Best Western

Stifel reduced Hyatt Hotels' target price to $115/share while maintaining a Hold rating. Pebblebrook Hotels warned of 3Q impacts due to storms in California and Florida, affecting same property RevPAR. U.S. Travel Association reports a federal government shutdown could cost the travel economy up to $140 million/day, causing negative consequences for air travel and travelers' plans.

Financial markets showed mixed performance with the DJIA, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 rising while the 10-year treasury yield also increased. JP Morgan expressed optimism about Hyatt's future, anticipating growth in RevPAR and an asset-light business model. Various hotel-related developments were reported, including property sales, renovations, and new openings, with several companies expanding their portfolios.

Major indices, including DJIA, Nasdaq, and the S&P 500, experienced significant drops. BHR reached a new low, and Bernstein and B.Riley adjusted ratings and price targets for several key hotels. Hotel Transactions & Development**: Numerous hotel properties underwent ownership changes, refinancing, or development, with notable mentions like the Delta Hotels by Marriott New York Times Square and the Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas nearing completion. Aimbridge Hospitality strengthened its team, Melia Hotels announced multiple openings in Mexico, and Selina Hospitality launched a new location in Evia, Greece.

Demolition of Tahoe Biltmore Lodge to make way for Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe. Several new hotel openings and renovations announced across the U.S., including projects in Palm Beach, Milwaukee, Crowley, and Southwest Mesa. STR and Tourism Economics adjusted their 2023-24 U.S. hotel forecast, with a noted global ADR increase in 2022. Truist revised its target price for VAC but retained its Buy rating. Truist reduced its target price for VAC to $190 from $219 due to Marriott Vacations' subpar quarterly outcomes and revised guidance, yet kept a Buy rating.

MAR and HLT lodging stocks hit new highs, while several stock targets and ratings were adjusted. Q2 2023 shows a total construction pipeline of 552 projects/88,477 rooms in Latin America. Mexico leads with 213 projects/33,853 rooms. Marriott International dominates the franchise scene with 116 projects/18,733 rooms. Project MidX Studios is renamed StudioRes by MAR for the US and Canada market.

Hilton and Marriott are expected to report strong 2Q23 results with international strength as a key driver. Various hotels in different regions are undergoing significant expansions, renovations, and acquisitions, with Hilton announcing a new property in Cancun and Scandic Hotels Group expanding its portfolio in Sweden . Accor is in exclusive negotiations to acquire a majority stake in Potel & Chabot, potentially becoming the sole shareholder of the company.

China hotel RevPAR up 40.6% YoY, surpassing decline from a year ago. Philippines reaches 3 million international visitor arrivals, tourism receipts increase by 502%. Accor's partnership with Sunmei Group plans to open over 400 Movenpick by Accor hotels in China.

Financial markets experienced declines with the DJIA falling 187 points and the S&P 500 down 13 points, while Nasdaq dropped 18 points. However, lodging stocks showed mixed to higher performance despite the overall market decline. Ashford Hospitality Trust (AHT) expects to return 19 hotels to lenders in various cities, including Las Vegas and Atlanta, due to missed repayment deadlines on a $982 million mortgage pool. AHT faced negative equity in the properties and opted not to pay for an extension, potentially impacting the hotel industry's debt situation. STR's global "bubble chart" update revealed that 85% of markets saw growth in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) compared to 2019. Occupancy rates played a significant role in driving RevPAR, with coastal countries along the Mediterranean Sea showing strong growth. However, Saudi Arabia experienced the largest decline in RevPAR at 51%.

Choice Hotels to integrate nearly 600 Radisson Americas hotels onto its reservation delivery engine and loyalty program. Dauntless Capital Partners purchases Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda Downtown for immediate renovation. Excel Hotel Group plans to build a 130-room SpringHill Suites Hotel in Grover Beach, California.

Market Performance: DJIA fell 5 points, Nasdaq rose 128, and S&P 500 increased by 16 points; lodging stocks underperformed consumer and leisure stocks. Jefferies Nantucket Conference: Lodging companies report moderation in leisure demand, strength in group business, and mixed recovery of business transient; limited conviction impacting strategies and stock performance. Hotel Industry Updates: Canada's hotel industry shows improved performance; various hotels undergo renovations, acquisitions, and openings across different locations.