT’s Debt Yield and Adjusted Debt Yield were 21.0% and 18.3%, respectively, and a Cash Trap Event was not in effect.

These covenants could impair our ability to grow our business, take advantage of attractive business opportunities, successfully compete or pay distributions to shareholders. For a more detailed description of the covenants imposed by the agreements governing our indebtedness, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Our Indebtedness.” Our ability to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including general economic, financial and industry conditions. A breach of any of the covenants under any of the agreements governing our indebtedness could result in an event of default. Cross-default provisions in the debt agreements could cause an event of default under one debt agreement to trigger an event of default under other debt agreements. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under any of our debt agreements, the lenders could elect to declare all outstanding debt under such agreements to be immediately due and payable. If we are unable to repay or refinance the accelerated debt, the lenders could proceed against any assets pledged to secure that debt, which could include the foreclosure on some or all of the hotel properties securing such indebtedness. Furthermore, the agreements governing any future indebtedness will likely contain covenants that place additional restrictions on us.

Mortgage and term loan obligations expose us to the possibility of foreclosure, which could result in the loss of any hotel property subject to mortgage or term loan debt.

The 2012 Mortgage Loan is secured by mortgages on 678 of our 682 hotel properties and related assets. The 2014 Term Loan is secured by ESH REIT’s pledges of direct and indirect equity in the 2012 Mortgage Loan obligors. Incurring mortgage and other secured debt obligations increases our risk of property losses because defaults on secured indebtedness may result in foreclosure actions initiated by lenders and ultimately our loss of the hotel properties or other properties securing such loans. If such obligors were in default under a loan, we could lose some or all of the hotel properties securing, directly or indirectly, such loan to foreclosure. For tax purposes, a foreclosure of our hotel properties would be treated as a sale of the hotel for a purchase price equal to the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage. If the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage exceeds our tax basis in the hotel, ESH REIT would recognize taxable income on foreclosure, but would not receive any cash proceeds, which could hinder ESH REIT’s ability to meet the REIT distribution requirements imposed by the Code. ESH REIT may assume or incur new mortgage indebtedness on hotel properties that it develops or acquires in the future. Any default under any one of ESH REIT’s mortgage debt obligations may increase its risk of default on its other indebtedness.

Our business depends on the quality and reputation of our brands, and any deterioration in the quality or reputation of our brands or the lodging industry could materially adversely affect our market share, reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our brands and our reputation are among our most important assets. We operate the substantial majority of our hotels under our core brand, Extended Stay America. Our ability to attract and retain guests depends, in part, upon the external perceptions of Extended Stay America and Crossland Economy Studios, the quality of our hotels and services and our corporate and management integrity. An incident involving the potential safety or security of our guests or employees, or negative publicity regarding safety or security at our competitors’ properties or in respect of our third-party vendors and the industry, and any media coverage resulting therefrom, may harm our brands and our reputation, cause a loss of consumer confidence in Extended Stay America and the industry, and materially adversely affect our results of operations. The considerable expansion in the use of social media and online review sites over recent years has compounded the potential scope and speed of any negative publicity that could be generated by such incidents, whether or not the description of any events by social media is accurate. Adverse incidents have occurred in the past and are likely to occur in the future.

In addition, we believe that the Corporation’s trademarks and other intellectual property are fundamental to the reputation of our brands. The Corporation develops, maintains, licenses and polices a substantial portfolio of trademarks and other intellectual property rights. To the extent necessary, the Corporation enforces its intellectual property rights to protect the value of its trademarks, our development activities, to protect our good name, to promote brand recognition, to enhance our competitiveness and to otherwise support our business goals and objectives. The Corporation relies on trademark laws to protect its proprietary rights. Monitoring for unauthorized use of the Corporation’s intellectual property is difficult. Litigation may be necessary to enforce the Corporation’s intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Litigation of this type could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources, may result in counterclaims or other claims against the Corporation and could significantly harm our results of operations. From time to time, the Corporation applies to have certain trademarks registered. There is no guarantee that such trademark registrations will be granted. We cannot assure you that all of the steps the Corporation has taken to protect its trademarks will be adequate to prevent imitation of its trademarks by others. The unauthorized reproduction of the Corporation’s trademarks could diminish the value of our brands and their market acceptance, competitive advantages or goodwill, which could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.

We could incur significant costs related to government regulation and litigation over environmental, health and safety matters.

emissions, discharges of waste materials (such as refuge or sewage), the registration, maintenance and operation of our boilers and storage tanks, asbestos and lead-based paint. Some of our hotels also routinely handle and use hazardous or regulated substances and wastes as part of their operations, which are subject to regulation (for example, swimming pool chemicals or biological waste). Our hotels incur costs to comply with these environmental, health and safety laws and regulations and if these regulatory requirements are not met or become more stringent in the future or unforeseen events result in the discharge of dangerous or toxic substances at our hotel properties, we could be subject to increased costs of compliance, fines and penalties for non-compliance and material liability from third parties for harm to the environment, damage to real property or personal injury and death.

In particular, certain hotels we currently own or those we acquire in the future contain, may contain, or may have contained, ACM. Environmental, health and safety laws require that ACM be properly managed and maintained, and include requirements to undertake special precautions, such as removal or abatement, if ACM would be disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition of a building. These laws regarding ACM may impose fines and penalties on building owners, employers and operators for failure to comply with these requirements or expose us to third-party liability.

The geographic concentration of our portfolio may make us particularly susceptible to adverse economic developments in those geographic areas in which we operate a substantial portion of our hotels.

The concentration of our hotel properties in a particular geographic area may materially impact our operating results if that area is impacted by negative economic developments. As of December 31, 2014, 13.6% of our rooms were in California, 10.3% of our rooms were in Texas, 7.9% of our rooms were in Florida and 5.2% of our rooms were in Illinois. We are particularly susceptible to adverse economic or other conditions in these markets (such as periods of economic slowdown or recession, business layoffs or downsizing, industry slowdowns, relocations of businesses, increases in real estate and other taxes and the cost of complying with governmental regulations or increased regulation), as well as to natural disasters or terrorist events that occur in these markets. Our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially adversely affected by any significant adverse developments in any of those markets. Our operations may also be materially adversely affected if competing hotels are built in these markets. Furthermore, submarkets within any of these markets may be dependent on the economic performance of a limited number of industries which drive those markets.

We may seek to expand through development or acquisitions of other companies and hotel properties, and we may also seek to diversify through franchising; these activities may be unsuccessful or divert our management’s attention.

We intend to consider strategic and complementary acquisitions of other companies and hotel properties. In many cases, we will be competing for these opportunities with third parties that may have substantially greater financial resources than we do. Acquisitions of companies or hotel properties are subject to risks that could affect our business, including risks related to:

We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully identify acquisition opportunities or complete transactions on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that we will actually realize any anticipated benefits

from such acquisitions. There may be high barriers to entry, including restrictive zoning laws, limited availability of hotel properties and higher costs of land, in many key markets and scarcity of available acquisition, development and investment opportunities in desirable locations. Similarly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain financing for developments or acquisitions on attractive terms or at all, or that the ability to obtain such financing will not be restricted by the terms of our current or future indebtedness. In addition, our pairing arrangement may prevent our use of common tax-free acquisition structures, which may increase the cost and difficulty of acquiring other businesses and hotel properties and inhibit our ability to expand through acquisitions in which consideration other than cash is contemplated.

The success of any acquisition will also depend, in part, on our ability to integrate the acquisition with our existing operations. We may experience difficulty with integrating acquired companies, hotel properties or other assets, including difficulties relating to:

We own and operate all of the hotel properties associated with our brands. In the future, we may seek to realize the benefits of franchising and franchise certain of our hotel properties pursuant to agreements with third-party franchisees. We currently do not have experience operating a significant franchising business and expect that the development and implementation of any franchise system will require significant expenditures and could divert management’s attention from other business concerns, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The viability of any franchising business will depend on our ability to establish and maintain good relationships with franchisees. If we enter the franchising business, we may be exposed to additional risks, including, but not limited to, the financial condition and access to capital of franchisees, reputational harm due to the action of franchisees and litigation as a result of disagreements with franchisees. We cannot guarantee that we will seek to expand or diversify our business through franchising in the near future.

In addition, any such development, acquisition or franchising activity could demand significant attention from our management that would otherwise be available for our current ongoing operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

An increase in the use of third-party internet intermediaries to book online hotel reservations could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Some of the rooms at our hotels are booked through third-party internet travel intermediaries and other online travel service providers. These intermediaries primarily focus on leisure travel and also provide offerings for corporate travel and group meetings. Intermediaries use a variety of aggressive online marketing methods to attract customers, including the purchase, by certain companies, of trademarked online keywords such as “Extended Stay” from internet search engines to steer customers toward their websites. These intermediaries hope that consumers will eventually develop brand loyalties to their reservation system rather than to our brands. Accordingly, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed if travel intermediaries succeed in significantly shifting loyalties from our brands to their reservation systems and diverting bookings away from our website or through their fees increasing the overall cost of internet bookings for our hotels.

A failure by our intermediaries to attract or retain their customer bases could lower demand for hotel rooms and, in turn, reduce our revenues from these [distribution] channels. Additionally, if bookings by these third-party intermediaries increase, these intermediaries may be able to obtain higher commissions or other significant contract concessions from us, increasing the overall cost of these third-party distribution channels. Some of our distribution agreements with these companies are not exclusive, have a short term, are terminable at will or are subject to early termination provisions. The loss of distributors, increased distribution costs or the renewal of distribution agreements on significantly less favorable terms could adversely impact our business.

We are reliant upon technology and the disruption or malfunction in our information technology systems could materially adversely affect our business.

The lodging industry depends upon the use of sophisticated information technology and systems, including those utilized for reservations, revenue and property management, procurement and operation of our administrative systems. For example, we depend on our central reservation system, which allows bookings of hotel rooms directly, via telephone through our call centers, by travel agents, online through our website and through our online reservation partners. We operate third-party systems, making us reliant on third-party service providers, data communication networks and software upgrades, maintenance and support. Many of our information technology systems are outdated and require substantial upgrading. These technologies are costly and are expected to require refinements that may cause disruptions to many of our key information and technology systems. If we are unable to replace or introduce information technology and other systems as quickly as our competitors or within budgeted costs or schedules, or if we are unable to achieve the intended benefits of any new information technology or other systems, including our new revenue management system, our results of operations could be adversely affected and our ability to compete effectively could be diminished.

Further, we have from time to time experienced disruptions of these systems, and disruptions of the operation of these systems as a result of failures related to our internal or our service provider systems and support may occur in the future. Information technology systems that we rely upon are also vulnerable to damage or interruption from:

The occurrence of any of these problems at any of our information technology facilities, any of our call centers or any third party service providers could cause interruptions or delays in our business or loss of data, or render us unable to process reservations. In addition, if our information technology systems are unable to provide the information communications capacity that we need, or if our information technology systems suffer problems caused by installing system enhancements, we could experience similar failures or interruptions. If our information technology systems fail and our redundant systems or disaster recovery plans are not adequate to address such failures, or if our property and business interruption insurance does not sufficiently compensate us for any losses that we may incur, our revenues and profits could be reduced and the reputation of our brands and our business could be harmed.

Cyber risk and the failure to maintain the integrity of internal or customer data could result in faulty business decisions and harm our reputation or subject us to costs, fines or lawsuits, or limit our ability to accept credit cards.

Our businesses require the collection, transmission and retention of large volumes of internal and customer data, including credit card numbers and other personally identifiable information of our customers, in various

information technology systems that we maintain and in those maintained by third parties with whom we contract to provide services. We and our service providers also maintain personally identifiable information about our employees. The integrity and protection of that customer, employee and company data is critical to us. If that data is inaccurate or incomplete, we could make faulty decisions. Further, our customers and employees have a high expectation that we and our service providers will adequately protect their personal information. The information, security and privacy requirements imposed by governmental regulation are increasingly demanding. Our systems may not be able to satisfy these changing requirements and customer and employee expectations, or may require significant additional investments or time in order to do so. Efforts to hack or breach security measures, failures of systems or software to operate as designed or intended, viruses, operator error or inadvertent releases of data all threaten our and our service provider’s information systems and records. Our reliance on computer, internet-based and mobile systems and communications and the frequency and sophistication of efforts by hackers to gain unauthorized access to such systems have increased significantly in recent years. A breach in the security of our information technology systems or those of our service providers could lead to an interruption in the operation of our systems, resulting in operational inefficiencies and a loss of profits. Additionally, a significant theft, loss or misappropriation of, or access to, customers’ or other proprietary data or other breach of our information technology systems could result in fines, legal claims or legal proceedings, including regulatory investigations and actions, or liability for failure to comply with privacy and information security laws, which could disrupt our operations, damage our reputation and expose us to claims from customers, financial institutions, regulators, payment card associations, employees and other persons, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, we are subject to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (the “PCI DSS”), a set of requirements administered by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, an independent body created by the major credit card brands, designed to ensure that companies handling credit card information maintain a secure environment. In prior years, we failed to maintain compliance with the PCI DSS and accordingly were subject to monthly penalties imposed by VISA. We are currently in compliance with the PCI DSS. If we fail to maintain PCI DSS compliance, we could become subject to penalties or lose our ability to accept credit card payments. As approximately 80.0% of our hotel revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014 were paid by credit card, loss of the ability to accept credit cards for payment would create a significant disruption to our operations, could reduce our occupancy levels and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in privacy laws could adversely affect our ability to market effectively.

We rely on a variety of direct marketing techniques, including telemarketing, email and postal mailings. Restrictions in laws such as the Telemarketing Sales Rule, CAN-SPAM Act and various state laws or new federal laws regarding marketing and solicitation or data protection laws that govern these activities could adversely affect the continuing effectiveness of telemarketing, email and postal mailing techniques and could force changes in our marketing strategies. If this occurs, we may not be able to develop adequate alternative marketing strategies, which could impact the amount and timing of our revenues. In addition, any violation of these laws could result in significant penalties. We also obtain access to potential customers from travel service providers and other companies with whom we have substantial relationships and market to some individuals on these lists directly or by including our marketing message in the other company’s marketing materials. If access to these lists was prohibited or otherwise restricted, our ability to develop new customers and introduce them to our services could be materially impaired.

We are exposed to a variety of risks associated with safety, security and crisis management.

There is a constant need to protect the safety and security of our guests, employees and assets against natural and man-made threats. These threats include, but are not limited to, exceptional events such as extreme weather, civil or political unrest, violence and terrorism, serious and organized crime, fraud, employee dishonesty, cyber crime, fire and day-to-day accidents, incidents and petty crime, which impact the guest or

employee experience, could cause loss of life, sickness or injury and result in compensation claims, fines from regulatory bodies, litigation and impact our reputation. Serious incidents or a combination of events could escalate into a crisis, which if managed poorly by us could further expose our brands to reputational damage, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our hotel properties may contain or develop harmful mold, which could lead to liability for adverse health effects and costs of remediating the problem.

When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased as exposure to mold may cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. As a result, the presence of significant mold at any of our hotel properties could require us to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold from the affected property. In addition, the presence of significant mold could expose us to liability from our guests, employees and others if property damage or health concerns arise.

Compliance with the laws and regulations that apply to our hotel properties could materially adversely affect our ability to make future developments, acquisitions or renovations, result in significant costs or delays and adversely affect our business strategies.

Our hotels are subject to various local laws and regulatory requirements that address our ability to obtain licenses for our operations. In particular, we are subject to permitting and licensing requirements, which can restrict the use of our hotel properties and increase the cost of development, acquisition, renovation or operation of our hotels. In addition, federal and state laws and regulations, including laws such as the ADA, impose further restrictions on our operations. Under the ADA, all public accommodations must meet federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. We may be subject to audits or investigations of all of our hotels to determine our compliance. Some of our hotels may not be fully compliant with the ADA. If one or more of the hotels in our portfolio is not in compliance with the ADA or any other regulatory requirements, we may be required to incur additional costs to bring the property into compliance and we might be required to pay damages or governmental fines. In addition, the obligation to make readily achievable accommodations is an ongoing one. Existing requirements may change and future requirements may require us to make significant unanticipated capital expenditures that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.

Hospitality companies have been the target of class actions and other lawsuits alleging violations of federal and state law and other claims, and we may be subject to legal claims.

Our operating income and profits may be reduced by legal or governmental proceedings brought by or on behalf of our employees, customers or other third parties. In recent years, a number of hospitality companies have been subject to lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, alleging violations of federal and state law regarding workplace and employment matters, discrimination and other alleged violations of law. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in the payment of substantial damages by the defendants. Similar lawsuits have been instituted against us from time to time, and we cannot assure you that we will not incur substantial damages and expenses resulting from lawsuits of this type or other claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in federal, state, local or foreign tax regulation or disputes with tax authorities could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and profitability by increasing our tax or tax compliance costs in the United States and Canada.

The determination of our provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires estimations and significant judgments and there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is

uncertain. We are subject to taxation at the federal, state or provincial and local levels in the United States and Canada. Our future tax rates could be materially adversely affected by changes in the composition of our earnings in jurisdictions with differing tax rates, changes in the valuation of or valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets and liabilities and substantive changes to tax rules and the application thereof by United States federal, state, local and foreign governments, all of which could result in materially higher corporate taxes than would be incurred under existing tax law or interpretation and could adversely affect our profitability. Further, our determination of our tax liability is always subject to audit and review by applicable domestic and foreign tax authorities. Any adverse outcome of any such audit or review could have an adverse effect on our business and reduce our profits to the extent potential tax liabilities exceed our reserves, and the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may materially affect our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made, as well as future periods.

In addition, the recent economic downturn has reduced tax revenues for United States federal, state and local governments and as a result tax authorities have increased their efforts to raise revenues through changes in tax laws and audits. Increased efforts by tax authorities to raise revenues through changes in tax laws and audits could materially increase our consolidated effective tax rate.

Increases in ESH REIT’s real estate taxes could materially adversely affect our profitability and ability to pay distributions to our shareholders.

Hotel properties are subject to real and personal property taxes. These taxes may increase as tax rates change and as ESH REIT’s hotel properties continue to be assessed and reassessed by taxing authorities. In particular, ESH REIT’s real estate taxes could increase following acquisitions as acquired properties are reassessed. In recent periods, state and local governments have continued to seek to increase real estate taxes. If real estate taxes continue to increase, our business, financial condition, results of operations and ESH REIT’s ability to make distributions to its shareholders could be materially adversely affected.

Our insurance may not fully compensate us for damage to or losses involving our hotel properties.

We maintain comprehensive insurance on each of our hotel properties, including liability, fire and extended coverage, in the types and amounts we believe are adequate and customary in our industry. Nevertheless, there are some types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, floods, terrorist acts or liabilities that result from breaches in the security of our information technology systems, that may be uninsurable or too expensive to justify obtaining insurance. Additionally, market forces beyond our control could limit the scope of insurance coverage that we can obtain or restrict our ability to obtain insurance coverage at reasonable rates. As a result, we may not be successful in obtaining insurance without increases in cost or decreases in coverage levels. We use our discretion in determining amounts, coverage limits and deductibility provisions of insurance, with a view toward obtaining appropriate insurance on our hotel properties at a reasonable cost and on suitable terms. In the event of significant damage or loss, our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover the full current market value or replacement value of our investment in a property, and in some cases could result in certain losses being totally uninsured. In addition, inflation, changes in building codes and zoning ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors might make it impossible or impractical to use insurance proceeds to replace or repair a property that has been damaged or destroyed. Under these and other circumstances, insurance proceeds may not be adequate to restore our economic position with respect to a damaged or destroyed property. Accordingly, ESH REIT could lose some or all of the capital it has invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the property, and ESH REIT could remain obligated for guarantees, debt or other financial obligations of the property. Our debt instruments contain customary covenants requiring us to maintain insurance. Although we believe that we currently maintain sufficient insurance coverage to satisfy these obligations, there is no assurance that in the future we will be able to procure coverage at a reasonable cost or at all. In addition, there can be no assurance that the lenders under our debt instruments will not take the position that we do not have sufficient insurance coverage and therefore are in breach of these instruments allowing the lenders to declare an event of default and accelerate repayment of debt.

We are dependent upon our ability to attract and retain key officers and other highly qualified personnel.

Our success and our ability to implement our business strategies will depend in large part upon the efforts and skills of our senior management and our ability to attract and retain key officers and other highly qualified personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense. In recent years, we have experienced turnover of several senior management roles and we have focused time and resources on recruiting or promoting from within the new members of our current senior management team. The continued turnover of senior management or the unexpected loss of one or more of our key personnel or any negative public perception with respect to these individuals could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. If we lose or suffer an extended interruption in the services of one or more of our key officers, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Additionally, there can be no assurance that our senior management will be able to successfully execute and implement our business and operating strategies.

Labor shortages could restrict our ability to operate our hotels or implement our business strategies or result in increased labor costs that could reduce our profitability.

Our success depends in large part on our ability to attract, retain, train, manage and engage our employees. Our hotels are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by approximately 8,700 employees around the country. If we are unable to attract, retain, train, manage and engage skilled employees, our ability to manage and staff our hotel properties adequately could be impaired, which could reduce customer satisfaction and harm our reputation. Staffing shortages could also hinder our ability to implement our business strategy. Because payroll costs are a major component of hotel operating expenses and our general and administrative expenses, a shortage of skilled labor could also require higher wages that would increase our labor costs, which could reduce our profitability and limit our ability to pay distributions to shareholders. In addition, increases in minimum wage rates could result in significantly increased costs for us and result in reduced margins and profitability.

Attempts by labor organizations to organize groups of our employees or changes in labor laws could disrupt our operations, increase our labor costs or interfere with the ability of our management to focus on implementing our business strategies.

We may become subject to collective bargaining agreements, similar agreements or regulations enforced by governmental entities in the future. Changes in the federal regulatory scheme could make it easier for unions to organize groups of our employees. If relationships with our employees or other field personnel deteriorate or become adverse, our hotel properties could experience labor disruptions such as strikes, lockouts and public demonstrations. Additionally, if such changes take effect, our employees or other field personnel could be subject to organizational efforts, which could potentially lead to disruptions or require our management’s time to address unionization issues. Labor regulation could also lead to higher wage and benefit costs, changes in work rules that raise operating expenses and legal costs, and limit our ability to take cost saving measures during economic downturns. These or similar agreements, legislation or changes in regulations could disrupt our operations, hinder our ability to cross-train and cross-promote our employees due to prescribed work rules and job classifications, reduce our profitability or interfere with the ability of our management to focus on executing our business and operating strategies.

Adverse judgments or settlements resulting from legal proceedings in which we may be involved in the normal course of our business could reduce our profitability or limit our ability to operate our business.

In the normal course of our business, we are often involved in various legal proceedings. We cannot predict with certainty the cost of defense, the cost of prosecution or the ultimate outcome of these legal proceedings. Additionally, we could become the subject of future claims by third parties, including guests who use our hotels, our employees, our shareholders or regulators. Any significant adverse determinations, judgments or settlements could reduce our profitability and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations or limit our ability to operate our business. Further, we may incur costs related to claims for which we have appropriate third party indemnity, but such third parties fail to fulfill their contractual obligations. See “Item 3-Legal Proceedings.”

We may be liable for indemnification or similar payments relating to the Company Predecessor in accordance with the Fifth Amended Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”), the bankruptcy court’s order confirming the Plan (the “Confirmation Order”), and under certain agreements providing for indemnification in connection with the bankruptcy and/or reorganization of the Company Predecessor.

We may be liable for indemnification or similar payments relating to the Company Predecessor. Under its constitutive documents, other agreements or applicable law, the Company Predecessor had obligations to defend, indemnify, reimburse, exculpate, advance fees and expenses, or limit the liabilities of certain officers and employees for certain matters relating to the Company Predecessor (the “Predecessor Indemnification Obligations”). Under the Plan and the Confirmation Order, we retained Predecessor Indemnification Obligations to those officers and employees who were officers and employees both prior to and after the effective date of the Plan. We may, therefore, face liabilities with respect to such Predecessor Indemnification Obligations. In addition, we may face liabilities arising from a separate agreement providing for Predecessor Indemnification Obligations to a former officer. Currently, certain claims remain outstanding against several of our former officers and employees in litigation brought on behalf of the Litigation Trust, which could trigger our Predecessor Indemnification Obligations, and new claims may arise in the future against those we have agreed to indemnify. While we believe the likelihood that we will be required to fund any material Predecessor Indemnification Obligations is remote and we are unable to quantify the potential exposure for which we may have to provide indemnification in the future, to the extent that we are required to fund any Predecessor Indemnification Obligations, our results of operations and our liquidity and capital resources could be materially adversely affected.

Failure of ESH REIT to qualify as a REIT or remain qualified as a REIT would cause it to be taxed as a regular C corporation, which would expose it to substantial tax liability and substantially reduce the amount of cash available to pay distributions to its shareholders.

ESH REIT elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes effective as of October 7, 2010. We believe ESH REIT has been organized and operated in such a manner so as to qualify as a REIT and ESH REIT currently intends to continue to operate as a REIT. However, qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code, for which only a limited number of judicial and administrative interpretations exist. The complexity of these provisions is greater in the case of a REIT that owns hotels and leases them to a corporation with which a portion of its stock is paired. As a result, ESH REIT is likely to encounter a greater number of interpretive issues under the REIT qualification rules, and more such issues which lack clear guidance, than are other REITs. Even an inadvertent or technical mistake could jeopardize ESH REIT’s REIT qualification.

In connection with the Offering and the August 2014 secondary offering, the Company received an opinion that ESH REIT should have qualified as a REIT as of that time. We believe ESH REIT has continued to operate in conformity with the requirements to qualify as a REIT since the date of the August 2014 secondary offering and that ESH REIT continues to satisfy all requirements to maintain its REIT status. One of the requirements unique to our structure is that, in order for ESH REIT to qualify as a REIT, no shareholder may actually or constructively own 10 percent or more of the value of shares of ESH REIT or the Corporation. While we do not regularly monitor share ownership for purposes of this test, in the event that a shareholder crosses the 10-percent threshold, we believe that the excess share provisions of the ESH REIT and Corporation charters should be triggered to reduce the relevant shareholder’s ownership and insulate the Company from risk with respect to this issue.

If ESH REIT failed to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and no available relief provision applied, it would be subject to U.S. federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on its taxable income at regular corporate rates, and distributions to holders of its stock would not be deductible by it in computing its taxable income. ESH REIT may also be subject to additional state and local taxes if it fails to

qualify as a REIT. Any such corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for investment, debt service and distribution to holders of its stock, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the value and market price of our Paired Shares. To the extent that distributions to shareholders by ESH REIT have been made on the belief that ESH REIT qualified as a REIT, ESH REIT might be required to borrow funds or to liquidate certain of its investments to pay the applicable tax. If, for any reason, ESH REIT failed to qualify as a REIT and it was not entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, it would be subject to a material tax liability and unable to elect REIT status for the four taxable years following the year during which it ceased to so qualify, which would materially adversely affect our business and operating strategies and the market value of our Paired Shares.

Failure to qualify as a REIT could result from a number of factors, including, without limitation:

In addition, if ESH REIT fails to qualify as a REIT, it will no longer be required to make distributions as a condition to REIT qualification and all of its distributions to holders of its common stock, after payment of corporate level tax as noted above, would be taxable as regular C corporation dividends to the extent of ESH REIT’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Thus, if ESH REIT failed to qualify as a REIT, dividends paid to ESH REIT’s shareholders currently taxed as individuals would be qualified dividend income, currently taxed at preferential rates, and ESH REIT’s shareholders currently taxed as corporations (including the Corporation) would be entitled to the dividends received deduction with respect to such dividends, subject in each case to applicable limitations under the Code. As a result of all these factors, ESH REIT’s failure to qualify as a REIT would impair our business and operating strategies and materially adversely affect the market price of our Paired Shares.

If rents received by ESH REIT from the Corporation are treated as rent received from a “related party tenant,” ESH REIT will fail to qualify as a REIT.

To qualify as “rents from real property” for purposes of the two gross income tests applicable to REITs, ESH REIT must not own, actually or constructively (by virtue of certain attribution provisions of the Code), 10% or more (by vote or value) of the stock of any corporate lessee or 10% or more of the assets or net profits of any non-corporate lessee (a “related party tenant”). The Corporation will be treated as a related party tenant for purposes of the gross income tests if ESH REIT owns, actually or constructively (by virtue of certain attribution provisions of the Code), 10% or more of the stock (by vote or value) of the Corporation. The Corporation does not believe that it is a related party tenant of ESH REIT.

However, events beyond our knowledge or control could result in a shareholder, including an investor in the Sponsors or the Sponsors’ funds, owning or being deemed to own 10% or more of the paired common stock. The ownership attribution rules that apply for purposes of the 10% threshold are complex and may cause the outstanding shares owned by a group of related individuals or entities to be deemed to be constructively owned by one individual or entity. As a result, for instance, the acquisition of less than 10% of the outstanding paired common stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity which owns paired common stock) by an individual or entity could cause that individual or entity to be treated as owning in excess of 10% of ESH REIT. In addition, a person may be treated as owning 10% or more of the value of stock of ESH REIT by virtue of owning an interest in an entity other than a Sponsor-managed fund that owns an interest in ESH REIT. Although ESH REIT intends to make timely annual demands of certain shareholders of record to disclose the beneficial owners of

Shares issued in their name, as required by the Treasury Regulations, monitoring actual or constructive ownership of the Shares, including by investors in the Sponsors, on a continuous basis is not feasible. The charters of the Corporation and ESH REIT contain restrictions on the amount of shares of stock of either entity so that no person can own, actually or constructively (by virtue of certain attribution provisions of the Code), more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of any class or series of stock of either ESH REIT or the Corporation. The Class A common stock of ESH REIT and the 125 shares of preferred stock of ESH REIT are not subject to the 9.8% ownership limitation under the charter of ESH REIT. However, given the breadth of the Code’s constructive ownership rules and the fact that it is not feasible for ESH REIT and the Corporation to continuously monitor actual and constructive ownership of paired common stock, there can be no assurance that such restrictions will be effective in preventing any person from actually or constructively acquiring 9.8% or more of the outstanding shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation or ESH REIT. If the Corporation were treated as a “related party tenant” of ESH REIT, ESH REIT would not be able to satisfy either of the two gross income tests applicable to REITs and would fail to qualify for REIT status. If ESH REIT failed to qualify as a REIT and it was not entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, it would be subject to a material tax liability and unable to elect REIT status for the four taxable years following the year during which it ceased to so qualify. In addition, it is unlikely ESH REIT would avail itself of certain relief provisions under the Code customarily available to a REIT that has failed to satisfy a REIT requirement but wants to retain its REIT status. If a REIT fails to satisfy either of the two gross income requirements, such relief provisions require payment of a punitive tax in an amount equal to 100% of the estimated profits of the REIT attributable to the amount of gross income by which the REIT failed the gross income tests. Since substantially all of ESH REIT’s gross income is generated by rent paid pursuant to the operating leases with the Corporation, substantially all of ESH REIT’s total profits could become subject to such 100% tax under such relief provisions of the Code if this rent failed to qualify under the two gross income tests. In that event, ESH REIT would not likely pursue any of the relief provisions available to REITs under certain provisions of the Code.

