Core Insights - The article identifies the worst-performing stocks in May, highlighting the importance for traders to avoid potential downfalls [1] Group 1: Underperforming Stocks - Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ:MAR) has historically averaged a 2.6% loss in May, with only one gain in the last decade [2][3] - Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:WBA) has an average loss of 3.9% for May, with only two positive months out of ten [2][3] - The list includes 25 S&P 500 stocks that have underperformed in May over the past ten years [1] Group 2: Performance Data - MAR's average return in May is -1.62% with a median return of -2.57%, and it has a 10% chance of a positive return [3] - WBA's average return is -3.99% with a median return of -2.37%, showing a 20% chance of a positive return [3] - Other notable underperformers include APA (average return -4.98%), TSN (average return -3.59%), and DIS (average return -3.07%) [3] Group 3: Recent Stock Performance - MAR is currently trading at $248.70, down 0.3%, and has seen a 10.9% decline year-to-date [5] - WBA is trading flat at $10.97, with a significant year-over-year decline of 38.4% [6] - Both companies have shown disappointing post-earnings reactions, with MAR finishing lower in six of the last eight sessions following earnings reports [5]

Core Viewpoint - Marriott International, Inc. is expected to report first-quarter 2025 results on May 6, with earnings anticipated to grow 6.6% year over year, despite recent downward revisions in earnings estimates [1][2]. Financial Performance Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is $2.27, up from $2.13 in the same quarter last year [2]. - Revenue is projected at $6.27 billion, reflecting a 5% increase compared to the prior-year quarter [2]. - Total expenses are expected to reach $5.32 billion, marking a 4.3% year-over-year increase [8]. Key Growth Drivers - Revenue per available room (RevPAR) and average daily rate (ADR) are anticipated to increase, supported by strong global travel demand and expansion efforts [4][5]. - Gross fee revenues are predicted to be $1.25 billion, up 3.6% year over year [6]. - RevPAR is expected to grow 3.8% globally to $122.58 and 6% in international markets to $121.76 [6]. Digital Transformation and Customer Engagement - The company is making significant progress in its digital and technology transformation, enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience [7]. - Marriott Bonvoy app downloads increased nearly 30% year over year in 2024, indicating a growing reliance on mobile platforms [7]. Earnings Prediction - The model predicts an earnings beat for Marriott, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +0.88% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [9].

Core Viewpoint - Analysts forecast that Marriott International (MAR) will report quarterly earnings of $2.27 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 6.6%, with anticipated revenues of $6.27 billion, marking a 5% increase compared to the previous year [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.7% lower over the last 30 days, indicating a reevaluation of initial estimates by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Revenue Projections - Analysts estimate 'Revenues- Gross fee revenues' will reach $1.25 billion, a 3.6% increase from the year-ago quarter [5]. - 'Revenues- Net fee revenues' are projected at $1.23 billion, indicating a 3.4% increase from the prior-year quarter [5]. - 'Revenues- Owned, leased, and other revenue' is expected to be $363.16 million, reflecting a 1.7% increase from the previous year [6]. - 'Revenues- Franchise fees' are forecasted at $727.37 million, showing a 5.7% increase from the prior-year quarter [6]. Room Metrics - 'Rooms - Owned/Leased' is projected to reach 14,214, up from 13,111 in the same quarter last year [6]. - 'Rooms - Managed' is expected to be 587,915, compared to 566,944 a year ago [7]. - 'Rooms - Franchised' is estimated at 1,102,261, an increase from 1,049,173 in the previous year [7]. - 'Rooms - Total' is projected to reach 1,723,831, compared to 1,643,172 a year ago [8]. - 'Rooms - Franchised - Total International' is estimated at 270,179, up from 236,467 in the previous year [9]. Market Performance - Over the past month, Marriott shares have recorded returns of -1.6%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.7% change [9].

