Sunstone Hotel Investors(SHO) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter RevPAR increased by 2.2% compared to last year, while total RevPAR grew by 3.7% [29] - Adjusted EBITDAre for the second quarter was $73 million, and adjusted FFO was $0.28 per diluted share [29] - The company has a net leverage of 3.5 times trailing earnings or 4.8 times including preferred equity [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban hotels led the portfolio with RevPAR growth of over 9%, driven by strong corporate group and business travel demand [7] - The Marriott Long Beach Downtown saw RevPAR increase nearly 70% due to recent investments and brand conversion [7] - The Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld reported a year-to-date production increase of 16% in room nights and over 30% in revenue [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced mixed performance across various markets, with San Francisco showing RevPAR growth of 6.5% and total RevPAR growth of over 16% [9] - Washington DC faced challenges due to government cancellations, impacting performance negatively [10] - Wailea and Key West saw increased price sensitivity, contributing to lower than expected growth [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is taking a cautious approach to fourth quarter expectations due to heightened uncertainty and limited visibility [6] - There is a focus on capital recycling, with the sale of Hilton New Orleans St. Charles and $100 million in share repurchases planned [18] - The company aims to drive earnings growth through renovations and strategic investments in existing properties [92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a more cautious outlook for the remainder of the year, primarily due to continued weakness in government demand and softer leisure demand [19] - There are encouraging signs in leisure bookings in Miami and Wailea, which could lead to better-than-anticipated fourth quarter results [6] - The company expects total portfolio RevPAR growth to range from 3% to 5% compared to 2024, with adjusted EBITDAre projected between $226 million to $240 million [31][32] Other Important Information - The company has nearly $145 million in total cash and cash equivalents, equating to over $600 million in total liquidity [30] - The updated guidance reflects a more cautious expectation for the remainder of the year, particularly for Andaz Miami Beach [31] - The company has repurchased over 11 million shares this year, contributing to an estimated 6% accretion in earnings per share [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent booking trends in Maui - Management noted that occupancy in Kaanapali has improved, which positively impacts Wailea's performance, leading to increased leisure bookings [40][41][44] Question: Change in outlook and EBITDA reduction - The reduction in outlook is attributed to softness in Wailea and Washington DC, along with a slower ramp-up at Andaz Miami Beach [50][54] Question: Comfortable leverage and buyback strategy - The company is comfortable with its current leverage and sees ample capacity for additional share repurchases, balancing this with other capital allocation opportunities [58][60] Question: Group business outlook for 2026 - Management indicated that DC, Miami, and New Orleans are expected to be stronger markets, with good growth anticipated in San Francisco and wine country [65][66] Question: Impact of renovations and future growth - Renovations in various properties are expected to contribute to future growth, with specific focus on improving transient bookings and group business [92][94]