Core Insights - Marriott International, Inc. is a leading global hospitality company facing competition from major hotel chains like Hilton and Hyatt [1] - Barclays maintains a "Negative" grade for Marriott, with a price target increase to $276 from $274 [1][6] - Despite Barclays' cautious stance, significant institutional investments have been made in Marriott, indicating strong interest [2][3][6] Investment Activity - B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired 3,507 shares valued at approximately $958,000 during the second quarter [2] - Norges Bank made a significant investment, purchasing a new stake worth $639 million [2][6] - Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its stake in Marriott by 194.7%, now owning over 1.7 million shares valued at $407 million [3] - Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC acquired a new stake valued at approximately $266 million [3] - Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings by 16.4%, reflecting strong institutional interest [3] Stock Performance - Marriott's stock reached a new 52-week high following an upgrade by The Goldman Sachs Group, which raised its rating from neutral to buy with a price target of $345 [4][6] - On the day of the upgrade, the stock traded as high as $310.23, with over one million shares exchanged [4] - However, the stock has experienced a decline of approximately 8% over the past week [4] Revenue Outlook - Management announced at a Barclays conference that fourth-quarter revenue per available room (RevPAR) is expected to be at the lower end of their guidance range [5] - The company faces a challenging macroeconomic environment, particularly in the U.S., where RevPAR growth has slowed [5] - Despite these challenges, international markets have shown modest growth, and investors are weighing short-term weaknesses against Marriott's robust development pipeline and strong cash generation capabilities [5]

Core Insights - Pebblebrook Hotel Trust has completed the sale of the Montrose at Beverly Hills for $44.25 million, with the transaction closing on November 19, 2025 [1] - The sale price reflects an EBITDA multiple of 16.1 and a net operating income capitalization rate of 5.2%, based on a capital reserve assumption of 4% [2] - Proceeds from the sale will be used for general corporate activities, including debt repayment and share repurchases [3] Financial Performance - The company reported a 1.5% decline in same-property total revenue per available room (RevPAR) compared to Q3 2024 [4] - Occupancy increased by nearly 190 basis points, while average daily rate (ADR) decreased by 5.4% [5] - Pebblebrook expects a full-year net loss between $67.5 million and $58.5 million, with projected same-property total RevPAR growth ranging from negative 0.1% to positive 1.1% [5] Future Transactions - Pebblebrook has another hotel under contract for $72 million, with completion expected in the fourth quarter of the year, subject to standard closing requirements [3][4] - There is no guarantee that the additional sale will be finalized as anticipated [4]

Core Insights - Hyatt Hotels Corporation reported third-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate, while the top line grew year-over-year and the bottom line declined [1][4]. Financial Performance - Adjusted loss per share was 30 cents, missing the consensus estimate of 49 cents, compared to an adjusted earnings per share of 94 cents in the same quarter last year [4][10]. - Revenues reached $1.78 billion, missing the consensus mark of $1.83 billion, but increased by 9.6% year-over-year [4][10]. - Owned and Leased revenues were $429 million, up from $287 million in the prior-year quarter, while Distribution revenues declined by 13.1% year-over-year to $192 million [5]. Revenue Breakdown - Gross fees increased by 5.9% year-over-year to $283 million, with base management fees rising by 10%, incentive management fees up by 2%, and franchise and other fees advancing by 4% [6]. - Net fees for the quarter were $249 million, compared to $241 million in the prior-year quarter [7]. Operating Highlights - Adjusted EBITDA was $291 million, up 5.6% year-over-year, and increased by 10.1% after adjusting for assets sold in 2024 [8]. - Adjusted EBITDA in the Management and Franchising segment was $226 million, compared to $221 million in the prior-year quarter [9]. Balance Sheet - As of September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $749 million, down from $912 million in the previous quarter, with total liquidity at $2.2 billion [11]. - Total debt remained flat at $6 billion [11]. Business Updates - In Q3, 5,163 rooms were added to Hyatt's system, with a pipeline of approximately 141,000 rooms, reflecting a 4.4% year-over-year increase [12]. - The company anticipates net rooms growth of 6.3% to 7% year-over-year, excluding Playa [13]. 2025 Outlook - Expected adjusted general and administrative expenses for 2025 are between $446 million and $452 million, with capital expenditures anticipated at about $225 million [13]. - System-wide RevPAR is projected to rise by 2-2.5% from the 2024 level, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be in the range of $1.09-$1.11 billion [14].