Core Insights - Marriott International has surpassed its volunteerism goal of 15 million hours served globally, achieving this milestone one year ahead of schedule, with a total of 15.6 million volunteer hours completed from 2016 to the end of 2024 [1][3] Group 1: Volunteerism and Community Engagement - The company emphasizes its commitment to community service through its sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360, which focuses on four priority areas: Nurture Our World, Sustain Responsible Operations, Empower through Opportunity, and Welcome All and Advance Human Rights [3][7] - Marriott associates have actively participated in disaster relief efforts, contributing over 1,700 hours of disaster relief work following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, and over 15,000 volunteer hours for wildfire relief in Maui, Hawaii in 2023 [4] - The "Check Out for Children" program has supported UNICEF since 1995, benefiting over 4.5 million children worldwide through donations from participating hotels [5] Group 2: Regional Initiatives - In the Asia Pacific region, Marriott hotels have rescued over 440,000 lbs. of surplus food, resulting in over 800,000 meals donated to communities in need [6] - In the Caribbean and Latin America, properties have engaged in sea turtle nesting and release programs, supporting the release of over 445,000 sea turtles since 2018 [6] - In the U.S. and Canada, local hotels have raised over $46 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals from 2016 through the end of 2024, with associates contributing nearly 25,000 volunteer hours in 2024 alone [6]

Core Viewpoint - Electrolux Group reported solid organic sales growth of 7.9% in Q1 2025, driven by North America and Latin America, while facing increased market uncertainty and adjusting its outlook for the year [4][5][6]. Financial Performance - Net sales reached SEK 32,576 million, an increase from SEK 31,077 million, with organic sales growth of 7.9% compared to a decline of 3.7% in the previous year [6]. - Operating income improved significantly to SEK 452 million, up from a loss of SEK 720 million, resulting in an operating margin of 1.4%, compared to -2.3% last year [6]. - Income for the period was SEK 42 million, a recovery from a loss of SEK 1,230 million, with earnings per share at SEK 0.16, up from -4.55 [6]. Market Environment - The market environment showed increased uncertainty, particularly in North America and Europe, where consumer confidence declined due to economic concerns and U.S. trade policy developments [4][5]. - In Latin America, consumer demand increased slightly, mainly driven by Brazil, amidst rising competitive pressure [4]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on driving profitable growth through investments in innovation and marketing, aiming for SEK 3.5-4 billion in cost savings for the full year 2025 [7]. - Cost reduction initiatives contributed SEK 1.4 billion in efficiency for the quarter, supporting improved financial performance [6][7]. Outlook - The demand outlook for home appliances is increasingly uncertain, leading to an adjustment in the market outlook for North America from "Neutral" to "Neutral to negative" for 2025 [5]. - The company expects a positive impact from volume/price/mix due to price increases aimed at offsetting tariff-related cost inflation, changing the external factors outlook from "Negative" to "Significantly negative" [5].

Company Overview - Proactive is a financial news publisher that provides fast, accessible, informative, and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience [2] - The company has a team of experienced and qualified news journalists who produce independent content [2] Market Focus - Proactive specializes in medium and small-cap markets while also covering blue-chip companies, commodities, and broader investment stories [3] - The content includes insights across various sectors such as biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto, and emerging digital and EV technologies [3] Technology Adoption - Proactive is recognized for its forward-looking approach and enthusiastic adoption of technology to enhance workflows [4] - The company utilizes automation and software tools, including generative AI, while ensuring that all content is edited and authored by humans [5]

