The FIFA World Cup comes to Canada, the United States and Mexico in 2026. This will create a one-off boost to hotel REITs such as RLJ Lodging Trust ( RLJ ). Indeed RLJ's December 2025 presentation highlights thatI ventured into investing in high school in 2011, mainly in REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bonds, starting a fascination with markets and the economy that has not faded despite the years. More recently I have been combining long stock positions with covered calls and cash secured puts. I ap ...

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of timing in trading closed-end funds, highlighting the potential for directional and arbitrage opportunities due to market price deviations [1] - The focus is on Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (SHO), identified as a reliable hotel REIT, suggesting it as a better investment alternative [2] - The investment service provided includes frequent picks for mispriced preferred stocks and baby bonds, along with weekly reviews of over 1200 equities and IPO previews [2] Group 2 - The article mentions that the analyst has a beneficial long position in SHO.PR.H, indicating a vested interest in the stock [2] - It clarifies that the views expressed may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole, emphasizing the independence of the analysts [3]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of timing in trading closed-end funds, highlighting the potential for directional and arbitrage opportunities due to market price deviations [1] - The focus is on Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (SHO), identified as a reliable hotel REIT, suggesting it as a better investment alternative [2] - The investment service Trade With Beta offers features such as frequent picks for mispriced preferred stocks and baby bonds, weekly reviews of over 1200 equities, IPO previews, and hedging strategies [2]

Group 1 - Hotel REITs are facing rapidly changing circumstances but still present investment opportunities, particularly in preferred equity [1] - The investment group European Small Cap Ideas focuses on high-quality small-cap investment opportunities in Europe, emphasizing capital gains and dividend income [1] - The group offers two model portfolios: the European Small Cap Ideas portfolio and the European REIT Portfolio, along with weekly updates and educational content [1] Group 2 - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and indicates a beneficial long position in RLJ.PR.A shares [1]

Core Insights - Hotel REITs are currently facing challenges due to seasonal fluctuations and a decrease in leisure and business travel, particularly from Canada [1] Group 1: Industry Overview - U.S. hospitality REITs are experiencing a lower inflow of travel, impacting their performance [1] Group 2: Investment Opportunities - The European Small Cap Ideas investment group focuses on high-quality small-cap investment opportunities, emphasizing capital gains and dividend income [1] - The group offers two model portfolios: the European Small Cap Ideas portfolio and the European REIT Portfolio, along with weekly updates and educational content [1]

Core Insights - Park Hotels & Resorts reported Q2 2025 earnings with adjusted funds from operations (FFO) per share at $0.64, significantly exceeding analyst estimates of $0.19, while revenue reached $672 million, reflecting a 2.0% year-over-year decline [1][2] - The company operates 39 hotel properties with approximately 25,000 rooms, focusing on upper-upscale and luxury segments, and aims to enhance cash flow through renovations and asset sales [3][4] - The current strategy emphasizes capital recycling, cost control, and maintaining a conservative balance sheet to support dividends and growth opportunities [4][10] Financial Performance - Adjusted FFO per share was $0.64, outperforming consensus by $0.45 but down 1.5% from the previous year [2][5] - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $672 million, slightly above estimates but down 2.0% from Q2 2024 [2][5] - Comparable RevPAR decreased by 1.6% year-over-year to $195.68, with urban hotels showing a 3% increase in RevPAR [6][10] Operational Highlights - The company completed the sale of Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf for $80 million and announced the closure of Embassy Suites Kansas City Plaza [7][9] - Major renovations are ongoing, including a $103 million project at Royal Palm South Beach Miami, expected to yield a 15% to 20% return on investment post-reopening in May 2026 [8][9] - Capital expenditures for Q2 totaled nearly $45 million, with plans for up to $330 million for the full year [9] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - As of June 30, liquidity was approximately $1.3 billion, supported by a $950 million undrawn revolving credit facility [11] - Net debt stood at $3.7 billion with an average maturity of 2.7 years, highlighting a focus on managing high leverage [11] - A significant upcoming item is the $1.3 billion mortgage maturing on the Hilton Hawaiian Village in November 2026 [11] Future Outlook - Management revised full-year guidance for comparable RevPAR to $184–$187, reflecting a potential decline compared to 2024 [12] - Adjusted EBITDA is forecasted at $595–$645 million, with adjusted FFO per share projected at $1.82–$2.08 [12] - Ongoing caution is advised regarding macroeconomic factors and the impact of renovations on demand [13]

