Marriott, speaking of shares spiking after the hotel giant beat on Revpar, which is revenue per available room for the industry metric, and issued solid 2026 guidance, though it did miss on earnings expectations. Joining us now first on CNBC is Marriott CEO Tony Capayano. Tony, good morning.Welcome. >> Hi Sarah, good to see you. Thanks for having me.>> So, so I guess that you know the street is sort of celebrating a lot in here. The the revpar numbers, I think the pipeline, the loyalty. How do you describe ...

South African hotel group Southern Sun will buy a 50% stake in four properties in Johannesburg’s business hub https://t.co/FxWEwpONuj ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **China Equity Strategy**: The 2026 JPM China Opportunity Forum highlighted a constructive outlook on China equities, emphasizing thematic trades such as leading exporters, beneficiaries of AI infrastructure capital expenditure, anti-involution strategies, K-shaped consumption recovery, and property market upside optionality [2][7]. Core Insights - **AI Ecosystem**: The memory and ESS (Energy Storage Systems) sectors are benefiting from global AI capital expenditure demand. Notable trends include a memory up-cycle and rising localization. However, consumer electronics and automotive sectors are facing component cost increases and lower trade-in subsidies year-on-year [6][14]. - **Anti-involution Strategies**: Companies like H World and Atour are shifting to rational pricing strategies to enhance market share. Home appliance brands are focusing on innovation rather than price cuts. The solar industry is also expected to see continued anti-involution efforts [6][31]. - **Consumption Trends**: Leading brands are innovating and optimizing to counteract soft domestic demand, with a focus on overseas growth. The "Liberation Day" in April 2025 is noted as a potential trigger for a future recovery in consumer confidence [6][29]. - **Healthcare Sector**: Drug innovation is a key growth driver for pharmaceutical companies, with a focus on launching new drugs and expanding into overseas markets. Healthcare service providers are gradually recovering, aided by technology upgrades [35][38]. - **Humanoid Robots**: China leads in global humanoid robot shipments, driven by government orders. The sector faces challenges in commercialization and scalability, but industrial applications are expected to show strong potential [40][41]. Important Data Points - **Smartphone Market**: Global smartphone shipments are expected to decline by 0.9% in 2026, with iPhones projected to outperform Android devices. JPM forecasts iPhone EMS builds at 251 million units for 2025, a 6% year-on-year increase [14][15]. - **Automotive Sales**: A slow start for passenger vehicle sales in 2026 is anticipated, with a forecasted decline of 24-29% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2026 [15]. - **Energy Storage Systems**: Global ESS battery shipments are projected to grow over 40% to approximately 900 GWh in 2026, driven by policy momentum in China and strong orders from Europe [19]. - **Semiconductor Market**: The semiconductor industry is expected to see divergent dynamics, with consumer electronics facing softness while memory and foundry segments show strength. Average DRAM pricing is forecasted to increase by approximately 60% year-on-year in 2026 [20][21]. Company-Specific Insights - **Top Picks**: J.P. Morgan's preferred companies include Zhongji Innolight, NAURA, and CATL, among others, with various ratings and market caps provided [8][10][11][13]. - **Healthcare Innovations**: Companies like Hansoh are targeting over 80% of revenue from innovative medicines by FY25, with a robust pipeline in oncology and diabetes [35][37]. Additional Considerations - **Cost Management**: Companies are overcoming upward cost pressures through process optimization and effective cost pass-through strategies in export markets [34]. - **Global Expansion**: Chinese brands are increasingly building capacity and expanding distribution in emerging markets, with notable investments in ASEAN production bases [33]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and data points from the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and future outlook for various sectors within the Chinese market.

U.S. stock futures are presenting a mixed picture this Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as investors navigate a busy week dominated by corporate earnings reports, a crucial Federal Reserve policy meeting, and fresh geopolitical developments. While technology-focused futures show upward momentum, broader market indicators suggest a more cautious approach in premarket trading.Premarket Activity and Index FuturesAs of early Tuesday, premarket trading indicates a divergence among the major U.S. indexes. Nasdaq 100 fu ...