Core Viewpoint - Marriott International has announced an agreement to acquire the lifestyle brand citizenM for $355 million, aiming to enhance its select-service and lifestyle lodging offerings globally, thereby expanding its portfolio for guests and Marriott Bonvoy members [1][4]. Company Overview - Marriott International operates over 9,300 properties across more than 30 brands in 144 countries, focusing on hotel, residential, and timeshare properties [9]. - The acquisition of citizenM is expected to strengthen Marriott's position in the valuable select-service market segment [4]. citizenM Brand Details - citizenM currently has 36 hotels with 8,544 rooms in over 20 cities, including major cities like New York, London, and Paris, with a pipeline of three hotels under construction totaling over 600 rooms expected to open by mid-2026 [2][3]. - The brand is recognized for its tech-savvy experience, efficient space usage, and focus on art and design, catering to value-conscious travelers [3]. Financial Aspects of the Acquisition - The transaction includes a potential earn-out payment of up to $110 million based on future brand growth, with stabilized fees from the citizenM portfolio anticipated to be around $30 million annually [4]. - Following the acquisition, Marriott expects a net rooms growth of approximately 5% for the full year 2025 [7]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition is seen as a pivotal step for citizenM's growth, enhancing its global reach and brand impact through Marriott's distribution capabilities [5][6]. - Marriott aims to leverage its development ecosystem and loyalty platform to significantly grow the citizenM brand post-acquisition [4].

Core Insights - Japan's hotel and lodging market is diverse, encompassing various types from budget business hotels to high-end resorts, with a total of approximately 1.5 million guest rooms as of 2024 [1] - The hotel industry in Japan is experiencing a strong recovery post-COVID-19, with domestic tourism surpassing pre-pandemic levels and international tourist arrivals expected to reach a record high in 2024 [1][2] - The average occupancy rate for Japanese hotels in the first half of 2024 is around 74.4%, with an average daily rate (ADR) of approximately $129 and revenue per available room (RevPAR) of about $96, nearing or surpassing historical records from 2019 [2] Market Overview - Japan's hotel market includes both international hotel chains and local brands, with significant growth in domestic brands like APA Hotel, which aims to expand its room count to 150,000 by 2027 [3][4] - Major international brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and IHG are expanding their presence in Japan through partnerships and management contracts with local companies [6][7] - The hotel market in key cities like Tokyo and Osaka shows strong performance, with Tokyo's hotel RevPAR reaching ¥22,900 in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 16% increase from the previous year [9][10] Investment Trends - The investment landscape in Japan's hotel sector is characterized by a mix of acquisitions of existing assets and new developments, with a notable trend of foreign capital entering the market [20][21] - The average construction cost for hotels has risen by over 25% from 2021 to 2023, leading to a preference for acquisitions and renovations over new builds [21] - Japan's hotel REITs provide liquidity and exit strategies for investors, with several REITs focusing on hotel properties showing recovery in dividends and market value post-pandemic [23][26] Future Opportunities - The influx of international tourists, particularly from neighboring countries, presents significant growth potential for the hotel industry, with the government targeting 60 million annual visitors by 2030 [33] - Major events like the 2025 Osaka World Expo are expected to drive hotel demand and occupancy rates in the region [33] - The limited supply of new hotel developments due to high land costs and regulatory constraints enhances the bargaining power of existing hotels, leading to potential price increases [34] Challenges - The hotel industry faces risks related to dependence on specific international markets, particularly China and South Korea, which could impact visitor numbers amid economic fluctuations [36] - Labor shortages and rising operational costs pose challenges for hotel management, with many establishments struggling to maintain service quality [37] - The potential for oversupply in certain markets, particularly in Osaka due to upcoming events, raises concerns about long-term sustainability post-event [38]