Group 1 - Baron Focused Growth Fund reported a 4.83% appreciation in Q3 2025, underperforming the Russell 2500 Growth Index's 10.73% gain due to economic growth slowdown concerns affecting Consumer Discretionary stocks [1] - The fund's performance was negatively impacted by rising competitive pressures affecting the valuations of some holdings [1] Group 2 - Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) experienced a one-month return of -10.03% and a 52-week loss of 36.67%, closing at $91.50 per share with a market capitalization of $4.23 billion on November 4, 2025 [2] - The decline in Choice Hotels' shares by 15.6% during the quarter hurt the fund's performance by 44 basis points, driven by concerns over slowing revenue-per-available-room (RevPAR) growth [3] - Management is reducing exposure to RevPAR fluctuations by expanding higher-margin, non-RevPAR fee income and leveraging a 70-million-member loyalty database for partnerships [3] - The company is focusing on adding higher-revenue units at a low single-digit rate, emphasizing larger room sizes and premium royalty rates [3] - Revenue growth is expected to accelerate due to a robust pipeline of new projects and synergies from the Radisson Americas acquisition [3] - Choice Hotels has a strong balance sheet, positioning it to return capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [3]

Core Insights - Hilton reported an increase in profit and revenue for Q3 2025, with net income of $420 million and diluted EPS of $1.78, compared to $344 million and $1.38 per share in Q3 2024 [1][2] - Revenue for the quarter rose by 8.8% to $3.12 billion, while adjusted EBITDA was $976 million [2] - System-wide comparable RevPAR decreased by 1.1% on a currency neutral basis compared to Q3 2024, attributed to modest occupancy and average daily rate declines [2][4] Financial Performance - For the nine months ending September 30, 2025, system-wide comparable RevPAR increased by 0.3%, with net income at $1.16 billion and adjusted EBITDA at $2.78 billion, resulting in diluted EPS of $4.84 [3] - Hilton forecasts full year 2025 net income between $1.604 billion and $1.625 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be in the range of $3.685 billion to $3.715 billion [4] Development and Growth - Hilton approved 33,000 rooms for development in Q3 2025, increasing its global pipeline to 515,400 rooms, a 5% increase from the previous year [3] - The company added 24,800 rooms to its system, resulting in a net addition of 23,200 rooms and a 6.5% rise in net unit growth from the same point last year [4] - Hilton projects net unit growth between 6.5% and 7.0% in 2025, supported by a strong development pipeline and new brand introductions [6][7] Strategic Initiatives - Hilton opened its 9,000th property with the launch of Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort and Spa, marking nearly three hotel openings per day since August 2024 [6][7] - The introduction of a new lifestyle brand, Outset Collection by Hilton, is part of the strategy to grow its portfolio and increase market share in hotel conversions in the US [7]

Financial Performance - H1 2025 global RevPAR increased by 1.8%[15], with ADR up by 1.4%[15] and occupancy up by 0.3%pts[15] - Fee margin increased by 3.9%pts to 64.7%[15], with TTM EBITDA reaching $1.259 billion, a 10% increase[15] - Adjusted EPS increased by 19% to 242.5¢[15], and free cash flow reached $302 million[15] - The interim dividend increased by 10% to 58.6¢[15] System Growth and Development - Gross system growth increased by 7.7% YOY, and net system growth increased by 5.4% YOY[15] - A record 31.4k rooms (207 hotels) were opened in H1, a 75% increase YOY[15] - Signings reached 51.2k rooms (324 hotels), a 15% increase YOY[15] - The pipeline consists of 338k rooms (2,276 hotels), representing 34% of the current system size[16] Capital Returns - $423 million (47%) of the $900 million share buyback program has been returned, representing 2.4% of the opening share count[15] - The company expects to return >$1.1 billion in 2025, representing 5.9% of the opening market cap[15] Strategic Priorities - Loyalty enrolments increased by 22% YOY in H1[102], with ~65% of room nights booked by members[102] - Co-brand fee revenue is on track to double by 2025 and more than triple by 2028[114] Regional Performance - Americas RevPAR increased by 1.4%[184], with a fee margin of 82.7%[184] - EMEAA RevPAR increased by 4.1%[188], with a fee margin of 65.8%[188] - Greater China RevPAR decreased by 3.2%[192], with a fee margin of 57.9%[192]

