Skip to main content Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv British Airways owner IAG beats annual profit estimates February 27, 20267:09 AM UTCUpdated ago By Reuters A scale model of an aircraft with British Airways livery is seen at the British Airways headquarters and IAG head office in Harmondsworth, London, Britain, March 13, 2025. REUTERS/Toby... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more Feb 26 (Reuters) - British Airways owner IAG (ICAG ...

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Hotels and Motels industry is currently facing challenges due to rising costs, demand fluctuations, and competitive pressures, but companies are pursuing growth strategies to enhance their market position [1]. Industry Overview - The Zacks Hotels and Motels industry includes companies that own, lease, manage, develop, and franchise hotels, as well as those involved in vacation ownership and exchange [2]. Trends Impacting the Industry - **Margin Pressure**: Operating costs, particularly labor, are significantly impacting profitability, with staffing shortages leading to increased wages and reliance on third-party staffing [3]. - **Rising Expenses**: Hotels are experiencing higher costs for property maintenance, insurance, and energy, while demand normalization has weakened pricing power, further squeezing margins [4]. - **Economic Challenges**: The U.S. economy is presenting headwinds, with inflation, high interest rates, and reduced consumer confidence affecting discretionary spending and corporate travel budgets [5]. Future Outlook - **Gradual Improvement**: Projections indicate that U.S. hotel performance may stabilize and improve starting in 2026, with average daily rates expected to rise by about 1% and revenue per available room (RevPAR) anticipated to increase by 0.6% [6][7]. - **Digitalization**: Hotel owners are leveraging digital tools to enhance guest experiences and optimize pricing, which is expected to help capture additional market share [8]. Industry Performance - **Zacks Industry Rank**: The Zacks Hotels and Motels industry currently holds a rank of 179, placing it in the bottom 26% of 243 Zacks industries, indicating a negative earnings outlook [9][10]. - **Stock Market Performance**: Over the past year, the industry has underperformed the S&P 500, gaining only 1.9% compared to the S&P 500's 18.5% increase [12]. Valuation Metrics - The industry is trading at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA of 16.81X, compared to the S&P 500's 17.58X, indicating a relatively lower valuation [15]. Company Highlights - **Marriott International**: Benefiting from a 1.9% year-over-year increase in RevPAR and strong growth in international markets, with a focus on strategic growth through conversions and new openings [17]. The consensus estimate for Marriott's 2026 earnings indicates a 16.4% increase [18]. - **Hilton Worldwide**: Experiencing strong net unit growth and steady demand, with a forecast of low single-digit RevPAR growth in the EMEA region [21]. The consensus estimate for Hilton's 2026 EPS suggests a 12.5% growth [22]. - **Hyatt Hotels Corporation**: Capitalizing on strong leisure travel demand and RevPAR gains, with a focus on unit expansion and an asset-light model [25]. The consensus estimate for Hyatt's 2026 earnings indicates a significant 47.5% growth [26].

Since the Justice Department released the latest tranche of Jeffrey Epstein’s emails, a number of political and business leaders have come under renewed scrutiny for maintaining contact with him long after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. From the arrest of a former royal to billionaires, diplomats, and academics stepping away from public roles, here are the most significant figures facing fallout.Prince AndrewBritish police on Thursday arrested the king’s younger brother, forme ...

