Sotherly Hotels (SOHO) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 13, 2025 10:00 AM ET Speaker0 Good morning, all, and thank you for joining us for the Suverley Hotels Q1 twenty twenty five Conference Call and Webcast. My name is Carly, and I'll be coordinating the call today. I'd now like to hand over to our host, Scott Kukinski, Chief Operating Officer of Suvley Hotels. The floor is yours. Speaker1 Thank you, and good morning, everyone. If you've not received a copy of the earnings release, you may access it on our websit ...

With thoughtfully designed spaces and guest experiences focused on connection, Crowne Plaza remains a top choice for hybrid travellers in the Middle East DUBAI, UAE, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Crowne Plaza by IHG – one of the world's largest premium hotel brands and a thought-leader in the blended travel space – has released its second white paper: Leading the Charge in Blended Travel.The report unveils a major shift since its 2022 report, driven by a new breed of companies and individuals seeking far-rea ...

Core Points - Marriott International, Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of 67 cents per share, reflecting earnings growth and strong cash generation [1] - The dividend is payable on June 30, 2025, to shareholders of record as of May 23, 2025 [1] Company Overview - Marriott International is based in Bethesda, Maryland, and operates nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 brands in 144 countries and territories [2] - The company engages in operating, franchising, and licensing various lodging properties, including hotels, residential, and timeshare [2] - Marriott offers the Marriott Bonvoy® travel platform, which is highly awarded [2]

Core Insights - Choice Hotels International, Inc. (CHH) reported first-quarter 2025 results with earnings and revenues missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate, although both metrics increased year-over-year [1][3] - The company has revised its outlook for 2025, leading to a decline in shares by 3.6% following the earnings release [1][8] Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for Q1 was $1.34, missing the consensus estimate of $1.38 by 2.9%, compared to $1.28 in the prior-year quarter [3] - Quarterly revenues were $332.9 million, falling short of the consensus mark of $347 million by 4.1%, but increased 0.3% from $331.9 million year-over-year [3] - Domestic RevPAR increased by 230 basis points year-over-year to $46.28 [3] Revenue Streams - Franchise and management fees rose 1.2% year-over-year to $145.1 million [4] - Partnership services and fees increased by 27.9% to $25.4 million, while owned hotels revenue grew 11.5% to $27.9 million [4] - Other revenues from reimbursable costs decreased by 24.4% to $11.2 million and by 4.3% to $123.4 million, respectively [4] - The system-wide effective royalty rate increased by 6 basis points year-over-year to 5.11% [4] Operating Results - Total operating expenses decreased by 6.9% year-over-year to $252.9 million [5] - Adjusted EBITDA was $129.6 million, reflecting a 4.2% year-over-year increase [5] Balance Sheet - As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $40.1 million, slightly down from $40.2 million at the end of 2024 [6] - Long-term debt increased to $1.87 billion from $1.77 billion at the end of 2024 [6] Growth Metrics - The domestic net rooms portfolio grew by 2.3% year-over-year, with upscale, extended stay, and midscale units expanding by 3.6% [7] - The global net rooms portfolio rose by 2.8% to 647,587, while the international net rooms portfolio expanded by 4.4% to 141,986 [7] - The global pipeline includes over 95,000 rooms, with approximately 79,000 in the domestic market [7] 2025 Outlook - The company anticipates adjusted net income between $324 million and $339 million, down from a previous estimate of $333 million to $345 million [8] - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to range from $615 million to $635 million, revised from $625 million to $640 million [8] - Adjusted diluted EPS is projected between $6.90 and $7.22, compared to the prior estimate of $6.98 to $7.24 [8] - Domestic RevPAR growth for 2025 is estimated to range from a decline of 1% to an increase of 1%, revised from an earlier estimate of 1% to 2% [9] - The domestic effective royalty rate is expected to increase in the mid-single digits year-over-year, with global net system room growth estimated at approximately 1% compared to 2024 levels [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported its first quarter 2025 earnings recently, indicating ongoing positive trends in financial performance [9]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specific business line performance metrics were not detailed in the provided content, but the company emphasized the integration of AI to enhance operations and guest experiences, which may impact various business lines positively [12]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific market data or key metrics changes were mentioned in the provided content. Company Strategy and Development Direction and Industry Competition - The company is focused on leveraging AI to improve operational efficiency and guest personalization while maintaining a high-touch service model [12][13]. - The board is actively overseeing technology trends, including AI, to align with strategic plans and address emerging opportunities and risks [11]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the importance of geopolitical and economic stability for business operations, emphasizing a commitment to working with government leaders for positive outcomes [14]. - The company is dedicated to combating human trafficking and has implemented extensive training programs for associates, showcasing a commitment to social responsibility [15][16]. Other Important Information - The company has not transitioned to a cashless model across its portfolio, continuing to accept various payment methods [18]. Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the board's plans for profits downstream of AI? - The board is focused on overseeing technology trends, including AI, and is optimistic about its potential to enhance business operations [11]. Question: Is democracy good for business? - Management stated that geopolitical and economic stability is beneficial for economies and the company's operations [14]. Question: What practical steps is Marriott taking to combat human trafficking? - The company has trained over 1,500,000 associates to recognize signs of human trafficking and has implemented policies for responsible sourcing [15][16]. Question: Why did Marriott go cashless? - The company clarified that it has not gone cashless and continues to accept various payment methods [18]. No further questions were submitted [19].