Core Viewpoint - Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (HST) is expected to report second-quarter 2025 earnings on July 30, with anticipated revenue growth but a decline in adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) per share [1][6]. Financial Performance - In the previous quarter, HST reported an AFFO per share of 64 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 56 cents, reflecting a year-over-year revenue increase [2]. - Over the last four quarters, HST's AFFO per share surpassed estimates three times, with an average surprise of 6.52% [2]. Market Position and Strategy - HST has a portfolio of luxury and upper-scale hotels in prime U.S. markets and the Sunbelt region, strategically located to drive demand [2][3]. - Continuous improvement in group business has contributed to hotel revenue per available room (RevPAR) growth, which is expected to continue in Q2 [3]. Revenue and Occupancy Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HST's Q2 revenues is $1.50 billion, indicating a 2.1% increase from the previous year [5]. - The estimated RevPAR for Q2 is $232.12, up from $224.29 in the same quarter last year, while the average occupancy rate is expected to decrease to 73.9% from 74.4% [5]. Interest Expenses Impact - Interest expenses for Q2 are projected to rise by 14.7% year over year, which may negatively affect HST's performance [6][7]. - The consensus estimate for AFFO per share has been revised down to 51 cents, reflecting a 10.5% decline from the previous year [6]. Earnings Prediction Model - The quantitative model does not predict a surprise in AFFO per share for HST this quarter, with an Earnings ESP of -2.39% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [7][8].