Our structure has been infrequently utilized by public companies and has not been employed by a public company since a similar structure was employed by a public company in 2006, and there is little guidance on the tax treatment of a paired share arrangement. Section 269B of the Code provides that the determination of whether an entity qualifies as a REIT must be made on a combined basis if the entity is “stapled” to another entity. ESH REIT and the Corporation will be considered “stapled entities” if more than 50% of the value of the beneficial ownership of shares of ESH REIT is paired with the shares of the Corporation. We believe that the value of the Class B common stock does not represent more than 50% of the value of all of the shares of stock of ESH REIT and, accordingly, that ESH REIT and the Corporation are not “stapled entities” for purposes of Section 269B of the Code. If ESH REIT failed to qualify as a REIT under this rule and it was not entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, it would be subject to a material tax liability and unable to elect REIT status for the four taxable years following the year during which it ceased to so qualify. Additionally, the IRS could challenge the REIT status of ESH REIT on the basis that the Class B common stock is not freely transferrable. Such assertion, if successful, would result in the loss of ESH REIT’s REIT status. If ESH REIT failed to qualify as a REIT under this rule and it was not entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, it would be subject to a material tax liability and unable to elect REIT status for the four taxable years following the year during which it ceased to so qualify. Finally, the IRS could also assert that the Corporation should be treated as owning all of the common stock of ESH REIT. If upheld, such an assertion would effectively eliminate the benefit of REIT status for ESH REIT. We did not seek an advance ruling from the IRS regarding ESH REIT’s qualification as a REIT.

The ownership limits that apply to REITs, as prescribed by the Code and by ESH REIT’s charter, may inhibit market activity in our Paired Shares and restrict our business combination opportunities.

In order for ESH REIT to qualify to be taxed as a REIT, not more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares of its stock may be owned, beneficially or constructively, by five or fewer individuals, as defined in the Code to include certain entities, at any time during the last half of each taxable year after the first year for which

it elected to qualify to be taxed as a REIT. Subject to certain exceptions, ESH REIT’s charter authorizes its Board of Directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve its qualification to be taxed as a REIT. ESH REIT’s charter also provides that, unless exempted by the Board of Directors, no person may own more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of any class or series of its stock. The constructive ownership rules are complex and may cause shares of stock owned directly or constructively (by virtue of certain attribution provisions of the Code) by a group of related individuals or entities to be constructively owned by one individual or entity. These ownership limits could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control of us that might involve a premium price for our Paired Shares or otherwise be in the best interests of our shareholders.

If ESH REIT’s leases with the Corporation are not respected as true leases for U.S. federal income tax purposes, ESH REIT would fail to qualify as a REIT.

To qualify as a REIT, ESH REIT is required to satisfy two gross income tests, pursuant to which specified percentages of its gross income must be passive income, such as rent. For the rent paid pursuant to the operating leases with the Corporation, which generates substantially all of ESH REIT’s gross income, to constitute qualifying rental income for purposes of the gross income tests, the leases must be respected as true leases for U.S. federal income tax purposes and must not be treated as service contracts, joint ventures or some other type of arrangement. ESH REIT has structured the leases, and intends to structure any future leases, so that the leases will be respected as true leases for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge this treatment or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If the leases were not respected as true leases for U.S. federal income tax purposes, ESH REIT would not be able to satisfy either of the two gross income tests applicable to REITs and would fail to qualify for REIT status. If ESH REIT failed to qualify as a REIT and it was not entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, it would be subject to a material tax liability and unable to elect REIT status for the four taxable years following the year during which it ceased to so qualify.

If rents received by ESH REIT from the Corporation do not reflect arm’s-length terms, the IRS could seek to recharacterize the rents.

The rates of rent payable by the Corporation to ESH REIT under the operating leases are intended to reflect arm’s-length terms. However, transfer pricing is an inherently subjective matter, and the IRS could, under Section 482 of the Code, assert that the rates of rent between the Corporation and ESH REIT do not reflect arm’s-length terms. If the IRS was successful in asserting that the rates of rent were not on arm’s-length terms, it could adversely impact our REIT qualification, our effective tax rate and our income tax liability.

Our principal Operating Lessee was recently subject to an audit by the Internal Revenue Service.

In February 2014, we received notice that the Company’s principal Operating Lessee would be subject to an audit by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) with respect to its 2011 taxable year, during which it was a taxable REIT subsidiary of ESH REIT. In November 2014, the IRS completed this audit and issued a no change letter. Despite this favorable outcome, the IRS may choose to audit the 2012 or 2013 taxable year for this Operating Lessee, or audit other open years for other taxpayers. The IRS has conducted audits of other lodging REITs and their taxable REIT subsidiaries, and in at least three cases has focused on the transfer pricing aspects of the hotel leases between the REIT and its taxable REIT subsidiaries. In two of those cases, the IRS found the terms of the leases not to be on arm’s-length terms and proposed adjustments in connection with the audits. While we believe that our rent provisions reflect arm’s-length terms, there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree in any potential audit.

ESH REIT has a limited operating history as a publicly traded REIT and may not be successful in operating as a publicly traded REIT, which may adversely affect its ability to make distributions to its shareholders.

ESH REIT has a limited operating history as a publicly traded REIT. The REIT rules and regulations are highly technical and complex. ESH REIT cannot assure you that its management team’s past experience will be

sufficient to successfully operate ESH REIT as a publicly traded REIT, implement appropriate operating and investment policies and comply with Code or Treasury Regulations that are applicable to it. Failure to comply with the income, asset and other requirements imposed by the REIT rules and regulations could prevent ESH REIT from qualifying as a REIT and could force it to pay unexpected taxes and penalties, which may adversely affect its ability to make distributions to its shareholders.

Even if ESH REIT continues to qualify as a REIT, it may face other tax liabilities that could reduce our cash flows.

Even if ESH REIT continues to qualify for taxation as a REIT, it may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on its income and assets including, but not limited to, taxes on any undistributed income and property and transfer taxes. In order to maintain its status as a REIT, each year ESH REIT must distribute to holders of its common stock at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined before the deductions for distributions paid and excluding any net capital gain. To the extent that ESH REIT satisfies this distribution requirement, but distributes less than 100% of its taxable income and net capital gain, it will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its undistributed REIT taxable income and net capital gain. In addition, ESH REIT will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that it pays out to holders of its common stock in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under the Code. ESH REIT intends to distribute at least 95% of its taxable income and net capital gain. Thus, ESH REIT will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its undistributed REIT taxable income and net capital gain and may be subject to U.S. federal excise tax. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distributions to holders of its common stock, and lower cash distributions could adversely affect the market price of our Paired Shares.

The REIT distribution requirements could materially adversely affect ESH REIT’s liquidity and may force ESH REIT to borrow funds or sell assets during unfavorable market conditions or make taxable distributions of its capital stock.

In order to meet the REIT distribution requirements and avoid the payment of income and excise taxes, ESH REIT may need to borrow funds on a short-term basis or sell assets, even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings or asset sales. ESH REIT’s cash flows may be insufficient to fund required REIT distributions as a result of differences in timing between the actual receipt of income and the recognition of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or the effect of non-deductible capital expenditures, the creation of reserves or required debt service obligations or amortization payments. The insufficiency of ESH REIT’s cash flows to cover its distribution requirements could have a material adverse effect on its ability to incur additional indebtedness or sell equity securities in order to fund distributions required to maintain its qualification as a REIT.

ESH REIT may from time to time make distributions to its shareholders in the form of its taxable stock dividends, which could result in shareholders incurring tax liability without receiving sufficient cash to pay such tax.

Although it has no current intention to do so, ESH REIT may in the future distribute taxable stock dividends to its shareholders in the form of additional shares of its stock. ESH REIT might distribute additional shares of its Class A common stock, shares of Class B common stock and/or shares of its preferred stock to the Corporation and/or shares of its Class B common stock to the holders of its Class B common stock. Taxable shareholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income to the extent of ESH REIT’s current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, shareholders may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash distributions received. If a U.S. shareholder sells ESH REIT common or preferred shares that it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our Paired Shares at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. shareholders, ESH REIT may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in its common stock.

Dividends paid by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some dividends.

Certain dividends known as qualified dividends payable to U.S. shareholders that are individuals, trusts or estates currently are subject to the same tax rates as long-term capital gains, which are significantly lower than the maximum rates for ordinary income. Dividends paid by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for such reduced rates. Although these rules do not adversely affect the taxation of REITs, the more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate qualified dividends could cause investors who are individuals, trusts and estates to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of the shares of REITs and our Paired Shares.

Applicable REIT laws may restrict certain business activities and increase our overall tax liability.

As a REIT, ESH REIT is subject to various restrictions on the types of income it can earn, assets it can own and activities in which it can engage. Business activities that could be impacted by applicable REIT laws include, but are not limited to, activities such as developing alternative uses of real estate, including the development and/or sale of hotel properties. Due to these restrictions, we anticipate that we will conduct certain business activities, including those mentioned above, through the Corporation. The Corporation is taxable as a regular C corporation and is subject to U.S. federal, state, local and, if applicable, foreign taxation on its taxable income. To qualify as a REIT, ESH REIT must satisfy certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, shareholder ownership and other requirements on an ongoing basis. In order to meet these tests, ESH REIT may be required to forego investments it might otherwise make. Thus, ESH REIT’s compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our business and operating strategies, financial condition and results of operations.

Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.

The REIT provisions of the Code substantially limit ESH REIT’s ability to hedge its assets and liabilities. Any income from a hedging transaction that ESH REIT enters into primarily to manage risk of currency fluctuations or to manage risk of interest rate changes with respect to borrowings made or to be made to acquire or carry real estate assets does not constitute “gross income” for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests that apply to REITs, provided that certain identification requirements are met. To the extent that ESH REIT enters into other types of hedging transactions or fails to properly identify such transaction as a hedge, the income is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both of the gross income tests. As a result of these rules, ESH REIT may be required to limit its use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a TRS. This could increase the cost of ESH REIT’s hedging activities because its TRS may be subject to tax on gains or expose ESH REIT to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than it would otherwise choose to bear. In addition, losses in a TRS will generally not provide any tax benefit, except that such losses could theoretically be carried back or forward against past or future taxable income in the TRS.

The application of FIRPTA to non-U.S. holders of Class B common stock of ESH REIT is not clear.

A non-U.S. person disposing of a U.S. real property interest (“USRPI”), including shares of a U.S. corporation whose assets consist principally of USRPIs, is generally subject to tax under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (“FIRPTA”), on the gain recognized on the disposition, in which case they would also be required to file U.S. tax returns with respect to such gain. FIRPTA does not apply, however, to the disposition of stock in a REIT if the REIT is a “domestically controlled REIT.” We intend to take the position that ESH REIT is a domestically controlled REIT under the Code. However, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge this treatment or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If ESH REIT were to fail to qualify as a “domestically controlled REIT,” gains realized by a non-U.S. holder on a sale of Class B common stock would be subject to tax under FIRPTA unless the Class B common stock was regularly traded on an established securities market (such as the NYSE) and the non-U.S. holder did not at any time during a specified

testing period directly or indirectly own more than 5% of the value of the outstanding Class B common stock. While there is no authority addressing whether a component of a paired interest will be considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market by virtue of the paired interest being considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market, we intend to take the position that the Class B common stock of ESH REIT is traded on an established securities market.

Non-U.S. holders of Class B common stock of ESH REIT may be subject to tax under FIRPTA on distributions.

Non-U.S. holders of Class B common stock may incur tax on distributions that are attributable to gain from a sale or exchange of a USRPI by ESH REIT under FIRPTA. A USRPI includes certain interests in real property and stock in corporations at least 50% of whose assets consist of USRPIs. Under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. shareholder is taxed on distributions attributable to gain from sales of USRPIs as if such gain were effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. shareholder, in which case they would also be required to file U.S. tax returns with respect to such gains. A non-U.S. shareholder thus would be taxed on such a distribution at the normal capital gains rates applicable to U.S. shareholders, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of a nonresident alien individual. A non-U.S. corporate shareholder not entitled to treaty relief or exemption also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax on such a distribution.

If the Class B common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States, capital gain distributions on the Class B common stock that are attributable to ESH REIT’s sale of real property will be treated as ordinary dividends rather than as gain from the sale of a USRPI as long as the non-U.S. shareholder did not own more than 5% of the Class B common stock at any time during the one-year period preceding the distribution. As a result, non-U.S. shareholders generally will be subject to withholding tax on such capital gain distributions in the same manner as they are subject to withholding tax on ordinary dividends. As noted above, we intend to take the position that the Class B common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States. If the Class B common stock is not considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States or the non-U.S. shareholder owned more than 5% of the Class B common stock at any time during the one-year period preceding the distribution, capital gain distributions that are attributable to ESH REIT’s sale of real property would be subject to tax under FIRPTA, as described in the preceding paragraph. In such case, ESH REIT must withhold 35% of any distribution that ESH REIT could designate as a capital gain dividend. A non-U.S. shareholder may receive a credit against its tax liability for the amount ESH REIT withholds. Moreover, if a non-U.S. shareholder disposes of ESH REIT common stock during the 30-day period preceding a distribution payment, and such non-U.S. shareholder (or a person related to such non-U.S. shareholder) acquires or enters into a contract or option to acquire the Class B common stock within 61 days of the first day of the 30-day period described above, and any portion of such distribution payment would, but for the disposition, be treated as a USRPI capital gain to such non-U.S. shareholder, then such non-U.S. shareholder shall be treated as having USRPI capital gain in an amount that, but for the disposition, would have been treated as USRPI capital gain.

The Corporation is subject to U.S. federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on its taxable income at regular corporate rates, and distributions to holders of Corporation common stock are not deductible by it in computing its taxable income. In calculating its taxable income, the Corporation must include as income any distributions received from ESH REIT. Distributions to holders of Corporation common stock are taxable as dividends to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions paid by the Corporation to noncorporate U.S. shareholders that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable to the shareholder at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains provided the shareholder meets certain holding period requirements. Distributions in excess of the Corporation’s current and accumulated earnings and

profits would generally be considered a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of the holder’s adjusted tax basis in their shares. A return of capital is not taxable, but it has the effect of reducing the holder’s adjusted tax basis in their shares. If distributions exceed the adjusted tax basis of a holder’s shares, they will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of such stock.

The application of FIRPTA could adversely affect non-U.S. holders of our Paired Shares.

The Corporation is expected to be a United States real property holding corporation under the Code. As a result, under FIRPTA, certain non-U.S. holders of Corporation common stock may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain from the disposition of such stock, in which case they would also be required to file U.S. tax returns with respect to such gain. Whether these FIRPTA provisions apply depends on the amount of Corporation common stock that such non-U.S. holder holds and whether, at the time they dispose of their shares, Corporation common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market (such as the NYSE) within the meaning of the applicable Treasury Regulations. While there is no authority addressing whether a component of a paired interest will be considered to be traded on an established securities market by virtue of the paired interest being considered to be traded on an established securities market, we intend to take the position that the common stock of the Corporation is traded on an established securities market. So long as the Corporation common stock is regularly traded as noted above, only a non-U.S. holder who has held, actually or constructively, more than 5% of the Corporation’s common stock at any time during the applicable testing period may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the disposition of such common stock under FIRPTA. In addition, a separate valuation of the Class B common stock of ESH REIT and common stock of the Corporation may not be available. As a result, the portion of any gain on the disposition of a Paired Share that is attributable to shares of common stock of the Corporation, and subject to FIRPTA, may be difficult to determine.

If ESH REIT was to lose its REIT status, it could materially adversely affect the Corporation, and therefore materially adversely affect the Company.

The Corporation will receive a substantial portion of its income in the form of distributions from ESH REIT. If ESH REIT was not treated as a REIT, it would be subject to U.S. federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on its taxable income at regular corporate rates, and distributions to holders of its stock, including the Corporation, would not be deductible by it in computing its taxable income. Any such corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to holders of its stock, including the Corporation, and would likely reduce the value of the ESH REIT Class A common stock held by the Corporation, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the value of the Corporation’s common stock and our Paired Shares. See “—Risks Related to ESH REIT and its Status as a REIT.”

If our stock price fluctuates, you could lose a significant part of your investment.

The market price of our Paired Shares may be influenced by many factors including:

As a result of these factors, investors in Paired Shares may not be able to resell their Paired Shares at or above their purchase price. In addition, our stock price may be volatile. The stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies like us. Accordingly, these broad market and industry factors may significantly reduce the market price of our Paired Shares, regardless of our operating performance.

Certain of our shareholders each beneficially own a substantial amount of our Paired Shares and have substantial control over us and their interests may conflict with or differ from your interests as a shareholder.

Affiliates of the Sponsors each beneficially own approximately 23.3% of our Paired Shares, with no individual entity owning, actually or constructively, more than 9.8% as provided in the respective charters of the Corporation and ESH REIT. Accordingly, the Corporation is a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE rules. ESH REIT is a “controlled company” by virtue of its ownership by the Corporation, regardless of the Sponsors’ ownership. In addition, four directors of the Corporation and three directors of ESH REIT were designated by the Sponsors pursuant to the shareholders agreement between the Corporation, ESH REIT and the Sponsors. Further, the Sponsors are entitled to consent rights on specified matters pursuant to the shareholders agreement. As a result, the Sponsors are able to exert a significant degree of influence or actual control over our management and affairs and over matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors, a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets and other significant business or corporate transactions. These shareholders may have interests that are different from yours and may vote in a way with which you disagree and which may be adverse to your interests. In addition, this concentration of ownership could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control or otherwise discouraging a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of us, which could cause the market price of our Paired Shares to decline or prevent our shareholders from realizing a premium over the market price for their Paired Shares.

Additionally, each of the Sponsors is in the business of making investments in companies and may acquire and hold, and in a few instances have acquired and held, interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. One or more of the Sponsors may also pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. The Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s charters provide that none of the Sponsors, any of their affiliates or any director who is not employed by us (including any non-employee director who serves as one of our officers in both his director and officer capacities) or his or her affiliates have any duty to refrain from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the same business activities or similar business activities or lines of business in which we operate.

Future sales or the possibility of future sales of a substantial amount of our Paired Shares may depress the price of our Paired Shares.

Future sales or the availability for sale of substantial amounts of our Paired Shares in the public market could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our Paired Shares and could impair our ability to raise capital through future sales of equity securities.

The charters of the Corporation and ESH REIT authorize us to issue 3,500,000,000 Paired Shares, of which 204,517,625 Paired Shares are outstanding as of February 20, 2015. Of these shares, the 32,487,500 Paired Shares sold in the Offering are freely transferable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act by persons other than “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. In addition, another 24,150,000 Paired Shares were sold into the public market as a result of a secondary offering that was completed in

August 2014 by the Sponsors. The Sponsors currently own 142,943,912 Paired Shares collectively and have additional registration rights with respect to the remainder of their Paired Shares.

We may issue Paired Shares or other securities from time to time as consideration for future acquisitions and investments. If any such acquisition or investment is significant, the number of Paired Shares, or the number or aggregate principal amount, as the case may be, of other securities that we may issue may in turn be substantial. We may also grant registration rights covering those Paired Shares or other securities in connection with any such acquisitions and investments.

We have also filed a registration statement on Form S-8 covering 8,000,000 Paired Shares in connection with our employee benefit plans.

We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our Paired Shares or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of our Paired Shares will have on the market price of our Paired Shares. Sales of substantial amounts of our Paired Shares (including Paired Shares issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Paired Shares.

Under our equity incentive plans, the granting entity will need to compensate the non-granting entity for the issuance of its component share of our Paired Shares.

The Extended Stay America, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the ESH Hospitality, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (each a “2013 LTIP”) contemplate grants of Paired Shares to employees, officers and directors of the Corporation and ESH REIT (each a “Granting Entity”), as applicable. Each Granting Entity makes awards to eligible participants under its respective 2013 LTIP in respect of Paired Shares, subject to the non-Granting Entity’s approval of the terms of each award made under the Granting Entity’s 2013 LTIP, and the non-Granting Entity’s agreement to issue its component of our Paired Share (i.e., with respect to the Corporation, a share of common stock, and with respect to ESH REIT, a share of Class B common stock) to the grantee at the time of delivery of its component of our Paired Share.

The Granting Entity will compensate the non-Granting Entity generally in cash for its issuance of its component of our Paired Share for the fair market value at the time of issuance. In some cases, the applicable Granting Entity may have to pay more for a share of the non-Granting Entity than it would have otherwise paid at the time of grant as the result of an increase in the value of a Paired Share between the time of grant and the time of exercise or settlement. In addition, the Corporation may need to acquire additional shares of Class A common stock of ESH REIT at the time of issuance of the shares of Class B common stock of ESH REIT in order to maintain its 55% ownership interest in ESH REIT.

Under the 2013 LTIPs, a grant of restricted stock units results in the recognition of total compensation expense equal to the grant date fair value of such grant. Compensation expense related to a grant is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of each grant. As it relates to the Company’s financial statements, with respect to grants issued to directors of ESH REIT, such compensation expense is recognized on a mark-to-market basis each period rather than on a straight-line basis.

If our operating and financial performance in any given period does not meet the guidance that we provide to the public, our stock price may decline.

We provide public guidance on our expected operating and financial results for future periods. Any such guidance will be comprised of forward-looking statements subject to the risks and uncertainties described in this combined annual report on Form 10-K and in our other public filings and statements. Our actual results may not always be in line with or exceed any guidance we have provided, especially in times of economic uncertainty. If, in the future, our operating or financial results for a particular period do not meet any guidance we provide or the expectations of investment analysts or if we reduce our guidance for future periods, as we have in the past, the market price of our Paired Shares may decline.

If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about Extended Stay America, or if they issue unfavorable commentary about us, or our industry, or downgrade our Paired Shares, the price of our Paired Shares could decline.

The trading market for our Paired Shares depends in part on the research and reports that third-party securities analysts publish about Extended Stay America and the lodging industry. One or more analysts could downgrade, and in the past have downgraded, our Paired Shares or issue other negative commentary about Extended Stay America or our industry. In addition, we may be unable or slow to maintain and attract additional research coverage. Alternatively, if one or more of these analysts cease coverage of Extended Stay America, we could lose visibility in the market. As a result of one or more of these factors, the trading price of our Paired Shares could decline.

Delaware law and our organizational documents may impede or discourage a takeover, which could deprive our shareholders of the opportunity to receive a premium for their Paired Shares.

The Corporation and ESH REIT are Delaware corporations, and the anti-takeover provisions of Delaware law impose various impediments to the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, even if a change of control would be beneficial to our existing shareholders. In addition, provisions of the Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s charters and bylaws may make it more difficult for, or prevent a third party from, acquiring control of us without the approval of our Boards of Directors. These provisions include, among others:

The foregoing factors, as well as the significant ownership of Paired Shares by the Sponsors, and certain covenant restrictions under our indebtedness could impede a merger, takeover or other business combination or discourage a potential investor from making a tender offer for our Paired Shares, which, under certain circumstances, could reduce the market price of our Paired Shares.

The Corporation and ESH REIT may each issue shares of preferred stock in the future, which could make it difficult for another company to acquire us or could otherwise adversely affect holders of our Paired Shares, which could depress the price of our Paired Shares.

The Corporation has 21,202 shares of 8.0% voting preferred stock outstanding. ESH REIT has 125 shares of 12.5% preferred stock outstanding. The Corporation’s charter authorizes the Corporation to issue up to 350,000,000 shares of one or more additional series of preferred stock. ESH REIT’s charter authorizes ESH REIT to issue up to 350,000,000 shares of one or more additional series of preferred stock. The Boards of Directors of the Corporation and ESH REIT will have the authority to determine the preferences, limitations and relative rights of shares of preferred stock and to fix the number of shares constituting any series and the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by shareholders. Preferred stock could be issued

with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to the rights of our Paired Shares. The potential issuance of preferred stock may delay or prevent a change in control of us, discouraging bids for our Paired Shares at a premium over the market price and adversely affect the market price and the voting and other rights of the holders of our Paired Shares.

ESH REIT may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes that could adversely affect the market price of our Paired Shares.

At any time, the U.S. federal income tax laws governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of those laws may be amended. We cannot predict when or if any new U.S. federal income tax law, regulation, or administrative interpretation, or any amendment to any existing U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, will be adopted, promulgated or become effective and any such law, regulation, or interpretation may take effect retroactively. ESH REIT, the Corporation and holders of Class B common stock could be adversely affected by any such change in, or any new, U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, which could effectively eliminate our structure, and in turn, adversely affect the market price of our Paired Shares.

There is a possibility that there will be amendments to or elimination of the pairing arrangement, which may, in turn, impact ESH REIT’s status as a REIT.

Each share of common stock of the Corporation is attached to and trades together with the Class B common stock of ESH REIT. Under the Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s charters, each of the respective Board of Directors may modify or eliminate this pairing arrangement without the consent of its respective shareholders at any time if that Board of Directors no longer deems it in the best interests of the Corporation or ESH REIT, as the case may be, for their shares to continue to be attached and trade together. At this time, neither board has determined the circumstances under which the pairing arrangement would be terminated. However, circumstances that the respective board might consider in making such a determination may include, for example, the enactment of legislation that would significantly reduce or eliminate the benefits of our current structure. With respect to such determination, the respective board must fulfill at all times its respective fiduciary duties and, therefore, it is not possible to predict at this time the future circumstances under which the respective board would terminate the pairing arrangement. In addition, holders of Paired Shares have the option, by the vote of a majority of our Paired Shares then outstanding, to eliminate the pairing arrangement in accordance with the respective charters of the Corporation and ESH REIT. The pairing arrangement will be automatically terminated upon bankruptcy of either of the Corporation or ESH REIT.

The Corporation and ESH REIT each have the right, at their option and without the consent of the holders of our Paired Shares, to acquire shares of Class B common stock of ESH REIT from the holders of such shares in exchange for cash, securities of the Corporation or ESH REIT, as the case may be, and/or any other property with a fair market value, as determined by a valuation firm or investment bank, at least equal to the fair market value of the Class B common stock of ESH REIT being exchanged. The Corporation and ESH REIT each have the right, at their option and without the consent of the holders of our Paired Shares, to acquire shares of the Corporation’s common stock from the holders of such shares in exchange for cash, securities of the Corporation or ESH REIT, as the case may be, and/or any other property with a fair market value, as determined by a valuation firm or investment bank, at least equal to the fair market value of the Corporation’s common stock being exchanged. Holders of our Paired Shares could be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the exchange of shares of Class B common stock of ESH REIT or shares of common stock of the Corporation and may not receive cash to pay the tax from the Corporation or ESH REIT.

After any such acquisition, shares of the Corporation’s common stock may be paired with shares of Class B common stock of ESH REIT in a different proportion, but such shares will continue to be attached and trade together. Further, the Corporation’s charter and ESH REIT’s charter allow the respective Boards of Directors of the Corporation and ESH REIT to, in their sole discretion, issue unpaired shares of their capital stock. Trading in

unpaired shares of the Corporation or ESH REIT may reduce the liquidity or value of our Paired Shares. The Class A common stock of ESH REIT owned by the Corporation is also freely transferable and if transferred, the transferee will hold unpaired shares of common stock of ESH REIT.

ESH REIT’s Board of Directors could terminate its status as a REIT, subjecting ESH REIT’s taxable income to U.S. federal income taxation, which would increase its liabilities for taxes.

Under ESH REIT’s charter, its Board of Directors may terminate its REIT status, without the consent of its shareholders, at any time if the board no longer deems it in the best interests of ESH REIT to continue to qualify under the Code as a REIT, subject to the Sponsors’ consent rights pursuant to the shareholders agreement between the Corporation, ESH REIT and the Sponsors. ESH REIT’s Board of Directors has not yet determined the circumstances under which ESH REIT’s status as a REIT would be terminated. However, circumstances that the board may consider in making such a determination may include, for example:

With respect to this determination, ESH REIT’s board must fulfill at all times its fiduciary duties and, therefore, it is not possible to predict at this time the future circumstances under which the board would terminate ESH REIT’s status as a REIT.

If ESH REIT’s status as a REIT is terminated, its taxable income will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) at regular corporate rates. If ESH REIT’s status was terminated and it was not entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, it would be unable to elect REIT status for the four taxable years following the year during which it ceased to so qualify.

The requirements of being a public company, including compliance with the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the NYSE, may strain our resources, increase our costs and divert management’s attention, and we may be unable to comply with these requirements in a timely or cost-effective manner.

As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the corporate governance standards of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the NYSE. These requirements place a strain on our management, systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires us to file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition within specified time periods and to prepare proxy statements with respect to the annual meetings of shareholders of the Corporation and ESH REIT. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting. The NYSE requires that we comply with various corporate governance requirements. To comply with the Exchange Act, Sarbanes-Oxley Act and NYSE requirements, significant resources and management oversight are required. This may divert management’s attention from other business concerns and lead to significant costs associated with compliance, which could have a material adverse effect on us and the price of our Paired Shares. Advocacy efforts by shareholders and third parties may also prompt even more changes in governance and reporting requirements. We cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of these costs.

We are exposed to risks relating to evaluations of our internal controls required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results. We are required to provide reliable financial statements and reports to our shareholders. To monitor the accuracy and reliability of our financial reporting, we have established an internal audit function that

oversees our internal controls. In addition, we have developed policies and procedures with respect to company-wide business processes and cycles in order to implement effective internal control over financial reporting. We have established controls and procedures designed to ensure that total hotel revenues and hotel operating expenses are properly recorded at our hotels. While we have undertaken substantial work to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we cannot be certain that we will be successful in maintaining effective internal control over our financial reporting and may determine in the future that our existing internal controls need improvement. If we fail to comply with proper overall controls, we could be materially harmed or fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, the existence of a material weakness or significant deficiency in our internal controls could result in errors in our financial statements that could require a restatement, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, result in increased costs to remediate any deficiencies, attract regulatory scrutiny or lawsuits and cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, leading to a substantial decline in the market price of our Paired Shares.

In connection with the preparation of the 2014 consolidated financial statements of Extended Stay America, Inc., we identified a significant deficiency.

We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE rules and, as a result, qualify for, and rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.

A company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, a group or another company is a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE rules and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements of the NYSE, including:

We rely on all of the exemptions listed above. Accordingly, you will not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE.

As of December 31, 2014, we owned and operated 682 hotels. The average age of our hotel properties at December 31, 2014 was 15.9 years. We are under long-term ground leases at four of our hotel properties with initial terms terminating at various dates between 2016 and 2096 with most leases including multiple renewal options for generally five or 10 year periods. Other than the four ground leases described above, all remaining hotel properties and grounds are fully owned. The following table provides certain information regarding those hotels.

We lease our corporate headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. The initial lease term expires in August 2021 with two additional five year renewal terms. Our offices are sufficient to meet our present needs, and we do not anticipate any difficulty in securing additional office space, as needed, on terms acceptable to us.

