Travelodge revealed that its business rates bill would drive its overall costs up to £50m in 2026, up from £38m last year - CBsigns/Alamy Rachel Reeves has been accused of undermining Labour’s growth ambitions by excluding hotels from her business rates rescue package. Jo Boydell, the chief executive of Travelodge, has said the Chancellor’s decision to limit tax relief solely to pubs will damage other businesses in the hospitality sector and threaten job creation. She said: “By focusing immediate busin ...

Group 1 - The last commentary on Hyatt Hotels Corporation was in early 2019, with a bullish rating established in November of the previous year [1] - The commentary reflects a long-term investment strategy focused on undervalued profitable stocks with strong balance sheets and minimal debt [1] - The investment approach includes writing calls against positions to generate additional income, with risk management through position sizing and trailing stop losses [1]

Core Insights - The logistics sector has seen significant engagement from investors, particularly in the ASEAN and US markets, highlighting its growth potential and diversification opportunities [1] Investment Focus - The company has diversified its investments across various sectors including banking, telecommunications, logistics, and hotels, indicating a strategic approach to portfolio management [1] - The entry into the US market in 2020 reflects a growing interest in international investment opportunities, particularly in sectors like banks, hotels, and shipping [1] Market Trends - The popularity of insurance companies in the Philippines since 2014 suggests a shift in investment preferences among local investors, moving towards more diversified financial products [1] - The trend of using platforms like Seeking Alpha for analysis indicates a growing reliance on data-driven insights for investment decisions in both the ASEAN and US markets [1]

Core Insights - The logistics sector has seen significant engagement from investors, particularly in the ASEAN and US markets, highlighting its growth potential and diversification opportunities [1] Investment Focus - The company has diversified its investments across various sectors including banking, telecommunications, logistics, and hotels, indicating a strategic approach to portfolio management [1] - The entry into the US market in 2020 reflects a growing interest in international investments, particularly in sectors like banks, hotels, and logistics [1] Market Trends - The popularity of insurance companies in the Philippines since 2014 suggests a shift in investment preferences among local investors [1] - The trend of investing in blue-chip companies initially has evolved into a broader strategy that includes various industries and market capitalizations [1] Knowledge Sharing - The decision to write for Seeking Alpha indicates a commitment to sharing insights and gaining knowledge, which can enhance investment strategies and market understanding [1]

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a strategic regulatory review of its existing market remedies to determine whether longstanding requirements remain relevant under current market conditions. The consultation, which runs until 2 March 2026, could lead to the removal or amendment of remedies across multiple sectors, including travel and hospitality, potentially reducing compliance costs for more than 10 000 companies. The CMA’s initiative reflects broader government efforts to s ...

Table of Contents As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 2026. Registration No. 333-[*] UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM F-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 MDJM LTD (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Cayman Islands 7812 Not Applicable (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Nu ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: China Hotel Sector - **Context**: The industry is transitioning into a more normalized phase after post-pandemic volatility, with supply growth slowing due to structural reasons [1][4] Core Insights - **Supply Growth**: - Supply growth has decelerated from double-digit expansion in 1H25 to approximately 7-8% year-over-year in 2H25, and further to 5-6% in 4Q25. This trend is expected to continue into 2026 [4] - Factors contributing to this slowdown include softer RevPAR performance and the end of the post-pandemic rebound, leading to more cautious investment decisions [4] - **RevPAR Outlook**: - Both H World and Atour expect RevPAR to improve year-over-year in 2026, but with differing levels of optimism. H World is more positive about a return to growth, while Atour remains cautious due to macro uncertainties, particularly in business travel [4] - **Regulatory Environment**: - Regulatory scrutiny on Trip.com is expected to have limited direct impact on large hotel groups like H World and Atour, as Trip.com accounts for a small percentage of their traffic. However, it may improve industry transparency and pricing norms [5] Company-Specific Insights - **H World and Atour**: - Both companies are expected to outgrow the industry with sustainable hotel expansion and projected EPS CAGRs of 19% and 27% from 2025 to 2027, respectively [1] - H World and Atour are trading at P/E ratios of 20x and 17x for 2026E, respectively, following strong performance in 2025 [1] - **Atour's Retail Business**: - Atour's retail segment is viewed as a core engine for long-term revenue growth, targeting a five-year CAGR of over 15%, which is expected to outpace hotel revenue growth. The current retail revenue constitutes about 40% of total revenue [5] - The total market for Atour's retail products is approximately RMB 300 billion, with significant room for growth as online penetration and brand awareness increase [5] Additional Considerations - **Market Performance**: - In 2025, H World and Atour's stock prices increased by 42% and 47%, respectively, compared to a 28% increase in MSCI China [1] - **Investment Recommendation**: - The recommendation is to accumulate Atour shares, given its growth potential and current valuation compared to H World [5]

