Core Viewpoint - InterContinental Hotels Group PLC has announced the purchase of its own shares, indicating a strategic move to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value [1] Group 1: Share Purchase Details - The company purchased a total of 95,148 ordinary shares on February 20, 2026 [1] - The lowest price paid per share was $141.20, while the highest price was $145.00, with an average price of $143.2637 [1] - The shares were purchased through Goldman Sachs International on the London Stock Exchange, following the authority granted by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2025 [1] Group 2: Post-Purchase Information - After the transaction, the company has 151,189,749 ordinary shares in issue, excluding 5,481,782 shares held in treasury [1] - The company intends to cancel the purchased shares, which may impact the overall share count and potentially increase the value of remaining shares [1]

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) Maintains Strong Market PositionHilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, known for its extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts. The company operates in various segments, including luxury, full-service, and focused-service hotels. Hilton competes with other major hotel chains like Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels. As of February 22, 2026, UBS maintained a "Buy" rating for Hilton, with a stock price of $315.96.UBS rai ...

Group 1 - Choice Hotels International, Inc. experienced a data breach in January 2026, potentially compromising personal information of individuals, including names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth [2][3] - Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of those affected by the data breach [1] - Affected individuals have been notified that their personal information may be for sale on the dark web [3] Group 2 - Wolf Haldenstein is recognized for its expertise in consumer rights litigation across various courts in the United States [5] - The firm has multiple offices in major cities, including New York, Chicago, Nashville, and San Diego [5] - The firm is actively seeking to assist individuals impacted by the data breach and has provided contact information for inquiries [4]

Core Insights - The Waldorf Astoria New York is being put up for auction after a $2 billion renovation, marking the end of a decade-long capital cycle that began with its acquisition by Anbang Insurance Group for $1.95 billion in 2014 [6][7]. Recent Hotel Transactions - The Waldorf sale follows several high-profile hotel transactions in New York City, including the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park for approximately $400 million, the InterContinental Times Square for $230 million, and the Edition Clocktower Hotel for $250 million [1]. Market Trends - The luxury hotel sector in Manhattan has shown resilience despite broader commercial real estate challenges, with average daily rates for luxury hotels reaching $580 last year [2]. Renovation Details - The renovation of the Waldorf involved significant restoration efforts, including cleaning or replacing 1.37 million exterior bricks and substituting 5,584 windows with historically accurate replicas, returning the lobby to its original 1931 proportions [4]. Property Conversion - Approximately half of the Waldorf's 1.6 million-square-foot structure has been converted into 372 private residences, with prices ranging from $1.8 million for studios to over $18 million for four-bedroom units [5]. Investment Overview - The total investment for the Waldorf, including acquisition and renovation, is estimated to exceed $4 billion, reflecting a 25% increase in renovation costs [6].

PresentationStuart FordSenior VP & Head of Investor Relations Hello, and welcome to IHG's 2025 Full Year Results Presentation. I'm Stuart Ford, Senior Vice President and Head of Investor Relations at IHG Hotels & Resorts. And shortly, you'll be hearing from Elie Maalouf, our Chief Executive Officer; and Michael Glover, Chief Financial Officer. Before we proceed, I'm obliged to remind all viewers and listeners that the company may make certain forward-looking statements as defined under U.S. law. Please ref ...

Core Insights - Choice Hotels International, Inc. experienced a data breach on or around January 14, 2026, where a hacker bypassed security measures to access sensitive franchisee and applicant data [3]. Company Overview - Choice Hotels is a major global hotel franchisor based in North Bethesda, Maryland [2]. Incident Details - The breach involved deceptive methods to circumvent multifactor authentication, leading to unauthorized access to a system containing personal information, including names and Social Security numbers [3]. - After detecting the breach, Choice Hotels restricted further access and initiated an investigation, confirming that certain files had been compromised [3]. Legal Actions - Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating potential class action lawsuits for individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised due to the breach [4].

