Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter adjusted EBITDA was $57 million, and adjusted FFO was $0.21 per diluted share, reflecting a 17% increase from the prior year [24] - Comparable rooms RevPAR increased by 3.8% in the first quarter, while total RevPAR grew by 4.3%, contributing to an 80 basis point expansion in hotel margins [24] - The company repurchased $21 million of stock at a blended repurchase price of $8.9 per share, indicating a strong capital return strategy [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Andaz Miami Beach opened on May 3, 2025, and is expected to contribute significantly to earnings growth in the coming years [6][8] - The renovated Marriott Long Beach Downtown posted a solid 145% increase in RevPAR, showcasing the benefits of recent investments [12] - Group production at Wailea increased nearly 20% in the first quarter compared to the prior year, indicating positive trends in group demand [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Washington DC saw a 24% increase in RevPAR due to the inauguration, while New Orleans hotels grew RevPAR by 25% driven by the Super Bowl [9] - San Francisco experienced a 9% increase in RevPAR, supported by increased commercial activity in the downtown area [9] - The company noted softer performance in San Diego but expects solid growth in the second quarter as the market recovers [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue a balanced and nimble approach to capital allocation, utilizing a strong balance sheet and future asset recycling to drive growth in FFO and NAV per share [8][16] - The strategy includes capital investment activities ranging from $80 million to $100 million for the year, focusing on enhancing existing properties [20] - The company is looking to recycle additional capital into share repurchases, potentially through asset sales, to enhance shareholder value [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about increased macroeconomic uncertainty and declining business and consumer confidence, leading to a more cautious outlook for the year [14] - The updated outlook for total portfolio RevPAR growth is projected to range from 4% to 7% compared to 2024, reflecting a more moderated view [26] - Despite headwinds, the midpoints of the updated outlook for EBITDA and FFO still equate to healthy annual growth rates of 8-10% [27] Other Important Information - The company has nearly $150 million in total cash and cash equivalents, providing significant liquidity for future investments [25] - The opening of the Andaz Miami Beach is expected to drive substantial earnings growth, particularly in the fourth quarter [39] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet with net leverage of only 4.5 times trailing EBITDA [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the underwriting trajectory for the Andaz Miami Beach? - Management expressed confidence in the Andaz's market positioning and expected EBITDA of $6-7 million for the year, primarily in the fourth quarter [39] Question: Can you elaborate on the updated outlook and changes in Wailea? - The revised expectations for Andaz are $6-7 million, with a $4 million forecast revision for Wailea due to a challenging operating environment [45] Question: What held back performance in Maui during the first quarter? - Management noted that the luxury market in Wailea faced competition from Kaanapali, which is recovering faster, impacting occupancy [56] Question: What is the strategy regarding non-core assets? - The company is focused on recycling capital and will consider divesting non-core assets when appropriate, but no immediate sales are planned [68] Question: What are the expectations for luxury assets in the current market? - Management indicated that luxury assets have a focused group of investors, and while transaction volumes are slower, they remain open to capital recycling opportunities [79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter adjusted EBITDA was $57 million, and adjusted FFO was $0.21 per diluted share, reflecting a 17% increase from the prior year [25] - Comparable rooms RevPAR increased by 3.8% in the first quarter, while total RevPAR grew by 4.3%, contributing to an 80 basis point expansion in hotel margins [24] - The company repurchased $21 million of stock at a blended repurchase price of $8.9 per share, equating to a compelling multiple on earnings [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Andaz Miami Beach opened on May 3, 2025, and is expected to contribute significantly to earnings growth in the coming years [6][7] - The recently renovated Marriott Long Beach Downtown posted a solid 145% increase in RevPAR [12] - Group production at Wailea was up nearly 20% in the first quarter relative to the prior year, indicating optimism for future growth [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Washington DC saw a 24% increase in RevPAR