Market Overview - The Nasdaq Composite and the Dow Jones Industrial Average have lost 1.03% and 0.52% year-to-date, while the S&P 500 has gained 0.60% [1] - Investor hesitance is attributed to President Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs on all U.S. trading partners, although a potential truce between the U.S. and China may lead to reduced import duties [1] Economic Indicators - The consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.2% sequentially in April and 2.3% year-over-year, marking the lowest increase since February 2021 [2] - Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that more clarity is needed before considering further interest rate cuts, with analysts expecting no cuts until at least September [2] - Ongoing trade conflicts raise fears of a potential recession, which could negatively impact inflation and key economic indicators [2] Investment Opportunities - In volatile market conditions, dividend-paying stocks are recommended for portfolio diversification [3] - Notable dividend-paying companies include Marriott International (MAR), HNI, Sun Life Financial, ESAB Corporation, and Victory Capital Holdings [3] - Companies that consistently pay dividends indicate a healthy business model, and those that have recently raised dividends show a sound financial structure [3] Company Spotlight: Marriott International - Marriott International is a leading global hospitality company involved in the operation, franchising, and licensing of various lodging properties [4] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4] - On May 9, Marriott declared a dividend of 67 cents per share, with a dividend yield of 0.9% [5] - Over the past five years, Marriott has increased its dividend five times, with a current payout ratio of 26% of earnings [5]

Core Insights - Brand Engagement Network Inc. (BEN) has entered the hospitality sector by partnering with Seven Visions Resort & Places, The Dvin, to deploy its AI-powered Concierge AI Agent, aiming to redefine luxury guest experiences [2][5][7] Company Overview - BEN is an innovator in AI-powered customer engagement, focusing on delivering secure, intelligent, and scalable solutions across various industries, including life sciences, automotive, and retail [11] - The company utilizes its proprietary Enterprise Language Model (ELM™) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG™) architecture to enable personalized interactions [11] Industry Impact - The collaboration with The Dvin marks BEN's strategic expansion into the hospitality industry, which is expected to set a new standard for AI-enhanced luxury experiences [2][5] - The initiative will begin with a two-phase pilot, starting with a 24/7 Concierge AI Agent, followed by a Reservation AI Agent, both powered by BEN's modular iSKYE platform [4] Strategic Significance - The Dvin owner, Artak Tovmasyan, emphasized the importance of trust and speed in adopting BEN's technology, highlighting the potential to redefine luxury service [7] - The partnership aims to demonstrate the versatility of BEN's AI platform in a high-service environment, showcasing its capability to enhance customer experience [7]

The signing was executed with the active support of the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, further underlining the initiative's alignment with the Kingdom's national tourism goals. Le Park Concord is a leading Saudi hotel operator and developer, currently managing over 900 rooms across 13 properties with an additional 13 hotels under development, expected to add more than 2,000 rooms to the company's growing portfolio. As part of the deal, the first Super 8® hotel is expected to debut next year, 2026. Fut ...