Core Insights - Peregrine Hospitality has appointed Heather Stege as the new Chief Operating Officer to enhance portfolio performance and operational excellence [1][3] - Stege has a strong background in the restaurant industry, previously serving as brand president at KBP Inspired, overseeing Arby's across 120 locations [2] - The company has also appointed three senior vice presidents to strengthen its leadership team and drive innovation [4] Leadership Appointments - Heather Stege will collaborate with executive leadership across Peregrine's diverse hotel portfolio [1] - Anthony Gaeta will lead technology and IT operations, Christina Gregg will oversee HR operations, and Jeff Gross will manage asset management initiatives [3][4] - The new executives bring extensive hospitality industry experience, with Gaeta previously at Benchmark Hospitality International and Gross at Choice Hotels International [4] Company Strategy - The recent appointments are part of Peregrine's strategy to expand its platform and grow across all asset classes in the hospitality sector [5] - The leadership changes aim to empower employees and enhance overall portfolio performance [4]

Core Insights - The competitive labor market is challenging for jobseekers as AI technology is eliminating entry-level roles, with only 50,000 jobs added in December [1] Group 1: Hiring Philosophy - Leila Hormozi, founder of Acquisition.com, emphasizes hiring good people over those with technical skills, inspired by the Ritz-Carlton's hiring philosophy [2][4] - The Ritz-Carlton cofounder, Horst Schulze, highlighted the importance of selecting and orienting the right people to maintain high standards [3] Group 2: Skills in Demand - Hormozi argues that social and emotional skills are undervalued compared to technical skills, which are increasingly mastered by AI [5] - Research from LinkedIn indicates that soft skills like adaptability and analytical thinking are becoming more important as AI takes over technical roles [5] - A Harvard study suggests that individuals with strong foundational skills tend to learn faster and advance more effectively over time [5] Group 3: Leadership Perspectives - Other business leaders, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, advocate for the development of critical thinking and emotional intelligence as essential skills for future job security [6]

Group 1 - The core theme of the New Year's celebrations in Tianjin includes various engaging activities such as music parties, themed events, and extended business hours to enhance customer experience [3][4][5] - Peace Impression City experienced a 35% year-on-year increase in overall foot traffic in 2025, attributed to its focus on integrating cultural, commercial, and tourism elements [3] - The "Time Interference Conference" at Chengyun "Yuanli Field" attracted around 40,000 visitors on New Year's Eve, with a projected 50% increase in daily foot traffic during the New Year holiday compared to regular weekends [4] Group 2 - Various hotels in Tianjin hosted unique New Year's events, such as the "Elegant Gathering at Yanting: National Trend New Year's Eve" banquet at Tianjin Yanyuan International Hotel, which included games and entertainment [5][6] - The Tianjin Lishund Hotel's "Museum Wonderful Night" event allowed guests to explore the hotel's century-old history through themed dining and interactive games [6]

Core Viewpoint - The Generation Essentials Group (TGE), a subsidiary of AMTD Digital Inc., has successfully executed a sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition of the Hilton Garden Inn New York City Tribeca, with plans to close the acquisition within the next two months [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The Hilton Garden Inn New York City Tribeca is located at 39 6th Ave, New York, NY 10013, featuring 151 rooms and suites, a full fitness center, and 5,000 square feet of retail space [2]. - TGE has completed the irrevocable deposit for the acquisition, indicating a commitment to finalize the deal soon [2]. Group 2: Company Background - AMTD Group is a conglomerate with a diverse business portfolio that includes media and entertainment, education and training, and hospitality sectors [3]. - AMTD IDEA Group serves as a diversified institution and digital solutions provider, connecting companies and investors with global markets [4]. - AMTD Digital Inc. operates a comprehensive digital solutions platform, focusing on digital media, content, marketing services, and hospitality [5]. - The Generation Essentials Group focuses on global strategies in multimedia, entertainment, and hospitality, and is also a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) sponsor manager [6].

