DiamondRock Hospitality pany(US:DRH)2025-11-07 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Corporate adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $79.1 million, and adjusted FFO per share was $0.29, both exceeding expectations [2] - Free cash flow per share for the trailing 12 months increased approximately 4% to $0.66 per share [3] - Comparable RevPAR declined 0.3%, which was better than the expected low single-digit decline [3] - Total hotel operating expenses increased by 1.6%, resulting in only a 3 basis point EBITDA margin contraction [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business transient revenue grew almost 2%, while leisure transient revenue declined 1.5% and group room revenue declined 3.5% [3] - Out-of-room revenues increased by 5.1%, leading to total RevPAR growth of 1.5% [4] - Food and beverage revenues increased by 4%, with banquets and catering up almost 8% [4] - EBITDA margins for resorts expanded by over 150 basis points despite a 2.5% decline in RevPAR [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban portfolio achieved RevPAR growth of 0.6%, while total RevPAR growth was 2.1% [5] - Resort RevPAR declined 2.5%, but total RevPAR increased 0.4% due to a 4% growth in out-of-room revenues [6] - Group room revenues across the portfolio declined 3.5%, but the group revenue pace is up in the mid to high single digits for 2026 [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on driving outsized free cash flow per share, which historically results in outsized total shareholder returns [12][13] - The CapEx strategy has been to spend 7-9% of revenues, compared to peers' 10.5%, resulting in significant capital preservation [15][16] - The company is actively underwriting acquisition opportunities, primarily targeting group-oriented hotels and urban select service hotels [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the lodging industry's trajectory, citing upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup as potential demand drivers [26] - The federal government shutdown has created uncertainty regarding short-term group pickup and transient guest arrivals [24] - The company raised the midpoint of its adjusted EBITDA guidance by $6 million to $287-$295 million for 2025 [11] Other Important Information - The company has successfully refinanced its senior unsecured credit facility, eliminating secured debt and improving financial flexibility [9] - The company repurchased 1.5 million common shares at an implied cap rate of approximately 9.7% during the year [10] - The company expects to end the year with over $150 million in cash on hand [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much of the expense control is driven by headcount reduction? - Management clarified that the focus is on productivity improvements rather than headcount reduction, with efforts to increase efficiency across the portfolio [29] Question: What are the options for recent or upcoming franchise expirations? - Management discussed various options, including potential upbranding or remaining with current brands, depending on what drives the best return [30] Question: What projects are on the docket for next year? - Management indicated that there are ongoing projects, but no significant disruptions are expected in 2026 [37] Question: How will the company approach potential asset dispositions? - Management stated that they are considering a mix of opportunistic asset sales and older properties that may not fit future strategies [40] Question: What is the outlook for labor costs in 2026? - Management anticipates that labor costs may not see the same efficiency gains as in 2025, projecting a growth rate of around 2.5-3% [43] Question: How is the company positioning for the FIFA World Cup? - Management is cautiously optimistic and is monitoring team matchups to gauge potential demand [45] Question: What is the expected impact of capital recycling on earnings? - Management aims to ensure that capital recycling is accretive to earnings, focusing on maximizing shareholder value [49]