In fiscal 2022, we formed eight privately-held limited liability companies (each, a “Member LLC” and collectively, the “Member LLCs” or the “consolidated variable interest entities”) for real estate development activities related to our Gallery transformation and global expansion strategies. We hold a 50 percent membership interest in seven of the Member LLCs, and the remaining noncontrolling interest of 50 percent in each Member LLC is held by a third-party real estate development partner affiliated with the managing member of the Aspen LLCs (as defined in “Equity Method Investments” below). In one Member LLC we hold approximately 75 percent membership interest with the remaining noncontrolling interest of approximately 25 percent held in the same way by a real estate development partner affiliated with the managing member of the Aspen LLCs.

The Member LLCs are qualitatively determined to be VIEs due to their having insufficient equity investment at risk to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support. Upon the formation of each Member LLC we determined that the power to direct the most significant activities of each Member LLC is either controlled by us or shared between the members of the Member LLCs. In the instances where there is shared power among related parties as defined in the consolidation accounting guidance, we evaluated the related-party tiebreaker guidance and determined that we are most closely associated with each Member LLC. Accordingly, we are the primary beneficiary of the Member LLCs and we consolidate the results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of the Member LLCs in our consolidated financial statements.

We measure the noncontrolling interests in the consolidated variable interest entities using the distribution provisions set out in the operating agreements of each Member LLC. As of April 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023, the noncontrolling interest holders had no claim to the net assets of each Member LLC based upon such distribution provisions. Accordingly, we did not recognize any noncontrolling interests as of April 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023.

The carrying amounts and classification of the VIEs’ assets and liabilities included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

(1)	Restricted cash deposits are held in escrow for one Member LLC and represent a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the Promissory Note (defined below) that are required to be used for tenant allowances specified in a lease agreement between us and the Member LLC.

(2)	Includes $140 million and $125 million of construction in progress as of April 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023, respectively.

(3)	Real estate loans are secured by the assets of each respective Member LLC and the associated creditors do not have recourse against RH’s general assets.

On August 3, 2022, a Member LLC as the borrower executed a Secured Promissory Note (the “Secured Promissory Note”) with a third-party in an aggregate principal amount equal to $2.0 million with a maturity date of August 1, 2032. The Secured Promissory Note bears interest at a fixed rate per annum equal to 6.00%.

On September 9, 2022, a Member LLC as the borrower executed a Promissory Note (the “Promissory Note”) with a third-party bank in an aggregate principal amount equal to $16 million with a maturity date of September 9, 2032. The Promissory Note bears interest at a fixed rate per annum equal to 5.37% until September 15, 2027, on which date the interest rate will reset based on the five-year treasury rate plus 2.00%, subject to a total interest rate 3.00% floor.

Equity Method Investments

Equity method investments represent our membership interests in three privately-held limited liability companies in Aspen, Colorado (each, an “Aspen LLC” and collectively, the “Aspen LLCs” or the “equity method investments”) that were formed for the purpose of acquiring, developing, operating and selling certain real estate projects in Aspen, Colorado. We hold a 50 percent membership interest in two of the Aspen LLCs and a 70 percent membership interest in the third Aspen LLC. The Aspen LLCs are VIEs, however, we are not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs because we do not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. Accordingly, we account for these investments using the equity method of accounting.

We have previously made contractually required contributions to the Aspen LLCs in an aggregate amount of $105 million in prior periods. In February 2023, we elected to make equity contributions to two of the Aspen LLCs totaling $31 million whereby such funding was used to repay a portion of third-party debt secured by certain real estate assets held by the Aspen LLCs. In April 2023, we made an additional equity contribution to one Aspen LLC of $1.8 million whereby such funding was used in connection with the acquisition of additional real estate assets. Inclusive of the equity contributions made during the three months ended April 29, 2023, we have made in excess of $135 million in capital contributions to the Aspen LLCs. Our maximum exposure to loss with respect to these equity method investments is the carrying value of the equity method investments as of April 29, 2023.

During the three months ended April 29, 2023 and April 30, 2022, we did not receive any distributions or have any undistributed earnings of equity method investments.