We are from time to time subject to various claims and lawsuits incidental to our business. In the opinion of management, these claims and suits, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated and combined financial statements, results of operations or liquidity or on ESH REIT’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.

The Paired Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “STAY” and commenced trading on November 13, 2013. Below is a summary of the high and low prices of our Paired Shares, as well as cash distributions declared by ESH REIT, during all quarterly periods since the date of our initial public offering:

The Class A common stock of ESH REIT is held by the Corporation and has never been publicly traded.

As of February 20, 2015, there were 63 holders of record of our Paired Shares and the Corporation was the only holder of ESH REIT’s Class A common stock. Because many of our Paired Shares are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of shareholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of beneficial owners represented by these record holders.

In 2015, we intend to maintain or slightly increase our current distribution rate of $0.15 per Paired Share per quarter unless our consolidated results of operations, net income, Adjusted EBITDA, liquidity, cash flows, financial condition or prospects, economic conditions or other factors differ materially from our current assumptions. We intend to make our expected distributions in respect of the Class B common stock of ESH REIT. In the event distributions in respect of the Class B common stock of ESH REIT are not sufficient to meet our expected distributions, the expected distributions may be completed through distributions in respect of the common stock of the Corporation using funds distributed to the Corporation in respect of the Class A common stock of ESH REIT, after allowance for tax, if any, on those funds.

The Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s Boards of Directors are independent of one another and owe separate fiduciary duties to the Corporation and ESH REIT. Each Board of Directors will separately determine the form, timing and amount of any distributions to be paid by the respective entities for any period. For a description of the Corporation’s distribution policy, please see “—Corporation Distribution Policy” and for ESH REIT’s distribution policy, see “—ESH REIT Distribution Policy.”

The Corporation’s Board of Directors has not declared any distributions on the Corporation’s common stock and currently has no intention to do so, except as described above. The payment of any distributions will be at the discretion of the Corporation’s Board of Directors. Any such distributions will be made subject to the Corporation’s compliance with applicable law and will depend on, among other things, the receipt by the

Corporation of distributions from ESH REIT in respect of the Class A common stock, the Corporation’s results of operations and financial condition, level of indebtedness, capital requirements, capital contributions to ESH REIT, contractual restrictions, restrictions in any existing or future debt agreements of the Corporation or ESH REIT and in any preferred stock and other factors that the Corporation’s Board of Directors may deem relevant.

The Corporation’s ability to pay distributions will depend on its receipt of cash distributions from ESH REIT, which may further restrict its ability to pay distributions. In particular, ESH REIT’s ability to pay distributions is restricted by the terms of its indebtedness. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Our Indebtedness” for a description of the restrictions on the Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s ability to pay distributions.

To qualify as a REIT, ESH REIT must distribute annually to its shareholders an amount at least equal to:

In 2015, ESH REIT intends to distribute at least 95% of its taxable income and net capital gain. ESH REIT is subject to income tax on its taxable income that is not distributed and to an excise tax to the extent that certain percentages of its taxable income are not distributed by specified dates. Taxable income as computed for purposes of the foregoing tax rules will not necessarily correspond to ESH REIT’s income before income taxes as determined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for financial reporting purposes.

The timing and frequency of ESH REIT’s distributions will be authorized by ESH REIT’s Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, and declared based on a variety of factors, including:

Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to any common stock distributions that ESH REIT’s Board of Directors may declare. Approximately 55% of ESH REIT’s distributions are paid to the Corporation on account of its ownership of the Class A common stock. Each share of Class A and Class B common stock will be entitled to the same amount of distributions per share, except as described below, ESH REIT may declare and pay taxable stock dividends in respect of the Class A common stock that differ from dividends paid in respect of the Class B common stock in order to maintain its REIT status.

ESH REIT’s ability to pay distributions is restricted by the terms of its indebtedness. In cases in which the terms of any of ESH REIT’s existing or future indebtedness prohibits the payment of cash dividends, ESH REIT may declare and pay taxable stock dividends in order to maintain its REIT status. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Our Indebtedness” for a description of the restrictions on ESH REIT’s ability to pay distributions. In cases where ESH REIT distributes additional shares of its Class B common stock to the holders of its Class B common stock, the Corporation may correspondingly distribute a number of additional shares of its common stock, which together with the shares of Class B common stock distributed by ESH REIT will form Paired Shares.

The following graph compares the total shareholder return on our Paired Shares to the cumulative total returns of the Standard and Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”) and the Standard and Poor’s 500 Hotel Index (“S&P Hotel Index”) for the period from November 13, 2013, the date on which our Paired Shares commenced trading on the NYSE, through December 31, 2014. The graph assumes an initial investment of $100 on November 13, 2013 in our Paired Shares and in each of the indices and also assumes the reinvestment of dividends where applicable. The results shown in the graph below are not necessarily indicative of future performance.

This performance graph shall and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.

On June 10, 2014, ESH REIT issued 7,661 shares of Class A common stock to the Corporation for consideration of $76,826.50. The issuance of these shares of Class A common stock was made pursuant to an exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

The selected historical consolidated and combined financial data of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 have been derived from the audited consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company included elsewhere in this combined annual report on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated and combined financial data of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2011 and for the period from October 8, 2010 through December 31, 2010 and as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 have been derived from the audited consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company not included elsewhere in this combined annual report on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated and combined financial data of the Company Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2010 through October 7, 2010 have been derived from the audited consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company Predecessor not included elsewhere in this combined annual report on Form 10-K. The following information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by reference to, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the historical audited consolidated and combined financial statements and related notes and other financial information included herein.

On October 8, 2010, the Company acquired substantially all of the businesses, assets and operations of the Company Predecessor that were auctioned off by the former debtors of the Company Predecessor, which was in Chapter 11 reorganization. The Company succeeded principally all of the assets and operations of the Company Predecessor. As a result, the historical consolidated and combined financial results of the Company are presented alongside those of the Company Predecessor herein. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” Certain financial information of the Company is not comparable to that of the Company Predecessor. This information includes, but may not be limited to, depreciation and amortization expense, restructuring and acquisition transaction expenses, net interest expense, income tax expense and net reorganization gain.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as presented may not be comparable to similar measures calculated by other companies. This information should not be considered as an alternative to net income, net income per common share, cash flow from operations or any other operating performance measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not solely be considered as measures of our liquidity or indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to pay distributions. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures—EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA” for a definition and discussion of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 8, 2010 through December 31, 2010 and the period from January 1, 2010 through October 7, 2010 (in thousands):

The following table provides a reconciliation of room revenues, other hotel revenues and hotel operating expenses (excluding loss on disposal of assets) to Hotel Operating Profit and Hotel Operating Margin for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 8, 2010 through December 31, 2010 and the period from January 1, 2010 through October 7, 2010 (in thousands):

Paired Share Income, Adjusted Paired Share Income and Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share should not be considered as alternatives to net income of the Company, net income of the Corporation, net income of ESH REIT, net income per share of common stock of the Corporation, net income per share of Class A or Class B common stock of ESH REIT or any other operating measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures—Paired Share Income, Adjusted Paired Share Income and Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share” for a definition and discussion of Paired Share Income, Adjusted Paired Share Income and Adjusted Paired Income per Paired Share.

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income attributable to common shareholders or members to Paired Share Income and Adjusted Paired Share Income and a calculation of Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 8, 2010 through December 31, 2010 and the period from January 1, 2010 through October 7, 2010 (in thousands, except per Paired Share data):

The selected historical consolidated financial data of ESH REIT for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of ESH REIT included elsewhere in this combined annual report on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated financial data of ESH REIT for the year ended December 31, 2011 and for the period from October 8, 2010 through December 31, 2010 and as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of ESH REIT not included elsewhere in this combined annual report on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated financial data of ESH REIT as of December 31, 2010 have been derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of ESH REIT not included elsewhere in this combined annual report on Form 10-K. The selected historical combined financial data of ESH REIT Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2010 through October 7, 2010 have been derived from the unaudited combined financial statements of ESH REIT Predecessor not included elsewhere in this combined annual report on Form 10-K. The following information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by reference to, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the historical audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information included herein.

The historical combined financial statements of ESH REIT Predecessor were prepared by combining the financial results of the entities that owned the hotel properties and the assets and operating companies of the Company Predecessor, other than those acquired by ESH Strategies, and represent the assets and entities consolidated in the financial statements of ESH REIT after October 8, 2010. Certain financial information of ESH REIT is not comparable to that of ESH REIT Predecessor. This information includes, but may not be limited to, depreciation and amortization expense, restructuring and acquisition transaction expenses, net interest expense, income tax expense and net reorganization gain.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Hotel Operating Profit, Hotel Operating Margin, Paired Share Income, Adjusted Paired Share Income and Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share are not meaningful or useful measures for ESH REIT on a stand-alone basis due to the fact that a Paired Share represents an investment in the Company, as a single enterprise, which is reflected in the consolidated and combined Company results of operations; therefore, we believe these performance measures are meaningful for the Company and Company Predecessor only.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with “Business-Our Company,” “Business-Our History-The Pre-IPO Transactions,” “Selected Historical Financial and Other Data—the Company,” “Selected Historical Financial and Other Data—ESH REIT,” the consolidated and combined financial statements and related notes of the Company included in Item 8 of this combined annual report on Form 10-K and the consolidated financial statements and related notes of ESH REIT included in Item 8 of this combined annual report on Form 10-K.

We present below separate results of operations for each of the Company and ESH REIT. Where appropriate, the discussion includes analysis of the effects of the Pre-IPO Transactions and the Offering. Portions of the discussion reflect the changes in our structure resulting from the Pre-IPO Transactions. Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Operating Lessees, which were wholly-owned subsidiaries of ESH REIT, leased the hotel properties from ESH REIT pursuant to operating leases. HVM, an eligible independent contractor (within the meaning of Section 856(d)(9) of the Code), managed the hotel properties pursuant to management agreements with the Operating Lessees. ESH Strategies owned the trademarks and licensed their use to the Operating Lessees pursuant to trademark license agreements. The Pre-IPO Transactions restructured and reorganized the existing business and legal entities such that the Operating Lessees, ESH Strategies and the assets and obligations of HVM were transferred to the Corporation. Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, our assets and operations, other than ownership of our real estate assets (which continue to be owned by ESH REIT), are held by the Corporation and operated as an integrated enterprise. Also subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Corporation owns all of the Class A common stock of ESH REIT, representing approximately 55% of the outstanding common stock of ESH REIT.

The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements about our market, analysis, future trends, the demand for our services, capital expenditures and other future results, among other topics. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by our forward-looking statements for various reasons, including those discussed in “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Those sections expressly qualify any subsequent oral and written forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf.

We evaluate the performance of our business through the use of certain non-GAAP financial measures. “GAAP” refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Each of these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as supplemental measures to GAAP performance measures such as total

revenues, net income, net income per share and cash flow provided by operating activities. We provide a more detailed discussion of certain of these non-GAAP financial measures, how management uses such measures to evaluate our financial condition and operating performance, a discussion of certain limitations of such measures and a reconciliation of such measures to the nearest GAAP measures under “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Average daily rate (“ADR”) is a commonly used measure within the lodging industry to evaluate hotel financial performance. ADR represents hotel room revenues divided by total number of rooms sold in a given period. ADR measures average room price attained by a hotel or group of hotels, and ADR trends provide useful information concerning pricing policies and the nature of the customer base of a hotel or group of hotels. Changes in room rates have an impact on overall revenues and profitability.

Occupancy is a commonly used measure within the lodging industry to evaluate hotel financial performance. Occupancy represents the total number of rooms sold in a given period divided by the total number of rooms available during that period. Occupancy measures the utilization of our hotels’ available capacity. Management uses occupancy to gauge demand at a specific hotel or group of hotels in a given period. Occupancy levels also help us determine achievable ADR levels as demand for hotel rooms increases or decreases.

Revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) is a commonly used measure within the lodging industry to evaluate hotel financial performance. RevPAR represents the product of average daily room rate charged and the average daily occupancy achieved for a hotel or group of hotels in a given period. RevPAR does not include ancillary revenues, such as food and beverage revenues, or parking, pet, telephone or other guest service revenues. Although RevPAR does not include these other hotel revenues, it generally is considered a key indicator of core revenues for many hotels. For the year ended December 31, 2014, room revenues represented approximately 98.5% of our total revenues.

RevPAR changes that are driven predominately by occupancy have different implications on incremental operating profitability than do changes that are driven predominately by ADR. For example, increases in occupancy at a hotel would lead to increases in room revenues and other hotel revenues, as well as incremental operating costs (including housekeeping services, utilities and room amenity costs). RevPAR increases due to higher room rates, however, would generally not result in additional operational room-related costs, with the exception of those charged or incurred as a percentage of revenue, such as credit card fees. As a result, changes in RevPAR driven by increases or decreases in ADR generally have a greater effect on operating profitability than changes in RevPAR driven by occupancy levels. We review RevPAR by comparing current periods to the same periods in prior years.

Additional non-GAAP financial measures include EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Hotel Opertating Profit, Hotel Operating Margin, Paired Share Income, Adjusted Paired Share Income and Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share. These measures are discussed and further described under “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Revenues and Expenses. The Company’s revenues are derived from the operation of our hotels. Hotel operating expenses account for the largest portion of the Company’s operating expenses and reflect ongoing operating expenses associated with the ownership and management of our hotels. The following table presents the components of the Company’s revenues as a percentage of our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014:

The following table presents the components of the Company’s operating expenses as a percentage of our total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014:

Revenues. ESH REIT’s rental revenues are generated from leasing the hotel properties to the Operating Lessees. Rental revenues consist of fixed minimum rental payments plus specified percentages of hotel room revenues earned by the Operating Lessees over designated revenue thresholds.

Expenses. The following table presents the components of ESH REIT’s operating expenses as a percentage of ESH REIT’s total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014:

Results of Operations discusses each of the Company’s consolidated and combined financial statements and ESH REIT’s consolidated financial statements, each of which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those relating to property and equipment, goodwill, income taxes, equity-based compensation, revenue recognition, consolidation policies and contingencies. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

For the year ended December 31, 2014 and the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2013, the consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company include the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, including the Operating Lessees, ESH Strategies, ESA Management and ESH REIT. Third party equity interests in ESH REIT, which consist primarily of the Class B common stock of ESH REIT and represent approximately 45% of ESH REIT’s total common equity, are not owned by the Corporation and therefore are presented as noncontrolling interests.

For the periods prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company included the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows of the Company’s predecessor, which included ESH REIT’s predecessor, ESH Hospitality LLC, ESH Strategies and a consolidated variable interest entity, HVM, our former management entity. Third party equity interests in HVM, which represented all of HVM’s equity, were not owned by the Company’s predecessor and therefore were presented as noncontrolling interests. ESH REIT and ESH Strategies became a consolidated group by the time of the completion of the Offering. Since the Pre-IPO Transactions, which resulted in these entities becoming a consolidated group, were accounted for at historical cost, the Company’s predecessor financial information combined ESH REIT’s predecessor financial information with that of ESH Strategies.

For the year ended December 31, 2014 and the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2013, the consolidated financial statements of ESH REIT include the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows of ESH REIT and its subsidiaries.

For the periods prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the consolidated financial statements of ESH REIT included the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows of ESH REIT’s predecessor, ESH Hospitality LLC, its subsidiaries, which included the Operating Lessees, and HVM. Third party equity interests in HVM, which represented all of HVM’s equity, were not owned by ESH REIT and therefore were presented as noncontrolling interests.

As of December 31, 2014, we owned and operated 682 hotels consisting of 76,000 rooms. As of December 31, 2013, we owned and operated 684 hotels consisting of approximately 76,200 rooms.

The following table presents our consolidated and combined results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, including the amount and percentage change in these results between the periods (in thousands):

The following table presents key operating metrics, including occupancy, ADR, RevPAR and renovation displacement data for our hotels for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively:

Room revenues. Room revenues increased by approximately $81.9 million, or 7.3%, to approximately $1,195.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $1,114.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in room revenues was due to a 7.0% increase in ADR and a 10 bps increase in occupancy, resulting in a 7.1% increase in RevPAR, which was primarily a result of a shift in our customer mix to a greater number of high yield, shorter-stay guests as well as our hotel reinvestment program, operating and service initiatives and more consistent pricing and discount policies.

Other hotel revenues. Other hotel revenues remained relatively consistent, decreasing by approximately $0.1 million, or 0.7%, to approximately $17.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $17.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Management fees, license fees and other revenues. Management fees, license fees and other revenues were $0 for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in these fees was due to our acquisition of two hotels on December 31, 2013 which ESA Management previously managed.

Hotel operating expenses. Hotel operating expenses increased by approximately $51.6 million, or 9.5%, to approximately $592.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $540.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in hotel operating expenses was partly driven by an increase in marketing and reservation costs of approximately $17.9 million, primarily related to our national advertising campaign and the system-wide implementation of our central reservations call center. Additionally, the increase was impacted by increases in property insurance expense and repairs and maintenance expense of approximately $13.6 million, an increase in utilities expense of approximately $4.7 million and increases in hotel personnel expense, real estate tax expense and loss on disposal of assets.

Hotel Operating Margin decreased to 51.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 52.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to the aforementioned cost increases. Total hotel revenues

increased by approximately $81.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, while Hotel Operating Profit, excluding the loss on disposal of assets, increased by approximately $32.9 million for the same period, which represents an operating margin flow-through, defined as the change in Hotel Operating Profit divided by the change in total room and other hotel revenues, of approximately 40.2%.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $23.9 million, or 22.1%, to approximately $84.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $108.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. During 2013, costs related to our initial public offering totaled approximately $25.8 million and consisted of approximately $14.6 million in equity-based compensation expense as a result of the modification of the vesting schedules of awards outstanding prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions and approximately $11.2 million primarily related to the Pre-IPO Transactions. Further, we incurred approximately $9.4 million related to our rebranding initiative, which was completed in 2013. Excluding these costs, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately $11.3 million, or 15.5%, mainly due to an increase in equity-based compensation expense of approximately $3.2 million, public company transition costs of approximately $3.0 million, including approximately $1.5 million in secondary offering costs, and $1.9 million in consulting fees related to implementation of certain key strategic initiatives, including review of our corporate infrastructure. The remaining increase was primarily due to ongoing costs related to our new automated revenue management system and new human resources payroll system.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased by approximately $19.2 million, or 11.4%, to approximately $187.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $168.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to an increase in investment in hotel assets as a result of our hotel reinvestment program.

Impairment of long-lived assets. Asset impairments are recorded as required based on an evaluation of property and equipment and intangible assets for impairment. We recognized impairment charges related to property and equipment of approximately $2.3 million related to two hotel properties and approximately $3.3 million related to four hotel properties during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Gain on sale of hotel properties. In July 2014, we recorded a gain on sale of hotel properties of approximately $0.9 million related to the sale of our two Hometown Inn-branded hotels.

Managed property payroll expenses. Managed property payroll expenses were $0 for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This decrease was due to our acquisition of two hotels on December 31, 2013 which ESA Management previously managed.

Restructuring expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we initiated an operations restructuring, which changed certain aspects of our property staffing model, for which we incurred costs of approximately $0.6 million that consisted of personnel relocation, recruitment and separation payments. No restructuring expenses were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Acquisition transaction expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we incurred acquisition transaction costs of approximately $0.2 million related to our acquisition of assets of 17 hotels from HFI Acquisitions Company LLC (“HFI”) in December 2012 and two hotels from LVP in December 2013. No acquisition transaction expenses were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Other-non operating expense. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a non-cash foreign currency transaction loss of approximately $3.8 million related to the appreciation of the U.S. dollar versus the Canadian dollar at one of our Canadian currency-based entities which has U.S. dollar denominated debt.

Interest expense, net. In the fourth quarter of 2013 and subsequent to the Offering, ESH REIT repaid $715.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans (as defined below), terminated the Extended Stay LLC revolving credit facility and entered into the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below). Also, the Corporation entered into the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below). In the second quarter of 2014, ESH REIT repaid the remaining outstanding $365.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans using principally all of the net proceeds from its 2014 Term Loan (as defined below). As a result of these transactions, the Company’s total debt and mandatorily redeemable preferred stock decreased by approximately $693.0 million, or 19.2%, from approximately $3.6 billion as of September 30, 2013 to approximately $2.9 billion as of December 31, 2014, and its weighted-average interest rate decreased from approximately 5.4% as of September 30, 2013 to approximately 4.0% as of December 31, 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2014, net interest expense decreased by approximately $85.1 million, or 36.3%, to approximately $149.4 million compared to approximately $234.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, net interest expense includes approximately $9.4 million of debt extinguishment and other costs incurred in connection with the 2012 Mezzanine Loan prepayment of $365.0 million made during the second quarter, which consist of prepayment penalties and other costs of approximately $4.3 million and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $5.1 million. For the year ended December 31, 2013, net interest expense included approximately $27.1 million of debt extinguishment and other costs incurred in connection with the 2012 Mezzanine Loan prepayment of $715.0 million made during the fourth quarter, the establishment of the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility and the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility and the termination of the Extended Stay LLC revolving credit facility, which consisted of prepayment penalties and other costs of approximately $15.4 million and the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $11.7 million.

Income tax expense (benefit). Our effective income tax rate was 23.0% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to (6.4)% for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to our current legal and corporate structure and the entity-related changes that were a result of the Pre-IPO Transactions, which included the recognition in 2013 of a deferred tax benefit at ESH REIT of approximately $6.6 million primarily related to net operating loss carryforwards recognized in connection with the change in ESH REIT’s expected distribution policy. Since the Corporation owns the Class A common stock of ESH REIT, which represents approximately 55% of the outstanding common stock of ESH REIT, approximately 55% of ESH REIT’s distributions are subject to corporate income tax. The Company’s effective tax rate is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% due to ESH REIT’s status as a REIT under the provisions of the Code during these periods, although ESH REIT will incur federal and state income tax at statutory rates on its taxable income not distributed. In 2015, ESH REIT intends to distribute at least 95% of its taxable income and net capital gain.

As of December 31, 2013, we owned and operated 684 hotels consisting of approximately 76,200 rooms. As of December 31, 2012, we owned 682 hotels consisting of approximately 75,900 rooms.

The following table presents our consolidated and combined results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, including the amount and percentage change in these results between the periods (in thousands):

The following table presents key operating metrics, including occupancy, ADR, RevPAR and renovation displacement data for our hotels for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively:

Room revenues. Room revenues increased by approximately $129.7 million, or 13.2%, to approximately $1,114.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $984.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Excluding room revenues of approximately $30.1 million related to the 17 HFI hotels for the year ended December 31, 2013 and approximately $1.3 million for the period from December 13, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the increase in room revenues of approximately $100.9 million was due to a 8.9% increase in ADR and a 1.5% increase in occupancy, resulting in a 10.4% increase in RevPAR, which was primarily a result of our hotel reinvestment program, operating and service initiatives and more consistent pricing and discount policies.

Other hotel revenues. Other hotel revenues remained relatively consistent, increasing by approximately $0.9 million, or 5.3%, to approximately $17.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $16.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Management fees, license fees and other revenues. Management fees, license fees and other revenues decreased by approximately $9.2 million, or 89.6%, to approximately $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Management fees and license fees from managed hotel properties directly correlate with room revenues at those hotel properties and totaled approximately $0.4 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The reimbursement of payroll expenses incurred on behalf of the managed hotel properties totaled approximately $0.7 million and $6.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These decreases were due to the fact that the 17 hotels acquired in December 2012 were managed by us during the year ended December 31, 2012, but were owned by us during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Hotel operating expenses. Hotel operating expenses increased by approximately $46.9 million, or 9.5%, to approximately $540.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $493.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Excluding hotel operating expenses of approximately $15.9 million related to the 17 HFI hotels for the year ended December 31, 2013 and approximately $0.7 million for the period from December 13, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the increase in hotel operating expenses of approximately $31.8 million was partly driven by an increase of approximately $8.7 million due to the offering of complimentary grab-and-go breakfast at substantially all of our hotels during the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to a smaller percentage of our hotels during the year ended December 31, 2012. Also, the increase was related to increases in hotel personnel expense, reservation costs, real estate tax expense, marketing expense due to our increased focus on internet advertising and utilities expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012.

Hotel Operating Margin increased to 52.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 50.8% for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in Hotel Operating Margin was primarily related to our increase in ADR. Total hotel revenues increased by approximately $130.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, while Hotel Operating Profit increased by approximately $85.6 million for the same period, which represents an operating margin flow-through, defined as the change in Hotel Operating Profit divided by the change in total room and other hotel revenues, of approximately 65.6%.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by approximately $19.8 million, or 22.3%, to approximately $108.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to approximately $88.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. This increase was driven by a $15.8 million increase in equity-based compensation expense, approximately $14.6 million of which related to the modification of the vesting schedules of awards outstanding prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, as well as $6.0 million in legal fees during the year ended December 31, 2013, both of which related to our initial public offering.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased by approximately $38.1 million, or 29.3%, to approximately $168.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $129.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Excluding depreciation expense of approximately $5.8 million related to the 17 HFI hotels for the year ended December 31, 2013 and approximately $0.3 million for the period from December 13, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the increase of approximately $32.7 million in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to an increase in investment in hotel assets as a result of our hotel reinvestment program.

Impairment of long-lived assets. Asset impairments are recorded as required based on an evaluation of property and equipment and intangible assets for impairment. We recognized an impairment charge related to property and equipment of approximately $3.3 million related to four hotel properties and approximately $1.4 million related to one hotel property during the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Managed property payroll expenses. Managed property payroll expenses decreased by approximately $5.9 million, or 89.0%, to approximately $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. This decrease was due to the fact that the 17 hotels acquired in December 2012 were managed by us during the year ended December 31, 2012, but were owned by us during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Restructuring expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we initiated an operations restructuring, which changed certain aspects of our property staffing model, for which we incurred costs of approximately $0.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we initiated a corporate restructuring that we completed during the year ended December 31, 2012, which included, among other things, the relocation of the corporate headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina, for which we incurred costs of approximately $5.8 million, approximately $2.0 million of which was a non-cash charge related to executive separation payments during the year ended December 31, 2012. For these restructuring programs, expenses included personnel relocation, recruitment and separation payments and other costs. As of December 31, 2013, all costs associated with both of these programs had been incurred.

Acquisition transaction expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we incurred acquisition transaction costs of approximately $0.2 million related to our acquisition of assets of 17 hotels in December 2012 and two hotels in December 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we incurred acquisition transaction costs of approximately $1.7 million related to our acquisition of assets of 17 hotels.

Interest expense, net. Net interest expense decreased by approximately $22.9 million, or 8.9%, to approximately $234.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $257.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease was due to a decrease in debt extinguishment and other costs of approximately $18.1 million as well as a net decrease in contractual interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs of $5.0 million.

In November 2013, the Corporation entered into the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility and ESH REIT repaid $715.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans, terminated the Extended Stay LLC revolving credit facility and entered into the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility, which resulted in debt extinguishment and other costs of approximately $27.1 million, composed of prepayment penalties of approximately $13.4 million, the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $11.7 million and other costs of approximately $2.0 million. In November 2012, ESH REIT refinanced its then-outstanding mortgage and mezzanine loans, which resulted in debt extinguishment and other costs of approximately $45.1 million, composed of prepayment penalties of approximately $10.5 million, the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $34.4 million and other costs of approximately $0.2 million. As a result of the debt refinancing in 2012, ESH REIT’s total debt increased by approximately $945.1 million and its weighted-average interest rate decreased by approximately 2.0%. This resulted in a net decrease in contractual interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs of approximately $5.0 million.

Income tax (benefit) expense. Our effective income tax rate decreased by approximately 23.6 percentage points to a benefit of approximately 6.4% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to a provision of approximately 17.2% for the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to an income tax benefit of approximately $6.6 million related to the 2013 recognition of a net deferred tax asset associated with the change in ESH REIT’s expected distribution policy. Taxable income associated with the Pre-IPO Transactions was exempt from federal tax, as it was generally earned by ESH REIT. The Company’s effective tax rate was lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% due to ESH REIT’s status as a REIT under the provisions of the Code during these periods and the fact that prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the income of HVM and ESH Strategies was not taxed at the corporate level due to their limited liability company tax status.

ESH REIT historically distributed 100% of its taxable income. In 2013, deferred tax balances were adjusted to reflect the fact that an estimated 5% of ESH REIT’s future taxable income was expected to be subject to tax. This change in distribution policy resulted in the recognition of a deferred tax asset during 2013 of approximately $7.8 million related to ESH REIT’s net operating loss carryforwards that existed as of December 31, 2012. In addition, net deferred tax liabilities of approximately $1.2 million were recorded during 2013 related to temporary differences expected to be included in taxable income in future periods.

ESH REIT owns all of our hotel properties. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2013, the consolidated results of operations of ESH REIT include the results of operations of ESH REIT and its subsidiaries, which do not include the Operating Lessees. Further, the results of operations of ESA Management, which performs the management and administrative services previously performed by HVM, are not consolidated within ESH REIT’s results of operations, as ESA Management is owned by the Corporation.

ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for periods subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions present operating results in a manner which reflects ESH REIT’s legal and corporate structure, including the entity-related changes that were a result of the Pre-IPO Transactions. For example:

The following table presents ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, including the amount and percentage change in these results between the periods (in thousands):

Rental revenues from Extended Stay America, Inc. Rental revenues were approximately $684.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $71.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2013, the consolidated results of operations of ESH REIT include rental revenues associated with the operating leases, since during these periods, rental revenues were not eliminated in consolidation. Rental revenues consist of fixed minimum rental payments recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease terms plus specified percentages paid by the Operating Lessees on revenues over designated thresholds. Percentage rental revenue of approximately $190.2 million was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2014. For the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions, the consolidated results of operations of ESH REIT included the results of operations of the Operating Lessees. During that period, ESH REIT’s rental revenues, as well as the Operating Lessee’s rental expenses, eliminated in consolidation.

Hotel room revenues. In connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT transferred the Operating Lessees to the Corporation. ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31,

2014 do not include results of operations of the Operating Lessees while ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 included results of operations of the Operating Lessees for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions.

Other hotel revenues. In connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT transferred the Operating Lessees to the Corporation. ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 do not include results of operations of the Operating Lessees while ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 included the results of operations of the Operating Lessees for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions.

Management fees and other revenues. ESA Management, a subsidiary of the Corporation, acquired all of the assets and assumed all of the liabilities of HVM in connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions. ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 do not include results of operations of ESA Management while ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 included results of operations of HVM for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions.

Hotel operating expenses. In connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT transferred the Operating Lessees to the Corporation. ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 do not include results of operations of the Operating Lessees while ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 included results of operations of the Operating Lessees for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions. Hotel operating expenses decreased by approximately $384.9 million, or 80.4%, to approximately $93.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $478.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This decrease was due to the fact that for the year ended December 31, 2014, hotel operating expenses include only those expenses directly related to ownership of the hotels, such as real estate tax expense and property insurance expense, and do not include hotel operating expenses incurred by the Operating Lessees.

Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, Hotel Operating Margin is not a relevant operating measure for ESH REIT as its sole source of revenue is rental revenue generated from leasing the hotel properties and its hotel operating expenses are limited to expenses directly related to ownership of the hotels.

