Sunstone Hotel Investors(SHO) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The third-quarter RevPAR increased by 2% compared to last year, while total RevPAR grew by 2.4% [14] - Adjusted EBITDA RE for the third quarter was $50 million, and adjusted FFO was $0.17 per diluted share [14] - For the first nine months of the year, comparable portfolio total RevPAR growth was 2.3%, with margins held within 20 basis points of the prior year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban hotels experienced generally flat RevPAR growth, with Marriott Long Beach Downtown showing outsized growth post brand conversion [4] - Convention hotels reported better-than-expected performance with RevPAR growth of 3.5% [5] - San Francisco hotels achieved over 15% RevPAR growth, while Washington, D.C. faced weaker government-related demand [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company booked 6% more rooms than the prior year, marking the strongest third-quarter booking volume since before the pandemic [6] - Positive group pace is anticipated for 2026, particularly in Orlando, Boston, Miami Beach, San Francisco, and Wine Country [7] - The resort portfolio faced softer performance due to weaker demand in South Florida and Maui, although there were signs of recovery in Maui [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to close the valuation discount and improve total shareholder returns through purposeful asset recycling [21] - Despite a challenging transaction market, the company disposed of over $600 million in lower-quality assets and acquired approximately $600 million in better real estate [22] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet with net leverage of 3.5 times trailing earnings [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The operating environment remains choppy, with uncertainty from the government shutdown, but the company maintains its full-year earnings outlook [17] - The fourth quarter is projected to be the strongest for RevPAR growth, with total portfolio RevPAR growth expected in the mid-single-digit range [18] - Management is optimistic about benefiting from recent investments and delivering above-market growth in 2026 [10] Other Important Information - The company completed a renovation of the meeting space in San Antonio and is about to begin a similar project in San Diego [12] - The board has authorized a $0.09 per share common dividend for the fourth quarter [20] - The company has repurchased 11.4 million shares year-to-date at an average price of $8.83 per share, totaling $101 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on Q4 and mid-single-digit total RevPAR range - Management confirmed that Q4 was expected to be the strongest quarter for RevPAR growth, with Andaz Miami Beach contributing significantly to the growth [30] Question: Changes in the transaction market for 2026 - Management noted slight improvements in the transaction market, with expectations for continued improvement in 2026 [33] Question: Large buyers in the transaction market - Management indicated that while the market is challenging, they continue to look for opportunities to recycle assets [38] Question: EBITDA ramp for Andaz Miami Beach - Management expressed confidence in achieving the EBITDA range of $12 million-$16 million for next year, with strong bookings anticipated [41] Question: Group pace for 2026 - Management reported that they expect to have around 80% of room nights on the books for 2026, consistent with the prior year [45] Question: Ancillary spending and expense control - Management highlighted that out-of-room revenue growth has outpaced room revenue growth, contributing positively to overall performance [70] Question: G&A as a percentage of revenues - Management stated that G&A for the quarter was lower as a percentage, with guidance for the full year set at $20 million-$21 million [72]