Core Insights - Marriott International, Inc. demonstrates resilience in performance despite macroeconomic uncertainties and changing travel perceptions [1] - The company's diversified business portfolio and improved metrics are identified as core strengths [1] - High financial leverage poses a potential concern for the company [1] Company Performance - Marriott has managed to deliver decent performance amid challenging economic conditions [1] - The company benefits from a well-diversified business model, which contributes to its stability [1] Financial Considerations - The company must remain cautious regarding its high financial leverage, which could impact future performance [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 4% year over year, reaching a record of $129.6 million [19] - Adjusted earnings per share rose by 5% year over year to a record $1.34 per share [19] - Global rooms grew by 3.9% year over year across more revenue-intensive segments [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business travel segment grew by 10% year over year, driven by group and business transient travel [6] - Extended stay portfolio increased by 19% over the past five years, now representing half of the total domestic rooms pipeline [9] - Domestic extended stay segment achieved RevPAR growth of 6.8% year over year, outperforming the industry by over four percentage points [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 40% of the overall guest mix is now business travelers, indicating a balanced approach between business and leisure travel [5] - The company captured demand across multiple regions, outperforming chain scales in domestic RevPAR performance [5] - International rooms portfolio expanded by over 4% year over year, with a 13% increase in the rooms pipeline compared to the prior quarter [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its presence in the extended stay and upscale limited service segments, which are key drivers of future growth [14] - Strategic investments in technology and franchisee tools are enhancing the value proposition for franchise owners [13] - The company aims to leverage its diversified brand portfolio to capture market share during economic uncertainty [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook despite increased macroeconomic uncertainty, citing strong demand from business travelers and infrastructure investments [6][7] - The company anticipates domestic RevPAR performance to be flat to slightly positive for the remainder of the year, adjusting expectations due to recent trends [27][29] - Management highlighted the resilience of the business model and the ability to generate multiple avenues of growth throughout various economic cycles [18][30] Other Important Information - The rewards program expanded to over 70 million members, an 8% year over year increase, contributing to higher direct bookings [10] - The company returned $115 million to shareholders year to date through dividends and share repurchases [25] - The effective royalty rate for the domestic system increased by eight basis points year over year, indicating a positive trend in revenue growth [24] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: What is the company's perspective on consumer behavior and macroeconomic conditions? - Management noted that the company is well-positioned for trade down scenarios, with a higher income consumer profile and strong business travel demand [34][36] Question: Can you elaborate on organic growth expectations moving forward? - Management expressed confidence in achieving about 1% worldwide rooms growth, with international growth expected in the high single digits [37][38] Question: How does the company view the performance of leisure and group business in April? - Management indicated that April's performance was impacted by the Easter shift and eclipse-related travel, making it challenging to draw specific conclusions about leisure travel [90][91] Question: What are the expectations for ancillary fee growth? - Management believes that ancillary fees can continue to grow at an accelerated pace, potentially outpacing core franchising royalty fees [46] Question: What insights were gained from the recent franchisee convention? - Franchisees expressed optimism about their performance relative to peers, attributing success to recent investments in loyalty programs and technology [50][52]