General and administrative expenses. ESA Management acquired all of the assets and assumed all of the liabilities of HVM in connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions. ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 do not include results of operations of ESA Management while ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 included results of operations of HVM for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions. General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $71.0 million, or 82.0%, to approximately $15.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $86.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This decrease was mainly due to the fact that for the year ended December 31, 2014, general and administrative expenses do not include expenses of ESA Management. For the year ended December 31, 2014, general and administrative expenses include professional fees, including legal, audit, tax, board and other fees of approximately $5.0 million, public company transition costs of approximately $1.4 million, which include approximately $0.7 million of secondary offering costs, and consulting fees of approximately $1.9 million related to implementation of certain key strategic initiatives, including review of our corporate infrastructure. Also included are reimbursed costs of approximately $7.3 million that ESH REIT incurred under its services agreement with ESA Management for certain overhead services performed on ESH REIT’s behalf, which include services related to shared executive management, accounting, financial analysis, training and technology, as well as payroll and related expenses of ESH REIT employees.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased by approximately $15.8 million, or 9.5%, to approximately $183.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $167.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to an increase in investment in hotel assets as a result of our hotel reinvestment program.

Impairment of long-lived assets. Asset impairments are recorded as required based on an evaluation of property and equipment and intangible assets for impairment. No impairment charges were incurred by ESH REIT during the year ended December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013, ESH REIT recognized an impairment charge related to property and equipment of approximately $3.3 million related to four hotel properties.

Gain on sale of hotel properties. In July 2014, ESH REIT recorded a gain on sale of hotel properties of approximately $0.9 million related to the sale of our two Hometown Inn-branded hotels.

Managed property payroll expenses. ESA Management acquired all of the assets and assumed all of the liabilities of HVM in connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions. ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 do not include results of operations of ESA Management while ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 included results of operations of HVM for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions.

Trademark license fees. In connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT transferred the Operating Lessees to the Corporation. ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 do not include results of operations of the Operating Lessees while ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 included results of operations of the Operating Lessees for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions.

Restructuring expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2013, HVM initiated an operations restructuring which changed certain aspects of its property staffing model, and incurred costs of approximately $0.6 million that consisted of personnel relocation, recruitment and separation payments. No restructuring expenses were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Acquisition transaction expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2013, ESH REIT incurred acquisition transaction costs of approximately $0.2 million related to the acquisition of assets of 17 hotels in December 2012 and two hotels in December 2013. No acquisition transaction expenses were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Other-non operating expense. During the year ended December 31, 2014, ESH REIT recognized a non-cash foreign currency transaction loss of approximately $3.6 million related to the appreciation of the U.S. dollar versus the Canadian dollar at one of ESH REIT’s Canadian currency-based entities which has U.S. dollar denominated debt.

Interest expense, net. In the fourth quarter of 2013 and subsequent to the Offering, ESH REIT repaid $715.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans, terminated the Extended Stay LLC revolving credit facility and entered into the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility. In the second quarter of 2014, ESH REIT repaid the remaining outstanding $365.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans using principally all of the net proceeds from its 2014 Term Loan. As a result of these transactions, ESH REIT’s total debt decreased by approximately $714.2 million, or 19.8%, from approximately $3.6 billion as of September 30, 2013 to approximately $2.9 billion as of December 31, 2014, and its weighted-average interest rate decreased from approximately 5.4% as of September 30, 2013 to approximately 3.9% as of December 31, 2014.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, net interest expense decreased by approximately $90.4 million, or 38.7%, to approximately $143.2 million compared to approximately $233.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2014, net interest expense includes approximately $9.4 million of debt extinguishment and other costs incurred in connection with the 2012 Mezzanine Loan prepayments of $365.0 million made during the second quarter, which consist of prepayment penalties and other costs of approximately $4.3 million and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $5.1 million. For the year ended December 31, 2013, net interest expense included approximately $26.9 million of debt extinguishment and other costs incurred in connection with the 2012 Mezzanine Loan prepayment of

$715.0 million made during the fourth quarter, the establishment of the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility and the termination of the Extended Stay LLC revolving credit facility, which consisted of prepayment penalties and other costs of approximately $15.2 million and the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $11.7 million.

Income tax benefit. ESH REIT’s effective income tax rate was approximately (0.5)% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to (0.9)% for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to the 2013 recognition of a deferred tax benefit of approximately $6.6 million primarily related to net operating loss carryforwards recognized in connection with the change in ESH REIT’s distribution policy. ESH REIT’s effective tax rate is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% due to its status as a REIT under the provisions of the Code, although ESH REIT will incur federal and state income tax at statutory rates on its taxable income not distributed.

As of December 31, 2013, ESH REIT owned 684 hotels consisting of approximately 76,200 rooms. As of December 31, 2012, ESH REIT owned 682 hotels consisting of approximately 75,900 rooms.

The following table presents ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, including the amount and percentage change in these results between the periods (in thousands):

Rental revenues from Extended Stay America, Inc. Consolidated rental revenues were approximately $71.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $0 for the year ended December 31, 2012. For the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions, the consolidated results of operations of ESH REIT included the results of operations of the Operating Lessees. Therefore, during that period, ESH REIT’s rental revenues, as well as the Operating Lessee’s rental expenses, eliminated in consolidation. For the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2013, the consolidated results of operations of ESH REIT did not include the results of operations of the Operating Lessees. Therefore, during that period, rental revenues were not eliminated in consolidation. Rental revenues consist of fixed minimum rental payments recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term plus specified percentages paid by the Operating Lessees on revenues over designated thresholds.

Hotel room revenues. In connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT transferred the Operating Lessees to the Corporation; therefore, ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 included results of operations of the Operating Lessees for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions. ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 included the results of operations of the Operating Lessees for the full year.

Hotel room revenues decreased by approximately $0.3 million, to approximately $984.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $984.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding room revenues of approximately $26.3 million related to the 17 HFI hotels for the year ended December 31, 2013 and approximately $1.3 million for the period from December 13, 2012 through December 31, 2012, room revenues decreased by approximately $25.3 million. The decrease was due to the fact that for the year ended December 31, 2013, subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, room revenues did not include the room revenues of the Operating Lessees. The decrease, therefore, was a result of the inclusion of slightly greater than ten months of Operating Lessee room revenues in the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared with the inclusion of a full year of Operating Lessee room revenues in the year ended December 31, 2012.

Other hotel revenues. Other hotel revenues decreased by approximately $1.3 million, or 7.8%, to approximately $15.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $16.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Excluding other hotel revenues of approximately $0.3 million related to the 17 HFI hotels for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $0 for the period from December 13, 2012 through December 31, 2012, other hotel revenues decreased by approximately $1.6 million. The decrease was a result of the inclusion of other hotel revenues related to the Operating Lessees for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions in the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared with the inclusion of other hotel revenues related to the Operating Lessees for the full year ended December 31, 2012.

Management fees and other revenues. ESA Management acquired all of the assets and assumed all of the liabilities of HVM in connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions; therefore, ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 included results of operations of HVM for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions. ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 included the results of operations for HVM for the full year.

Management fees and other revenues decreased by approximately $9.2 million, or 89.2%, to approximately $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Management fees from managed hotel properties totaled approximately $0.5 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The reimbursement of payroll expenses incurred on behalf of the managed hotel properties totaled approximately $0.6 million and $6.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These decreases were due to the fact that the 17 hotels acquired in December 2012 were managed by HVM during most of the year ended December 31, 2012, but were owned during the year ended December 31, 2013. For the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2013, the consolidated results of operations of ESH REIT did not include the results of operations of the management entity.

Hotel operating expenses. In connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT transferred the Operating Lessees to the Corporation; therefore, ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 included results of operations of the Operating Lessees for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions. ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 included the results of operations of the Operating Lessees for the full year.

Hotel operating expenses decreased by approximately $14.9 million, or 3.0%, to approximately $478.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $493.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Excluding hotel operating expenses of approximately $13.4 million related to the 17 HFI hotels for the year ended December 31, 2013 and approximately $0.7 million for the period from December 13, 2012 through December 31, 2012, hotel operating expenses decreased by approximately $27.6 million. This decrease was due to the fact that for the year ended December 31, 2013, subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, hotel operating expenses included only those hotel operating expenses directly related to ownership of the hotels, such as real estate tax expense and property insurance expense, and did not include hotel operating expenses incurred by the Operating Lessees. The decrease, therefore, was a result of the inclusion of slightly greater than ten months of Operating Lessee hotel operating expenses in the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared with the inclusion of a full year of Operating Lessee hotel operating expenses in the year ended December 31, 2012.

Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, Hotel Operating Margin is not a relevant operating measure for ESH REIT as its sole source of consolidated revenue is rental revenue generated from leasing the hotel properties, and its hotel operating expenses represent only a portion of the hotels’ total operating expenses, specifically those related to the ownership of, but not the operation of, the hotels.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $1.1 million, or 1.3%, to approximately $86.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to approximately $87.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The overall decrease was due to a decrease in consulting expenses of approximately $4.3 million related to the implementation of certain key strategic initiatives, including services related to pricing and yield management projects, as well as a decrease in payroll related expenses of approximately $3.2 million for the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2013, during which the management entity was not consolidated with or by ESH REIT. This decrease was offset by an increase of approximately $9.0 million in public company costs as a result of the Offering completed in November 2013.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased by approximately $37.2 million, or 28.7%, to approximately $167.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $129.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Excluding depreciation expense of approximately $5.8 million related to the 17 HFI hotels for the year ended December 31, 2013 and approximately $0.3 million for the period from December 13, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the increase of approximately $31.8 million in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to an increase in investment in hotel assets as a result of our hotel reinvestment program.

Impairment of long-lived assets. Asset impairments are recorded as required based on an evaluation of property and equipment and intangible assets for impairment. ESH REIT recognized an impairment charge related to property and equipment of approximately $3.3 million related to four hotel properties and approximately $1.4 million related to one hotel property during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Managed property payroll expenses. Managed property payroll expenses decreased by approximately $6.0 million, or 90.3%, to approximately $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. This decrease was due to the fact that the 17 hotels acquired in December 2012 were managed by HVM during the year ended December 31, 2012, but were owned during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Trademark license fees. Trademark license fees remained consistent at $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT owned the Operating Lessees, which pay fees to ESH Strategies for the use of their trademark licenses. Trademark license fees are directly correlated with hotel room revenues at the hotel properties. Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT no longer owns the Operating Lessees.

Restructuring expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2013, HVM initiated an operations restructuring which changed certain aspects of its property staffing model and incurred costs of approximately $0.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2011, HVM initiated a corporate restructuring that was completed during the year ended December 31, 2012, which included, among other things, the relocation of the corporate headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina, and incurred costs of approximately $5.8 million, approximately $2.0 million of which was a non-cash charge related to executive separation payments during the year ended December 31, 2012. For these restructuring programs, expenses included personnel relocation, recruitment and separation payments and other costs. As of the Pre-IPO Transactions, all costs associated with both of these programs had been incurred.

Acquisition transaction expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2013, ESH REIT incurred acquisition transaction costs of approximately $0.2 million related to ESH REIT’s acquisition of assets of 17 hotels in December 2012 and two hotels in December 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2012, ESH REIT incurred acquisition transaction costs of approximately $1.7 million related to its acquisition of assets of 17 hotels.

Interest expense, net. Net interest expense decreased by approximately $23.7 million, or 9.2%, to approximately $233.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $257.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease is due to a decrease in debt extinguishment and other costs of approximately $18.2 million as well as a net decrease in contractual interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs of $5.2 million.

In November 2013, ESH REIT repaid $715.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans, terminated the Extended Stay LLC revolving credit facility and entered into the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility, which resulted in debt extinguishment and other costs of approximately $26.9 million, composed of prepayment penalties of approximately $13.4 million, the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $11.7 million and other costs of approximately $1.8 million. In November 2012, ESH REIT refinanced its then-outstanding mortgage and mezzanine loans, which resulted in debt extinguishment and other costs of approximately $45.1 million, composed of prepayment penalties of approximately $10.5 million, the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $34.4 million and other costs of approximately $0.2 million. As a result of the debt refinancing in 2012, ESH REIT’s total debt increased by approximately $945.1 million and its weighted-average interest rate decreased by approximately 2.0%. This resulted in a net decrease in contractual interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs of approximately $5.2 million.

Income tax (benefit) expense. ESH REIT’s effective income tax rate decreased by approximately 19.7 percentage points to a benefit of approximately 0.9% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to a provision of approximately 18.8% for the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to an income tax benefit of approximately $6.6 million related to the 2013 recognition of a net deferred tax asset associated with the change in ESH REIT’s expected distribution policy. ESH REIT’s effective tax rate was lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% due to its status as a REIT under the provisions of the Code during these periods and the fact that prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the income of HVM was not taxed at the corporate level due to its limited liability company tax status.

$7.8 million related to ESH REIT’S net operating loss carryforwards that existed as of December 31, 2012. In addition, net deferred tax liabilities of approximately $1.2 million were recorded during 2013 related to temporary differences expected to be included in taxable income in future periods.

EBITDA is defined as net income excluding: (1) net interest expense; (2) income tax expense (benefit); and (3) depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is a commonly used measure of performance in many industries. The Company believes that EBITDA provides useful information to investors regarding our operating performance as it helps us and investors evaluate the ongoing performance of our hotels after removing the impact of our capital structure, primarily interest expense, our corporate structure, primarily income tax expense and our asset base, primarily depreciation and amortization. We believe that the use of EBITDA facilitates comparisons between us and other lodging companies, hotel owners and capital-intensive companies. Additionally, EBITDA is a measure that is widely used by management in our annual budgeting and compensation planning processes.

The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA when evaluating our performance because we believe the adjustment for certain additional items, described below, provides useful supplemental information to investors regarding our ongoing operating performance and that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA, when combined with the GAAP presentation of net income, net income per common share and cash flow provided by operating activities, is beneficial to the overall understanding of our ongoing operating performance. We adjust EBITDA for the following items and refer to this measure as Adjusted EBITDA:

expense and other items have been and will continue to be incurred and are not reflected in EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA. Management compensates for these limitations by separately considering the impact of these excluded items to the extent they are material to operating decisions and assessments of operating performance. The Company’s consolidated and combined statements of operations and cash flows include capital expenditures, net interest expense and other excluded items, all of which should be considered when evaluating our performance, in addition to our non-GAAP financial measures. Additionally, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not solely be considered as measures of our liquidity or indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to pay distributions.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not meaningful or useful measures for ESH REIT on a stand-alone basis due to the fact that a Paired Share represents an investment in the Company, as a single enterprise, which is reflected in the consolidated and combined Company results of operations; therefore, we believe these performance measures are meaningful for the Company only. The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the Company for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):

Hotel Operating Profit and Hotel Operating Margin measure hotel-level operating results prior to debt service, depreciation and amortization and general and administrative expenses and are supplemental measures of aggregate hotel-level profitability used by management to evaluate the operating profitability of our hotels. We define Hotel Operating Profit as the sum of room and other hotel revenues less hotel operating expenses (excluding loss on disposal of assets) and Hotel Operating Margin as the ratio of Hotel Operating Profit divided by the sum of room and other hotel revenues.

Hotel Operating Profit and Hotel Operating Margin are not meaningful or useful measures for ESH REIT on a stand-alone basis due to the fact that a Paired Share represents an investment in the Company, as a single enterprise, which is reflected in the consolidated and combined Company results of operations; therefore, we believe these performance measures are meaningful for the Company only. The following table provides a reconciliation of room revenues, other hotel revenues and hotel operating expenses (excluding loss on disposal of assets) to Hotel Operating Profit and Hotel Operating Margin for the Company for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):

Paired Share Income, Adjusted Paired Share Income and Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share

We present Paired Share Income, Adjusted Paired Share Income and Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share as supplemental measures of the Company’s operating performance. We believe that these are useful measures for investors since our Paired Shares, directly through the common stock of the Corporation and Class B common stock of ESH REIT, and indirectly through the Corporation’s ownership of the Class A common stock of ESH REIT, entitle holders of our Paired Shares to participate in 100% of the common equity and earnings of both the Corporation and ESH REIT. As required by GAAP, net income attributable to common shareholders excludes earnings attributable to ESH REIT’s Class B common shares, a noncontrolling interest. Based on the limitation on transfer provided for in each of the Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s charters, shares of common stock of the Corporation and shares of Class B common stock of ESH REIT are transferrable and tradable only in combination as units, each unit consisting of one share of the Corporation’s common stock and one share of ESH REIT Class B common stock. As a result, we believe that Paired Share Income, Adjusted Paired Share Income and Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share represent useful measures to holders of our Paired Shares.

Paired Share Income is defined as the sum of net income attributable to common shareholders or members and noncontrolling interests attributable to Class B common shares of ESH REIT. Adjusted Paired Share Income is defined as Paired Share Income adjusted for items that, net of income taxes, we believe are not reflective of our ongoing or future operating performance. We adjust Paired Share Income for the following items, net of income taxes, and refer to this measure as Adjusted Paired Share Income: debt extinguishment costs, other non-operating (income) expense (including foreign currency transaction gain or loss), impairment of long-lived assets, (gain) loss on sale of hotel properties, restructuring expenses, acquisition transaction expenses and other (income) expenses, such as costs related to our initial public offering, public company transition costs (including secondary offering costs), consulting fees related to certain key strategic initiatives and the loss on disposal of assets. With the exception of equity-based compensation, an ongoing charge, and debt extinguishment costs, these adjustments (other than the effect of income taxes) are the same as those used in the reconciliation of EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share is defined as Adjusted Paired Share Income divided by the number of Paired Shares outstanding on a basic and diluted basis. Until such time as the number of outstanding common shares of the Corporation and Class B common shares of ESH REIT differ, we believe Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share is useful to investors, as it represents the economic risks and rewards related to an investment in our Paired Shares. We believe that Paired Share Income, Adjusted Paired Share Income and Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share provide meaningful indicators of the Company’s operating performance in addition to separate and/or individual analyses of net income attributable to common shareholders of the Corporation and net income attributable to Class B common shareholders of ESH REIT, each of which may be impacted by specific GAAP requirements, including the recognition of contingent lease rental revenues and the recognition of lease rental revenues on a straight-line basis, and may not necessarily reflect how cash flows are generated on an individual entity or total enterprise basis.

Paired Share Income, Adjusted Paired Share Income and Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share should not be considered as an alternative to net income of the Company, net income of the Corporation, net income of ESH REIT, net income per share of common stock of the Corporation, net income per share of Class A or Class B common stock of ESH REIT or any other operating measure calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Paired Share Income, Adjusted Paired Share Income and Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share are not meaningful or useful measures for ESH REIT on a stand-alone basis due to the fact that a Paired Share represents an investment in the Company, as a single enterprise, which is reflected in the consolidated and combined Company results of operations; therefore, we believe these performance measures are meaningful for the Company only. The following table provides a reconciliation of net income attributable to common shareholders or members to Paired Share Income, Adjusted Paired Share Income and a calculation of Adjusted Paired Share Income per Paired Share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per Paired Share data):

We do not believe that inflation had a material effect on our business during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012. Although we believe that increases in the rate of inflation will generally result in comparable increases in hotel room rates, severe inflation could contribute to a slowing of the national economy. Such a slowdown could result in a reduction in room rates and fewer room reservations, negatively impacting our revenues and net income.

On a consolidated and combined basis, we have historically generated significant cash flow from operations and have financed our ongoing business primarily with existing cash and cash flow generated from operations. We generated cash flow from operations of approximately $370.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Our current liquidity requirements consist primarily of funds necessary to pay for operating expenses directly associated with our hotels, recurring maintenance and capital expenditures necessary to maintain our hotels, general and administrative expenses, interest expense, scheduled principal payments on ESH REIT’s outstanding indebtedness and required ESH REIT distributions. In addition to recurring maintenance and capital expenditures necessary to maintain our hotels, we are also performing, and expect to continue to perform, renovations to our hotels. See “—Capital Expenditures—Hotel Reinvestment Program.” We expect to fund our hotel reinvestment program from a combination of cash on hand, cash flow from operations and/or borrowings under our revolving credit facilities, as needed. Other long-term liquidity requirements may include the need to obtain funds to acquire or construct additional hotels.

The Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $121.3 million and restricted cash of approximately $73.4 million at December 31, 2014. Based upon the current level of operations, management believes that our cash flow from operations together with our cash balances and available borrowings under our revolving credit facilities (as described in “—Our Indebtedness”) will be adequate to meet our anticipated funding requirements and business objectives for the foreseeable future. We regularly review our capital structure and at any time may refinance or repay existing indebtedness, incur new indebtedness or issue debt or equity securities.

In December 2014, ESH REIT exercised its first of three one-year options to extend the original maturity date of Component A of the 2012 Mortgage Loan, whose principal balance is approximately $348.0 million, to December 1, 2015. Assuming we exercise the remaining two one-year extension options, which are subject to limited conditions, to extend the maturity of this debt, our long-term liquidity requirements will include funds for principal payments on ESH REIT’s 2012 Mortgage Loan and 2014 Term Loan maturing between December

2017 and December 2019. The 2015 extension conditions include providing an adequate extension notice period, the extension or renewal of an interest rate cap, as well as the requirement that none of the borrowing entities be in default, as defined. The 2016 extension conditions include the same conditions as the 2015 extension, as well as the requirement of a specified Extension Debt Yield, as defined, of 17.5%. Our long-term liquidity requirements will also include the repayment of any outstanding amounts due under our revolving credit facilities which mature in November 2016.

We expect to meet our long-term liquidity requirements through various sources of capital, including future debt or equity financings by the Corporation and/or ESH REIT, existing working capital and cash flow from operations. However, there are a number of factors that may have a material adverse effect on our ability to access these capital sources, including the current and future state of overall equity and credit markets, our degree of leverage, the value of our unencumbered assets and borrowing restrictions imposed by lenders, general market conditions for the lodging industry, our operating performance and liquidity and market perceptions about us. The success of our business strategy will depend, in part, on our ability to access these various capital sources. There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise any such financing on terms acceptable to us or at all.

The Corporation’s primary source of liquidity is distribution income it receives in respect of its ownership of approximately 55% of the common stock of ESH REIT. Although not a source of liquidity for the year ended December 31, 2014, other potential sources of liquidity include income from the operations of the Operating Lessees, ESA Management and ESH Strategies.

The Corporation has accumulated, and we expect that it will continue to accumulate, cash. We expect that over time it will return cash to ESH REIT in order to fund the renovation, acquisition or construction of new hotels, the repayment of debt and for other corporate purposes. The Corporation may transfer cash to ESH REIT through the purchase of additional shares of Class A common stock, which would increase its ownership of ESH REIT and reduce the Company’s overall tax efficiency. The Corporation may also lend funds to ESH REIT through the execution of an unsecured intercompany credit facility. The covenants of any such unsecured intercompany credit facility would be expected to be customary for similar debt securities in light of then-prevailing market conditions. In accordance with existing restrictions under the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility and 2014 Term Loan, any such credit facility would have an aggregate principal amount of no more than $200 million (up to $300 million allowed under the 2014 Term Loan), a maturity date which may not be earlier than 91 days after the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility maturity date (as such date may be extended) or the 2014 Term Loan and be junior in right of payment to the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility and 2014 Term Loan pursuant to a subordination agreement to be entered into. Entering into an unsecured intercompany credit facility and the terms of such credit facility are subject to a number of factors, and we may not enter into an intercompany credit facility at all.

The Corporation may pay distributions on its common stock to meet all or a portion of our expected distribution rate on our Paired Shares. The Corporation’s Board of Directors has not declared any distributions on the Corporation’s common stock and currently has no intention to do so, except as described in “Market for Registrants’ Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Distribution Policies.” The payment of any future distributions will be at the discretion of the Corporation’s Board of Directors. Any such distributions will be made subject to the Corporation’s compliance with applicable law, and will depend on, among other things, the receipt by the Corporation of distributions from ESH REIT in respect of the Class A common stock, the Corporation’s results of operations and financial condition, level of indebtedness, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, restrictions in any existing and future debt agreements of the Corporation and ESH REIT and in any preferred stock and other factors that the Corporation’s Board of Directors may deem relevant.

Based upon the current level of operations, management believes that the Corporation’s cash position, cash flow from operations and available borrowings under the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility will be adequate to meet all of the Corporation’s funding requirements and business objectives for the foreseeable future.

ESH REIT’s primary source of liquidity is rental revenue derived from contractual lease obligations with the Operating Lessees. ESH REIT’s primary use of liquidity is fixed costs of ownership of the hotel properties, including interest expense, scheduled principal payments on its outstanding indebtedness, real estate tax expense, property insurance expense, capital expenditures, including those capital expenditures related to our hotel reinvestment program, and the payment of distributions. In order to qualify and maintain its status as a REIT, ESH REIT must distribute annually to its shareholders an amount at least equal to:

In 2015, we intend to maintain or slightly increase our current distribution rate of $0.15 per Paired Share per quarter, which we intend to make in respect of the Class B common stock of ESH REIT, unless our consolidated results of operations, net income, Adjusted EBITDA, liquidity, cash flows, financial condition or prospects, economic conditions or other factors differ materially from our current assumptions. In the event distributions in respect of the Class B common stock of ESH REIT are not sufficient to meet our expected Paired Share distributions, the expected Paired Share distributions may be completed through distributions in respect of the common stock of the Corporation using funds distributed to the Corporation in respect of the Class A common stock of ESH REIT, after allowance for tax, if any, on those funds.

On February 26, 2015, the Board of Directors of ESH REIT declared a cash distribution of $0.15 per share for the fourth quarter of 2014 on its Class A and Class B common stock. The distribution is payable on March 26, 2015 to shareholders of record as of March 12, 2015. See “Market for Registrants’ Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Distribution Policies” for a description of our distribution policies.

Due to REIT distribution requirements, ESH REIT has historically not accumulated significant amounts of cash and is not expected to do so in the future. As a result, we expect that ESH REIT will need to refinance all or a portion of its debt, including the 2012 Mortgage Loans and the 2014 Term Loan, on or before maturity. See “—Our Indebtedness—ESH REIT Mortgage Loan” and “—Our Indebtedness—ESH REIT Term Loan Facility.” We cannot assure you that ESH REIT will be able to refinance any of its debt on attractive terms on or before maturity, on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Based upon the current level of operations, management believes that ESH REIT’s cash position, cash flow from operations and available borrowings under the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility will be adequate to meet all of ESH REIT’s funding requirements and business objectives for the foreseeable future.

We had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of approximately $121.3 million and $60.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The following table summarizes the changes in our cash and cash equivalents as a result of operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled approximately $370.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $311.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of approximately $59.2 million. Cash flow from operations increased primarily due to a decrease in interest payments as a result of the partial repayment of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans, as well as improved hotel operating performance, specifically a 10 bps increase in occupancy and a 7.0% increase in ADR, which led to a 7.1% increase in RevPAR. These increases were partially offset by higher income tax payments as a result of our current legal and corporate structure.

Cash flows used in investing activities totaled approximately $182.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $165.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of approximately $17.0 million. Cash flows used in investing activities increased primarily due to an increase in restricted cash provided as collateral for insurance reserves of approximately $21.6 million and an increase in proceeds related to insurable property events of approximately $11.9 million. These increases were partially offset by the fact that no cash was used for hotel acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $16.4 million, which was used for hotel acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2013.

Cash flows used in financing activities totaled approximately $127.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $189.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of approximately $61.8 million. Cash flows used in financing activities decreased primarily due to a decrease in net loan repayments of approximately $129.7 million. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the majority of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans were repaid using proceeds from the Offering and cash on hand, and the remaining balance was repaid during the second quarter of 2014 using principally all of the proceeds from the 2014 Term Loan. This decrease was offset by an increase in net payments of $40.0 million on revolving credit facilities and an increase in distributions paid to shareholders of approximately $27.8 million.

We had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of approximately $60.5 million and $103.6 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The following table summarizes the changes in our cash and cash equivalents as a result of operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:

Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled approximately $311.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $201.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of approximately $110.2 million. Cash flow from operations was positively impacted during the year ended December 31, 2013 by additional cash generated through improved operating performance of our hotels, specifically a 10.2% increase in RevPAR. Additionally, cash flows provided by operations increased as a result of the timing of interest payments associated with ESH REIT’s mortgage and mezzanine loans.

Cash flows used in investing activities totaled approximately $165.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, of which approximately $172.5 million related to the purchases of property and equipment and approximately $16.4 million related to the acquisition of the two LVP hotels, offset by approximately $14.3 million related to reimbursements from loan escrow accounts and approximately $7.8 million of collateral for insurance reserves. For the year ended December 31, 2012, cash used in investing activities was approximately $223.8 million.

Cash flows used in financing activities totaled approximately $189.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and consisted primarily of a partial repayment of ESH REIT’s 2012 Mezzanine Loans of $715.0 million and distributions to our Sponsors of approximately $78.4 million, offset by proceeds from the sale of equity as a result of the Offering of approximately $602.2 million. Cash flows provided by financing activities totaled approximately $27.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 and included $3,600.0 million generated by new borrowings from ESH REIT’s 2012 Mortgage and Mezzanine Loans, partially offset by the repayment of approximately $2,674.5 million related to ESH REIT’s 2010 mortgage and mezzanine loans, approximately $832.9 million of distributions to our Sponsors and approximately $64.6 million related to the payment of the deferred financing and other costs.

ESH REIT had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of approximately $33.8 million and $18.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The following table summarizes the changes in ESH REIT’s cash and cash equivalents as a result of operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled approximately $432.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $295.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of approximately $137.7 million. Cash flow from operations increased primarily due to a decrease in interest payments as a result of the partial repayment of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2013, ESH REIT’s cash flows from operations do not include cash flows from operations of the Operating Lessees or our management entity while ESH REIT’s cash flows from operations for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions included cash flows from operations of the Operating Lessees and our management entity.

Cash flows used in investing activities totaled approximately $153.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $164.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of approximately $10.8 million. Cash flows used in investing activities decreased primarily due to the fact that no cash was used for hotel acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $16.2 million used for hotel acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2013. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in proceeds related to insurable property events of approximately $11.9 million.

Cash flows used in financing activities totaled approximately $264.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to approximately $215.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of approximately $48.7 million. Cash flows used in financing activities increased primarily due to an increase in distributions paid to ESH REIT’s shareholders (approximately 55% of which was paid to the Corporation) of approximately $162.5 million as well as net payments of $40.0 million on revolving credit facilities. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in net loan repayments of approximately $156.4 million. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the majority of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans were repaid using proceeds from the Offering and cash on hand, and the remaining balance was repaid during the second quarter of 2014 using principally all of the proceeds from the 2014 Term Loan.

ESH REIT had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of approximately $18.6 million and $103.3 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The following table summarizes the changes in ESH REIT’s cash and cash equivalents as a result of operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:

Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled approximately $295.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to approximately $194.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of approximately $101.0 million. Cash flow from operations was positively impacted during the year ended December 31, 2013 by additional cash generated through improved operating performance of our hotels, specifically a 10.2% increase in RevPar. Additionally, cash flows provided by operations increased as a result of timing of interest payments associated with ESH REIT’s mortgage and mezzanine loans.

