Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable Hotels' total revenue was $365 million for the quarter, down approximately 1% year-over-year, and $1.1 billion year-to-date, also down about 1% [23][24] - Comparable Hotels' adjusted hotel EBITDA was approximately $129 million for the quarter, down about 7% year-over-year, and $375 million year-to-date, down approximately 6% [24][32] - Comparable Hotels' RevPAR was $124, down 1.8%, with ADR at $163, down 0.6%, and occupancy at 76%, down 1.2% compared to the same quarter in 2023 [24][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Transient leisure demand remained resilient, while group business targeted by property teams helped offset slightly softer midweek business transient [6] - Weekend occupancy was strong at 81%, but weekday occupancy declined, contributing to overall portfolio occupancy declines [27] - Group business mix improved by 50 basis points to 15%, indicating a focus on maximizing revenue from this segment [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable Hotels' RevPAR declined approximately 3% in October 2025 compared to October 2024, impacted by the government shutdown [7][27] - The hotel portfolio continues to outperform the industry, with STR reporting RevPAR of $102 and average occupancy of 63% for the first nine months of the year [24] - Market performance varied significantly, with some markets showing strong RevPAR gains while others faced headwinds due to demand shifts [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on capital allocation by selectively selling assets and redeploying proceeds into share repurchases [5][10] - Future investments are being made to ensure the portfolio's continued relevance, including transitioning Marriott-managed hotels to franchise agreements [9][56] - The company aims to enhance portfolio quality and competitiveness through strategic transactions and maintaining a strong balance sheet [10][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while fundamentals remain strong, external factors like policy uncertainty and expense pressure have impacted performance [5] - The company is optimistic about pent-up demand following the government shutdown and expects to benefit from events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup [21][22] - Despite macroeconomic uncertainties, the company remains confident in its ability to navigate market conditions and drive profitability [37][38] Other Important Information - The company has completed the sale of three hotels for a total of $37 million and has four more under contract for approximately $36 million [11] - Capital expenditures for the year are expected to be between $80 and $90 million, with major renovations planned for approximately $20 million of hotels [18] - The company paid distributions totaling approximately $57 million during the third quarter, representing an annual yield of approximately 8.6% [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: How has the full-time employee count shifted over the quarter? - Management indicated that improvements in wages and payroll were largely driven by adjustments to labor in response to occupancy declines, with flexibility in FTE counts allowing for cost management [39][40] Question: How much of the guidance change is attributed to the government shutdown? - Approximately two-thirds of the guidance change is related to the government shutdown, with the remaining third attributed to fundamental performance issues [42][44] Question: What is the strategy behind the development deals versus acquisitions? - The company aims to balance short-term opportunities from asset sales and share repurchases with long-term relevance through development deals, targeting strong returns [46][48] Question: What are the expected disruptions during the transition of Marriott-managed hotels? - Management anticipates some disruption during the transition but expects to mitigate it by consolidating management and leveraging existing partnerships [61][63]

Core Insights - Apple's stock experienced a significant increase of over 24% in the third quarter, providing Berkshire Hathaway an opportunity to realize profits [1] - Berkshire Hathaway reported a reduction of approximately $1.2 billion in the cost basis of its consumer products equity holdings, primarily due to sales of Apple shares [1] Berkshire's Apple Holdings - In 2024, Berkshire Hathaway sold two-thirds of its Apple shares, a surprising move for Warren Buffett, who is known for his long-term investment strategy [2] - As of the end of June, Apple remained Berkshire's largest holding, with 280 million shares valued at $57 billion [2] Upcoming Disclosure - Investors will gain further insight into Berkshire's Apple position with the upcoming 13F filing to the SEC, which will detail stock holdings changes through September 30 [3] Reasons for Selling - Buffett indicated that the sales of Apple shares might be for tax reasons, but there are speculations that concerns over Apple's high valuation also influenced the decision [4] - The size of the Apple stake had previously grown to account for more than half of Berkshire's investment portfolio, prompting considerations for portfolio management [4] Market Positioning - Berkshire Hathaway has been a net seller of stocks for 12 consecutive quarters, accumulating over $6 billion in cash during the third quarter [5] - Buffett's valuation metric for the stock market has reached an all-time high, a level he previously described as "playing with fire" [5]

You have some interesting things to say about how to be an active investor. >> First step is to figure out what kind of loss can you live with. Second step is to take your portfolio and look at it backwards.How did that portfolio perform in Q1 2025. How about 2022. How about 2008.We're sitting with one referral young lady in her 70s. She's been to over 70 countries. I'm like, I want to follow you right wherever you go.Her account, she did not recognize was off 70% in 2008. Now, the market, as you probably r ...

