Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) is one of the most undervalued travel stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On February 3, JPMorgan lifted the price target on Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) to $102 from $95 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm adjusted price targets in the lodging group as part of a fiscal Q4 preview, and told investors in a research note that investor expectations “appear reasonably set” with the U.S. lodging sector exhibiting mixed trend ...

Key Takeaways Choice Hotels expands Everhome Suites to 27 U.S. properties, a key milestone for its extended-stay brand.CHH says extended stay is a priority, with a redesigned, cost-efficient Everhome prototype shaped by input.Choice Hotels' Everhome growth is fueled by Highside Companies, with new properties opened in New Jersey.Choice Hotels International, Inc. (CHH) continues to strengthen its position in the global hospitality market by accelerating the expansion of Everhome Suites, its premier midscale ...

Sustained brand momentum underscores Choice Hotels' leadership in midscale extended stay NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Everhome Suites, the midscale extended stay brand from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors and a leader in the extended stay segment, continues to grow its national footprint with recent openings in Texas, Kentucky and New Jersey. These additions mark a significant milestone for the brand, with 27 Everhome Suites ...

Investment Philosophy - The investment approach of Van Geelen is inspired by George Soros's concept of reflexivity, emphasizing that narratives drive capital movements and can change reality [2] - Van Geelen's firm, Citrini Research, focuses on identifying stories that will influence capital flows before the market recognizes them [3][4] Performance and Strategy - Van Geelen's portfolio has increased by over 200% since May 2023, with successful trades including cheap Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) call options that yielded a 46x return [6] - He published a memo on Venezuelan sovereign bonds, predicting regime change, which materialized shortly after [7] Investment Opportunities 1. **Molina Healthcare** - Molina Healthcare operates with the lowest expense ratio in Medicaid, around 7%, and is positioned to benefit from potential margin recovery due to political gridlock [10][11] - The stock has declined by 40% over the past year, but Van Geelen projects significant earnings per share (EPS) growth based on expected margin improvements [12][14] 2. **WPP** - WPP is currently undervalued, trading at 0.2 times sales, as the market anticipates its extinction due to AI advancements [16] - The company has the potential to reduce its workforce significantly while maintaining revenue, indicating a turnaround opportunity [17] 3. **Choice Hotels** - With the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Choice Hotels is expected to benefit from increased demand for budget accommodations [18][20] - The investment thesis is based on the certainty of millions of soccer fans needing hotel rooms, making it a straightforward opportunity [19] 4. **Tax-refund Beneficiaries** - Tax refunds for Americans in early 2026 are projected to be 30% to 50% larger than normal due to changes in the tax code, benefiting middle-income households [21][22] - Companies like Somnigroup International, Whirlpool, and Lithia Motors are positioned to capitalize on increased consumer spending from these refunds [23] Market Insights - Van Geelen emphasizes the importance of recognizing current realities rather than attempting to predict future events, highlighting that the World Cup and tax code changes are already established facts [24]

Core Insights - Choice Hotels International demonstrated strong development performance in 2025, highlighting the effectiveness of its strategy and global portfolio [1][3] - The company significantly expanded its international presence and achieved record results in the extended stay segment, positioning itself for continued success in 2026 and beyond [1][4] International Growth - Choice Hotels achieved breakthrough international growth, underscoring its commitment to long-term expansion [2][3] - The company acquired the remaining 50% stake in the Choice Hotels Canada joint venture, enhancing its growth potential in the Canadian market [6] - A multi-unit agreement for six new Ascend Collection properties in Québec marks a significant step in the Canadian market [6] - In Europe, the company signed a 50-unit Quality Suites agreement in France, nearly doubling its footprint there [6] - The introduction of MainStay Suites in Australia with seven properties marks the brand's entry into the country [6] - A landmark franchise partnership in China is expected to generate over 100 Comfort and Quality hotels in the next four years [6] - The company expanded its Radisson portfolio in Latin America, entering new markets such as Argentina and Suriname [6] - Agreements for three hotels in Kenya lay the groundwork for future growth in Africa [6] Extended Stay Segment - Choice Hotels' extended stay platform had its strongest year on record, with 66 new domestic extended stay hotels opened in 2025 [4] - The company signed 93 franchise agreements across its four extended stay brands, with WoodSpring Suites leading with 50 contracts [4] - The segment's performance was bolstered by a successful marketing campaign, "Stay in Your Rhythm," which unified the brands under a single value proposition [4] Upscale Portfolio - The upscale brands of Choice Hotels showed steady growth with 27 new domestic hotels opened in 2025 [5] - The domestic upscale pipeline grew to 133 hotels, with expected increases in 2026 [5] - Key initiatives were launched to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency, including a refreshed Ascend Collection identity and new amenities solutions [5] Core Brands Development - The core brands of Choice Hotels awarded 247 U.S. franchise agreements, reflecting strong demand from franchisees [7] - Country Inn & Suites saw a 50% increase in U.S. franchise agreements compared to 2024, while Quality Inn experienced double-digit growth with 57 agreements [7] - Major brand initiatives were advanced, including refreshed identities and a new coffee experience rollout across more than 2,000 hotels expected by mid-2026 [7]