Core Insights - The logistics sector has seen significant engagement from investors, particularly in the ASEAN and US markets, highlighting its growth potential [1] - The popularity of insurance companies in the Philippines since 2014 indicates a shift in investment strategies among local investors [1] - The diversification of investment portfolios across various industries and market capitalizations is becoming a common practice among investors [1] Investment Trends - There is a notable trend of investing in blue-chip companies initially, followed by a broader investment strategy that includes different sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and retail [1] - The entry into the US market has been facilitated by platforms like Seeking Alpha, which provide valuable analyses for comparison with local markets [1] - The focus on retirement investments alongside trading profits reflects a dual strategy in investment approaches [1] Market Engagement - The logistics, banking, and hotel sectors are highlighted as key areas of investment interest in both the ASEAN and US markets [1] - The experience of acting as a personal broker for a relative has increased awareness and understanding of the US market dynamics [1] - The use of comparative analyses between the US and Philippine markets suggests a strategic approach to identifying investment opportunities [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, total revenue was approximately $48.3 million, representing a 3.8% increase year-over-year [14] - Hotel EBITDA for the quarter was approximately $12.9 million, reflecting a 4.5% increase compared to the same quarter last year [14] - FFO was approximately $4.5 million, a decrease of approximately $700,000 from the same quarter last year [14] - RevPAR increased by 6.4%, driven by a 6.4% increase in occupancy, with ADR remaining flat compared to the prior year [3][4] - Hotel EBITDA across the entire portfolio increased by 4.5% year-over-year, and when excluding a one-time benefit from a COVID-related grant, it increased by 9.4% [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Doubletree Resort in Hollywood, Florida, saw RevPAR up 11.9%, primarily due to an 11.8% increase in occupancy [6] - Hotel Ballast in Wilmington achieved RevPAR growth of 6.5%, supported by a 3.5% increase in occupancy and a 2.9% increase in rate [7] - The Whitehall in Houston reported a 19.4% increase in RevPAR, driven by a 20.5% gain in occupancy [8] - The Doubletree Philadelphia Airport experienced a 34.3% increase in RevPAR, driven by a 38.7% increase in occupancy, despite a 3.1% decline in rate [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban markets showed pronounced gains, indicating stabilization in lodging fundamentals and normalization of demand patterns [4] - Group business and special events significantly contributed to performance, particularly in urban markets [4][20] - The company noted a pullback in government segment demand, particularly in the Washington DC submarket [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is advancing planning for two upcoming PIP renovations, with a total budget of $26.1 million for properties in Philadelphia and Jacksonville [11][12] - The company is taking a disciplined approach to managing its capital structure, with a focus on refinancing and extensions for upcoming debt maturities [12][36] - The portfolio is expected to outperform the broader market, with upscale and upper upscale assets positioned well [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the first quarter results, driven by occupancy recovery in urban markets and strong group business [20] - There is caution regarding macroeconomic uncertainty impacting near-term visibility in the lodging industry, with potential increased price sensitivity among transient guests [21] - Despite uncertainty, the company has not seen widespread cancellations and maintains a solid group booking pace [22] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $32.8 million in total cash, with $11.5 million in unrestricted cash [15][16] - The principal balance of outstanding debt is approximately $317.6 million at a weighted average interest rate of 5.88% [17] - The accrued balance on preferred dividends is approximately $21.9 million, with current payments being made [43][44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Renovation plans for the Philadelphia hotel - Management indicated that the reverse split timing is likely to occur close to the August 11 deadline, with preparations ongoing [26][27] Question: Business interruption insurance for Hotel Alba - Management clarified that while room revenue is down due to fewer guests, profitability is largely maintained through insurance coverage [28][30] Question: Refinancing of loans for Hollywood and Atlanta - Management discussed the likelihood of extensions and modifications for upcoming debt maturities, reflecting broader market trends [33][36] Question: Cash management regarding CapEx and refinancing - Management noted that they are evaluating cash needs against refinancing activities and have significant equity in other assets that could be leveraged [38][39] Question: Accrued balance on preferred dividends - Management confirmed that the accrued balance is approximately $21.9 million, with current payments being made [43][44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, RevPAR increased by 6.4%, driven by a 6.4% increase in occupancy, while ADR remained flat compared to the prior year [3] - Excluding the impact of Hurricane Helene in Tampa, RevPAR increased by 7.3% year over year, supported by a 7.5% increase in occupancy [3] - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was approximately $48.3 million, representing a 3.8% increase over the same quarter last year [15] - Hotel EBITDA for the quarter was approximately $12.9 million, reflecting a 4.5% increase year over year [15] - Adjusted FFO was approximately $4.5 million, a decrease of about $700,000 from the same quarter last year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Doubletree Resort in Hollywood, Florida, saw RevPAR increase by 11.9%, driven by an 11.8% increase in occupancy [7] - Hotel Ballast in Wilmington achieved RevPAR growth of 6.5%, supported by a 3.5% increase in occupancy and a 2.9% increase in rate [8] - The Whitehall in Houston reported a 19.4% increase in RevPAR, driven by a 20.5% gain in occupancy [9] - The Doubletree Philadelphia Airport experienced a 34.3% increase in RevPAR, with a 38.7% increase in occupancy [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban markets showed pronounced gains in occupancy, indicating a stabilization of lodging fundamentals post-pandemic [4] - Group business and special events contributed significantly to performance in urban markets, with notable events like the presidential inauguration and NFL playoffs [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is advancing plans for two upcoming PIP renovations, including a $11.5 million renovation in Philadelphia and a $14.6 million project in Jacksonville [12][13] - The company is taking a disciplined approach to managing its capital structure, with a focus on refinancing and addressing upcoming debt maturities [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the overall outlook for the industry, despite macroeconomic uncertainties impacting near-term visibility [21] - The company noted a solid group booking pace and a lack of widespread cancellations, although there was a pause in group lead conversions in late March [22] - The company expects full-year 2025 RevPAR to range between 103-105% of 2024 levels, indicating confidence in continued occupancy growth [25] Other Important Information - The company had total cash of approximately $32.8 million as of March 31, 2025, with $11.5 million in unrestricted cash [16][17] - The principal balance of outstanding debt was approximately $317.6 million at a weighted average interest rate of 5.88% [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Reverse split timing - Management indicated that the reverse split is likely to occur close to the August 11 deadline, with preparations ongoing [27][28] Question: Business interruption insurance for Hotel Alba - Management clarified that while room revenue has decreased due to fewer guests, profitability is largely maintained through insurance proceeds, estimating a 95% recovery of expected performance [31][32] Question: Refinancing of loans for Hollywood and Atlanta - Management discussed the likelihood of extensions and modifications for upcoming loan maturities, reflecting broader trends in the CMBS market [36][39] Question: Cash management regarding CapEx and refinancing - Management noted that they are evaluating cash needs against refinancing activities and have significant equity in other assets that could be leveraged [41][43] Question: Accrued balance on preferred dividends - Management confirmed that the accrued balance on preferred dividends is approximately $21.9 million, with current payments being made [44][45]