Core Insights - The high-end accommodation market in Qingdao is expanding rapidly, with over 20 five-star standard hotels established in the last five years, including several international brands making their debut in Shandong [1][2][3] - Major international hotel groups are increasingly opening their first locations in Qingdao, with eight out of the top ten global high-end hotel management groups choosing to establish their first hotels in the city [3][4] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Qingdao's hotel market is experiencing a surge in demand, with hotel order volumes increasing by 28% year-on-year, driven by the upcoming May Day holiday and a growing "holiday economy" [2] - The Marriott International Group has significantly expanded its presence in Qingdao, with multiple brands including St. Regis, Westin, and Le Meridien already operational, and new projects like the dual-brand Qingdao Jinmao hotels set to open soon [2][3] - The InterContinental Hotels Group has also announced the opening of its first Indigo hotel in Qingdao, emphasizing local cultural integration and unique guest experiences [3][4] Group 2: Economic and Tourism Potential - Qingdao is recognized as a city with international tourism appeal, supported by its strong economic foundation, including being one of China's major foreign trade ports and home to significant enterprises like Haier and Tsingtao Brewery [6][7] - The city is actively pursuing new industries and has been approved as a pilot city for asset investment companies, indicating a robust economic growth trajectory with a projected GDP of 16,719.46 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a 5.7% increase from the previous year [8][9] Group 3: Challenges and Opportunities - Despite the influx of international hotel brands, Qingdao's hotel market still faces challenges, with 80% of its hotels being low-end, and only 2% classified as high-end, indicating a significant imbalance in accommodation quality [10][11] - The seasonal nature of tourism in Qingdao leads to high vacancy rates during off-peak months, with summer accounting for 60% of annual tourist traffic, highlighting the need for improved year-round demand [11][12] - The local economy's reliance on traditional industries and the lack of strong private enterprises contribute to insufficient business travel demand, which is crucial for sustaining high-end hotel occupancy [12][13] Group 4: Investment Strategies - The high vacancy rate in Qingdao's office buildings, currently at 35%, presents an opportunity for converting these properties into mid-to-high-end hotels, leveraging their prime locations and existing infrastructure [14][15] - Upgrading low-efficiency assets, particularly older hotels with good locations, could meet the rising demand for quality accommodations and enhance the overall hotel market [15][16] - Redefining hotel experiences to incorporate local culture and community engagement could attract both tourists and local residents, creating a unique destination within Qingdao [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - The imposition of tariffs by the U.S. government has severely disrupted the global economy and significantly impacted the U.S. tourism market, leading to a sharp decline in stock prices of various travel-related companies [1][2][3]. Group 1: Impact on Travel Companies - Major U.S. travel companies, including Carnival Cruise and Norwegian Cruise, have seen substantial stock price declines, with Carnival down 7.94% in April and 29.77% over the past three months, while Norwegian Cruise fell 12.39% in April and 38.57% over the same period [1][2]. - The hotel industry is also heavily affected, with Marriott's stock down 7.3% in April and 20.57% over three months, and Hyatt down 12.52% in April and 31.38% over three months [1][2][3]. - U.S. airlines experienced significant stock drops, with United Airlines plummeting 15.61% and American Airlines and Delta Airlines both dropping over 10% on April 3 [2]. Group 2: Economic Pressures on the Industry - The tourism sector is facing dual pressures from rising costs and declining demand, with airlines contending with increased component and fuel costs, as well as shrinking international route demand [3]. - The tariffs have led to soaring prices for aircraft components from Boeing, increasing maintenance and upgrade costs for airlines, potentially pushing them to consider purchasing from Airbus instead [3]. - The hotel industry is also struggling with rising international procurement costs and renovation expenses due to tariffs, which compress profit margins [3]. Group 3: Changes in the Inbound Tourism Market - The tariffs have caused a significant downturn in the inbound tourism market, which has traditionally generated a substantial trade surplus for the U.S. tourism industry [4]. - The U.S. tourism industry is projected to generate approximately $1.3 trillion in revenue in 2024, supporting around 15 million jobs, but the tariffs are expected to negatively impact this revenue [4][5]. - A decline in Canadian visitors, who accounted for 20.2 million trips to the U.S. last year, could result in a loss of $2.1 billion in consumer spending and potentially lead to 14,000 job losses [5]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Market Shifts - The U.S. tourism industry is forecasted to lose $72 billion in revenue by 2025 due to a significant drop in inbound visitors, affecting hotels, airlines, and dining sectors [5]. - In light of the downturn in traditional tourist destinations, there is a shift towards more resilient regional markets, with increased travel expected in areas like Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia [5].