As travelers increasingly prioritize experiences over things, value has taken on a new meaning. Today's consumers want to stretch their travel dollars further by unlocking more: more trips, more experiences, and more memories. The campaign taps into this shift, reframing value and showing how Choice Hotels continues to help guests get more out of every stay. This year's campaign highlights Choice Hotels brands that define value today, from the familiarity and ease of Comfort Hotels to the elevated design an ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of heavily shorted stocks, highlighting the reasons traders engage in short selling and the potential for short squeezes to create significant price movements in the market [2][3][4]. Group 1: Reasons for Heavy Shorting - Stocks become heavily shorted when experienced traders and institutional investors believe the company is fundamentally overvalued, anticipating a decline in its price [2]. - High short interest indicates a strong conviction among professional traders that the company faces serious risks [2]. Group 2: Short Squeeze Dynamics - Bullish traders, often retail investors, see high short interest as an opportunity for rapid gains through a short squeeze, which occurs when rising stock prices force short sellers to buy back shares, creating a feedback loop that drives prices even higher [3][4]. - The volatility associated with short squeezes can lead to returns that significantly exceed typical stock movements in a short time frame [4]. Group 3: Most Shorted Stocks - As of January 16, 2026, the top 10 most shorted stocks include: - Choice Hotels International, Inc. (CHH) with a short interest of 56.33% - Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) at 54.45% - Avis Budget Group, Inc. (CAR) at 52.38% - Other notable companies include PureCycle Technologies, Inc. (PCT), Under Armour, Inc. (UAA), and Revolve Group, Inc. (RVLV) with short interests ranging from 39.22% to 41.89% [5][6][7].

Core Insights - Choice Hotels International, Inc. (CHH) is expanding its global presence in the hospitality sector with plans to open six new upscale properties under the Ascend Collection brand in Québec by early 2026, leading to a 5.3% increase in shares during trading hours following the announcement [1][9]. Expansion Initiatives - The expansion is a significant initiative post-consolidation, demonstrating the company's commitment to enhancing its upscale offerings in high-demand destinations, particularly in Montréal and key resort areas [2]. - This initiative establishes a foundation for further growth across Canada, positioning the region as a long-term growth driver and a source of revenue diversification [3]. Market Performance - The expansion is supported by strong market performance, with a 7% year-over-year increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) in Canada during Q3 2025, and the new properties will increase the Ascend Collection's footprint in Canada by approximately 20% [4][9]. Property Portfolio - The six new properties will feature a diverse portfolio of around 650 rooms, including urban hotels with luxury amenities, family-oriented resorts, and boutique mountain resorts with extensive recreational facilities [5]. International Growth Strategy - Beyond Canada, Choice Hotels is pursuing aggressive growth in EMEA, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, with strong momentum in France, Spain, China, and Australia, aiming to double international adjusted EBITDA by 2027 [6]. - In the U.S., growth is primarily driven by brand conversions, allowing for capital-efficient expansion while minimizing new construction risks, particularly through extended-stay brands [7]. Stock Performance - CHH shares have increased by 23.4% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks Hotels and Motels industry's growth of 9.8%, positioning the company to benefit from ongoing unit expansion and franchising initiatives [8].

With its continued expectation of achieving high single-digit international room growth this year, Choice Hotels remains confident in the accelerated expansion of its international portfolio, which now exceeds 150,000 rooms outside the U.S. Additional achievements for its international portfolio in the last year include: Hotel Brossard, Brossard – Just minutes from downtown Montréal, this 139-room property offers suites with European chateau-inspired décor. Select accommodations include in-room fireplaces. ...

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly focusing on heavily shorted stocks, either to capitalize on further declines in value or to benefit from potential short squeezes [1][3]. Group 1: Characteristics of Heavily Shorted Stocks - A stock is considered "heavily shorted" when a significant number of traders and institutional investors believe it is fundamentally overvalued, leading to expectations of a price decline [2]. - High short interest often indicates a strong conviction among professional traders that the company faces serious risks, while retail traders may see it as an opportunity for rapid gains through a short squeeze [3]. Group 2: Short Squeeze Dynamics - A short squeeze occurs when a stock's price unexpectedly rises, forcing short sellers to buy back shares to cover their positions, which creates a spike in demand and further drives up the price [4]. - The volatility associated with a short squeeze can result in returns that significantly exceed typical stock movements within a short time frame [4]. Group 3: Most Heavily Shorted Stocks - As of December 29, the following stocks are the most heavily shorted, with market caps above $2 billion and free floats above 5 million: - Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:LCID) - 54.51% - Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) - 50.20% - Avis Budget Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:CAR) - 48.80% - Revolve Group, Inc. (NYSE:RVLV) - 43.14% - Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW) - 37.13% - MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MARA) - 36.23% - Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:HIMS) - 35.22% - TransMedics Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMDX) - 35.11% - Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS) - 34.27% - Northern Oil & Gas, Inc. (NYSE:NOG) - 33.27% [5][6].