Strategic Location and Long-Term Value The Hilton Garden Inn is positioned to benefit from Cotino's transformative impact, which is expected to attract significant year-round foot traffic, affluent residents, and both domestic and international visitors. Nightfood anticipates long-term gains in both occupancy rates and average daily rates (ADR), driven by the Cotino effect and the operational cost savings delivered by its automation suite. Strategic acquisition strengthens NGTF's real estate footprint and p ...

Core Insights - Crowne Plaza is adapting to the evolving needs of hybrid travelers, emphasizing flexibility and personal growth in travel experiences [1][4][5] - The brand's latest white paper highlights significant trends in blended travel, showcasing a shift towards integrating work and leisure for enhanced well-being and creativity [2][5][12] Market Trends - A YouGov survey of over 12,000 respondents indicates that 70% of participants in the U.A.E. and 65% in KSA perceive greater benefits in blended travel compared to five years ago [3][10] - The global blended travel market is projected to grow from USD 315 billion in 2022 to over USD 731 billion by 2032, indicating a robust demand for integrated travel experiences [8] Consumer Preferences - 40% of global respondents cite the desire to explore new destinations as the top motivator for combining work and leisure travel [5] - 35% of global respondents believe blended travel helps establish healthier routines and reduce stress, with this figure rising to 41% in the U.A.E. [5] Company Initiatives - Crowne Plaza is undergoing a global refresh, with over 60% of properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific expected to be renovated by the end of 2026 [8] - The brand is expanding its portfolio with 140 properties in the pipeline, aiming to increase its system size by over 35% [9] Design and Experience - The new hotel designs incorporate biophilic elements to enhance guest well-being, with features like double-deck infinity pools and versatile meeting spaces [5][6] - Crowne Plaza's Meetings & Events Concierge program is tailored to foster in-person connections, reflecting the growing importance of family and social interactions in travel [12]

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]