Core Insights - Choice Hotels International, Inc. experienced a data breach that compromised personal and confidential information of thousands of individuals [2][4] - The breach was identified around January 14, 2026, when suspicious activity was detected on the company's computer network [2] - Murphy Law Firm is investigating claims and evaluating legal options, including a potential class action lawsuit for affected individuals [1][3][4] Data Breach Details - Cybercriminals infiltrated Choice Hotels' inadequately secured network, gaining access to sensitive files [2] - The exposed information includes names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and contact information [5] - There is a risk that the compromised information may be sold on the dark web or used for identity theft [4] Legal Actions - Murphy Law Firm is actively seeking individuals affected by the breach to join a class action lawsuit [1][3] - The firm specializes in data breach class actions and has a track record of securing favorable recoveries for clients [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, RevPAR was approximately $182, reflecting a nearly 1% year-over-year increase, or nearly 3% when excluding the Royal Palm [20] - For the full year, RevPAR declined 2% versus 2024, while hotel adjusted EBITDA margin was 26.5%, a reduction of 130 basis points from the prior year [21] - Core hotel adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 230 basis points to 30%, contrasting with a 280 basis point contraction to 10% in the non-core portfolio [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core portfolio delivered a RevPAR increase of 6% to nearly $216, significantly outperforming the non-core portfolio by nearly 1,500 basis points [20] - Q4 group revenue for the core portfolio increased 13% year-over-year, with double-digit growth in banquet and catering revenues across key markets [11] - The Royal Palm renovation is expected to generate a 15%-20% return on invested capital, with projected EBITDA doubling from $14 million to nearly $28 million once stabilized [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hawaii's RevPAR growth is expected to be on the higher end of the 2% range, with mid-single-digit EBITDA growth anticipated for the Hawaiian properties [37] - Orlando's Bonnet Creek complex achieved record Q4 RevPAR, up nearly 9% year-over-year, driven by a 15% increase in group revenues [13] - New York delivered its highest Q4 group revenue in hotel history, up over 8% year-over-year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reshaping its portfolio by concentrating ownership in 21 core hotels with superior growth prospects and aggressively exiting non-core assets [6][7] - In 2025, the company executed over $120 million in non-core sales at a blended multiple of 21x, with a goal to materially reduce exposure to non-core properties by year-end [9] - The company plans to complete a comprehensive redevelopment of the Royal Palm and launch a full-scale renovation of the Ali'i Tower at Hilton Hawaiian Village [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management remains optimistic about the U.S. economy's firm footing, with expectations of modest growth and easing inflation supporting consumer demand [16] - The company anticipates a multi-year recovery in Hawaii, with demand trends forecasted to improve as renovations are completed [12] - Guidance for 2026 includes a RevPAR growth range of flat to +2%, with cautious expectations due to potential geopolitical or macroeconomic volatility [28] Other Important Information - The company returned a total of $245 million of capital in 2025, including $200 million in dividends and $45 million in share repurchases [32] - As of year-end 2025, the company's liquidity was approximately $2 billion, including $200 million in cash [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Earnings trajectory for Hawaii properties - Management indicated that Hawaii properties should see mid-single-digit EBITDA growth, with RevPAR growth expected to be around 2% [37] Question: Sequential change in Hilton Hawaiian Village performance - Management noted a 37% decrease in group pace for Q1, impacting expected performance [45] Question: Timeline for Miami's Royal Palm reopening and World Cup demand - Management expressed confidence in meeting the June reopening target and capturing World Cup demand, although they remain conservative in their estimates [50] Question: Non-core asset sales and potential for core hotel sales - Management emphasized the focus on non-core asset sales, noting that core hotels account for 90% of EBITDA and value, making them less likely to be sold [70] Question: Impact of New York labor contract negotiations - Management is optimistic about reaching an agreement without disruptions, especially with the upcoming World Cup [92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, RevPAR was approximately $182, reflecting a nearly 1% year-over-year increase, or nearly 3% when excluding the Royal Palm [20] - For the full year, RevPAR declined 2% versus 2024, while hotel adjusted EBITDA margin was 26.5%, a reduction of 130 basis points from the prior year [21] - Core hotel adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 230 basis points to 30%, contrasting with a 280 basis point contraction in the non-core portfolio [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core portfolio delivered a RevPAR increase of 6% to nearly $216, significantly outperforming the non-core portfolio by nearly 1,500 basis points [20] - Fourth quarter group revenue for the core portfolio increased 13% year-over-year, with double-digit growth in banquet and catering revenues across key markets [11] - The Royal Palm renovation is expected to generate a 15%-20% return on invested capital, with projected EBITDA doubling from $14 million to nearly $28 million once stabilized [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core portfolio outperformed the non-core hotels by an average of 480 basis points in 2025, reinforcing the company's strategic focus [10] - Hawaii is expected to be a significant contributor to earnings growth, with a multiyear recovery anticipated as demand trends improve [12] - New York delivered its highest fourth quarter group revenue in hotel history, up over 8% year-over-year, indicating strong market performance [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reshaping its portfolio by concentrating ownership in 21 core hotels with superior growth prospects and aggressively exiting non-core assets [6][8] - Over $120 million in non-core sales were executed at a blended multiple of 21x, with a strong track record of successfully recycling capital [7] - The company aims to complete its transition to a streamlined portfolio of high-quality hotels located in premium gateway cities and resort markets [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The U.S. economy remains on firm footing, with modestly higher growth expectations and easing inflation, which should support consumer demand [16] - The company remains cautious in its guidance due to potential geopolitical or macroeconomic volatility impacting booking decisions [17] - Management is optimistic about the setup for 2026, with anticipated demand boosts from major events like the World Cup [17] Other Important Information - The company invested nearly $300 million across the portfolio in 2025, with a planned reduction in capital investment for 2026 to $230 million-$260 million [22][24] - As of year-end 2025, liquidity was approximately $2 billion, including $200 million in cash and $1 billion in available capacity under the revolver [25] - The company returned a total of $245 million of capital in 2025, including $200 million in dividends and $45 million in share repurchases [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Earnings trajectory for Hawaii properties - Management indicated that Hawaii properties should see mid-single-digit EBITDA growth, with RevPAR growth expected to be on the higher end of the 2% range [36][38] Question: Sequential change in Hilton Hawaiian Village performance - Management noted a 37% decrease in group pace for Q1, impacting expected performance despite a strong Q4 [45] Question: Non-core asset sales and potential for core hotel sales - Management emphasized a focus on non-core asset sales, with core hotels accounting for 90% of EBITDA and value, making them less likely to be sold [70][72] Question: Impact of World Cup on Miami property - Management expressed confidence in capturing demand from the World Cup, with the Royal Palm expected to open in early June [49][75] Question: Future growth and potential acquisitions - Management is optimistic about transitioning to an offensive strategy post non-core asset sales, with potential for acquisitions in the future [81][82]

This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Host Hotels & Resorts has sold the 444-key Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as well as the 125-key Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole in Wyoming for a combined $1.1 billion, according to a fourth-quarter earnings report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The real estate investment trust ...