Cash flows used in investing activities totaled approximately $164.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, of which $171.9 million related to the purchase of property and equipment and approximately $16.2 million related to the acquisition of the two LVP hotels, offset by approximately $14.3 million related to the reimbursement from loan escrow accounts and approximately $7.8 million of collateral for insurance reserves. For the year ended December 31, 2012, cash used in investing activities was approximately $223.8 million.

Cash flows used in financing activities totaled approximately $215.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and consisted primarily of a partial repayment of ESH REIT’s 2012 Mezzanine Loans of $715.0 million and distributions to our Sponsors of approximately $78.4 million, offset by proceeds from the sale of equity as a result of the Offering of approximately $599.9 million. Cash flows provided by financing activities totaled approximately $34.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 and included $3,600.0 million generated by new borrowings from ESH REIT’s 2012 Mortgage and Mezzanine Loans, partially offset by the repayment of approximately $2,674.5 million related to ESH REIT’s 2010 mortgage and mezzanine loans, approximately $826.2 million of distributions to our Sponsors and approximately $64.6 million related to the payment of deferred financing and other costs.

We maintain each of our hotels in good repair and condition and in conformity with applicable laws and regulations. The cost of all improvements and significant alterations are generally made with cash flows from operations. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we incurred capital expenditures of

approximately $173.2 million, $172.5 million and $271.5 million, respectively (excluding cash used for hotel acquisitions). These capital expenditures were primarily made as a result of our hotel reinvestment program that began in the third quarter of 2011, which remains ongoing. Funding for future capital expenditures is expected to be provided primarily from cash flow from operations or, to the extent necessary, the Corporation’s or ESH REIT’s Revolving Credit Facilities. In 2015, we expect to incur capital expenditures between $190.0 million and $210.0 million.

Since the third quarter of 2011, we have been performing significant hotel renovations and have been executing a phased capital investment program across our portfolio in order to seek to drive incremental market share gains. We have developed a methodology for selecting specific hotels for our reinvestment program by evaluating potential returns based on multiple market and property specific variables. We created two levels of investment: the more extensive Platinum renovation package and the more limited Silver refresh package. Prior to undertaking capital investment at a hotel, management determines whether, in its view, the selected level of investment is likely to result in incremental revenues and profits and achieve a return on investment that management believes would meet our return criteria.

A Platinum renovation generally requires approximately $1.0 million in spend per hotel. Platinum renovations typically include remodeling of common areas, new paint, carpet, signage, tile or vinyl flooring and counters in bathrooms and kitchens, as well as the refurbishment of furniture, replacement of aged mattresses and installation of new flat screen televisions, artwork, lighting and bedspreads. A Silver refresh generally requires approximately $150,000 in spend per hotel. Silver refreshes typically include the replacement of aged mattresses and installation of new flat screen televisions, lighting, bedspreads and signage.

We have undertaken the hotel reinvestment program in phases. As of December 31, 2014, we have substantially completed Platinum renovations at 335 hotels, with total incurred costs of approximately $331.8 million. Also, as of December 31, 2014, we are in the process of implementing Platinum renovations at 47 additional hotels with estimated total costs of approximately $46.2 million. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s Boards of Directors approved Platinum renovations for an additional 95 hotels totaling approximately $85.0 million, which are expected to be completed by early 2016. Once complete, we will have completed Platinum renovations at 477 hotels, which is approximately 75% of our Extended Stay America-branded hotels.

We believe that our capital investments are driving incremental market share at our renovated properties. We evaluate our hotel reinvestment program by calculating the ADR, occupancy, RevPAR and RevPAR Index⁽¹⁾ performance of our renovated hotels. It takes approximately three months to complete a Platinum hotel renovation (period from commencement to completion of renovations, the “Renovation Period” or the “Displacement Period”), during which time we experience temporary disruption and weakened performance at the hotel. Following the Displacement Period, it typically takes an additional three months for the hotel to return to occupancy levels approximating Pre-Renovation Period levels (such three-month period, the “Ramp-Up Period”). In order to analyze the first year improvements associated with our investments, we have developed a methodology that adjusts for the impact of the temporary disruption associated with both the Displacement and Ramp-Up Periods. In particular, we compare the performance over a twelve-month period starting the month after the completion of the Ramp-Up Period (the “Post-Renovation Period”) to the performance over a twelve-month period ending the month prior to the commencement of the renovations (the “Pre-Renovation Period”). As of December 31, 2014, 208 hotels had results for the entire Post-Renovation Period. These 208 hotels demonstrated RevPAR growth of 20.8% and RevPAR Index growth of 8.5% in the Post-Renovation Period as compared to the Pre-Renovation Period. The majority of the growth was achieved through increases in ADR, which grew 21.3% over the time period. While we attribute the RevPAR Index growth primarily to our hotel reinvestment program, we also believe that this improvement has benefited from the implementation of our other

initiatives, including our increased marketing and service initiatives. The following table shows a summary of the results of the 208 hotels for which we had Post-Renovation Period results as of December 31, 2014:

During 2013, we completed a rebranding program to consolidate hotels that were operated under the former brands Homestead Studio Suites, Studio Plus and Extended Stay Deluxe to our core brand, Extended Stay America. We spent approximately $9.4 million and $10.0 million on rebranding during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Costs associated with rebranding were recorded as general and administrative expenses. No rebranding costs were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.

The Corporation entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Corporation Revolving Credit Facility”) on November 18, 2013. The Corporation Revolving Credit Facility permitted borrowings up to $75.0 million by the Corporation until November 18, 2014, at which time the borrowing availability under the facility was reduced to $50.0 million. The facility provides for the issuance of up to $50.0 million of letters of credit as well as borrowings on same day notice, referred to as swingline loans, in an amount up to $20.0 million. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to an adjusted LIBOR rate or a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the prime lending rate, (2) the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (3) the one-month adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0%, plus an applicable margin of 2.75% for base rate loans and 3.75% for LIBOR loans. There is no scheduled amortization under the facility; the principal amount outstanding is due and payable in full at maturity, November 18, 2016, subject to a one-year extension option.

As of December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance drawn on the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility was $0 and the amount of borrowing capacity under the facility was $46.4 million, reduced from $50.0 million due to a $3.6 million letter of credit outstanding.

In addition to paying interest on any outstanding principal under the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility, the Corporation is required to pay a fee in respect of unutilized commitments. If 50.0% or more of the facility is drawn, the fee is 0.175%, while if less than 50.0% of the facility is drawn, such fee is 0.35%. The Corporation is also required to pay customary letter of credit fees and agency fees.

If at any time outstanding loans, unreimbursed letter of credit drawings and undrawn letters of credit under the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility exceed the lenders’ commitments at such time, the Corporation will be required to repay outstanding loans or cash collateralize letters of credit at 105% in an aggregate amount equal to such excess, with no reduction of the commitment amount.

The Corporation’s obligations under the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by its existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (with certain exceptions, including, but not limited to, ESH REIT and its subsidiaries and certain other entities that may not provide guarantees pursuant to the 2012 Mortgage Loan and 2014 Term Loan, as defined). The Corporation Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and the guarantors under the facility (with certain exceptions).

The Corporation Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, restrict the Corporation’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries (other than, with certain exceptions, ESH REIT and its subsidiaries) to incur additional indebtedness, pay distributions and make other restricted payments, engage in transactions with the Corporation’s affiliates, sell all or substantially all of their assets, merge and create liens. The Corporation Revolving Credit Facility also contains certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

If any loans or obligations are outstanding during any fiscal quarter, the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility requires that the Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined, calculated as of the end of such fiscal quarter, be less than or equal to 9.0 to 1.0 for fiscal quarters ended on or before December 31, 2015 and 8.75 to 1.0 for fiscal quarters ended on or after January 1, 2016. Further, if loans or obligations are outstanding during any calendar month, the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility requires that the Debt Yield and the Adjusted Debt Yield, each as defined, not be less than 9.0% as at the last day of such calendar month.

In order to avoid a Trigger Event or an Adjusted Trigger Event, each as defined, the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility requires a Debt Yield and an Adjusted Debt Yield of at least 12.0%. The occurrence of a Trigger Event or an Adjusted Trigger Event would require the Corporation to repay the outstanding facility balance and would restrict its ability to make additional borrowings. As of December 31, 2014, the Debt Yield and Adjusted Debt Yield were 21.0% and 18.2%, respectively, and no Trigger Event or Adjusted Trigger Event had occurred.

The Corporation has authorized 350.0 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 21,202 shares of mandatorily redeemable voting preferred stock were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014. Dividends on the preferred shares are payable quarterly in arrears at a rate of 8.0% per year. With respect to dividend, distribution and liquidation rights, the 8.0% voting preferred stock ranks senior to the Corporation’s common stock. Holders of the 8.0% voting preferred stock are generally entitled to one vote for each share and will vote together with the Corporation common stock as a single class on all matters that the Corporation’s common shareholders are entitled to vote upon. On or after November 15, 2018, a holder of the 8.0% voting preferred stock has the right to require the Corporation to redeem in cash the 8.0% voting preferred stock at $1,000 per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. On November 15, 2020, the Corporation shall mandatorily redeem all of the 8.0% voting preferred stock at $1,000 per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends.

Due to the fact that the current outstanding preferred stock is mandatorily redeemable by the Corporation, it is classified as a liability. Dividends on the shares of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock are classified as interest expense.

On November 30, 2012, ESA P Portfolio LLC, ESA P Portfolio MD Borrower LLC, ESA Canada Properties Borrower LLC, ESH/TN Properties LLC (each a subsidiary of ESH REIT and collectively, the “Mortgage Borrower”) entered into an approximately $2.52 billion mortgage loan comprised of three components (the “2012 Mortgage Loan”), which is governed by that certain Loan Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2012, by and among the Mortgage Borrower, certain affiliates of the Mortgage Borrower,

JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, German American Capital Corporation, Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp., Bank of America, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Mortgage Company (as amended, the “MLA”). Component A is comprised of five subcomponents, each with varying floating interest rates and a collective weighted-average interest rate of LIBOR plus approximately 2.1% and a total balance of $348.0 million and an original maturity date of December 1, 2014, with three one-year extension options. In December 2014, ESH REIT exercised its first one-year extension option on Component A, extending the maturity of this component until December 1, 2015. Components B and C have fixed interest rates of approximately 3.4% and 4.1%, total balances of $350.0 million and $1,820.0 million and maturity dates of December 1, 2017 and December 1, 2019, respectively.

As of December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance on the 2012 Mortgage Loan was approximately $2.52 billion. The 2012 Mortgage Loan requires interest-only payments of approximately $7.9 million due on the first day of each calendar month. Each component of the 2012 Mortgage Loan has amounts that are freely prepayable. The below table shows freely prepayable amounts and prepayment penalties under the 2012 Mortgage Loan.

Substantially all of ESH REIT’s hotel properties (678 of the 682 hotel properties) serve as collateral for the 2012 Mortgage Loan.

On November 18, 2013, the Corporation assumed the obligations of the guarantor under a customary recourse carve out guaranty pursuant to which the Corporation guaranteed (a) under certain limited circumstances, losses related to the 2012 Mortgage Loan plus enforcement costs incurred by the lenders, and (b) under certain other limited circumstances, repayment of the 2012 Mortgage Loan up to an aggregate liability under this clause (b) of $252.0 million plus enforcement costs.

In connection with the 2012 Mortgage Loan, the Loan Parties (as defined in the MLA) made certain representations, warranties and covenants customary in mortgage loan transactions, including, without limitation, regarding the ownership and operation of the hotels and standard special purpose bankruptcy remote entity provisions that are provided in order to make certain that each loan party (and certain specified affiliates) will maintain a prescribed level of separateness to forestall a substantive consolidation of such entities in the event of a bankruptcy action.

The occurrence of an Event of Default, a Debt Yield Trigger Event (a Debt Yield, as defined, of less than 9.0%) or a Guarantor Bankruptcy Event triggers a Cash Trap Event, as defined. During the period of a Cash Trap Event, any excess cash flow, after all monthly requirements (including the payment of management fees and operating expenses) are fully funded, is held by the loan service agent as additional collateral for the 2012 Mortgage Loan. As of December 31, 2014 no notice of a Cash Trap Event having been triggered had been received, as the Mortgage Borrower’s Debt Yield was 21.0%.

A right of contribution agreement provides that if any funds of the Corporation are needed and used to service ESH REIT’s obligations under the 2012 Mortgage Loan, such as in the case of a Cash Trap Event, ESH REIT shall be obligated to reimburse the Corporation, with interest, for the amount of any such funds that were applied for this purpose as soon as permitted under the 2012 Mortgage Loan. Interest shall accrue on ESH REIT’s reimbursement obligation at the relevant applicable federal rate as determined under Section 1274(d) of the Code. In lieu of cash payment, the Corporation may elect, at its option, to receive payment in the form of additional shares of Class A common stock of ESH REIT of an equivalent value.

The 2012 Mortgage Loan is subject to certain customary events of default under the Loan Documents (as defined in the MLA, hereinafter, the “Mortgage Loan Documents”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, as defined, Lender, as defined, may, among other things, take the following actions: (i) accelerate the maturity date of the 2012 Mortgage Loan, (ii) foreclose on any or all of the mortgages securing the mortgage loan or (iii) apply amounts on deposit in the reserve accounts to pay the debt service on the 2012 Mortgage Loan.

ESH REIT and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a $375.0 million term loan facility (the “2014 Term Loan”) on June 23, 2014. Subject to certain conditions, the principal amount of the 2014 Term Loan may be increased from time to time up to an amount which would not cause the Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined, to exceed 5.25 to 1.0. Loans under the 2014 Term Loan bear interest at a rate equal to (i) LIBOR (subject to a floor of 0.75%) plus 4.25%, or (ii) a base rate (determined by reference to the highest of (1) the prime lending rate, (2) the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or (3) the one-month adjusted LIBOR rate (subject to a floor of 0.75%) plus 1.0%) plus 3.25%. The principal amount of the loan is due and payable on June 24, 2019, though the 2014 Term Loan may be extended with the consent of the extending lenders. There is no scheduled amortization on the 2014 Term Loan; however, subject to certain exceptions, mandatory prepayments are required up to 50% of Excess Cash Flow, based on ESH REIT’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio, each as defined.

As of December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance of the 2014 Term Loan was approximately $373.3 million, net of an unaccreted discount of approximately $1.7 million. For the period from July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, ESH REIT’s Excess Cash Flow, as defined, totaled approximately $17.1 million, which requires ESH REIT to make a mandatory prepayment of approximately $8.5 million on or prior to March 31, 2015.

Obligations under the 2014 Term Loan are guaranteed by certain of ESH REIT’s existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (with certain exceptions, including certain entities that may not provide guarantees pursuant to the 2012 Mortgage Loan). The 2014 Term Loan is secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of ESH REIT and the guarantors under the facility on a pari passu basis with the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility (with certain exceptions, including certain entities that may not be pledged pursuant to the 2012 Mortgage Loan) subject to an intercreditor agreement that, among other things, provides for priority in favor of the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility under certain circumstances.

ESH REIT has the option to voluntarily repay outstanding loans under the facility at any time upon three business days’ prior written notice (for LIBOR loans) or same-day notice (for base rate loans). In addition to customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans, prepayment penalties include: (a) prior to June 24, 2015, a make whole premium equal to the sum of the present value at such date, computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, of all interest that would accrue on the portion of the loans being prepaid from such date to and including June 23, 2015, and an amount equal to 2.0% of the aggregate principal amount repaid; (b) on or after June 24, 2015 but prior to December 24, 2015, 2.0% of the aggregate principal amount repaid; and (c) on or after December 24, 2015 but prior to June 24, 2016, 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount repaid. Repayments on or after June 24, 2016 require no prepayment penalties.

The 2014 Term Loan contains a number of covenants that, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, restrict ESH REIT’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, pay

distributions and make other restricted payments, engage in transactions with ESH REIT’s affiliates, sell all or substantially all of their assets, merge and create liens. The 2014 Term Loan also contains certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

During a Trigger Event, an Adjusted Trigger Event, a Default or an Event of Default, each as defined in the 2014 Term Loan, ESH REIT is restricted from making cash distributions, subject to certain exceptions. As of December 31, 2014, none of these events had occurred.

On November 30, 2012, Mezzanine A Borrower, Mezzanine B Borrower and Mezzanine C Borrower (as defined in the MLA, each a subsidiary of ESH REIT, and collectively, the “Mezzanine Borrowers”) entered into three mezzanine loans totaling approximately $1.08 billion (the “2012 Mezzanine Loans”).

On November 26, 2013, ESH REIT repaid $270.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans. Repayment consisted of $125.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine A Loan, $82.5 million of the 2012 Mezzanine B Loan and $62.5 million of the 2012 Mezzanine C Loan. On December 27, 2013, ESH REIT repaid $445.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans. Repayment consisted of approximately $206.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine A Loan, approximately $136.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine B Loan and approximately $103.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine C Loan. In connection with the December 27, 2013 prepayment, ESH REIT incurred approximately $25.2 million of debt extinguishment and other costs, composed of prepayment penalties of approximately $13.4 million, the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $10.9 million and other costs of approximately $0.9 million.

On June 23, 2014, using principally all of the net proceeds from its 2014 Term Loan, ESH REIT repaid the remaining outstanding balance of $365.0 million of its 2012 Mezzanine Loans. Repayment consisted of approximately $169.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine A Loan, approximately $111.5 million of the 2012 Mezzanine B Loan and approximately $84.5 million of the 2012 Mezzanine C Loan. During the year ended December 31, 2014, ESH REIT incurred approximately $9.4 million of debt extinguishment and other costs in connection with the 2012 Mezzanine Loan prepayments, consisting of prepayment penalties and other costs of approximately $4.3 million and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $5.1 million. Debt extinguishment costs are included as a component of net interest expense.

Prior to repayment, the Mezzanine A Loan had a fixed interest rate per annum of approximately 8.3%, and a maturity date of December 1, 2019, the Mezzanine B Loan had a fixed interest rate per annum of approximately 9.6%, and a maturity date of December 1, 2019, and the Mezzanine C Loan had a fixed interest rate per annum of approximately 11.5%, and a maturity date of December 1, 2019.

Each of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans was subject to similar CMA requirements and loan covenants generally as described above for the 2012 Mortgage Loan. The terms of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans tracked, in all material respects, those set forth in the 2012 Mortgage Loan Documents with the exception of typical distinctions made between mortgage loans and mezzanine loans. Certain investment funds of the Sponsors held $37.2 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans as of December 31, 2013.

ESH REIT entered into a revolving credit facility (the “ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility”) on November 18, 2013. The ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility permits borrowings up to $250.0 million by ESH REIT. Subject to the satisfaction of certain criteria, ESH REIT is able to request to increase the facility to an amount up to $350.0 million. The facility provides for the issuance of up to $50.0 million of letters of credit as well as borrowings on same-day notice, referred to as swingline loans, in an amount up to $20.0 million. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to an adjusted LIBOR rate or a base rate determined by

reference to the highest of (1) the prime lending rate, (2) the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (3) the one-month adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0%, plus an applicable margin of 2.00% for base rate loans and 3.00% for LIBOR loans. There is no scheduled amortization under the facility; the principal amount is due and payable on November 18, 2016, subject to a one-year extension option.

As of December 31, 2014, there are no outstanding draws on the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility and the amount of borrowing capacity under the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility was $250.0 million.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility, ESH REIT is required to pay a fee in respect of unutilized commitments. If 50.0% or more of the facility is drawn, the fee is 0.175%, while if less than 50.0% of the facility is drawn, such fee is 0.35%. ESH REIT is also required to pay customary letter of credit fees and agency fees.

If at any time outstanding loans, unreimbursed letter of credit drawings and undrawn letters of credit under the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility exceed the lenders’ commitments at such time, ESH REIT will be required to repay outstanding loans or cash collateralize letters of credit at 105% in an aggregate amount equal to such excess, with no reduction of the commitment amount.

ESH REIT’s obligations under the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by its existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (with certain exceptions, including certain entities that may not provide guarantees pursuant to the 2012 Mortgage Loan). The ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of ESH REIT and the guarantors under the facility (with certain exceptions, including certain entities that may not be pledged of pursuant to the 2012 Mortgage Loan).

The ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, restrict ESH REIT’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, pay distributions and make other restricted payments, engage in transactions with ESH REIT’s affiliates, sell all or substantially all of their assets, merge and create liens. The ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility also contains certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

If any loans or obligations are outstanding during any fiscal quarter, the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility requires that the Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined, calculated as of the end of such fiscal quarter, be less than or equal to 9.25 to 1.0 for fiscal quarters ended on or before December 31, 2015 and 9.00 to 1.0 for fiscal quarters ended on or after January 1, 2016. Further, if loans or obligations are outstanding during any calendar month, the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility requires that the Debt Yield or the Adjusted Debt Yield, each as defined, not be less than 9.0% as of the last day of such calendar month.

In order to avoid a Trigger Event or an Adjusted Trigger Event, the ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility requires a Debt Yield and an Adjusted Debt Yield, each as defined, of at least 11.5%. The occurrence of a Trigger Event or an Adjusted Trigger Event would require ESH REIT to repay the outstanding facility balance and would restrict its ability to make additional borrowings. As of December 31, 2014, the Debt Yield and Adjusted Debt Yield were 21.0% and 18.3%, respectively, and no Trigger Event or Adjusted Trigger Event had occurred.

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014:

Neither the Corporation nor ESH REIT have off balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Our discussion and analysis of our historical financial condition and results of operations is based on the Company’s historical consolidated and combined financial statements and ESH REIT’s historical consolidated financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts may differ significantly from these estimates and assumptions.

We have provided a summary of significant accounting policies in the notes to the Company’s historical consolidated and combined financial statements and ESH REIT’s historical consolidated financial statements, each included elsewhere in this combined annual report on Form 10-K. We have set forth below those accounting

policies that we believe require material subjective or complex judgments and have the most significant impact on the Company’s and ESH REIT’s financial condition and results of operations. We evaluate estimates, assumptions and judgments on an ongoing basis, based on information that is then available to us, our experience and various matters that we believe are reasonable and appropriate for consideration under the circumstances.

Property and equipment additions are recorded at cost. Major improvements that extend the life or utility of property or equipment are capitalized and depreciated over a period equal to the shorter of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the remaining estimated useful life of the asset. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives, which range from 1 to 49 years.

Recoverability of property and equipment is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of a hotel property to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the hotel property in instances where an indicator or indicators of impairment exist. The most common indicators of impairment for a hotel property are a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses, a projection that demonstrates continuing losses associated with a hotel property and/or an estimated fair market value that is substantially less than net book value. Impairment is recognized when estimated future undiscounted cash flows, including proceeds from disposition, are less than the carrying value of the hotel property. To the extent that a hotel property is impaired, the excess carrying amount of the hotel property over its estimated fair value is charged to operating earnings. Fair value is determined based upon the discounted cash flows of the hotel property, quoted market prices or independent appraisals, as considered necessary.

We use internally developed undiscounted cash flow models that include the following assumptions, among others: projections of revenues, expenses and related cash flows based on assumed long-term growth rates, demand trends and expected future capital expenditures. We base these assumptions on our historical data and experience, third-party appraisals, industry projections, micro and macro general economic condition projections and our expectations. The estimation of future undiscounted cash flows is inherently uncertain and relies upon assumptions regarding current and future economic and market conditions. If such conditions change, then an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of the hotel property could occur in a future period in which conditions change.

As it pertains to ESH REIT, recoverability of property and equipment is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of a group of hotel properties (a group of hotel properties aligns with hotel properties as they are grouped under ESH REIT’s operating leases) to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the group of hotel properties. Impairment is recognized when estimated future undiscounted cash flows, including proceeds from disposition, are less than the carrying value of the group of hotel properties. To the extent that a group of hotel properties is impaired, the excess carrying amount of the group of hotel properties over its estimated fair value is charged to operating earnings. Fair value is determined based upon the discounted cash flows of the group of hotel properties, quoted market prices or independent appraisals, as considered necessary.

demand trends and expected future capital expenditures. We base these assumptions on our historical data and experience, third-party appraisals, industry projections, micro and macro general economic condition projections and our expectations. The estimation of future undiscounted cash flows is inherently uncertain and relies upon assumptions regarding current and future economic and market conditions. If such conditions change, then an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of the group of hotel properties could occur in a future period in which conditions change.

Room and other hotel revenues are recognized when services are provided. Amounts paid in advance by customers are recorded as deferred revenues. Other hotel revenues primarily consist of revenues derived from guest laundry, pet fees, internet fees, additional housekeeping, telephone and other miscellaneous fees or services. Occupancy, hotel and sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to the taxing authorities are excluded from revenues.

ESH REIT’s primary source of revenue is rental revenue derived from leases. ESH REIT records rental revenues on a straight-line basis as they are earned during the lease term. With respect to contingent rental revenues, specifically percentage rental revenue related to lessee hotel revenue, rental revenues are recognized once services have been rendered (i.e., percentage rental revenue thresholds have been achieved) and such amounts are fixed and determinable. Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, since the Operating Lessees are no longer subsidiaries of ESH REIT, lease rental revenues are not eliminated in consolidation as they were prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions and, as such, represent the sole source of revenues in ESH REIT’s consolidated statements of operations.

The Company’s taxable income includes the taxable income of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, ESA Management, ESH Strategies and the Operating Lessees, and includes distribution income related to its ownership of approximately 55% of ESH REIT. As a result, approximately 55% of ESH REIT’s distributions are subject to corporate income tax. Prior to 2014, the Corporation received no distribution income with respect to its ownership interest in ESH REIT. Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, all of ESH REIT’s distributions were made to its owners (i.e., the Sponsors) and ESH REIT generally incurred no federal income tax.

The Company 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. Valuation allowances are provided if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. The realization of deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on estimated future taxable income. A change in the estimate of future taxable income may require an addition to, or a reduction of, the valuation allowance.

ESH REIT has elected to be taxed and expects to continue to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code. A REIT is a legal entity that holds real estate assets and is generally not subject to federal and state income taxes. In order to maintain qualification as a REIT, ESH REIT is required to distribute at least 90% of its taxable income, excluding capital gains, to its shareholders each year. In addition, ESH REIT must meet a number of complex organizational and operational requirements. If ESH REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it would be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and generally would be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which it lost its REIT qualification. Even in qualifying as a REIT, ESH REIT may be subject to state and local taxes in certain jurisdictions and is subject to federal income and excise taxes on undistributed income.

In 2014, ESH REIT distributed greater than 100% of its taxable income and therefore incurred no federal income tax. In the future, ESH REIT intends to distribute approximately 95% of its taxable income and net capital gain. Accordingly, ESH REIT is expected to be subject to federal and state income tax on approximately 5% of its taxable income. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the fact that an estimated 5% of ESH REIT’s future taxable income is expected to be subject to tax. Included in the net deferred tax liability balance is a deferred tax asset related to net operating loss carryforwards of ESH REIT that expire in 2032.

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Operating Lessees were subsidiaries of ESH REIT and elected to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries. As such, the Operating Lessees were generally subject to federal, state, local and/or foreign income taxes on their separate tax returns. Further, ESH Strategies’ and HVM’s operating results were reportable by their members or members of their ultimate parent. Federal income taxes were not recognized for these entities. ESH Strategies and HVM were also subject to state and local taxes in certain jurisdictions.

The Corporation and ESH REIT each maintain a long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) under which the Corporation and ESH REIT may issue to eligible employees or directors restricted stock (i.e., Paired Share) awards, restricted stock (i.e., Paired Share) units or other share-based awards. The Corporation and ESH REIT recognize costs resulting from equity-based awards over their vesting periods. The issuing entity classifies equity-based awards granted in exchange for employee services as either equity awards or as liability awards. The classification of an award either as an equity award or a liability award is generally based upon cash settlement options. Equity awards are measured based on their fair value on the date of grant. Liability awards are re-measured to fair value each reporting period. The value of all equity-based awards, less estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the period during which an employee or director is required to provide services in exchange for the award – the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). No compensation cost is recognized for awards for which employees or directors do not render the requisite services. All awards granted subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions are classified as equity awards except those equity-based awards issued by ESH REIT to its directors, which are classified as liability awards. The fair value of equity-based awards on the date of grant is based on the closing price of a Paired Share on the date of grant.

For awards granted under the Corporation LTIP, ESH REIT will receive compensation from the Corporation generally in cash for its issuance of its component of our Paired Share for the fair market value at the time of issuance. In some cases, the Corporation may have to pay more for a share of the ESH REIT Class B common stock than it would have otherwise paid at the time of grant as the result of an increase in the value of a Paired Share between the time of grant and the time of exercise or settlement. This would result in no additional compensation expense. In addition, for awards granted under the ESH REIT LTIP, ESH REIT will compensate the Corporation generally in cash for its issuance of its component of our Paired Share for the fair market value at the time of issuance. In some cases, ESH REIT may have to pay more for a share of the Corporation common stock than it would have otherwise paid at the time of grant as the result of an increase in the value of a Paired Share between the time of grant and the time of exercise or settlement.

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, HVM maintained a management incentive plan, which provided for HVM employees and members of the boards of managers of ESH Hospitality Holdings, LLC (“Holdings”) and ESH Strategies Holdings, LLC (“Strategies Holdings”) awards of restricted limited liability company interests (“Profit Units”) in Holdings and Strategies Holdings. The fair value of equity-based awards on the date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes Merton model, using various assumptions regarding (a) the expected holding period, (b) the risk-free rate of return, (c) expected dividend yield on the underlying units, (d) the expected volatility in the fair value of the Company’s equity, and (e) a discount for lack of marketability, and was calculated based on the grant agreement terms, which included thresholds for internal rate of return and recovery of Holdings’ and Strategies Holdings’ members’ initial equity investments.

The expected holding period represented the period of time that the Profit Units were expected to be outstanding. The units were assumed to remain outstanding until ESH REIT and ESH Strategies experienced a change in control of ownership or an initial public offering. The risk-free rate of return for periods approximating the expected holding period of the units was based on the U.S. constant maturity treasuries yield in effect at the grant date. A dividend yield was assumed based on the ESH REIT and ESH Strategies’ historical dividend rates. Because our equity was privately held and was not traded in an active market, we used the historical volatility of the share values of publicly traded companies within similar industries as a surrogate for the expected volatility of ESH REIT’s and ESH Strategies’ equity. The discount for lack of marketability was calculated for each expected holding period using a put-option Black-Scholes Merton model. The key assumptions used for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and the year ended December 31, 2012 were as follows:

The assumptions that had the most significant impact on the grant-date fair value of Profit Units were the ESH REIT’s and ESH Strategies’ total enterprise value, the expected holding period and expected volatility. Changes in total enterprise value of $100.0 million impacted the grant-date fair value of Profit Units by up to 10.0%. Changes in the expected holding period assumption of one-year impacted the grant-date fair value of Profit Units by up to 20.0%. Changes in the expected volatility assumption of 10.0% impacted the grant-date fair value of Profit Units by up to 10.0%. Each of these changes in the grant-date fair value of Profit Units would be amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of each grant.

In connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions, the holders of outstanding Profit Units received an aggregate distribution of cash of approximately $2.4 million from Holdings and all remaining outstanding Profit Units were converted into Paired Shares. Profit Units that were subject to time-based vesting were converted into restricted Paired Shares that vest according to the same time-based vesting schedule that applied to such Profit Units, such that for each grant, 20% of such grant continues to vest annually. Additionally, each of the grantees (including our named executive officers) received accelerated vesting of the remaining 20% that was scheduled to vest only upon a Change of Control Transaction at the time of such conversion. In connection with this accelerated vesting, the Company and ESH REIT recognized $14.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively, as incremental compensation cost at the time of the conversion.

Judgment is required with respect to the consolidation of partnership and joint venture entities in terms of the evaluation of control, including assessment of the importance of rights and privileges of the partners based on voting rights, as well as financial interests that are not controllable through voting interests. The Corporation and ESH REIT consolidate a subsidiary when they have the ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the subsidiary.

The Corporation and ESH REIT also evaluate subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as other entities to determine if they are variable interest entities (“VIEs”). If a subsidiary or an affiliate is a VIE, it is subject to the consolidation framework specifically for VIEs. We consider an entity a VIE if equity investors own an interest therein that does not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or if such investors do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. In

accordance with FASB ASC 810, “Consolidations,” the Corporation and ESH REIT review subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as other entities, to determine if (i) they should be considered VIEs, and (ii) whether they should change their consolidation determinations based on changes in their characteristics.

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT held a variable interest in HVM. ESH REIT’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with HVM was related to the need to secure alternative hotel management services and systems support if HVM were ever unable to fulfill its management agreements with ESH REIT. ESH REIT concluded that it was the primary beneficiary of HVM and, as a result, consolidated the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows of HVM with those of ESH REIT through the Pre-IPO Transactions. Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, HVM no longer meets the definition of a variable interest entity.

Third party equity interests in consolidated subsidiaries or consolidated VIEs are presented as noncontrolling interests.

For further discussion of recently adopted accounting standards, see Note 2 to the consolidated and combined financial statements of Extended Stay America, Inc. and the consolidated financial statements of ESH Hospitality, Inc., both of which are included in this combined annual report on Form 10-K.

Both the Corporation and ESH REIT may continue to seek to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates by entering into financial arrangements to provide a hedge against a portion of the risks associated with such volatility, when applicable. We will continue to have exposure to such risks to the extent they are not hedged. We may enter into derivative financial arrangements to the extent they meet the objectives described above and do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

As of December 31, 2014, the Corporation had minimal exposure to market risk from changes in interest rates because it had no variable rate debt as there were no outstanding amounts drawn on the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility. The Corporation’s exposure to market risk from changes in interest rates will increase in future periods should the Corporation incur variable rate debt, including draws on the Corporation Revolving Credit Facility.

As of December 31, 2014, approximately $721.4 million of ESH REIT’s outstanding indebtedness of approximately $2.9 billion had a variable rate of interest. As of December 31, 2014, subsidiaries of ESH REIT are counterparties to an interest rate cap on one-month LIBOR at 3.0% with a $348.0 million notional amount and a maturity date the same as that of 2012 Mortgage Loan Component A. If market rates of interest on ESH REIT’s variable rate debt fluctuate by 1.0%, interest expense would increase or decrease, and depending on the rate movement, ESH REIT’s future earnings and cash flows would fluctuate by approximately $5.1 million annually, assuming that the amount outstanding under ESH REIT’s variable rate debt remains at approximately $721.4 million.

As of December 31, 2014, less than 1.5% of the book value of ESH REIT’s hotels are owned outside the United States. ESH REIT has exposure to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates for its Canadian hotels and their portion of ESH REIT’s U.S. dollar denominated debt. A fluctuation of 1.0% in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar would result in a foreign currency transaction gain or loss of approximately $0.3 million.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Extended Stay America, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated and combined statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, such consolidated and combined financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Extended Stay America, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated and combined financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013 AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012

Extended Stay America, Inc. (the “Corporation”) was incorporated in the state of Delaware on July 8, 2013. Prior to November 2013, the Corporation had no operations. ESH Hospitality, Inc. (“ESH REIT”) was formed as a limited liability company in the state of Delaware on September 16, 2010 and was converted to a corporation on November 5, 2013. The formation of the Corporation and the conversion of ESH REIT into a Delaware corporation were completed as part of the Pre-IPO Transactions, defined and discussed below, and in contemplation of the Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s initial public offering. Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, defined and discussed below, the Corporation holds all of the issued and outstanding Class A common stock of ESH REIT, which represents approximately 55% of the outstanding common stock of ESH REIT. Due to its controlling interest in ESH REIT, the Corporation consolidates the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows of ESH REIT. The term, “the Company,” as used herein refers to the Corporation and ESH REIT and their subsidiaries presented on a consolidated and combined basis.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company owned and operated 679 and 681 hotel properties, respectively, in 44 U.S. states consisting of 75,500 and approximately 75,700 rooms, respectively, and three hotels in Canada consisting of 500 rooms. The majority of hotels are operated under the core brand, Extended Stay America. Three Canadian hotels operate under the brand Extended Stay Canada and 47 hotels operate under the brand Crossland Economy Studios.

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT’s predecessor, ESH Hospitality LLC, was directly owned by ESH Hospitality Holdings LLC (“Holdings”), a Delaware limited liability company, whose members were investment funds sponsored and managed by Centerbridge Partners L.P., Paulson & Co. Inc. and The Blackstone Group L.P. and their affiliates (collectively, the “Sponsors”).

The hotels were leased by ESH Hospitality LLC’s taxable REIT subsidiaries (the “Operating Lessees”), which contracted with HVM LLC (“HVM”), a separate, independently owned hotel management and administrative services company, to manage the hotels and provide certain other administrative services. HVM was indirectly owned by individuals who were each active in the business of HVM and was managed by an entity indirectly owned by employees of the Sponsors. The brands were owned by a subsidiary of ESH Strategies LLC (“ESH Strategies”), a Delaware limited liability company, that licensed the brands to the Operating Lessees. ESH Strategies (together with ESH Hospitality LLC, the Company’s predecessor) was directly owned by ESH Hospitality Strategies Holdings LLC (“Strategies Holdings”), a Delaware limited liability company, whose members were substantially the same investment funds as those that owned Holdings.

The Pre-IPO Transactions, which were completed in November 2013, restructured and reorganized the then-existing businesses and entities prior to the Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s initial public offering, and consisted primarily of the following:

Because the Sponsors owned the same percentages of the Company subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions as they owned of Holdings and Strategies Holdings prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, a non-substantive exchange occurred. Accordingly, the transfer of net assets that occurred in connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions was recognized at historical cost basis.

Following the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Corporation, through its direct wholly-owned subsidiaries, leases the hotel properties from ESH REIT, owns the trademarks related to the business and manages the hotel properties. ESH REIT owns all of the hotel properties. The Corporation owns, and is expected to continue to own, all of the Class A common stock of ESH REIT, which represents approximately 55% of the outstanding common stock of ESH REIT.

On November 18, 2013, the Corporation and ESH REIT completed an initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 32,487,500 Paired Shares for cash consideration of $20.00 per Paired Share, each Paired Share consisting of one share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation, that is attached to and trades as a single unit with one share of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of ESH REIT. The Offering included 4,237,500 Paired Shares purchased by the underwriters in connection with the exercise in full of their option to purchase additional Paired Shares and raised total gross proceeds to the Corporation and ESH REIT of approximately $649.8 million.

After deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other transaction costs, the Offering raised proceeds to the Corporation and ESH REIT of approximately $602.2 million. The proceeds were divided among the Corporation and ESH REIT based on their relative valuations. The Corporation used the majority of the proceeds it received to purchase shares of Class A common stock of ESH REIT to maintain its ownership of approximately 55% of the outstanding common stock of ESH REIT. ESH REIT used its proceeds from the Offering, including proceeds received pursuant to the sale of Class A common stock to the Corporation, in addition to cash on hand, to repay approximately $331.0 million of its Mezzanine A Loan, approximately $218.5 million of its Mezzanine B Loan and approximately $165.5 million of its Mezzanine C Loan (see Note 7).

On August 12, 2014, certain selling stockholders (the “Selling Shareholders”) sold 24,150,000 Paired Shares as part of a secondary offering. The Selling Shareholders consisted solely of entities affiliated with the Sponsors and did not include officers or directors of the Corporation or ESH REIT. Neither the Corporation nor ESH REIT sold Paired Shares in the secondary offering and neither received proceeds from the secondary offering. The Corporation and ESH REIT did, however, incur professional fees in connection with the secondary offering. For the year ended December 31, 2014, total costs incurred and expensed were approximately $1.5 million.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the public owns approximately 28.9% and 15.9%, respectively, of the outstanding Paired Shares, while the Sponsors and senior management, including certain directors, own approximately 71.1% and 84.1%, respectively, of the outstanding Paired Shares.

The accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). References to the Company, its financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows mean the Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, including the Operating Lessees, ESH Strategies, ESA Management and ESH REIT, for periods from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2014, and to the Company’s predecessor, which includes ESH REIT’s predecessor, ESH Strategies and HVM (see Notes 2 and 12), for periods through the Pre-IPO Transactions.

For periods from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2014, third party equity interests in ESH REIT consist of all of the shares of Class B common stock of ESH REIT, which represent approximately 45% of ESH REIT’s total common equity, and 125 shares of preferred stock of ESH REIT (see Note 11). These interests, which are not owned by the Corporation, are presented as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements.

For periods through the Pre-IPO Transactions, third party equity interests in HVM, which represented all of HVM’s equity, were not owned by the Company or the Company’s predecessor and are presented as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements (see Notes 11 and 12).

ESH REIT’s predecessor and ESH Strategies were entities under common ownership of substantially the same investment funds of the Sponsors and common management. The Sponsors reorganized ESH REIT’s predecessor and ESH Strategies as part of the Pre-IPO Transactions to effect the Offering. Since the Pre-IPO Transactions, which resulted in the entities becoming a consolidated group, were accounted for at historical cost, the Company’s predecessor financial information combines ESH REIT’s predecessor financial information with that of ESH Strategies.

Use of Estimates—The preparation of the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management used significant estimates to determine the allocation of purchase price to assets that were acquired in 2013 and 2012

(see Note 4). Significant estimates also include the estimated useful lives of tangible assets as well as the assessment of tangible and intangible assets, including goodwill for impairment, estimated liabilities for insurance reserves and the grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards related to equity-based compensation prior to the completion of the Pre-IPO Transactions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers all cash on hand, demand deposits with financial institutions, credit card receivables, and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company has deposits in excess of $250,000 with financial institutions that are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company does not believe cash and cash equivalents expose it to significant credit risk.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—Provision for doubtful accounts is made when collection of receivables is considered doubtful. Balances are considered past due when payment is not received by the contractual due date. When management determines that accounts receivable are uncollectible, they are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Restricted Cash—Restricted cash primarily consists of amounts held in cash management accounts and in escrows for the payment of hotel occupancy/sales taxes, real estate taxes and insurance, capital improvements, ground leases, operating expenses (including management fees and reimbursements) and mortgage debt service, all as required by ESH REIT’s mortgage loan agreement (see Note 7). As of December 31, 2014, restricted cash also includes deposits held for insurance collateral of approximately $21.6 million.

Property and Equipment—Property and equipment additions are recorded at cost. Major improvements that extend the life or utility of property or equipment are capitalized and depreciated over a period equal to the shorter of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the remaining estimated useful life of the asset. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:

Management assesses whether there has been impairment of the value of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of property and equipment is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of a hotel property to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by each hotel property. Impairment is recognized when estimated future undiscounted cash flows, including proceeds from disposition, are less than the carrying value of each hotel property.

To the extent that a hotel property is impaired, the excess carrying amount of each hotel property over its estimated fair value is charged to operating earnings. Fair value is determined based upon the discounted cash flows of each hotel property, quoted market prices or independent appraisals, as considered necessary. The Company recognized impairment charges related to property and equipment of approximately $2.3 million, $3.3 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively (see Note 5). The estimation of future undiscounted cash flows is inherently uncertain and relies upon assumptions regarding current and future economic and market conditions. If such conditions change, then an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of each hotel property could occur in a future period in which conditions change.

Intangible Assets and Liabilities—Intangible assets and liabilities include trademarks, above-market contracts, corporate customer relationships and customer databases. Above-market contracts, corporate customer

relationships and customer databases are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated remaining useful lives, which in the case of contracts is typically the remaining non-cancelable term. Finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. Trademarks are not amortized. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually. At such time their classification as indefinite-lived intangible assets is reassessed. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine if it is not more likely than not that the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than its carrying amount. No impairment charges related to intangible assets were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Goodwill—Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter. The Company tests for impairment more frequently if events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The Company has one operating segment, which is its reporting unit; therefore, management analyzes goodwill associated with all hotels when analyzing for potential impairment. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine if it is not more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. No impairment charges related to goodwill were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Property Acquisitions—The purchase price of net tangible and identified intangible assets and liabilities are recorded based on their relative fair values on the date of acquisition. The fair value of the acquired land and site improvements, building and improvements, and furniture, fixtures and equipment is determined considering a variety of factors, including the physical condition and quality of the hotels, estimated rates and valuation assumptions consistent with current market conditions, based on independent appraisals and other relevant market data obtained in connection with the acquisition of the hotels. The results of operations of acquired hotel properties are included in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations since their respective dates of acquisition.

Deferred Financing Costs—Costs incurred in obtaining financing are amortized over the terms of the related loans on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method. Upon repayment of, or in conjunction with a material change in the terms of, the underlying debt agreement, remaining unamortized costs are charged to earnings. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, approximately $5.1 million, $11.7 million and $34.4 million, respectively, of unamortized deferred financing costs, primarily related to the prepayment of mortgage and mezzanine loans, were charged to earnings and are included in net interest expense in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations. Amortization of deferred financing costs unrelated to the prepayment of mortgage and mezzanine loans, which is also included in net interest expense in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations, was approximately $14.3 million, $12.5 million and $11.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Revenue Recognition—Room and other hotel revenues are recognized when services are provided. Amounts paid in advance by customers are recorded as deferred revenues and included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Other hotel revenues primarily consist of revenues derived from guest laundry, pet fees, internet fees, additional housekeeping, telephone and other miscellaneous fees or services. Occupancy, hotel and sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to the taxing authorities are excluded from revenues.

Advertising Costs—Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. In 2014, total advertising costs were approximately $28.3 million and are classified as hotel operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Prior to 2014, internet advertising costs were included in hotel operating expenses and all other advertising costs were included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, advertising costs were approximately $28.2 million and $25.2 million, respectively, approximately $18.8 million and $15.2 million of which are classified as hotel operating expenses, and approximately $9.4 million and $10.0 million of which are classified as general and administrative expenses, respectively.

Operating Leases—Rent expense, including ground rent, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments—U.S. GAAP establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon observable and unobservable inputs for fair value measurement of financial instruments:

Level 1—Observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2—Significant inputs that are observable, directly or indirectly, such as other quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability

Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs for which there is little to no market data and for which the Company makes its own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received when selling an asset or the price paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety has been determined is based on the lowest-level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, mortgage and term loans, mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and revolving credit facilities. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and revolving credit facilities are representative of their fair values due to the short-term nature or frequent settlement of these instruments. The fair values of mortgage and term loans and mandatorily redeemable preferred stock are determined by comparing current borrowing rates and risk spreads offered in the market to the stated interest rates and spreads on the Company’s current mortgage and term loans and mandatorily redeemable preferred stock or quoted market prices, when available (see Notes 7 and 8).

Derivative Instruments—Derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (if applicable), are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Insurance Reserves—The Company utilizes various high-deductible insurance programs for workers’ compensation, general liability and health insurance claims. Such retained losses require estimates in determining the liability for claims arising under these programs. Workers’ compensation, general liability and health insurance liabilities are estimated using actuarial evaluations based on historical and projected claims and medical cost trends. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $41.3 million and $36.2 million, respectively, of liabilities for such high-deductible insurance programs are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Variable Interest Entity—Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Company held a variable interest in HVM, a separate, independently owned hotel management and administrative services company (see Note 12). The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with HVM was related to the need to secure alternative hotel management services and systems support if HVM were ever unable to fulfill its

obligations under its management agreements with ESH REIT. The assets of HVM could not be used to settle obligations of the Company and the Company’s assets could not be used to settle obligations of HVM. For the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company or the Company’s predecessor represented approximately 99% and 97%, respectively, of the business conducted by HVM. The Company concluded that it was the primary beneficiary of HVM and, as a result, consolidated the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows of HVM for periods prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions. Since the Company had no equity interest in HVM, the results of operations and members’ capital of HVM were reported as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements for periods through the Pre-IPO Transactions. Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, HVM no longer meets the definition of a variable interest entity. See summarized financial information of HVM in Note 12.

Income Taxes—Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Company’s taxable income includes the taxable income of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, ESA Management, ESH Strategies and the Operating Lessees, and includes distribution income related to its ownership of approximately 55% of ESH REIT. As a result, approximately 55% of ESH REIT’s distributions are subject to corporate income tax. Prior to 2014, the Corporation received no distribution income with respect to its ownership interest in ESH REIT. Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, all of ESH REIT’s distributions were made to its owners (i.e., the Sponsors) and ESH REIT generally incurred no federal income tax.

ESH REIT has elected to be taxed as and expects to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under provisions of the Code. A REIT is a legal entity that holds real estate assets and is generally not subject to federal and state income taxes. In order to maintain qualification as a REIT, ESH REIT is required to distribute at least 90% of its taxable income, excluding capital gains, to its shareholders each year. In addition, ESH REIT must meet a number of complex organizational and operational requirements. If ESH REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it would be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and generally would be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which it lost its REIT qualification. Even in qualifying as a REIT, ESH REIT may be subject to state and local taxes in certain jurisdictions, and is subject to federal income and excise taxes on undistributed income.

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Operating Lessees were subsidiaries of ESH REIT and elected to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries. As such, the Operating Lessees were generally subject to federal, state, local and/or foreign income taxes on their separate tax returns. ESH Strategies’ and HVM’s operating results were reportable by their members or members of their ultimate parent. Thus, federal income taxes were not recognized for these entities. ESH Strategies and HVM were also subject to state and local taxes in certain jurisdictions.

Foreign Currency—The financial statements of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and its investments therein are maintained in their functional currency, the Canadian dollar (“C$”), and their income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate for the period. The assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, foreign currency translation losses of approximately $5.8 million and $4.1 million, respectively, are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Foreign currency transaction losses mainly related to U.S. dollar denominated debt at Canadian subsidiaries of approximately $3.8 million are included in other non-operating expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Comprehensive Income—Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income, which consists of foreign currency translation adjustments. Comprehensive income is presented in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of comprehensive income and foreign currency translation adjustments are displayed as a separate component of consolidated equity.

Equity-Based Compensation—The Corporation and ESH REIT each maintain a Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) under which the Corporation and ESH REIT may issue to eligible employees or directors restricted stock awards, restricted stock units or other equity-based awards. The Company recognizes costs related to equity-based awards over their vesting periods. The issuing entity classifies equity-based awards granted in exchange for employee services as either equity awards or as liability awards. The classification of an award either as an equity award or a liability award is generally based upon cash settlement options. Equity awards are measured based on their fair value on the date of grant. Liability awards are re-measured to fair value each reporting period. The value of all awards, less estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the period during which an employee or director is required to provide services in exchange for the award – the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). No compensation cost is recognized for awards for which employees or directors do not render the requisite services. All awards granted subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions are classified as equity awards except those equity-based awards issued by ESH REIT to its directors, which are classified as liability awards.

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, HVM maintained a management incentive plan further described in Note 15. Equity-based compensation related to this plan was recorded in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations due to the fact that HVM was a consolidated variable interest entity.

Segments—The Company’s hotel operations represent a single operating segment based on the way the Company manages its business. The Company’s hotels provide similar services, use similar processes to sell those services and sell their services to similar classes of customers. The amounts of long-lived assets and net sales outside the U.S. are not significant for any period presented.

Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items—In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standards update to simplify income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. This standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of the updated accounting standard to have a material effect on its consolidated and combined financial statements.

Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern—In August 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard which provides guidance on determining when and how reporting entities must disclose going concern uncertainties in their financial statements. The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual

assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity’s financial statements. Further, an entity must provide certain disclosures if there is “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue as a going concern. The new accounting standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its consolidated and combined financial statements.

Stock Compensation—Share-Based Payment Awards—In June 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which clarifies that entities should treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award as performance conditions that affect vesting. The compensation expense related to such awards should be delayed until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. The updated accounting standard does not contain additional disclosure requirements. This standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. As the Company does not currently have performance targets for any of its share-based payment awards, the Company does not expect the adoption of the updated accounting standard to have a material effect on its consolidated and combined financial statements.

Contractual Revenue—In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which amends existing revenue recognition accounting standards. This update is based on the principle that revenue is recognized when an entity transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The updated accounting standard also requires more detailed disclosure to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The updated accounting standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and shall be applied using one of two retrospective application methods. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of the updated accounting standard to have a material effect on its consolidated and combined financial statements.

Reporting Discontinued Operations—In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which modifies the definition of discontinued operations and requires that only disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results be reported as discontinued operations in the financial statements. This updated accounting standard is effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2014, and it did not have a material effect on the Company’s accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements due to a limited number of historical dispositions. This guidance is expected to result in reporting discontinued operations less frequently than the previous accounting standard. For example, the sale of the two Hometown Inn-branded hotels in 2014 were not reported as discontinued operations as they did not represent a strategic shift that had a major effect on the Company’s operations or financial results.

Income Taxes —In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which provides guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. This updated accounting standard is effective for fiscal and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date, and retrospective application is permitted. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2014, and it did not have a material effect on the Company’s accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements.

entity should be released to earnings. The CTA should be released when an entity sells a foreign subsidiary or a group of net assets within a foreign entity and the sale represents the substantially complete liquidation of the investment in a foreign entity. The CTA should also be released when an entity no longer has a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity. This updated accounting standard is effective for fiscal and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and shall be applied prospectively. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2014, and it did not have a material effect on the Company’s accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements.

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of the Corporation’s unrestricted common stock outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders, as adjusted for potentially dilutive securities, by the weighted average number of shares of the Corporation’s unrestricted common stock outstanding plus other potentially dilutive securities. Dilutive securities include equity-based awards issued under long-term incentive plans.

As discussed in Note 1, in November 2013, the Company completed the Pre-IPO Transactions. For purposes of computing net income per share, it is assumed that the recapitalization of the Company had occurred for all periods presented and therefore the outstanding shares have been adjusted to reflect the conversion of shares that took place in contemplation of the Offering. Accordingly, the denominators in the computations of basic and diluted net income per share reflect the Company predecessor’s recapitalization for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

The calculations of basic and diluted net income per share, including a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators, are as follows:

2013 LVP Acquisition —On December 31, 2013, the Company acquired the assets and assumed the liabilities of two hotels from LVP Acquisition Corporation (“LVP”) for cash consideration of approximately $16.5 million. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” which requires that the consideration be allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their acquisition date fair values. The vast majority of the purchase price was allocated to property and equipment.

2012 HFI Acquisition—On December 13, 2012, the Company acquired the assets and assumed the liabilities of 17 hotels from HFI Acquisitions Company LLC (“HFI”) for cash consideration of approximately $131.8 million. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” The consideration transferred to acquire the 17 HFI hotels, which HVM previously managed, and the purchase price allocation among the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, was as follows (dollars in thousands):

The following table sets forth room revenues, other hotel revenues, hotel operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, interest expense and net income assuming the 17 HFI hotels had been acquired on January 1, 2012 (in thousands and unaudited):

The 17 HFI acquired hotels contributed total revenues of approximately $35.0 million and $30.5 million, and income from operations of approximately $17.6 million and $14.5 million, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as compared to total revenues of approximately $1.3 million and income from operations of approximately $0.6 million for the period from December 13, 2012 through December 31, 2012.

Acquisition related expenses—Legal, professional and other fees and costs directly related to the acquisitions described above totaled approximately $0.2 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These costs are included in acquisition transaction expenses in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations.

Net investment in property and equipment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consists of the following (in thousands):

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company, using Level 3 unobservable inputs, recognized impairment charges of approximately $2.3 million, $3.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations. Quantitative information with respect to unobservable inputs consists of internally developed cash flow models that include the following assumptions, among others: projections of revenues, expenses and hotel related cash flows based on assumed long-term growth rates, demand trends, expected future capital expenditures and estimated discount rates. These assumptions were based on the Company’s historical data and experience, the Company’s budgets, industry projections and micro and macro general economic condition projections.

On July 28, 2014, the Company sold two hotel properties, with a carrying value of approximately $2.2 million, for proceeds of $3.5 million. Net of closing costs, the Company recognized a gain on sale of approximately $0.9 million. At the time of the sale, as required by the 2012 Mortgage Loan, the Company made a mortgage loan repayment of approximately $1.8 million.

As of December 31, 2014, substantially all of the hotel properties (678 of 682 hotel properties) are pledged as security for ESH REIT’s 2012 Mortgage Loan (as defined in Note 7).

The Company’s intangible assets and goodwill as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

The remaining weighted-average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets was approximately 16 years as of December 31, 2014. Estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):

Summary—The Company’s outstanding debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, is as follows (in thousands):

During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the following transactions occurred (in thousands):

The Company’s debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consists of the following (in thousands):

On June 23, 2014, using principally all of the net proceeds from its 2014 Term Loan (as defined below), ESH REIT repaid the remaining outstanding balance of $365.0 million of its 2012 Mezzanine Loans (as defined below). During 2014, ESH REIT incurred approximately $9.4 million of debt extinguishment and other costs in connection with the partial repayment of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans, consisting of prepayment penalties and other costs of approximately $4.3 million and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $5.1 million. Debt extinguishment costs are included as a component of net interest expense in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations.

In the fourth quarter of 2013 and subsequent to the Offering, ESH REIT repaid $715.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans. Prior to the partial repayment of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans, interest-only payments of approximately $8.5 million were due on the first day of each calendar month. Subsequent to the 2013 partial repayment of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans, interest-only payments of approximately $2.9 million were due on the first day of each calendar month. During 2013, ESH REIT incurred approximately $25.2 million of debt extinguishment and other costs in connection with the 2012 Mezzanine Loan prepayments, composed of prepayment penalties of approximately $13.4 million, the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $10.9 million and other costs of approximately $0.9 million.

2012 Mortgage Loan—On November 30, 2012, ESH REIT entered into a $2.52 billion mortgage loan comprised of three components (the “2012 Mortgage Loan”). The 2012 Mortgage Loan requires interest-only payments of approximately $7.9 million due on the first day of each calendar month. Principal amounts, interest rates and maturities of components of the 2012 Mortgage Loan are included in the table above.

Up to approximately $855.5 million (the full amounts of Component A and Component B and $157.5 million of Component C of the 2012 Mortgage Loan) may be voluntarily prepaid at any time without incurring a prepayment premium or penalty. Through January 1, 2016, Component C prepayments greater than $157.5 million will incur a yield maintenance premium of the greater of (i) 1.0% of the outstanding principal balance of Component C and (ii) the excess of the sum of the present values of the scheduled payments of interest and principal to be made with respect to the portion of Component C being prepaid over the principal amount being prepaid. After January 1, 2016, Component C may be prepaid without incurring a prepayment penalty or premium.

In December 2014, ESH REIT exercised its first one-year extension option and extended the maturity date of Component A of the 2012 Mortgage Loan to December 1, 2015. ESH REIT has the option to extend the maturity date of this Component for up to two additional consecutive one-year periods, subject to certain conditions. The 2015 extension conditions include adequate written notice of such extension, the extension or renewal of an interest rate cap, and the requirement that none of the borrowing entities be in default, as defined. The 2016 extension conditions include the same conditions as the 2015 extension, as well as the requirement of an Extension Debt Yield, as defined, of at least 17.5%.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, substantially all of ESH REIT’s hotel properties served as collateral for the 2012 Mortgage Loan. Under certain limited circumstances, losses related to the 2012 Mortgage Loan and costs incurred by the lenders are guaranteed by certain of the Corporation’s subsidiaries up to an aggregate liability of $252.0 million.

The occurrence of a Mortgage Loan Event of Default, a Debt Yield Trigger Event (a Debt Yield, as defined, of less than 9.0%), or a Guarantor Bankruptcy triggers a Cash Trap Event, each as defined. During the period of a Cash Trap Event, any excess cash flow, after all monthly requirements (including the payment of management fees and operating expenses) are fully funded, is held by the loan service agent as additional collateral for the 2012 Mortgage Loan. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, none of these events had occurred.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, all receipts from the mortgaged properties were required to be deposited into a domestic cash management account (“CMA”) for hotels in the U.S. and a Canadian CMA for hotels in Canada. Such CMAs are under the control of the loan service agent as specified by the terms of the mortgage loan agreement and cash management agreements and are, therefore, classified as restricted cash on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Receipts are allocated to CMA subaccounts for hotel occupancy/goods and services sales taxes, real estate taxes, insurance, ground leases, operating expenses (including management fees and reimbursements), capital improvements and mortgage debt service. Funds in excess of a month’s Canadian waterfall requirements are converted to U.S. dollars and transferred to the domestic CMA. Funds in excess of a month’s domestic waterfall requirements are distributed to the Corporation and/or ESH REIT so long as no Cash Trap Event has occurred.

2010 Mortgage Loan—On October 8, 2010 (the “Acquisition Date”), ESH REIT entered into a $2.0 billion mortgage loan secured by 663 hotel properties (the “2010 Mortgage Loan”). The 2010 Mortgage Loan required constant monthly payments of $12.2 million due on the first day of each calendar month, consisting of principal amortization and interest. The 2010 Mortgage Loan was set to mature on November 1, 2015; however, ESH REIT prepaid the mortgage loan on November 30, 2012, without premium or penalty.

Assumed Mortgage Loan—Two of ESH REIT’s hotel properties were subject to a mortgage loan that was assumed on the Acquisition Date when the hotels were acquired (the “Assumed Mortgage Loan”). The Assumed Mortgage Loan was secured by the two hotel properties. On October 23, 2013, ESH REIT prepaid the Assumed Mortgage Loan, which had an outstanding principal balance of approximately $5.5 million.

2012 Mezzanine Loans—On November 30, 2012, ESH REIT entered into three mezzanine loans totaling $1.08 billion (the “2012 Mezzanine Loans”). The 2012 Mezzanine Loans would have matured on December 1, 2019, with all outstanding principal and unpaid interest due on that date; however, as discussed above, in the fourth quarter of 2013, ESH REIT repaid $715.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans and on June 23, 2014, using principally all of the net proceeds from its 2014 Term Loan, ESH REIT repaid the remaining outstanding balance of $365.0 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans.