Core Insights - A well-diversified portfolio should be built on a foundation of a high-quality low-cost S&P 500 fund, according to investment advice from a retired electronics engineer and investor [1] - The technology sector is recommended for overweight positions, as it is believed to be in the early stages of a long-term secular bull market [1] - Large oil and gas companies are suggested for dividend income, emphasizing strong dividend growth [1] Investment Strategy - A top-down capital allocation approach is recommended, tailored to individual investor situations such as age, risk tolerance, income, and goals [1] - Suggested investment categories include S&P 500, technology, dividend income, sector ETFs, growth, speculative growth, gold, and cash [1]

Core Insights - The "High Income DIY Portfolios" Marketplace service aims to provide high income with low risk and capital preservation for DIY investors, particularly targeting income investors such as retirees or near-retirees [1][2] - The service offers seven portfolios, including three buy-and-hold, three rotational portfolios, and a conservative NPP strategy portfolio, designed to generate stable, long-term passive income with sustainable yields [1][2] Portfolio Details - The portfolios include two High-Income portfolios, two Dividend Growth Investing (DGI) portfolios, and a conservative NPP strategy portfolio characterized by low drawdowns and high growth potential [1] - The service encompasses a total of 10 model portfolios with varying income targets and risk levels, along with buy and sell alerts and live chat support for investors [2]

Core Insights - Steven Cress is the Head of Quantitative Strategies at Seeking Alpha, managing quant ratings and factor grades for stocks and ETFs [1] - He leads Alpha Picks, a monthly selection of two attractive stocks to buy and determines when to sell them [1] Company Overview - Seeking Alpha's quantitative stock rating system, created by Steven Cress, interprets data for investors and offers insights on investment directions [2] - The platform aims to save time for users by providing a systematic stock recommendation tool designed for long-term investors [2] Professional Background - Steven Cress has over 30 years of experience in equity research, quantitative strategies, and portfolio management [2] - He previously founded CressCap Investment Research, which was acquired by Seeking Alpha in 2018, and also founded the quant hedge fund Cress Capital Management [2]

Investment Strategy - A well-diversified portfolio should be constructed with a core foundation of a high-quality low-cost S&P 500 fund [1] - For those who can tolerate short-term risks, an overweight position in the technology sector is recommended, as it is believed to be in the early stages of a long-term secular bull market [1] - Large oil and gas companies that provide strong dividend income and growth are suggested for dividend income [1] Portfolio Management - A top-down capital allocation approach is recommended, tailored to individual investor situations such as age, retirement status, risk tolerance, income, net worth, and goals [1] - Potential allocations may include categories such as S&P 500, technology, dividend income, sector ETFs, growth, speculative growth, gold, and cash [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated a record $4.8 billion in revenue for Q3 2025, with a gross profit of $803 million and a gross profit margin of 16.7% [7] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $7.17, with adjusted EBITDA at $261 million [7][15] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $140 million, excluding various non-cash impacts [15] - Same-store SG&A as a percentage of gross profit was 64.2%, indicating a focus on cost management [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store revenue for new vehicles increased by 8% year over year, with unit sales up by 7% [9] - Used vehicle unit volume decreased by 4% year over year, but used retail gross profit per unit increased to $1,551 [10] - Parts and service gross profit rose by 7% year over year, with a gross profit margin of 58.8% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced elevated consumer demand for electric vehicles (EVs), with new EV unit sales doubling compared to Q2 [9][23] - Same-store new day supply was 58 days at the end of September, indicating inventory management aligned with consumer demand [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deleveraging the balance sheet and optimizing its portfolio while being opportunistic with share repurchases [5][19] - The acquisition of the Herb Chambers Group is expected to enhance operating metrics and contribute positively to gross profits [4][24] - The company aims to continue integrating Techyon to improve operational efficiency and customer experience [4][53] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there are macroeconomic challenges, they remain optimistic about maintaining margins and performance in the luxury vehicle segment [23][46] - The company anticipates a recovery in the used vehicle market starting in 2026, with expectations for improved inventory levels [11][61] Other Important Information - The company divested four stores in July, generating annualized revenue of $300 million, as part of its disciplined portfolio management strategy [6] - The rollout of Techyon is ongoing, with expectations for efficiency gains and cost savings once fully implemented [54][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Chambers acquisition on new GPUs - Management confirmed that the Chambers acquisition will have a positive effect on new gross profits per vehicle [24] Question: Changes in TCA outlook and EPS impact - Management explained that the revised TCA outlook is primarily due to changes in the SAR assumption and the timing of rollouts [28][30] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management indicated a focus on share repurchases and debt reduction, with M&A remaining a consideration depending on market conditions [40] Question: Trends in luxury vehicle sales - Management noted that luxury vehicle sales remain strong, with no significant changes in consumer demand observed [46] Question: Marketing strategies for used vehicles - Management highlighted the use of digital platforms and service drives to acquire more used vehicles, while balancing volume and profitability [60][61]

Core Insights - The article highlights Steven Cress's role as VP of Quantitative Strategy and Market Data at Seeking Alpha, emphasizing his contributions to the platform's quantitative stock rating system and analytical tools designed to aid investors [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Overview - Seeking Alpha has developed a quantitative stock rating system that interprets data for investors, providing insights on investment directions and saving time for users [1] - The platform offers a systematic stock recommendation tool called Alpha Picks, aimed at helping long-term investors build a high-quality portfolio [1][2] Group 2: Leadership and Experience - Steven Cress has over 30 years of experience in equity research, quantitative strategies, and portfolio management, making him a knowledgeable figure in various investment topics [4] - Prior to joining Seeking Alpha, Cress founded CressCap Investment Research, which was acquired by Seeking Alpha in 2018, and he also established the quant hedge fund Cress Capital Management [3]

Market Analysis & Investment Strategies - Stocks In Translation discusses active versus passive investing strategies [1] - The podcast aims to provide information for making informed trading decisions [1] Housing Market - First-time homebuyers account for only 24% of all home purchases [1] Cryptocurrency Market - The podcast considers the possibilities of a crash in the crypto market [1] Podcast Overview - Stocks In Translation cuts through market noise to provide valuable information twice a week [1] - The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms [1] - Yahoo Finance provides resources including stock data, news, and portfolio management tools [1]