Core Insights - PC Hospitality has entered a strategic agreement with Shiji to implement cloud-based software solutions across its portfolio, aiming to centralize data management and improve distribution processes [1][2] - The partnership is part of PC Hospitality's broader technology strategy to enhance operational agility and performance oversight, facilitating growth in existing and new markets [2][3] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration will see the implementation of Shiji Daylight PMS, Horizon Distribution, and Infrasys POS systems to standardize operations [1] - Shiji's technology is expected to consolidate property data and create more cohesive commercial workflows, enhancing visibility into distribution channels [2] Group 2: Strategic Goals - The partnership aligns with both companies' objectives to improve operational outcomes and maintain competitiveness in the evolving hospitality sector [3] - PC Hospitality's CEO emphasized that strengthening the technology foundation is crucial for providing better tools to partners and preparing for future expansion [5] Group 3: Future Developments - The integration of Shiji's technical expertise with PC Hospitality's portfolio aims to support further development initiatives [4] - A recent development includes the selection of Shiji as the technology provider for the Switzerland-based hotel Le Clay, set to open in mid-2026 [5]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: China Consumer Sector - **Event**: Citi's 2025 China Conference - **Participants**: 44 China consumer companies were hosted, leading to the identification of five investment themes in the consumer sector [1][9] Investment Themes 1. **Shift Towards Experience Consumption**: - Consumers are increasingly valuing emotional experiences over physical goods, seeking happiness and self-expression through services [2] - Companies like Pop Mart provide affordable entertainment options that resonate with young consumers [2] 2. **Focus on Well-being**: - Younger generations are prioritizing spending on wellness, including health, fitness, and mindfulness [3] - Growth opportunities are seen in sectors like sportswear (Anta), health supplements (H&H), and beauty care (Giant Bio) [3] 3. **Rising Silver Economy**: - The aging population is driving demand for leisure and cultural experiences, benefiting industries like tourism (H World, Atour) and health supplements [4] 4. **Emerging New Channels**: - New offline channels such as membership stores and snack specialty chains are gaining traction, helping to offset declines in traditional distribution [5] 5. **Multi-brand Strategy**: - Companies are expanding their brand portfolios to meet diverse consumer demands, with a focus on easing channel inventory pressure [6] Company-Specific Insights Pop Mart (9992.HK) - **Sustainability of IP Operation**: Pop Mart is seen as a growth play due to its strong IP incubation capabilities. Concerns about growth sustainability are being addressed through new product launches [10] - **LABUBU Durability**: The company plans to enhance its LABUBU IP with new products and has postponed the launch of LABUBU 4.0 to 2026 [11] - **Overseas Expansion**: Plans to operate over 60 stores in the US by the end of 2025, with expansions into Canada and Mexico [13] Laopu Gold (6181.HK) - **Sales Growth Expectations**: Management expects high revenue growth in 2H25E driven by price adjustments and new store sales [16] - **Price Adjustment Strategy**: A recent price increase of over 25% aims to maintain a gross profit margin (GPM) of at least 40% [17] - **Store Expansion Plans**: Focus on expanding floor areas in existing malls rather than entering new ones [22] Haidilao International Holding Ltd (6862.HK) - **Recovery in Table-Turn**: Management anticipates positive momentum in table-turn rates due to seasonal factors and a low comp base [30] - **Operational Improvements**: Plans to terminate loss-making pilot programs to save on operational expenses [32] China Resources Beer (0291.HK) - **Sales Performance**: The company reported low single-digit year-over-year sales growth, outperforming peers [34] - **Margin Outlook**: Expected GPM improvement in 2H25E, with a target dividend payout ratio increase to ~60% in 2025E [36] Midea Group (0300.HK) - **Sales Growth Target**: Management maintains a target of ~10% sales growth for 2025, with a focus on air-conditioning sales recovery [40] - **Overseas Business Expansion**: Plans to increase overseas production to ~30% and grow sales in developed markets through M&A [41] Li Ning (2331.HK) - **Sales Guidance**: Maintained guidance for 2025 with expectations of flat sales and high single-digit net profit margin growth [48] Nongfu Spring (9633.HK) - **Sales Guidance**: Management reiterated a mid-teen percentage growth target for 2025, with limited impact from price wars in the beverage sector [51] Cosmetics Sector - **Mixed Performance**: Domestic brands like Mao Geping and Chicmax showed strong growth, while others lagged behind [56] - **Growth Strategies**: Companies are focusing on online sales growth and improving operational efficiency to enhance margins [57][59] Additional Insights - **Consumer Trends**: There is a notable shift towards experiential consumption and wellness, indicating a changing landscape in consumer preferences [2][3] - **Operational Strategies**: Companies are adopting multi-brand strategies and optimizing supply chains to enhance profitability and meet diverse consumer demands [6][14] This summary encapsulates the key insights and trends discussed during the conference, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the China consumer sector and specific company strategies.