Summary of Conference Call Notes Industry Overview - The lodging industry in China is experiencing a shift towards quality growth, with consumers prioritizing "value-for-quality" as spending power has not fully recovered [3][11] - Domestic travel showed resilience in 2025, with a 18% year-over-year (YoY) growth in domestic travel, although per capita spending decreased by 6% YoY [3][18] - The lodging industry is still under pressure, with overall RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) remaining sluggish due to oversupply and slow business travel recovery [3][29] Company-Specific Insights H World (HTHT US / 1179 HK) - **Recommendation**: Outperform with a target price of USD 59 / HKD 46, benefiting from an asset-light business transformation aimed at expanding margins [3][11][60] - **Financial Performance**: - Expected RevPAR growth of 4% YoY in 2026, with EBITDA margins projected to increase from 29% in 2024 to 35% in 2026 [4][11] - Net income forecasted to rise from RMB 3,048 million in 2024 to RMB 5,433 million in 2026 [4] - **Market Position**: H World is focusing on midscale and upper midscale segments, with 53% of its portfolio in these categories as of Q3 2025 [34] - **Direct Booking Strategy**: Direct bookings have reached 80%, reducing reliance on online travel agencies (OTAs) [3][37] Atour (ATAT US) - **Recommendation**: Outperform with a target price of USD 48 [3][11][60] - **Financial Performance**: - Expected RevPAR growth of 3% YoY in 2026, with EBITDA margins projected to stabilize around 24% [4] - Revenue growth forecasted to increase from RMB 9,783.9 million in 2025 to RMB 14,107.7 million in 2027 [9] - **Market Position**: Atour is well-positioned in the midscale segment, with a focus on quality hotels and a strategic goal of operating 2,000 quality hotels [34] Jinjiang (600754 CH) - **Recommendation**: Underperform with a target price of RMB 20 [3][11][60] - **Financial Performance**: - Expected RevPAR growth of 3% YoY in 2026, but lower operating efficiency compared to peers [4][11] - Revenue forecasted to increase from RMB 13,464.9 million in 2025 to RMB 15,039.7 million in 2027 [10] - **Market Position**: Jinjiang is focusing on the midscale segment, which accounts for 62% of its total network, but faces challenges with older properties needing renovation [34] Key Trends and Insights - **Consumer Behavior**: There is a notable shift towards quality accommodations at reasonable prices, with consumers prioritizing value over luxury [34] - **Direct Booking Growth**: Major hotel groups are enhancing their membership systems and direct booking channels, leading to improved customer loyalty [3][37] - **Market Dynamics**: The hotel industry is experiencing a consolidation phase, with leading brands gaining market share despite overall sluggish RevPAR recovery [3][29] Risks and Challenges - Potential risks include slower-than-expected RevPAR growth, prolonged recovery in business travel, and market competition leading to potential market-share loss [13][47] - Jinjiang faces specific challenges related to its operating efficiency and the need for a turnaround in its overseas business [11][13] Conclusion The lodging industry in China is navigating a complex landscape characterized by a focus on quality growth and changing consumer preferences. Leading companies like H World and Atour are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, while Jinjiang faces challenges that may hinder its performance relative to peers.