Financial Performance - Choice Hotels reported revenue of $332.86 million for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a 0.3% increase year-over-year [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.34, up from $1.28 in the same quarter last year [1] - The reported revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $347.14 million, resulting in a surprise of -4.11% [1] - The EPS also missed the consensus estimate of $1.38, with a surprise of -2.90% [1] Key Metrics - RevPAR growth was 2.3%, exceeding the average estimate of 0.5% based on two analysts [4] - Average Daily Rate (ADR) was $90.78, higher than the two-analyst average estimate of $89.17 [4] - Total franchise rooms reached 647,587, surpassing the estimated 645,219 by two analysts [4] - Occupancy rate was 51%, slightly below the average estimate of 51.2% [4] - Domestic franchise rooms totaled 505,601, compared to the average estimate of 512,189 [4] - RevPAR was reported at $46.28, above the average estimate of $45.68 [4] - Revenues from owned hotels were $27.86 million, exceeding the four-analyst average estimate of $26.46 million, representing a year-over-year change of +11.5% [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Choice Hotels have returned -2.4% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by +11.3% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Choice Hotels (CHH) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.34 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.38 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.28 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -2.90%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this hotel franchiser would post earnings of $1.50 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.55, delivering a surprise of 3.33%.Over the last four quarters, the com ...

Core Insights - Choice Hotels International reported a record financial performance for Q1 2025, demonstrating effective execution of its growth strategy and outperforming peers in the market [3][4][7] Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were $333 million, slightly up from $332 million in Q1 2024 [4] - Net income increased by 44% to $45 million, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) rising to $0.94, a 52% increase year-over-year [7] - Adjusted EBITDA reached a record $130 million, up 4% from $124 million in Q1 2024 [7] - Revenue excluding reimbursable costs was $209 million, compared to $203 million in the previous year [4] System Size and Development - The global net rooms system size grew by 2.8% to 647,587 rooms, with a 3.9% increase in the revenue-intense portfolio [5][7] - Domestic rooms increased by 2.3% to 505,601, while international rooms grew by 4.4% to 141,986 [5] - The domestic extended stay segment saw a significant 10.8% increase in net rooms compared to the previous year [7] Revenue Metrics - Domestic revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased by 2.3%, outperforming the chain scales by 60 basis points [7] - The extended stay portfolio's RevPAR rose by 6.8%, exceeding industry performance by 410 basis points [7] - Average daily rate (ADR) grew by 1.7%, with occupancy levels increasing by 30 basis points [8] Partnership Services and Fees - Partnership services and fees increased by 28% to $25.4 million compared to Q1 2024 [8] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - As of March 31, 2025, the company had total available liquidity of $593.8 million, with a net debt leverage ratio of 3.0 times [11] - Cash flows from operating activities were $20.5 million, an increase of $18.7 million from the previous year [11] Shareholder Returns - The company paid cash dividends totaling $13.5 million and repurchased 456,000 shares for $64.6 million during Q1 2025 [12] Outlook - The company adjusted its outlook for 2025, expecting domestic RevPAR growth of -1% to 1%, down from the previous estimate of 1% to 2% [14]