Summit Hotel Properties(INN) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in the same store portfolio increased by 1.5% year over year, driven by a mix of rate and occupancy growth [4] - EBITDA margin contracted by less than 50 basis points compared to the first quarter of the previous year, with pro forma operating expenses increasing by 1.5% year over year [4][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $45 million, a modest decline compared to the prior year, primarily due to net effective asset sales completed in 2024 [20] - Adjusted FFO was $27.4 million or $0.22 per share, benefiting from lower interest expenses due to deleveraging efforts [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban portfolio RevPAR increased nearly 3%, outperforming the total industry by approximately 80 basis points [16] - Suburban and small town metro portfolios generated average RevPAR growth of 1.2%, driven by hotels in specific regions [18] - Resort location type accounts for only 11% of total guest rooms, with significant renovations expected to boost performance [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand softening was noted in early March, particularly in government and international travel segments, with March RevPAR declining by 1.6% in the same store portfolio [5][10] - The company expects April RevPAR to decline by approximately 45% year over year, influenced by difficult calendar comparisons [7][12] - The first quarter saw a 2% decline in average daily rate (ADR) despite absolute ADRs increasing year over year across most demand segments [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a $50 million share repurchase program to return capital to shareholders and drive value creation [14][24] - Continued investment in renovations is expected to enhance the quality of the portfolio and drive future profitability [21][25] - The company is focused on managing expenses effectively in a lower revenue growth environment, with a strong emphasis on cost controls [11][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term prospects for the portfolio despite near-term macroeconomic uncertainties [10][14] - The company anticipates a modest recovery in government and international travel segments as the year progresses [30] - Management noted that leisure demand is expected to remain resilient during economic uncertainty, with expectations for group demand to remain strong [11][39] Other Important Information - The company has a total liquidity of over $300 million and no significant debt maturities until 2027 [23] - The average interest rate on the company's debt is approximately 4.6%, with 71% of pro rata share of debt fixed [23] - The company reduced its full-year capital expenditure guidance to $60 million to $70 million, allowing for flexibility in response to market conditions [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in government and international travel segments - Management noted that both segments experienced the most acute impact in March but have stabilized at lower levels, with optimism for recovery as the year progresses [30][31] Question: Business transient customer trends - The midweek negotiated business segment has held up reasonably well, with no significant downward trend observed [32] Question: Impact on shorter booked weekend leisure trips - Management indicated that leisure demand is expected to be resilient, with potential shifts towards more domestic travel [39] Question: Expense management and potential brand negotiations - Management stated that proactive expense management has been effective, and they have not yet needed to implement deeper cuts seen in prior downturns [55] Question: Share repurchase program and capital allocation - The company plans to fund the buyback through a combination of reduced CapEx and opportunistic asset sales, while maintaining a healthy balance sheet [61] Question: Joint venture partner's capital deployment view - Management indicated that their joint venture partner is well-capitalized and prepared to take advantage of market dislocations, though transaction activity is expected to slow [64]