Sotherly Hotels(SOHO) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, total revenue was approximately $44 million, representing an increase of 4.3$182 million, reflecting a 4.6% increase over the full year 2023 [20] - Hotel EBITDA for Q4 was approximately $10.7 million, up 3.6$46.8 million, representing a 4.5% increase over the full year 2023 [20] - Adjusted FFO for Q4 was approximately $2 million, an increase of about$850,000 from Q4 2023 [21] - Year-to-date adjusted FFO was approximately $14.3 million, a decrease of approximately$250,000 from the prior year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR for Q4 increased by 2.9%, driven by a 7% increase in occupancy, despite a 3.7% decrease in ADR [7] - For the full year 2024, RevPAR performance increased by 3.5% over 2023, driven by a 6.1% increase in occupancy and a 2.5% decrease in rate [8] - The DoubleTree Resort in Hollywood, Florida, saw a RevPAR increase of 13.8%, fueled by a 13.4% increase in occupancy [13] - The Whitehall in Houston experienced nearly 50% RevPAR growth, driven by occupancy growth of 46.1% [14] - Hotel Ballast in Wilmington posted a RevPAR increase of 7.1%, supported by a 1.9% increase in occupancy and a 5% increase in rate [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio's occupancy growth was particularly strong in slower-to-recover urban markets, indicating normalization of lodging fundamentals post-pandemic [9] - Preliminary January RevPAR showed a 12.8% improvement over the prior year, driven by strong demand in urban and South Florida hotels [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is planning two upcoming PIP renovations, with a focus on enhancing properties to drive increased profitability [18] - A new ten-year franchise agreement with Hilton for the DoubleTree flag in Philadelphia has been executed, with an $11.5 million renovation budget [18] - The company aims to manage cash and portfolio structure effectively, considering refinancing options and potential asset sales [49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the portfolio's performance, highlighting improved operating fundamentals and occupancy growth [27] - Despite challenges in the debt markets, the company is focused on refinancing legacy loans to improve financial outcomes [33] - The company remains cautiously optimistic about the lodging industry, with expectations for continued occupancy growth [34] Other Important Information - Hurricane Helene impacted operations at Hotel Alba, but restoration efforts allowed the hotel to remain operational [11] - The company anticipates routine capital expenditures of approximately$7.2 million for 2025, with significant projects planned for the DoubleTree locations [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on FFO trajectory despite revenue and EBITDA growth - Management indicated that rising interest costs from refinancing legacy loans are impacting FFO, despite improvements in revenue and EBITDA [38][39] Question: Thoughts on stock trading below a dollar and potential reverse split - Management confirmed they have 180 days to address the deficiency, potentially through a reverse split or if the stock price rises above a dollar [41] Question: Guidance on insurance recoveries related to hotel repairs - Management stated that guidance assumes normal operations and minimal business interruption impacts, with insurance proceeds already accounted for [44] Question: Consideration of selling assets to improve leverage - Management is exploring options for managing cash and portfolio structure but has not focused heavily on asset sales for this purpose [49][50]