Core Insights - Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (HLT) entered 2025 with steady momentum, driven by a diversified travel demand base, with system-wide RevPAR growing 2.5% year over year in Q1 2025 [2][9] - Group travel led RevPAR growth, increasing more than 6% year over year, while Business Transient and Leisure Transient also contributed positively [2][3] Company Performance - Business Transient's RevPAR rose 2% year over year, primarily from stable travel patterns of small and mid-sized companies, which constitute around 85% of the segment [3][9] - Leisure Transient's RevPAR increased by 1% year over year, showing robust activity early in the quarter but some slowdown later due to broader sentiment trends [3] - Hilton expects Group travel to remain the strongest segment for the remainder of 2025, supported by strong bookings and a healthy pipeline into 2026 [4][9] Industry Context - Peers such as Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) are also experiencing RevPAR growth, benefiting from strong booking trends and recovery in group and business travel [5] - Marriott reported a 5.2% rise in global RevPAR in Q1 2025, while Hyatt's RevPAR increased by 5.7%, with luxury brands driving notable gains [6][7] Financial Outlook - Hilton reaffirmed its full-year system-wide RevPAR guidance of flat to up 2% for 2025, with expectations for Group and Business Transient to lead [4] - Earnings estimates for Hilton have increased to $7.91 and $9.04 per share for 2025 and 2026, respectively, indicating year-over-year growth of 11.1% for 2025 and 14.3% for 2026 [11] - Hilton's shares have risen 29.9% in the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Hotels and Motels industry, which grew by 9% [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a comparable RevPAR of $400, reflecting a 4.2% increase year-over-year, marking the highest quarterly RevPAR in its history [7][8] - Comparable total hotel revenue increased by 4.4% year-over-year, while comparable hotel EBITDA was $70.8 million, representing a 5.3% increase [8][14] - The net loss attributable to common stockholders was $2.5 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, with AFFO per diluted share of $0.40 [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The resort portfolio reported a comparable RevPAR of $800, a 1.9% increase year-over-year, with combined comparable hotel EBITDA of $62 million, a 2% increase [9][10] - Urban hotels achieved a comparable RevPAR growth of 11.3%, with the Capitol Hilton benefiting from the presidential inauguration, showing a 19.3% year-over-year RevPAR growth [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group revenue pace for 2025 is up 7%, with continued growth projected at 10% for 2026 [11][24] - The urban portfolio's comparable total revenue increased by 10%, and comparable hotel EBITDA increased by 39% year-over-year [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company successfully extended its mortgage loan secured by the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, improving its maturity schedule and lowering the cost of capital [11][12] - The company is focused on strategic capital expenditures, anticipating spending between $75 million and $95 million in 2025 to enhance portfolio quality and brand alignment [29][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the portfolio's resilience amid economic uncertainty, noting strong booking trends and a solid balance sheet [7][30] - The company highlighted the effectiveness of its cost control initiatives, resulting in improved hotel EBITDA margins [20][40] Other Important Information - The company redeemed approximately $90 million of its non-traded preferred stock, representing about 20% of the original capital raise [13] - The company is exploring asset sales, with increased buyer activity noted in the marketplace, particularly for upper upscale assets [52][53] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any trends in group bookings regarding cancellations or macroeconomic volatility? - Management noted that while the booking window is shortening slightly, there is no significant impact on group bookings, with Q1 group revenue up 31% year-over-year [32][33] Question: What is the company's exposure to international inbound business? - The company indicated that international inbound is a small part of the portfolio, with minimal impact observed, varying by market [34][36] Question: How does the company plan to grow EBITDA margins? - Management expressed optimism about margin growth, citing aggressive cost containment measures and productivity improvements [37][40] Question: Can you provide details on the Magnificent Mile conversion? - The conversion is expected to enhance asset value and performance, with minimal CapEx planned for public and meeting space renovations [41][42] Question: What is the status of preferred stock redemptions? - The company explained that redemptions are subject to timing and the structure of the security, with holders able to redeem after three years [46][49] Question: What is the outlook for asset sales and use of proceeds? - Management reported increased buyer activity and plans to utilize proceeds for preferred equity redemptions, share buybacks, and retiring corporate convertible notes [52][54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, normalized FFO was $10.8 million or $0.07 per share, down from $0.13 per share in the prior year quarter [24] - Adjusted EBITDAre increased slightly year over year to $115.8 million [24] - Comparable hotel RevPAR grew by 2.6% year over year, with gross operating profit margin percentage declining by 330 basis points to 21.4% [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable hotel RevPAR growth was supported by occupancy and ADR gains, with a 10.6% increase in RevPAR for the select service portfolio, primarily driven by occupancy growth in Hyatt Place and Sonesta Select hotels [11][10] - Full service hotels reported a 1.9% increase in RevPAR, while extended stay portfolio RevPAR was essentially flat due to renovation impacts [10][11] - Adjusted hotel EBITDA for the hotel portfolio was $23 million, a decline of 20.5% year over year, primarily due to renovations and increased costs [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lodging portfolio experienced a softening in RevPAR as the quarter progressed, influenced by reduced government and international travel [8] - Group revenue pace increased by 6.5% year over year, indicating a positive trend despite overall market challenges [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to sell 123 hotels in 2025 with estimated proceeds of $1.1 billion to strengthen the balance sheet and reinvest in growth opportunities [9][14] - A strategic shift towards increasing net lease exposure is anticipated, with a target to adjust the investment composition from 56% lodging assets to 54% net lease properties [16] - The company aims to optimize its portfolio through asset sales and reinvestment in high-potential hotels, while gradually expanding net lease acquisitions [12][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties but expressed confidence in the resilience of the net lease portfolio and the potential for long-term value creation through portfolio optimization initiatives [16] - The company expects challenges in the travel and lodging industries to impact key segments, but anticipates a seasonal benefit in Q2 [27] Other Important Information - The company is monitoring potential impacts from tariffs on capital improvement costs and supply chain uncertainties [29] - The net lease portfolio was nearly 98% leased with a weighted average lease term of eight years, providing steady cash flow [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through the RevPAR trends in the quarter? - Management indicated that RevPAR started strong in January but showed deceleration by March, with preliminary April numbers indicating a 1% year-over-year decrease [32][33] Question: What is the impact of international and government business on demand? - Approximately 30% of the portfolio is in top markets affected by international travel, with a modest decrease in government business noted [34][35] Question: How confident is the company in completing hotel sales at the expected price? - Management expressed confidence due to a robust selection process and strong buyer interest, with transactions expected to occur in phases [36][38] Question: Will the company continue to have hotel exposure in the future? - Management confirmed that while there will be a shift towards net lease properties, the company will maintain hotel exposure to drive EBITDA [41][43] Question: What is the outlook for the Sonesta stake? - The company believes the value of its 34% stake in Sonesta will grow as Sonesta transitions to a franchise model, enhancing margins [50][51]