Core Insights - Alila Mayakoba, the first Alila property in Latin America, celebrates its opening as part of Mayakoba's 20th anniversary, emphasizing eco-conscious luxury and cultural immersion [1][15] - The resort spans 60 acres and features 182 accommodations, including suites and villas, designed to blend indoor and outdoor experiences [2][3] - Alila Mayakoba offers a unique wellness philosophy rooted in Mayan traditions, providing guests with culturally significant experiences and rituals [6][9] Company Overview - RLH Properties, the owner group behind Mayakoba, focuses on developing luxury and ultra-luxury destinations, emphasizing eco-consciousness and cultural relevance [1][23] - The company aims to enhance its luxury footprint in Mexico through strategic partnerships and unique experiences [15][24] Resort Features - Alila Mayakoba includes six dining venues, a spa guided by Mayan traditions, and various wellness experiences designed to connect guests with the local culture [2][11] - The design incorporates local materials and reflects the natural surroundings, creating a harmonious atmosphere [4][5] Wellness and Cultural Experiences - The resort's wellness offerings include rituals like the Ixchel Water Blessing and Earth and Clay, which are designed to promote self-acceptance and connection to nature [7][8] - Alila Moments are immersive experiences that engage guests with Mayan cosmology and local traditions, enhancing their stay [9][10] Dining Options - Dining at Alila Mayakoba features a range of culinary experiences that highlight local ingredients and regional traditions, catering to diverse guest preferences [11][13] - Signature dining venues include Casa Amate, Chef's Atelier, and Ninguno Taqueria, each offering unique atmospheres and menus [13][14] Development and Future Plans - Alila Mayakoba is part of a broader strategy to develop luxury properties in high-demand areas, with a focus on sustainability and cultural immersion [15][24] - The resort is positioned to attract both leisure and wellness-focused travelers, enhancing the overall appeal of the Mayakoba destination [21][22]

The World Economic Forum (WEF) quietly launched an independent review earlier this month into its CEO, Børge Brende, over his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, Bloomberg reports.Files released by the Department of Justice show Epstein and Brende had three dinners in 2018 and 2019, and exchanged various text messages. One dinner occurred in September 2018, more than a decade after Epstein's 2008 conviction and guilty plea in Florida for procuring a child for prostitution, and another on June 13, 2019, ...

Core Viewpoint - Thomas Pritzker, the executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels, is stepping down due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, as revealed in documents from an ongoing investigation into Epstein's ties with influential figures [1] Group 1: Leadership Changes - Pritzker has expressed deep regret over his association with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, acknowledging poor judgment in maintaining contact with them [1] - His retirement is effective immediately, and Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian will take over as chairman [1] Group 2: Background and Context - Pritzker's connections to Epstein included numerous emails discussing dinner meetings and invitations, which continued even after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl [1] - Epstein's death by suicide in 2019 has not diminished the network's desire to remain connected to him [1]

Core Viewpoint - Thomas Pritzker, the executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels, expressed deep regret over his contacts with the late Jeffrey Epstein [1] Group 1 - Thomas Pritzker is 75 years old and holds the position of executive chairman at Hyatt Hotels [1]

Hyatt Executive Chairman Tom Pritzker said he’s retiring from his position at the company and won’t stand for reelection to its board, citing an association with the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. https://t.co/OJmQDIl7AX📷: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images https://t.co/xrt4UU0a72 ...

Thomas Pritzker is stepping down as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, saying that he "exercised terrible judgment" in maintaining contact with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The 75-year-old billionaire said he is retiring effective immediately and will not seek reelection to Hyatt's board at its 2026 annual meeting, the company said on Monday.The decision comes amid renewed scrutiny of prominent business leaders over past ties to Epstein, years after the financier's 2019 death in fede ...

Core Viewpoint - Thomas Pritzker, the executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corp., announced his immediate retirement and severed ties with Jeffrey Epstein, expressing regret over his past connections [2][4]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Pritzker has held the position of executive chairman for over two decades and will not seek reelection to the board at the upcoming annual stockholder meeting [2]. - Following Pritzker's retirement, CEO Mark Hoplamazian has been appointed as the new chair of the board [6]. Group 2: Connections to Epstein - Pritzker acknowledged exercising "terrible judgment" in maintaining contact with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, condemning their actions and expressing sorrow for the harm caused to victims [4]. - Recent disclosures have revealed that Pritzker and Epstein exchanged friendly emails after Epstein's 2008 plea deal, although being part of the released documents does not imply wrongdoing [3]. Group 3: Industry Context - Pritzker's resignation is part of a broader trend of high-profile resignations linked to Epstein, with other business leaders like Kathryn Ruemmler and Brad Karp also stepping down due to their connections to him [5].