Apple Hospitality REIT(APLE) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable hotels total revenue was $319 million for Q4 2025 and $1.4 billion for the full year, down approximately 2% and 1% compared to 2024 [21] - Comparable hotels RevPAR for the full year was $118, down 1.6%, with Q4 RevPAR at $107, down 2.6% [23][24] - Comparable hotels adjusted hotel EBITDA was approximately $99 million for Q4 and $474 million for the year, down approximately 8% and 6% compared to 2024 [21][32] - The company achieved an industry-leading comparable hotels EBITDA margin of 31.1% for Q4 and 34.3% for the year, down 210 basis points and 190 basis points respectively [7][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company adjusted its strategy to optimize the mix of business at hotels, layering additional group business to bolster market share [5][6] - Variable hotel expenses increased only 0.5% in Q4, while total hotel expenses increased by 1% for the quarter and 1.9% for the year [29][31] - The transition of 13 Marriott-managed hotels to franchise is expected to drive operational synergies and increase marketability [8][102] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio is diversified across 84 markets, with strong leisure travel demand, although midweek demand was impacted by government travel pullbacks [5][6] - Top RevPAR performing hotels included the Embassy Suites in Anchorage, Alaska, which was up almost 42%, and the Homewood Suites in Tukwila, Washington, which was up 33% [24] - The company reported that nearly 59% of its hotels had no new upper upscale or upper mid-scale product under construction within a five-mile radius, reducing overall risk [17][106] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maximize shareholder value through strategic initiatives, optimizing its portfolio, and capitalizing on market dislocations [5][9] - The long-term goal is to grow the portfolio while managing capital allocation to safeguard against macroeconomic volatility [9][13] - The company plans to reinvest between $80 million and $90 million in its portfolio for 2026, with major renovations planned for approximately 21 hotels [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term outlook for the hospitality industry and the company's ability to drive profitability [20][37] - The guidance for 2026 anticipates comparable hotels RevPAR to be flat at the midpoint, with potential benefits from the FIFA World Cup 2026 [18][36] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by policy-related disruptions but remains confident in the company's ability to adapt and maximize profitability [37] Other Important Information - The company sold seven hotels for a combined gross sales price of approximately $73 million and repurchased 4.6 million common shares for about $58 million [9][10] - Capital expenditures for the year totaled approximately $88 million, with plans for significant renovations in 2026 [15][16] - The company continues to pay attractive dividends, with distributions totaling approximately $240 million for the full year [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was the total drag on RevPAR in 2025 from Liberation Day and the government shutdown? - Management indicated that government-related room nights were down about 12% for the year, with a potential recovery of about a point in occupancy expected in 2026 [40][41] Question: Can you take us through some of the building blocks on the expense side? - Management provided details that variable expenses are expected to be just under 3% for the full year, with fixed expenses around 4.5% [42] Question: How is the RevPAR growth guidance structured for 2026? - Management noted that the guidance assumes little impact from special events, with expectations for occupancy growth as comparisons ease [45][56] Question: What is the focus regarding the transaction market? - Management stated that the current focus is on select dispositions where they can redeploy proceeds into higher producing opportunities [60][61] Question: What trends are being observed in midweek occupancy? - Management reported encouraging signs of midweek occupancy growth, especially post-government shutdown, but noted the need for caution due to weather disruptions [66][69] Question: How does the transition of Marriott-managed hotels impact marketability? - Management confirmed that transitioning to franchise agreements increases marketability and provides flexibility for potential sales [101][102]