Host Hotels & Resorts(HST) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, adjusted EBITDAre was $319 million, a decrease of 3.3% year-over-year, while adjusted FFO per share was $0.35, down 2.8% compared to Q3 2024 [4][5] - Year-to-date, adjusted EBITDAre and adjusted FFO per share increased by 2.2% and 60 basis points, respectively, compared to 2024 [4] - Comparable hotel total RevPAR improved by 80 basis points compared to Q3 2024, driven by better-than-expected transient demand and higher rates [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable hotel EBITDA margin declined by 50 basis points year-over-year to 23.9%, primarily due to increased wages and benefits [5][24] - Transient revenue grew by 2%, with double-digit growth at resort properties, particularly in Maui, San Francisco, New York, and Miami [6][21] - Group room revenue decreased approximately 5% year-over-year, attributed to renovation disruptions and the Jewish holiday calendar shift [7][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Maui experienced a 20% RevPAR growth, driven by increased occupancy and strong out-of-room spending [6][7] - Total group revenue pace in Maui is up 13% for 2026, indicating continued recovery momentum [7] - San Francisco's total group revenue pace for 2026 is up over 20%, with group rate pacing up 10% [56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on capital allocation decisions that enhance long-term shareholder value, including transformational renovations and strategic asset sales [10][11] - A second agreement with Marriott for transformational renovations at four properties is expected to enhance long-term performance [11] - The company aims to leverage its investment-grade balance sheet and diversified portfolio to outperform in the current environment [16][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the continued recovery of leisure travel and the affluent consumer's prioritization of premium experiences [58] - The company raised its full-year 2025 guidance for comparable hotel RevPAR and total RevPAR to approximately 3% and 3.4%, respectively, reflecting strong performance [15][24] - Management noted that the bifurcation of the consumer market is likely to benefit upper-upscale and luxury hotels [16] Other Important Information - The company collected $5 million in business interruption proceeds for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, totaling $24 million for the year [9] - Capital expenditure guidance for 2025 is set at $605-$640 million, including significant investments for redevelopment and repositioning projects [13][26] - The company has a strong liquidity position with $2.2 billion available, facilitating strategic capital allocation decisions [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can we expect more asset trading in the market based on current performance? - Management indicated they will be opportunistic with capital allocation regarding dispositions and acquisitions, highlighting successful asset sales this year [33][34] Question: How are you selecting hotels and markets for investment? - The company screens assets to determine capital allocation, focusing on transformational renovations that reposition properties for better performance [42][44] Question: What are the expectations for group booking pace in 2026? - Group revenue pace for 2026 is up 5%, with strong performance expected in key markets like San Francisco and Maui [49][56] Question: How is the company managing wage and benefits increases? - Wage rate growth is expected to be lower in 2026, with New York being the only major market with upcoming labor contract negotiations [82] Question: What are the tailwinds for growth potential in 2026? - The absence of major storms on the Gulf Coast and strong performance from properties like The Don CeSar are expected to contribute positively to growth [88][90]