Core Insights - Choice Hotels International demonstrated strong development performance in 2025, highlighting the effectiveness of its strategy and global portfolio [1][3] - The company significantly expanded its international presence and achieved record results in the extended stay segment, positioning itself for continued success in 2026 and beyond [1][4] International Growth - Choice Hotels achieved breakthrough international growth, underscoring its commitment to long-term expansion [2][3] - The company acquired the remaining 50% stake in the Choice Hotels Canada joint venture, enhancing its growth potential in the Canadian market [6] - A multi-unit agreement for six new Ascend Collection properties in Québec marks a significant step in the Canadian market [6] - In Europe, the company signed a 50-unit Quality Suites agreement in France, nearly doubling its footprint there [6] - The introduction of MainStay Suites in Australia with seven properties marks the brand's entry into the country [6] - A landmark franchise partnership in China is expected to generate over 100 Comfort and Quality hotels in the next four years [6] - The company expanded its Radisson portfolio in Latin America, entering new markets such as Argentina and Suriname [6] - Agreements for three hotels in Kenya lay the groundwork for future growth in Africa [6] Extended Stay Segment - Choice Hotels' extended stay platform had its strongest year on record, with 66 new domestic extended stay hotels opened in 2025 [4] - The company signed 93 franchise agreements across its four extended stay brands, with WoodSpring Suites leading with 50 contracts [4] - The segment's performance was bolstered by a successful marketing campaign, "Stay in Your Rhythm," which unified the brands under a single value proposition [4] Upscale Portfolio - The upscale brands of Choice Hotels showed steady growth with 27 new domestic hotels opened in 2025 [5] - The domestic upscale pipeline grew to 133 hotels, with expected increases in 2026 [5] - Key initiatives were launched to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency, including a refreshed Ascend Collection identity and new amenities solutions [5] Core Brands Development - The core brands of Choice Hotels awarded 247 U.S. franchise agreements, reflecting strong demand from franchisees [7] - Country Inn & Suites saw a 50% increase in U.S. franchise agreements compared to 2024, while Quality Inn experienced double-digit growth with 57 agreements [7] - Major brand initiatives were advanced, including refreshed identities and a new coffee experience rollout across more than 2,000 hotels expected by mid-2026 [7]

Core Insights - Marriott International achieved significant growth in 2025, characterized by new brand offerings, expansion in midscale and luxury segments, and record growth in branded residences [1][2]. Growth and Expansion - The company grew net rooms by over 4.3% in 2025, adding over 700 properties and nearly 100,000 rooms, with more than 630 properties added through organic deals [2]. - Marriott ended the year with approximately 610,000 rooms in the pipeline, a 5.7% year-over-year increase, and signed nearly 1,200 organic deals globally, totaling 163,000 rooms [3]. - The Caribbean and Latin America region saw a record 94 deals signed, while the Asia Pacific excluding China region had 187 deals, and Greater China had 201 deals [3]. Brand Development - Marriott introduced several new brands in 2025, including the acquisition of the citizenM brand, adding over 35 hotels and nearly 9,000 rooms [5]. - The Series by Marriott brand was launched, with 37 properties (approximately 2,600 rooms) opened in India and 13 agreements signed for expansion in the U.S. and Canada [6]. - The Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy was launched, ending the year with over 30 open properties [7]. Midscale Segment Growth - Marriott's midscale segment saw extraordinary growth, with three brands now offering midscale options, totaling 216 open properties (approximately 27,000 rooms) and over 250 properties in the pipeline, representing over 50% year-over-year growth [8]. - City Express by Marriott ended the year with 158 open properties and 150 in the pipeline, expanding into new markets including Brazil and El Salvador [9]. - StudioRes had 4 open properties and 85 in the pipeline, while Four Points Flex by Sheraton closed the year with 54 open properties and 22 in the pipeline [11]. Luxury Segment Expansion - Marriott reinforced its luxury portfolio with a record-breaking 114 luxury deals (15,301 rooms), representing nearly 10% of the company's organic signings [12]. - The company closed the year with 296 hotels and resorts (approximately 60,000 rooms) in the luxury pipeline, with EMEA being the highest growth region for luxury [13]. - Notable luxury openings included The Lake Como EDITION and W Punta Cana, along with the opening of 10 luxury resorts, representing 1,400 rooms [14]. Branded Residences Growth - Marriott signed a record-breaking 55 residential deals, a 50% year-over-year increase, closing the year with 149 open locations and 175 in the pipeline [16]. - The growth in branded residences reflects sustained demand for luxury living experiences and the value proposition for developers [16].