Under certain limited circumstances, losses related to the 2012 Mezzanine Loans and costs incurred by the lenders were guaranteed by certain of the Corporation’s subsidiaries up to an aggregate liability of $108.0 million.

2010 Mezzanine Loans—On the Acquisition Date, ESH REIT entered into mezzanine loans totaling $700.0 million, consisting of $350.0 million of senior mezzanine debt that bore interest at 9.75% and $350.0 million of junior mezzanine debt that bore interest at 12.0% (the “2010 Mezzanine Loans”). The 2010 Mezzanine Loans would have matured on November 1, 2015, with all outstanding principal and unpaid interest due on that date; however, on November 30, 2012, ESH REIT voluntarily prepaid the 2010 Mezzanine Loans and incurred a prepayment premium of approximately $10.5 million, which is included as a component of net interest expense in the accompanying consolidated and combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012.

On June 23, 2014, ESH REIT entered into a $375.0 million term loan facility (the “2014 Term Loan”). ESH REIT used the 2014 Term Loan proceeds to repay the outstanding balance on its 2012 Mezzanine Loans of $365.0 million. Subject to certain conditions, the principal amount of the 2014 Term Loan may be increased from time to time up to an amount which would not cause the Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined, to exceed 5.25 to 1.0. The 2014 Term Loan matures on June 24, 2019 and bears interest at a rate equal to (i) LIBOR (subject to a floor of 0.75%) plus 4.25%, or (ii) a base rate (determined by reference to the highest of (1) prime lending rate, (2) the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or (3) the one-month adjusted LIBOR rate (subject to a floor of 0.75%) plus 1.0%) plus 3.25%. There is no scheduled amortization on the 2014 Term Loan; however, subject to certain exceptions, mandatory prepayments are required up to 50% of Excess Cash Flow, based on ESH REIT’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio, each as defined. For the period from July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, ESH REIT’s Excess Cash Flow, as defined, totaled approximately $17.1 million, which requires ESH REIT to make a mandatory prepayment of approximately $8.5 million on or prior to March 31, 2015.

As of December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance on the 2014 Term Loan was approximately $373.3 million, net of an unaccreted discount of approximately $1.7 million.

Obligations under the 2014 Term Loan are primarily secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all assets of ESH REIT on a pari passu basis with obligations under the ESH REIT revolving credit facility, discussed below. The 2014 Term Loan may be repaid prior to its maturity, subject to the following prepayment penalties: (a) prior to June 24, 2015, a make whole premium equal to the sum of the present value at such date of all interest that would accrue on the portion of the loans being prepaid from such date to and including June 23, 2015, and an amount equal to 2.0% of the aggregate principal amount repaid; (b) on or after June 24, 2015 but prior to December 24, 2015, 2.0% of the aggregate principal amount repaid; and (c) on or after December 24, 2015 but prior to June 24, 2016, 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount repaid. Repayments on or after June 24, 2016 require no prepayment penalties.

During a Trigger Event, an Adjusted Trigger Event, a Default or an Event of Default, each as defined, ESH REIT is restricted from making cash distributions, subject to certain exceptions. As of December 31, 2014, none of these events had occurred.

Corporation Revolving Credit Facility – On November 18, 2013, the Corporation entered into a revolving credit facility of $75.0 million. On November 18, 2014, the borrowing availability under the facility decreased to $50.0 million. The facility provides for the issuance of up to $50.0 million letters of credit as well as borrowings on same day notice, referred to as swingline loans, in an amount up to $20.0 million. The Corporation incurs a fee of 0.35% or 0.175% on the unutilized revolver balance, based on the outstanding amount under the facility, and a fee of 3.875% on outstanding letters of credit due on the last day of each quarter. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to an adjusted LIBOR rate or a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (i) the prime lending rate, (ii) the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (iii) the one-month adjusted

LIBOR rate plus 1.0%, plus an applicable margin of 2.75% for the base rate loans and 3.75% for LIBOR loans. There is no scheduled amortization under the facility and the facility matures on November 18, 2016, subject to a one-year extension option. As of December 31, 2014, the Corporation had one letter of credit outstanding under this facility of $3.6 million, an outstanding balance drawn of $0 and borrowing capacity available of $46.4 million. As of December 31, 2013 the Corporation had three letters of credit outstanding under this facility, totaling approximately $24.9 million, an outstanding balance drawn of $0 and borrowing capacity available of approximately $50.1 million. The Corporation incurred approximately $1.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of interest expense and fees in connection with the Corporation revolving credit facility, which are included as a component of net interest expense in the Company’s accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

In order to avoid a Trigger Event or an Adjusted Trigger Event, this facility requires a Debt Yield and an Adjusted Debt Yield, each as defined, of at least 12.0%, and, to avoid an Event of Default, a Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined, of no more than 9.0 to 1.0 (with the requirement decreasing to no more than 8.75 to 1.0 over the life of the facility) and a Debt Yield or Adjusted Debt Yield of at least 9.0%. The occurrence of a Trigger Event or an Adjusted Trigger Event requires the Corporation to repay the outstanding facility balance and restricts its ability to draw additional proceeds. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, none of these events had occurred.

ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility – On November 18, 2013, ESH REIT entered into a $250.0 million revolving credit facility. Subject to the satisfaction of certain criteria, ESH REIT is able to request to increase the facility to an amount up to $350.0 million at any time. The facility provides for the issuance of up to $50.0 million of letters of credit as well as borrowings on same day notice, referred to as swingline loans, in an amount up to $20.0 million. ESH REIT incurs a fee of 0.35% or 0.175% on the unutilized revolver balance, based on the outstanding amount under the facility, and a fee of 3.125% on outstanding letters of credit due on the last day of each quarter. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to an adjusted LIBOR rate or a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (i) the prime lending rate, (ii) the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (iii) the one-month adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0%, plus an applicable margin of 2.00% for base rate loans and 3.00% for LIBOR loans. There is no scheduled amortization under the facility and the facility matures on November 18, 2016, subject to a one-year extension option. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, ESH REIT had no letters of credit outstanding under this credit facility, an outstanding balance drawn of $0 and $20.0 million, respectively, and borrowing capacity available of $250.0 million and $230.0 million, respectively. ESH REIT incurred approximately $1.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of interest expense and fees in connection with the ESH REIT revolving credit facility, which are included as a component of net interest expense in the Company’s accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

In order to avoid a Trigger Event, or an Adjusted Trigger Event, the revolving credit facility requires a Debt Yield and an Adjusted Debt Yield, each as defined, of at least 11.5%, and, to avoid an Event of Default, a Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined, of no more than 9.25 to 1.0 (with the requirement decreasing to no more than 9.0 to 1.0 over the life of the facility) and a Debt Yield or Adjusted Debt Yield of at least 9.0%. The occurrence of a Trigger Event or an Adjusted Trigger Event requires ESH REIT to repay the outstanding facility balance and restricts its ability to draw additional proceeds. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, none of these events had occurred.

Extended Stay LLC Revolving Credit Facility—On November 30, 2012, Extended Stay LLC, a subsidiary of ESH REIT, entered into a revolving credit facility of $100.0 million. Extended Stay LLC incurred a fee of 0.5% on the undrawn revolver balance due on the first day of each calendar quarter. Extended Stay LLC incurred approximately $0.9 million of fees in connection with the Extended Stay LLC revolving credit facility, which are included as a component of net interest expense in the Company’s accompanying consolidated and combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.

On November 18, 2013, the Extended Stay LLC revolving credit facility terminated in connection with the Offering and the Company wrote off approximately $0.7 million in unamortized deferred financing costs, which are included as a component of net interest expense in the Company’s accompanying consolidated and combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Interest Expense—The components of net interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

Future Maturities of Debt—The future maturities of debt as of December 31, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):

Fair Value of Debt—As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the estimated fair value of ESH REIT’s mortgage, mezzanine and term loans was approximately $2.9 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively. The estimated fair values of mortgage, mezzanine and term loans are determined by comparing current borrowing rates and risk spreads offered in the market to the stated interest rates and spreads on ESH REIT’s mortgage, mezzanine and term loans (Level 2 fair value measures) or quoted market prices (Level 1 fair value measures), when available. As of December 31, 2013, the estimated fair value of the ESH REIT revolving credit facility was equal to its carrying value due to its short-term nature and frequent settlement.

The Corporation has authorized 350.0 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 21,202 shares of mandatorily redeemable voting preferred stock were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. Dividends on the preferred shares are payable quarterly in arrears at a rate of 8.0% per year. With respect to dividend, distribution and liquidation rights, the 8.0% voting preferred stock ranks senior to the Corporation’s common stock. Holders of the 8.0% voting preferred stock are generally entitled to one vote for each share and will vote together with the Corporation common stock as a single class on all matters that the Corporation’s common shareholders are entitled to vote upon. On or after November 15, 2018, a holder of the 8.0% voting preferred stock has the right to require the Corporation to redeem in cash the 8.0% voting preferred stock at $1,000 per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. On November 15, 2020, the Corporation shall mandatorily redeem all of the 8.0% voting preferred stock at $1,000 per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends.

Due to the fact that the outstanding preferred stock is mandatorily redeemable by the Corporation, it is classified as a liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Dividends on the shares of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock are classified as net interest expense on the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations.

Fair Value of Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock—As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the estimated fair value of the Corporation’s mandatorily redeemable preferred stock was approximately $21.2 million and $20.9 million, respectively. The estimated fair value of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock is determined by comparing current borrowing rates and risk spreads offered in the market to the stated interest rates and spreads (Level 2 fair value measures).

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following (in thousands):

The components of the income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

The differences between the income tax expense (benefit) at the effective tax rate and the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

The significant components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consist of the following (in thousands):

ESH REIT has elected to be taxed and expects to continue to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code. A REIT is a legal entity that holds real estate assets and is generally not subject to federal and state income taxes. In order to maintain qualification as a REIT, ESH REIT is required to distribute at least 90% of its taxable income, excluding capital gains, to its shareholders each year. In addition, ESH REIT must meet a number of complex organizational and operational requirements. If ESH REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it would be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and generally would be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which it lost its REIT qualification. Even in qualifying as a REIT, ESH REIT may be subject to state and local taxes in certain jurisdictions, and is subject to federal income and excise taxes on undistributed income.

In 2014, ESH REIT distributed greater than 100% of its taxable income and therefore incurred no federal income tax. In the future, ESH REIT intends to distribute approximately 95% of its taxable income and net capital gain. Accordingly, ESH REIT is expected to be subject to income taxes on approximately 5% of its taxable income. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the fact that an estimated 5% of ESH REIT’s future taxable income is expected to be subject to tax. Included in the net deferred tax liability balance is a deferred tax asset related to net operating loss carryforwards of ESH REIT that expire in 2032.

As of December 31, 2014, the book basis of ESH REIT’s property and equipment was approximately $79.8 million greater than the tax basis of its assets. In 2014, ESH REIT made approximately $241.2 million in cash distributions to its shareholders, the total amount of which was considered a taxable dividend.

In connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions, a deferred income tax impact of approximately $10.0 million was recorded as a reduction to additional paid in capital in 2013. Additionally, a net deferred tax asset of approximately $6.6 million was recorded as a benefit to the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2013.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a valuation allowance related to the net operating loss carryforwards of its Canadian Operating Lessee. The Company has concluded that, in light of available evidence, it is more likely than not that these net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized.

The Company evaluates its open tax positions using the criteria established by FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” The Company has concluded that it has not taken any tax positions that are not more likely than not to be sustained upon examination and has therefore not recorded any reserves for uncertain tax positions. The Company’s (and predecessor entities’) income tax returns for the years 2011 to present are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing authorities.

Quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

The Corporation has authorized 3,500.0 million shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which approximately 204.5 million and 204.8 million shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Each share of the Corporation’s outstanding common stock is attached to and trades as a single unit with one share of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of ESH REIT.

The Corporation has authorized 350.0 million shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value, of which 21,202 shares of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. Dividends on the preferred shares are payable quarterly in arrears at a rate of 8.0% per year. The outstanding mandatorily redeemable preferred shares are included in liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are further described in Note 8.

ESH REIT has authorized 4,300.0 million shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which approximately 250.3 million shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. All of the issued and outstanding shares of ESH REIT Class A common stock were held by the Corporation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. ESH REIT has authorized 7,800.0 million shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which approximately 204.5 million and 204.8 million shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Each share of ESH REIT’s outstanding Class B common stock is attached to and trades as a single unit with one share of the Corporation’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

ESH REIT has authorized 350.0 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which no shares were issued or outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. Additionally, ESH REIT has authorized 125 shares of preferred stock, no par value, of which 125 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The preferred stock pays dividends at a rate of 12.5% per year. With respect to dividends and distributions upon ESH REIT’s liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, the 12.5% preferred stock ranks senior to the Class A and Class B common stock. The liquidation preference of the 12.5% preferred stock is $1,000 per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends and a redemption premium if redeemed prior to December 31, 2015. Shares of 12.5% preferred stock may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time for a per share amount equal to the liquidation preference plus all accumulated but unpaid dividends.

ESH REIT made cash distributions totaling approximately $241.2 million (of which approximately $132.7 million was paid to the Corporation), $78.4 million and $826.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Property distributions of approximately $161.4 million were made during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, third party equity interests in ESH REIT consist of the outstanding shares of the Class B common stock of ESH REIT, which represent approximately 45% of ESH REIT’s total common equity, and the outstanding 125 shares of 12.5% preferred stock of ESH REIT. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, these interests, which are not owned by the Corporation, are presented as noncontrolling interests. Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, noncontrolling interests consisted of all of the equity of HVM, a consolidated variable interest entity.

As discussed in Notes 1 and 2, the results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows of HVM are consolidated in the Company’s accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements through the Pre-IPO Transactions. As part of the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESA Management acquired all of the assets and assumed

all of the liabilities of HVM for approximately $0.8 million; at that time, the existing management and service agreements were terminated and ESA Management entered into new management and service agreements with the Corporation, the Operating Lessees, ESH REIT and ESH Strategies. The following describes HVM’s financial activity prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the majority of which eliminated in consolidation and combination.

Hotel Management Agreements with the Company—On the Acquisition Date, ESH REIT’s taxable REIT subsidiaries, the Operating Lessees, executed management agreements with HVM with respect to the hotels under lease. Under the terms of these agreements, HVM provided management services to the hotels, including supervision, direction, control of the operation, and management and promotion of the hotel properties in a manner consistent with extended stay hotels of similar size, type, or usage in similar locations.

The following table sets forth a summary of the fees provided under the hotel management agreements between HVM and the Operating Lessees through the Pre-IPO Transactions:

Excluding the agreements with the U.S. 17 hotel operators assumed by the Company in December 2012 (described below), under each of these agreements, HVM was also reimbursed, without markup, for costs incurred by HVM for providing services for accounting, financial analysis, operations supervision, sales, revenue management, training, technology, marketing, advertising, reservation services and travel agent commissions.

Administrative Services Agreements with the Company—On the Acquisition Date, ESH REIT and ESH Strategies executed service agreements with HVM, whereby HVM provided services for certain administrative, legal, financial, accounting, and related services, including services related to property acquisitions and oversight and procurement of capital assets. Fees consisted of HVM’s cost of providing the services plus 6%. In connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Corporation acquired the net assets of HVM; therefore, all of the administrative services agreements were terminated at that time.

Third Party Management Agreements—Through December 12, 2012, HVM managed 17 hotels for a third-party hotel owner-operator under a separate management agreement with each hotel. The Company acquired these hotels on December 13, 2012 (see Note 4) and these management agreements were assumed by the Company upon acquisition. In addition, HVM had two hotel management agreements to manage hotels owned by a third-party hotel owner-operator. The Company acquired these hotels on December 31, 2013 (see Note 4).

The following tables set forth a summary of hotel management fees, administrative services fees, general and administrative expense reimbursement fees, third party management fees and reimbursements to HVM for these activities for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands). Where appropriate, such amounts have been eliminated in the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information— The condensed consolidated statements of operations of HVM for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and the year ended December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

Lease Commitments—The Company is a tenant under long-term ground leases at four of its hotel properties. The initial terms of the ground lease agreements terminate at various dates between 2016 and 2096, and most leases include multiple renewal options for generally five or 10 year periods.

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, HVM executed a lease for office space in Charlotte, North Carolina, in conjunction with the relocation of its corporate headquarters (see Note 14). The lease was assumed by ESA Management as part of the Pre-IPO Transactions. The lease is an operating lease with an initial term through August 2021. After the initial term, the Company has the option to renew the lease for two additional terms of five years each at the then-fair market annual base rental rate.

Rent expense on office and ground leases is recognized on a straight-line basis and was approximately $3.2 million, $3.3 million and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Ground lease expense is included in hotel operating expenses and office lease expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations.

Future minimum lease payments under operating leases as of December 31, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):

Other Commitments—The Company has a commitment to make quarterly payments in lieu of taxes to the owner of the land on which one of its properties is located. The initial term of the agreement terminates in 2031. The cost related to this commitment was approximately $0.3 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and is included in hotel operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations.

Letter of Credit—As of December 31, 2014, the Company had one outstanding letter of credit, issued by the Corporation, for $3.6 million, which is collateralized by the Corporation’s revolving credit facility.

Legal Contingencies—The Company is not a party to any litigation or claims other than routine matters arising in the ordinary course of business that are incidental to the operation of the business of the Company. The Company believes that the results of all claims and litigation, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on its business or consolidated and combined financial statements.

Purchase Commitments—As of December 31, 2014, the Company had purchase commitments related to certain continuing renovations to its hotel properties of approximately $1.6 million, which are expected to be paid within one year.

Executive Employment Agreements—As of December 31, 2014, three members of senior management have employment agreements. These agreements generally provide for a two-year employment term that are subject thereafter to one-year extensions and specify the executive’s current compensation, benefits and perquisites, the executive’s entitlements upon termination of employment and other employment rights and responsibilities.

In 2013, prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Company and HVM initiated an operations restructuring which changed certain aspects of its property staffing model. In 2011, the Company and HVM initiated a corporate restructuring that included, among other things, the relocation of the corporate headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina. The corporate relocation was completed during the first half of 2012. Total expenses incurred during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, were approximately $0.6 million and $5.8 million, respectively, and consisted of the following (in thousands):

Amounts accrued and paid related to the operations and corporate restructurings during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

As of December 31, 2013, amounts accrued were included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

The Corporation and ESH REIT each maintain a long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) under which the Corporation and ESH REIT may issue to eligible employees or directors restricted stock (i.e., Paired Share) awards, restricted stock units or other equity-based awards. The aggregate number of Paired Shares that may be made as awards under the LTIP’s shall not exceed 8.0 million, no more of which 4.0 million may be granted as incentive stock options. Each of the Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s LTIP has a share reserve of an equivalent number of shares of Corporation common stock and Class B common stock of ESH REIT, respectively. Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, HVM maintained a management incentive plan which provided for HVM employees and members of Holdings’ and Strategies Holdings’ boards of managers awards of restricted limited liability interests (“Profit Units”) in Holdings and Strategies Holdings.

On November 12, 2013, holders of outstanding Profit Units received an aggregate distribution of cash of approximately $2.4 million from Holdings and all remaining outstanding Profit Units were converted into restricted stock awards. 80% of the restricted stock awards received in respect of the Profit Units were received with the same vesting schedules as the Profit Units and at their fair values. 20% of the restricted stock awards received in respect of the Profit Units were received with acceleration to their existing vesting schedules. As a result of this acceleration, the Company incurred additional compensation cost of approximately $14.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Prior to the Offering, the fair value of equity-based awards on the date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes Merton model, using various assumptions regarding (a) the expected holding period, (b) the risk-free rate of return, (c) expected dividend yield on the underlying units, (d) the expected volatility in the fair value of the Company’s equity, and (e) a discount for lack of marketability, and was calculated based on the grant agreement terms, which included thresholds for internal rate of return and recovery of Holdings’ and Strategies Holdings’ members’ initial equity investments.

The expected holding period represented the period of time that the Profit Units were expected to be outstanding. The units were assumed to remain outstanding until the Company experienced a change in control of ownership or an initial public offering. The risk-free rate of return for periods approximating the expected holding period of the units was based on the U.S. constant maturity treasuries yield in effect at the grant date. A dividend yield was assumed based on the Company’s historical dividend rate. Because the Company’s equity was privately held and was not traded in an active market, the Company used the historical volatility of the share values of publicly traded companies within similar industries as the Company as a surrogate for the expected volatility of the Company’s equity. The discount for lack of marketability was calculated for each expected holding period using a put-option Black-Scholes Merton model. The key assumptions used for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and the year ended December 31, 2012 were as follows:

Equity-based compensation cost is recognized by amortizing the grant-date fair value of the equity-based awards, less estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of each award. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, approximately $8.8 million, $20.2 million and $6.4 million, respectively, of compensation cost was recognized of which approximately $8.8 million, $20.2 million and $4.4 million, respectively, is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately $2.0 million of compensation cost is included in restructuring expenses in the accompanying consolidated and combined statement of operations, as this cost related to an executive separation payment as a result of the Company’s and HVM’s restructuring (see Note 14).

As of December 31, 2014, there was approximately $11.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding equity-based awards, which is expected to be recognized subsequent to December 31, 2014 over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years. Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for actual forfeitures.

Restricted stock award and restricted stock unit (collectively, “RSA/RSU”) activity during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, after taking into account the conversion of Profit Units issued under HVM’s management incentive plan on November 12, 2013, was as follows:

In December 2010, HVM entered into agreements designed to incentivize and retain certain operations personnel whose duties included the oversight of multiple hotel properties. The agreements provide participants future payment upon a change of control transaction, generally defined as a sale of the Company or a substantial portion of its assets or operations. In connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESA Management assumed this liability. In May 2014, ESA Management modified and settled the agreements with the majority of operations personnel, resulting in a gain of approximately $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which is

included as a component of general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, approximately $0.3 million and $4.2 million, respectively, are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets related to the remaining outstanding agreements.

HVM had a savings plan that qualified under Section 401(k) of the Code for all employees meeting the eligibility requirements of the plan, and the plan was transferred to ESA Management as part of the Pre-IPO Transactions. The plan has an employer-matching contribution of 50% of the first 6% of an employee’s contribution, which vests over an employee’s initial five-year service period. The plan also provides for contributions up to 100% of eligible employee pretax salary, subject to the Code’s annual deferral limit of $17,500 during 2014 and 2013 and $17,000 during 2012. Employer contributions, net of forfeitures, totaled approximately $1.6 million, $1.4 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In 2013, an affiliate of the Company’s Sponsors purchased approximately 794,000 Paired Shares as an underwriter in connection with the Offering and earned approximately $1.0 million in fees related to the transaction.

Investment funds of the Sponsors held 21,105 shares of the Corporation’s outstanding mandatorily redeemable preferred stock as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. Additionally, investment funds of the Sponsors held approximately $37.2 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans as of December 31, 2013.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ESH Hospitality, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ESH Hospitality, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013 AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012

ESH Hospitality, Inc. (“ESH REIT”) was formed as a limited liability company in the state of Delaware on September 16, 2010 and was converted to a corporation on November 5, 2013. Extended Stay America, Inc. (the “Corporation”) was incorporated in the state of Delaware on July 8, 2013. The formation of the Corporation and the conversion of ESH REIT into a Delaware corporation were completed as part of the Pre-IPO Transactions, defined and discussed below, and in contemplation of the Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s initial public offering.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, ESH REIT and its subsidiaries owned 679 and 681 hotel properties, respectively, in 44 U.S. states consisting of 75,500 and approximately 75,700 rooms, respectively, and three hotels in Canada consisting of 500 rooms. For the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2014, the hotels were operated by subsidiaries of the Corporation (the “Operating Lessees”) pursuant to leases between ESH REIT and the Operating Lessees. For periods through the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Operating Lessees were subsidiaries of ESH REIT, referred to as taxable REIT subsidiaries.

The majority of hotels are operated under the core brand, Extended Stay America. Three Canadian hotels operate under the brand Extended Stay Canada and 47 hotels operate under the brand Crossland Economy Studios. The brands are owned by ESH Hospitality Strategies LLC (“ESH Strategies”), a subsidiary of the Corporation.

The hotels were leased by ESH Hospitality LLC’s taxable REIT subsidiaries, the Operating Lessees, which contracted with HVM LLC (“HVM”), a separate, independently owned hotel management and administrative services company, to manage the hotels and provide certain other administrative services. HVM was indirectly owned by individuals who were each active in the business of HVM and was managed by an entity indirectly owned by employees of the Sponsors.

After deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other transaction costs, the Offering, including ESH REIT’s sale of shares of Class A common stock to the Corporation, raised proceeds to ESH REIT of approximately $599.9 million. The proceeds were divided among the Corporation and ESH REIT based on their relative valuations. The Corporation used the majority of the proceeds it received to purchase shares of Class A common stock of ESH REIT to maintain its ownership of approximately 55% of the outstanding common stock of ESH REIT. ESH REIT used its proceeds from the Offering, including proceeds received pursuant to the sale of Class A common stock to the Corporation, in addition to cash on hand, to repay approximately $331.0 million of its Mezzanine A Loan, approximately $218.5 million of its Mezzanine B Loan and approximately $165.5 million of its Mezzanine C Loan (see Note 6).

As of December 31, 2014, the Corporation owns 250,303,494 shares of ESH REIT’s Class A common stock; the Sponsors, senior management, including certain directors, and the public own 204,517,265 shares of ESH REIT’s Class B common stock, each of which is attached to and trades as a single unit with a share of the Corporation’s common stock.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

For periods from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2014, the consolidated results of operations of ESH REIT include the results of operations of ESH REIT and its subsidiaries, which do not include the Operating Lessees. Further, the results of operations of ESA Management, which performs the management and administrative services previously performed by HVM, are not consolidated within ESH REIT’s results, as ESA Management is owned by the Corporation.

For the periods through the Pre-IPO Transactions, the consolidated results of operations of ESH REIT included the results of operations of ESH REIT’s predecessor, ESH Hospitality LLC, and its subsidiaries, which included the Operating Lessees. Additionally, for the periods through the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT’s consolidated results of operations included the results of operations of HVM, a consolidated variable interest entity (see Notes 2 and 10). Third party equity interests in HVM, which represented all of HVM’s equity, were not owned by ESH REIT and are presented as noncontrolling interests.

Use of Estimates—The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management used significant estimates to determine the allocation of purchase price to assets that were acquired in 2013 and 2012 (see Note 4). Significant estimates also include the estimated useful lives of tangible assets as well as the assessment of tangible and intangible assets, including goodwill for impairment, estimated liabilities for insurance reserves, and the grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards related to equity-based compensation prior to completion of the Pre-IPO Transactions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—ESH REIT considers all cash on hand, demand deposits with financial institutions, credit card receivables, and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. ESH REIT has deposits in excess of $250,000 with financial institutions that are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. ESH REIT does not believe cash and cash equivalents expose it to significant credit risk.

Restricted Cash—Restricted cash consists of amounts held in cash management accounts and in escrows for the payment of real estate taxes and insurance, capital improvements, ground leases and mortgage debt service, all as required by ESH REIT’s mortgage loan agreement (see Note 6).

Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, recoverability of property and equipment was measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of a hotel property to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by each hotel property. Impairment was recognized when estimated future undiscounted cash flows, including proceeds from disposition, were less than the carrying value of each hotel property. To the extent that a hotel property was impaired, the excess carrying amount of each hotel property over its estimated fair value was charged to operating earnings. Fair value was determined based upon the discounted cash flows of each hotel property, quoted market prices, or independent appraisals, as considered necessary. ESH REIT recognized impairment charges related to property and equipment of approximately $3.3 million and $1.4 million for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and for the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively (see Note 5).

Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, recoverability of property and equipment is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of a group of hotel properties (groups of hotel properties align with hotels as they are grouped under ESH REIT’s operating leases) to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the group of hotel properties. Impairment is recognized when estimated future undiscounted cash flows, including proceeds from disposition, are less than the carrying value of the group of hotel properties. To the extent that a group of hotel properties is impaired, the excess carrying amount of the group of hotel properties over its estimated fair value is charged to operating earnings. Fair value is determined based upon the discounted cash flows of the group of hotel properties, quoted market prices, or independent appraisals, as considered necessary. ESH REIT did not recognize any impairment charges related to property and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2014 or for the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2013 (see Note 5).

The estimation of future undiscounted cash flows is inherently uncertain and relies upon assumptions regarding current and future economic and market conditions. If such conditions change, then an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of a group of hotel properties could occur in a future period in which conditions change.

Intangible Assets and Liabilities— Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions and as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, ESH REIT had no intangible assets or liabilities other than goodwill. Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, intangible assets and liabilities related to the Operating Lessees and included above-market contracts, corporate customer relationships and customer databases. Above-market contracts, corporate customer relationships and customer databases were amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated remaining useful lives, which in the case of contracts was typically the remaining non-cancelable term. Intangible assets were reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicated that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not have been recoverable. No impairment charges related to intangible assets were recognized during the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions or for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Goodwill—Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. ESH REIT tests goodwill for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter. ESH REIT tests for impairment more

frequently if events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. ESH REIT has one operating segment, which is its reporting unit; therefore, management analyzes goodwill associated with all hotels when analyzing for potential impairment. ESH REIT first assesses qualitative factors to determine if it is not more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. No impairment charges related to goodwill were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Property Acquisitions—The purchase price of net tangible and identified intangible assets and liabilities are recorded based on their relative fair values on the date of acquisition. The fair value of the acquired land and site improvements, building and improvements, and furniture, fixtures and equipment is determined considering a variety of factors, including the physical condition and quality of the hotels, estimated rates and valuation assumptions consistent with current market conditions, based on independent appraisals and other relevant market data obtained in connection with the acquisition of the hotels. The results of operations of acquired hotel properties are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations since their respective dates of acquisition.

Deferred Financing Costs—Costs incurred in obtaining financing are amortized over the terms of the related loans on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method. Upon repayment of, or in conjunction with a material change in the terms of, the underlying debt agreement, remaining unamortized costs are charged to earnings. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, approximately $5.1 million, $11.7 million and $34.4 million, respectively, of unamortized deferred financing costs, primarily related to the prepayment of mortgage and mezzanine loans, were charged to earnings and are included in net interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Amortization of deferred financing costs unrelated to the prepayment of mortgage and mezzanine loans, which is also included in net interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, was approximately $11.7 million, $12.3 million and $11.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Revenue Recognition—Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT’s only source of consolidated reported revenues is rental revenue derived from leases. ESH REIT records rental revenue on a straight-line basis as it is earned during the lease term. Rent receivable from Extended Stay America, Inc. on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets represents monthly rental amounts contractually due from the Operating Lessees. Deferred rent receivable from Extended Stay America, Inc. on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets represents the cumulative difference between straight-line rental revenue and rental revenue contractually due from the Operating Lessees. This amount, approximately $30.9 million as of December 31, 2014, is expected to be received in cash by October 2018.