due to the inauguration, while New Orleans hotels grew RevPAR by 25% driven by the Super Bowl [8][9] - San Francisco generated RevPAR growth of 9% due to increased commercial activity [9] - The company noted softer performance in Wailea, but expects recovery as the Kaanapali submarket normalizes [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a balanced and nimble approach to capital allocation, utilizing a strong balance sheet and future asset recycling to drive growth in FFO and NAV per share [7][17] - Capital investment activity for the year is expected to be in the range of $80 to $100 million, with ongoing renovations and upgrades across various properties [21] - The company aims to recycle capital and return value to shareholders through share repurchases and potential asset sales [16][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged increased macroeconomic uncertainty and declining business and consumer confidence, leading to a more cautious outlook for the year [14] - The updated outlook reflects expectations of total portfolio RevPAR growth ranging from 4% to 7% compared to 2024, with adjusted EBITDAre estimated between $235 million to $260 million [27][28] - Management remains optimistic about the long-term recovery in markets like San Francisco and Wailea, despite short-term challenges [10][56] Other Important Information - The company has nearly $150 million in total cash and cash equivalents, equating to approximately $650 million in total liquidity [26] - The Board of Directors authorized a $0.09 per share common dividend for the second quarter [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the underwriting trajectory for the Andaz Miami Beach? - Management expressed confidence in the Andaz's market positioning and expected EBITDA of $6 to $7 million for the resort this year, primarily in the fourth quarter [34][37] Question: Can you elaborate on the updated outlook and changes in Wailea? - The revised expectation for Andaz is $6 million to $7 million, with a $4 million forecast revision for Wailea due to a challenging operating environment [43][44] Question: What held back performance in Maui and how does it compare to peers? - Management noted that Wailea's luxury market is recovering, and as Kaanapali normalizes, they expect to benefit from increased demand [50][52] Question: What is the strategy regarding non-core assets and potential sales? - Management indicated a focus on recycling capital and remains open to divesting non-core assets when appropriate, with a current inclination to repurchase shares [62][66] Question: What are the expectations for luxury assets in the current market? - Management highlighted ongoing conversations regarding luxury assets, noting that while transaction volumes are slower, they remain focused on capital recycling [74][75]

Core Insights - Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. reported first quarter results for 2025, highlighting a slight earnings increase despite a challenging operating environment [1][3] - The company opened the Andaz Miami Beach after a significant renovation, which is expected to enhance its portfolio value [3][8] - Adjustments to the full-year outlook were made due to increased economic uncertainty and variability in operating trends [3][14] Financial Performance - Net income for Q1 2025 was $5.3 million, down 59.7% from $13.0 million in Q1 2024 [4][7] - Adjusted FFO attributable to common stockholders increased by 10.6% to $41.5 million, with per diluted share rising 16.7% to $0.21 [4][7] - Total Portfolio RevPAR increased by 2.2% to $221.63, with occupancy at 70.1% [4][7] Operational Highlights - The Andaz Miami Beach features 287 guestrooms, a full-service spa, and premium dining options, positioning it as a key asset for future revenue growth [8][9] - The company repurchased 821,771 shares at an average price of $9.74 per share during Q1 2025, totaling $8.0 million [9] - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $148.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, with total assets of $3.1 billion [11] Capital Investments - Sunstone invested $28.2 million in its portfolio during Q1 2025, primarily for the Andaz Miami Beach transformation [12][13] - The company anticipates investing approximately $80 million to $100 million in 2025, focusing on ongoing renovations and improvements [13] Updated Guidance - The updated guidance for 2025 reflects a decrease in expected net income to a range of $33 million to $58 million, down from the previous estimate of $46 million to $71 million [14] - Total Portfolio RevPAR growth expectations were adjusted to 4.0% to 7.0%, down from 7.0% to 10.0% [14] Dividend Information - The Board of Directors authorized a cash dividend of $0.09 per share for common stock, payable on July 15, 2025 [16][17] - The company plans to continue quarterly cash dividends throughout 2025, subject to Board approval [17]