Group 1 - Blue Chip Portfolios is an investment publication company that focuses on providing insights on single stocks, ETFs, and CEFs [1] - The company publishes the Blue Chip Portfolio's Newsletter on Beehiiv [1] Group 2 - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and indicates a beneficial long position in HLT shares [1]

Group 1 - Choice Privileges has been recognized as the No. 1 Hotel Rewards Program by U.S. News & World Report, following a similar ranking by WalletHub, indicating its increasing popularity among travelers [1][2] - The program's evolution focuses on simplicity and clear value for members, making it easier to earn and redeem rewards, which has positively influenced customer response [2][3] - U.S. News highlighted that Choice Privileges allows members to quickly earn free nights and has expanded its offerings through the acquisition of Radisson and partnerships with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, catering to both budget and luxury segments [3] Group 2 - Choice Hotels International, Inc. operates over 7,500 hotels with nearly 650,000 rooms across 46 countries, offering a diverse portfolio of 22 brands to meet various traveler needs [4] - The Choice Privileges rewards program enables members to earn and redeem points at over 7,000 hotels and through partnerships with various distribution platforms, enhancing the value proposition for members [5]

Economic Outlook - U.S. consumer sentiment reached a five-month high in July, with the Consumer Sentiment Index increasing to 61.8 from 60.7 in June, indicating growing optimism about the economy [3] - Rising consumer sentiment is expected to positively influence household spending, particularly benefiting the consumer discretionary sector [1][3] Inflation Expectations - A significant factor contributing to improved consumer sentiment is the decline in inflation expectations, with consumers now anticipating a 4.4% price increase over the next year, down from 5% in June, marking the lowest short-term inflation outlook since February [4] - Long-term inflation expectations also decreased to 3.6%, the lowest in five months [4] Consumer Caution - Despite the positive sentiment, consumers remain cautious regarding business conditions, labor markets, and personal income prospects compared to the previous year [5] - The recent increase in sentiment suggests that consumers believe the risk of worst-case scenarios has diminished [5] Investment Opportunities in ETFs - Investors can capitalize on the positive consumer sentiment trend through consumer discretionary ETFs, including: - **Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY)**: Holds 51 securities with significant allocations in hotels, restaurants, leisure, and retail, boasting an AUM of $22.3 billion and an expense ratio of 0.08% [2][5] - **Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR)**: Comprises 296 stocks, primarily in broadline retail and automobiles, with an asset base of $6 billion and low fees of 9 bps [2][6] - **Invesco Dorsey Wright Consumer Cyclicals Momentum ETF (PEZ)**: Focuses on 37 stocks showing momentum, with an asset base of $30.6 million and annual fees of 60 bps [2][7] - **VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (RTH)**: Tracks the performance of 26 large retail firms, with an asset base of $244.1 million and annual fees of 35 bps [2][8]

Core Viewpoint - Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. is expected to report second-quarter 2025 results on July 23, with projected earnings per share (EPS) of $2.03, reflecting a 6.3% increase from the previous year [1][8]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The consensus estimate for second-quarter revenues is approximately $3.06 billion, indicating a 3.6% rise from the same quarter last year [2]. - The expected growth in management and franchise hotel revenues is 6.5% year over year, reaching $905.6 million, while franchise and licensing fees are projected to increase by 8.1% to $745 million [5]. Factors Influencing Performance - Hilton's second-quarter performance is anticipated to benefit from strong group travel, international development, and growth in non-RevPAR fees [3]. - High-margin management and franchise fees are expected to significantly contribute to revenue, supported by hotel openings and brand conversions [4]. - Growth in Hilton Honors membership and stable performance from small and mid-sized business travel are also likely to enhance results [6]. Challenges and Projections - Despite positive factors, macroeconomic challenges such as cost inflation, foreign currency impacts, and uncertainty in corporate travel may pressure Hilton's bottom line [7]. - The company projects adjusted diluted EPS for the second quarter to be between $1.97 and $2.02 [7]. Earnings Prediction - The model predicts an earnings beat for Hilton, with an Earnings ESP of +2.70% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [8][9].