Lease rental payments received prior to ESH REIT rendering services are included in unearned rental revenue from Extended Stay America, Inc. on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Contingent rental revenue, specifically percentage rental revenue related to Operating Lessee hotel revenue, is recognized once services have been rendered (i.e., percentage rental revenue thresholds have been achieved) and such amounts are fixed and determinable.

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT’s primary source of consolidated reported revenues was hotel room revenues, since rental revenue derived from the leases eliminated in consolidation. Hotel room revenues and other hotel revenues were recognized when services were provided. Other hotel revenues primarily consisted of revenues derived from guest laundry, pet fees, internet fees, additional housekeeping, telephone and other miscellaneous fees or services. Occupancy, hotel and sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to the taxing authorities were excluded from revenues.

Advertising Costs—Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT does not incur advertising costs. Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, advertising costs (typically incurred by the Operating Lessees) were expensed as incurred. For the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and the year ended December 31, 2012, internet advertising costs were included in hotel operating expenses and all other advertising

costs were included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for periods through the Pre-IPO Transactions. For the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and the year ended December 31, 2012, advertising costs were approximately $26.3 million and $25.2 million, respectively, approximately $16.9 million and $15.2 million of which were classified as hotel operating expenses and approximately $9.4 million and $10.0 million of which were classified as general and administrative expenses, respectively.

Operating Leases—Rent expense, including ground rent, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments—U.S. GAAP establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon observable and unobservable inputs for fair value measurement of financial instruments:

Level 1—Observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities

Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs for which there is little to no market data and for which ESH REIT makes its own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received when selling an asset or the price paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety has been determined is based on the lowest-level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. ESH REIT’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

ESH REIT’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, mortgage and term loans, and the revolving credit facility. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and ESH REIT’s revolving credit facility are representative of their fair values due to the short-term nature or frequent settlement of these instruments. The fair values of mortgage and term loans are determined by comparing current borrowing rates and risk spreads offered in the market to the stated interest rates and spreads on ESH REIT’s current mortgage and term loans or quoted market prices, when available (see Note 6).

Derivative Instruments—Derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (if applicable), are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. ESH REIT does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Variable Interest Entity—Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT held a variable interest in HVM, a separate, independently owned hotel management and administrative services company (see Note 10). ESH REIT’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with HVM was related to the need to secure alternative hotel management services and systems support if HVM were ever unable to fulfill its obligations under its management agreements with ESH REIT. The assets of HVM could not be used to settle obligations of ESH REIT and ESH REIT’s assets could not be used to settle obligations of HVM. For the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and the year ended December 31, 2012, ESH REIT or ESH

REIT’s predecessor represented approximately 99% and 97%, respectively, of the business conducted by HVM. ESH REIT concluded that it was the primary beneficiary of HVM and, as a result, consolidated the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows of HVM for periods prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions. Since ESH REIT had no equity interest in HVM, the results of operations and members’ capital of HVM were reported as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for periods through the Pre-IPO Transactions. Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, HVM no longer met the definition of a variable interest entity. See summarized financial information of HVM in Note 10.

Income Taxes—ESH REIT has elected to be taxed as and expects to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under provisions of the Code. A REIT is a legal entity that holds real estate assets and is generally not subject to federal and state income taxes. In order to maintain qualification as a REIT, ESH REIT is required to distribute at least 90% of its taxable income, excluding capital gains, to its shareholders each year. In addition, ESH REIT must meet a number of complex organizational and operational requirements. If ESH REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it would be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and generally would be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which it lost its REIT qualification. Even in qualifying as a REIT, ESH REIT may be subject to state and local taxes in certain jurisdictions, and is subject to federal income and excise taxes on undistributed income.

In 2014, ESH REIT distributed greater than 100% of its taxable income and therefore incurred no federal income tax. In the future, ESH REIT intends to distribute approximately 95% of its taxable income and net capital gain. ESH REIT is expected to be subject to federal and state income tax on approximately 5% of its taxable income. As a result ESH REIT has recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the fact that an estimated 5% of ESH REIT’s future taxable income is expected to be subject to tax. Included in the net deferred tax asset balance is a deferred tax asset related to net operating loss carryforwards that expire in 2032.

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Operating Lessees were subsidiaries of ESH REIT and elected to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries. As such, the Operating Lessees were generally subject to federal, state, local and/or foreign income taxes on their separate tax returns. HVM’s operating results were reportable by its members or members of its ultimate parent. Thus, federal income taxes were not recognized for HVM. HVM was also subject to state and local taxes in certain jurisdictions.

Foreign Currency—The financial statements of certain of ESH REIT’s subsidiaries and its investments therein are maintained in their functional currency, the Canadian dollar (“C$”), and their income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate for the period. The assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, foreign currency translation losses of approximately $5.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively, are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Foreign currency transaction losses mainly related to U.S. dollar denominated debt at Canadian subsidiaries of approximately $3.6 million are included in other non-operating expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Comprehensive Income—Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income, which consists of foreign currency translation adjustments. Comprehensive income is presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income and foreign currency translation adjustments are displayed as a separate component of consolidated equity.

Equity-Based Compensation—ESH REIT maintains a Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) under which ESH REIT may issue to eligible employees or directors restricted stock awards, restricted stock units or other equity-based awards. ESH REIT recognizes costs related to equity-based awards over their vesting periods.

The issuing entity classifies equity-based awards granted in exchange for employee services as either equity awards or as liability awards. The classification of an award either as an equity award or a liability award is generally based upon cash settlement options. Equity awards are measured based on their fair value on the date of grant. Liability awards are re-measured to fair value each reporting period. The value of all awards, less estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the period during which an employee or director is required to provide services in exchange for the award – the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). No compensation cost is recognized for awards for which employees or directors do not render the requisite services. All awards granted subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions are classified as equity awards.

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, HVM maintained a management incentive plan further described in Note 14. Equity-based compensation related to this plan was recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations due to the fact that HVM was a consolidated variable interest entity.

Segments—ESH REIT’s business represents a single operating segment based on the way ESH REIT manages its business. ESH REIT’s hotels provide similar services, use similar processes to sell those services and sell their services (i.e., lease the hotel properties) to similar classes of customers. The amounts of long-lived assets and net sales outside the U.S. are not significant for any period presented.

Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items—In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standards update to simplify income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. This standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. ESH REIT does not expect the adoption of the updated accounting standard to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern—In August 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard which provides guidance on determining when and how reporting entities must disclose going concern uncertainties in their financial statements. The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity’s financial statements. Further, an entity must provide certain disclosures if there is “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue as a going concern. The new accounting standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. ESH REIT does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Stock Compensation—Share-Based Payment Awards—In June 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which clarifies that entities should treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award as performance conditions that affect vesting. The compensation expense related to such awards should be delayed until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. The updated accounting standard does not contain additional disclosure requirements. This standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. As ESH REIT does not currently have performance targets for any of its share-based payment awards, ESH REIT does not expect the adoption of the updated accounting standard to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. ESH REIT adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2014, and it did not have a material effect on ESH REIT’s accompanying consolidated financial statements due to a limited number of historical dispositions. This guidance is expected to result in reporting discontinued operations less frequently than the previous accounting standard. For example, the sale of the two Hometown Inn-branded hotels in 2014 were not reported as discontinued operations as they did not represent a strategic shift that had a major effect on ESH REIT’s operations or financial results.

Income Taxes —In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which provides guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. This updated accounting standard is effective for fiscal and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date, and retrospective application is permitted. ESH REIT adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2014, and it did not have a material effect on ESH REIT’s accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Cumulative Translation Adjustment—In March 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that indicates when the cumulative translation adjustment (“CTA”) related to an entity’s investment in a foreign entity should be released to earnings. The CTA should be released when an entity sells a foreign subsidiary or a group of net assets within a foreign entity and the sale represents the substantially complete liquidation of the investment in a foreign entity. The CTA should also be released when an entity no longer has a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity. This updated accounting standard is effective for fiscal and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and shall be applied prospectively. ESH REIT adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2014, and it did not have a material effect on ESH REIT’s accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to Class A and Class B common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of ESH REIT’s Class A and Class B unrestricted common stock outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to Class A and Class B common shareholders, as adjusted for potentially dilutive securities, by the weighted average number of shares of ESH REIT’s Class A and Class B unrestricted common stock outstanding plus other potentially dilutive securities. Dilutive securities include equity-based awards issued under long-term incentive plans.

As discussed in Note 1, in November 2013, ESH REIT completed the Pre-IPO Transactions. For purposes of computing net income per share, it is assumed that the recapitalization of ESH REIT had occurred for all periods presented and therefore the outstanding shares have been adjusted to reflect the conversion of shares that took place in contemplation of the Offering. Accordingly, the denominators in the computations of basic and diluted net income per share reflect ESH REIT’s recapitalization for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

The calculations of basic and diluted net income per share, including a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators, are as follows:

2013 LVP Acquisition – On December 31, 2013, ESH REIT acquired the assets and assumed the liabilities of two hotels from LVP Acquisition Corporation (“LVP”) for cash consideration of approximately $16.5 million. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” which requires that the consideration be allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their acquisition date fair values. The vast majority of the purchase price was allocated to property and equipment.

2012 HFI Acquisition—On December 13, 2012, ESH REIT acquired the assets and assumed the liabilities of 17 hotels from HFI Acquisitions Company LLC (“HFI”) for cash consideration of approximately $131.8 million. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” The consideration transferred to acquire the 17 HFI hotels, which HVM previously managed, and the purchase price allocation among the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, was as follows (dollars in thousands):

The 17 HFI acquired hotels contributed total revenues of approximately $26.6 million and income from operations of approximately $13.2 million for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions, as compared to revenues of approximately $1.3 million and income from operations of approximately $0.6 million for the period from December 13, 2012 through December 31, 2012.

Net investment in property and equipment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consists of the following (in thousands):

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, ESH REIT, using Level 3 unobservable inputs, recognized impairment charges of approximately $0, $3.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Quantitative information with respect to unobservable inputs consists of internally developed cash flow models that include the following assumptions, among others: projections of revenues, expenses and hotel related cash flows based on assumed long-term growth rates, demand trends, expected future capital expenditures and estimated discount rates. These assumptions were based on the Company’s historical data and experience, third-party appraisals, industry projections and micro and macro general economic condition projections.

As of December 31, 2014, substantially all of the hotel properties (678 out of 682 hotel properties) are pledged as security for ESH REIT’s 2012 Mortgage Loan (as defined in Note 6).

Summary—ESH REIT’s outstanding debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, is as follows (in thousands):

During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the following transactions occurred (in thousands):

ESH REIT’s debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consists of the following (in thousands):

On June 23, 2014, using principally all of the net proceeds from its 2014 Term Loan (as defined below), ESH REIT repaid the remaining outstanding balance of $365.0 million of its 2012 Mezzanine Loans (as defined partial repayment of the below). During 2014, ESH REIT incurred approximately $9.4 million of debt extinguishment and other costs in connection with the partial repayment of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans, consisting of prepayment penalties and other costs of approximately $4.3 million and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $5.1 million. Debt extinguishment costs are included as a component of net interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, all receipts from the mortgaged properties were required to be deposited into a domestic cash management account (“CMA”) for hotels in the U.S. and a Canadian CMA for hotels in Canada. Such CMAs are under the control of the loan service agent as specified by the terms of the mortgage loan agreement and cash management agreements and are, therefore classified as restricted cash on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Receipts are allocated to CMA subaccounts for hotel occupancy/goods and services sales taxes, real estate taxes, insurance, ground leases, operating expenses (including management fees and reimbursements), capital improvements and mortgage debt service. Funds in excess of a month’s Canadian waterfall requirements are converted to U.S. dollars and transferred to the domestic CMA. Funds in excess of a month’s domestic waterfall requirements are distributed to the Corporation and/or ESH REIT so long as no Cash Trap Event has occurred.

(2) the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or (3) the one-month adjusted LIBOR rate (subject to a floor of 0.75%) plus 1.0%) plus 3.25%. There is no scheduled amortization on the 2014 Term Loan; however, subject to certain exceptions, mandatory prepayments are required up to 50% of Excess Cash Flow, based on ESH REIT’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio, each as defined. For the period from July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, ESH REIT’s Excess Cash Flow, as defined, totaled approximately $17.1 million, which requires ESH REIT to make a mandatory prepayment of approximately $8.5 million on or prior to March 31, 2015.

As of December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance on the 2014 Term Loan was approximately $373.3 million, net of an unaccreted discount of approximately $1.7 million.

ESH REIT Revolving Credit Facility – On November 18, 2013, ESH REIT entered into a $250.0 million revolving credit facility. Subject to the satisfaction of certain criteria, ESH REIT is able to request to increase the facility to an amount up to $350.0 million at any time. The facility provides for the issuance of up to $50.0 million of letters of credit as well as borrowings on same day notice, referred to as swingline loans, in an amount up to $20.0 million. ESH REIT incurs a fee of 0.35% or 0.175% on the unutilized revolver balance, based on the outstanding amount under the facility, and a fee of 3.125% on outstanding letters of credit due on the last day of each quarter. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to an adjusted LIBOR rate or a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (i) the prime lending rate, (ii) the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (iii) the one-month adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0%, plus an applicable margin of 2.00% for base rate loans and 3.00% for LIBOR loans. There is no scheduled amortization under the facility and the facility matures on November 18, 2016, subject to a one-year extension option. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, ESH REIT had no letters of credit outstanding under this credit facility, an outstanding balance drawn of $0 and $20.0 million, respectively, and borrowing capacity available of $250.0 million and $230.0 million, respectively. ESH REIT incurred approximately $1.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of interest expense and fees in connection with the ESH REIT revolving credit facility, which are included as a component of net interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

In order to avoid a Trigger Event or an Adjusted Trigger Event the revolving credit facility requires a Debt Yield and an Adjusted Debt Yield, each as defined, of at least 11.5%, and, to avoid an Event of Default, a Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined, of no more than 9.25 to 1.0 (with the requirement decreasing to no more than 9.0 to 1.0 over the life of the facility) and a Debt Yield or Adjusted Debt Yield, of at least 9.0%. The occurrence of a Trigger Event or an Adjusted Trigger Event requires ESH REIT to repay the outstanding facility balance and restricts its ability to draw additional proceeds. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, none of these events had occurred.

Extended Stay LLC Revolving Credit Facility—On November 30, 2012, Extended Stay LLC, a subsidiary of ESH REIT, entered into a revolving credit facility of $100.0 million. Extended Stay LLC incurred a fee of 0.5% on the undrawn revolver balance due on the first day of each calendar quarter. Extended Stay LLC incurred approximately $0.9 million of fees in connection with the Extended Stay LLC revolving credit facility, which are included as a component of net interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.

On November 18, 2013, the Extended Stay LLC revolving credit facility terminated in connection with the Offering and ESH REIT wrote off approximately $0.7 million in unamortized deferred financing costs, which are included as a component of net interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Interest Expense— The components of net interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

Future Maturities of Debt—The future maturities of debt as of December 31, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):

Fair Value of Debt—As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the estimated fair value of ESH REIT’s mortgage, mezzanine and term loans was approximately $2.9 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively. The estimated fair values of mortgage, mezzanine and term loans are determined by comparing current borrowing rates and risk spreads offered in the market to the stated interest rates and spreads on ESH REIT’s current mortgage, mezzanine and term loans (Level 2 fair value measures) or quoted market prices (Level 1 fair value measures), when available. As of December 31, 2013, the estimated fair value of the ESH REIT revolving credit facility was equal to its carrying value due to its short-term nature and frequent settlement.

Income (loss) before income tax (benefit) expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following (in thousands):

The components of the income tax (benefit) expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

The differences between the income tax (benefit) expense at the effective tax rate and the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

The significant components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consist of the following (in thousands):

ESH REIT has elected to be taxed and expects to continue to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code. A REIT is a legal entity that holds real estate assets and is generally not subject to federal and state income taxes. In order to maintain qualification as a REIT, ESH REIT is required to distribute at least 90% of its taxable income, excluding capital gains, to its shareholders each year. In addition, ESH REIT must meet a number of complex organizational and operational requirements. If ESH REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it would be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and generally would be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which it lost its REIT qualification. Even in qualifying as a REIT, ESH REIT may be subject to state and local taxes in certain jurisdictions, and is subject to federal income and excise taxes on undistributed income.

In 2014, ESH REIT distributed greater than 100% of its taxable income and therefore incurred no federal income tax. In the future, ESH REIT intends to distribute approximately 95% of its taxable income and net capital gain. ESH REIT is expected to be subject to income taxes on approximately 5% of its taxable income. As a result, ESH REIT has recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the fact that an estimated 5% of ESH REIT’s future taxable income is expected to be subject to tax. The majority of the net deferred tax asset balance relates to net operating loss carryforwards that expire in 2032.

ESH REIT had taxable income before a REIT distribution of approximately $194.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, taxable income before a REIT distribution of approximately $192.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and a taxable loss for the year ended December 31, 2012. In 2014, ESH REIT made approximately $241.2 million in cash distributions to its shareholders, the total amount of which was considered a taxable dividend. In 2013, ESH REIT made approximately $239.8 million in distributions to its shareholders, which consisted of a cash distribution of approximately $78.4 million and a distribution of property of approximately $161.4 million. The total amount of the 2013 distributions was considered a taxable dividend. In 2012, ESH REIT distributed approximately $826.2 million to its shareholders. Approximately $45.1 million of this amount was considered a taxable dividend and the balance was considered a return of capital for tax purposes.

As of December 31, 2014, the book basis of ESH REIT’s property and equipment was approximately $79.8 million greater than the tax basis of its assets.

ESH REIT evaluates its open tax positions using the criteria established by FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” ESH REIT has concluded that it has not taken any tax positions that are not more likely than not to be sustained upon examination and has therefore not recorded any reserves for uncertain tax positions. ESH REIT’s income tax returns for the years 2011 to present are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing authorities.

Quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, noncontrolling interests consisted of all of the equity of HVM, a consolidated variable interest entity.

As discussed in Notes 1 and 2, the results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows of HVM are consolidated in ESH REIT’s accompanying consolidated financial statements through the Pre-IPO Transactions. As part of the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESA Management acquired all of the assets and assumed all of the liabilities of HVM for approximately $0.8 million; at that time, the existing management and service agreements were terminated. The following describes HVM’s financial activity prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, including activity between HVM and ESH REIT, the majority of which eliminated in consolidation.

Hotel Management Agreements with ESH REIT—On the Acquisition Date, ESH REIT’s taxable REIT subsidiaries, the Operating Lessees, executed management agreements with HVM with respect to the hotels under lease. Under the terms of these agreements, HVM provided management services to the hotels, including supervision, direction, control of the operation, and management and promotion of the hotel properties in a manner consistent with extended stay hotels of similar size, type, or usage in similar locations.

The following table sets forth a summary of the fees provided under the hotel management agreements between HVM and the Operating Lessees through the Pre-IPO Transactions:

Excluding the agreements with the U.S. 17 hotel operators assumed by ESH REIT in December 2012 (described below), under each of these agreements, HVM was also reimbursed, without markup, for costs incurred by HVM for providing services for accounting, financial analysis, operations supervision, sales, revenue management, training, technology, marketing, advertising, reservation services and travel agent commissions.

Administrative Services Agreements with ESH REIT—On the Acquisition Date, ESH REIT executed service agreements with HVM, whereby HVM provided services for certain administrative, legal, financial, accounting, and related services, including services related to property acquisitions and oversight and procurement of capital assets. Fees consisted of HVM’s cost of providing the services plus 6%. In connection with the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Corporation acquired the net assets of HVM; therefore, all of the administrative services agreements were terminated at that time.

Third Party Management Agreements—Through December 12, 2012, HVM managed 17 hotels for a third-party hotel owner-operator under a separate management agreement with each hotel. ESH REIT acquired these hotels on December 13, 2012 (see Note 4) and these management agreements were assumed by ESH REIT upon acquisition. In addition, HVM had two hotel management agreements to manage hotels owned by a third-party hotel owner-operator. ESH REIT acquired these hotels on December 31, 2013 (see Note 4).

The following tables set forth a summary of the hotel management fees, administrative services fees, general and administrative expense reimbursement fees, third party management fees and reimbursements to HVM for these activities for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands). Where appropriate, such amounts have been eliminated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information—The condensed consolidated statements of operations of HVM for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and the year ended December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

Shared Overhead Costs—Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESA Management incurs costs under a services agreement with ESH REIT and other related entities for certain overhead services performed on their behalf. The services relate to executive management (including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel), accounting, financial analysis, training and technology. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2013, ESH REIT incurred expenses of approximately $7.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to these shared costs, which are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Trademark Fees—ESH Strategies is the owner of the trademarks, “Extended Stay America,” “Crossland Economy Studios,” and “Hometown Inn” (prior to their sale on July 28, 2014) and prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, licensed the use of the trademarks to ESH REIT’s taxable REIT subsidiaries, the Operating Lessees. The agreements provided for a trademark fee of 0.3% of revenues. Trademark fees under these agreements, which are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, were approximately $3.0 million for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Working Capital—As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, ESH REIT had an outstanding net receivable of approximately $1.2 million and $25.8 million, respectively, due from the Corporation and its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2014, this amount included a receivable due from the Operating Lessees, consisting of certain disbursements made on their behalf, offset by a payable due to ESA Management, consisting of certain disbursements made on behalf of ESH REIT in the ordinary course of business. As of December 31, 2013, this amount included a receivable due from the Corporation and its subsidiaries outstanding at the time of the Pre-IPO Transactions, which accrued interest at 5.0% per annum, offset by a payable due to the Corporation and its subsidiaries, consisting of certain disbursements made by ESA Management on behalf of ESH REIT in the ordinary course of business, which originated subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions. All outstanding balances are repaid within 60 days.

Operating Leases—ESH REIT recognizes fixed rental revenue with respect to the operating leases on a straight-line basis. Fixed rental revenues of approximately $494.0 million and $67.2 million were recognized for the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2013, respectively. Approximately $30.9 million and $3.6 million is recorded as deferred rent receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Deferred rent receivable is expected to be received in cash by October 2018.

ESH REIT also recognized approximately $190.2 million and $4.7 million of percentage rental revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2013, respectively. Approximately $2.0 million and $1.0 million of percentage rent was outstanding and included as rent receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, because all percentage rental revenue thresholds had been achieved for the year, no unearned contingent rental revenue existed.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, ESH REIT recorded unearned rental revenue related to prepaid fixed rents of approximately $28.1 million and $38.8 million, respectively, which related to January 2015 and January 2014 fixed rent payments, respectively.

Distributions—Subsequent to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Corporation owns all of the Class A common stock of ESH REIT, which represents approximately 55% of the outstanding shares of common stock of ESH REIT. Therefore, approximately 55% of ESH REIT’s distributions are paid to the Corporation. Distributions of approximately $132.7 million were made from ESH REIT to the Corporation in respect of the Class A common stock of ESH REIT for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Other—In 2013, an affiliate of ESH REIT’s Sponsors purchased approximately 794,000 Paired Shares as an underwriter in connection with the Offering and earned approximately $1.0 million in fees related to the transaction.

Investment funds of the Sponsors held approximately $37.2 million of the 2012 Mezzanine Loans as of December 31, 2013.

Lease Commitments—ESH REIT is a tenant under long-term ground leases at four of its hotel properties. The initial terms of the ground lease agreements terminate at various dates between 2016 and 2096, and most leases include multiple renewal options for generally five or 10 year periods. Ground lease expense is included in hotel operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, HVM executed a lease for office space in Charlotte, North Carolina, in conjunction with the relocation of its corporate headquarters (see Note 13.) The lease was assumed by ESA Management as part of the Pre-IPO Transactions. The lease is an operating lease with an initial term through August 2021. Office lease expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for periods through the Pre-IPO Transactions, due to the fact that HVM was a consolidated variable interest entity.

Rent expense on office and ground leases is recognized on a straight-line basis and was approximately $1.6 million, $3.0 million and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under operating leases as of December 31, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):

Other Commitments—ESH REIT has a commitment to make quarterly payments in lieu of taxes to the owner of the land on which one of its properties is located. The initial term of the agreement terminates in 2031. The cost related to this commitment was approximately $0.3 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and is included in hotel operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Legal Contingencies—ESH REIT is not a party to any litigation or claims other than routine matters arising in the ordinary course of business that are incidental to the operation of the business of ESH REIT. ESH REIT believes that the results of all claims and litigation, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on its business or consolidated financial statements.

Purchase Commitments—As of December 31, 2014, ESH REIT had purchase commitments related to certain continuing renovations to its hotel properties of approximately $1.6 million, which are expected to be paid within one year.

In 2013, prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, the Operating Lessees and HVM initiated an operations restructuring which changed certain aspects of the Operating Lessees’ property staffing model. In 2011, ESH REIT and HVM initiated a corporate restructuring that included, among other things, the relocation of the corporate headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina. The corporate relocation was completed during the first half of 2012. Total expenses incurred during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, were approximately $0.6 million and $5.8 million, respectively, and consisted of the following (in thousands):

Amounts accrued and paid related to the operations and corporate restructurings during the year ended December 31, 2013, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

The Corporation and ESH REIT each maintain a long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) under which the Corporation and ESH REIT may issue to eligible employees or directors restricted stock (i.e., Paired Share) awards, restricted stock units or other equity-based awards. The aggregate number of Paired Shares that may be made as awards under the LTIP’s shall not exceed 8.0 million, no more of which 4.0 million may be granted as incentive stock options. Each of the Corporation’s and ESH REIT’s LTIP has a share reserve of an equivalent number of shares of Corporation common stock and Class B common stock of ESH REIT, respectively. Prior to the Pre-IPO Transactions, HVM maintained a management incentive plan which provided for HVM employees and members of Holdings’ and Strategies Holdings’ boards of managers awards of restricted limited liability interests (“Profit Units”) in Holdings and Strategies Holdings.

On November 12, 2013, holders of outstanding Profit Units received an aggregate distribution of cash of approximately $2.4 million from Holdings and all remaining outstanding Profit Units were converted into restricted stock awards. 80% of the restricted stock awards received in respect of the Profit Units were received with the same vesting schedules as the Profit Units and at their fair values. 20% of the restricted stock awards received in respect of the Profit Units were received with acceleration to their existing vesting schedules. As a result of this acceleration, ESH REIT incurred additional compensation cost of approximately $2.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Subsequent to the Offering, the fair value of equity-based awards on the date of grant is based on the closing price of a Paired Share on the date of grant. A portion of the grant date fair value is allocated to a share of common stock of the Corporation and a portion is allocated to a share of Class B common stock of ESH REIT. ESH REIT will have to pay more or less for a share of the Corporation common stock than it would have otherwise paid at the time of grant as the result of regular market changes in the value of a Paired Share between the time of grant and the time of settlement.

Although share-based compensation expense is recognized based on the closing price of a Paired Share on the grant date, the expense related to the portion of the grant date fair value with respect to a share of common stock of the Corporation is recorded as a payable due to the Corporation. Expense related to the portion of the grant date fair value with respect to a share of Class B common stock of ESH REIT is recorded as an increase to additional paid in capital within ESH REIT’s consolidated shareholders’ equity. An increase in the value allocated to a share of common stock of the Corporation due to market changes in the value of a Paired Share between the time of grant and the time of settlement is recorded as a distribution to the Corporation. A decrease in the value allocated to a share of common stock of the Corporation due to market changes in the value of a Paired Share between the time of grant and the time of settlement is recorded as additional paid in capital from the Corporation.

The Corporation accounts for awards issued under its LTIP in a manner similar to that of ESH REIT. For all LTIP awards granted by the Corporation after the Pre-IPO Transactions, ESH REIT will receive compensation

for the fair value of the Class B shares on the date of issuance of such Class B shares by ESH REIT. As prescribed by the services agreement described in Note 11, ESH REIT and its subsidiaries reimburse the Corporation for expenses related to applicable employees or directors that participate in the Corporation’s LTIP. Such charges are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Prior to the Offering, the fair value of equity-based awards on the date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes Merton model, using various assumptions regarding (a) the expected holding period, (b) the risk-free rate of return, (c) expected dividend yield on the underlying units, (d) the expected volatility in the fair value of ESH REIT’s and ESH Strategies’ equity, and (e) a discount for lack of marketability, and was calculated based on the grant agreement terms, which included thresholds for internal rate of return and recovery of Holdings’ and Strategies Holdings’ members’ initial equity investments.

The expected holding period represented the period of time that the Profit Units were expected to be outstanding. The units were assumed to remain outstanding until ESH REIT and ESH Strategies experienced a change in control of ownership or an initial public offering. The risk-free rate of return for periods approximating the expected holding period of the units was based on the U.S. constant maturity treasuries yield in effect at the grant date. A dividend yield was assumed based on ESH REIT’s and ESH Strategies’ historical dividend rate. Because ESH REIT’s and ESH Strategies’ equity was privately held and was not traded in an active market, ESH REIT and ESH Strategies used the historical volatility of the share values of publicly traded companies within similar industries as ESH REIT and ESH Strategies as a surrogate for the expected volatility of equity. The discount for lack of marketability was calculated for each expected holding period using a put-option Black-Scholes Merton model. The key assumptions used for the period from January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and the year ended December 31, 2012 were as follows:

Equity-based compensation cost is recognized by amortizing the grant-date fair value of the equity-based awards, less estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of each award. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, approximately $2.0 million (which includes approximately $1.3 million paid or due to the Corporation), $6.6 million (which includes approximately $0.1 million paid to the Corporation), and $6.4 million, respectively, of compensation cost was recognized of which approximately $2.0 million, $6.6 million, and $4.4 million, respectively, is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately $2.0 million of compensation cost is included in restructuring expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations, as this cost related to an executive separation payment as a result of ESH REIT’s and HVM’s restructuring (see Note 13).

As of December 31, 2014, there was approximately $1.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding equity-based awards, which is expected to be recognized subsequent to December 31, 2014 over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.0 years. Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for actual forfeitures.

For the period from the Pre-IPO Transactions through December 31, 2014, the Corporation issued a total of 482,533 restricted stock (i.e., Paired Share) units, of which 11,218 were forfeited or settled, under which ESH REIT is a counterparty and will issue, and be compensated in cash for, 471,315 shares of Class B common stock of ESH REIT in future periods.

HVM had a savings plan that qualified under Section 401(k) of the Code for all employees meeting the eligibility requirements of the plan, and the plan was transferred to ESA Management as part of the Pre-IPO Transactions. The plan has an employer-matching contribution of 50% of the first 6% of an employee’s contribution, which vests over an employee’s initial five-year service period. The plan also provides for contributions up to 100% of eligible employee pretax salary, subject to the Code’s annual deferral limit of $17,500 and $17,000 during 2013 and 2012, respectively. Employer contributions, net of forfeitures, totaled approximately $1.3 million and $0.9 million for the period January 1, 2013 through the Pre-IPO Transactions and the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively.

Extended Stay America, Inc. and Subsidiaries and ESH Hospitality, Inc. and Subsidiaries