Core Viewpoint - Summit Hotel Properties (NYSE:INN) is facing a challenging environment with high costs and competition, but the preferred series F offers an attractive investment opportunity with an 8.4% current yield and 42% upside to par [1][30]. Cashflow Amount and Stability - INN's latest earnings report shows an AFFO of $0.22 for Q1 2025, which annualizes to $0.88, but seasonal trends indicate stronger performance in Q2 and Q3 [2][5]. - Adjusting for seasonality, the annualized AFFO appears to exceed $0.90 per share, providing ample coverage for preferred dividends [5]. Preferred Series F Investment Opportunities - Three potential ways for preferred series F investors to benefit include: 1. Continuing to collect dividends 2. A buyout of INN at any price over $3.50 3. A decline in interest rates leading to a price increase toward $25 [6][30]. Financial Performance Metrics - For Q1 2025, INN reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $4.684 million, with total revenues of $184.478 million [8]. - The company’s FFO for the same period was $23.196 million, with adjusted FFO at $27.359 million [9]. AFFO Calculation Concerns - There are anomalies in INN's AFFO calculation, as it includes deferred financing costs and other adjustments that may not reflect true earnings [10][12]. - A more conservative AFFO estimate of $0.42 per share still indicates that preferred dividends are well covered [13]. Preferred Safety and Liquidation Preference - INN has over $600 million in common equity, providing a significant buffer for preferred shareholders [14][21]. - The company has a debt-to-gross properties ratio of about 39%, which is typical for real estate, and has been reducing leverage [15][18]. Return Potential of Preferreds - The preferred series F has a current yield of 8.37% and a potential upside to par of 42.53%, making it an attractive option compared to other fixed-income securities [22][23]. - The change of control provisions favor series F, providing better upside and reduced risk compared to series E [24][29]. Market Conditions and Buyout Potential - The hotel industry is currently distressed, with many hotels trading below replacement cost, making INN a potential buyout target [31][34]. - A buyout price above $4.30 would trigger favorable outcomes for series F holders, ensuring they receive the full $25 liquidation preference [34][35]. Interest Rate Impact - A decline in interest rates could lead to significant capital gains for INN-F, as its market price would rise to maintain a yield premium over treasuries [36].

Core Viewpoint - The private sector is experiencing job losses, which is beneficial for earnings season and dividend growth stocks due to easing wage pressures and lower inflation, leading to better profit margins and dividend hikes [2]. Dividend Growth Stocks Dividend Growth Stock 1: T-Mobile US (TMUS) - T-Mobile US initiated a new dividend program in 2023 and raised its dividend by 35% to 88 cents per share after merging with Sprint [6][8]. - The company is expanding its margins and free cash flow, which supports its dividend growth strategy [7][9]. Dividend Growth Stock 2: Amphenol (APH) - Amphenol has seen significant growth, particularly in AI-related applications, with total orders increasing by nearly 60% year-over-year in Q1 2025 [12]. - The company raised its dividend by 50% last year, marking one of its largest increases [12]. Dividend Growth Stock 3: California Resources (CRC) - California Resources has shifted towards green-energy initiatives and has increased its quarterly distribution by 128% since its initiation [15]. - The company has been profitable since emerging from bankruptcy in 2021 and has seen its shares triple since relisting [16]. Dividend Growth Stock 4: RLJ Lodging Trust (RLJ) - RLJ Lodging Trust reduced its dividend significantly during the pandemic but has since increased it by 1,400% from its low point [19]. - Analysts project a 40% AFFO payout ratio for RLJ, indicating potential for further dividend growth [20]. Dividend Growth Stock 5: Coca-Cola Consolidated (COKE) - Coca-Cola Consolidated has shown consistent top-line growth and recently announced a $16-per-share special dividend, along with a quintupled regular payout to $2.50 per share [24]. - The company currently pays out only 15% of its earnings as dividends, suggesting room for future increases [24].

Group 1 - Hotel REITs experienced significant declines during the Q1 earnings season, with 7 out of 15 U.S. hotel REITs lowering their FFO guidance, indicating a challenging environment for the sector [1] - Forward bookings have softened due to increased uncertainty, particularly affecting group bookings, which have shown notable weakness [1] - The overall performance of hotel REITs suggests a cautious outlook as the market navigates these challenges [1]