LONDON, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questex’s Resort & Residential Hospitality Forum (R&R Forum), the only event in EMEA dedicated to investment in the resort, leisure, and residential hospitality sectors, is now open for registration. The forum returns to Athens, Greece, on 11–13 November 2025, marking its 10th anniversary with a special edition that brings together over 500 industry leaders, developers, investors, and hospitality professionals for three days of strategic content, high-value networki ...

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, which has evolved into a broader investment strategy across different sectors [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 specific sectors such as banking, telecommunications, retail, hotels, and logistics reflects targeted investment strategies [1]

Hotel owners across the U.S. are reeling from a decline in foreign visitors and domestic tourists—then there’s New York City https://t.co/Rp3EgiRvyk ...

Ace Group, which manages the trendy Ace Hotel brand, is nearing a deal to sell itself to Tokyo-based Seibu Prince Hotels, sources say https://t.co/Q45D6QzYOI ...

Core Insights - TownePlace Suites by Marriott has opened a new extended-stay hotel in Bozeman, Montana, featuring 107 suites designed for long-term travelers [1][9] - The hotel emphasizes a blend of comfort and local character, with custom finishes and amenities such as a full-service bar and restaurant [2][9] - The facility includes modern conveniences like full kitchens in each suite, enhancing the experience for guests on extended stays [3][9] Location and Accessibility - The hotel is strategically located near attractions such as Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky Resort, and Montana State University, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers [4][9] - It is situated just 89 miles from Yellowstone National Park, providing easy access to the region's natural beauty [9] Amenities and Features - TownePlace Suites Bozeman West offers a range of amenities including an indoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, and pet-friendly accommodations [5][9] - The hotel features two meeting rooms suitable for various events, along with an open-concept bar and outdoor seating area [6][9] - Modern technology is incorporated throughout the hotel, including complimentary Wi-Fi and energy-conserving features [7] Company Background - HHM Hotels operates over 235 hotels across the U.S. and Canada, managing various well-known brands and independent luxury hotels [11] - Braxton Development specializes in class-A market rate multi-family communities and select-service hotels, with a focus on quality and community connection [12]

Core Insights - Hyatt Hotels Corporation stock has increased by 10% over the last month, outperforming the S&P 500's 3% and Marriott's 7% [2] - A significant catalyst was the $2 billion sale of Playa Hotels' real estate to Tortuga Resorts, which allows Hyatt to maintain long-term management contracts and transition to an asset-light model [2] - The asset-light model aligns with industry trends favoring fee-based income, enhancing capital efficiency and attracting investors [2] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Hyatt reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.46, exceeding expectations despite stagnant revenue [3] - RevPAR increased by 5.7%, and net rooms grew by 10.5%, boosting fee income, although reported net income fell by 96% year-over-year due to challenging comparisons [3] - Hyatt repurchased $149 million in stock and reaffirmed its commitment to the asset-light model [4] Guidance and Outlook - Management slightly trimmed full-year RevPAR guidance to 1–3%, reflecting a cautious outlook on global travel trends [5] - Full-year adjusted EBITDA forecast remains at $1.08 to $1.135 billion, indicating growth of 6–12% [5] - Key indicators for investors include stability in RevPAR, macroeconomic signals regarding consumer travel demand, and the robustness of Hyatt's fee pipeline [5] Valuation and Comparison - Hyatt trades at a P/E of 19.2 and P/S of 2.2, both lower than Marriott's 31.3 P/E and 3.1 P/S, suggesting more reasonable pricing [6] - Over the last three years, Hyatt has delivered annualized revenue growth of 22.8%, surpassing Marriott's 18.3% and the S&P 500's 5.5% [6] - Hyatt's operating margin is 7.2%, significantly lower than Marriott's 15.4%, indicating profitability concerns [6] Resilience and Liquidity - Hyatt experienced a 33.2% drop during the 2022 inflation crisis and a 60.6% decline during the Covid market crash, showing higher sensitivity to downturns compared to the S&P 500 [7] - The company has strong room growth, a transition to an asset-light model, and solid liquidity with $1.8 billion in cash and a 12.9% cash-to-assets ratio [7] - Continued travel momentum into 2025 could provide further upside for Hyatt [7] Conclusion - Hyatt's stock rise reflects increasing confidence in its asset-light transition and growing fee income [8] - While margins lag behind Marriott, Hyatt's valuation, growth profile, and capital flexibility make it a stock worth monitoring [8]